Fred felt the moment was ripe and ventured, "Hey, there's something I want to ask you, Unscrupulous Priest.""Oh? What’s on your mind? Spit it out then!" Unscrupulous Priest said with a nonchalant shrug.Fred said, "It is a simple question. I’m just curious... Have you ever heard of a five-leaf clover?"The question seemed to hit a nerve. The Unscrupulous Priest's face twisted as if Fred had struck a raw wound. His expression darkened and his voice took on an edge. "Fred, why the sudden interest in the five-leaf clover? What do you want?"Truth be told, Fred had not been particularly fascinated by the five-leaf clover. To him, it was nothing more than a means to an end, a tool used to tame Nohn. The way it kept popping up, however, made Fred suspect there was more to it..."Yeah, the five-leaf clover. I heard it is native to these parts, so I figured I would ask you about it," Fred explained."N…nope!"Unscrupulous Priest became visibly flustered, his words tripping over themsel
That was it!The Priest tried to make a move, but Fred was quicker on the draw!In just a split second!Fred booted the Unscrupulous Priest so hard he went flying!With a swooshing sound, the Unscrupulous Priest's body crashed somewhere overhead!It was clear as day—Fred was a beast!Fred could not help but feel a bit smug about the whole situation. He chuckled, "Unscrupulous Priest, you're not human, are you? You should've just told me—I would've taken you out sooner!"The expression of the Unscrupulous Priest contorted as he leaned closer, his curiosity piqued. "Fred, how on earth did you know I'm not human?"Fred smirked, "It was pretty obvious, actually. You're always hanging around this creepy place. A normal person would need to grab some food or something, right? Even someone as tough as you can't skip meals! And you said you never left before... No human would hang around on a cliff edge like it's no big deal. Not to mention, you're cold to the touch, like, your body te
"Do you really want to know? Fine, I'll spill it—I'm the five-leaf clover!" With those words, everything Fred that he understood of the world was turned on its head.What?The five-leaf clover?"Are you kidding me!?" Fred squared off against the so-called Unscrupulous Priest, his face etched with seriousness. "I don't find your joke the least bit funny. I'm warning you, you better come clean with me, or I'm going to be really ticked off."Despite Fred's threat, the Unscrupulous Priest's face remained firmly serious. "I've already told you, I'm the five-leaf clover. Why won't you believe me?""Isn't it said that only fated people can come across a five-leaf clover? What's the deal? Are you trying to throw me off by spinning this tale so you can keep the clover for yourself?"Fred was convinced he had figured it out. However, the Unscrupulous Priest just shook his head, a look of exasperation on his face. "You've got it all wrong! There's no rule saying a five-leaf clover can’t tak
Fred's eyes widened in surprise. He leaned in and asked, "How did you know I was talking about him?"The Unscrupulous Priest did not miss a beat. "Do I even need to explain? I've been at Mount Quinton for years, so yeah, I've bumped into Nohn more than once. Let's just say he's not my favorite person..." “What's the problem with Nohn?" Fred scratched his head, his curiosity piqued. "Did something weird happen between you two?"The Unscrupulous Priest took a deep breath before revealing the truth. "It's not a big deal. It's just that Nohn... he came after me because he wants to gobble me up and boost his own powers! Let’s be real, I’m not exactly thrilled at the thought of being someone's snack, especially when that someone is up to no good.""Up to no good?"Fred blinked, trying to wrap his head around the situation. He pressed, "What do you mean by that?""Nohn's got this...this inner demon lurking in his heart. I can't tell when it will emerge or if it will just go poof and di
Fred grinned. "As for what happens next, my guess is as good as yours. We'll just have to play it by ear and see what the others say."The Unscrupulous Priest's heart skipped a beat. He asked in a tone of disbelief, "Are you really going to gamble with my life without a clue on what's going to happen?"Fred paused, then nodded. "Yep, that's about it.""What a pain!"Feeling pressured, the Unscrupulous Priest was at a loss for words."A pain? Come on, you know you can't beat me. Just roll with it!" Fred chuckled."Okay, okay, I get it!" Hearing Fred's response, he sighed in resignation. "Just... make sure you put in a good word for me, will you?"Fred gave a knowing nod. "Just hang on a bit longer..."Following that, the duo set off toward their next destination. When they got back to the cave, Nohn was still convinced that Fred would not return for at least a year, maybe even longer. To his surprise, however, Fred came sprinting back in no time!Nohn's jaw dropped. He was dyin
Nohn had a sudden realization. He looked at Fred’s expression and felt that he was not joking! Could it be that Fred was speaking the truth?How could that be?!The five-leaf clover was no joke. He was aware that it had miraculous healing effects! Nohn had a terrible feeling!All of a sudden…Nohn said, "Fred, I understand... It seems that what you said is true!"Fred rolled his eyes and said helplessly, "At this point, why would I bother to mess with you? You’ve seen what needs to be done anyway. You can decide if you want to fulfill your promise to me. I hope you understand!"At this moment, Nohn did not know what to feel. He could not have cared less if it was just someone insignificant—he could just get rid of them!However, Nohn was facing the Unscrupulous Priest. This was a huge problem for him!"Fred, I understand. At this point, I admit that it’s your win!" That was all he could say.Horace's admiration for Fred had deepened further. The young man was both capable in l
Nohn rolled his eyes and retorted, "I'm not a good person, Fred. Don't be mistaken!"“You’re quite headstrong. It would be good if you could change a little!" Fred said."My temper has always been like this. I can’t change it even if I wanted to. You can forget about it!" Nohn replied quite seriously. Fred said helplessly, "You won't change? Are you sure?" “Yeah, why?"Nohn would not budge on this.Fred shrugged, but his expression suddenly changed. He said, "Let me say this, you belong to me, no matter what. Can you tone it down? This is unbecoming!"Nohn coughed and replied in embarrassment, "Fred, that’s not what I thought. Don't get me wrong!""Then what were you thinking? Forget it, Nohn. Since you and Horace have merged into the Triple Flair Cross Enigma Sect, all I want to know is how big the Shadowflame Sect is!""You mean our Sect?"Horace was a little unsure of how to reply.“The Shadowflame Sect is neither big nor small, but this is the first time we have face
"No, I don't think so. To you, I know I’m just a piece of grass, but...I can no longer calm down and practice like before. After being influenced by you, the only way for me is to take the secular path. I know this is not an easy road, but I hope you will agree to it!" The Unscrupulous Priest said truthfully."Okay." Fred nodded understandingly and said, "I understand, let’s do what you said!""I’ll hold you to your word! Since that’s settled, I will follow you from now on!" The Unscrupulous Priest laughed.Fred did not expect this at all. He was still a little speechless. "You’re making me embarrassed! Anyway, it's up to you, I don't have any objections!"Nohn felt conflicted as well. The five-leaf clover was their original target, but now it had become one of their partners!Moreover, he did not even know what the five-leaf clover could do. He was rather curious!The Unscrupulous Priest seemed to read his mind, so he coughed and said, "Don't worry, I won’t drag you down. There’
Marciella walking away did not bode well with the giant snake. Marciella was its food! How could it accept that its food had escaped?Marciella had not moved far yet. She reluctantly looked back at Fred.She did not know how Fred would handle the River God. She could only hope Fred would be okay!When Fred saw that she had left, he geared up, rubbing his palms in glee. He had an eager look on his face, which confused the giant snake.It was the snake’s first time meeting a man like Fred!How strange indeed!At this time!Suddenly, Fred said with hostility etched on his face, "Hey, Big Snake, what are you going to do now?"The snake's attention was entirely focused on him, which seemed off to Fred."What I’m going to do?"The giant snake fixated its eyes on Fred. It felt that it could handle a human like Fred easily.“I’m going to kill you with one bite! How dare you look down on me like this!"The giant snake rushed toward Fred fiercely at a speed so fast that no one could
Fred was annoyed by the giant snake's arrogant tone. Fred squinted his eyes at the snake and asked in confusion, "Why are you making that face?"“Huh?"The giant snake was shocked. He thought that Fred would submit to him, but to his surprise, Fred was not shaken at all.The snake was about to lose his temper.“Dirty snake, haven't I made myself clear enough? I think you are probably sleep-talking if you want me to hand over my people to you..." Fred said impatiently.At this moment…Feeling that it was being ridiculed, the snake said suddenly, "You punk, this is the first time anyone spoke to me this way. What is your name?"“Me?"Fred was stunned subconsciously, not knowing what the snake wanted. Suddenly, he understood.“Did you want to know my name so you can remember me, bow down before me, and become my follower? Sure, I’ll give you that chance!"He was adding fuel to the fire. The giant snake almost spat out blood in anger!"What? You want me to follow an immature bei
Huh!?Putting aside Marciella, even Fred could not hide his shock as a giant snake appeared from under the water!A giant snake!How could it be!?Fred's eyes widened at the sheer size of the snake. "A Giant Snake… Is this the so-called River God?"Moreover, the size was humongous. The snake must be at least ten stories high!What a huge snake!Fred finally understood why he felt a powerful force under the water!There was a sharp glint in the giant snake’s eyes! That was the blinking light from time to time!"Who comes here? Are you from the village? Who do you plan to sacrifice to me this time?" As soon as the giant snake spoke, Fred realized that this was not the first time it had done this.The snake seemed familiar with the ritual process. Obviously, the villagers had witnessed this giant snake before. This was the meeting between the two sides! Fred felt uncomfortable at this. As for the giant snake, it felt bemused when it saw Fred. The snake had never seen Fred befo
Fred was going to risk it all to open this girl's eyes!The force from the punch was extraordinary! As soon as the tree was hit by the seismic fist, it fell immediately and the whole tree split neatly in two!Marciella was dumbfounded!Although she knew how powerful Fred was, to witness his power was a different thing entirely!"Master Fred, your power is insane!"Marciella could not help but applaud.Fred seemed indifferent, as though he had no feeling at all about this."Is it? Why do you think so?"He looked so indifferent.For Ancient Martial Arts, things did not get any simpler than this!"You’re so strong. Anyway, I don’t doubt you anymore..." Marciella sighed, suddenly feeling very sad. "This is the reward of being educated. If we were more knowledgeable, we wouldn’t be so clueless.”"Haha, if you can't solve your issues, your descendants can work harder," Fred said with a wink.Marciella said, "Mr. Fred, I needed to ask you something! What if our luck was changed ju
What Fred said aroused her curiosity."What does it look like when you offer a sacrifice?"Fred knew he could not speak of this matter. Sure enough, Marciella felt a little downcast after Fred said the words. She did not know why Fred would say such a thing. Suddenly, Fred felt bad about it.He coughed and said, "Don't think too much about it... I just want to find a clue. Maybe we could find a solution. Why does it never rain in your village?""Huh?"Marciella's eyes, which were still a little dejected, suddenly realized what was important and asked hurriedly, "Mr. Fred, are you saying that the reason why it never rains in our village is because someone is behind it?"Although Fred was unwilling to admit it, he could not help but nod. "Yes, this is exactly what you thought!""For real?!"Marciella felt hopeful again when she heard this. She said hastily, "The thing you asked about is pretty simple. You can just check out that place!""That place?"Fred turned around to see w
Marciella found herself nodding in agreement with Fred's harsh assessment. "You're spot on," she said. "That woman is nothing but vile!"Seeing Marciella's reaction, a rare smile crossed Fred's face as he nodded back. "Glad you see it my way," he said.What caught Fred off guard was the villagers' reaction. One by one, their faces turned ashen with despair.It seemed to them that nothing could be worse than the predicament they were facing. The absence of the witch spelled doom for the village—it was like their last shred of hope had vanished. They had all put their faith in her to charm the River God into blessing them with rain, which would have brought some peace to their troubled lives. However, now their chances seemed to have dried up just like their fields. Fred stood there, his face a mask of serenity amidst the chaos.In the moments that followed, the village chief was a picture of despair, his only option was to send everyone home while he racked his brain for a backup pl
"What?"Fred did not even have time to blink before the witch suddenly made a move.It was like a bomb went off.Kaboom!Then, she was dead!Fred dusted off his hands, even surprising himself with his lack of tolerance for the witch.Now, though, he had a real headache. He had planned to clear the air with the witch and lay out the past so everyone would know the full picture.He thought that might just turn things around.The situation changed when she vanished, and Fred's plans were completely derailed. Then again, changing the villagers' minds was not going to be a walk in the park anyway. They were pretty set in their ways, thanks to all the stuff they had been fed.As such, just talking it out might not cut it. Heck, it could even mess with history!With the witch out of the equation, Fred figured he might as well try a different tactic. Maybe if he took out the guy in the cloak and worked his own magic to bring some rain, it could save a lot of hassle. The more he thoug
"No way!"The witch bristled with defiance. She could not accept that she was no match for Fred.As she noticed Fred's focus was locked on her, a sly idea popped up in her mind.Before she could act on it, though, she found herself pinned against the wall by Fred in a flash...Her face contorted in disbelief. She was pinned so tightly that she could not even move!The witch was completely overpowered, her heart racing with panic.How could he be so much stronger than her?Fred, on the other hand, seemed unfazed."What's going through your head? You don't seriously think you can take me on, do you?" Fred asked, his voice laced with skepticism.The witch felt utterly trapped, as if at any second, Fred might just finish her off."Look, I messed up, okay? Can we not do this? I'm old, just a pile of brittle bones—I can't take this kind of rough treatment!" the witch pleaded with Fred, trying a new tactic to get through to him.Fred was not falling for it. He looked at her with a
"Heh, I caught on to you a while back, you know. You've been tailing me, and I'm pretty sure you're here for me. Plus, you don't have the look of someone from our village. That means you are an outsider, and I'm your target, right? Listen, man, we don't have any beef with each other, so why are you sticking your nose where it doesn't belong?"The witch had sensed the raw power rolling off Fred, and it was enough to send shivers down her spine!At that moment, she knew that challenging Fred was not going to be a walk in the park! If she had spotted him earlier in the forest, it would not have been good news for her. For starters, she had no clue how many tricks Fred had up his sleeve, and if he took her down, she and her buddy would be toast.However, the witch was not about to let Fred take her out without a fight! She racked her brain and finally settled on one strategy!She would try to sweet-talk him, hoping Fred would fall for her words just like everyone else, and fall into he