Ch. 921..930
Chapter 921
James nodded.
Sovereign Antique Shop’s owner must have known some of the enemy’s secrets. The enemy knew that James would have come to see him. Thus, they killed off the man in advance.
James took out his phone and called the police. Then, he began to investigate the crime scene.
The door and windows were in good condition, but the windows were left open. James concluded that the murderer had jumped out of the window.
Soon, the police arrived at the scene and began a forensic investigation. Knowing that he would not be gaining any clues from the place, James did not linger anymore and chose to leave.
He remained silent throughout their journey.
‘Could it be that Grandpa is really alive and was the mastermind behind everything?”
James was immersed in his thoughts while driving. He was confused and felt helpless.
It had been many years since he last felt so powerless.
Maxine understood James‘ current mood.
She tried to comfort him, saying, “Don’t worry, James. I’m sure Tiara, Quincy, and Thea are fine. You can’t let your emotions get a hold of you. You must become stronger and improve yourself in the shortest time possible.”
James took a deep breath.
Although Maxine’s words were reasonable, these women were inextricable with him. He simply could not calm down and not worry about their well–being. It was impossible for him to focus on anything else right now.
Soon, they returned to Cynthia’s villa,
Cynthia knew nothing useful was gained from this trip just by looking at James‘ expression. She was sensible and did not inquire him about it.
As soon as James returned to the villa, he plopped into the sofa. Maxine also let him be and did not disturb him.
Cynthia pulled Maxine aside and whispered, “How was it, Maxine? Did you guys find any clues?”
Maxine replied in a hushed tone, “No, we were one step slower. Our main lead had been killed.”
Hearing that, Cynthia refrained from asking anything more.
James stayed silent the whole day.
During this time, Maxine found an opportunity to inform Tobias of everything that had happened in Cansington. While she was sent to protect James, she also had another mission, which was to keep an eye on James.
Maxine had promised James to keep some secrets, and she stayed faithful to her word. However, she did not hide anything regarding Tiara, Quincy, Thea’s disappearance, or the man she suspected to be Thomas.
Soon, it was night.
In the living room of the Dawns‘ villa…
James had been thinking the whole day. Finally, he stood up from the sofa and heaved a deep sigh. He looked at Maxine and Cynthia, who were sitting opposite him.
“I’ve made up my mind. I’ll have to improve my strength as soon as possible. I’ll be heading to my room for closed door meditation. I’m sure I’ll be able to cultivate my True Energy in one week. Afterward, I’ll try and absorb the Cold Energy from Cynthia’s body.”
Maxine was relieved to see James cheer up.
“Alright, good luck. I’m sure you can do it.”
James looked at her and said, “Since you’ve got nothing to do these few days, try to figure out the strange cultivation method from the Moonlit Flowers on Cliffside’s Edge.
Maxine nodded. “Mhm, I’ll do my best!”
James stood up and headed up to the second floor.
For the following days, James kept himself locked inside his room apart from eating. He focused on meditation and gathering his True Energy.
Chapter 922
James also sent the meditation and cultivation method to the Elite Eight, who were far away in another country. He asked them to train according to the method he gave them, strive to cultivate their True Energy and become first–rank grandmasters as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, the Capital was in complete disarray because the painting protected by the Sullivans had been stolen.
The Sullivans‘ surveillance cameras clearly captured the culprit that stole the painting–the current patriarch of the Cadens, Tobias.
This sparked a full–fledged war between the Sullivans and the Cadens, resulting in severe casualties.
Ultimately, other forces in the Capital had to step in and mediate.
Unfortunately, the relationship between the Ancient Four was already beyond repair.
Even the Johnstons believed their family painting was stolen by the Cadens and demanded an explanation. However, the Cadens firmly denied all accusations.
Eventually, someone brought up that the martial world was in chaos because the martial community was left with no leader ever since the Great Grandmaster of the ancient martial world died Gu Sect incident. A. martial art conference was suggested to elect a new leader and resolve the Ancient Four’s conflict.
The four families unanimously approved the suggestion.
Meanwhile, in Cansington…
James had meditated and cultivated throughout the night.
He was finally able to concentrate his True Energy again. Although it was still weak and only twine–sized, he was confident it would snowball.
Even though he had not slept all night, he was energetic. He leaped out of bed and landed firmly on the ground. Then, he stretched his whole body and headed downstairs.
It was eight in the morning. Maxine and Cynthia had also woken up early.
Maxine had gradually integrated and grown accustomed to the urban lifestyle in the past few days. She was no longer dressed in long robes but wore a beautiful modern dress. Her long black hair was dyed into a chestnut color, making her look less innocent and more seductive.
“James.”
Maxine stood up as soon as she noticed James.
“Mhm.” James nodded. He looked at her for a moment and said with a smile, “Not bad. Your whole look matches the current fashion trends.”
Maxine rolled her eyes, saying, “Cynthia insisted on bringing me to get my hair done.”
“The color suits you,” James praised her.
“By the way, something has happened in the Capital,” Maxine reported.
“Hmm?” James was surprised.
He sat down and asked, “What happened?”
Maxine sat across from James and explained solemnly, “The Sullivans‘ painting was stolen, and their surveillance cameras captured that the thief was Tobias. The Sullivans led people to the Cadens‘
mansion, and they had an intense battle. The Johnstons also joined in and demanded an explanation for their lost painting after learning about the fight. It was a fierce battle that caused significant casualties. Ultimately, Mr. Gabriel stepped forward to mediate the fight.”
James‘ expression darkened. He knew that something was bound to happen in the Capital sooner or later. However, he was surprised to find out this day came so soon.
Maxine continued, “Mr. Gabriel stated that since the Great Grandmaster died during the Gu Sect incident a hundred years ago, the current martial world had been in constant conflict and many martial artists were no longer restrained. They have committed countless crimes throughout the country. He suggested holding a martial arts conference to elect a new leader and also settle the grievances between the Ancient Four.”
James asked, “Did the Ancient Four agree to it?”
Maxine nodded. “Yeah. They’ve already agreed to it and will hold back for now.”
“When will it be held?”
“Christmas. There are about two more months.”
James looked at Maxine and asked, “Was the Sullivans‘ painting really stolen by Tobias.”
Maxine shook her head and said, “It can’t be him. Grandpa is indifferent to fame and wealth. Why would he steal another family’s painting?”
James said, “You can’t be certain. Now that he had unlocked the Moonlit Flowers on Cliffside’s Edge’s secret, it could be possible he wants to gather all four paintings because he could not decipher the cultivation method on the painting.”
Maxine shook her head and said, “I know him. He would never do such a thing.”
James rubbed his temples and asked, “Then who is this person that stole the paintings? It’s obvious he’s trying to stir up conflicts.”
Maxine thought for a while and said, “It’s likely the person who captured Tiara and the others. On top of that, Mr. Gabriel stepped up to mediate the conflict. Following my previous speculation, Thomas might be the person behind Mr. Gabriel. Therefore, it can be deduced that his goal is to become the Great Grandmaster of the martial world and control all the martial artists in Sol. After achieving this, it would be easy to accomplish his following plans.”
Chapter 923
The accident in the Capital had progressed beyond James‘ expectations.
In his initial speculation, he estimated that it would take much longer before the Capital reached its breaking point. However, it happened much sooner than he expected.
Maxine said that the situation was dire. She explained that countless martial artists remained hidden in society as civilians. Some were everyday office workers, some were factory workers, and some could even be street sweepers.
A thousand years ago, Sol had countless sects and martial art families. After a thousand years, the number of martial artists gradually decreased, but martial arts had been passed down to only one successor in each generation.
James knew that these martial artists were known as ancient martial artists.
According to Maxine’s speculations, there were currently about one million martial artists in Sol, and at least 50 thousand were first–rank grandmasters who cultivated True Energy.
Although the numbers were not significant, they were overpowering when united. It was not an exaggeration to say that these 50 thousand people could conquer the world if given proper equipment.
“James.” Maxine looked at James with a serious expression. “Grandpa just called me and explained that the situation is dire this time. It’s even worse than when the martial artists besieged the Gu Sect a hundred years ago. If not handled well, Sol might fall into a crisis as it did a century ago, and hell will break lose.”
James replied helplessly, “If you tell me an enemy army is gathering to attack us, I could rush back to the Southern Plains and lead my troops to fight back. However, I’m powerless in a situation like this. I’ve only just cultivated my True Energy. On top of that, it’s still feeble. What am I supposed to do in the face of the Ancient Four and countless major forces?”
Maxine said, “Grandpa asked me to inform you that you must enter the fifth rank by Christmas. Inside the Cadens‘ library is a set of unique martial techniques left by one of our ancestors, an eighth–rank
grandmaster. The martial art technique is called the Thirteen Heavenly Swords. This sword technique is potent, but you would have to be at least a fifth–rank grandmaster to learn it.
“Not many people in the Cadens are qualified to practice this technique. So far, only Grandpa and our Grand Patriarch have successfully learned the technique. However, none of them has grasped the true foundation of it.
“Grandpa said you must reach the fifth rank and learn the technique as soon as possible. Even if you can’t turn the tables during the martial art conference, you would at least be able to disrupt the situation.”
James listened to Maxine. He understood Sol had a civilization of thousands of years, and the martial world was in full swing in ancient times. Countless unique martial techniques existed in the martial world. However, many of them were lost.
Humans progressed with science, and Sol slowly followed the world’s pace, giving up on martial arts and embarking on the road of science and technology.
No matter how strong martial arts were, they were vulnerable to high technology.
The battle a hundred years ago was the best proof.
There were countless martial artists in Sol, but they were forced to retreat under the besieging of high- tech weapons.
“Do you think I’m some sort of god? How am I going to reach the fifth rank in two months?” James asked helplessly. It was simply impossible to achieve in two months.
“No, you can definitely do it,” Maxine said firmly.
“You’ve already regulated your Eight Extraordinary Meridians, Governor Vessel and Conception Vessel. Your True Energy will flow endlessly. Additionally, Cynthia’s physique has completely formed, allowing her body to produce Cold Energy continuously. You can absorb her Cold Energy for the next two months and convert it into your True Energy. This will allow you to enter the fifth rank or even reach a greater height in this period.”
Maxine had great confidence in James. She trusted his current physique allowed him to do so.
This was the first time since ancient times that anyone had ever been able to activate their Eight Extraordinary Meridians, Governor Vessel, and Conception Vessel despite having weak True Energy. Cynthia listened to their conversation, nodded, and said, “I’ll help you, James. I’ll be glad if the Cold Energy in my body can be of assistance to you.”
“Alright. I’ll give it a shot.”
Chapter 924
James had already devised a plan to channel the Cold Energy within Cynthia into his body.
However, he was slightly troubled by the channeling method.
“Cynthia, I have a way of channeling the Cold Energy from your body into mine. However, you’ll have to be undressed during the process.”
“What?”
Cynthia was taken aback for a moment. She recollected herself and asked, “Do you mean I have to be naked?”
“Yeah.” James nodded. “I’ll need to insert a few acupuncture needles into some of your acupoints to concentrate the Cold Energy in your body to channel it. During this period, there can’t be any mistakes because Cold Energy becomes a potent force when gathered together. Any mistakes and this Cold Energy will cause severe damage to your body.”
“What?” Cynthia hesitated.
Although James had already seen her naked when he used acupuncture needles to discharge the Cold Energy in her body last time, it was only because that was their last resort back then.
It was slightly embarrassing to get naked in front of a man. Thinking of the scene, her face immediately blushed red.
After thinking for a while, she nodded and said, “If it can help you, I’m willing to do it. I would’ve died long ago if it weren’t for you. I won’t have to do anything else except stripping, right?”
Cynthia smiled mischievously.
Maxine said, “Since we’ve come to an agreement, let’s start. What do we need? I’ll go prepare the stuff.”
James ordered, “I only need some acupuncture needles.”
Maxine nodded and said, “Alright. I’ll go get them prepared.”
Suddenly, Luther stood up and said, “You can leave such trivial matters to me.”
With that said, Luther turned and walked out of the villa.
After walking outside, he took out his phone and called Zane to report the situation.
Zane wore a solemn expression after learning about it. He murmured, “What is this girl thinking? She’s willing to risk her innocence?”
Luther had constantly been reporting Cynthia’s situation to Zane daily. Thus, Zane was aware that countless women surrounded James.
Although James was not a playboy, too many women were pursuing him, and he did not want his daughter to get caught up in it.
Initially, he did consider letting Quincy date James. However, different women kept appearing around the man.
There was Thea, then Quincy, and now there was Tiara too.
This time, he only agreed to help James to save his daughter, Cynthia.
“What should I do. Mr. Dawn? Should I stop them?” asked Luther.
Luther thought for a while and said, “Forget it. Let her do as she pleases. You can’t stop her once she makes a decision. Plus, I’ve heard a bit about martial artists. It’ll be good if Cynthia can cultivate True Frost Energy.
“Alright.”
After getting permission, Luther hung up the phone and quickly left to buy acupuncture needles.
Chapter 925
Soon, Luther bought the acupuncture needles and returned to the villa.
Inside a room on the villa’s second floor….
Cynthia showered and approached with a bath towel wrapped around her body.
James sat on the bed in a lotus position.
Maxine looked at Cynthia, who just came out of the bathroom, and asked, “Are you ready, Cynthia?”
Cynthia’s pretty face flushed red. It was hard to tell whether it was because she took a shower or because she was embarrassed. She nodded with her red cheeks.
Then, she walked to the bed, sat in front of James, and removed the towel.
Cynthia’s upper body was bare, but she was wearing underwear. Although young, her body was incredibly voluptuous, especially in her chest.
James was still meditating in a lotus position to calm himself down completely.
Maxine sterilized the acupuncture needles and set them aside.
After getting ready, James started to give instructions.
According to James‘ instructions, Maxine inserted the acupuncture needles into Cynthia’s body. Soon, Cynthia’s body was covered with silver needles.
Cynthia could feel a surge of energy gushing through her body and rapidly gathering together.
James ordered, “Cynthia, stretch out your hands.”
“Okay.” Cynthia stretched out her hands.
James also stretched out his hands and pressed his palms against hers.
“Maxine, use your True Energy to catalyze the Cold Energy in Cynthia’s body.”
The Cold Energy in her body was concentrated together, but Cynthia could not control it. Thus, the acupuncture needle was used to forcibly hold them together, waiting for an external force to channel them.
The Cold Energy quickly moved along her meridians. The blood vessels along her arms bulged as if a snake was gliding on her.
In an instant, the Cold Energy was channeled to her palm and absorbed through James‘ palms.
James felt cold and shivered as the Cold Energy entered his body.
At the same time, the blood flow in his body seemed to have slowed down as the Cold Energy entered his body..
“Huff!” James took a deep breath.
He had absorbed only a small portion of Cold Energy but could not bear it.
Cynthia’s physique was incredible. She could withstand so much Cold Energy and had the perfect. conditions for cultivating True Frost Energy.
After a momentary shock, James recollected himself and reminded, “Maxine, pay attention to Cynthia’s condition. Don’t let the Energy in her body disperse. Although we sealed her other meridians with
acupuncture needles so that the Cold Energy would not spread out in her body, the Cold Energy is vigorous and might force its way through. If that happens, you must use your True Energy to keep the needles in place.”
“Understood.” Maxine nodded.
James closed his eyes. He entered a state of mediation and began to practice the cultivation method. recorded in the medical book, trying to control the Cold Energy.
Cold Energy was not like True Energy. In fact, it was much more potent. Despite the difference, James managed to control it in an instant.
The Cold Energy began to surge through his meridians like a turbulent river, spreading throughout his. body.
Frost began to form on James‘ body.
“What’s happening?”
Cynthia was shocked when she saw the frosting on James‘ face and asked, “Maxine, is this safe?”
Maxine answered, “It should be fine. Your physique allows you to withstand the cold. James‘ physique is different from yous, and he will have to convert the Cold Energy into True Energy.”
Chapter 926
Gradually, the frost on James‘ body began to disappear.
Half an hour later…
James opened his eyes and said excitedly, “I did it! I’ve converted all the Cold Energy into True Energy!”
Maxine said, “Hurry up. The Cold Energy accumulated in Cynthia’s body is already too powerful. I won’t be able to control it any much longer.”
James said, “Quick, channel it into my body.”
Maxine quickly transfused her True Energy into Cynthia’s body and channeled the Cold Energy into James ‘palms.
James‘ palms began to freeze and slowly spread through his arms instantly.
He quickly absorbed the Cold Energy and refined it into True Energy.
The process for him to fully absorb and convert the energy took three hours.
Three hours later, his True Energy had proliferated. As soon as he exerted it, True Energy flowed like a gush of water.
“That’s enough,” Maxine said. “You’ve almost completely absorbed all the Cold Energy that built up in Cynthia’s body for the past few days.
James withdrew his palm.
Maxine also started to take off the acupuncture needles from Cynthia’s body and quickly handed over a towel.
Cynthia took the towel and wrapped it around her body.
Maxine asked, “How is it, James? How much did your True Energy increase?”
James smiled faintly. Suddenly, he raised his hand and pushed his palm forward.
A powerful force charged forward and slammed into the wall.
Boom!
“I–Incredible!”
Cynthia’s eyes lit up upon witnessing James‘ strength.
Maxine said with admiration, “Not bad. It’s only been half a day, but your True Energy’s strength is comparable to a grandmaster at the peak of the first rank. After a few days, more Cold Energy will accumulate in Cynthia’s body, and you can absorb it again. You’ll probably reach the second rank immediately. The speed at which you’re cultivating is terrifying.
Maxine was envious. She had practiced martial arts since she was young. Despite training for more than 20 years, she had only just reached the second rank. Yet, James would surpass her in just a few days.
Comparison was indeed the thief of joy.
“Thank you, Cynthia.”
James was sincerely grateful.
“You don’t have to thank me. I’m glad to be helping you.”
Cynthia looked at James pleadingly and asked, “James, could you teach me how to cultivate?”
“Sure,” James agreed with a smile.
“Wait a minute…”
Maxine suddenly had an idea and looked toward James and Cynthia.
James turned to look at her and asked, “What’s wrong?”
“I think I solved the mystery.”
Maxine fell into thought for a few seconds and suddenly exclaimed joyfully, “I finally understand!”
“What do you understand, Maxine?”
Maxine took a deep breath and explained, “I solved the cultivation method hidden in the Moonlit Flowers on Cliffside’s Edge!”
“What?” James looked at Maxine in shock.
Maxine explained, “The moon in the painting refers to yin, which can be understood as Yin Energy or Cold Energy. The sun refers to yang, also known as Yang Energy. Yin and Yang have to be combined. This is the same for the meridian diagram. Not only does it require a woman and man to cultivate together, but it also has to be a woman that uses True Yin Energy and a man that uses True Yang Energy. Yin and Yang Energy will balance and complement each other.”
The more she talked, the more excited she became.
“The cultivation method in the painting isn’t just for one person. It’s a dual cultivation method.”
James‘ heart skipped a beat.
As Maxine explained, he gradually understood. He closed his eyes and carefully thought about the cultivation method he saw in the painting.
Initially, he thought it was to split the cultivation method in order to practice it individually, which seemed impossible.
However, it would be entirely feasible if it was one cultivation method had to be practiced simultaneously with two people reciting it in turns.
Chapter 927
James immediately understood after hearing Maxine’s explanation.
One person could not practice the cultivation method on the Moonlit Flowers on Cliffside's Edge alone.
Forcefully doing so would lead to problems.
This cultivation method had to be practiced by two people together.
It needed them to cooperate and practice.
"But..."
Maxine said solemnly, "Yin and Yang complement each other, and it’s necessary to have both energies.The energy in Cynthia's body is indeed the purest form of True Yin Energy, and if she could learn to absorb the Cold Energy in her body, she could indeed practice the cultivation method.However, we lack someone with True Yang Energy."
She turned to James and asked, "What kind of True Energy do you have, James?"
"I-I don't know."
James was not sure of what kind of True Energy he had.
"Let me check," said Maxine.
James asked, "How are you going to check?"
Maxine explained, "Just stretch out your hand and exert a bit of your True Energy."
James did as he was told.
When he stretched out his hand, Maxine reached out and held his palm.He circulated his True Energy, allowing it to travel from the meridians of his whole body and to his palm.
Maxine sensed James’ True Energy.
His True Energy was vigorous and robust.
However, because it was refined from Cynthia’s Cold Energy into True Energy, it contained both yin and yang energy.
It would definitely be a problem to practice the cultivation method from the Moonlit Flowers on Cliffside's Edge.
After sensing James’ True Energy attribute, she said, "That’s enough."
James retracted his True Energy and asked, "How is it?"
Maxine said, "Unfortunately, your True Energy contains hints of yin and isn’t the purest form of True Yang Energy.It doesn’t complement Cynthia’s True Energy, so it'll be impossible for you to cultivate with her."
"Do we really need two completely different types of True Energy to cultivate? James asked doubtfully.
"Yeah, that’s the key." Maxine nodded.
She fell into thought.
After a few seconds, she said, "I read in some of our family’s ancient books that there is a special fruit called the Sacred Fire Fig, which grows near volcanic craters.If you consume it, you'll be able to convert your True Energy into True Yang Energy."
"Sacred Fire Fig?"
James was taken aback.He had never heard of such a thing before.
"It’ll be a waste of time to search for this probably non-existent fruit to practice the cultivation method on the Moonlit Flowers on Cliffside's Edge.It’s better that I continue with my current cultivation method instead.Who knows, it might not be inferior to the one in the painting," James parted his lips and said.
He was confident in the medical book and Crucifer.
Maxine said, "Perhaps that isn’t the only way to cultivate.
How about we let Cynthia learn to absorb the Cold Energy in her body to refine it into True Energy first? After she masters it, you two can try the cultivation method.
Cynthia looked at them enthusiastically.
She had learned a lot about martial arts in the past few days.She understood that martial artists were powerful and could silently appear or disappear without a trace.
Maxine turned to Cynthia.
"I’ll teach you how to cultivate for now."
"Okay! Sure!"
Cynthia nodded excitedly.
James stood up, got off the bed, and said, "You should get dressed first.I'll head downstairs."
After he finished speaking, he left the room and walked downstairs.
Meanwhile, at a desolate mountain in Sol...
Chapter 928
Two figures appeared—one old and one young.
The old figure and a man with neat white hair dressed in baggy white clothes.
Meanwhile, the young figure was a woman with long black hair in her twenties, dressed in a black skirt.
"sir Caden, why did you bring me here?" the woman asked.
The old man looked at the mountain ahead.
It was a bare mountain with smoke billowing at the top.
He pointed to the mountain ahead and said, "This is a volcanic crater that often spews lava.I came here to find a special fruit."
The two people were Tobias and Thea.
Thea already knew that the location was a volcanic crater because she could feel the heat as soon as they approached it.
Even though it was winter and the weather was relatively cold, the surrounding area was scorching, causing sweat beads to appear on her pretty face.
She asked perplexedly, "Why are you looking for a fruit?"
Thomas explained, "The fruit I'm looking for is the Sacred Fire Fig, and it only grows near volcanoes.The fruit contains Hot Energy.An ordinary person’s body will burn from within after consumption and die almost instantly.However, martial artists can consume it and convert the energy into True Yang Energy."
"I can’t go any further."
Thea stopped and could not be bothered to maintain her image.
She simply sat down on the ground and fanned her face.
Thomas also stopped.
He looked at Thea and said, "The Ancient Four each guard a painting, each of which records mysterious and unpredictable cultivation methods.The cultivation method recorded on the Moonlit Flowers on Cliffside's Edge requires a man and woman to practice together.The man has to have True Yang Energy, while the woman has to have True Yin Energy.The two energies will complement each other.Now that James has a woman with pure True Yin Energy beside him, it’s a perfect opportunity.However, James True Energy isn’t True Ying Energy."
Thea looked at Thomas and asked, "Sir Caden, could it be that you’ve already cracked the Moonlit Flowers on Cliffside's Edge’s secret?"
"Ha!" Thomas chuckled.
Then, he said, "I cracked it thirty years ago."
"A-Are you trying to get James to use the cultivation method?"
"Yup!"
Thomas nodded and said, "I came to find the Sacred Fire Fig.If we can find it, you can bring it back to Cansington for James."
Thea thought for a while and asked, "You said that you’ve stolen the Johnstons and the Sullivans’ paintings, so did you also solve the other two paintings’ secret?"
Thomas did not answer.
Instead, he looked at the mountain in front and uttered, "I’ve acquired two paintings out of the four.As for the Cadens’ painting, I've already memorized it long ago, so it doesn’t matter whether I have it or not.However, the Lees’ painting will be hard to steal."
Thomas wore a serious expression.
Although the Lees were not the head of the ancient Four, they were the most mysterious family.
The Lees had several locations in Sol.
Thomas had been searching for decades but had yet to figure out which location the painting was at.
Additionally, the Lees’ ancestors were powerful martial artists.
Even he was afraid of fighting one of the Lees.
He might not even have a chance of winning in a face-to-face fight.
"Let’s go."
Thomas helped Thea up and held on to her.
Suddenly, he jumped and leaped more than ten meters away instantly.
They had traveled more than a hundred meters with a few more jumps.
Soon, they were halfway up the mountain.
It was scorching hot, and Thea sweated profusely.
She could not endure it and said, "Sir Caden, it’s too hot here.I don’t think I can bear it anymore."
"You wait here then.I'll go look for it."
Seeing Thea’s suffering appearance, Thomas put her down and instructed, "Stay where you are and don’t go anywhere."
"Alright." Thea nodded.
Thomas continued to head up the mountain.
Chapter 929
James had successfully cultivated his True Energy again.
Moreover, he had constantly absorbed the Cold Energy from Cynthia’s body, allowing his True Energy to increase rapidly.
In just half a day, he had reached the peak of the first rank and was only one step away from the second rank.
Although Cynthia’s physique was extraordinary, the Cold Energy within her body was limited and had to be regenerated every day.
During the past few days, Maxine had also discharged a portion from her body.
Therefore, James would have to wait a few days before he could absorb more.
After James headed downstairs, Cynthia dressed and went downstairs with Maxine.
In the living room...
Maxine said, "Next, I’ll personally teach Cynthia martial arts.She was a unique physique, and as long as her comprehension is decent, her cultivation rate wouldn't be inferior to yours."
"Indeed."
James nodded.
Then, he said, "Her body is like a perpetual motion machine that will continuously generate Cold Energy.As long as she can absorb it, she’ll be able to cultivate True Energy."
Maxine said again, "According to my plan, you should absorb the Cold Energy from her body every seven days.You'll need one day to absorb and convert the Cold Energy completely."
"Mihm." James nodded.
In terms of martial arts, he was only at entry level.
Meanwhile, Maxine, who grew up in the Cadens and was exposed to martial arts at a young age, was much more knowledgeable.
Suddenly, Maxine remembered something and said, "By the way, grandpa said that you’re granted permission to enter the Cadens’ library as you please.There are a lot of martial arts techniques and secrets left behind by our ancestors.Although you have cultivated your True Energy, you still don’t know how to use it.You can choose a martial art technique that suits you."
"I'll think about it later."
James slightly shook his head.
The situation right now was much more urgent.
Thea, Quincy and Tiara were still missing.
Moreover, the identity of the person they suspected to be his grandfather was still a mystery.
"Pll go to the Blithe King to inquire about the situation."
James stood up, bid farewell to Cynthia and Maxine, and then left the villa.He went to the garage and got in a car heading directly to the military region.
The Blithe King was in a meeting when James came to visit.He quickly dismissed the meeting to see James.
At the military region, in the Blithe King’s office...
The Blithe King entered the office and saw James already sitting on his sofa, immersed in his thoughts.
"You're here," said the Blithe King.
James came back to his senses and nodded.
"Yeah.It’s already been a few days.Do you have any news yet?"
The Blithe King sat down, took out a cigarette, and handed it over.
"I tried my best and exhausted all my connections, but I simply couldn't find the car that took Tiara.They weren’t spotted on any surveillance cameras throughout the city.I also couldn’t find the identity of the person who took her.As for Thea and Quincy, they disappeared into thin air after getting off work."
James had already expected the result.
The Blithe King would have called him long ago if there was an update.
He still came anyway because he did not know who to talk to.
"Blithe King, do you know of ancient martial artists?"
The Blithe King was slightly taken aback by his question.
He nodded.
"Yeah, I do."
James massaged his temples and said, "The situation in the Capital is dire right now.The Ancient Four have turned against each other, and countless major forces are eyeing one another.Once the situation gets out of control, it’l] affect Sol.Tell me, how can I prevent it from happening? The Blithe King shook his head.
"These matters aren’t for me to worry about.Plus, I don’t even have the right to do anything.This is a battle of the martial powerhouses and is not mine to fight.However, no matter the outcome, I believe the winner will lead the country to prosperity and won't lead the country their ancestors struggled to build into destruction."
"What should I do? My grandfather might still be alive and is likely to be a heinous villain.The Cadens of the Capital were probably also involved in the fire that burned down my family's villa.If one day, my grandfather asks me to destroy the Cadens in the Capital to avenge my family, what should I do?"
James asked helplessly.
These questions had been troubling him for the past few days.He was afraid to think about it.
The Blithe King was slightly aware of James’ situation.
He also knew that the person who took Tiara away was suspected of being Thomas.
Chapter 930
The Blithe King smiled and said, "Why’re you telling me this? You can’t even decide for yourself, so how would I know? You think too highly of me."
"Then tell me, should I stand on the country’s side, the King or the Cadens?" asked James.
The Blithe King shook his head again.
These were questions that he could not answer.
"Why’re you thinking about it so much? You’ just have to take one step at a time.Let’s have a couple of drinks! I’ll ask Daniel to join us."
The Blithe King understood that James was in a dilemma.
Although he was unaware of the grievances and conflict between the Ancient Four in the Capital, he had heard about the Four Ancient Paintings before.
Thirty years ago, there was an internal conflict in the Cadens.
Additionally, the Cadens’ villa was burned in flames ten years ago.
These were things he had recently learned about James.
However, he was unable to give James any advice as an outsider.He got up, looked at the dazed James, and shouted, "What're you doing zoning out? Let's go!"
James replied troubledly, "Alright, let’s go."
The two walked out of the office together.
The Blithe King changed into casual clothes and brought Daniel with him.
Then, they drove out of the military region in a black car.
At a food stall in Cansington...
The three of them ordered various delicious dishes.
Daniel went to the car trunk to get the wine he had prepared.
The three of them enjoyed their food and drinks.
James wanted to bury his worries in the drinks, but the more he drank, the soberer he became.
Ultimately, there were countless wine bottles pilled up on the ground.
The Blithe King and Daniel were knocked out, lying on the table with their faces flushed red.
Meanwhile, James was still clear- minded.
After cultivating his True Energy, he seemed to have grown slightly immune to alcohol.
He looked at the Blithe King and Daniel.
He did not bother with them anymore and simply picked up his coat.
Then, he left the food stall.
James walked on the bustling street and watched the pedestrians quickly rush by him.
He felt slightly lost.
Over the years, he had never felt so confused before.
At this moment, he was unsure of what to do next.
He also needed to figure out where to go.
Suddenly, he started to miss Thea.
He missed the days when he was the Callahans’ live-in son-in-law.
He could stroll down the streets to buy groceries, cook meals and live unrestrained.
However, all that was already in the past, and there was no going back.
Then, he thought of Quincy.
This woman rushed to the Southern Plains to find him.
She stayed by his side and cared for him when he was poisoned with Gu.
Lastly, he also thought of Tiara.
She was captured by the Emperor and suffered inhuman torture.
Despite that, she never once complained.
She had a soft appearance but was a fighter.
The figures of the three women hovered in his mind and overlapped each other.
Soon, his mind was a mess.
James held on to his coat, casually swung it over his shoulder, and wandered the bustling streets.
Suddenly, his heart skipped a beat.
He quickly turned around and stared behind him.
Many people were casually strolling down the streets.
James glanced over them one by one.
He felt a strong murderous intent just a few moments ago.
However, the source of it was nowhere to be found.