Seeing Fred leave, the people gathered around the market stalls let out a sigh of relief. It seemed like they had been holding their breath all this time. Finally, they could relax.Although the rest did not have that big of a reaction, they had the same thoughts. After all, everything had happened so suddenly—from Ziad suddenly kneeling down without warning to later begging desperately. The atmosphere was depressing, and it made them involuntarily nervous even when they did not know who Fred was. If they were not warlords with strength that was beyond ordinary people, it was likely that someone would have peed their pants from the atmosphere just now."Um... Mr. Ziad, who's that person exactly?" someone who had a good relationship with Ziad finally asked."Who is he?" Ziad shook his head and replied, "He's the most powerful being in this world! An invincible existence.""Invincible... Isn't that a bit of an exaggeration?" The person clearly had some doubts."Exaggeration?" Zi
Extend his life?When Eileen said that, Fred immediately understood what she meant. Indeed, there would certainly be items that ordinary people could not obtain at a regular auction that was only open to warlords.Fred noticed Eileen's hesitation, however, which prompted him to shake his head. Even though Eileen had not explicitly mentioned it, he knew she wanted to ask him when she could collect the money for the Dragon Blood Fruit he had purchased. Otherwise, it would be impossible for her to buy anything with the amount she had currently."Simply place a bid on whatever you like." Fred smiled slightly."You want me to just bid?" Eileen was clearly having a hard time believing it.Without saying anything more, Fred turned his attention to the raised platform in front of them. A man had ascended the platform. After offering a simple greeting, he succinctly announced, "Ladies and gentlemen, you're all esteemed guests of the Wood family's auction. Time is precious, so we won't
There was no denying it—the Woods’ auction house had a certain flair that catered perfectly to the warlord world. Unlike conventional auctions where the auctioneer endlessly prattled on about each item, things here were streamlined and efficient. Once the auction kicked off, items were swiftly presented, ready for the audience below to place their bids. It might be due to their confidence in the uniqueness of their items. As soon as a piece was displayed, a flurry of bids would rise. The most vocal bidders sat at the back, while the front row, including Fred, appeared largely unmoved by the offerings. The sole exception was Eileen. She watched intently, every item igniting hope that she might find something to prolong her grandfather's life. Fred knew better. Such life-extending herbs were almost mythical, even in their world. They were hardly going to be in the opening rounds of an auction. Nevertheless, when he saw Eileen's eyes shimmering with anticipation, Fred did not ha
However... Right as the tension peaked, the elder with silver locks confidently spoke, his voice oozing with arrogance, "I’ll start with thirty-five million! That gem would do wonders for someone as seasoned as me. After such a long wait, it’s finally here!" He glanced slyly at the stoic gentleman and the burly one beside him, smirking. "Considering your age and strength, neither of you should be needing this yet. You wouldn’t dare challenge an old man like me, would you?" This comment earned him a cold grunt from the stoic man and a hearty chuckle from his muscular counterpart. Without uttering a word, they clearly conveyed they were not in the race. Seeing this, a look of triumph danced in the old man's eyes. In his view, as long as these two powerhouses stayed out, the prize was his. What about the artists seated behind? They were but fledglings, not brave enough to enter this high-stakes game. Fred’s group—despite sharing the front row—were nothing but youngsters in his
Two hundred million? The silver-haired elder thought he had Eileen cornered with his intimidation. He was sure he had the item in the bag. In an unexpected twist, before the elder's feeling of self-satisfaction could even warm up, Fred, seated right beside Eileen, placed his own bid. He did not hold back either—he upped the bid by a whopping one hundred million! This bold move sent the elder into a fury. "You think you can..." "Are you raising the price? Decide now," Fred cut him off calmly. While it might have looked like Fred was playing the elder at his own game, there was more at play here. After all, Fred was the renowned 'Revered Great One'. How many could truly challenge him? The elder's face, already a stormy shade, darkened further at Fred's audacity. He had come prepared with just a bit over two hundred million for this very auction. He believed that amount would be ample for the coveted Vorandelis. Now, with Fred's sudden surge in bid, his composure crumble
In this game of power and politics, individuals were either incredibly skilled themselves or had massive support behind them. However, the two things were not the same. Those with significant support rarely went head-to-head with individually powerful warriors. After all, warriors of great personal prowess could easily dispose of their rivals and take whatever they wanted, then disappear before any backup arrived. Those who relied on their influential supporters often found themselves at a disadvantage. Most believed Fred, with his youth and front-row seat, had strong connections. In contrast, Elder Everwood was undoubtedly a powerhouse in his own right. Fred's audacity to challenge Elder Everwood without giving an inch had many believing he was signing his own death sentence. "Idiot." The poker-faced man sitting in the first row sneered at Fred. The burly man laughed aloud. "Ah, the recklessness of youth. I'm curious to see how this plays out." Both clearly thought lit
The exclusive inner hall was just a short walk from the bustling auction floor. Leaving the auction room via its back entrance and navigating a corridor, they found themselves there after a few steps. It was an expansive underground chamber, its security even tighter than the auction area. "Please wait outside. Mr. Hoffman, follow me," the guide said with a bow as they reached the entrance. Stellar frowned. "I'm not sure about this." It was clear as day that Elder Everwood bore no goodwill toward Fred, especially as he entered the hall ahead of them. "No worries. You two stay here," Fred said, dismissing any concern. After Fred's assurance, Stellar nodded. Eileen echoed her agreement. Inside, an array of influential faces awaited. There was Ziad Wood, known as the Ziad the Second, the poker-faced man, the burly man, and of course, Elder Everwood. Upon Fred's entrance, Ziad said, "Reve..." but stopped short, weighing his words. "Mr. Hoffman, so glad you could join us."
Thud!No response. Not even a glance at Elder Everwood.Fred sat down in such a majestic manner, right at the main seat where Ziad the Second was sitting a moment ago.The emotionless man and the muscular man’s eyes turned cold from his nonchalant demeanor.After being ignored by Fred, Elder Everwood laughed angrily and said, "Boy, you really are something! Shall I assume you are so stupid that you don't know your limits? Or should I praise you for your courage?"Haha, forget it! None of this is important. This old man is giving you a choice. Within ten seconds, hand over the Vorandelis and kneel before me, then you can choose a way to die!"Of course, you don't have to choose either. This old man will guarantee that you will regret being born!"How strange!Ziad the Second’s face was puzzled.Initially, he was surprised when Elder Everwood dared to pick a fight with Fred. However, what did Elder Everwood just say?Choose a way to die within ten seconds?Why did these words
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