Ch. 991..1000
Chapter 991
Now, James had a somewhat rough idea that the failed plan from a century ago was to dominate the world using Gu venom.
In its lead was the Mavericks, one of the three major families of the Gu sect.
Of course, they were not the only ones involved. Many other forces must have played a part in the plan.
As for how the plan came to an end and the secret it held, even Maxine was unaware.
Now, the plan from a century ago was back in action. Those involved had to be stopped.
“By the way, what do you plan to do with all this wealth?” Maxine asked.
James shrugged and said, “Il never expected that Madelyn, the person in charge of Centennial Corporation, would try to stop me.
Now that the Blithe King and the helicopters have left, it'd be rather difficult to bring these golden bricks back.”
James pondered.
After a few seconds, he continued, “Worse comes to worst, we'll ask the God-King Palace to bring them back.”
“You mustn't,” said Maxine hurriedly. “Everyone is currently guessing which side the God-King Palace is on. As it possesses tremendous strength, it won’t be appropriate for us to show our
hand just yet. After all, everyone will know that the God-King Palace is on your side once it helps you bring this wealth back.”
James thought about what she said and agreed with her analysis. The God-King Palace was the ace up his sleeves. He could not reveal it just yet.
“What should we do, then?” James was in a bind.
This wealth was worth trillions of dollars.
Without it, they would not be able to win a protracted struggle against Centennial Corporation. The few hundred billion from Blake was not enough.
Maxine shook her head and said, “I don’t know either. In any case, the God-King Palace mustn't show itself. Apart from Grandpa, no one else knows about them. We'll come up with some way to get the money.”
“I guess that’s the only way for now.” James nodded.
The two sat in front of the bonfire the whole night, discussing martial arts and the current political dynamics.
In the blink of an eye, the sun had risen.
The two got up and left Mount White.
Since the helicopter had left, they could only traverse the mountains to leave this place. Then, they would go to a nearby city and buy a plane ticket black.
Though the path was treacherous, they were martial artists. As such, it was no big deal for them. By noon, they had descended Mount White.
After walking along the road for quite some time, James stopped a car that was passing by and requested the driver send them to a nearby city.
By the time they reached the city, the sky was already dark.
As this was a small city, there were no airports, so they could only call for a taxi and head to a city with an airport to return to the Capital.
Though James wanted to return to Cansington, he was worried about the volatile situation in the Capital. Besides, since Madelyn had made the photographs public, he was concerned that Maxine’s return would get the Cadens involved.
At an airport's departure lounge in a city near Mount White...
James pulled out his phone and called Quincy to inquire about the situation in Cansington. He learned that Messiah Corporation had begun courting some smaller businesses in secret. However, Longevity
Pharmaceuticals had been challenging the other hospitals and pharmacies nonstop, which forced some of them to close shop. The situation was dire.
“Is Cynthia doing alright?” James asked.
Quincy replied, “Her condition is stable. She’s practicing martial arts very rigorously.”
Hearing this, James breathed a sigh of relief.
“I'll be heading to the Capital and will return to Cansington in a few days. Call me if there’s anything.”
“Got it. I’m busy right now. I’m hanging up.” Quincy hung up the phone.
Maxine, who was beside James, glanced at him and asked, “Is everything alright in Cansington?”
Chapter 992
“Only Universal Hospital is making trouble. Everything else is fine for now.”
“That's great.” Maxine breathed a sigh of relief.
“By the way, who exactly is Mr. Gabriel?” James asked.
Maxine shook her head. “I don't know either. I don’t even know his full name. I've only heard from my grandpa that he’s extremely powerful. He's at least of the sixth rank. Whether or not he’s reached the seventh rank is beyond me.”
James’ expression darkened. He never expected Mr. Gabriel to possess such strength. He remained silent, thinking.
After waiting for about two hours, they boarded the plane and returned to the Capital. By the time they arrived, it was already six in the morning.
Walking out of the airport, James asked, “Are we heading back to the Cadens' right away?”
“Yup.” Maxine nodded. “That's the plan.”
Then, she called for a taxi, and the two got on.
At around seven in the morning, they arrived at the front gate of the Cadens' mansion. Many servants were outside sweeping the fallen leaves.
“You're back, Ms. Maxine,” A servant greeted.
The servant walked over to Maxine and whispered, “I don’t know what happened, but the master was extremely livid last night. Be careful not to anger him.”
Upon hearing this, Maxine shivered.
James was wearing a grim expression.
It seemed that Madelyn had shown Tobias the photographs. She might even have allowed the photographs to circulate in their circle.
Maxine looked at the front gate. At that moment, she felt like those were gates to hell. The moment she stepped foot into the premise, she would have to brace for what was to come.
Regardless, she stepped forward.
James followed close behind.
There were not many people in the Cadens’ mansion as it was still very early in the morning.
Maxine headed straight toward the courtyard.
In the gazebo of the courtyard, an elderly man could be seen sitting in a lotus position. He exuded a terrifying aura. James and
Maxine could vaguely see the materialized energy flow whirling around him. It formed a magnetic field, striking fear in their hearts.
After hesitating briefly, Maxine summoned the courage and walked over to Tobias. “I’m back, Grandpa.”
Her voice reverberated throughout the empty courtyard.
Tobias opened his eyes.
At that moment, the energy flow whirling around him suddenly came to a stop. Then, it struck Maxine with great force.
Maxine was sent flying. She collapsed to the ground and vomited a mouthful of blood.
Tobias stood up. In the blink of an eye, he appeared right before her. He raised his palm, which was full of True Energy.
“What are you doing?” James stopped Tobias in time. “Tobias, she’s your granddaughter. What do you think you’re doing?”
Ignoring her injuries, Maxine hurriedly got up and knelt before Tobias.
“Maxine, do you know what you've done?” Tobias wore a surly expression.
Maxine was quivering in fear.
James explained, “It was Madelyn’s fault. She brought the Four Guardians, who were subordinates of Mr. Gabriel, to Mount White. We fell for her trap because our acupuncture points were struck.We're both innocent.”
“Shut your mouth,” Tobias reprimanded. “Of course I know you're being framed. But, will the Blithes believe you? Oh, Maxine...How could you be so careless despite knowing how crafty Madelyn is? You’ve doomed us all.”
“Please punish me for my mistakes, Grandpa.”
Chapter 993
Maxine did not dare utter another word.
Kneeling on the ground, she hung her head in shame and awaited Tobias’ punishment.
Wearing a furious expression, Tobias raised his palm on which True Energy was gathered. However, he could not bring himself to strike her.
“Sigh...” After a while, Tobias sighed deeply and retracted his palm.
James tried to help Maxine up, but she refused.
She did not dare stand without Tobias’ permission.
James looked at Tobias, who still had a furious look on his face, and said, “Maxine has nothing to do with this. It’s all Madelyn’s fault. You shouldn’t have taken it out on her.”
Tobias waved his hand and sighed. “Alright, now. You may stand.”
Maxine stood up and remained silent.
Then, Tobias ordered, “You're dismissed.”
“Understood.” Maxine turned to leave.
Tobias headed toward the Gazebo while James followed close behind.
The two sat at the same time.
Tobias sighed. “I know it’s not her fault, but do you have any idea what the Cadens are facing? It’s not just the other three
families but also the other ancient martial artists. The Cadens must form
ties with powerful allies to emerge victorious at the martial art conference happening in a few months. Otherwise, we'll come under siege and be annihilated.”
James knew how dire the Cadens’ situation was. The political marriage with the Blithe family was a last-ditch move.
James said, “Since things have already come to this, there’s no use taking it out on Maxine. Our priority should be to solve this issue. By the way, I have something Id like to ask you.”
“Speak.”
“Who exactly is Mr. Gabriel?”
After brief contemplation, Tobias replied, “I don’t know either. But, if I have to guess, he should be a descendant of the Gu Sect which was defeated a century ago. I only know that he possesses tremendous strength. He’s at least at the sixth rank, maybe even the seventh.”
James asked again, “What was the failed plan from a hundred years ago like?”
Now that Mr. Gabriel was an enemy of the state, James knew he had to fully understand the situation to come up with better ways to deal with the matter.
Tobias shook his head. “I don’t know much about it. I only know that the Gu Sect suggested the country seize the opportunity and attack the defeated nations after the establishment of Sol.
However, their proposal was rejected, hence the civil war with the Gu Sect.”
Tobias was not yet born a hundred years ago. Thus, He had only heard of what happened from the Grand Patriarch.
Meanwhile, the Cadens’ Grand Patriarch was only twenty years old a century ago. It had been years since he last showed himself as he was practicing his closed-door meditation.
Since Tobias did not know either, James did not question him further. Instead, he changed the subject and asked, “How should the current crisis be resolved?”
Tobias said, “It all started with the paintings protected by the Ancient Four. After the other three families’ paintings were stolen, they all believed that the Cadens were behind the theft. We currently have two options. One, we find the culprit behind the theft.
Two, we court allies and fight against the other three families at the martial art conference.
“I have no idea who stole the paintings. And so, I’ve been making preparations for the second option. However, all my efforts are now in vain.
“Sigh...” Tobias sighed.
“The Cadens have been around for thousands of years. To think we would die in my hands. I have sinned against the family! I’ve let my ancestors down.”
“Is there no other way to resolve the issue?” James frowned.
“Yes, there is.” Tobias suddenly lifted his head and looked at James.
James asked, “What is it?”
Tobias said, “All your meridians have opened up. You're the only one who's capable of doing this despite not having reached the fifth rank. Your True Energy is increasing at breakneck speed. As long as you reach the fifth rank before the martial art conference, the Cadens will have another highly skilled martial artist to turn the tides.”
“Will that be enough, though?” James was doubtful.
Although reaching the fifth rank would grant him immense strength, it would not change anything in the grand scheme of things.
Chapter 994
After all, many martial artists in Sol had reached the fifth rank.
Tobias said, “Although it's not much, you still stand a chance. Besides, you might even break into the sixth rank if you work hard. I believe in you, James. The future of the Cadens is in your hands.”
“I'll do my best.” James did not dare give his assurance.
He could only do his best to cultivate in the next two months and find a way to reach the fifth rank. That way, not only would he possess the means of self-defense, but he could even resolve the current crisis of the Cadens.
However, he could not completely trust Tobias.
Though he might look like a compassionate elderly man from the outside, Maxine was afraid of him. It must be because she knew his true character. Or else, she would not be behaving in such a manner.
“Have you read the martial art manuals I ordered Maxine to bring you?”
“Yes, I have.”
Tobias warned James, “Those are Caden martial arts, off-limits to outsiders. Remember not to show them to anyone outside of the family.”
“I've destroyed the manuals after memorizing them.”
“Good.” Tobias nodded. “Since there’s nothing much for you to do here, you should return to Cansington at once. Once you reach the fifth rank, you may come back to cultivate the true martial art of the family—the Thirteen Heavenly Swords.”
“What about Maxine?” James hesitated.
Though he wanted to leave, he was concerned about Maxine. After all, Madelyn had framed her as an unfaithful woman.
“I'll think of a way to explain things to the Blithe family.” Tobias sighed. “I almost did something I'd regret in a fit of anger. Thank you for stopping me.”
Hearing this, James was relieved.
“Still not leaving?” Tobias glanced at James.
After brief contemplation, James asked, “Are you really going to marry Maxine off to the Blithe family? Do you not have any other options?”
“What?” Tobias’ expression darkened, and he shot James a look. “I can give up on the idea of marrying her off, but can you ensure the safety of the Cadens?”
Hearing this, James fell silent. He did not possess the strength to protect the family.
“Get going.” Tobias waved. Then, he stood up and left.
Wearing a grim expression, James sat on a stone armchair in the gazebo. After a while, he stood up and left.
In a room in the Cadens’ courtyard...
Maxine was in a daze after returning to her room.
After a while, Tobias walked in.
Immediately, she knelt before him and apologized profusely, “I'm sorry, Grandpa. It’s all my fault for creating trouble for the family.”
Tobias walked in and sat on a mahogany chair.
Looking at Maxine, he said coldly, “Maxine, I don’t care about the political marriage with the Blithe family. Do you know what I'm most concerned about?”
Maxine remained silent.
Tobias continued, “It’s the Blithe Fist of Abomination. I'm confident I can defeat anyone in Sol. However, I've spent twenty years to find a way to counter the Blithe Fist of Abomination, but to no avail.”
Maxine knelt and said in a low voice, “Even if the marriage doesn’t go through, I'll find a way to sneak into the Blithe family and steal the Blithe Fist of Abomination. Please give me a chance.”
Tobias stood and helped Maxine up. He patted her back. “I’m glad to hear that. Once I have the Blithe Fist of Abomination, I will no longer interfere in your personal affairs. You're free to be with whoever you like.”
Saying that, he left.
After Tobias left, Maxine immediately collapsed on the chair as if all her energy had been sucked out.
Chapter 995
James left the Cadens’ mansion.
However, he was not in a hurry to return to Cansington.
His plan had been foiled by Madelyn. The capital he currently had from Blake was insufficient to stand against Centennial Corporation.He had to pay the King a visit and demand money. Thus, he headed straight to Peace Mansion.
A few soldiers were standing guard outside Peace Mansion.
The moment James appeared, a soldier walked over to him and saluted, “Greetings, Dragon King.”
“Mhm.” James nodded. “I’d like to meet the King.”
“He's not in the Capital at the moment. He’s gone on an overseas business trip.”
Hearing this, James frowned and asked, “Is Gloom here?”
Puzzled, the soldier asked, “Who's Gloom?”
“Never mind, forget I came by.” James left.
As Gloom was the personal bodyguard of the King, few knew of his existence. Even the guards of Peace Mansion had never heard of him.
James was at a loss as he had wanted to ask the King for money.He had many ways to procure money via illegal means. Getting it legally was the problem.
“Do I have to resort to such underhanded tactics?” James murmured.
Back then, Gloom had told James about how he was allowed to accumulate capital through illegitimate means to prepare for the coronation of the new king.
Pensive, James left. He planned to go to the military region and return to Cansington using a plane there.
Before he could enter the military region, a convoy stopped right in front of him, and a group of fully-armed soldiers charged out.
They pointed their weapons at James and blocked his path.
Then, a middle-aged man in a military uniform with a three-star badge on his shoulder walked over to James.
Seeing this, James furrowed his eyebrows.
“Please follow us, James,” said the three-star general, walking over to James.
James stared at them.
As far as he was aware, there was no such three-star general in the Capital. Frowning, he asked, “Who are you?”
The middle-aged man said, “Sebastian Blithe, Blithe King army of the Western border.”
“The Blithe King army?”
James froze. Then, he laughed. “What's this? A mere three-star general is pointing his weapon at me and blocking my path? Do you not know that I’m the Dragon King?” Saying that, his face darkened, and he roared, “Who gave you such authority?!”
“Don't think you can intimidate me, James,” said Sebastian coldly. “The young master of my household wishes to meet you. Please follow me. If you anger him, you'll be in deep trouble. Not even the Cadens can shield you.”
Hearing this, James frowned.He had a rough idea of who the young master of the Blithe family was. He was the one who was supposed to enter a political marriage with Maxine.
“Sure.” After thinking about it, James nodded.
“Please.” Sebastian made a welcoming gesture.
James got on the convoy.
Then, the convoy left the military region and headed toward the suburbs.
After approximately two hours, they arrived at a courtyard.
Sebastian got off the convoy and opened the car door. Looking at James, he said coldly, “We've arrived. Please get off the convoy.”
“By the way, as part of the Blithe King army of the Western border, why are you hanging around in the Capital when you’re
supposed to be defending the Western border?” James looked at Sebastian, who was wearing an arrogant look on his face.
James continued, “Although the Southern Plains has nothing to do with the Western border, I can send you to the military court in any case of unauthorized absence.”
“The Blithe King?”
Chapter 996
Sebastian wore a look of disdain on his face. “He's just a dog of the Blithe family. It’s all thanks to the family’s support that he’s managed to become the commander-in-chief of the Blithe King army. We can remove him from his position anytime we want.”
Hearing this, James fell silent. From the brief conversation, he had a rough idea of where the Blithe King stood in the family.
Looking at the courtyard before him, James walked in.
At a rest area of the courtyard...
Aman and a woman were happily chatting away.
The woman was about eighteen years of age. She had long hair and fringe that was just at the right length. It accentuated her childlike features.
The man was around twenty years of age. He had long hair and was wearing a big, white coat.
James recognized the woman.She was Madelyn.
He momentarily froze. Then, he walked over to them and took a seat. Looking at Madelyn, James said smilingly, “We meet again, Ms. Gabriel.”
Madelyn glanced at him and said, “I didn’t expect you to return so quickly. I thought you’d spend a few more days at Mount White with your lover Maxine.”
James smiled.
Looking at the man in a white coat, he said, “You must be the young master of the Blithe family.”
Madelyn said smilingly, “Let me introduce Flynn Blithe, the young master and future head of the Blithe family. Though he’s young, he’s a highly skilled martial artist who's reached the fourth rank. His future is bright.”
Madelyn made sure to kiss Flynn's *ss as she introduced him to James.
‘Fourth rank?’
James could not help but glance at Flynn, who was scrolling through his phone.
Though he looked at most twenty-five years of age, he possessed even greater strength than James.
No wonder the Blithe King said that the Blithe family was comparable to the Ancient Four.
Flynn was scrolling through his phone, looking at some pictures. Then, he lifted his head to look at James and said calmly,
“You're James, the one who had a relationship with Maxine?” James frowned.
He wanted to explain.However, after thinking about it, he opted not to.
After all, since Flynn was currently sitting with Madelyn, there was no way James could get him to believe him.
Perhaps Mr. Gabriel had already won the Blithe family over to his side.
“Yes, I'm James. However, I must emphasize that I did not have sexual relations with Maxine. I'm not expecting you to believe me, though.”
Flynn said coldly, “Did you know that word of the Blithe family’s political marriage with the Cadens has spread among the ancient martial world? By having sexual relations with Maxine, are you trying to humiliate us?”
Smash!
Flynn smashed the table.
Instantly, the table collapsed.
Madelyn tried to calm Flynn down. “Quell your anger, Mr. Blithe. Maxine is simply unworthy of you.”
However, her words had the opposite effect.
Flynn's face immediately darkened.
The ancient martial world had known of the political marriage between the Blithes and the Cadens. Now, the photos Madelyn had taken were circulating among the circle.He was deeply humiliated.
How would the Blithe family establish itself if it did not punish James severely?
Composed, James said calmly, “Flynn, don’t allow outsiders to sow discord among our families.”
“You're not my teacher!” Roared Flynn, enraged. “How dare you humiliate the Blithe family?! We won't let you off the hook so easily. However, for Tobias’ sake, I'll spare your life for now.”
“Get him, Genesis. Bring him back to the family. Also, tell Tobias to bring Maxine here to apologize in person,” ordered Flynn.
Whoosh!
James could hear a gust of wind.
Before he could react, the acupuncture point on his back was struck. In an instant, his body went limp.
Chapter 997
Before James could react, his acupuncture point was struck.
Immobilized, he sat on the chair and stared coldly at Flynn, who was in a fit of rage. “What do you think you're doing, Flynn?”
“Hmph!” Flynn grunted. “Take him to the Western border. Tell Tobias to bring Maxine there to apologize in person.”
James could feel someone covering his head with a black balaclava. Then, his vision darkened, and he was taken away.
Madelyn glanced at Flynn. Seeing that he was still enraged, she tried to calm him down. “There’s no need to get mad over something as trivial as this.”
“What do you know?” asked Flynn. He sat down and said coldly, “ There hasn't been a Great Grandmaster in the ancient martial world of Sol for hundreds of years. The martial art conference, which will be held in a few months, will select a new Great Grandmaster.
“All these years, the Blithe family has kept a low profile. Now, we plan to make our presence known once again. The best way to do so is to enter into a political marriage with the Cadens and dominate Sol. Now, however, with all this fiasco, what are we supposed to do? Even if the Blithe family becomes the number one family in Sol, we'll be the laughingstock of the world! ”
The ancient martial families valued reputation more than anything else.
The political marriage was now but an afterthought. James and
Maxine had to pay with their lives. Not only that, Flynn even wanted Tobias to apologize to him in person.
Madelyn asked, “I see... But, since the Blithe family’s plan to ally with the Cadens has failed, what will you do now?”
Flynn replied, “I’ve already consulted my father about this. He ordered me to take James to the Western border and instructed
Tobias to bring Maxine to me and apologize in person. At the same time, he'll invite the circle to the Western border for them to witness Tobias apologizing to us in front of everyone. Consider this as a tactic to proclaim our comeback to the world."
Wearing a delighted expression, Madelyn stood up and congratulated Flynn, “Allow me to congratulate the Blithe family’s domination of Sol in advance. I’m sure you'll become the most powerful man in the world.”
Madelyn’s flattery made Flynn feel a lot better.
He had come to the Capital for the marriage. Before coming, he had seen what Maxine looked like in a photo. She was indeed a flawless beauty worthy of marriage into the Blithe family.
However, his good mood was ruined by James and Maxine.
“Thank you, Ms. Gabriel, for informing me of this. Otherwise, we'd still be kept in the dark We might even become the laughingstock of the ancient martial world. As I’m busy, I'll have to leave now. Allow me to treat you to a meal in the future.” Flynn turned to leave.
Then, he went straight to the Cadens’.
Meanwhile, Madelyn walked toward the opposite room and opened the door.
There was a fireplace in the room, and a man was warming his hands with the flames.
“Mr. Gabriel.” Madelyn walked over to him and greeted him respectfully.
“How did it go?” Mr. Gabriel asked.
Madelyn replied, “The Blithe family is enraged. They captured James and brought him to the Western border. They even ordered
Tobias to bring Maxine to the Blithes’ mansion to apologize in person. Also, many ancient martial artists will be invited to witness the scene.”
Upon hearing this, Mr. Gabriel’s face darkened. “The Blithes intend to proclaim their comeback to the world.”
“Yes,” Madelyn said. “Ambitious and power-hungry, they’re determined to obtain the position of the Great Grandmaster in the martial art conference. Not only that, they aren't afraid of anyone, not even the Cadens. Now that their reputation is at stake, they won't hesitate to turn against the Cadens.”
“You've done well, Madelyn. Return to Cansington to manage the situation.”
“Understood.” Madelyn nodded and left.
“The Blithe family...” Mr. Gabriel stood up and muttered under his breath. “Don’t disappoint me... I’m expecting you to tear this apart.”
Then, he left.
At the same time...
After Flynn left, he headed straight to the Cadens’.
Soon, he arrived outside the Cadens’ courtyard.
“Who's there?”
Seeing the convoys stopped in front of the gate and the fully- armed men that were pouring out of the convoys, the guards of the Cadens’ mansion were alarmed.
Chapter 998
“Get lost.” Flynn said as he got off the convoy. Then, he raised his palm, and energy gushed out. The Cadens’ guards immediately collapsed to the ground. Walking toward the front gate, he kicked it with great force.
Slam!
The gates opened.
“Get your *ss over here, Tobias,” He roared upon entering the courtyard.
This attracted the attention of many. In an instant, many core members of the Cadens rushed out.
Then, Tobias appeared. He looked at Flynn, who was in the courtyard, and the fully-armed men behind him.
“Father.”
“Grandfather.”
The Cadens greeted Tobias respectfully.
Tobias walked over to Flynn and asked smilingly, “What's wrong, Mr. Blithe? What made you so furious?”
Flynn said coldly, “Don’t act innocent, Tobias. Maxine and James’ photographs were leaked. I’m here to tell you that I've abducted James to the Western border. My father instructed me to relay you his message: Bring Maxine to the Blithes’ mansion three days later and apologize in person. Or else, there will be consequences.”
Flynn was unrelenting. Even though he was facing a highly-skilled martial artist, he could not care less.
Leaving this ruthless remark, he left.
At that moment, Tobias’ face darkened. Wearing a murderous look on his face, he clenched his fists. However, his killing intent dissipated almost immediately as he watched Flynn leave.
“What's going on, Father?” A middle-aged man asked. He was Sawyer Caden, Tobias’ eldest son.
“Don't you know, Dad? Yesterday, photos of Maxine making out with James were circulating around our circle. The Blithes are now taking it out on us. Grandpa, this is all Maxine’s fault. Why should we be roped into this?” Bobby stepped forward and shifted the blame to Maxine.
He continued, “In my opinion, we should just kill her to appease the Blithe family. The Cadens are now surrounded by enemies on all sides. We can’t afford to antagonize them.”
Tobias was wearing a grim expression.
The situation was much more complicated than he thought.He did not expect the Blithes to react so strongly.
After brief contemplation, he said, “I’ll take Maxine to the Western border. In the few days that I’m gone, don't act recklessly.”
“Understood,” The Cadens said in unison.
Then, Tobias headed toward the courtyard.
In Maxine’s room...
As Maxine had been awake the whole night, she was now trying to fall asleep.
Suddenly, her door was kicked open.Her eyes shot wide open, and she hurriedly kneeled on the ground. Looking at Tobias who was enraged, the color drained from her face. “G-Grandpa...”
“Look at what you’ve done! You’ve doomed us all! ”
Tobias’ expression darkened, and he lifted his leg to kick Maxine.She was sent flying toward the wall.
The collision almost made her lose consciousness, and she vomited a mouthful of blood.
However, she hurriedly got back up and knelt on the ground.
Chapter 999
Tobias lifted his leg once more and kicked Maxine with great force.She was once again sent flying toward the wall.
The impact caused the wall to collapse, and she was buried under the rubble.
However, as a martial artist, such an injury was not fatal to her.She crawled out of the rubble with great difficulty.
At that moment, her hair was disheveled, and she was covered in blood all over her body.
She knelt on the ground and did not dare utter a single word.
Tobias took a deep breath and tried to calm himself down.
"James has been taken to the Western border by the Blithe family.Make your own amends.Don’t get the family involved."
Tobias grunted and left.
After he left, Maxine collapsed to the floor.She tried to wipe off the blood trace on her lips.Then, her eyes brimmed with tears.
They flowed down her cheeks.
One could hear the stifled sound of her sobbing from outside.
After a while, she stood up and dragged her injured body to a chair.
Sitting on the chair, she reflected on her life.She had accepted her fate.
Although she was a Caden, she knew she was adopted.
Even now, she still did not know where she came from.
Ever since she could remember, she had been in the Cadens’ mansion.
In public, Tobias treated her with care and concern.
Privately, however, he would abuse her.She had gotten used to such treatment.
After sobbing for some time, she recollected herself.
Wearing a grim expression on her tear-stricken face, she murmured, "James was brought to the Western border? Is Grandpa going to abandon him?"
She was puzzled.She could not understand why.
Tobias had high expectations of James.He even allowed him to read the family’s martial art manuals and proclaimed to the outside world that no one was allowed to harm James.
The Cadens occupied a pivotal position in the ancient martial world.
Forcibly abducting James was a provocation on the Blithe family’s part.
‘Does grandpa not intend to fight back?’ She contemplated.Then, dragging her severely injured body, she got dressed and exited the room.At the gazebo in the courtyard...Tobias was sitting alone, sipping tea.
Maxine walked over to him and greeted, "Grandpa."
Tobias nodded and pointed at a stone armchair beside him and said, "Have a seat."
She took her seat.
He sighed.
"I did that in a fit of anger.I Hope you'll forgive me."
"I wouldn’t dare blame you, Grandpa."
Wearing a grim expression, Tobias said, "It looks like marriage is no longer possible.The Blithe family has captured James and ordered me to bring you to the Western border to apologize in person.Back then, I gave my word that I would protect James.This is a provocation on their part."
Maxine listened intently.
She remained silent.
"If I took you there, it would mean acquiescing to the Blithe family’s dominance.The Cadens’ prestige which has been carefully maintained for the past centuries would be ruined in my hands.We’ll be made a laughingstock of the world.However, if I chose not to go, James would be in mortal danger.Not only that, but it would also mean having a falling out with the Blithes.By then, we would have another enemy to worry about," Tobias said with an anxious face.
Then, he glanced at Maxine and asked, "What would you do if you were in my position?"
Maxine remained silent.
"James has great potential.He can shoulder the fate of the Cadens.However, I’m unable to ensure his safety at the moment.I’m going to enter a closed-door meditation.I'll only leave when the martial art conference commences.I'll leave James’ fate in your hands.He’ll live if you can convince the Blithes to release him.Otherwise, he’ll die."
Leaving this remark, Tobias stood up and left.
Chapter 1000
Maxine nibbled her lips.She wanted Tobias to save James.
However, she did not dare voice her opinion.
After all, Tobias was adamant about not compromising as it would mean forsaking the prestige of the family.
Having been provoked by the Blithes, Tobias had now decided to make an enemy of them.His entering into a closed-door meditation was a sign of that.He planned to make a move against the Blithes at the martial art conference.
Maxine sat in the courtyard alone.
After some time, she got up and left.
"Hold it right there."
Before she could leave, Bobby and a few youngsters from the Cadens walked over to her and blocked her path.
Maxine lowered her head and said, "Bobby..."
"Shut your damn mouth." Bobby’s face darkened.
Then, he grabbed her by the hair and slapped her across the face.
Smack! The sound was clear and crisp.
Maxine, however, remained silent.
Bobby rebuked her, "Look at the trouble you’ve created for the Cadens.
Why did you fool around with James when you were about to marry into the Blithe family? Do you know that we’ re now the laughingstock of the world?"
"What are you doing?"
A rebuke came.A middle-aged man walked over to them.
Bobby immediately released his grip and greeted the man respectfully.
"Dad, I’m teaching this b*tch a lesson."
Sawyer glanced at Maxine and said coldly, "What are you standing there for? Get lost!"
With her head lowered, Maxine hurriedly left.
Only after leaving the Cadens’ courtyard did she breathe a sigh of relief.
Standing outside, she turned to look at the courtyard with a wistful look on her face.
Although she was of low status in the family, this was the place she grew up, after all.
"I'm afraid I won't be able to return after leaving this place,"
Maxine murmured.
She knew that her chances of returning alive from the Western border were minuscule.
After having one last glimpse of the Cadens’ courtyard, she left and headed straight to the airport.
At the same time, she bought a plane ticket to Cansington.She did not act rashly.
Before leaving for the Western border, she wanted to discuss things with Thea, who was now a third-rank martial artist.
Not to mention the fact that she commanded the God -King Palace, which Thomas left her.
Maxine could not figure out the God-King Palace’s true strength.
However, judging by the highly-skilled martial artists Thea brought along, their strength could be comparable to the Ancient Four, under the premise that the older generations did not interfere.
At the departure lounge of the airport...
Maxine gave Thea a call.
Thea was undergoing special training in the military region when the call came.
Under normal circumstances, they were not allowed to bring their phones along.
However, as Thea was special, she was given special permission to do so.
When her phone rang, she sat on the ground and pulled her phone out of her pocket.
Seeing that it was an unknown number, she momentarily froze before murmuring, "Who could this be?"
Then, she answered the phone.
A woman’s voice came, "It’s me, Maxine.Something happened to James."
"What?"
Thea jumped up and exclaimed.Then, she asked anxiously, "What happened to him?"