"How... How did it come to this?" Zane's heart raced as he locked onto Fred's icy stare. He knew Flint's capabilities all too well. That was precisely why despite being well-aware of Fred's capacity to intimidate the city's top brass, he boldly challenged Fred. However, what had just happened? Even a strong figure like Flint seemed utterly defenseless before Fred. Flint was like a toddler in over his head. How could Zane stomach such an outcome? Yet, Zane had rapidly risen to power. He took the reins of Red Moon Group and established dominance over West Valley. His determination was evident. Even though Flint's rapid downfall had shaken him, Zane swiftly regained his composure. He scoffed. "My turn? Aren't you jumping the gun, Mr. Hoffman? I'm the rightful chairman of Red Moon Group. I was chosen by many! "Do you actually believe that a mere sentence from you can banish me? Do you think Red Moon Group's higher-ups would just nod and agree?" Fred's lips curled into a sli
Chairman? What a farce. Fred was the one who had snatched Red Moon Group back from Richard. If there were ever to be a chairman, it would undoubtedly be him. "Why didn't you reveal yourself sooner?" After a seemingly long silence, a defeated Zane ruefully said, "If you had revealed your true identity from the start, I would never have dared to challenge you." Fred began, "Red Moon Tower belonged to a dear friend of mine. I refrained from taking the chairman’s title to allow his sister to inherit it. So, naturally, I had to remove any obstacles for her before she took over. "That's why seeing you brazenly claim the chairman's seat, I assumed you had some tricks up your sleeve. I was waiting for you to play all your cards. But..." Pausing to light a cigarette, Fred coolly remarked, "You've sadly disappointed me." Fred walked past Zane, heading toward the elevator leading to the executive office. Stellar, however, remained. He fixed a chilling gaze on Zane... …"Mr. Hoffm
An underground auction? Upon hearing Marcus' words, a crease formed on Fred's forehead. He was familiar with auctions. After all, during his stint in Sea City, he had engaged the Bensons, who were well-known auctioneers. It was through an auction that he secured that exquisite Golden Pearl Crown for Wanda. A black-market auction? This was a first for him. Could it be something managed by the underworld? While the criminal underworld might seem daunting to ordinary folks, to someone like Fred, the underworld consisted of no more than small fries. Could auctions run by them possibly have what he sought? Seeing Fred's contemplation, Marcus held his tongue. Stellar, sensing Fred's confusion, clarified, "While earlier black-market auctions were indeed managed by the underworld, things have changed. These days, many are backed by established warlords."Given the frequent attendance by martial artists, it's not uncommon to find items of their liking." Run by the martial world and
"Another point to note is that because warlords can earn money much more easily than ordinary people, once something warlords use appears, it's likely going to be quite expensive.""If there is one, then buy it," Fred replied calmly, not even opening his eyes.Fred saw Rita's condition to be a fault of his momentary carelessness. Due to this, he was determined to get his hands on the two medicinal ingredients that could save her—Dragon Blood Fruit and Meridian Grass. The price did not matter to him. After all, money had long become just a number considering the level he was at now. If money could solve the problem, then it was not a big deal to Fred.At this moment, what Fred was most worried about was not being able to get his hands on what he needed even though he had the money. Stellar obviously knew this, so when he heard what Fred said, he immediately picked up the pace. Not long after, they arrived at the entrance of what appeared to be a very ordinary club. Although the
There was a dispute between a man and a woman, though calling it a dispute might not be entirely accurate.The man with the shaved head exuded an aura that clearly marked him as a warlord that was rank 5 or higher. On the other hand, the woman appeared to be of a much lower rank, perhaps not even a rank 1 warlord.Due to this significant power difference, the woman was visibly frightened when the man with the shaved head approached her. She was constantly retreating while clutching a cloth bag in her hand tightly."Trying to run?" The man with the shaved head sneered when he saw the woman backing away. He promptly seized the woman's wrist when she tried to move away. He then coldly huffed, "Since you've taken my money, you need to hand over that Fire Serpent Fruit!""I-I haven't received any money from you at all. Y-You're just here to rob me!" the woman retorted as she struggled desperately.However, her lack of strength rendered her efforts futile. No matter how hard and long sh
Everyone had to go through a security check to enter the underground location. Naturally, it was during this check that Wernest discovered the money in the woman's bag."The truth is clear before us now! This gentleman already paid you, yet you dare violate the rules of this place and refuse to deliver what you promised!"If you hand over the Fire Serpent Fruit in your possession as well as the money to this gentleman now, I can let you go this time. Otherwise, don't blame me for being ruthless!"Wernest reached his hand toward the woman as he said this, but when she realized she had to hand over the item and also all the money on her, she became unwilling.She clutched the cloth bag tightly and exclaimed, "No way! This money is meant to buy life-prolonging medicinal herbs for my father. The Fire Serpent Fruit can only be obtained with real gold and silver. You want to take it away, but I won't let you—not even if it costs me my life!""Not even if it costs you your life?" Wernest
"Who the hell are you?"Everyone was taken aback when Fred suddenly appeared. It was obvious that nobody had expected anyone to have the balls to step forward and express interest in the Fire Serpent Fruit in the woman's bag at a moment like this. From the moment the Devil Porters set their sights on her, everything of hers was theirs. For someone to intervene at this point was almost akin to seeking death."Brat! I'm asking you a question!"The younger of the Devil Porters, Jenson, was furious when he saw Fred ignoring his brother. He roared. "We brothers have already set our eyes on her. Who the hell do you think you are to interfere? You wanna die?""You two, are you brothers?"The woman was initially a bit bewildered when she saw Fred's sudden appearance, but when she heard Jenson's words, she instantly realized that she had been deceived. Wernest just sneered and said, "So what if we're brothers? Heh, little bitch, do you think you can still walk out of here alive after l
Eileen was initially just testing her luck as it had been a long time since their encounter. However, upon realizing that Fred actually remembered her, she clung to this lifeline and quickly grasped onto Fred. She pleaded, "Fred, please. Please save me. I know what our families did to you, but...""Alright, this is a chance meeting. And helping you is just a small favor," Fred said with a faint smile.A small favor?At that, Eileen regained her composure. Even though she was still unsure about Fred's true identity or what this 'Great One' business was about, her grandfather had told her back at the Hoffman family that Fred was the most esteemed entity in the world. He was a peerless legend. Since he was referred to as a 'peerless legend', Eileen figured he should be able to save her life. However, not everyone shared the same sentiment, especially the more powerful warlords in the vicinity. They could not help but be disdainful when they heard what Fred said.A small favor?Th
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