Frank's annoying face would crumble beneath his iron fist. Then, Frank would collapse in submission, begging for mercy on the ground…Kairo kept fantasizing about what would happen next.Meanwhile, Yosil stood nearby, utterly at a loss for words. Watching Kairo disregard his shouts and prepare to strike, Yosil tried to rush forward to intervene. But his aging body betrayed him—his limbs simply would not obey.Despite being a Birthright-ranked martial artist himself, age had rendered him little more than a figurehead."Mole, stop Kairo!" Yosil barked, turning to the elder in the black robe beside him.Mole heard the command but did not look up. Instead, he said in a low voice, "Chief, do you realize the consequences if we stop Kairo now? It would only validate his claims that Frank conspired with us, Kornac's Keep. And with Kairo's talent and Cloudnine Sect backing him, it would mean disaster for us all."Yosil froze at Mole's words. If they dared to intervene now, it would on
Kairo's punch sounded like it had shattered bones. There was no way Frank could survive that."Man, he's done for. He's going to die because he showed off..." Ira muttered and closed his eyes, fear creeping across his face. "Why provoke Cloudnine Sect of all people..."It was not just Ira. Everyone believed Frank was dead meat. After all, the sickening sound of bones breaking confirmed it for them. How could anyone survive such a blow?But just as the crowd resigned themselves to Frank's demise, a scream that did not quite fit the situation pierced the air."Huh?""What?"Everyone's eyes flew open, confusion and shock written all over their faces.The scream had not come from Frank—it was from Kairo!Frank, who was supposed to have had his skull shattered, stood tall and completely unharmed. He had not even flinched and maintained the exact same posture as before the punch.Or more accurately, it was as if Kairo's powerful punch had done nothing at all to Frank!On the ot
Horey's shout caused an uproar among the onlookers. Finally, they understood why Frank, who should have been knocked down by Kairo's punch, stood there as if nothing had happened, while Kairo was the one in shambles. It turned out Frank was a martial artist too—and stronger than Kairo!"Oh my God!"Ira was dumbstruck, staring at Frank in disbelief and muttering to himself, "How can he have such amazing medical skills and still be a stronger fighter than Kairo? Is this guy even human? Am I dreaming?""This is crazy! This is just too crazy!"While everyone was in shock over Frank being a martial artist, Mole had a peculiar look on his face. He knew that Frank's feat was not just because Frank was a martial artist and stronger than Kairo.No, it was because Frank's strength was on a completely different level—at least a whole rank higher!Kairo was Birthright. To stand still and take Kairo's full-powered punch without budging meant Frank had to be at least at the Ascendant rank. O
"You're not my apprentice, but you've learned some medical skills here. I have something important to entrust to you," the Lord of the Southern Woods had said. "If Mystic Sky Sect ever falls, deliver this item to my apprentice. He'll know what to do with it."Yosil's mind replayed the lord's words as he stared at Frank. There was something familiar about Frank that he could not quite place. It felt like they had crossed paths before.But he never imagined that Frank would be the Lord of the Southern Woods' son, who was once an apprentice in Mystic Sky Sect! This realization brought back memories of the commotion during Frank's initiation within the sect years ago. He remembered leaving the sect and seeing the boy, his eyes filled with determination and resentment. It had been many years. Who would have thought that boy would grow into the man standing before him now, appearing by a twist of fate?"It's fate…" Yosil sighed deeply, his eyes reflecting a mix of nostalgia and reli
Horey was not the only one who reacted badly.Even Kairo, who was pinned to the ground under Frank's foot, began to thrash about wildly when he heard Frank's words. His eyes were bloodshot with rage, and he turned to Horey, his eyes seemingly ablaze."Horey! What the hell does he mean by that?!" Kairo demanded, his voice a mix of fury and desperation."I-I..." Horey stammered, her face flushing with embarrassment and anger. She could not find the words to explain and finally lashed out at Frank, "You just took one look at me—how could you possibly know the child isn't his? Are you trying to drive a wedge between us on purpose?"Frank was unperturbed. He stared down at the bewildered Kairo and chuckled. "Determining if someone is pregnant is straightforward, but figuring out who the father is? That's a bit more complicated. Even I can't do that." "Then why are you talking nonsense here?!" Horey retorted, her voice rising with frustration."However!" Frank's eyes narrowed as h
The crowd around Frank was left speechless. This guy was unbelievably stubborn. He was still pushing Kairo, an apprentice of Cloudnine Sect, to admit defeat even now. His persistence was unreal."I give up! I admit defeat!" Kairo roared in a frenzy. "I'll kneel, but you have to let me go and allow me to deal with that treacherous woman myself!""Fine. But remember, if you go back on your word, don't blame me for being ruthless."Hearing Frank's threat, the onlookers gulped. Sure, Frank might be stronger than Kairo, but pushing around someone from Cloudnine Sect? That was asking for trouble.As these thoughts ran through their heads, Frank released Kairo. Like a rabid dog, Kairo rushed at Horey. He slapped her hard, pinning her to the ground with his hands around her throat."Who was it? Was it that bastard I saw with you in the hotel six months ago? Speak!" Kairo shouted, eyes blazing with fury.Horey stammered, tears streaming down her face. She could not speak. Finally, s
"A man must be able to handle both gains and losses. And to grow, one must be able to rise above their own limitations."Frank's gaze remained calm as he looked at Kairo.Yosil was watching from afar, and he nodded silently at Frank's words.The Lord of the Southern Woods' son was indeed earnest! Yosil sighed inwardly. Despite facing such unfair treatment and ridicule from his opponent, Frank still chose to offer advice through words. Such breadth of mind was rare in this world.It would be good If Kairo could truly listen and sincerely acknowledge his mistakes. If he admitted defeat and knelt to Frank as agreed, then his future would be limitless. He would surely overcome this hurdle and achieve great things!Only an elderly man like Yosil, tempered by many years, could understand why Frank acted this way. Frank was not trying to humiliate Kairo or drive him insane. Instead, he aimed to offer guidance in this situation. This would allow Kairo to overcome his own humiliation
However, the concealed weapon that made Kairo so confident only made Frank feel nostalgic. The moment Kairo pulled it out, Frank instantly recognized it. His eyes narrowed, and he moved without hesitation.Kairo's twisted grin faded into shock as Frank effortlessly caught the slender bronze needle with his fingers, just an inch from his forehead!"What the…"Kairo's eyes widened in disbelief at Frank's lightning-fast reaction."Hmph, still trying to play tricks at this point? How pathetic," Frank scoffed, flicking his fingers slightly.With a swift motion, the slender bronze needle shot back toward Kairo like a bullet. Kairo did not have Frank's reflexes. He felt a sharp pain in his thigh and looked down to see the very same bronze needle now embedded there.Kairo screamed hysterically as his face turned pale with terror. It was no surprise. The green poison coating the needle quickly seeped into his thigh, and it turned his flesh into a putrid, green mush as if it was dissol