Ch. 1091..1100

Chapter 1091

True Energy Materialization could only be performed at the sixth rank.

Once performed, one’s True Energy could take any form or shape.

Meanwhile, one would have to reach at least the sixth rank to perform Sword Energy.

This required great mastery of sword techniques and potent True Energy.

The moment James discharged a burst of Sword Energy, Hades was stunned.He dodged the attack.

Like a homing missile, the Sword Energy pursued him.

Hades landed on the ground.His face darkened, and he launched a flurry of fists.

Whoosh! The fists transformed into an invisible tornado and blocked the Sword Energy, which slowly dissipated.

Upon seeing this, a shiver ran down James’ spine.

He did not expect the Patriarch of the Johnstons to be this powerful.

"Hmph..."

Wearing a grim expression, Hades said coldly, "To think that you’ve reached the Second Sword Realm of the Thirteen Heavenly Swords and are now able to perform Sword Energy.You would be invincible if I allowed you to cultivate any further.What a shame that you will perish here."

Hades wanted James dead.

Initially, he wanted to capture James and interrogate him on the whereabouts of the paintings.

However, now that James had demonstrated unbelievable strength, he had to finish him off right here right now to eliminate any future threats.

"But, can you?"

James was undaunted.

"How impudent!"

Hades roared.

Then, he soared to the sky and extended his shriveled arm.

Waving his hand slightly, he caused powerful True Energy to transform into a ball of flames.

"Celestial Fire Art?"

Zaiden's face paled.

Yasmine exclaimed, "To think that this guy could force out the Johnstons’ Patriarch’s signature move."

Saying that, she glanced at James.

Meanwhile, the martial artists of the Johnstons were thrilled.

"The Celestial Fire Art...This is a signature martial art skill of the Johnstons.Legend has it that it’s a martial art skill created by our ancestors centuries ago.All this while, no one has been able to cultivate it successfully."

"James is dead meat."

The Johnstons’ disciples all looked at Hades in anticipation.

Kennedy, a fifth-rank martial artist, was among them.

Stunned, he muttered under his breath, "I wonder what level the Patriarch’s Celestial Fire Art is at..."

Everyone was stunned upon seeing Hades’ move.иσνєℓєвσσк.¢σмMore and more flames gathered.

James watched Hades closely.

The ball of flames blazed up.It was so powerful that even space was distorted.

The glare was blinding.

James slightly averted his gaze.

"Take this!"

A roar came.

Then, a ball of flames about a meter wide headed straight toward James.

James smelled danger.In his current state, he would be gravely injured if struck by the ball of flames.He raised his sword, which scintillated with a bright light.

Then, he leaped into the air and slashed his sword.

Powerful Sword Energy burst forth and collided with the ball of flames.

In an instant, the ball of flames was destroyed.

However, at the moment of destruction, it shattered into countless tiny balls of flames.

The martial artists from afar swiftly dodged the balls.

Though James managed to destroy the ball of flames, he was struck by one of the remnants in his chest.

Then, he crashed to the ground.

At the moment of the crash, he could feel a searing pain in his back.He stood up with great difficulty.

Glancing downward, he realized that his chest was a bloodied mess.

The pain was excruciating.

"He’s strong..."

He was intimidated by Hades’ power.

At that moment, a pair of flaming fists came crashing toward him.

The True Energy of the flames sent a shiver down his spine.He dodged the attack.

Boom! The moment the flames, imbued with True Energy, made contact with the ground, the earth rumbled and the rocks nearby shattered into a million tiny pieces.

Hades was relentless in his attack.

James could only try to dodge him.

However, he was still struck a few times.

Each time, he could feel excruciating pain.

An elderly man stood afar.

Chapter 1092

He had a sword on his back.

It was Tobias.

However, he did not intervene.

James’ strength far exceeded his expectations.He was curious to see how far he could go.

Meanwhile, James was losing ground.He knew he would be killed if he did not use his signature martial art skill.

Hence, he catalyzed Heavenly Breath.

Potent True Energy enveloped him and entered his body.

Then, he brought forth the Invincible Body Siddhi.

Immediately, his body underwent drastic changes and became bronze all over.

Clank! A fist struck him.

"What?"

Hades’ face darkened.

His arm went numb, and he was knocked back by the force.

Zaiden exclaimed, "What is this?"

Yasmine furrowed her eyebrows, and she murmured, "What is this martial art skill? Could it be something recorded in the four paintings?"

Meanwhile, Tobias was puzzled too.He had never seen nor heard about such a martial art skill.He was curious to know where and how James managed to learn it.

As True Energy circulated his body, James could feel that he was stronger now.

Holding the sword in his hand, he walked toward Hades.

"You took away my cultivation last time, old man.I suffered terribly because of that.Today, I will settle the score.

"Diel n Hades’ face darkened.Waving his arm, True Energy transformed into a flaming sword.Then, he charged toward James.

James also charged toward Hades while waving his sword.His speed was extraordinary.

No one could see his moves clearly, except for Hades and Tobias.

"He's fast!"

Hades was stunned.

Before he could react, a razor-sharp sword was pointed at his chest.

"What..."

He found this inconceivable.иσνєℓєвσσк.¢σмHe was a sixth-rank martial artist who mastered the Celestial Fire Art.

The potency of his True Energy was unrivaled among his peers, let alone amongst the youngsters.

"Wh-What martial art skill is this?"

Hades glared at James.

He believed that James would spare him.

After all, he was the Patriarch of the Johnstons.

Even if Tobias was in James’ place, he would not kill him.

"Perhaps you'll know once you're in hell."

Splat! The sword pierced through Hades’ body.

"You..."

Hades pointed at James with a face of disbelief.

Though he was defeated, he believed that James would spare his life.

Before he could finish his sentence, James pulled the sword out.

Then, he raised his palm and summoned True Energy.

Whoosh! James struck Hades in the chest.

Hades was immediately sent flying, vomiting a mouthful of blood.

Then, he collapsed on the ground and lay there motionless.

James tossed the sword casually aside.

Clank! Seeing this, the martial artists were appalled.

They unconsciously took a few steps back.

Chapter 1093

James tossed the sword aside.

Then, he glanced at Hades, who was lying on the ground motionless.He knew that a sixth-rank martial artist like Hades would not die so easily.

Since Hades came here looking for trouble, he would have to make an example out of him.

Otherwise, trouble would only keep coming.

He walked toward Hades.

Clack! Clack! Clack! Every step he took sent shivers down the spine of the other three families of the Ancient Four.

Even Zaiden and Yasmine were shocked.

They had predicted that Hades could be defeated by James, considering that the latter had defeated Donovan Blithe at the Western Border.

However, even if he was defeated, they assumed that they would be on even footing, not a landslide victory by James.

Seeing that James had defeated Hades, Tobias’ expression turned grim.

He was worried that Hades’ death would enrage the Johnstons.

The Johnstons were not as simple as they seemed to be.

They were a family that had existed for thousands of years, after all.

Once they set their sights on revenge, hell would break loose.He wanted to stop James.

However, after thinking about it, he chose to do nothing.

After all, James was no longer a Caden.

His actions had nothing to do with the Cadens.

Now that James’ crisis was averted, there was no need for him to show himself anymore.

James walked toward Hades.

Although Hades was still alive, his life was hanging by a thread.

Lying on the ground, his face was pale.иσνєℓєвσσк.¢σмHe sat up with great difficulty and tapped a few acupuncture points on his chest.

Then, lifting his head, he met James’ gaze.

A vein popped out in his neck, and he said coldly, "What are you trying to do, James?"

"What am I trying to do?"

James looked at him and said, "Kill you, of course."

"You dare? Do you know who I am? I’m the Patriarch of the Johnstons! If you kill me, the Johnstons will hunt you to the ends of the earth!"

Hades threatened.

"Trying to intimidate me?"

James smiled coldly.

Then, powerful True Energy gathered in his palm.

From afar, Zaiden and Yasmine looked at one another.

Yasmine shook her head.

"He’s too strong.Even if the both of us join forces, we won't stand a chance against him."

Zaiden nodded, seemingly in agreement with Yasmine’s opinion.It was over for Hades.

"Please have mercy on him!"

At that moment, a voice came.

James turned his head.

A woman about twenty-five years of age in a white martial art uniform emerged from the crowd.

She hurriedly made her way over to James and pleaded, ‘‘Please let my grandpa go."

James looked at her coldly and said, "Let him go? Would he choose to let me go if I was the one defeated today? I understand that a martial artist is above the law.In that case, in this world where the idea of the survival of the fittest prevails, it’s only natural for the defeated to be killed."

Thud! The woman knelt before James and pleaded, "P- Please spare him "

"What are you doing, Yumi? Don’t kneel!"

Hades roared.

"James, let bygones be bygones...Let’s put an end to this endless feud,"

Kennedy said, walking over to James.

James looked at him and said coldly, "I haven’t settled the score with you yet, Kennedy.Get lost this instant.Or else, I won’t mind killing a few more Johnstons."

"You..."

Kennedy’s face turned pale.

"Scram." James waved.

Powerful True Energy gathered in his palm and struck Kennedy.

Kennedy’s face paled.

Though he tried to dodge the attack, his movements were too slow.He was sent flying and collapsed to the ground, vomiting a mouthful of blood.

"Haha..."

Hades burst into a peal of laughter.

"Kill me, James.However, I guarantee that this won’t end well for you either."

"As you wish."

James raised his hand, and True Energy gathered in his palm once more.

James was determined to kill Hades.

The Johnstons had been constantly making trouble for him.

Last time, they even took away his martial art skills.

If not for Thomas’ assistance, he would have died in the Johnstons’ mansion.

However, Hades was right.

If James killed him, all hell would break loose.He could not afford to incur the Johnstons’ wrath just yet.

Chapter 1094

"What are you standing there for?"

Seeing that James was hesitant, Hades provoked him.He knew that James would not dare kill him.

"Hmph! "

The potent True Energy which had gathered in James’ palm pulled Hades toward him.

"You won't escape punishment."

Then, James struck Hades’ abdomen, which destroyed his elixir field.

In an instant, all of Hades’ True Energy dissipated.

Immediately after, he grabbed Hades’ hand and exerted great force.

Crack! The bones cracked.

"Argh! n Hades cried out in agony.His eyes bulged, and his face contorted in pain.Then, James broke all of Hades’ limbs and tossed him aside like a rag doll.Everyone was dumbfounded.

"Is he crippled?"

The Patriarch of the Johnstons had cultivated for decades before arriving at the sixth rank.Now, he was completely crippled.

Kennedy’s face turned pale upon seeing this.

"You..."

Eyes full of hatred, Yumi glared at James and roared, "How dare you, James?!"

James said coldly, "I’m just returning the favor.He did the exact same thing to me before.Now, I’ve taken away his True Energy and all his martial art skills."

Saying this, he turned to leave.

Upon witnessing such a scene, Tobias, who had been concealing himself all this while, took a deep breath and murmured, "How vicious of him...I guess Hades is now crippled."

Then, he swiftly left as well.

After some time, Kennedy recollected himself and hurriedly made his way over to Hades, "Patriarch, are you alright?!"

Although Hades was still breathing, he had lost consciousness.

Besides, he was already gravely injured even before this.He would die if not treated in time.

Kennedy immediately ordered, "What are you standing there for? Hurry up and bring him to the treatment room."

"Understood."

The Johnstons’ martial artists hastily made their way over to Hades, whose life was hanging by a thread, and carried him away.

Zaiden and Yasmine looked at one another with shocked expressions.

Meanwhile, James left for the military region.

Many people were gathered there.

They had not left.

Instead, they were discussing what happened during the ceremony in whispers.

Not long after, James returned safely.

Seeing that James had returned, the King froze.

Then, he murmured, "How is he here?"

When James returned, he did not ask the King anything nor did he mention what happened.He merely continued with the succession ceremony.

The event went smoothly.

James left the military region in the afternoon and returned to the Emperor’s Mansion.

The moment he entered the premise, he saw Thea and Maxine sitting side by side.

Realizing that James was back, the two stood up immediately and hurriedly made their way over to him.

"Are you alright?" They asked in unison.

James smiled.

"Of course I am.Why do you ask?"

"News came from the Johnstons that you crippled Hades.They're extremely furious right now.How could you act so recklessly? Don't you know what the Johnstons are capable of? How could you do such a thing to Hades?"

Maxine reprimanded him.

James walked over to a gazebo in the courtyard.

Then, he sat down and lit a cigarette.

Looking at Thea and Maxine, he said, "For some reason, they received word of my strength.They thought I had cultivated the secret of the four paintings and wanted to capture me to interrogate me on the matter.However, they underestimated my strength.I crippled Hades to make an example out of him."

"But, do you know what you’ve gotten yourself into? The Johnstons are one of the Ancient Four.Their family consists of highly skilled martial artists."

Maxine was wearing an anxious look.

Meanwhile, Thea disagreed.

"All things considered, I’d say Hades got off easy.I would’ve killed him straight away."

Chapter 1095

Back when Thea impersonated Maxine to save James, she had seen with her own eyes how James’ martial art skills were taken away by Hades.

However, she did not have any martial art skills.

Even with the support of the God-King Palace, she could not act recklessly.

Now, she applauded James for crippling Hades.

"Have you thought of the consequences?"

Maxine frowned.

James said, "Of course I have.I was worried that the Johnstons would lose control.If not, I would’ve killed that old geezer."

"Sigh..."

Maxine sighed.

James was not worried about the Johnstons for now.иσνєℓєвσσк.¢σмHe was only concerned about one thing—Who leaked the information regarding his strength? "Maxine, who do you think revealed my strength? Could it be the Cadens?"

Since things had already come to pass, Maxine did not blame James further.

After brief contemplation, she gave her own opinion.

"That’s highly unlikely.Based on what you said, they assumed you cultivated the secret of the four paintings.That’s how you were able to increase your strength so much in such a short amount of time.If the Cadens revealed your strength, wouldn’t that be tantamount to admitting to the theft of the paintings?"

"But, who else could it be? Could it be that someone from the Caden household wishes to see me dead?"

Maxine shook her head.

"I’m not sure about that.You should ask Grandpa about it."

"Got it."

James was going to meet Tobias anyway.

After all, what he did to the Johnstons’ Patriarch was consequential.

He would have to discuss strategies with Tobias regarding their opponent’s reprisal.

Even if Tobias was unreliable, he was still the Cadens’ Patriarch.He would not sit idly by.

"I have to head over to the Cadens’ mansion at once."

James stood up and left.

Meanwhile, at the Johnstons’...

A group of people gathered in the foyer of the Johnstons’ courtyard.

They were all key members of the family.

On the ground was an elderly man lying on a stretcher.His face was pale, and his life was hanging by a thread.

"How vicious!"

"James has crossed the line!"

"How dare he cripple our Patriarch?! This is a humiliation!"

"He has to die!"

They were all enraged.

"Grand Patriarch, please give the order to annihilate James and fight the Cadens till the end."

In the lead was an elderly man.His face was shriveled, and he was wearing ancient clothing.

It was Yaakov Johnston, Grand Patriarch of the Johnstons.

Before Sol was established, he was the Duke of the previous dynasty.

And so, he was also called Duke Johnston.He was old, around a hundred and sixty years of age.He should have been long dead.

Now, his life was being sustained through the use of medicine.

No one knew what level his martial art was.

They only knew he participated in the battle against the Gu Sect a hundred years ago.

Even a century ago, he was a fifth-rank martial artist.

Now, lifeless and expressionless, his eyes were devoid of all emotion.

He opened his eyes and looked at one of the Johnstons and asked, "Have the Cadens unraveled the secret behind the four paintings?"

"Isn’t that obvious, Grand Patriarch?"

"Exactly! If not, how did James become this powerful in such a short amount of time? Now, not even the Patriarch stands a chance against him.Grand Patriarch, please give us the order.Give the Cadens more time and they will one day annihilate us all."

The Johnstons spoke.

Yaakov was in deep contemplation.

The four paintings were left behind by the Prince of Orchid thousands of years ago.He gave the paintings to each of the four major officials.

For thousands of years, the Ancient Four had guarded them.

Although there had been accidents, they had never lost the paintings.

Chapter 1096

Now, however, three families of the Ancient Four had lost their closely guarded paintings.

"Has he unraveled the mystery behind the paintings? Could it be that the paintings contain records of martial art skills that enable us to reach the ninth rank?"

Yaakov’s expression was grim.He did not dare act recklessly.

After all, he should have been long dead.

All this while, he had been sustaining his life through the consumption of medicine.

If his True Energy leaked while he was in the midst of a battle, he would die in a few months.

If chose to retain his True Energy, he could live for a few more years.

"We shouldn't act recklessly."

After brief contemplation, he ordered, "We'll wait and see for now.I’ll go to the Cadens’ mansion personally."

Although the Johnstons were dissatisfied with the Grand Patriarch’s decision, they remained silent and nodded respectfully.

Yaakov stood up.

Under the watchful gaze of the Johnstons, he dragged his old body with the help of a cane and left the foyer.James arrived at the Cadens’.

Seeing that James had arrived, the guards of the Cadens’ mansion immediately moved aside.

The Cadens were in the midst of a meeting, discussing how best to resolve the matter.

At that moment, a Caden disciple ran in and cried out, "Patriarch, James is here."

Upon hearing this, everyone stood up and looked at the door.

James, who was in casual attire, walked in.

Seeing them, he momentarily froze before saying with a smile, "Are you guys in the middle of a discussion? I guess I came at the wrong time."

"Dismissed."

Tobias immediately ordered, "You’re all free to go."

"Understood."

As the Cadens were leaving, they could not help but get a glimpse of James.Did he really cripple Hades and take away his martial art skills? They could not help but wonder.

Even now, they were still doubtful.

James took a seat.

Wearing an expressionless face, Tobias looked at him and said coldly, "Grandfather ordered me to save you.By the time I arrived, you were already in the middle of a battle with Hades.I didn’t expect you to become so powerful in such a short amount of time.In just two short months, not even Hades stands a chance against you."

James was shocked.иσνєℓєвσσк.¢σмHe did not know that Tobias was there and had witnessed the whole scene.He asked, "How did you know that the three families would make a move?"

Tobias replied, "The King’s guard told me about it this morning."

"The King?" James frowned.

It seemed like the King had known about this in advance.

How did he receive information about it? After brief contemplation, James asked, "The three families only made a move after knowing about my strength.They thought I had cultivated the martial art skills of the four paintings.And so, they wanted to capture me and interrogate me about it.Who do you think revealed this information to them?"

He looked at Tobias.

Tobias met his gaze and asked, "What? Didn't you become this powerful because you cultivated the martial art skills in the paintings?"

"So, that’s what you think too."

Tobias nodded and said, "I can’t think of any way for a martial artist to grow so strong in such a short amount of time.Your grandfather, Thomas, must have imparted the martial art skills of the four paintings to you.Thomas was behind the theft of the paintings, wasn’t he?"

"Hal" James smiled.

He had come here to question Tobias.

However, it seemed that Tobias had the wrong perception too.

"Why are you laughing? Is this not the truth?"

"No, it isn’t," James said with a determined look.

"Then, how did you become so strong?"

"You don’t need to know that.I came here today to ask you to investigate the information leak I have only demonstrated my strength in the Cadens’ mansion.It must be a Caden or a spy from the other three families."

"I understand.I'll see to it."

Tobias nodded.

James turned to leave.

The moment he stepped out of the front door, a figure came charging toward him.

Before he could react, he was sent flying into the Cadens’ foyer.

Chapter 1097

Before James could even react, he was sent flying back into the foyer.

The moment the powerful blow struck his chest, he could feel excruciating pain throughout his body.

Then, his Blood Energy churned, and he vomited a mouthful of blood.

He swiftly got up and sat in a lotus position, catalyzing Heavenly Breath to suppress the Blood Energy inside his body which had gone rogue.

Then, he lifted his head.

An elderly man with a cane walked in.

Upon seeing the man’s appearance, Tobias’ face paled, and he exclaimed, "Mr.Yaakov?"

It was Yaakov Johnston, the Grand Patriarch of the Johnstons.

His status was even beyond that of Bennett Caden.

Walking into the foyer, he found a place to sit.

Then, covering his mouth, he coughed a few times.

James was sitting in a lotus position on the floor to treat his injuries.

From Tobias’ reaction, he knew that the elderly man before him was a Johnston of high status.

Not only that, his strength was unbelievable.

After Tobias recollected himself, he asked smilingly, "Aren’t you Yaakov Johnston, the Grand Patriarch of the Johnstons? I thought you were long dead.I didn’t expect you to still be alive."

Yaakov opened his eyes and glanced at Tobias.

"Are you secretly wishing that I’m dead?"

"You misunderstand."

Tobias hurriedly shook his head.

Yaakov was an elder a few generations before Tobias.

Before Tobias was even born, Yaakov was already a hundred years old.

Faced with such an elder, Tobias did not dare speak insolently.иσνєℓєвσσк.¢σмInstead, he asked respectfully, "Is something the matter, Mr.Yaakov?"

"What do you think?" Yaakov glanced at him.

Tobias shook his head.

"I don’t know." Yaakov said coldly, "Are you feigning ignorance?"

"I really don’t know."

"Fine...Let me ask you this.Have you received news that a descendant of the Cadens crippled the current Patriarch of the Johnstons this morning?"

"Yes, I’ve heard of it."

Tobias nodded and pointed at James, who was still sitting in a lotus position, and said, "It was him.You may not know this, but his grandfather is Thomas Caden.Thirty years ago, Thomas experienced Energy Deviation and slaughtered many people in our household.In the end, he was expelled from the family."

"Oh? Is that so? Then, why is he here?"

Yaakov’s face was emotionless.

Tobias replied, "Although he’s no longer a Caden, Caden blood still runs through his veins.Recently, he’s been visiting the Cadens’ mansion.He was just here to report to me that the Johnstons, Sullivans, and Lees were after him.He had no choice but to fight back.In the process, the Patriarch of the Johnstons was injured."

Saying that, he glanced at James.

Then, looking back at Yaakov, he asked, "Mr.Yaakov, he’s only a youngster of the Caden household.The Patriarchs of the three families mobilized hundreds of martial artists to capture him.What else could he do?"

Hearing this, James silently applauded Tobias.

As expected of an old man who had lived for decades.

Knowing that the Grand Patriarch of the Johnstons was here to make an accusation, he immediately shifted the blame to the three families.

Yaakov looked at James and grunted.

"I’ve been in a closed-door mediation all this while.I heard that the Cadens have stolen the paintings of the other three families and unraveled the secrets behind them.Meanwhile, this kid who just cultivated True Energy a few months ago managed to become this powerful because he cultivated the martial art skills of the four paintings.

"Am I right?!"

He suddenly roared.

His roar was like a thunderclap.

Even Tobias was momentarily rendered paralyzed by the power and intensity of his voice.

Meanwhile, James’ Blood Energy, which had been running wild, suddenly churned.

It took him a while to keep it under control once again.

"How strong is he?"

Stunned, James glanced at Yaakov.

Now that he had reached the sixth rank, he possessed extremely potent True Energy which far surpassed ordinary sixth-rank martial artists.

However, he was injured by the Johnstons’ Grand Patriarch just like that.

"Is he at the peak of the seventh rank or is he already at the eighth?"

James could not figure out Yaakov's true strength.

Faced with Yaakov’s interrogation, Tobias was at a loss for what to say.

Chapter 1098

He looked at James and reprimanded him, "James, is it true that you've stolen the paintings of the other three families and unraveled the secret behind them?"

Tobias was also curious to know how James managed to become this powerful in such a short amount of time.

However, James refused to tell him the truth.So, he was using this opportunity to pressure him into spilling the beans.

James thought long and hard about it.

He knew that the Cadens would not shield him from the Johnstons’ Grand Patriarch if he did not provide a satisfactory explanation.

"No."

After brief contemplation, he said, "When I was imprisoned in the Johnstons’ dungeon, I came across a man by the name of Spencer Johnston.As he knew he wouldn't be able to live for long, he imparted his True Energy to me and taught me the Blithe Fist of Abomination.

"Also, the elderly man who defeated Donovan Blithe, the Patriarch of the Blithes, at Mount Littleroot was me in disguise.That's also how I came to learn the Blithe Fist of Abomination."

James told them the whole truth.

Now that his strength was known to all, there was no point in hiding anymore.

Once he spoke the whole truth, the Cadens would shield him from the Grand Patriarch of the Johnstons.

After all, even though he crippled Hades, it was Hades who made the first move.

Tobias looked at Yaakov and said smilingly, "That was how it went.He didn’t learn any martial art skill from the paintings.Everyone knows about what happened on Mount Littleroot a month ago.Many martial artists of the Johnstons were present too.You can easily verify the authenticity of his words."

Yaakov’s face darkened.He had come here personally to apply pressure on the Cadens to give up on James.

Now, however, he no longer had the leverage.

"You said that Spencer Blithe imparted his True Energy to you.But, how could you withstand such potent and concentrated True Energy? Your body would’ve exploded on the spot.Are you taking me for a fool?"

Before James could speak, Tobias hurriedly explained, "To be honest with you, when James was here treating his injuries after being crippled by the Johnstons, he used a rather special technique.By borrowing my True Energy, he forcibly opened all his meridians.As he was already near the fifth rank by that time, he immediately made a breakthrough once imbued with powerful True Energy."

"Hmph!"

Yaakov stood up and left.

Before he stepped out of the front door, he paused and turned to look at Tobias and James.

"We'll settle the grudge between our families at the Mount Thunder Conference."

Leaving this ruthless remark, he left.

Tobias breathed a sigh of relief.

Looking at James, who was sitting in a lotus position, he asked, "Are you alright?"

James shook his head slightly.

"I’m fine."

He had learned many cultivation methods that cured injuries from the Medical Book.

As such, such a minor injury was of no consequence to him.

Tobias took a seat.

Meanwhile, after some regulation of his body condition, James stood up.иσνєℓєвσσк.¢σмTobias asked, "Did Spencer Blithe really teach you everything he knew about the Blithe Fist of Abomination?"

Hearing this, James looked at Tobias.

Maxine had told him that Tobias was still bitter about losing to the Blithe Fist of Abomination twenty years ago.

"Ves,"

He did not deny it.

Tobias stood up and patted James’ back.

"James, you have potential.All this while, I’ve been trying to nurture you as a Patriarch of the household.Not only did I treat your injuries, but I even allowed you to cultivate the family’s signature martial art skill.I have long heard of the renowned Blithe Fist of Abomination.Surely a principled man like you would share what you’ve learned with me?"

Chapter 1099

Tobias had had his eyes on the Blithe Fist of Abomination for a very long time.

Although he had cultivated Thirteen Heavenly Swords, the signature martial art skill of the Cadens, he was still bitter about losing to the Blithe Fist of Abomination.

Now that he knew that James had cultivated this martial art skill, he was tempted to learn it himself.

James knew what Tobias was thinking of.

How could he impart the Blithe Fist of Abomination to him? ‘James, from today onward, you’ ll be the Minor Patriarch of the Caden family.

After the Mount Thunder Conference, I'll step down from my position as Patriarch for you, assuming that the Cadens are still around.” Tobias was wearing an anxious expression.

“The Cadens are now besieged on all sides.

Many hope for our destruction.

However, as my strength is limited, I can’t protect the entire family.

However, if I can cultivate the Blithe Fist of Abomination, I might be able to turn the tides.” James looked at Tobias and said, “I wish I could.

But, before my master’s death, he warned me not to impart the Blithe Fist of Abomination to any outsiders.

I have to keep my promise.” “T see...” Tobias was disappointed.

Then, he said smilingly, “I don’t have a choice, then.

Since you’ve made a promise, you have to keep it.

However, you’ll have to work hard.

We'll be relying on you at the Mount Thunder Conference.” James could not figure Tobias out.

Though it was obvious that he wanted to learn the Blithe Fist of Abomination, he acted as if he could not care less.

“I’m leaving.” James did not linger for long.

He simply turned and left.

After he left, the smile on Tobias’ face vanished.

His expression darkened, and he clenched his fists.

After leaving the Cadens’ mansion, James hurriedly returned to the Emperor’s Mansion.

In the living room...

James took a seat.

Thea poured a glass of water and handed it to him, “How did it go, Darling? What did Tobias say?” Maxine looked at James, waiting for his response.

After James drank the glass of water, he said, “Tobias doesn’t know about it either.

By the way, while I was at the Cadens’ mansion, I came across someone.” “who?” They asked in unison.

James said, “Yaakov Johnston, Grand Patriarch of the Johnstons.” “What? Yaakov Johnston?!” Maxine exclaimed.

Thea glanced at her and asked, “Why? Is he that scary?” Maxine nodded and said, “I heard that he participated in the battle against the Gu Sect a hundred years ago.

He had been about sixty years old then.

Not only that, his cultivation base was at the fifth rank.

To think that he would still be alive after a hundred years...

He must be unbelievably strong now.” Maxine could not imagine how powerful Yaakov would be.

Wearing a grim expression, James said, “He’s really strong.

I don’t stand a chance against him.

He must be at the peak of the seventh rank.

He’s probably even made a breakthrough into the eighth rank.” “Wh -What?” Thea was stunned.

Maxine nodded.

“It’s true.

Each of the Ancient Four has a Grand Patriarch.

However, I didn’t expect Yaakov to be the Grand Patriarch of the Johnstons.

He’s a person of higher status than Bennett Caden, the Grand Patriarch of the Cadens.

However, there’s nothing to worry about.

The Cadens’ Grand Patriarch won't sit idly by if Yaakov dares make a move on us.” “Mhm.” James nodded.

Chapter 1100

Although James did not know Bennett’s strength, he knew he was strong.

He put his thoughts aside for now.

Thea asked, “What do you plan to do now, Darling? The Mount Thunder Conference is just around the corner.

Do you plan to use this opportunity to σνєℓєвσσк.¢σм enter closed-door meditation or do you wish to proceed with your plan of executing Mr.

Gabriel?” “Let’s not rush things...” Maxine said.

“Huh? n James and Thea looked at her.

Maxine was deep in contemplation.

“I’ve been thinking...

I think Mr. Gabriel is the mastermind behind this incident.” James asked, “Why do you say so?” Maxine explained her analysis, “Your strength is confidential.

Not many people know about it.

Now, all of a sudden, the other three families have received word about it and decided to make a move.

The three families do not concern themselves with worldly affairs.

There’s no way they would know that your strength has greatly increased nor would they suddenly realize that you were the elderly man on Mount Littleroot.” “I've sent someone to investigate the matter.

Madelyn isn’t in Cansington at the moment.

She’s been in the Capital.

“Someone must've told Mr.

Gabriel that your strength has greatly increased.

As a result, Mr.

Gabriel was intimidated.

That was why he sought help from the other three families.

He wished to borrow their strength to remove you.

That way, he’d get to survive.” James frowned.

“Is that so?” Although Maxine’s analysis was reasonable, there was an issue.

Who was the one who told Mr. Gabriel that James was the elderly man who fought against Donovan Blithe on Mount Littleroot?

Maxine said, “You can simply head over to the Sullivans and the Lees and question them.

Although you’ve had a falling out with the Johnstons, you still have a somewhat amicable relationship with the other two.

If you ask sincerely, they might just tell you the whole truth.” Saying that, she got lost in contemplation once more.

After a while, she said, “There’s a key figure in this incident, which is the person who leaked the information to Mr.

Gabriel.” James was curious.

If Mr.

Gabriel leaked the information to the three families, who leaked the information to him? Thea was puzzled too.

However, she remained silent, waiting patiently for Maxine’s answer.

“Thomas Caden,” Maxine uttered a name.

“Impossible,” James and Thea said in unison.

Maxine said, “James, don’t be blinded by your familial ties with him.

Isn’t it obvious enough? Thomas has been watching your every action in the shadows.

He knows you inside out.

Besides, Thomas is definitely the man behind Mr. Gabriel.

He’s a member of the Gu Sect.

Everything makes sense now.” “T can’t trust your hypothesis.” James shook his head.

Thea chimed in, “Maxine, these are all speculation.

Thomas would never put his grandson in harm's way.

Besides, why would he go to such great lengths to save James?” “I-I don’t know either.” Maxine shook her head.

With a determined look on her face, she said, “I’m sure that Thomas is the mastermind behind this.

James, if you don’t believe me, feel free иσνєℓєвσσк.¢σм to question the Sullivans and the Lees.

If it was indeed Mr. Gabriel who leaked the information, then we just have to search for him.

I have a plan.” “What plan?” James glanced at Maxine.

Maxine said, “I have thoroughly analyzed the situation.

Mr. Gabriel might’ve been abandoned by the Gu Sect.

To save himself, he’s seeking help from the other three families to kill you.

“Tf that’s the case, we can join forces with Mr.

Gabriel.” James immediately shook his head.

“There’s no way.

Why would he work with me?” “He definitely will,” said Maxine.

“Humans are afraid of death, especially someone like Mr.

Gabriel who has great authority.

If the mastermind behind the Gu Sect really abandoned him, he must know that there’s no way he can survive for long.

To save his skin, he’ll definitely join forces with you.

Once that comes to pass, not only will you know who’s the one who leaked the information to him, but you’!l even obtain intelligence on the Gu Sect.” Although Thea did not know much about this, she believed that Maxine’s words made sense.

“Darling, she’s right.

Why don’t you try asking the Sullivans and the Lees for now? Once we're sure that Mr.

Gabriel is the one behind this, we’ll think of a way to contact him and try cooperating with him.

If not, we can simply kill him.”