Xayne’s sudden punch shocked Abel’s henchmen. They hurriedly pulled out tissues to help stop Abel’s bleeding. “Mr. Abel!”“How dare you strike Mr. Abel?!”“You’re just Ms. Ariana’s bodyguard! How dare you lay your hands on Mr. Abel? Don’t you value your life?”Xayne chuckled, “Did I do something wrong? He asked for it. I’ve never heard such a despicable request in my life. Also…”Xayne stepped forward as his piercing gaze bore into Able. The former continued, “Don’t even think about my wife and child, or I’ll make you wish you were dead.”With that, Xayne left and caught up with Ariana, who had already entered the car. She saw everything that had happened in the company lobby. She blinked at Xayne curiously and asked, “You broke his nose? You know he’s the CEO, right?”Xayne shrugged. "I'm well aware.""Then, why did you do such a thing?" Ariana asked with a hint of displeasure. She was beginning to question whether she hired the right person."What's there to be scared about?
Xayne chuckled, “No one important. She’s my boss, the one I told you about last time. She happened to be passing by, so she gave me a ride home.”“Oh? She’s just your boss, huh?” Serena’s expression turned cold, with an indescribable jealousy in her eyes.Xayne was stunned as he scratched his head in puzzlement. “Yeah, she’s just my boss. What’s wrong?”Serena scoffed and then took Coco from Xayne, saying, “Coco, let’s go inside.”Xayne was even more puzzled as he chased after Serena, saying, “About what we discussed last time, Ms. Ariana agreed. She’ll advance two years’ worth of salary so we can send Coco to that school.”Serena stopped and looked at Xayne up and down. She smirked jealously and said, “Is that so? It seems Ms. Ariana treats you pretty well to do that for you.”She turned and entered the courtyard while Xayne stood at the door, feeling stuck in a difficult situation.‘What… What’s going on? She’s acting so strange.’At that moment, a Jeep stopped at the entranc
I need to make a quick stop at the office. Grandpa mentioned a potential major client who’s interested in collaborating with us,” Serena said before heading out.Xayne felt he could do nothing about it. He looked at his daughter, focused on watching cartoons, and smiled, saying, “Coco, can you help me with something?”…Serena arrived at the conference room and saw several high-level executives from the Swift Group. Eric, Tim, and their family were present, too, even Tony and Violet. Some could not help but grumble seeing Serena just arriving.She could only smile awkwardly and offer a few apologies before sitting in a corner.Eric tapped the table and began, “Ghazali Corporation’s CEO will soon arrive to discuss business with our family. It’s a golden opportunity for us. Our status in Shalholm will rise if we secure a partnership with them.”Tim grew excited. “Are you serious, Dad? The Ghazali Corporation’s Shalholm branch wants to collaborate with us?”Sophia was just as overj
Serena’s actions drew everyone’s attention. She continued with her fists clenched, “Grandpa, I don’t want to accompany him to discuss anything!”Even the family’s executives became uncomfortable when Abel showed interest in Serena again. After all, they remembered the incident at Whitehorse Villa vividly.However, Eric’s anger flared. “Sit down! You’re in a company meeting. Did I say you could interrupt? Do you think your opinion matters? We’re discussing a hundred-and-fifty-million-dollar project here. It’s an unprecedented opportunity for us.“Others only dream of such a collaboration, yet we have one now. How can you refuse? I’ve decided that you will abide by Mr. Abel’s conditions. You must do whatever Mr. Abel asks you to do.“You cannot defy his wishes and treat him well, understood?!" Eric's command was unwavering.His statement resembled resembled a death sentence to Serena. She looked dispirited as her eyes reddened and swelled with tears. She never expected her grandfath
Serena’s tearful appearance seemed to tug at Abel’s heartstrings. He could not help but feel the Swifts were going too far for this collaboration.“Well, I’ll be at the Stillton Hotel in Room 1808 at seven tonight, Ms. Serena. Here’s a gift I brought you. Make sure to wear it,” Abel said with a smile and then got up to tell his assistant to pass a box to Serena.Soon after, he left the conference with his assistant, and the family followed to bid them farewell. She felt she had no one to rely on in this situation. Serena had considered telling Xayne, but she could not bear to do it.After crying for a while, she wiped her tears in resignation and looked at the exquisite black box on the table.She slowly opened it and turned red with shame and anger when she saw its contents. Fuming, she closed the box. Inside was a transparent black bunny girl outfit.‘I have to wear that to negotiate with Abel tonight?’Serena dared not think further, trembling uncontrollably.…Meanwhile, Xa
Meanwhile, Xayne and Ariana arrived at the Renaissance Hotel. The entire first floor was reserved, with over a dozen black-suited bodyguards stationed at the entrance and around the hotel.The two approached the entrance, where a stern-looking guard stated, “Ms. Ariana, please allow us to inspect your belongings.”Ariana frowned but said nothing and handed her bag to the guard. He checked them and then respectfully said, “Ms. Ariana, please enter. Mr. Gary has been waiting for a while now.”Ariana stepped forward to head inside as Xayne followed closely. However, the guard stopped him, saying, “I’m sorry, sir. Only Ms. Serena is invited. Please wait outside.”Xayne frowned and looked at Ariana. She glanced at the guard questioningly and said, “He’s my bodyguard and can’t be away from me.”The guard seemed conflicted. “Ms. Ariana, I’m only following Mr. Gary’s orders. Unfortunately, I cannot let this man in.”“Then I won’t go in, either,” Ariana was straightforward, always speakin
Gary's heart skipped a beat, but he quickly regained his composure. It did not matter if Xayne knew how to fight because Gary had prepared fully.The latter snorted and adjusted his suit before turning and smiling. He said, “Ariana, I didn’t expect you to come. Let’s have a toast. It’s a rare vintage wine I bought from the capital. I know you’ll like it.”Gary snapped his fingers, and a waitress in a red slit dress approached. She uncorked the wine and poured some for Gary and Ariana. The former raised his glass, and Ariana soon followed suit. They clinked their glasses and sipped the wine.Then, Ariana got straight to the point, “I’m here on my father’s behalf, Mr. Gary. Let’s stick to business.”Gary chuckled, “You’ve never changed, huh? You’re always putting work first. We won’t discuss business tonight.Ariana frowned, displeased. “We won’t? Did you invite me here just for dinner, Gary?”Suddenly, all the lights on the floor went out. Only the light above the table and the on
Ariana was shocked to see so many guards, instinctively moving closer to Xayne. Then, she turned and glared at Gary, asking, “What do you think you’re doing?! You know I’m the heiress to the Ghazali Corporation, right? If you lay a finger on me, my dad won’t let you off.”Gary was outraged as he stared at Ariana and retorted, “Ariana, have you lost your mind? What do you mean your dad won’t let me off? He arranged tonight’s dinner and sent you here.”“No, that’s impossible! You’re making things up. He dotes on me and would never do such a thing.” Ariana felt rattled, struggling to accept Gary’s claims.Gary chuckled and scoffed, “Do you honestly believe your father’s a doting parent? Maybe that’s how he used to be, but the Ghazali Corporation is in big trouble now. Your father needs my family’s help to get out of his predicament.“He could only offer his beloved daughter to me and my family. Don’t be upset, Ariana. What’s wrong with marrying me? How many others would kill to be in
"Zoro, I'm sure you've heard the rumors by now. The emperor is making moves, troop deployments, shifts in strategy, it's all happening right here in Drakonix. You know what that means just as well as I do. If there's any way to stop the duel tomorrow, I'm here to offer you some advice: Don't hurt the harmony between the Eastin family and the emperor," Yves said, his tone sharp with urgency.Zoro let out a dry, mocking laugh. "If I'm hearing you right, Yves, you're here to plead for Xayne, huh? Funny. Where were you when Xayne killed a member of my family? Flamey's body wasn't even cold before he'd moved on to his next target. And now, you expect me to show mercy? "It's too late, Yves. Some arrows, once drawn, can't be put back in the quiver. So, save your breath. This conversation is over! Please leave!" Zoro's face was like stone, cold and unmoving. Any trace of patience or courtesy had vanished. It was clear he had no intention of giving Yves an inch.Everyone knew the emperor ha
Chad's sharp, hawk-like eyes suddenly flared with intensity, his cloudy gaze cutting through the air like twin beams of light."Elder Chad, earlier, you mentioned something about 'no borders in kickboxing arts.' I'm afraid I'm not following. Could you explain what you meant?" Lyuben stepped forward, a mix of curiosity and concern etched on his face.Lyuben's words hung in the air. His confusion wasn't surprising. Over the years, White Blossom Mountain's dealings had grown more secretive, and any talks with external forces, like the Light Order, were always behind closed doors. Lyuben's mind, however, was focused elsewhere, on the future of the Eastin family and his ambitions.To him, his family's legacy and his rise in power mattered far more than any grand philosophy. As someone raised within the closed walls of White Blossom Mountain's teachings, even his feelings toward his parents were tepid at best.Chad's voice came slow but firm, like the steady toll of a great bell. "There
Meanwhile, at the Eastin family's estate, Zoro and his grandson, Lyuben, stood on either side of an elderly man.Seated across from the elderly man were none other than Emin and a middle-aged man dressed in a sleek black suit. The man was none other than the Death God of Fusion, a figure as infamous as he was mysterious, second only to Kenichi from Fusion.It was said that decades ago, he had already become Radiant Commander and reached a height that the world had looked up to."Emin, the agreement between us, or rather, the agreement between White Blossom Mountain and Light Order, it's time we discussed its fulfillment, don't you think?" the elderly man began, his voice low and deliberate.This elderly man was Chad Moet, the liaison elder for White Blossom Mountain's dealings with the secular world. It was he who orchestrated the clandestine pact between White Blossom Mountain and the Light Order."Elder Chad, the Light Order has always kept its promises. The benefits promised to
The two guards rushed out of the Emperor's Pavillion with urgent speed."Your Majesty, isn't all this a bit excessive?" Elder Waze stepped forward, his voice low but steady with concern."Excessive?" The emperor's eyes darkened, his voice icy. "Do you think Drakonia is afraid of two Radiant Commanders? Whether it's the Eastin family or Lyuben, none of them have the right to collude with foreign enemies and threaten me!"His voice boomed, filling the room with a commanding presence. "Drakonia is a powerful country. We are not cowed by outside forces, nor do we bend to internal betrayal. If they dare to scheme like this, they'd better be ready to face complete annihilation. When it comes to matters of national integrity, I will not compromise. Leave now!"Yves and the elders exchanged glances, caught off guard by the emperor's unyielding stance. With nothing more to say, they quietly exited the room.Meanwhile, in the estate on the outskirts of Drakonix's west district, Lyuben recli
The tension in the hall was palpable. Suddenly, the door swung open, and a young agent from the Black Ice Platform rushed in. "Chief! We have a situation!"He handed a report to Yves. His eyes scanned the document, and in an instant, his face hardened."What happened?" Elder Waze asked, stepping forward, his gaze locked on Yves's expression."Emin has boarded a flight to Drakonix. And Death God of Fusion was seen boarding a flight to Drakonix an hour ago. Emin is one of the Six Elysium Lords from the Light Order. As for Death God of Fusion, his background is more complicated. Two of them are flying in at the same time? You think they're just here to watch the fight?" Yves explained.Yves's gaze was fixed on the ground as he paced back and forth, the weight of the situation pressing on his shoulders. His fingers tapped the edge of the report, his mind running a mile a minute. Finally, he stopped and looked up, his eyes filled with determination. "This is too big to keep in-house. I'
Even after uttering those threatening words, there wasn't the slightest trace of fear on his face."Mr. Shinoto, are you threatening us?" Yves's eyes narrowed with cold intent."Threatening?" Shinoto gave Yves a once-over and said, "Boy, if I wanted to take your life, it would be as easy as slaughtering a chicken or a dog. Do you think I need to threaten you? You people have no idea how powerful he is. But I'll say this, none of you, not even Xayne, stand a chance against him. That's why I'm advising you, Wyncock, and Drakonia's Court, to choose your side carefully. "If you pick the wrong one, you'll regret it when it's too late! As for those small figures in Eukrania, I won't comment on them, but I'm sure you're well aware of their schemes. When the time comes to deal with them, it'll be thanks to Lyuben. And as for your so-called hero, Xayne, he's simply not on the same level!" Shinoto's words caused a shift in the atmosphere, and everyone present wore grim expressions."Mr. Shi
It didn't take long before an old man was brought into the main hall. This was none other than the old man who'd been seen at Lyuben's side.The moment he appeared, everyone frowned.Elder Waze was the first to rise, ready to speak, but Yves stood before him. "Sir, please, have a seat," Yves said politely.Unlike the humble demeanor he had shown at Lyuben's side, the old man's presence here was commanding. He carried himself with an air of authority, unbothered by the watchful eyes of Elder Waze and the others."Mr. Shinoto," Elder Waze said, bowing slightly in respect.The other elders followed suit, each offering their polite greetings. Yves's gaze lingered on the old man, studying him carefully. His weathered face and calm bearing hinted at someone with significant experience and status.'If Elder Waze is giving him this level of respect, then this man's identity must be anything but ordinary,' Yves thought to himself."It's heartwarming to see that my old friends haven't for
Meanwhile, Fusion's long-hidden Radiant Commander Kenichi Miyamoto announced he would arrive in Drakonix by noon tomorrow to witness the battle in person.From Eukrania, a reclusive expert from the Roland family also declared they would travel to Drakonia to see the epic clash.The world was in an uproar. It had been a century since a Radiant Commander had appeared. This truly was a golden era. At the same time, Yves's face grew darker upon hearing the news. It seemed the situation wasn't as simple as it appeared. He was thinking of what exactly were the Big Four plotting."How many more tricks does the Eastin family have up their sleeve?" Yves slammed the table with force."Report. The Elder Waze seeks an audience." A young officer from Black Ice Platform approached Yves and quietly reported.Yves couldn't help but think about the reason Elder Waze sought him out at this time.His eyes flickered with thought before he quickly responded, "Let him in!"It wasn't long before Elder
Xayne's eyes lingered on Lyuben's departing figure, his gaze steady and thoughtful. This man was different. From Lyuben's posture, his calm demeanor, and his absolute confidence, it was clear that this wasn't the arrogance of fools who relied on borrowed power. It was a quiet, unshakable self-assurance born from true strength. This was not a man who needed to flaunt his power to prove himself. It was a stark contrast to the enemies Xayne had faced before, those men who boasted endlessly but crumbled the moment the tides turned.This was the difference between a disciple of the Five Great Mountains and an ordinary kickboxing artist. Xayne had heard of the terrifying reputation of the Five Great Mountains many times before. Even figures as formidable as Esmond spoke of them with reverence and caution."To be honest, White Blossom Mountain ranks only in the middle among the Five Great Mountains. But Lyuben feels different. He's dangerous. It's not just his cultivation, even the way he