Ch. 981..990

Chapter 981

Maxine froze at his question.

After a few seconds, she nodded and replied, "Yeah.Grandpa arranged the marriage."

James said, "I’ve heard about the Blithes.They used to be a sect that declined into a martial family and almost died down.Fortunately, they had a talented martial artist that revitalized the family.They’ve maintained a low profile all this while, but they're actually a powerful family and are on par with the Ancient Four.Does this mean that Tobias is trying to win their support during the martial art conference?"

"Yes."

Maxine nodded and said, "The three families are pointing fingers at the Cadens.We’re being besieged and need a strong ally.The Blithes are a good choice, and the means of winning them is marriage."

James frowned and said, "In this time and age, how are such practices still happening? Why do we sacrifice someone’s happiness for the family’s benefit?"

"I agree."

Maxine looked at James.She pouted and said, "Let’s not talk about this anymore.What we should worry about is Madelyn."

Speaking of Madelyn, Maxine’s expression became wary.

"I heard she was bringing people to Mount White after you.However, I didn’t manage to find out how many or if they were grandmasters or ordinary people."

James rubbed his temples.

They were indeed in deep waters.

James looked at the hundred soldiers, and his expression darkened.

The last time, dozens of men died while he was trying to acquire the second volume of the medical book.

This time, he did not want any blood to be shed.

"But..."

Maxine continued, "Grandpa did mention that Madelyn wouldn’t dare kill you.She’s simply coming to prevent you from bringing back the treasures."

"Hehehe..."

An eerie laughter echoed throughout the forest.

James, Maxine, Blake, Daniel, and all the soldiers stood up simultaneously.

They carefully observed their surroundings.

The laughter sounded through the woods and resonated for a long time.

James quickly tried to determine the direction of the source.

However, the sound seemed to be coming from all directions, and it was impossible to tell where it originated from.

"Since you're here, show yourself!"

James shouted, and his voice echoed.He stared intently into the distance.

A hundred meters away, a young woman stood on a tree over thirty meters high.

The woman was dressed in a leather jacket and pants.

Her clothes tightly hugged her bust and slender legs.

"Hehe..."

The young woman laughed again.

Then, she jumped off the tree and landed firmly on the ground.

With a few leaps, she appeared in front of James and the others.

Bearing witness to the sight, the soldiers’ faces turned pale with fright.

"I-Is she human?"

Although they were experienced soldiers, they were ordinary humans and had never seen martial artists before.

The woman in front of them had leaped more than a hundred meters in just a few seconds.

It was only reasonable for them to be horrified.

Their blood ran cold as if they had just seen a ghost.

"She's right..."

The woman stood before James and stared directly at him.She smiled and said, "I’m here to prevent you from bringing back the treasures."

Then, she turned her gaze to Maxine.

"Maxine, I heard you’re about to marry into the Blithes.What are you doing here? Would your marriage still go smoothly if the Blithes found out you were hanging around other men?"

The woman in leather clothing was none other than Madelyn.

Maxine glared at Madelyn and said slowly, "I heard that Mr.Gabriel has a favorite disciple who’s incredibly talented.We’ve met a few times but have never dueled..."

Maxine stepped forward and hooked her palm, inviting her to a match.

A powerful aura surged from her body, and her long hair fluttered with the air around her.

The soldiers present could feel the overbearing force crushing them and quickly stepped backward.

Chapter 982

Blake stared at Maxine enviously and exclaimed, "I-Is this the strength of a grandmaster?! She has such strong energy surging from her!"

Madelyn glanced at Maxine and smiled condescendingly.

"I heard you’re smart and tactical.Since you knew I was coming to Mount White, why didn’t you consider the consequences beforehand? "Oh, wait.I get it.You knew of the consequences but still chose to come.I’ll fulfill your wish, then!"

Madelyn suddenly smiled and snapped her fingers.

Suddenly, four men jumped down from a few big trees and appeared before them.

"The Four Guardians!"

The change in Maxine’s facial expression was almost indiscernible.

"Attack!"

An evil smile crept onto Madelyn’s face as she ordered, "Kill everyone except for Maxine and James!"

"How dare you?!"

James took a sudden step forward and stood in front of Maxine.

Then, he glared at the middle-aged men and Madelyn.

The four ordinary - looking men were dressed in black robes, radiating strong auras.

Their charisma alone made them look like grim reapers.

Maxine whispered, "James, these are the Four Guardians, Mr.Gabriel’s henchmen.They’re powerful grandmasters of the third rank.I didn’t think Madelyn would bring them along with her."

James’ blood ran cold.

He looked at Madelyn and said, "You want to prevent me from taking the treasures? If that's the case, there’s no need to take their lives.Let them go."

James knew that he could not protect these soldiers.

Once a fight broke out, these people would be slaughtered instantly.He did not want the soldiers to be dragged into his business.

"That depends on whether you can protect them.How about this? If you can withstand a blow from each of the Four Guardians, I’ll let them go."

Madelyn smiled.It was a sinister smile.

At that moment, she looked like a devil.

James turned around and looked at Blake, Daniel, and the hundred soldiers behind him.They looked back at him worriedly.

"l do it."

James turned around and nodded at Madelyn.

"What are you doing, James?"

Maxine quickly tugged at James.She said anxiously, "These men are of at least the third rank.You’re only at the peak of the first rank.How are you going to withstand their blows? Even if they don’t kill you, they may cripple you.You'll spend the rest of your life in a wheelchair."

"Whether I can withstand it or not, I can only find out after trying."

James gently pushed Maxine aside.

Clap! Clap! Madelyn applauded and chuckled.

"Very admirable.The Dragon King is committed to serving the country and its people.The Black Dragon Army and the country is blessed to have a commander like you.Unfortunately, you lack some brains."

"I'll do it in his stead."

Maxine stepped forward again, glaring at Madelyn and the Four Guardians.She said coldly, "I'll tell Grandpa about this when I return home."

"Sure."

Madelyn laughed and said, "I’m afraid the Cadens won’t take you back after you return."

"You..."

Maxine trembled with anger.

"Tsk, tsk.This infuriates me.This isn’t the Maxine I’ve heard of."

Madelyn smiled brightly.

"Maxine, step back," James ordered.

"Are you stupid, James?"

Maxine scolded.

"Do you know who they are? Do you know the difference between your strength and theirs? Them crippling you would be counted as mercy!"

"I won't find out if I don’t try," James said confidently.

"Come at me, Madelyn.I hope you keep your word.Otherwise..."

Chapter 983

James knew that Madelyn did not intend to kill him but only wanted to use the soldiers to threaten him.

"Of course, I'll keep my word."

Madelyn smiled and whispered to the four middle-aged men beside her, "Don’t go all out on him.We can’t kill him."

The Four Guardians nodded.

Immediately, one of them stepped forward.He raised his arms, and a powerful force surrounded him, causing the fallen leaves around him to flutter in the air.

A lot of fallen leaves gathered and rotated together into an energy ball.

He stared at James and said, "Are you ready, James?"

James closed his eyes.He concentrated on the Invincible Body Siddhi recorded in the medical book.

James knew that he could not sustain four blows from the Four Guardians, but for the sake of the Blithe Army’s soldiers, he had to.He circulated his energy and channeled it throughout the meridians of his body.

James’ complexion showed slight changes, turning slightly bronzy.

"Hmm?"

Seeing the changes in James’ complexion, Madelyn was surprised.

Maxine’s brows furrowed, and she murmured, "What kind of martial art technique is that?"

She had been following James around for quite some time and understood James' condition.She had never seen him practicing any technique, but he was now clearly performing a martial technique.

James raised his hand and hooked his finger.

"I'm ready."

One of the Four Guardians casually waved his hand, causing the energy ball to dash toward James.

Whoosh! A colossal force swept forward, and the sound of surging wind could be heard.

James stretched his palm forward to block the energy ball coming toward him, The terrifying force forced him backward.

Soon, he could no longer resist it, and the force crashed into his body.

His body flew ten meters away and slammed into the ground.

Boom! His body fell to the ground, and the surrounding dust puffed up in the air.

Daniel and the hundred soldiers were utterly stunned by this sight.

They were frozen in place.

Maxine quickly rushed over and asked anxiously, "James, are you okay? Are you hurt?"

She wanted to support James to his feet.

James waved his hand and stood up.He walked back toward them and stood about five meters in front of Madelyn.

With a calm expression, he said, "That’s one."

Madelyn frowned and looked at the person who attacked, asking, "How much strength did you use?"

The man replied in a hushed tone, "Fifty percent.With his current strength, it should be impossible for him to sustain my attack.He should’ve lost his combat power immediately.Although he should be severely injured, he’s still fine."

Madelyn looked at James perplexedly.She knew that James had cultivated his True Energy and that the Johnstons had once crippled him.

After that, James recovered his strength and was constantly improving.

However, she had no idea how he recovered.

Not only was Madelyn puzzled, but even Maxine was surprised.She could not believe James could take a blow from one of Mr.Gabriel’s henchmen.

Although he did not use his full strength, the difference in their ranks should be enough to significantly impact James.

After all, the difference between two ranks was worlds apart.

Maxine stared at James.

James’ expression showed no changes.

However, the skin around his neck and hands had a few bronze spots.

James said, "Three more.I’m ready."

Madelyn looked at another one of the Four Guardians and ordered, "Use seventy percent of your strength."

"Alright."

The man nodded.

Immediately, the man leaped into the air, raised his hand, and stretched his palm forward.He dashed a few meters forward and appeared in front of James instantly.Then, he slammed his palm into James’ chest.

James' body curved inward as he received the blow.

Chapter 984

"Ugh!"

James spat out a mouthful of blood.

Then, his body flew more than ten meters back before crashing to the ground.

"James!"

Maxine rushed over.

As soon as James fell to the ground, he got up and sat in a lotus position, circulating his energy and suppressing the Blood Energy in his body.

Seeing that James was able to get up, Maxine sighed in relief.

She quickly reminded him, "James, forget it.They’re not using their full strength against you.He only used about seventy percent.You can’t take a blow of full strength from them."

James waved his hand.

"I have to take it, even if I can’t.I brought these people here and must bring them back safely."

He then looked at Madelyn in the distance and asked, "Can I heal for a while?"

"Sure,"

Madelyn replied.

At the same time, she carefully observed James.She was wondering how James could withstand the attacks of the Four Guardians.

The four of them were grandmasters of the third rank.

James sat in a lotus position with his eyes closed.He performed the cultivation method that was recorded in the medical book.

Although the medical book mainly recorded the application of Crucifier, the other techniques recorded could also work miraculously.

James performed a technique called Heavenly Breath.It had nine levels.

James could not even be considered a level one in it yet.

Heavenly Breath was crucial to mastering Invincible Body Siddhi.

The stronger his Heavenly Breath, the greater his Invincible Body Siddhi’s defense.

As soon as he began performing Heavenly Breath, his Blood Energy was instantly suppressed.

A rosy tint returned to his pale face.He stood up and walked toward Madelyn again.

"Two more.I'm ready."

Seeing that James had suppressed his Blood Energy, Madelyn's face turned serious.

She could not help asking, "James, your technique isn’t from the Cadens.Where exactly did you get these techniques?"

"I'm ready."

James hooked his finger, inviting the next opponent.

Madelyn was furious that James was not answering her question.

She ordered coldly, "You're next.Strike him with full strength and knock him out!"

"Understood."

The following person was ranked second among the Four Guardians.

He stepped forward and said coldly, "Prepare to die, punk."

After speaking, he concentrated all his strength and pushed his palm forward.

Suddenly, a powerful force emerged from his palm and dashed toward James.

James was sent flying tens of meters, slamming into a tree in the distance.

The tree immediately collapsed, and James fell to the ground again.He was unable to get up for a long time.

Maxine glared at Madelyn and threatened, "If he dies, not only is your life over but your master will also be doomed!"

Then, she quickly rushed to James and supported him up from the ground.

Madelyn also walked over.

Seeing James' pale face with blood flowing from his lips, she pouted and muttered, "He deserves it.He dodged my question."

Maxine quickly took out a pill and offered it to James.

James waved his hand and said weakly, "I don’t need it."

He gently pushed Maxine away and sat in a lotus position again.

James performed Heavenly Breath and began circulating his energy to heal his wounds.

"That’s enough."

Madelyn could see that James was not about to die anytime soon, so she waved her hand, saying, "I admire you for withstanding three blows from them.I'll let these people live."

She glanced at the people standing in the distance and shouted, "Get lost."

"What?"

Blake was troubled.He was unsure if he should leave.

The soldiers were also busy recollecting themselves after what they just witnessed.

However, they were soldiers, and without an order from their superior, they would not evacuate.

James looked at the people in the distance and said, "You guys leave first.Go back to Cansington."

After receiving the order, Daniel instructed the soldiers, "Withdraw!"

The soldiers gradually evacuated one after another.

Maxine glared at Madelyn and asked furiously, "What are you trying to do?"

"Maxine, you’re smart, so you should already know.I don’t want to do this, but I have to," Madelyn murmured.

Chapter 985

“You...” Maxine was furious.

“Now!” Madelyn ordered.

The Four Guardians acted swiftly.

Before Maxine could react, they had tapped her acupoints and sealed her True Energy, rendering her paralyzed.

Madelyn smirked and said, “Maxine, you should know that Mr. Gabriel hated people getting in the way of his plans. He doesn't want the Cadens to get help from anyone.”

Maxine could not move her body. She glared at Madelyn and asked, “Isn't he your teacher? Why are you calling him Mr. Gabriel?”

“Hehe,” Madelyn giggled.

She did not explain herself and simply waved to the Four Guardians beside her.

The four nodded and quickly left.

Madelyn slowly walked toward Maxine. Maxine could not circulate her energy as her acupoints were sealed.

Madelyn lifted Maxine’s chin and said with a smile, “What a beautiful woman. If I were a man, I would love to be with a woman like you. Hehe...”

Then, she walked toward James.

James had suffered severe injuries and was still recovering. His injuries were horrible, and he could not heal himself in a short time.

Before he could react, Madelyn had reached out and sealed his acupoints.

“What are you doing?” James growled.

“What am I doing?” Madelyn chuckled and casually tore James’ clothes apart.

“You...” James looked at her.

However, before he could say anything else, Madelyn quickly tore his pants off. James was completely naked in an instant.

“Tsk, tsk. What a physique. It's a pity that I'm too young. Otherwise »

Madelyn giggled as she appreciated James’ body. Then, she walked toward Maxine, pulled her hand, and threw her onto James.

Maxine was completely immobile and was under Madelyn's mercy. Her body slammed into James’, knocking him to the ground.

Maxine was lying right on top of James’ body.

“Madelyn, what are you trying to do?! “" Maxine shouted.

“Nothing.” Madelyn walked over with a smirk and began to strip Madelyn. Soon, both of them were completely naked.

Then, she began to move them into an intimate pose.

James’ face immediately blushed red.

Maxine also closed her eyes in shame, not daring to look at James.

Meanwhile, Madelyn took out her phone and started taking pictures.

“Hey, could you hold him a little closer... Oh, right. I forgot you can't move.” Madelyn murmured as she walked over. She took James’ hand and placed it on Maxine’s back, causing Maxine to lean close into James.

Then, she moved Maxine’s cheeks onto James’ lips. Satisfied with their pose, Madelyn began to take more pictures.She circled the pair and took hundreds of pictures. Then, she looked through the pictures she took and smiled with satisfaction.

“Not bad. These angles are perfect.”

She looked at the two on the ground with a smile.

“Okay, I'll be leaving first. After three hours, your acupoints will automatically unseal themselves, and you'll be able to move.Don’t worry. I checked the area. There aren't any wild animals around, so you won't be in danger.”

With that being said, she turned and left.

“Madelyn, you're shameless! I swear I'll kill you!” Maxine roared.However, her threats were ignored, and Madelyn gradually disappeared into the darkness

Chapter 986

On the mountain, the campfires were still burning.

Two naked figures were lying on the ground.

The man was on the bottom while the woman was lying on top of him. Both had no clothes on, and their positions were incredibly intimate.

Maxine could feel James’ lips against her cheek, and her face blushed red. She wanted to stand up but could not move a muscle.

James was unable to move as well. He could only keep embracing Maxine. He could feel the warmth of Maxine’s body.

Both of them were embarrassed by the situation and remained silent.

Asense of awkwardness filled the atmosphere.

Time passed by slowly.

The two stayed in the same pose for three hours.

After three hours, Maxine realized she could move and quickly jumped off James. Then, she picked up her clothes and covered her body.

Her clothes were ripped and could not be worn anymore. She could only use the scraps to cover herself slightly for the time being.

James got up and wanted to put his clothes on. However, he found that his clothes were shredded to pieces. On top of that, he had severe injuries, and his treatment had been delayed treatment for three hours. When he moved, his injuries were triggered, and he spat a mouthful of blood.

Maxine did not dare look at James.

However, when she heard the movements, she turned around. Seeing James vomiting blood, her expression quickly changed. She held onto her torn clothes and promptly rushed over to James.

“Are you okay, James? How are you feeling?”

“I've sustained internal injuries and have to heal.”

Continuing to delay treatment would put James' life at risk. He did not have the time to worry about being naked. Sitting in a lotus position, he quickly circulated his True Energy to heal his wounds.

Maxine saw Crucifier around his arm and quickly said, “I can use Crucifier to help heal your wounds.”

“Okay.” James did not refuse. He waved his hand, and the wire slid off his hand. He picked it up and touched it, causing the wire to scatter into needles.

Maxine was also from the Cadens and was proficient in medicine. However, she was unsure of where James’ injuries were. She asked, “Where do I insert them?”

“In my chest.”

“Okay.” Maxine did as he said.

She inserted seven to eight needles consecutively according to James’ instructions.

After the eighth needle, James showed signs of improvement.

Maxine put the needles away. She moved aside and hugged her knees.

James looked at Maxine, who only had some parts of her body covered with scrap cloth. Noticing her tearful expression, he apologized, “I’m sorry that you got dragged into this.”

Maxine shook her head. With a choked-up voice, she said, “It’s not your fault. Mr. Gabriel intended to frame me. He wanted to destroy the relationship between the Cadens and the Blithes. Ah... What do I do? What am I going to do when I return to the Capital? Grandpa is going to beat me to death!” Maxine cried.

She looked like a little girl who had been wronged. James frowned. He thought for a moment and said, “I’ll explain things to Tobias.”

“It's useless. Even if grandpa believed us, the Blithes would never. Madelyn would surely leak the photos she took.” Maxine shook her head vigorously.

James said, “We’re innocent. We were framed. There’s nothing to be afraid of.”

“You don't understand! Reputation is the most important thing to ancient martial families! If Madelyn shared the photos, I’d be ruined! The Blithes wouldn't want this marriage, and Grandpa's plan would be ruined! The Cadens would be thrown into hell, and grandpa would never forgive me! ” Maxine sobbed softly.

James sat opposite her. Maxine had always seemed like an all-powerful individual to him.

However, at this moment, she looked helpless. James sighed.

“l-ls there anything I can do to help?”

Chapter 987

With the current situation, James was unsure of what to do.

After sobbing for a while, Maxine calmed down. She wore a perplexed expression as she sat pensively.

“What are you thinking about?” Seeing that she was in deep thought, James’ curiosity was piqued.

“It's kind of weird,” Maxine murmured.

“Huh?” James was puzzled.

Maxine said softly, “Grandpa knew that Madelyn would appear in Mount White. At first, he asked me not to interfere because he knew that she wouldn't kill you. He knew your life would not be in danger, but eventually, he allowed me to come to look for you.”

James looked at Maxine and asked, “What's weird about that? Didn’t you say he asked you to bring me the martial art manuals?”

“I'm afraid that was just an excuse.” Maxine sighed.

She knew Tobias very well.

Although he had no intention of fighting for hegemony, he was meticulous. He would always think through things thoroughly. She explained, “Grandpa knows about Madelyn being Mr. Gabriel's disciple and also about the current situation. Madelyn knows that the Cadens and the Blithes are planning a marriage. Weirdly, Grandpa allowed outsiders to find out about the marriage even though he knew that the other families and forces would do everything to stop it.

“The key to stopping the marriage is me. The Blithes seldom move around, and they have strong traditional principles. As long as the others ruin my reputation, this marriage will be over.

“It's impossible that Grandpa didn’t think of these things. So, why did he allow me to come?”

Maxine could not figure it out. Meanwhile, James was even more confused. The two sat silently around the fire.

After a while, Maxine raised her head and looked at James.

James frantically stretched out his hand to cover himself.

“Pfft!” Maxine suddenly burst out laughing.

James asked, “Why are you laughing while looking at me?”

Maxine realized she had lost her composure and quickly said, “It’s nothing! I have a feeling that Grandpa had predicted all this but still chose to send me here. It must have something to do with you.”

“Me?” James was puzzled.

“I think Grandpa was contemplating between you and the Blithes and deciding who was more reliable.”

James touched his nose and said, “I'm only a peak first rank.”

“Still, you've regulated all the meridians in your body, and your real strength could go up to the fifth rank.”

“Oh,” James said casually.

Then, he suddenly thought of something. “Could it be the God- King Palace?”

“Hmm?” Maxine looked at James.

James said, “Tobias must know that my grandfather founded the God-King Palace. They’ve demonstrated great strength in the past. Now that Grandpa is dead, Thea will be the owner of the God-King Palace. Although Thea gave me the God-King token, and I’m technically the current owner, I’ve never seen anyone from the God -King Palace. However, Thea has met them.”

Hearing this, Maxine immediately understood Tobias’ plan.

“Grandpa had two plans. One is a marriage with the Blithes, and the other is to win over the God-King Palace that Thomas left behind and use it to his benefit. Ha! Grandpa sure is a great tactician. He wants to use me to win over both forces.” Maxine laughed bitterly at her miserable fate.

Chapter 988

On the outside, she had infinite glory. However, in reality, she had no status in the family and was simply a tool to be used.

James asked, “Then, what should we do now?”

Maxine sighed. “I’m afraid Grandpa sent me to protect you because he knew you didn't fully trust the Cadens. He wanted to use me to make you feel welcomed among the Cadens. That’s why he allowed me to come hoping that something would happen between us. At the same time, he’ll stay in contact with the Blithes. Even if Madelyn spreads the pictures, he'll still try to make the marriage happen. And, if it doesn’t happen, he'll think of something to cause a grievance between the Blithes and Mr. Gabriel.”

James listened carefully.

Although these were just Maxine’s guesses, they made complete sense.

“Don't worry. I'll take things one step at a time.” Maxine hugged her knees and propped her chin on them, speaking softly.

After thinking for a while, she felt that her situation was not too bad. At least she was still valuable to Tobias. He would not give up on her so soon. She looked up at James and said, “If I have to choose between the Blithes and you, I'll choose the latter.”

“...” Maxine’s sudden words shocked James.

After being stunned for a while, James returned to his senses and said, “Don't joke around. You know my situation. I already have a complicated relationship with women. Don’t put any more pressure on me.”

“Haha,” Maxine chuckled.

“I’m just kidding. No matter what, we're still cousins.”

James wanted to say that she was not from the Cadens and was adopted. However, he swallowed the words back and did not say anything.

“By the way...” Maxine changed the subject and asked, “What kind of martial art do you practice? Your skin has changed, and your defenses seemed to have become stronger.”

James explained, “Il used the techniques recorded in the medical book. One is called Heavenly Breath, and the other is Invincible

Body Siddhi. They work in a pair. Together, they can make one’s body turn bronze and become invulnerable to swords and bullets. If I master them, I can even form an invincible energy wall. However, I’m still a beginner.”

“That's amazing!” Maxine exclaimed. “There’s a huge difference in strength between ranks. Even though you're just a beginner, you were able to resist the blows from Mr. Gabriel’s henchmen.

Once you master the techniques, I’m sure that no one will be able to stand against you.”

“It's hard.” James shook his head.

James knew that it would be challenging to master the techniques thoroughly. It might take years.

“Give me your clothes. I'll mend them for you. We'll leave at dawn.” James removed a needle from Crucifier and tore a thread from his clothes.

Maxine hesitated for a bit before saying with a flushed face, “T- Turn around first.”

James immediately turned around.

Maxine threw her torn clothes that she was using to cover herself to James. She was completely naked, and the chilly breeze made her shiver involuntarily. She circulated her True Energy and drove away the cold.

As for James, he began to mend the clothes.

Maxine stood behind him and smiled upon seeing his skillful movements. “I didn’t expect a commander, the War God of Sol, to know how to sew clothes. I thought you only knew to yield weapons.”

James said, “Being self-reliant, I've learned to do pretty much everything in the past ten years.”

When James was a soldier, he picked up countless skills. There was nothing he did not know how to do.

Soon, he finished mending Maxine’s clothes and turned to hand them to her.

As soon as he turned around, he saw Maxine standing behind him. He was looking straight at a fair body. He froze in place.

Chapter 989

Maxine was deep in thought while James was sewing her clothes.

Amid her thoughts, she failed to notice James turning around.

James had already been staring at her for a while before she regained her senses.

James swallowed his saliva and said, “I-l’m done.”

Maxine immediately took the clothes and quickly turned around, exposing her smooth back to James.

The sight of her butt immediately caught James' attention.It was incredibly voluminous.He took a deep breath and forcibly suppressed his lustful desires.

Maxine quickly got dressed.

After James calmed down, he picked up his clothes and inspected them. They could still be worn if he mended them.

Then, he began to sew them together.

In no time at all, James was also dressed.

After getting dressed, the two sat around the fire silently. It was an unusual atmosphere because neither of them spoke.

James roasted the hare that the soldiers had given him earlier.He occasionally glanced at Maxine, who was sitting opposite him. Due to her silence and the unusual atmosphere, he tried to find a topic to discuss.

“Actually, you have a pretty good figure,” James blurted out.

“Oh, is that so?” Maxine blushed at his comment. She reached out her hand and stroked her hair to cover up her embarrassment.

Her unnatural expression only lasted for a moment.

She immediately recollected herself and asked teasingly, “Is it better than Thea’s?”

“Huh?” James was caught by surprise.

He thought for a while and said, “It’s about the same.”

James meant what he said. There was nothing to compare between the two. Each of them was beautiful in their own way.

“By the way... Madelyn might publish the photos after returning to the Capital. What should I do if Grandpa punishes me for ruining the marriage?” Maxine looked at James and waited for an answer.

James pondered before answering, “Didn't you say it was part of his plan? Even if the photos were leaked, wouldn't he try to explain things?”

“That being said, do you think the Blithes will believe I was framed? If the Blithes still carry on with the marriage, what will people think of them?”

“What do you mean?” James looked at Maxine. He did not understand what she meant by the question.

“Nothing. I'll take things one step at a time.” Maxine shook her head. She was disappointed by James’ answer.

Perhaps to James, she was not important. Despite what happened between them, his attitude remained the same. She sat in a lotus position and remained silent.

Meanwhile, James grilled the meat.

Soon, the hare meat was ready. James tore off a leg and handed it to Maxine, saying, “Try some.”

“I’m not hungry.” Maxine did not open her eyes.

James felt awkward and retracted his hand.

After he finished eating, he assumed a lotus position as well.

They quietly waited for dawn to arrive.

Chapter 990

The night was long, and time passed by slowly.

James took out the martial art manuals brought by Maxine and began to read them.

Tobias had copied them from the Cadens’ library for him. There were three sets of martial techniques in total.

The first one was called Flurry Steps; The second was Dominating Fist; The third was Cyclone Punch.

James began to read the manuals attentively.

Maxine opened her eyes when she realized James had not spoken for some time. She saw him reading the manuals and asked,

“Which manuals did Grandpa give you?”

James returned to his senses and said, “I only briefly went through them. There are three martial art techniques. One is Flurry Steps, another Dominating Fist, and the last Cyclone Punch.”

After hearing the names, Maxine nodded and said, “Not bad. The Cadens’ ancestors directly handed these three martial art manuals down. Each technique was potent back in its prime. I’ve also heard that Flurry Steps is extremely powerful. If you master it, you'll be able to freely move around even if thousands of troops besiege you.

“Dominating Fist was created by an ancestor of the Cadens eight hundred years ago. There are eighteen moves in total. Every move only gets stronger. It’s domineering and forceful. You could collapse mountains and shatter the ground if you mastered even one move. You'll be invincible if you perform all eighteen.

“Cyclone punch is also a technique created by an ancestor of the Cadens a few hundred years ago. Once you master it, your attacks will be strong and unpredictable.” Maxine briefly explained the origin of the techniques to James.

“These are all of the Cadens’ best martial art techniques, only second to Thirteen Heavenly Swords. Among the Cadens, only direct descendants are allowed to practice them. Grandpa must think highly of you to give you such important martial art manuals.”

“Are they that strong?” James was shocked. He never expected the three martial art manuals in his hands to have such a great origin.

“Certainly,” said Maxine. “The Cadens are the leaders of the Ancient Four and one of the best in the ancient martial world.

Many of the Cadens’ ancestors have left behind top-tier martial techniques. The only people that can surpass the Cadens in the ancient martial arts world is probably the Mount Thunder Sect.”

“The Mount Thunder Sect?” James was taken aback.

The ancient world of martial arts was completely foreign to him. He did not know about the other sects and powerhouses around.

“The Mount Thunder Sect has always been admired among the ancient martial world. A hundred years ago, the Great

Grandmaster, who died in the battle against the Gu Sect, was the patriarch of the Mount Thunder Sect. The Mount Thunder Sect has been keeping a low profile ever since. However, that doesn't mean they aren't strong.” Maxine briefly explained about the Mount Thunder Sect.

She had only learned a little from Tobias and did not know much about them.

James asked, “What happened to the Gu Sect a hundred years ago?”

Maxine said, “Sol has always been self-sufficient. A hundred years ago, modern technology overseas started to develop rapidly, and it caused a series of battles to break out. Sol also suffered drastically from the invasion of other countries. It came to a point where they almost destroyed our country.

“The three big families from the Gu Sect—the Mavericks, the Davises, and the Owens—relied on Gu to survive. Gu could save lives but also harm people at the same time. When Sol was in turmoil, the Mavericks attempted to use the opportunity to create chaos and endanger the country. They tried to use Gu to dominate the world.

“Initially, the families of the Gu Sect united and resisted foreign enemies. The Gu Sect and countless ancestral martial artists allied and expelled foreign enemies. That was how Sol successfully established and ushered in a new era.

“However, the Mavericks, the leaders of the Gu Sect, were ambitious and wanted to become the Kings of Sol. That caused an internal conflict to break out. In the end, Sol joined forces with martial artists and the other two families of the Gu Sect to wipe out the Mavericks. However, the King of Sol was still worried, so he wiped out the other two families.

“This battle caused severe casualties in the ancient martial world of Sol. The Great Grandmaster perished, and the countless ancient martial families, sects, and martial artists began to retire, rarely snowing themselves to the public.

“Sol was established upon countless sacrifices. Yes, the King of Sol successfully gained his position, but many lives were sacrificed in exchange for it.

“Of course, there’s more to the story than just this. The situation is incredibly complicated. Even those who experienced it a hundred years ago wouldn't be able to tell you the full story.” Maxine explained the events that happened a hundred years ago.

She only knew bits and pieces about them from Tobias.

She took a deep breath and continued, “A hundred years ago, if the Mavericks had won that battle, the outcome would’ve been completely different. I'm afraid the King of Sol would've become like the Mavericks in the present, fighting for power.

“There’s no absolute right or wrong, just different views.”

James listened carefully. He did not expect the events from a hundred years ago to be so complicated.