Ch. 1081..1090

Chapter 1081

The Ancient Four had participated in the battle a hundred years ago.

After the victory, they also joined the fight against the Gu Sect.

After both battles, they stopped interfering with the world’s affairs.

The King of Sol could not control these four families nor restrain them.

Despite that, the three families of the Ancient Four wanted to inform him that they wanted to deal with James.

After their discussion, the three heads decided to meet the King together.

Otherwise, one person alone might not be enough to convince him.

Soon, they arrived at Heavenly Palace.

However, the King was in a meeting and not around.

The three of them stayed and waited patiently.

After the King learned that the three family heads had come to visit him, he hurried back after his meeting.

The King walked into Heavenly Palace’s living room, took off his coat, and casually threw it to Gloom behind him.

He approached the three family heads and said with a smile, "What’s the matter today? This is the first time the heads of the Johnstons, Sullivans, and Lees have personally come to visit me."

Hades went straight to the point.

"We've come to inform you that our three families have decided to lay our hands on James in three days."

The King’s face immediately darkened.

However, he had been in power for so long and had dealt with countless powerful people.

He quickly recovered and looked at the three heads, saying calmly, "The Ancient Four have never interfered with political affairs.James is the Dragon King and Commander of the Red Flame Army.By touching James, does this mean that your families plan to involve yourselves in politics? This will mean violating the agreement made a hundred years ago, which also means I’m allowed to take action against your families?"

Although the King maintained a calm tone, it was full of threats.иσνєℓєвσσк.¢σмZaiden of the Sullivans replied coldly, "It’s not that we want to involve ourselves in politics.This is simply a grudge between the Ancient Four and a coincidence that James holds important positions.Thus, we came to inform you about it."

Hades nodded and continued, "The Cadens have stolen our families ’ treasure paintings.James practiced the cultivation method hidden in them, allowing his strength to grow by leaps and bounds ina short period.He’ll be coming after us next to get rid of the Cadens’ hurdles.We can’t sit still] and do nothing."

"He won't.James will never take action against your families.I can guarantee this," the King reassured them.

"Your assurance means nothing to us.This is related to the survival of our families.We must take action against James.We'll capture him and force him to tell us about the secret in the four paintings," Zaiden said firmly.

The three heads did not bother saying anything more to the King and left after informing him.

The King leaned on the sofa and gently massaged his temples.

"Gloom, what do you think?"

Standing behind him, Gloom replied, "Isn't this what you wished to see happen? The Ancient Four are the strongest in the ancient martial world.However, they’ve never participated in political affairs.You trained James to kill the Emperor to make the Ancient Four fight against each other, right?"

The King parted his lips and said, "That was the case, but compared to dealing with the Ancient Four, I would prefer for James to kill Mr.Gabriel so the people behind him would finally reveal themselves.Throughout the years, I’ve been unable to find out who else is supporting Mr.Gabriel.Plus, this isn’t a fight between the Ancient Four.It’s a three versus four."

The King’s face filled with worry.

James was crucial, and he did not want anything to happen to James yet.

Gloom fell silent.

"By the way, do you also think James’ strength grew rapidly because he practiced the cultivation method in the Four Great Paintings?"

Gloom thought for a while and said, "Other than that, I can’t think of another way he could become overpowering in such a short time."

"Alright.You’re dismissed."

The King waved his hand.

"Understood."

Gloom turned and left.

Afterward, the King took out his phone and made a call.

Soon, a person showed up before him.

The person was elderly, seemingly in his eighties, and was dressed in a frock coat.

Despite his age, he had an incredibly energetic appearance.

Chapter 1082

"Mr.Lee, the head of the Johnstons, Sullivans, and Lees have personally visited today, saying they’re planning to deal with James in three days."

"mMhm."

Mr.Lee nodded.

The King said, "James was planning to kill Mr.Gabriel.Logically speaking, Mr.Gabriel wasn’t supposed to pay much attention to James.However, James’ strength was exposed.How did it get exposed? I’m sure someone must've told Mr.Gabriel, causing him to have his guard up.Thus, he approached the three families’ heads to unite and eliminate James."

Mr.Lee replied, "That makes sense.Do you think we should save him or not?"

The King said, "The plan was to let the Ancient Four fight among themselves and exhaust them to give us an opening to get them all simultaneously.Now seems to be a good chance.My guess is that Tobias will step forward to protect James.

After all, James is no longer the person he was a month ago.

"As for Mr.Gabriel, we never planned to get rid of him so soon.However, James proposed to do it.I think we should let the three families take action.James caused Donovan to vomit blood at Mount Littleroot and even used the Blithe Fist of Abomination as well as another unknown martial technique.The three families aren’t going to have it easy against him.

"Besides, I could also inform Tobias, and if he decides to take action, the three families aren’t going to reap any benefits,"The King spoke his mind.Mr.Lee thought for a moment, nodded, and said, "That'll do.We'll do as you suggest.Let’s see if the people behind Mr.Gabriel will expose themselves to stop the Ancient Four from fighting among themselves before the Mount Thunder Conference.If that happens, we’ll have to be cautious about the conference and not let an outsider snatch the title of the Great Grandmaster.We’ll have to ensure that we get it, and if necessary..."

Mr.Lee’s face darkened with a hint of murderous intent.

"As a precaution, send some people to secretly plant explosives in advance.If things get out of control, we’ll blow up Mount Thunder and kill all the ancient martial artists there."

"About that..."

The King was shocked.

Blow up Mount Thunder?

"Mr.Lee, without these ancient martial artists in Sol, chaos will break loose.Many countries also have countless powerhouses."

Mr.Lee waved his hand and said, "Don’t worry.иσνєℓєвσσк.¢σмWe're in a high- tech era, and personal strength is no longer useful."

The King nodded and said, "I'll get Gloom to personally cooperate with the Mount Thunder Sect to deal with this matter secretly."

"You can’t contact the Mount Thunder Sect.A hundred years ago, their Great Grandmaster died in the battle.They're already dissatisfied and aren’t reliable since others could bribe them.This has to be done quietly without any outsiders knowing about it."

"Understood."

The King nodded.

Mr.Lee did not say much more and left after giving orders.

The King leaned back into the sofa.

Blow up Mount Thunder? He had never thought about doing such a thing before.

To him, the ancient martial artists were Sol’s treasure and weapon against powerful enemies.It would be a mess if they were all dead.

However, he understood that it was necessary to be ruthless and sacrifice people to achieve great things.

Plus, ancient martial artists should not even exist anymore in this era.

"Gloom," the King shouted.

After a while, Gloom walked in and said respectfully, "King."

The King explained the plan of burying explosives in Mount Thunder.

"What?"

Gloom’s expression changed immediately.

The King said, "It’s just in case.It won't be necessary if we win the position of the Great Grandmaster.Proceed with it but be careful not to let word get out."

Chapter 1083

Although the King knew the three families were planning to attack James during his succession ceremony, he did not warn him.

However, he intended to inform Tobias.

Yet, he did not plan to relay the message immediately.

Instead, he would wait three days to notify Tobias so that he would not have enough time to think and would be forced to make a decision.

No matter the Ancient Four’s battle outcome, it would benefit him anyway.

James slept in the Emperor’s Mansion and did not get up until the afternoon.He woke up, walked out of the room, and headed to the yard.

Immediately, he noticed an unfamiliar, innocent-looking woman about twenty-years-old that was dressed casually in the yard.

She held a broom in her hand and was sweeping the fallen leaves on the ground.

After seeing her, he suddenly remembered he had promised to allow a young woman from one of the wealthy families to sweep his mansion.

He had allowed the woman to work in the mansion to build a good relationship with these families and stabilize his networks.

While in the Southern Plains, he always did as he pleased and never thought about this.

After staying in Cansington for some time, he understood the importance of building relationships.

Although he was the Emperor and the object of everyone's fawning, they would immediately sever ties with him once he was no longer the commander.

However, making friends with the wealthy would be beneficial.

Seeing James walk out, Lisa stopped and looked at James with unconcealable excitement.

Thea quickly walked over, pulled James over, and asked jealously, "What’s going on, James?"

She looked at Lisa, holding a broom about ten meters away, looking at James excitedly.

James regained his senses and replied with a smile, "In such a huge mansion, there must be someone to sweep the place, right? How am I supposed to do it myself?"

"Are you tempted because she’s pretty?"иσνєℓєвσσк.¢σмThea asked jealously.

"Of course not.You’re overthinking it.Am I that kind of man?"

James replied awkwardly.

"That’s hard to say."

A voice sounded from behind them.

Maxine walked over to them with a smile.

"A man will pick up bad habits once in power.Plus, it’s not a big deal anyway.You’re the Dragon King and Emperor.It’s normal that you’ve got a lot of women around you."

James was speechless and quickly changed the subject.

He asked, "What’s the situation in the Capital today?"

Maxine replied, "What else could’ve happened? Everyone's talking about your succession ceremony.All influential families are running around to get an invitation.They’re either using money or connections, exhausting all the means to obtain one."

James touched his nose and said, "This is a good chance to make a fortune.How much do you think I can make if I sell invitations?"

"Don’t even think about it.Have you forgotten how you were tried in public court last time?" asked Thea.

James replied, smiling, "Don’t forget I used such means to get the ten billion I gave you."

Maxine noticed Thea’s strange expression when James mentioned the topic and teased, "Yeah, I remember James said that he would’ve repaid you after giving you the ten billion dollars."

James looked at Maxine and asked, "Did you investigate me?"

"I didn’t have to.Everyone in Cansington knows about this."

James did not say anything more and changed the subject again.

"Thea, how has practicing Heavenly Breath been going?"

Thea finally recollected herself and replied, "Good.I’ve already familiarized myself with circulating my energy."

"Not bad.You should keep practicing.I also have to use these few days to practice Heavenly Breathe and the Blithe Fist of Abomination."

Maxine also advised, "You should hurry up and absorb the Sacred Fire Figs.It’s been over a month, and the energy within it will dissipate if you don’t absorb it.I’ve already asked Cynthia to send it, and it should arrive soon."

James would have forgotten about it if Maxine had not brought it up.

Chapter 1084

Thomas was the one that founded the Sacred Fire Figs.

After absorbing and refining it, one’s True Energy could be converted into True Yang Energy, which was the key to the cultivation method on the Moonlit Flowers on Cliffside's Edge.

However, he had been too busy to refine it.

He nodded and said, "Alright."

James waited in the Emperor’s Mansion for it to arrive.

Before sunset, the Sacred Fire Figs had arrived.

James looked at the red fruits inside a room in the Emperor’s Mansion and asked, "How do I absorb them, Maxine?"

Maxine replied, "Just eat it directly and circulate your energy to absorb the energy within it.Your True Energy will slowly transform afterward.These few fruits are enough to transform your True Energy."

James picked one up and put it in his mouth.

The fruit looked ordinary, but it felt like fire bursting within his mouth upon biting it.

James endured the heat and swallowed it.He felt a hot surge of energy spreading from his throat throughout his body.

James quickly performed Heavenly Breath to absorb the heat.

At that moment, he could feel his True Energy gradually heating up.

James exclaimed, "Amazing.I never thought there would be such a miraculous fruit in the world.If ordinary people ate it by mistake, their internal organs would be burned, causing them to die quickly."

"Concentrate on absorbing it,"

Maxine quickly reminded him.She turned to Thea and said, "We should leave and let James practice at ease.We can’t distract him.It'll be troublesome if he suffers Energy Deviation."

Thea nodded, stood up, and left.

James focused on converting his True Energy for the next two days.

In the past two days, news about the Emperor's succession ceremony had spread throughout the Capital and the nation.

Countless business figures from other provinces also rushed to the Capital, trying to acquire an invitation.

Three days passed in the blink of an eye.

Countless people were gathered outside the Red Flame Army’s base, the military region of the Capital.

Most of these people were influential people from the Capital or other provinces.иσνєℓєвσσк.¢σмIt took a lot of effort for them to acquire invitations.

The crowd waited patiently.

Meanwhile, in the Emperor's Mansion, Maxine walked to the room where James was meditating in seclusion.

As soon as she opened the door, she felt a heat wave rushing toward her face, causing her to sweat.She looked into the room and saw James floating a meter above the ground in a lotus position.

His body radiated a terrifying aura, and the temperature in the room was so high that even a grandmaster of the second rank like Maxine could not bear it.

"What terrifying True Energy."

James had also absorbed the residual True Energy while absorbing the Sacred Fire Fig.It was possible that he was about to enter the seventh rank.

“James, time’s up.Today’s the day of your succession ceremony as the Emperor."

Maxine called out for James.

Hearing her voice, James retracted his energy and landed on the floor steadily.He stretched his body and murmured, "Is this True Yang Energy?"

James could clearly sense the changes in his True Energy.It was purer, stronger, and more domineering.He was much stronger than before.

Chapter 1085

The temperature in the room gradually dropped after James restrained his energy.

Maxine felt much better and walked over, saying, "James, your True Energy has become much stronger now."

James nodded.

"Well, it’s indeed a little stronger.By the way, what time is it right now?"

Maxine said, "Seven in the morning."

"Then, I must rush to the military region as soon as possible."

James walked out of the room.

In the yard, Thea was still cultivating.иσνєℓєвσσк.¢σмShe had been working very hard for the past two days.

Apart from eating and sleeping, she was cultivating.

When James came out, she stopped and walked toward him.She looked at James pleadingly and said, "Honey, can I come with you?"

"It’s best you don’t.Those in attendance are from the military, government, and business circles.Why would a woman like you go to such a place? You should stay at home in peace.I'll be back soon." James refused.

"Fine."

Thea looked disappointed.

James turned around and left.

Outside the Emperor’s Mansion, a military vehicle was waiting for James.

James walked out, and the soldiers at the door immediately saluted him uniformly.

James got into the military vehicle.

The military vehicle quickly set off and rushed to the Red Flame Army base.

Meanwhile, the Johnstons' yard was filled with people, including the head of the Johnstons, the head of the Sullivans, and the head of the Lees, Hades, Zaiden, and Yasmine.

Additionally, some martial artists from the three respective families were also present.

Yasmine said worriedly, "James’ succession ceremony is being held at the Red Flame Army base.

There will be many important people attending today.

Most of them are people with reputations in the Capital, and even the King will be there.

The security is going to be incredibly strict.

Plus, the Red Flame Army base is heavily guarded with potent weapons.If a conflict were to break out and James gave an order, it wouldn’t be easy for us to escape unharmed."

Hades waved his hand and said, "You worry too much, Yasmine.Our target is James.The Red Flame Army will not act rashly, and James won’t allow them to act recklessly either."

Zaiden said, "That’s true.There are countless important people present.If a conflict breaks out and people die during the ceremony, James will not be able to bear the responsibility.Thus, he will have no choice but to follow us obediently."

With that said, Yasmine was relieved.Hades stood up and ordered, "Hear my command.We’re departing now!"

"Yes, Sir!"

Hundreds of martial artists replied in unison, causing a deafening sound wave.The martial artists of the three families departed mightily to the Red Flame Army base.

While the three families departed to the Red Flame Army base, the King also departed from Peace Mansion.

After walking out of Peace Mansion, he whispered to one of the guards behind him.

"Understood."

The guard nodded and left.He quickly went to the Cadens’ mansion to meet Tobias.

Inside the reception hall of the Cadens’ mansion, Tobias sat and looked at the guard with a frown.He asked, "What are you here to see me for?"

The guard replied respectfully, "Mr.Tobias, The King has instructed me to inform you that he’s received information that the Johnstons, Sullivans, and Lees are taking action against James during his succession ceremony today.They learned about James practicing the cultivation method in the Four Great Paintings, allowing his strength to improve by leaps and bounds.They plan to capture and interrogate James about the four paintings’ secrets."

After the guard relayed the message, he turned around and left without waiting for a reply from Tobias.

Tobias' face immediately darkened.He slammed the table and broke it into pieces.

Chapter 1086

"The Johnstons, Sullivans, and Lees? They have death wishes!"

With a grim face, Tobias roared furiously.He stood up angrily but then quickly sat down again.

Tobias knew he could not act impulsively.

James was overpowering and the strongest among the Cadens’ youngsters.

There was a possibility he would surpass Tobias in a few more years.

Despite his promising future, Tobias had no confidence in saving James from the three families.

If he were to stand up for him now, the Ancien Four would fight to the death.

Tobias hurried to the backyard.

Tobias stood outside the wooden house and shouted, "Grandpa, it’s me, Tobias.I wish to see you right now."

Creak! The wooden house door opened.

An old man that radiated an unearthly aura walked out with his hands behind his back.

He looked at Tobias and asked, "You look flustered.Did something happen?"

"James was appointed the Emperor, and the succession ceremony will be held today.However, I got the news that the Johnstons, Sullivans, and Lees think that James stole the Four Great Paintings, which is why his strength improved so rapidly.They plan to capture him in the Red Flame Army base to interrogate him about the paintings’ secrets."

Tobias explained the situation.иσνєℓєвσσк.¢σмHe was unsure of what to do, so he sought Bennett’s advice.

Bennett frowned and said, "What are the other three families trying to do? Do they really think the Cadens stole their family paintings?"

"Grandpa..."

Tobias hesitated to speak.

Bennett scolded, "Don’t hesitate and say whatever you need to."

"Yes, Grandpa!"

Tobias shared his suspicion.

"Is it possible that Thomas stole the three paintings and taught James the cultivation method recorded on the four paintings?"

"Nonsense.How is that possible?" Bennett replied coldly.

"Then, how did James become so powerful in such a short time? I've always suspected that Thomas is still alive and must’ve stolen the other three family’s paintings.He wants to frame our family to take revenge on us for expelling him thirty years ago and also for the accident that caused his family to be burned to death in Cansington."

Bennett denied the thought.

"If I say it’s not, then it’s not."

"I-I must be worrying too much.What should we do now, Grandpa? Should we save James or not? If we don’t save him, our family will lose a powerhouse.If we save him, we’ll have to fight the three other families till the end.It’s not even the Mount Thunder Conference yet."Bennett also fell into thought.

The other three families were on par with the Cadens, so their strength was unquestionable.

There were also a few Grand Patriarchs in the other three families.

If he were to interfere, the others would join in the fight.

As a result, they would reach a point of no return.

However, James was a good seedling, and Bennett did not want to watch James fall into the hands of the other families.

Bennett was also worried.

After a while, he asked, "Who are the people trying to capture James?"

Tobias shook his head and said, "I don’t know yet.The King’s guard came to inform me about it.I couldn’t decide on my own whether the Cadens should engage in a fight with the other three families."

Bennett sighed and said, "No matter who’s the thief that stole the paintings, we won't be able to explain ourselves anymore.Even if we don’t fight with them now, we will still fight to the death in the Mount Thunder Conference.That kid, James, learns very fast.He’s the future of the Cadens, and we have to save him no matter what."

"Alright.I understand."

Tobias nodded.

Bennett ordered, "Head to the Red Flame Army base immediately and observe things in secret.Don’t make a move unless you absolutely have to.Against any one of the families alone, we'll have absolute victory.However, we'll have no chance if we fight against the three of them simultaneously."

"Okay, I understand."

Tobias did not linger much longer and quickly turned to leave.иσνєℓєвσσк.¢σмBennett, who was left behind, raised his head and looked at the sky with great sadness.

"I’m afraid the Capital is about to undergo a reshuffle."

He turned around and went back into the wooden house.

The Mount Thunder Conference was less than a month away.

He could care less about worldly affairs, but he must interfere this time.

Otherwise, the Cadens would be destroyed.

Once he appeared, the other three Grand Patriarchs would definitely show up too.

He had no confidence in winning a one-on- three battle and would need to reach the eighth rank in less than a month.

Chapter 1087 The three of the Ancient Four were charging toward the Capital.

Meanwhile, James had arrived at the Red Flame Army base in a military vehicle.

A woman in a military uniform walked toward his office in the military region, holding a set of military uniform in her hands.

The threading sound of her leather shoes touching the ground sounded.

She stood two meters away from James and shouted, "Captain of the Wold Vanguard Team, greeting the Emperor! Please change into your uniform."

James was deep in thought while sitting in his office chair when the voice interrupted his thoughts.He raised his head and saw the captain of the Wolf Vanguard Team.

James knew about the Wolf Vanguard Team.

They were a small special unit within the Red Flame Army with about three hundred soldiers.

Despite the lack of numbers, they were all great soldiers with strong combat capabilities and had been on countless dangerous missions.

The captain’s name was Raelynn Loera.Her codename was Sky Wolf.She was a five-moon badge general and would be a one-star general if promoted.

"Mihm."

James nodded and said, "Put it there."

"Emperor, I’ll help you change."

James looked at her and pointed at the office door.

"Leave it and wait outside."

"Understood."

Raelynn put down the uniform and reminded, "Please hurry, Emperor.

Everything is ready, and countless influential figures from all circles have already shown up."

"alright, I got it."

"By the way, Emperor, have you thought about what to say? Your subordinates have prepared a speech for you during the ceremony.Please go through it..."

While speaking, Raelynn took a piece of paper and handed it over.

James took it and scanned through it.

"I want to thank my parents for raising me.I’m also grateful for the country for training me..."

James read and frowned.

"What kind of nonsense is this?"

James threw it into the trash can.

"Emperor, it took me a few days to come up with that..."

"That's enough.Get out."

Raelynn stopped talking and walked out of the office.

Outside the office, a middle-aged man dressed in a military uniform with a one-star badge on his shoulder pulled Raelynn aside after noticing her and asked, "How did it go? Did he pay you any attention?"

Raelynn rolled her eyes at the one-star general and walked away.

"Raelynn, I worked so hard to create this opportunity for you.иσνєℓєвσσк.¢σмWhy didn’t you make good use of it..."

The general chased after her.

Inside the office, James got dressed in his uniform.

The general’s uniform was different from the Red Flame robe the Emperor used to wear.

Instead, it was specifically made for James because his current military rank was ten stars.

It was the highest military rank that had ever existed in the history of Sol.

The uniform was red, and a flame was depicted on it.

James put on the military uniform and hat.His temperament completely transformed, and his ordinary aura was gone.

Now, he radiated a domineering and fierce temperament.

After getting dressed, he walked out of the office.

Many generals were waiting outside the building.

Seeing James walk out, they saluted him simultaneously.

Nathaniel walked over with a bright smile.

"Emperor, everything is ready.All the bigwigs from the Capital are present.Media reporters have also arrived and are waiting for your arrival."

James looked ahead and saw a stage set up in the open space.

Below the stage were some seats.

There were not many people, about five hundred or so.

Despite the low numbers, these were people with great authority and who controlled the country.

James strode over to the stage.

The generals followed suit in unison.

The cameras immediately focused on them.

"Friends from all over the country, the newly appointed Emperor has arrived! James’ life has been a legendary one.He’s been in the army for ten years and has established a great reputation on the Southern Plains battlefield, earning himself the title of Commander of the Black Dragon Army.Now, he has also been appointed as the Emperor."

Chapter 1088

Under the watchful eyes of audiences across the country, James’ succession ceremony was conducted.

Everyone watched as James walked to the front in his Red Flame robe.At that moment, he was incredibly mesmerizing.He stepped onto the stage and looked at the crowd.

There were quite a few people gathered, including the King.

The people seated below the stage were influential figures in the governmental factions.

The ones standing in the distance were those from the business world.

Suddenly, Raelynn came up with a microphone and handed it to James.

After she handed the microphone to James, she murmured, "I’d like to see what you're going to say in front of the whole country after you threw away the script that I carefully prepared for you."

James wore a serious expression.

After he took the microphone, he suddenly grinned.иσνєℓєвσσк.¢σмThe audience in front of the television found his sudden smile hilarious.

"This hat is incredibly uncomfortable to wear."

James smiled, took off his hat, and threw it to Raelynn beside him.

Then, he said loudly, "Thank you for coming.I’m very honored.The food in the military is great, so don’t forget to eat before you leave."

The people below were stunned.

Was this a succession ceremony? That was all he prepared as a speech? Many people wanted to laugh but suppressed their laughter.

Some influential figures had displeased expressions, feeling that James’ actions were embarrassing in front of the media and that he was bringing shame to the nation.

At that moment, the sacred national anthem resounded throughout the military region.

James put away his smile and became serious again.

After the song was over, James declared, "I swear to be loyal to the country and its people.I won’t disappoint the military uniform that I wear.During my tenure, I promise to kill traitors and guard the border from our nation’s enemy.I vow to protect the people of Sol, and I wish for Sol to continue to prosper forever!"

James' voice resounded throughout the military region, and audiences throughout the country watched his declaration.

Clap! Clap! Clap! A tidy and loud applause broke out from the crowd.

"I'm afraid you won't have the chance, James!"

Suddenly, a voice resounded.

Following the sound, a group of people approached from the distance.

"Stop filming!"

The King immediately issued an order.

The King’s bodyguards stood up immediately and began to stop the reporters from broadcasting.

The people were martial artists brought by the three family heads.

Seeing these people, James frowned.

Hades stepped out of the crowd.His body flickered, and he jumped onto the stage.He glared at James and said coldly, "Please come with us, James."

James’ face darkened, and he glared at Hades, asking, "What are you doing here, old man?"

With a grim face, Hades said, "If you want to prevent this place from becoming a bloodbath, you better obediently follow me.Otherwise..."

He suddenly gestured, and a great energy erupted from the martial artists from the three families in the distance.

The sudden force shocked the people present.

James said coldly, "Do the three families want to rebel, Hades?"

"we're only here for you, James.Obediently follow us, or else many people will die here today."

James looked at the crowd below him.

They were utterly perplexed since not everyone knew about the existence of ancient martial artists.

All of them wore puzzled expressions.

Only the King had a calm composure as if he had expected it to happen.

James took a deep breath and said, "Alright.I'll come with you."

He knew the audience was just ordinary people.

If he refused, the three families might attack and cause people to lose their lives.

Many of the people in the crowd were important figures.

If any one of them died, it would be troublesome.

If many died, it would be problematic and surely hurt the country’s stability.

Hades quickly made a move and sealed several of James’ critical acupoints.

Chapter 1089

Everyone was stunned, not knowing what was happening or the identities of the intruders.

James stood on the stage calmly and did not panic despite his acupoints being sealed.

Hades grabbed James’ shoulders and jumped, landing about ten meters away.

The people present were shocked by the sight.

They were ordinary people and had never seen such a shocking scene.

"Let’s go."

At that moment, the Red Flame Army in the military region quickly assembled.

Tens of thousands of fully-armed soldiers gathered and pointed their weapons at Hades’ party.

"Let our commander go."

"How dare you be presumptuous in the Red Flame Army base?"

"How will the Red Flame Army maintain a foothold in this country if you take away our commander today?"

A battle was on the verge of breaking out.

Hades' face darkened, and he glared at James.

"James, tell them to back off if you don’t want any accidents happening here.

If we fight back, this place will become a bloodbath."

James looked at the soldiers calmly and waved his hand, saying, "Back off.It’s fine."

Having received the order, the soldiers retreated.

Hades quickly left with James.

Under the watchful eyes of thousands of people, James was captured from the military region.

There were many cars parked outside the military region.

James was brought into one of the cars, and it quickly drove off.

After leaving the military region, James looked at Hades beside him and said indifferently, "Old man, I haven’t paid you back for last time, but you took the initiative to come and look for me instead.Do you still think I’m that James that would easily fall prey to others?"

A powerful aura suddenly erupted from James’ body.

Hades immediately realized the situation was dangerous.He had already tapped James’ acupoints to seal his True Energy.иσνєℓєвσσк.¢σмHe never expected James’ True Energy to be so strong and overpowering that he could break through the acupoints.

By the time he tried to react, the car had already exploded.

James’ energy was so strong that it caused the car to disintegrate.

At the moment of the explosion, James quickly jumped and appeared in front of the convoy.

James calmly put his hands behind his back as the Red Flame robe fluttered.

Meanwhile, Hades had also fled when the car exploded.

As for the others, they were not spared and were blown to pieces.

Dozens of cars stopped immediately.

Zaiden, Yasmine, and the other martial artists of the three families quickly got out of the car.

The three family heads stood together, glaring at James, who blocked their path.

With one hand on his back, James stretched out his hand and made a gesture of inviting them to a fight.

"Come at me together."

He activated his Heavenly Breath, and True Energy flowed through his body, causing terrifying energy to emanate from him.

The energy swept across their surroundings, making the dust and fallen leaves on the ground flutter in the air.

"He has potent True Energy."

Hades had a grim expression.

Zaiden’s chubby face was also filled with shock.

"His energy is at least the sixth rank.How is that possible? He’s only thirty years old and has only cultivated True Energy for such a short time.How can he be so strong? The four paintings’ secrets must be miraculous to make him so potent in such little time."

Meanwhile, Yasmine remained silent with a serious expression.

The accompanying martial artists also looked at the imposing James in front of them with disbelief.

James looked at the people in front of him calmly and said, "I don’t have any grudges against you guys.Why would you capture me from my succession ceremony as the Emperor? Who ordered you to do so?"

Hades said coldly, No one ordered it, but the Cadens have stolen our family paintings and gathered the Four Great Paintings to solve the secret behind them.

Now that you’ve practiced the cultivation method in the four paintings, you've acquired potent True Energy.We’re capturing you so we can get the paintings' secrets."

Hearing this, James frowned.

Not many people knew about his true strength.

Thea, Maxine, and Cynthia were the very few.

Apart from them, there were the Cadens.Who leaked it? Was it the Cadens? That would be unreasonable since leaking his strength would not benefit them.

Chapter 1090

"Who told you that I practiced the cultivation method on the Four Great Paintings?" James questioned.

"Stop talking nonsense!"Hades snorted, and a powerful aura erupted from his body.He took a step forward, and his body turned into an afterimage.His actual body appeared in front of James in a blink of an eye, and he thrust his palm forward with lightning speed.

James only caught a glimpse of a figure flashing by, and a palm suddenly appeared in front of him.

Their palms collided, and two intense energies crashed into each other.

James felt powerful and scorching True Energy sweeping over him.It pushed him several meters back.

Hades was also pushed a few steps backward.

After testing the waters, James knew that the head of the Johnstons, Hades, was a grandmaster of the sixth rank and was almost reaching the seventh rank.

His True Energy was comparable to James' True Energy.

"Is that all the head of the Johnstons can do?"

James wore a calm and disdainful smile.

Hades was shocked and could not calm down.He was doubtful when Yaroslav told him that James was the old man that defeated Donovan and had him at the point of vomiting blood at Mount Littleroot.

Now that he had experience fighting James, he was confident the old man was James.He turned and shouted at the other two heads, "What are you two doing? Attack together."

Hearing this, Zaiden and Yasmine came back to their senses.

The two quickly stepped forward and appeared in front of Hades instantly.

A terrifying energy emerged from the three of them.

"Hmph!"

James snorted.

He raised his hand, and a powerful force materialized in his palm.

Suddenly, a sword of one of the ancient martial artists in the distance flew toward him.

James caught the sword and pointed it horizontally at them.

"I'll give you the honor of witnessing the Thirteen Heavenly Swords’ power."

"The Thirteen Heavenly Swords?"

The faces of the three family heads immediately changed.иσνєℓєвσσк.¢σмAs the heads of the families of the Ancient Four, how could they not have heard of the Thirteen Heavenly Swords? It was the most potent signature martial arts skill of the Ancient Four.

It could be ranked at the top of the list in ancient times.

Zaiden and Yasmine had the thought of retreating.

Although they were heads of the families, they were pretty young.

Despite being martial art geniuses, they were only at the fifth rank and were not overpowering.

Compared to an experienced cultivator like Johnston, their skills were miles away.

Zaiden looked at Hades and said, "Maybe we should forget it? I can’t withstand the Thirteen Heavenly Swords.This guy has even mastered the Blithe Fist of Abomination."

"What's there to be afraid of? I don’t believe he’s mastered the Thirteen Heavenly Swords at such a young age."

Hades was doubtful of James’ capabilities.He leaped twenty meters into the air and shouted while swinging his hands toward James, "Thunder Fist!"

His body tilted forward and charged directly at James.

James closely watched Hades charging toward him.

Sensing the powerful attack, he quickly backed away.

Boom! Hades’ strong punch slammed into the ground, causing a deep pit to form and dust to billow into the air.

As soon as James dodged the attack, Hades attacked again.He swung his hands repeatedly, attempting to overwhelm James.

"That’s all you got?"

James smiled and dodged.He tilted the sword in his arm, and Sword Energy took form and shot out toward Hades.

"s-Sword Energy?!"

Hades exclaimed, and his expression changed while he quickly retreated.