Ch. 1021..1030
Chapter 1021
Creak...
The door opened.
A skinny old man walked out.His face was timeworn and wrinkled, and he seemed a bit spiritless as if life and old age were getting the better of him.
The man walked over to Thomas and took a seat.
"Thomas..."
His soulless eyes suddenly lit up.
Watching the old man intently, Thomas grinned.
"Winston, to think that you were able to make a breakthrough into the eighth rank before your death.Congratulations, you get to live for a few decades or so." Winston sighed.
"At long last...I was in closed-door meditation for so long.However, I’m still not an eighth-rank martial artist.I'm just halfway there.Regardless, I can definitely live for an additional twenty years.You, on the other hand..."
He glanced at Thomas.
"What do you plan to do? For the past thirty years, you have visited Mount Littleroot thrice.You have read through all of the Blithes’ martial art manuals in the library."
In the past thirty years, Thomas had been here thrice.
Today was the fourth time.
During the previous times, he went straight to the library to read the martial art manuals.
Winston was totally unaware of an unwanted guest in his library the first two times.It was only on the third time that he bumped into Thomas, who was rummaging through the bookshelves.
The two even had a brief conversation.It was then he knew that this man before him was Thomas Caden.
After knowing of his identity, Winston immediately sent his men to investigate and learned of the Cadens’ infighting thirty years ago.However, to this day, he could not understand what Thomas was looking for.
"Are you trying to find a way to reach the ninth rank?"
He fixed his gaze on Thomas.
Thomas smiled without uttering a single word.
Then, he stood up and said, "The martial art conference is in two months and I hope I can see you there.After all, it’s not every day that you meet an eighth-rank martial artist.I hope you won't disappoint me."
He then left.иσνєℓєвσσк.¢σмHis speed was unbelievable.
In the blink of an eye, he was already at the foot of the mountain.
Winston, meanwhile, was wearing a grim expression.He did not know Thomas’ true strength.However, judging by how Thomas was able to infiltrate the Blithes’ mansion unnoticed twice, he surmised that Thomas’ strength was above his.He must be an eighth-rank martial artist.
As for how close Thomas was to the ninth rank, he was unsure.
Today, the Blithes invited martial artists from all across the world to gather at Mount Littleroot in an attempt to flaunt the family’s greatness.
They wanted the world to know that they were unafraid of the Cadens.
Although there was an unexpected incident along the way—whereby a mysterious elderly man appeared and beat Donovan Blithe to a pulp—the Blithes’ Grand Patriarch managed to steal the limelight by demonstrating the mighty power of an eighth -rank martial artist.
It stunned everyone.
Even though Donovan was defeated, the Blithes’ strength stunned the crowd.
To them, the Blithes were already the number one family of Sol.
After all, even in historical records, there was only a handful who reached the eighth rank.
Meanwhile, James, Maxine, and Thea had left.
The other martial artists remained at Mount Littleroot and began currying favor with the Blithes.
Even the Johnstons, Sullivans, and the Lees — families of the Ancient Four — demonstrated a gesture of goodwill.
They were willing to ally with the Blithes and crush the Cadens in the martial art conference that would take place a few months later.
The fact that the Blithes had an eighth rank martial artist was enough to earn the recognition of all martial artists.
Just as everyone was buttering up with the Blithes, James silently left.
After leaving Mount Littleroot, he called Maxine.
"Return to Cansington.I’ll be back soon."
As this was the Blithes’ territory, James did not dare rendezvous with Maxine and Thea here.
If they were spotted by the Blithes, things would become complicated.
Although he was unafraid, he had the safety of his loved ones to consider.
The Blithes were certainly capable and willing to resort to underhanded tactics.
"Alright."
Maxine nodded and hung up the phone.
Chapter 1022
Thea, who was disguised as Tobias, asked, "Was James the one who called?"
"Yup."
Maxine nodded and said, "James asked us to return to Cansington at once.He'll be there shortly.He must be worried that we might be seen by the Blithes, which would certainly complicate things."
"In that case, we should leave." Thea nodded.
"Alright."
They headed to the airport.
Meanwhile, James headed to the suburbs.
After finding a desolate place, he removed the human mask on his face.
Then, he took off his jacket and put on a vest before returning to the city.He bought a plane ticket to Cansington.
At the same time...
At the Cadens’ mansion in the Capital...
Tobias was sitting in a lotus position in a cultivation room in the courtyard.
A voice came from outside.
"Patriarch, there’s news from Mount Littleroot of the Western Border."
"Speak."
Sitting in a lotus position, Tobias opened his eyes.
"Maxine appeared at Mount Littleroot.However, someone impersonating you appeared and confronted Donovan Blithe.He even used the Thirteen Heavenly Swords.In the end, however, no fight broke out between them.An unknown elderly man then suddenly appeared and fought against Donovan.However, Donovan stood no chance against the old man and was forced to beg for the Blithes’ Grand Patriarch to save him.
"Then, the Blithes’ Grand Patriarch exuded a powerful aura that intimidated al] the martial artists who were present.He has now reached the eighth rank."
The man by the door narrated the chain of events.
"Someone impersonated me and tried to save James? A mysterious old man beat Donovan to a pulp? The Blithes now have an eighth- rank martial artist?" иσνєℓєвσσк.¢σмTobias’ expression was grim.
"Yes"
"I see...You’re dismissed."
"Understood."
The person by the door left.
Meanwhile, Tobias sat on the floor in a lotus position, pensive.
"Who was the one who impersonated me? There aren’t many in the household who cultivates the Thirteen Heavenly Swords.Who could it be?
"Who's the elderly man who fought against Donovan Blithe? "Is there really an eighth-rank martial artist in the Blithe family?"
Tobias murmured.He had underestimated the severity of the situation.
If the Blithes had an eighth-rank martial artist, the two would surely have a showdown at the martial art conference now that they had a falling out with the Cadens.
Thinking about this, Tobias took a deep breath.
"Bighth-rank...This is unbelievable...I have to tell grandfather about this."
Tobias got up, left the cultivation room, and headed deeper into the courtyard.
The Cadens’ mansion was huge, and there was a bamboo house in the deepest part of the courtyard.It was a restricted area of the Cadens’ mansion, where no disciples were allowed to enter.
Any trespassers would be severely punished.
Tobias walked over to the bamboo house and greeted respectfully, "Grandfather, I, Tobias, would like to have an audience with you."
Creak...
The door opened, and Tobias walked in.
The furnishings inside the bamboo house were simple.
There was only a single bed.
On the floor was an eighty-year-old-looking man.His hair was white, and his skin was shriveled.He was Tobias’ grandfather, Bennett Caden—the person with the highest status in the family.
Chapter 1023
Tobias walked in.He looked at an elderly man who was sitting in a lotus position on the floor and greeted him respectfully, "Grandfather."
The elderly man opened his eyes.
Nodding his head, he asked, "Is something the matter?"
"Grandfather, I just received news that the Blithe family now has an eighth-rank martial artist."
Faced with Bennett, the individual of the highest status in the family, Tobias spoke in a respectful tone despite being the patriarch.
"Oh?’ Bennett’s curiosity was piqued.
"Eighth-rank?"
Topbias continued, "Yes, my sources are accurate.The situation is becoming more and more disadvantageous to us.The other three families of the Ancient Four accused me of stealing their paintings.At the Mount Thunder conference, the Johnstons, Sullivans, and the Lees will surely confront the Cadens.Not only that, we’ve had a falling out with the Blithes.If the eighth-rank martial artist of the Blithes appears at Mount Thunder..."
Tobias fell silent.
There was no need to finish his sentence.
Bennett knew exactly where he was going.He stood up and walked out of the bamboo house.
Tobias followed close behind.
Outside, Bennett looked at the clear sky and murmured, "An eighth -rank martial artist...Who could it be?"
Though the Blithes had been keeping a low profile all this while, Bennett knew some insider information.He was even acquainted with some of the Blithes.
"Spencer Blithe?"
It had been five decades since he last walked around outside.It was eighty years ago when he got acquainted with Spencer.
Back then, he was only twenty years of age.
Since Spencer possessed tremendous potential, he had made a breakthrough into the fifth rank at a very young age.
"What should we do, Grandfather?" Tobias asked.
Bennett waved his head and said, "We still have two months left, don’t we? We’re in no hurry.It’s time for me to have a walk."
He stretched his arm.
"The ancient martial world of Sol has been peaceful for too long.Ever since the older generations passed away a hundred years ago, all great families and sects began keeping a low profile.There could be more highly skilled martial artists roaming about the country as we initially thought."
"Grandfather, have you reached the eighth rank?" Tobias probed.He was shocked by the fact that there was now an eighth-rank martial artist in the Blithe family.
If Bennett had yet to reach the eighth rank, the Cadens could face destruction.
"Ha!"
Bennett smiled and said, "Always remember that ranks aren’t accurate indicators of strength.The ranking system only represents the power of True Energy.I do not believe that an eighth -rank martial artist is invincible."
Bennett’s face was composed.
Upon hearing this, Tobias breathed a sigh of relief.
Even though his grandfather had yet to reach the eighth rank, he had perfected the Thirteen Heavenly Swords and successfully cultivated the Thirteenth Sword.
He might stand a chance against an eighth-rank martial artist.
"Alright now, you’re dismissed.When the time comes, I'll surely be there at Mount Thunder."
"Understood."
Tobias nodded and turned to leave.
"Wait..."
Bennett stopped him from leaving.
Tobias turned and asked respectfully, "Is there anything else, grandfather?"
"Are you really not the one behind the theft of the other three paintings?" Bennett looked at him.
Tobias shook his head, "That can not be, Grandfather.I’ve been in the household all this while.How am I supposed to steal their paintings?"
Bennett spoke in a low voice, "You're the most suspicious person as things stand because the Cadens have obtained the meridian diagram and solved the secret of the Moonlit Flowers on Cliffside’s Edge.They believe that we could not wait to solve the secrets of all four paintings."
Chapter 1024
"It really isn’t me, Grandfather.Besides, although the secret of the painting has been unraveled, I still don’t know how to cultivate it." Bennett nodded his head slightly.
"Yes, I had a look at it too.Indeed, it’s impossible to cultivate.Let’s not be too engrossed in deciphering the painting.Perhaps the Prince of Orchid Mountain was just trying to fool us all.With so many varieties of martial arts in the Caden family, each of them, when mastered, is extremely powerful-especially the Thirteen Heavenly Swords.If you can master the Thirteenth Sword, you'll be undefeatable."
"Understood." Tobias nodded.
"You’re dismissed."
Bennett waved his hand and returned to the bamboo house, slamming the door shut.Tobias stood at the doorstep, lost in contemplation.
"Did Grandfather manage to reach the eighth rank?" he murmured.
He knew that Bennett had reached the seventh rank decades ago.
Since he had been in closed-door meditation for so long, theoretically, he should have succeeded.
However, he was not too sure.
After all, reaching the eighth rank was no easy feat.
Throughout history, only a handful of people had accomplished such a feat.
As far as he knew, only the Sect Leader of the Mount Thunder Sect, the Great Grandmaster of the ancient martial world a hundred years ago, managed to accomplish such a feat.
However, in a battle against the Gu Sect, he was poisoned by Gu venom.
In an instant, his True Energy was completely drained and he perished there.иσνєℓєвσσк.¢σмHe put his thoughts aside.
All he could do now was to enter a closed-door meditation.He had to gain insight into the final two moves of the Thirteen Heavenly Sword with what limited time he had.
Thus, after reporting the incident to the Grand Patriarch of the Cadens, he entered a closed-door meditation.
Meanwhile, James had bought a plane ticket back to Cansington.
Maxine and Thea were already back.
They had returned to Cynthia’s place.
"Maxine, Thea, where’s James?"
The moment they opened the door, Cynthia began bombarding them with questions.
Thea replied, "He’s doing fine.He’s now on his way back."
She looked at the time.It was nine p.m.
After a brief moment, she continued, "He should be on the next plane.If everything goes according to plan, he’ll be back by eleven."
"Oh...What happened after you two went to the Western Border?" Cynthia asked.
Hearing this, Thea and Maxine looked at one another.
Up until now, they could not figure out how James escaped the Blithes’ captivity or how he managed to become so powerful in such a short amount of time that even the patriarch of the Blithes stood no chance against him.
If not for the Blithes’ Grand Patriarch's terrifying aura which intimidated James, Donovan would have died by his hand.
Maxine sat down and said, "Now, we can only wait for James to return."
"Mihm." Thea nodded.
With a slight smile on her face, Thea said, "Now that James has become so powerful, there’s no need for him to be fearful of anyone."
"How strong has he become?"
Cynthia was puzzled.She knew nothing about the events that unfolded at the Western Border.
Wearing a bright smile, Thea said, "He's so strong that not even the Blithes’ patriarch stands a chance against him."
Saying that, she looked at Maxine and asked, "Maxine, what rank do you think James is currently at?"
After thinking for a moment, Maxine said, "I heard from my grandpa that Donovan’s at the sixth rank.Since he managed to defeat him with ease, he should be above that."
"What? The sixth rank? B-But how?" Cynthia exclaimed.
Chapter 1025
Maxine shook her head slightly.
"I’m not sure either.That’s my opinion after watching his fight with Donovan.Only he has the answers." Thea smiled.
"We'll know once he gets back."
The three gathered and discussed the events that unfolded at the Western Border.
Soon, Quincy returned.
Though Quincy had her own place to stay, she was feeling bored alone.
Thus, she would normally go to Cynthia’s place after work.
After all, her villa was vast and spacious.
Quincy was fatigued after a whole day of work.
"you’re back.Where’s James though?"
Quincy walked over to them.
Then, tossing her handbag casually aside, she took a seat on the sofa.
Thea nodded.
"He’s safe now.He should be here soon."
"That’s great."
Quincy breathed a sigh of relief.
Then, she grumbled, "I'll make him treat me to a meal.For his company, I have been working day in and day out.I don’t even have time to eat.It’s nearly midnight and I haven’t eaten dinner yet.Do you have anything here that I can eat, Cynthia?"
"l order the kitchen to make you dinner."
Cynthia immediately stood up and ordered the chef to prepare a meal.
Thea asked, "How’s it going at the company?"
Quincy sighed.
"Things were going smoothly, but some smaller businesses seem to have second thoughts about the whole thing.Perhaps they were bribed or blackmailed by Centennial Corporation, which has begun picking up speed.Meanwhile, over here at Messiah, there isn’t any new medicine at the moment.We have to make haste and develop new medicine to make our presence known in the markets, or else we’ll forever be eclipsed by Centennial."
She was working hard, but fighting against Centennial had taken a toll on her.
"you’ve worked hard," Maxine consoled her.
"Things will get better.Hang in there for another two months.After the Mount Thunder conference, everything will change."
"Let’s hope I survive until then.I’m going to take a shower."
Quincy stood up and headed upstairs.
Thea sighed deeply.
Maxine asked, "What’s wrong, Thea? Why are you sighing?"
Thea said, "Quincy has really helped James out a lot.I, on the other hand, couldn’t do anything to help.Not only that, I’ve been making trouble for him.I’m so useless."
"Don’t say that."
Maxine grabbed Thea’s hand and said, "You’ve done a great job."
Cynthia looked at both of them.иσνєℓєвσσк.¢σмTheir relationship was complicated.
At times, they were rivals, but now, they were getting along well.She felt the urge to say nothing.
However, she chose to remain silent.
After showering, Quincy went downstairs.
Without a care, she gobbled up the food that the chef had made.
At that moment, the doorbell rang.
Through the surveillance camera, they knew it was James.
Cynthia pressed a button on a controller, and the door of the villa opened.
James walked in.
The moment he entered the villa, everyone stood up and stared at him.
James froze.
Then, he asked in puzzlement, "What? Is there something on my face? Why are you all looking at me like this?"
He walked over to them and sat on the sofa while murmuring.
Maxine asked, "Tell us what happened, James.How did you manage to become so strong in just a few short days? Not even Donovan stood a chance against you.Besides, how do you know the Blithe Fist of Abomination?"
Even now, James was still somewhat in a daze.
"I was fortunate, I guess.While I was imprisoned in the Blithes’ dungeon, I came across the Grand Patriarch of the Blithes who was tied up in chains.He’s a peak seventh-rank martial artist.As he was nearing the end of his life, he imparted all his True Energy to me."
James narrated the chain of events.
Upon hearing this, everyone was dumbfounded.
Chapter 1026
No way.
They could not believe James’ luck.
Maxine said with an envious look on her face, "You're certainly lucky, James.However, you only managed to withstand the potent True Energy because you opened up your meridians in advance."
James asked, "By the way, why didn’t Tobias show himself? What happened?"
Hearing this, Maxine fell silent.She had been left to her own fate.
Between her and the Cadens’ best interests, Tobias had chosen the latter.
"Grandpa had no choice." She sighed.
"As the patriarch of the family, he can’t put the family in harm’s way just because of a single individual.If I was in his position, I would have done the same thing."
Though Tobias had abandoned her, she chose to stand on his side.
Originally, she went to the Western Border prepared to die.иσνєℓєвσσк.¢σмThe fact that she survived was already a miracle.
"So, what do you plan to do next?" James asked.
Maxine shook her head.She had no idea and had not thought of returning the moment she left the Cadens’ mansion.
Now, she was lost.She did not know whether she should return to the household.
"James, you have to create some kind of formula as soon as possible," Quincy interrupted their conversation and said.
"Centennial Corporation is introducing new medicine at a rapid pace.Messiah can't catch up.We’re currently in a difficult position."
"Alright, I will." James nodded.
Maxine looked at James and asked, "What do you plan to do next?"
Wearing a surly expression, James said, "I believe it’s time for us to go on the offensive.Now, Madelyn is in charge of Centennial.She must be implementing the plan to develop Gu venom.We have to stop her.Besides, it’s time for us to meet Mr.Gabriel."
All this while, Mr.Gabriel was the one pulling the strings behind the scenes.However, James did not even know what he looked like.Now that his strength was greatly boosted, he was unafraid.He had to annihilate these pests one by one.
"I will execute Mr.Gabriel with the Blade of Justice."
Upon hearing this, Maxine could feel a shiver down her spine.She hurriedly reminded James, "Don’t act recklessly, James.The King would have killed him long ago if he could.I think you should consult the King before making a move.The situation is extremely chaotic now and I’m worried it would only add fuel to the fire."
"I don’t care.These traitors of Sol have to die.If they are above the law, I'll simply take things to my hand."
James was domineering.
All this while, he had been humiliated and trampled on.
Now that he had gained incredible strength, he was unafraid.
Whether it be Madelyn or Mr.Gabriel, he could not care less.He would simply kill them all.
Maxine reminded him, "There’s no need to rush things.I think that your primary objective should be to boost your strength further for the Mount Thunder conference.If you're able to become the Great Grandmaster, all martial artists will obey your every command.By then, you can change the power dynamics with ease.By the way..."
She looked at James and asked, "Are you able to do True Energy Materialization now?"
James froze.
Then, he asked, "What’s that?"
Maxine explained, "True Energy Materialization is an indicator of reaching the sixth rank.As the name suggests, True Energy Materialization transforms True Energy into something visible."
Chapter 1027
Maxine briefly introduced the concept of True Energy Materialization to James.
True Energy Materialization was the process of releasing True Energy, controlling it, and modifying it into any shape.
"Try it out, James."
Maxine did not know what rank James currently was, nor did James himself.
That was because no one had explained to him the differences between ranks.He only knew that by opening up his meridians, he had made a breakthrough into the fifth rank.
James catalyzed True Energy.
The energy flowed through the meridians in his arm and gathered in his palm.
Then, white light glowed from it, but the light dissipated almost immediately.
"What the hell?"
James was puzzled.
Maxine explained, "James, you should currently be at peak fifth rank.
You’re just a step away from reaching the sixth rank.
However, judging by the potency of your True Energy, I believe it’s only a matter of time.
Meanwhile, during your battle with Donovan, you only managed to defeat him because of the potency of your True Energy, which even exceeded that of a sixth-rank martial artist, and the support of the Invincible Body Siddhi."
"I see...I’m only at peak fifth rank."
James was disappointed.
Though he absorbed the True Energy of a peak seventh-rank martial artist, he had only reached peak fifth-rank.
James’ expression made Maxine laugh.
"Be content with what you have, James.Throughout history, you're perhaps the only one to have reached such a rank at your age.Besides, you haven’t completely absorbed True Energy yet.I could see some residue in your limbs.Again, as I said, it’s only a matter of time before you reach the sixth rank.Two months is all you need."
Upon hearing this, a grin crept up on James’ face.
Maxine continued, "Your True Energy is now strong enough.Next, you'll have to focus on martial arts.The Blithes Fist of Abomination is extremely powerful.Even grandpa is fearful of it.In fact, he had two objectives in mind when he decided to marry me off to the Blithes: One, Enter into an alliance with the Blithes.Two: Steal the Blithes Fist of Abomination.You have to work hard from now on."
"Indeed." James nodded.
He knew the power of the Blithes Fist of Abomination.
If he could master the Tenth Fist, he would be undefeatable.
Cynthia sighed and said enviously, "You guys have managed to cultivate true Energy, but look at me! I can’t cultivate it no matter how hard I try.I’m so useless."
Maxine consoled her, "There’s no need to rush things.It won’t be easy cultivating True Energy.After all, there would be grandmasters everywhere if things were that simple.You have an aptitude for cultivating, so I believe you can do it if you try hard enough.Once you manage to cultivate True Energy, you can cultivate the Moonlit Flowers on Cliffsides’ Edge alongside James."Speaking of which, Maxine looked at James and asked, "Have you eaten the Sacred Fire Fig?"
James shook his head.
"Not yet."
Maxine said, "You should eat it as soon as possible.Your True Energy is now strong enough.If you can convert them to True Yang Energy, the power of the Blithes Fist of Abomination will be greatly boosted."
"Mhm." James nodded.
Quincy who had been listening intently to the conversation yawned.She was not interested in martial arts at all.She stood up and said, "I’m tired after working for a whole day.I still have another day of work at the company tomorrow."
She stood up and headed upstairs.
"I’m tired too.I’m going back to my room.You guys go on."
Cynthia stood up and headed upstairs too.
Soon, only Maxine, Thea, and James remained.
Cough! Cough! Maxine suddenly coughed.She covered her mouth but vomited a mouthful of blood, which stained her palms.
"Are you alright?" Thea asked.
Chapter 1028
James asked, "Are you alright? Do you need me to take your pulse?"
Maxine waved her hand and said, "No need, I’m fine.I only need a few days to rest up."
She looked at James and spoke in a gentle tone, "James, I plan to return to the Capital."
"The Capital?" James frowned.
"Tobias has already given up on you.You were lucky to survive this.If I hadn’t received the inheritance of the Blithes’ Grand Patriarch, you would have been dead at Mount Littleroot.And you..."
He turned to Thea and rebuked her, "Why did you act so recklessly? That’s the patriarch of the Blithes we’re talking about! He’s a sixth-rank martial artist.He could have easily killed you."
"I-I was worried about you.It’s also partly your fault for not telling us that you escaped.I was worried sick, you know!"
"I was curious to see if Tobias would come to my rescue.I also wanted to see what the Blithes were up to."
"Stop right there, you two."
Maxine interrupted their conversation and said, "James, Thea was really worried about you.For your sake, she did her best to practice martial arts.She even managed to learn the basics of the Thirteen Heavenly Swords.We planned to use the sword art to intimidate Donovan.We never thought that he would be unafraid.Thankfully, you intervened in time, or else..."
Maxine shuddered at the thought.
James glanced at Thea and said, "Thanks."
Thea was jubilant upon hearing James’ words of gratitude.
Grabbing James’ hand, she said with a determined face, "I’m willing to do anything for you."
Maxine had the good sense to stand up and say, "I’m heading back to my room.I’ll be returning to the Capital tomorrow morning."
After she left, only James and Thea remained in the living room.
James leaned on the sofa.
"Darling, when will we remarry?"
James glanced at the woman beside him.
Thea had undergone drastic changes.She was willing to endure hardships for his sake.
"Not now...After everything is over, we'll both retire and lead an easy life," James said in a soft voice.
He had thought about it.
After everything was settled and the new King was coronated, he would retire alongside Thea.
As for Quincy and Tiara...
He sighed.It seemed he would be disappointing them.
"By the way, where’s Tiara?"
James realized that he had not seen Tiara anywhere.
Thea said, "Something happened in her household.She returned to the Capital a few days ago."
"Oh, what happened?" James froze.
Thea shook her head.
"Something about her grandmother’s life hanging by a thread.After receiving news of it, she hurriedly returned.By the way, you should go visit the Youngbloods.You're a genius doctor, after all, not to mention that you have Crucifier.As long as her grandmother is still alive, you should be able to save her life."
She sighed, "What a pitiful girl she is.Though she’s only twenty- years-old, she..."
Thea glanced at James.
All this while, she had been trying to think from James’ perspective.She wanted James to be hers.
However, she did not wish to let Tiara down too.
"James, I know you're in a bind right now.However, love is inherently selfish.I can not compromise.If I do, I'll be the heartbroken one.I can only hold onto you tight so that you’ll never slip away.I don’t care about the outcome.At least I know I tried."
Hearing this, James realized that Thea had grown, but he was ina bind regarding his relationship.He rubbed his temples.
Thea hurriedly said, "I’m sorry to impose this on you."
James waved his hand slightly and said, "No need to apologize.In fact, I should be the one saying sorry."
Chapter 1029
"It’s my fault."
Thea hurriedly said, "If I didn’t mistreat you from the very beginning, Quincy wouldn’t have seized the opportunity and followed you to the Southern Plains to take care of you when you were injured.She wouldn’t have entered your heart in the first place.It was my fault.I failed as a wife."
Thea blamed herself.She could not see James’ care and concern for her.
Sometimes, one did not know what they had until they lost it.
"Darling, I’m not trying to blame you.At that time, she took care of you without asking for anything in return.If it was me, I would have fallen for her too.However, you rejected her advances because you still have me in your heart.So, I kept lending you my aid in the hopes that you would return to me."
Thea was getting agitated.
James said softly, "Let’s leave this for some other day.It’s getting late and we should sleep.Tomorrow morning, I'll return to the Capital with Maxine.I'll try asking the King about Mr.Gabriel and visit Tiara while I’m at it."
"Mhm."
Thea nodded.
The two headed upstairs.
James wanted to sleep alone.
However, Thea was persistent, so he relented.
In the room...
James was sitting in front of the desk.He was reading about Star Energy and the Invincible Body Siddhi in Medical Book Volume Two.
After she finished showering, Thea walked out of the bathroom draped in a towel.She hugged James from behind and buried her head in his arms.
Then, she reached into the collar of his shirt and caressed his chest.
"Darling, we’ve been married for so long.Let’s make this relationship ‘official’, shall we?"
Thea gave James a flirtatious smile.She was ready to give herself to him.
Besides, James was wavering.She had to do something to make James hers.
James was a man, after all.
Unable to bear Thea’s teasing, he put his book aside and said, "Give me some time, Thea."
"No "
Thea catalyzed True Energy and hugged James tightly.Then, she lifted him and threw him onto the bed.
At that moment, the towel which covered her body fell to the ground, exposing her fair and delicate skin and her curvaceous figure.
James had let his guard down.He leaped and landed on the floor steadily.
"Thea..."
Before he could speak, Thea pounced on him and threw him onto the bed.Then, their lips met, soft and moist.
With Thea’s body pressed against him, James lost control.
At that moment, all he could think about was Thea’s beautiful body.He hugged Thea and returned the kiss.
The commotion woke up Quincy, who was next door.
Hearing the commotion, Quincy got up and furrowed her eyebrows.
"What the hell? Can’t I even get some sleep?"
She pulled the blanket and tried to cover her ears.
Although the sounds were no longer audible, she could not get James out of her head.
Then, tears flowed down her cheeks.She knew she had lost against Thea.
"How foolish of you, Quincy..."
She sobbed.
All this while, she had dedicated herself to James.
However, in the end, he returned to Thea’s embrace.Her hard work was for naught.
Chapter 1030
Quincy burst into tears.
However, unwilling to let the others hear, she buried herself under the blanket.
On the balcony of another room...
Wearing a thin set of pajamas, Maxine was staring at the pitch- black sky, daydreaming.
Although there was another room between hers and James’, she could hear the commotion in his room.
After all, a martial artist like her possessed good hearing skills.Her expression was calm.
In fact, there was even a slight hint of relief.
Pensive, she stood on the balcony and stared at the sky.
The night passed silently.It was an eventful night for many.
James, on the other hand, slept soundly.
By the time he woke up, it was already morning.
Thea was still sleeping.
Looking at the woman laying beside him, a smile crept up on James’ face.
Though he carefully tried to get up, he still woke Thea up.
"You’re awake, Darling." Thea opened her eyes.
"Mhm." James said as he was getting dressed, "I have to return to the Capital as soon as possible and ask the King about Mr.Gabriel’s background.Otherwise, I’ll still be in a precarious position."
Thea pulled the blanket and covered her naked body.
Pointing at her undergarments on the floor, she blushed.
"P-Pick it up for me."
Powerful energy gathered at James’ palm and a gust of wind swirled the undergarments into the air.
Then, it flew toward Thea.
Thea caught the undergarments and wore them.
The two headed downstairs.
Quincy was already done getting dressed.She was in professional attire, wearing a black skirt with her hair tied up in a ponytail and looking very energetic.
Upon noticing James and Thea, she momentarily froze before greeting them, "James, Thea, I’m heading to the company now."
Then, before they could react, she simply left.
James frowned and murmured, "Something’s not quite right with Quincy."
Thea shrugged.
Last night, she purposely moaned as loud as she could so that Quincy could hear the commotion.
She wanted to proclaim to Quincy that James is hers.
Though she knew that she would be heartbroken, she had no other choice.
"Maybe she’s busy with work," she said.
"James..."
At that moment, Maxine walked down the stairs and said, "I have booked a flight ticket to the Capital, at 10 in the morning."
James turned to look at Maxine and said, "We'll go together.Coincidentally, I’m going to the Capital too.I’m visiting the King to get information about Mr.Gabriel.Besides, Thea said that Tiara’s grandmother is gravely ill, so I’ll see what I can do to help."
Maxine looked at Thea, who was holding James’ arm, and nodded.
"Mhm."
"Darling, I’m going to take the opportunity and return to the military region.The special training is really useful."
"Sure."
James nodded.
Then, after greeting Cynthia, he left with Maxine for the airport.
On the way to the airport, James bought the same flight ticket as Maxine.
At the departure lounge...
Maxine said with a coy smile, "Congratulations, James."
"Huh? What for?" James froze.
"For your relationship with Thea, of course." Maxine smiled.
"Thea’s a pretty nice girl, not to mention that she’s simply drop- dead gorgeous.She’s worthy of the Dragon King."
Upon hearing this, James blushed.
"Ahem! We’re now boarding."
Maxine stood up and headed toward the queue.
James followed close behind.
Then, they boarded the plane to the Capital.