Ch. 1001..1010

Chapter 1001

Before Maxine boarded the plane, she called Thea and narrated the chain of events.

She told her the whole truth— starting from James going to Mount White, and how Madelyn framed her for something she did not do.

Upon hearing this, Thea’s face darkened.

"I’m at the departure lounge and will soon head to Cansington.Once I arrive, we can discuss how best to save James."

"Got it."

Thea hung up the phone.

Then, she sat on the ground and contemplated.She had heard from the Blithe King that the Blithes were about to enter a marriage alliance with the Cadens.She also knew that the Blithe family was so strong that even the Cadens were fearful of them.

After a brief moment of thinking, she pulled her phone out and called Thomas.

"I’m sorry, the number you have dialed is not in service."

Thea frowned before she remembered that Thomas had told her not to call this number anymore.

"What should I do?"

She was anxious.

Thea stood and hurriedly left the military region without the officer’s authorization.

Then, she headed straight to Cynthia's place and waited for Maxine.

Soon, Maxine arrived.

It only took her a few hours to reach Cynthia’s place.

The moment she arrived, Thea tugged at her and asked, "Aren’t you a shrewd girl? How did you fall into someone’s trap?"

Maxine sighed.

"I let my guard down."

"What should we do, then?"

Thea was almost in tears.

"Don’t worry, Thea.Everything’s fine for now.Let us sit down and have a discussion," Cynthia said.

Thea had told Cynthia about what happened to James in the few hours she was here.

She took a seat, while Maxine sat opposite her.

"Here’s my plan, Thea.We'll gather all the highly skilled martial artists of the God-King Palace and head toward the Blithes’ mansion.I’ll first show myself and shoulder all the blame.If they’re willing to release James, I’ll accept whatever fate comes my way.But if they aren’t, we'll use your men from the God-King Palace and fight them to the death."

Maxine offered her suggestion.She was prepared to die because she knew that the Blithe family would surely kill both her and James.

After all, they wanted to stage a high-profile comeback to show the Cadens and the world that they had returned.

If they choose not to release James, Maxine and the others would have no choice but to fight them head-on.

However, Maxine was unsure of the God-King Palace’s strength.

"No way!"

Thea immediately shot down Maxine’s proposal.

Although she was displeased with Maxine, James would blame Thea for not saving her.

Maxine continued, "My grandpa has decided not to save James.

Meanwhile, the other forces wish for his death.

This is the only way, but I’m still unsure of the God-King Palace’s strength."

Wearing a grim expression, Thea said, "Apart from Sir Caden, there are no highly skilled martial artists in the God-King Palace.We only have four fourth-rank Protectors and ten third-rank elders."

Maxine’s heart skipped a beat.

She did not expect the God-King Palace to be this powerful.

With four fourth-rank and ten third-rank martial artists, they would be able to annihilate their enemies.

Chapter 1002

"And how many second -rank and first -rank martial artists do you have?" Maxine asked.

Thea replied, "I have thirty-six second-ranks and seventy-two first-ranks."

Since James was in mortal peril, Thea told Maxine everything about the God- King Palace.She believed that Maxine was better at devising plans than her.

At that moment, she was at a loss.She only knew that she had to rely on Maxine to save James.

"Whew!"

Maxine took a deep breath and said, "That's more than enough."

Although she did not know how powerful the Blithes were, she could guess from her grandfather’s dread that they were comparable to the Cadens.

Not only that, the Blithe family had someone who could stand against Tobias.

"But you said that even Tobias is fearful of the Blithes, and he’s a seventh-rank martial artist.If they intervene, our fourth-rank men stand no chance against them." Thea was doubtful.

Maxine was lost in contemplation.

Meanwhile, Cynthia looked at both of them.

They fell silent.

After a few minutes, Maxine looked at Thea and asked, "By the way, are you now familiar with the application of True Energy?"

Thea said, "Yes, somewhat."

Maxine continued, "I have a plan."

"Say it," Thea looked at Maxine.

Although she did not like her, she had no choice but to cooperate with her to save James.

Maxine said, "Here’s my plan.You will impersonate my grandfather, Tobias, and bring the highly skilled martial artists of the God -King Palace to the Western border.There’s no need for you to intervene.You only need to make your presence known.Perhaps it might intimidate the Blithes."

Maxine explained her strategy.

"W-Will that work?"

Thea was doubtful.

She was worried that this plan would not work.

Wearing a grim expression, Maxine said, "We don’t have any better options.Once the Blithes abandon any pretense of maintaining an amicable relationship with the Cadens, the plan will fail, and the God- King Palace could be wiped out.However, if they are intimidated, we can save James.Besides..."

She paused momentarily before continuing, "The Blithes only want respect.Since I’m the cause, I’m willing to shoulder all the blame.All you need to do is to show up and protect James.Perhaps the Blithes won’t escalate the situation further."

"But won't you lose their life?"

Cynthia asked, "Can’t we think of something else?"

Maxine shook her head.

Many wanted James dead and she had no one else to turn to.This was the only way.

Although it was risky, she believed the likelihood of success was high.

Thea glanced at Maxine and asked, "Are you willing to sacrifice your life for James?"

Maxine shook her head slightly, "I’m not doing this for James.Everything happened because of me.If I hadn’t gone to Mount White, I wouldn’t have fallen into Madelyn’s trap.I was the one who got James involved.If my death can resolve the grudge the Blithes hold against the Cadens, then so be it."

Thea was impressed by Maxine’s courage.However, she knew that James would not want Maxine to risk her life if he was here.

"Can’t we think of some other way?" Thea asked.

"We're running out of time.Before that, I have to tell you about Grandpa's habits and his cultivation method.He practices the Thirteen Heavenly Swords.I’ve never dealt with it but I’ve seen him practicing it, so I can still remember some of the moves.You have to learn it within a day.At pivotal moments, you can use this method to intimidate the Blithes."

"There’s no way I can learn all this in a single day."

Thea shook her head.

For someone who had never practiced martial art, it would be impossible to learn such powerful sword techniques within a single day.

Maxine continued, "You don’t have to learn it.You just have to make it look like the real thing to intimidate our opponents."

Chapter 1003

Just the appearance alone would not be sufficient.

They still needed the Cadens’ signature method—the Thirteen Heavenly Swords.

Though Maxine had never read the Thirteen Heavenly Swords’ cultivation method or sword techniques, she had memorized the moves after seeing Tobias practicing them.

Now, they had to come up with a contingency plan so that they could prevent the Blithes from making a move on them at critical moments.

Besides, time was running out.They had at most two days.

Within two days, Thea had to make it look like the real thing.

Thea thought long and hard about it.

This was the only way to save James.

If Maxine could even sacrifice her life to save James, how could she give up so easily? She nodded her head firmly.

"I'll do my best."

"Mhm, you should summon your men from the God-King Palace.I’m afraid you won’t make it in time."

"Got it."

While Maxine headed to Cansington to discuss matters with Thea, James was brought to the Western Border.The Western Border was located in the westernmost part of Sol.

Territorially vast, the place had many cities.

Not only that, it bordered many strong countries, so the Blithe Army was tasked with the responsibility of protecting the Western Border.

However, as the situation was stable, the Blithe King, commander-in-chief of the Western Border Army, was redeployed to Cansington.

In Western Littleroot City at the Western Border...

This was the principal city of the Western Border.

A thousand years ago, this was the capital of an ancient dynasty.

There was a mountain in the suburbs of Western Littleroot City.It was called Mount Littleroot.

This place was heavily guarded by the army.

As such, no one could approach the mountain.

It was also the headquarters of the Blithe family.

There were many villas at the top of Mount Littleroot.

In one of the villas...

Flynn was back.

"Father, I’ve brought James here and thrown him into the dungeon.

I’ve also informed Tobias to bring Maxine here to apologize in person within three days."

A fifty-year-old-looking man was sitting on a sofa.

Wearing a suit, he was dressed like a man who was successful in life.

In fact, he looked more like a businessman or an entrepreneur than a martial artist.

He was the current master of the Blithe family—Donovan Blithe.

Donovan nodded slightly and said, "You’ve done well.

Since the Cadens have humiliated us, the marriage is over.

Now, I shall proclaim to the world that the Blithes are the number-one family in all of Sol.

The Ancient Four and the Mount Thunder Sect are nothing in my eyes."

Flynn sat down and said smilingly, "After this, the Blithe family will be known throughout the world.

In the next martial art conference, we will become the new Great Grandmaster and prop up a new King.

Then, we’l] dominate the world and become its ruler."

"Hahaha..."

Donovan laughed.

"Like father, like son!"

"By the way, how’s it going with the Blithe Fist of Abomination? Have you mastered the final fist? When I arrived at the Capital, I heard that the Cadens were extremely powerful.It’s very likely that Tobias has already reached the seventh rank.Besides, the Thirteen Heavenly Swords stay true to their reputation.If we have a falling out with the Cadens, can you defeat Tobias? Besides..."

Flynn paused for a brief moment before continuing, "I heard that the Cadens have more than a single Grand Patriarch.Tobias’ father and grandfather may be still alive.If they are, we shouldn’t underestimate their strength."

Donovan waved his hand and said, "No need to worry about this.The Blithe family also has its Grand Patriarchs too."

"Understood." Flynn nodded.

Donovan ordered, "I’m done with the invitation cards.Send our disciples all over Sol and invite all renowned ancient martial artists.I wish to announce the emergence of the Blithe family!"

Immediately, his face darkened, "From today onwards, let those who submit to me thrive and those who resist me perish."

"Understood."

Flynn stood up and nodded.

"I'll see to it at once."

Then, he left.

There was a dungeon at the top of Mount Littleroot.It was used by the Blithes to imprison family members who had committed a crime.

The entrance was located under a rock.

From the entrance, one would have to head deeper into the passageway, which extended hundreds of meters, to reach the dungeon.

At the same time, in the dungeon...

James was imprisoned inside a dark and damp cell.

Chapter 1004

As his acupuncture point was struck, he was immobilized.

Though he tried bursting the acupuncture point open, he could not no matter how hard he tried.

"Damn it!"

A vein popped out in his neck as he cursed.

"Burst through!"

He forcibly gathered True Energy to make a breakthrough at the sealed acupuncture point.

Bang! The sound of an explosion could be heard inside his body.

James was sent flying several meters into the air.

Then, he collapsed on the ground and vomited a mouthful of blood.

However, he could not move.

Enduring the excruciating pain, he got up from the ground and scanned his surroundings.

It was a dark and damp dungeon.

He was imprisoned inside a cell with an iron door.

Outside, the dim light allowed him to see what was around him.

It turned out that there were many others imprisoned in the dungeon.

He walked over to the iron door, but it was locked.

James pulled at the lock forcefully.

Crack! The sound reverberated throughout the silent dungeon.

He rushed out and looked at the passageway on both sides.

After thinking for a moment, he chose to head deeper into the dungeon.

He did not leave because he knew that there were many highly skilled martial artists outside.

There was no choice but to explore the surroundings for now.

The winding passageway extended deep into the dungeon.

James did not know how deep it went.

However, he knew it was an underground cavern that was not artificially excavated.

Perhaps there would be some other exits in the depths of the cavern.

James walked for about half an hour and reached a dead end.

"A dead end?"

James frowned.

Since this was a place light could not reach, the surroundings were dark.

However, as a martial artist, he had better vision than most ordinary people.

Even if it was pitch-black, he could still move about freely.

Clank! Just as he was looking for a way out, the sound of chains could be heard in the dark.

"Who’s there?"

James swiftly turned around.

Immediately, he saw a face behind him.

James jumped in fright and unconsciously took a few steps back.He then stared at the individual’s face.It was a man whose limbs were chained.

The bearded man’s hair was white and disheveled.

Floating in mid-air, he fixed his gaze on James.

"Who are you?"

James questioned the man coldly.

The man floating in mid-air landed steadily on the ground.

Then, he spoke in a hoarse voice, "Who are you, kid? What are you doing here? Are you a youngster of the Blithe family?"

James furrowed his eyebrows.

Though he was not sure who this man was, he knew that he had to be an enemy of the Blithes.

He walked over to the man and said, "How can I be a member of the Blithe family?"

In his opinion, an enemy of his enemy was a friend.

Considering that the man was imprisoned here too, he must have been a martial artist too.

If they worked together, he could find a way out of here.

Chapter 1005

"Who are you? Why are you imprisoned here?" James asked as he approached the elderly man whose limbs were chained.He scrutinized him from head to toe.

The bearded man’s hair was white and disheveled, and it seemed that he had not had a shower in years.

The moment James approached him, he could smell a nasty stench.

Looking at the chains on the elderly man, James tried pulling at them.He wanted to break them, but the chains were solid.

No matter how hard he tried, he could not break them.

"With how weak you are, you might as well give it up."

The elderly man sat on the ground.

The moment his body moved, the sound of chains could be heard.He said lazily, "This is made of quartz steel.You can’t break them."

James sat down and looked at the elderly man before him.

"Who are you? Why are you imprisoned in the Blithe family’s dungeon?"

"Answer my question first."

The man glanced at James.

After a brief moment of hesitation, James said, "I’m the commander-in-chief of the Black Dragon Army of Sol.I was captured because of some misunderstanding."

"What the hell is the Black Dragon Army?"

James had an embarrassed look on his face.

The man must have been imprisoned here for quite some time.He was disconnected from worldly affairs for too long to have heard of the Black Dragon Army.

"You must be an ancient martial artist."

James stared at the man.It was impossible to discern if the man was an ancient martial artist from his appearance alone.

However, since he was imprisoned in the depths of the dungeon with chains all over him, it should be safe to assume that he was a powerful ancient martial artist.

Otherwise, all four of his limbs would not be chained.

Now that James was imprisoned here too, it was nigh impossible to escape unnoticed.

Only by saving the elderly man and joining forces with him would they have a chance at leaving this place.

The man remained silent and fixed his gaze on James.

James felt uncomfortable being stared at, and his skin began to crawl.

"Wh-Why are you staring at me?"

He stood up.

Alarmed, he unconsciously took a few steps back.

Suddenly, the man raised his hand.

A strong suction force came from the man’s palm, and James could not resist the pull.

The man’s shriveled hand was pressed against James’ chest.

James could feel a force entering his body.

It flowed freely around his body and then disappeared without a trace.

"Not bad."

The man released his grip.

Looking at James with a slight grin, he said, "Though your True Energy is weak, all your meridians have been opened up.You have potential."

James smiled and looked at the chains that hold the man in place.

Although it was dimly lit, he could vaguely see that the chains were black.

He gently tugged at one and was surprised by how heavy it was.

James catalyzed the True Energy inside his body and tugged at the chain once more.

He wanted to break them so that he could escape with the elderly man.

However, no matter how hard he tried, he simply could not.

"I told you it’s useless."

"I’m not so sure about that."

James grinned.

Immediately, a thin steel wire fell from his sleeves.

Throwing the steel wire around the man’s chain, James catalyzed True Energy once more and tugged forcefully.

The razor-sharp steel wire sliced through the chain with ease.

"what?"

The man was stunned.

He stared at the steel wire in James’ hands and asked, "What is this thing? How did it manage to slice through the thousand-year quartz steel?"

James smiled.

Then, he sliced through the remaining chains and said, "Let’s break out of this place together."

The man was freed, but he did not leave.

Instead, he sat in a lotus position.

Chapter 1006

With a weary look on his face, the elderly man sighed, "I won’t live for much longer anyway.There’s no point in leaving this place where I’ve been imprisoned for decades."

James was stunned.

To think that this man had been imprisoned here for decades...He took a seat too.

The elderly man looked at James.

Wearing a calm and composed look on his face, he asked, "Who are you? Where do you come from?"

James looked at the man and told him honestly, "I’m a Caden, one of the Ancient Four."

"Oh, a Caden?"

Stunned, the man stared at James.

After a few seconds, he asked once more, "Who's Bennett Caden to you?"

James momentarily froze before shaking his head, "I’ve never heard of him."

"You don’t know about Bennett despite being a Caden?"

"To be honest with you, there was an infighting among the Cadens thirty years ago, and my grandfather, Thomas Caden, was expelled from the family.Since I’m a descendant of Thomas, I don’t know much about the Cadens’ affairs."

"I see..."

After a brief moment of thinking, the man said, "Do you know who Tam?"

James shook his head, "No, I don’t."

The man nodded and said, "It’s only normal, I guess.To think that you would appear before me before my imminent death with all your meridians being opened up...This must be fate.I'll soon die, and I have to pass my martial art skills to someone.Why don’t you kneel and kowtow to me? That way, you can become my disciple."James froze.

He had never thought of becoming a disciple.

After a few seconds, he knelt on the ground, "Please accept me as your disciple, master."

Though James did not know the man’s identity, he knew that the man would impart his martial art skills to him before his death.To think he would stumble upon such a great opportunity...

"Rise."

James stood up and sat in front of the man in a lotus position.

With a composed look, the man said, "Remember my name— Spencer Blithe."

"Huh?"

James froze.

Then, he asked, "Master, why are you imprisoned here despite being a Blithe?"

"It’s a great misfortune."

With a dejected look on his face, the man said, "Sixty years ago, I was framed for something I did not commit by my family.Ever since then, I’ve been trapped in this godforsaken place for sixty years."

James listened in silence.

However, Spencer said nothing else.

"I thought I would leave this world with my martial art skills.I didn’t expect someone to be here just before my imminent death.Not only that, all your meridians have been opened up.You can withstand my True Energy which is at the peak of the seventh rank," he said as he raised his hand.

Powerful energy gathered in his palm, and James’ body floated in the air.

Then, Spencer pressed his palm against James’ head.

At that moment, James could feel powerful True Energy gushing forward into his body.

"I will transfer all of my peak seventh-rank True Energy to you.Remember to only do good.If I ever find out that you used it to do evil, I'll never forgive you."

With powerful True Energy flowing into his body, James could feel his head spinning.

Then, his body began exuding heat.

Spencer’s voice rang in his ears.

"The Blithe Fist of Abomination is the Blithe family’s signature martial art skill.For sixty years, I have been in deep meditation.At long last, I have mastered the Tenth Fist.What a shame that the world can never witness its strength...

"Now, I'll impart to you my knowledge about the Blithe Fist of Abomination.I'll only demonstrate to you once, so try to memorize as much as possible."

At that moment, James’ body slowly descended.

Then, he landed on the ground, still sitting in a lotus position.

He could feel energy circulating inside his body as if they were about to burst forth from his body.

Meanwhile, Spencer began his demonstration.

"The First Fist: Mountain Shaper."

Chapter 1007

James was feeling stuffy.He could feel energy circulating inside his body as if it was on the verge of bursting forth.

However, he fixed his gaze on Spencer, trying desperately to remember his every action and every word.

In the dungeon...

Spencer demonstrated all ten fists of the Blithe Fist of Abomination.

Meanwhile, James, unable to withstand any longer, lost consciousness.

After a long while, he regained consciousness.

Then, he hurriedly stood up as if he was reminded of something.He swiftly walked over to Spencer.

Spencer’s head was lowered, and he was sitting in a lotus position.

"Master..." James called.

However, Spencer remained silent.

James approached him and gently pushed him, "What’s wrong, master?"

The moment he pushed Spencer, however, he immediately collapsed to the ground.

James froze.

Then, he hurriedly took his pulse.

"What?"

James was stunned.

Spencer’s heart was no longer beating.He had been dead for several hours.

James knelt before Spencer.

Looking at his master, James said with a grim expression on his face, "Master, I’ll not let you down.Once I leave this place, I'll only use True Energy to protect the nation."

After kowtowing a few times, James stood up.

All of a sudden, he could hear footsteps approaching.

James immediately leaped toward the ceiling of the cavern and pressed his body against the rock.

Soon, a few men arrived.

"The master of the household is dead."

"Yes, about time...He must have reached the end of his lifespan.Did you see James anywhere?"

"Not yet, but the exit is guarded.He couldn't have left.He must still be hiding in here somewhere."

"Send more men."

"Got it."

A few men were conversing.

James did not act rashly.

Soon, Spencer’s body was taken away, and the men down there left.

Only then did James leap from the rock and land steadily on the ground.

"My True Energy..."

The moment James catalyzed his True Energy, it gushed forth and circulated inside his meridians before arriving at his clenched fists.

At that moment, he felt unstoppable.

"Peak seventh-rank True Energy...I can’t believe my luck.To think I would receive such power despite being imprisoned inside this dungeon.I guess I’m a seventh-rank now, huh?"

Sensing the power of his True Energy, James was stunned.He was now several times stronger than before.

James took a deep breath.

"The Blithe Fist of Abomination..."

Reminded of the moves Spencer demonstrated, James shut his eyes and pictured them in his mind.

Before he could comprehend them, however, he could hear footsteps approaching once more.

Not only that, he could see the glaring beam of torchlights.He used all of his energy and dashed forward at great speeds.

Not too far away, a group of soldiers was walking toward James with torchlights.

Whoosh! At that moment, the sound of a gust of wind could be heard.

"What the hell?"

The soldiers immediately pointed their torchlights in the direction of the noise.

However, there was nothing in the surroundings.

"You guys heard that too, right?"

"It must be the wind."

"Let’s continue searching.Stop being so paranoid."

"How did James manage to escape despite his acupuncture point being struck? In any case, there’s only a single exit in this dungeon, not to mention that it’s heavily guarded.There’s no way he’s getting out of here.In another two days, once the ancient martial artists arrive, the Blithe family will proclaim its comeback to the world."

"Exactly! What can the Ancient Four and Tobias do?"

"Do you think Tobias will bring Maxine here to apologize in person?"

Chapter 1008

"Haha...I don’t think so.Didn’t the Grand Patriarch say that he beat Tobias to a pulp twenty years ago?"

The men who were looking for James were chit-chatting.

Meanwhile, a man was concealing himself on the top of a huge rock.It was James.

Hearing their words, he frowned.It seemed that Madelyn’s plan to sow discord between the Cadens and the Blithes went smoothly.

Now, both of the families had a falling out.

"I have to leave this place at once."

James catalyzed True Energy and glided in the air like a bat.

This time, he made sure to restrict the flow of True Energy to avoid making unnecessary noises.

Although many people were searching for him, no one found him.

Sneaking his way through the passageway, he arrived at the exit safely.

However, the place was guarded by the Blithes’ disciples.

James frowned.

Then, he raised his hand, and powerful energy gushed forward to his fingertip.

Whoosh! The energy struck their acupuncture points, which rendered them unconscious.

James seized the opportunity and dashed out of the dungeon, but it was also heavily guarded outside.

"Who's there?"

He was spotted.

Before the Blithes could react, they immediately collapsed to the ground.

James knew that there were highly skilled martial artists in the Blithe family, so he hastily retreated.

Soon, he left Mount Littleroot and arrived at Western Littleroot City.

In a hotel room in the city...

James had just finished showering.

Leaning on a chair, he reflected on everything that had happened.

From the Blithes’ conversation, he was now aware that the Cadens had a falling out with them and that Tobias was ordered to bring Maxine here to apologize in person.

He figured that the Blithes intended to use his life to threaten the Cadens, but he had now escaped.

The Blithes had lost leverage over the Cadens.

James was contemplating whether he should call the Cadens and inform them of his situation.

However, he decided against it.

This was the perfect opportunity to have a glimpse of Tobias’ true nature.

If Tobias was willing to bring Maxine here and apologize in person, it would mean that he was still someone reliable.

On the other hand, what was that about the Blithe family inviting the ancient martial artists? What were they trying to do? After some more thinking, James did not call the Cadens.He planned to conceal himself and observe the Blithes’ situation for the next two days.He was also curious whether Tobias would show himself.

Thinking about this, James took a deep breath.

"Let me see..."

Putting the matters between the Cadens and the Blithes aside, he catalyzed True Energy and gathered them in his palm.

"What power!"

James exclaimed.

Though he was not sure what rank he was at the moment, he knew that he must have made a breakthrough into the fifth rank Thus, he remained in the room and did not wander about outside.

He was busy trying to practice the Blithe Fist of Abomination which he had learned from Spencer.

The images of Spencer demonstrating the moves and his every word appeared in his mind.

"The First Fist: Mountain Shaper."

All of a sudden, James stood up and began mimicking Spencer’s moves.

However, as this was a hotel, he did not dare catalyze True Energy, for fear that the building would collapse into rubble.

In the end, he left the hotel and called for a taxi to the suburbs.

Then, he entered a forest with no one in sight and began practicing his moves.

James dashed forward, leap to the sky, and struck the air with his palm.

The True Energy which gathered in his palm gushed forward and struck a rock around twenty meters away.

Boom! The rock immediately shattered into pieces.

"What power..."

Dumbfounded, James looked at the energy which burst forward from his palm.

"As expected of the Blithes’ signature martial art skills.Even the First Fist possesses such power.If I can learn all ten fists..."

James shuddered at the thought.

He knew that, from this day onward, he would no longer be the James who was humiliated and trampled underfoot.

He no longer feared the forces from the Capital.

Chapter 1009

James was stunned by the power of the Blithe Fist of Abomination.He took a deep breath and murmured, "Spencer told me that each fist is stronger than the previous.However, it would be more difficult to master with each increasing level.Even those who possess tremendous potential could spend a lifetime practicing the moves and never learn all ten fists.Regardless, he told me that I can defeat almost anyone as long as I master three of the ten fists."

"The First Fist: Mountain Shaper.This is a low-difficulty move.As long as I have True Energy that’s strong enough, I can use it to catalyze the cultivation method."

"The Second Fist: Mirage,"

James murmured.

Then, he shut his eyes.

The image of Spencer demonstrating the Second Fist appeared in his mind.He could recall his master conjuring up the image of a hundred fists.

James sat in a lotus position and entered into a state of deep meditation.He conjured up the image of the Second Fist while chanting its cultivation method, and began learning the Blithes’ signature martial art skills.

In the blink of an eye, two days passed.

In the mountains...

James was levitating in mid-air.

As he possessed concentrated True Energy, he could levitate in the air just by using True Energy.

Then, he struck.

An illusory palmprint materialized.

Then, another.

James began moving at great speeds while striking his palms.

A dozen palm prints appeared in the surroundings of a big tree not too far away.

In an instant, the tree was shredded to pieces.

James descended from the air and landed steadily on the ground.

Then, he took a deep breath.

"This is rather difficult.I’m only at the Second Fist after two days.Besides that, I can conjure up a dozen palmprints, whereas my master could do up to a hundred," James murmured.

He looked in the direction of the east.

The sun was rising on the horizon, and the night had passed.

"Today’s the deadline the Blithe gave the Cadens and also the day they invite the ancient martial artists to gather at the Western Border.I wonder if Tobias will bring Maxine here and save me...Not only that, I still can’t figure out why the Blithes are gathering the martial artists at the Western Border."

Mount Littleroot was in a festive mood today.

At the foot of the mountain, many members of the Blithe family were welcoming their guests, who had prepared many presents.

As time passed, more and more guests arrived.

Some were dressed up in professional attire, while some were dressed casually.

There were all sorts of people there—whether it be men, women, children, or the elderly.

"Hades Johnston has arrived."

A voice came.

Then, a group of people walked in.

In its lead was Hades, the current patriarch of the Johnstons, one of the Ancient Four.

Wearing a delighted smile on his face, he was wearing a bright-red robe.

Flynn, who was wearing a white suit, walked toward him with a bright smile on his face.

"Welcome, Patriarch Johnston.My father has been waiting for you."

"I heard that the Blithes have a talented young man who has reached the fourth rank.Just as I thought, you’re as charismatic as the rumors say!"

Hades was wearing a satisfied look on his face.

Then, he pulled a twenty-year-old-looking woman over and said smiling, "She is a member of the Johnstons.Not only is she beautiful, but she has only recently reached the second rank.Since the marriage between the Blithes and the Cadens didn’t go through, you can consider the Johnstons."

The girl blushed and greeted Flynn, "H-Hi there, my name’s Sophia Johnston."

Flynn said smilingly, "Surely you jest, Patriarch Johnston.Since time immemorial, parents should be the ones managing the marital affairs of us youngsters.I wouldn’t dare take things into my own hands.You should say this to my father."

"Hahaha...You’re a smart young man."

Hades laughed and headed up Mount Littleroot.

"Zaiden Sullivan has arrived."

Chapter 1010

Another voice came.

Then, a group of people approached.

In its lead was a forty-year-old-looking man who weighed at least 300 pounds.His bushy eyebrows only accentuated his boorish and brutish appearance.

"Patriarch Sullivan..."

Flynn greeted him with a bright smile.

An elderly man was sitting on a rock at the foot of Mount Littleroot not too far away.He was wearing a green suit with slightly oversized buttons.It somehow looked a little out of proportion.

His face was shriveled, and his hair was disheveled.

"I didn’t expect the Johnstons and Sullivans to come...I’m afraid all of the Ancient Four apart from the Cadens are here," the elderly man murmured with a grim expression.

It was James.

After returning to Western Littleroot City, he went ahead and bought an old-fashioned suit.He also created a face mask and disguised himself as an old man.

"They all have invitation cards.It won’t be easy for someone like me to sneak into the mountains."

James stroked his beard, pensive.

However, he exerted too much force, so the beard fell loose.He hurriedly attached it back to his chin.He had been waiting at the foot of the mountain for an opportunity to make his way up the mountain to see what was going on.

More and more ancient martial artists arrived.

"The Mount Thunder Sect has arrived."

The man in charge of verifying the invitation cards yelled.

Three women who were wearing vintage dresses walked in.

In the lead was a twenty-year-old-looking woman in a white vintage dress.

Though pure and innocent, she also possessed a certain charisma.

She walked over to Flynn and said, "My father is currently in closed -door meditation.As such, I’m here on his behalf."

Looking at the woman before him, Flynn's face lit up, and he asked, "Are you the daughter of Xerxes Campbell, the Sect Leader of the Mount Thunder Sect?"

The woman nodded.

"Yes, my name is Delainey Campbell."

"I see...Please, after you."

Flynn made a welcoming gesture.

Delainey nodded and brought the other two women up the hill.

James was observing the situation from afar.

After an hour, there were fewer people.

However, the entrance at the foot of the mountain was still guarded.

Sneaking in would be rather difficult.

As he desperately needed to know what was going on, he had no choice but to walk straight toward the entrance.

"Hold it right there."

He was stopped.

A few guards of the Blithe family walked over to him and blocked his path.

"What's your name? Where’s your invitation card?"

James frowned and rebuked them, "What kind of attitude is this? The Blithes should be honored that I’m here.How dare you ask for my invitation card? Don't make me kill you."

"Stop spouting nonsense, old man.This is where the Blithe family lives.Without an invitation card, even the Emperor won’t be allowed passage."

The guards were domineering.

The master of the household had ordered them to receive guests with invitation cards respectfully and to deny entry to those who do not have one.

"You have a death wish."

James’ face darkened.

Then, he raised his hand.

Powerful energy gathered in his palm, and the guard was pulled toward him.

Then, grabbing him by the neck, he raised him high up in the air.

"Please quell your anger and do not take it to heart.They are only following orders,"

Flynn hurriedly made his way over and said respectfully.

James casually tossed the guard to the ground.

“Argh! "

The guard cried out in pain.

Flynn’s smile froze, and he said coldly, "May I remind you that this is Mount Littleroot of the Western Border where the Blithe family resides?"

"So what?"

James squinted his eyes.

Flynn’s face darkened.

Then, he struck.