Harem of the Dragon Lord Vol.3

Chapter 101

Ethan Blackthorn’s words had barely faded when a middle-aged man in his fifties, seething with killing intent, bellowed, “You worthless scum! You killed my son, and I haven’t even settled the score with you. How dare you come here seeking death!”

As he spoke, a powerful, oppressive force rushed forth. Although the man was plain-looking, he exuded an extraordinary aura.

No doubt, this man must be Victor Harrington, the head of the Harrington Family.

Ethan Blackthorn, however, looked at him with disdain. “Seeking death? I think it’s your Harrington Family that’s seeking death. Madison Harrington, let me ask you—was it you who ordered my wife’s bar to be smashed last night?”

With brazen arrogance, Madison Harrington admitted, “That’s right, it was me. It’s just a crappy bar—so what if I smashed it? What can you do to me?”

“Very well. Very good indeed,” Ethan Blackthorn said icily. “I’ll give you one chance to live. Your entire Harrington Family will kneel before my wife, apologize, and compensate for all the damages. Do that, and I will leave your corpses whole. Otherwise, don’t blame me for being ruthless!”

PFFT.

Madison Harrington immediately burst into hysterical laughter. “You worthless scum, are you brain-dead? Do you genuinely believe that having a martial artist in your bar gives you the right to do whatever you want? I’m not afraid to tell you, you worthless scum, that even if you hadn’t come to settle the score today, our Harrington Family wouldn’t have spared you.”

As she spoke, Madison Harrington’s gaze fell upon a middle-aged man standing nearby. His appearance was fierce, and a chilling, sinister aura constantly emanated from him. He was clearly no ordinary individual.

In fact, Ethan Blackthorn had noticed this man the moment he entered. After all, of the more than ten people present, he was the only Martial Artist. And a Martial King at that.

Seeing Ethan Blackthorn staring at the man, Madison Harrington said smugly, “You worthless scum, let me introduce you. This is Master Desmond Graves, a master from the Eternal Healers Order. Our Harrington Family spared no expense to hire him just to take care of you. To die at his hands would be a blessing!”

With that, she turned to Master Desmond Graves and said respectfully, “Master Graves, I’ll leave everything to you. Once this is done, my father will surely reward you handsomely!”

The middle-aged man nodded, his gaze suddenly sharpening as he stared at Ethan Blackthorn. His eyes were like daggers, poised to pierce him through.

“Boy, how do you want to die?” Master Desmond Graves asked, his voice as cold as ice.

Ethan Blackthorn chuckled scornfully. “How do you wish to die?”

These words clearly infuriated Master Desmond Graves, and his gaze grew even more malevolent. “Boy, I gave you a chance. You’re the one who didn’t cherish it!” he said venomously.

Madison Harrington suddenly spoke up. “Master Graves, don’t kill this worthless scum just yet.”

“Qingqing, why not?” Victor Harrington asked suspiciously.

Madison Harrington replied with vile malice, “Father, of course we can’t just kill him. I want to lock this worthless scum and that bitch Serena Blake in a dog cage. Then we’ll parade them through Silverton City so everyone can witness their miserable fate. After that, we’ll bury them alive next to my brother’s grave, forcing them to serve as his slaves for all eternity!”

Victor Harrington let out a sinister laugh. Although the pain of losing his son was unbearable, the thought of his daughter’s plan brought him a profound sense of satisfaction. “Excellent. Master Graves, do as my daughter says!” he commanded.

Listening to the father and daughter, Ethan Blackthorn burned with the desire to kill them right then and there. Without another word, he lunged at Master Desmond Graves.

A flash of disdain appeared in Master Desmond Graves’s eyes. He scoffed, “An insignificant ant like you dares to attack? You’re truly looking for—”

But before he could finish his sentence, he found himself unable to utter another word. Ethan Blackthorn’s hand, like an iron pincer, was already clamped around his throat.

Instantly, the sensation of suffocation overwhelmed him. His face turned crimson as his eyes began to bulge like a bull’s. Master Desmond Graves struggled, unwilling to submit, but the moment he moved, Ethan Blackthorn’s grip tightened, and he instantly froze, daring not to move again.

“What are your last words?” Ethan Blackthorn asked coldly.

Master Desmond Graves roared, “You worthless scum, you listen to me! I am one of the four Protectors of the Shadowveil Order’s Tenth Hall. If you dare kill me, our Hall Master will never let you go!”

“So those are your last words? Very good. Excellent.”

As soon as he finished speaking, Ethan Blackthorn exerted his strength.

CRACK!

A sickening snap echoed in everyone’s ears. The next second, Ethan Blackthorn released his grip. Master Desmond Graves collapsed to the ground, as limp as a noodle, completely silent. His eyes, still bulging like a bull’s, stared at the world with a mixture of terror and unwillingness.

Silence. A silence so profound you could hear a pin drop descended upon the villa, as if the world itself had ceased to exist. Then, a piercing scream from some terrified soul shattered the quiet. Everyone snapped back to their senses, and a few of the more timid ones immediately began to vomit violently.

Ethan Blackthorn turned his icy gaze upon Victor Harrington. His eyes were like daggers emitting a chilling gleam, like the stare of a Shura from the depths of hell.

Fear sprouted in the depths of Victor Harrington’s heart and spread like wildfire through his entire body. Yes, he was terrified. He never would have dreamed that this worthless scum could be so formidable. To think that Master Desmond Graves, the expert he had hired for a hefty sum, could casually blast a massive boulder to smithereens! And he had assumed that for such a master, killing this scum would be easier than drinking water. He never, ever expected the tables to be turned so completely.

Madison Harrington was even more terrified than her father. She couldn’t even bring herself to meet Ethan Blackthorn’s gaze, her entire body trembling uncontrollably like a leaf in the wind.

“Speak. What are your last words?” Ethan Blackthorn asked coldly.

When he arrived, Ethan Blackthorn had considered being magnanimous. If the Harrington Family had been willing to kneel and apologize to Serena Blake, he would have dealt only with Madison Harrington, since she was the one who had bullied his wife. But he never imagined they would dare to hire help to deal with him—and someone from the Shadowveil Order, no less. In that case, he couldn’t be blamed for what was about to happen.

THUD.

Victor Harrington dropped to his knees. His face was pale, his eyes filled with terror as he looked at Ethan Blackthorn. “Mr. Blackthorn, w-we were wrong! Please, spare our worthless lives! If you let us go, the Harrington Family will be your dogs!”

Ethan Blackthorn scoffed disdainfully. “Sorry, I’m not interested. However, if you agree to one condition, I might consider sparing you.”

A glimmer of hope ignited within Victor Harrington. He asked frantically, “Mr. Blackthorn, tell me! Whatever the condition is, I’ll agree to it!”

“Very well. Kill Madison Harrington yourself, and I’ll spare the rest of you.”

BOOM!!!

Victor Harrington stared dumbstruck at Ethan Blackthorn. In his wildest nightmares, he never imagined this worthless scum would propose such a condition. His son was already gone. Now, all he had left was his daughter. If he lost her as well… Then what would be the point of living?

But as soon as the image of Master Desmond Graves’s gruesome death flashed in his mind, terror completely engulfed him. He didn’t want to die. Of course, Victor Harrington didn’t want to die. The Harrington Family was a top-tier family in Silverton City, and the Harrington Corporation’s assets had just surpassed two hundred billion. Most importantly, he was still young. He hadn’t enjoyed nearly enough of his life of wealth and luxury. He could have more children if his daughter was gone, but if he himself died, he would have nothing at all.

As this thought took root, Victor Harrington’s eyes turned utterly vicious. He couldn’t stop himself from glancing at his daughter.

Madison Harrington subconsciously looked back at her father. When their gazes met, a violent shudder ran through her entire body. She had never seen such a ferocious expression in her father’s eyes.

Just as Madison Harrington was about to speak, Victor Harrington suddenly turned to Ethan Blackthorn and asked, “Do you mean it?”

“I mean it!” Ethan Blackthorn replied with a cold laugh.

BOOM!!!

Madison Harrington felt as if someone had slammed a baseball bat into her head and then fiercely plunged a knife into her heart. The pain was so intense that she could barely stand. Her face turned deathly pale as she stared at her father in panic.

“Dad,” she asked, her voice trembling, “are you… are you really going to kill me?”

That single word, “Dad,” made Victor Harrington’s eyes turn blood-red. He broke down, sobbing uncontrollably. He wanted to live, but Madison Harrington was his daughter, after all. To actually kill her… Victor Harrington just couldn’t bring himself to do it.

Seeing this, Madison Harrington let out a sigh of relief. She knew her father couldn’t bear to kill her. She was about to speak again, but just then, Victor Harrington pounced.

Like a starving tiger lunging for its prey, he knocked her to the ground with unnerving ferocity. Without a single word, he wrapped his hands around Madison Harrington’s throat and squeezed. The force was so immense that the veins on his neck and temples bulged violently.

Madison Harrington’s face instantly turned the color of a pig’s liver. She struggled desperately, but Victor Harrington only tightened his grip. The scene shocked every member of the Harrington Family present.

Suddenly, a heart-wrenching scream tore through the air. A richly dressed middle-aged woman shrieked, “Victor, let go of Madison! She’s your daughter! How can you be so cruel? If you kill her, I don’t want to live either!”

With that, the woman charged at Victor Harrington, beating at him frantically.

Victor Harrington turned a deaf ear, his grip becoming even more frenzied. At that moment, only one thought consumed him: to live. He would do anything to stay alive—even kill his daughter, even slaughter the entire Harrington Family. As long as he could live, that was all that mattered. Yes, Victor Harrington had gone mad.

At first, Madison Harrington’s struggles were frantic, but under Victor Harrington’s brutal strength, they grew weaker and weaker, increasingly feeble. Her eyes started to roll back in her head. Ethan Blackthorn knew this was a sign she was moments from death.

Honestly, watching this unfold, Ethan Blackthorn felt not the slightest ripple in his heart. He wasn’t a heartless man; he simply couldn’t find any sympathy for Madison Harrington.

To be blunt, her current predicament was entirely her own doing. Besides, trash like her wasn’t worth pitying. Just think about how she treated Serena Blake. It was lucky Serena Blake had lost her innocence to him, and that he had the power to get her revenge. But what if it had been someone else? Wouldn’t her entire life have been ruined? Even though it happened with him, the incident remained a deep, painful wound in Serena Blake’s heart—a wound that would likely never heal.

Just as Madison Harrington was about to breathe her last, a sharp voice suddenly roared, “Stop!”

The command exploded like a thunderclap, making Victor Harrington tremble all over. His hands, clamped around Madison Harrington’s throat, involuntarily paused.

A young man in his twenties appeared before them. He fixed Ethan Blackthorn with a sharp gaze and asked, “You’re Ethan Blackthorn?”

“And you are?” Ethan Blackthorn countered.

The man let out a disdainful scoff. “Nolan Thorne!”

“You’re from the Thorne Family?” Ethan Blackthorn asked.

“That’s right!” the man replied coldly.

“So? You plan to stand up for the Harrington Family?”

“Yes and no,” Nolan Thorne said indifferently.

Ethan Blackthorn questioned, “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Nolan Thorne ignored him, his gaze shifting to Victor Harrington. Victor Harrington stared back, utterly clueless as to why the Thorne Family would suddenly appear. The two families rarely interacted.

“Victor Harrington, I am here today on behalf of my father,” Nolan Thorne announced coldly. “He sent me to ask you one question: are you willing to give thirty percent of the Harrington Corporation’s shares to our Thorne Family? If you agree, we can deal with this worthless scum for you. Let me be clear, our Thorne Family already has a deep-seated grudge against this man!”

BOOM!!!

Victor Harrington was shocked, staring dumbly at Nolan Thorne. Although the thought of giving up thirty percent of his company’s shares was agonizing, he was tempted when he considered the terrifying power of the Thorne Family. Yes, he wanted Ethan Blackthorn dead. More than anyone else in the world. This trash not only killed his son but also forced him to kill his own daughter. This was an insult he wanted to avenge even in his dreams.

Without a second thought, Victor Harrington roared, “Nolan Thorne, I agree! If you kill this worthless scum, I’ll give you thirty percent of the Harrington Corporation’s shares! No, I’ll give you forty percent!”

A faint smile touched Nolan Thorne’s stern face. He nodded. “Victor Harrington, your money won’t be wasted.”

Victor Harrington nodded eagerly, again and again. The man who had been terrified moments ago now seemed completely transformed. He glared at Ethan Blackthorn with pure hatred, as if he wanted to devour him alive.

“Victor Harrington, are you sure you want to choose the Thorne Family?” Ethan Blackthorn asked with a cold smile.

“Bullshit! Who else would I choose, you worthless scum? Goddamn it, you bastard, I wish I could devour you alive right now! And let me tell you, Nolan Thorne is one of the most outstanding disciples of the Thorne Family’s younger generation. His older brother, Garrett Thorne, is a member of the Arcane Warriors Guild! You’re a dead man!”

“Fine. Just fine. The Harrington Family will be annihilated today!”

“Nolan Thorne, kill this worthless scum for me!” Victor Harrington roared, incandescent with rage.

Nolan Thorne nodded. He turned, fixing Ethan Blackthorn with a dark and venomous gaze.

“You worthless scum, what are your last words?”

Chapter 102

Ethan Blackthorn laughed. This wasn’t the first time someone had asked for his last words. What a pity. Every single person who had asked him that question had never lived to see the next sunrise.

Ethan Blackthorn gazed down at Nolan Thorne as if he were an ant. He was just a young man who had recently broken through to the Heaven Level.

“You worthless scum, what are you laughing at?” Nolan Thorne barked harshly.

“I’m laughing at your stupidity, of course!”

Instead of getting angry, Nolan Thorne laughed. “A mere scum dares to talk so arrogantly. Good. Very good. I’ll make you understand the meaning of regret!”

As his words fell, Victor Harrington seemed to recall something and quickly interjected, “Nolan Thorne, this trash is deceptively strong—be careful!”

Nolan Thorne sneered. “Victor Harrington, have you lost your mind? I’m a Martial Artist. You think I can’t discern his cultivation level?”

Victor Harrington’s old face flushed at the rebuke, but he wasn’t angry. In fact, a flicker of uncontrollable excitement ignited within him. Nolan Thorne’s words proved that his own cultivation far surpassed this worthless scum’s. If that was the case, killing him would be as easy as flipping a hand. The thought of this scum’s impending doom made Victor Harrington feel as if he had finally vented much of his pent-up anger.

He subconsciously glanced at his daughter. Though she was hanging by a thread, she was, at least, still alive.

Thinking about what he had just done, a seed of guilt began to sprout in his heart. But that guilt was quickly consumed by a towering rage. It was all this damn scum’s fault! If it weren’t for him, how could I have laid a vicious hand on my own daughter?

With his anger soaring, Victor Harrington glared at Ethan Blackthorn and urged, “Second Young Master Thorne, kill this worthless scum now! After he’s dead, we’ll sign the share transfer agreement!”

Nolan Thorne nodded, his gaze fixed sharply on Ethan Blackthorn. “You worthless scum, I’ll ask one more time. What are your last words?”

Ethan Blackthorn returned the question with a cold laugh. “Nolan Thorne, what are your last words?”

“Fuck! You’re courting death!”

As he spoke, Nolan Thorne was about to pounce on Ethan Blackthorn. But at that very moment, Ethan Blackthorn had already moved.

Nolan Thorne only saw a blur before his eyes, and in the next instant, Ethan Blackthorn was standing right in front of him. His heart skipped a beat.

Indeed, Ethan Blackthorn’s speed astonished him. In the world of martial arts, greater speed meant higher cultivation.

“You worthless scum, what is your cultivation level?” Nolan Thorne asked, his voice cold.

“You want to know? No problem. I’ll tell you after you’re dead!” Ethan Blackthorn said with a brilliant smile.

He was clearly smiling, and his smile was exceptionally bright, yet Nolan Thorne felt a sense of danger he had never experienced before. He felt as if he were being stalked by a ferocious beast. The suffocating pressure was even heavier than what he felt from his own older brother. Impossible. This is impossible. There are no fluctuations of Profound Energy around this scum at all. So why do I have the illusion that I’m facing a supreme expert?

Suddenly, a thought struck Nolan Thorne. Could this scum be so powerful that he can conceal his Profound Energy at will?  He began to panic. If that’s true, then my death today is certain.

But Nolan Thorne was a scion of the Thorne Family, after all. His psychological fortitude was beyond that of an ordinary person. Even though fear had gripped his heart, his expression remained unchanged. He even managed a disdainful sneer. “You damn scum, you’re really arrogant. Come on, then! Kill me if you have the guts!”

Nolan Thorne was testing him, trying to gauge Ethan Blackthorn’s true cultivation and see if he actually dared to make a move.

But the words had barely left his mouth.

SMACK!

Ethan Blackthorn’s palm slapped against his head. Before the crisp sound faded from their ears, it was followed by a sharp, piercing crack, like something had exploded.

When everyone regained their senses, they saw a headless corpse standing ramrod straight. The body belonged to none other than Nolan Thorne.

The crowd was so terrified by the sight that they collapsed to the ground. A few of the faint-hearted fainted on the spot. Even those who remained conscious weren’t much better off; they were either screaming or vomiting uncontrollably.

Victor Harrington watched it all, his eyes wide with horror. He had never dreamed that Ethan Blackthorn would actually dare to kill Nolan Thorne. He glanced at Ethan Blackthorn in terror. He’s supposed to be a worthless scum, but right now he’s as ferocious as a demon from hell. Yes, a demon. Not just a demon, but a madman. A madman who would dare to kill a scion of the Thorne Family.

Fear completely enveloped the Harrington Family and consumed Victor Harrington. The once-clear sky had unknowingly become overcast, and Victor Harrington’s face turned deathly pale, as if all the blood had been drained from his body. The confidence and arrogance he had built up upon Nolan Thorne’s arrival utterly collapsed in that instant.

Gazing into Ethan Blackthorn’s knife-like eyes, Victor Harrington’s heart clenched. He knew he was doomed. Regret flooded him. He regretted believing that Nolan Thorne could kill Ethan Blackthorn, which had led him to say so many foolish things. Thinking back on his words after Nolan Thorne’s arrival, he wanted nothing more than to slap his own face. But in this world, there is no medicine for regret.

THUD.

Under Ethan Blackthorn’s expressionless gaze, Victor Harrington suddenly dropped to his knees. They struck the hard marble floor with a sharp crack. Beyond the terror on his face, he showed no other expression. Perhaps the fear was so great it numbed the pain.

“Filthy… No, Mr. Blackthorn! I-I was wrong, I was truly wrong! My mind was muddled just now; that’s why I listened to Nolan Thorne! Please, for the sake of me kneeling here, spare my worthless life! How about this? If you’re willing to let me go, I’ll give you thirty percent of the Harrington Corporation’s shares! No, no, I’ll give you the entire Harrington Corporation!”

Fearing Ethan Blackthorn wouldn’t agree, Victor Harrington began to kowtow frantically.

Ethan Blackthorn remained silent, his gaze fixed on the man as if he were an ant.

Victor Harrington kowtowed dozens of times, until his head was a bloody mess, but Ethan Blackthorn still said nothing. He seemed to be waiting for something.

Suddenly, Victor Harrington seemed to realize something and stopped abruptly. He turned, his gaze landing venomously on his daughter.

Madison Harrington had clearly begun to recover. Although she was still collapsed on the ground, her breathing had returned to normal. Just as she was struggling to push herself up, Victor Harrington lunged at her.

A moment later, he was madly strangling her once again.

Madison Harrington was dead. She had died at the hands of her own father. Yes, Victor Harrington had personally strangled her.

After killing Madison Harrington, Victor Harrington collapsed to the ground, exhausted. He looked as wretched as a beaten dog, but his eyes were fixed on Ethan Blackthorn, seeking approval like a dog waiting for its master to toss it a bone.

Ethan Blackthorn’s face remained expressionless. But he thought to himself that Serena Blake would be ecstatic to hear the news of Madison Harrington’s death. The person who had tormented her had finally departed from this world.

“Mr. Blackthorn, I… I killed my daughter. C-Can you spare me now?”

Ethan Blackthorn laughed, a sinister sound that chilled the air.

“Spare you? That was the deal before Nolan Thorne showed up!”

BOOM!

Victor Harrington stared at Ethan Blackthorn, dumbfounded. He gazed fiercely at him, and suddenly, his eyes turned vicious.

“You bastard!” Victor Harrington bellowed. “I’ll fight you to the death!”

Just as Ethan Blackthorn was about to end the worthless trash’s life, a commotion erupted at the villa’s entrance. He glanced over and saw Xander Steele striding in with a group of men in black, exuding murderous intent.

Upon seeing Xander Steele, Victor Harrington froze for a moment. But then, the malice in his eyes quickly turned to fanaticism. Mustering strength from somewhere, he scrambled to his feet and threw himself before Xander Steele, kowtowing so hard his head was like a pestle pounding garlic.

“King of the Southern Town, save me!” Victor Harrington screamed through his tears.

“What is the meaning of this?” Xander Steele asked coldly.

Thinking he had grasped his last lifeline, Victor Harrington looked up, his eyes bloodshot. “King of the Southern Town, kill this damn scum for me, please! If you do it, I’ll give you the Harrington Corporation!”

Xander Steele laughed. But as he laughed, his gaze turned incredibly icy. Without another word, he kicked Victor Harrington aside and strode toward Ethan Blackthorn.

He bowed respectfully. “Master, I’m here to clean up.”

“Master?”

Victor Harrington was utterly dumbstruck. A chill shot up from the soles of his feet to the crown of his head. He shivered, staring at Xander Steele in disbelief. This was the King of the Southern Town, a man of exalted status. Yet he was addressing a worthless scum as “Master” with such deference.

No matter how dense he was, Victor Harrington finally understood. Fear, a terror that emanated from his very bones, completely enveloped him. But then, he began to laugh, a sound both mournful and desperate. His laughter soon gave way to uncontrollable, despairing sobs.

Ethan Blackthorn didn’t spare him a single glance. He turned to Xander Steele and said, “Alright. Since you’re here, I’ll leave this to you.”

Xander Steele nodded quickly. “Rest assured, Master. I’ll handle it cleanly, just like before. I guarantee no one will ever know.”

“No. People need to know.”

Xander Steele was taken aback. “Master, you mean… you want this news to spread?”

“That’s right. Madison Harrington’s bullying nearly drove my wife to a dead end. Drugging her with an aphrodisiac, especially, has left her in immense pain to this day. If she knows Madison Harrington is dead, I believe she’ll finally find some release.”

“I understand, Master. Don’t worry, I’ll make it all look like an accident, and I’ll ensure your wife learns of the matter.”

Ethan Blackthorn nodded and was about to leave when Xander Steele spoke again. “Master, Damien Stone is courting death. He’s hired the Thorne Family to deal with you.”

Ethan Blackthorn’s brow furrowed. “Isn’t Damien Stone from Harborview City more powerful than the Thorne Family? Why would he go to them?”

“Perhaps he thought that since the Thorne Family is from Silverton City, it would be more convenient for them to handle you. Master, should I have a word with the Thorne Family?”

Ethan Blackthorn scoffed disdainfully. “There’s no need. I have a deep-seated hatred with the Thorne Family as well. After all, I’m the one who killed Zane Ironwood. The Thorne Family knows this. Even if you warn them, they might not dare to act openly, but they certainly won’t let it go. Who knows what underhanded tricks they might try? If that’s the case, we might as well let them come at me openly. If they dare to court death, then we won’t hesitate to erase them from this world.”

“Understood!” Xander Steele said respectfully.

Ethan Blackthorn waved a hand dismissively and turned to leave.

After leaving the Harrington Family’s villa, he had just gotten into his car and was about to head back to Serena’s bar when the passenger door was suddenly yanked open. A woman in a white dress with her face masked got in.

The moment he saw her, Ethan Blackthorn had the urge to drive straight into a wall. Who else could it be but Selene Vale? She stared at him with cold, indifferent eyes.

“I have to say, you’re like a ghost that just won’t go away,” Ethan Blackthorn mocked her with a cold laugh.

Selene Vale replied icily, “Don’t worry. Once you’re dead, I’ll disappear.”

Her bone-chilling voice made Ethan Blackthorn shudder. “Hold on, Selene Vale. We have no grudge against each other. Why are you so determined to kill me?”

“No comment.”

“Damn it, Selene Vale! Can’t you just give me three months?”

“Impossible,” Selene Vale stated coldly.

Ethan Blackthorn was speechless. Utterly speechless. This feeling of being hunted was infuriating, yet he was completely powerless against her.

“Damn it! Fine, go ahead and do it,” Ethan Blackthorn said, resigning himself to his fate. It wasn’t that he wanted to, but he truly couldn’t beat her.

“Very well. Come with me,” Selene Vale said coldly.

“Where?”

“Southridge Peak.”

“Are you insane? What for?”

“It’s simple. I’ve chosen a nice burial site for you.”

Ethan Blackthorn burst into laughter.

Selene Vale coldly inquired, “Yesterday, when I attacked you, why was I repelled?”

“You’re asking me? Who should I ask?”

As if she hadn’t heard him, she pressed on, “Have you cultivated some similar technique?”

“No!”

“It doesn’t matter if you admit it or not. You’re going to die today,” Selene Vale said, her voice frosty.

“Alright then. In that case, don’t blame me for what happens next.”

Selene Vale scoffed, her beautiful eyes looking down on him with contempt. Her expression seemed to say, “Go on. Show me.”

Ethan Blackthorn stopped wasting his breath.

After driving for more than an hour, they reached Southridge Peak. It was the highest peak in Silverton City, and from the summit, one had the feeling of looking down upon all other mountains.

“I have to admit, you picked a pretty good spot,” Ethan Blackthorn commented, looking down at Silverton City, which seemed to lie at his feet.

“Any last words?” Selene Vale asked coldly.

“Damn it, what’s the use of talking anymore? Just do it!” Ethan Blackthorn cursed.

Selene Vale seemed wary of Ethan Blackthorn’s strange ability and didn’t attack immediately, though her cold gaze never left him.

“What’s wrong?” Ethan Blackthorn provoked her deliberately. “Getting cold feet? Afraid to make a move?”

His words successfully angered her. She snorted, and the Profound Energy within her dantian began to churn wildly. But just as she was about to pounce, her vision suddenly went black, and she collapsed to the ground.

Chapter 103

Looking at Selene Vale collapsed on the ground, Ethan Blackthorn finally breathed a sigh of relief.

That’s right. He had poisoned the girl. He had been provoking her relentlessly just to make the poison in her body act faster. Of course, it wasn’t a lethal poison, merely a drug designed to knock her out.

The Eternal Healers Order was a righteous faction, and its ancestral teachings were to save all living beings under heaven. But that didn’t mean the Order’s leaders couldn’t use poison. In fact, the head of the Eternal Healers Order was a top-notch poison expert. As his only disciple, Ethan Blackthorn had naturally received his master’s true teachings.

Ethan Blackthorn certainly could have used a lethal poison to kill Selene Vale, but he was reluctant. After all, he still didn’t know why this girl wanted to kill him. With her cultivation being so abnormally powerful, who exactly was her master?

Countless doubts hovered over his mind like dark clouds. If he couldn’t get answers, the feeling would be as unbearable as a hundred claws scratching at his heart.

Looking at the unconscious Selene Vale, Ethan Blackthorn instinctively wanted to tear off her veil and see her true face. But as his hand neared her face, he retracted it. This girl wore a veil, so she must have her reasons. Besides… what if an exceptionally ugly face lies beneath? Wouldn’t I be haunted by nightmares?

Without any further delay, Ethan Blackthorn carried her to the car and drove toward the city center.

When Selene Vale woke up, she found herself lying in a bed in a strange place. She sensed danger and instinctively tried to sit up, but as soon as she exerted herself, she realized her entire body was limp, without a single trace of strength. This sudden change sent a shiver down her spine as cold sweat beaded on her face.

She knew she had been poisoned. The feeling was all too familiar. She silently tried to circulate the Profound Energy in her dantian to force the poison out, but just then, a familiar voice sounded in her ear.

“Awake? You sure can sleep!”

Selene Vale was startled again. Yes, she saw Ethan Blackthorn. She saw that beggar-like man sitting less than three meters away, smiling at her with eyes brimming with barely concealed pride.

She instantly became furious, and a chilling killing intent burst from her beautiful eyes. “Bastard, what have you done to me?”

Ethan Blackthorn shrugged. “Nothing much. I just gave you a little poison to temporarily seal your cultivation.”

Selene Vale grew even more furious. She truly regretted not killing the beggar outright. If she had, she would never have been poisoned, let alone humiliated like this.

“What, are you angry?” Ethan Blackthorn asked with a grin. “If I were you, I wouldn’t be. Getting angry will only make the poison circulate faster.”

“Bastard, what the hell do you want?” Selene Vale cursed.

“Let’s make a deal.”

“What do you mean?” she asked coldly.

“It’s simple. I cure your poison, and from now on, you stop trying to kill me.”

“In your dreams!” Selene Vale’s tone was bone-chilling.

“I’m not talking about the poison I gave you. I’m talking about the poison that was already in your body. Although I don’t know its name, I’m happy to inform you that I can cure it.”

While she was unconscious, Ethan Blackthorn had diagnosed her. He discovered that her heart was poisoned and that the toxin had already corrupted more than half of it. Once the entire heart was infected, she would undoubtedly die.

Selene Vale’s captivating eyes stared at Ethan Blackthorn like sharp daggers. “And you think I’d believe your nonsense?”

“Believe it or not, you can give it a try. What if it’s true? Besides, even if I’m lying, you don’t lose anything, do you?”

“Go on with your daydreaming.”

“So, you’re refusing to cooperate?” Ethan Blackthorn asked, a look of dejection on his face.

Selene Vale didn’t speak, but her gaze grew even colder, so cold that Ethan Blackthorn felt as if he were streaking naked in the dead of winter.

“Fine. Since you refuse to cooperate, you’ll have to excuse me. From now on, you can just lie in bed. Let me know when you change your mind.”

Selene Vale trembled with anger, her eyes turning blood-red like those of a provoked wild beast. Ethan Blackthorn, however, paid her no mind and simply turned to leave.

“Bastard! You… you stop right there!”

Ethan Blackthorn halted and turned back, a smile playing on his lips as he looked at her. “Changed your mind? That’s more like it. We have no grudge against each other. I cure you, you spare me. It’s a win-win. I’m only being this patient because you’re a girl. Otherwise, I would’ve already…”

“Bastard, keep dreaming!” Selene Vale spat, enunciating every word. “I’m telling you now, don’t you ever fall into my hands. The day you do, I, Selene Vale, will tear you to pieces!”

Her threat, combined with her beautiful eyes that now looked like they could devour him whole, made her appear utterly murderous.

Yet, Ethan Blackthorn merely shrugged with disdain and turned to walk away.

“Bastard! I’ll kill you! I’ll kill you!” Selene Vale’s furious roars echoed from the room.

Ethan Blackthorn snickered. You’ve been poisoned by me, yet you think you can break free? Dream on.

After leaving the room, a woman in her fifties named Margaret Hayes hurriedly approached him. She was the wife of Xander Steele’s butler, Barton Hayes. The villa belonged to Xander Steele; it was a retreat he rarely used, so Ethan Blackthorn had borrowed it to house Selene Vale.

“Mr. Blackthorn, are you alright?” Margaret Hayes asked respectfully. Although Barton Hayes hadn’t revealed Ethan Blackthorn’s background, he had told her to serve him well, so her attitude was extremely deferential.

“I’m fine, Auntie Margaret. Sorry for the trouble,” Ethan Blackthorn said with a smile.

His words seemed to startle her. She quickly replied, “Mr. Blackthorn, you’re too kind! It’s my honor to be of service to you.”

“Auntie Margaret, don’t say that. I’ll be relying on you. Please take good care of the young lady inside. Make sure she gets her three meals a day, on time.”

“Understood, Mr. Blackthorn. Rest assured, I will take good care of her.”

Ethan Blackthorn nodded in satisfaction and then left.

After exiting the villa, Ethan Blackthorn called Serena Blake, who quickly answered.

“Honey, what are you up to?”

“Hmph, I’m discussing the renovations. Do you need something? If not, I’m hanging up,” Serena Blake replied irritably. She wasn’t angry at Ethan Blackthorn; the bar’s renovation was just giving her a headache because the contractor’s quote was outrageously high.

“Hey, don’t hang up. Honey, have you eaten yet?”

“No appetite.”

With that, Serena Blake ended the call.

Ethan Blackthorn smiled and was about to leave when a terrifying murderous intent washed over him. He swiftly looked up and saw Magnus Vale standing in front of the car, blocking his path.

Ethan Blackthorn’s heart sank.

Ethan Blackthorn was speechless. Did I not check the almanac before leaving the house today? Why is my luck so terribly bad?  First, he had encountered Selene Vale, who wanted to kill him. He had just dealt with her, and now he had run into Magnus Vale.

Dealing with this old man clearly wouldn’t be as easy as it was with Selene Vale. After all, this old man was much more wary of him than Selene Vale had been. Trying to poison him was obviously impossible.

But Ethan Blackthorn didn’t show the slightest hint of fear. He even deliberately rolled down the car window, smiling at Magnus Vale.

“Old man, what is it? Want to experience my cultivation again? Or perhaps you want to experience my bodyguard’s cultivation?”

Magnus Vale’s eyes were sharp as he stared at Ethan Blackthorn. “Who is your bodyguard?”

“Didn’t you just experience her skills yesterday? How could you forget after just one night?”

Magnus Vale’s heart sank. “Kid, are you talking about that masked woman?”

Ethan Blackthorn looked at Magnus Vale as if he were an idiot. “Who else?”

“Kid, I admit she’s very powerful, but she’s not by your side now. Get out of the car and accept your death!” Magnus Vale shouted angrily.

Ethan Blackthorn’s smile became even more radiant. “Is that so? Why don’t you try and see if she’s here or not.”

Magnus Vale suddenly fell silent. He wasn’t a timid or cowardly man, but the shock Selene Vale had given him yesterday afternoon was simply too great. A delicate-looking girl who possessed such a ferocious level of cultivation.

No kidding, after being struck by Selene Vale yesterday, Magnus Vale’s internal organs were still throbbing with a dull pain. If he let her attack him again, it was uncertain whether he would even survive.

Although he couldn’t see the masked woman now, nor could he sense any Profound Energy fluctuations, Magnus Vale was genuinely afraid she would pop out from nowhere and deliver a fatal blow, just like yesterday.

Indeed, Magnus Vale was starting to lose his nerve. Of course, he wanted to avenge Silas Blackwood, but if the price of revenge was his own life, Magnus Vale was obviously unwilling. He still wanted to live.

Magnus Vale stared hard at Ethan Blackthorn, his eyes as sharp as blades, as if trying to stab Ethan Blackthorn with his gaze or see through to his very soul.

Ethan Blackthorn looked back at him with disdain.

“Kid, consider yourself lucky today. Next time, you won’t be so fortunate!” Magnus Vale said venomously.

“Bullshit. You’re the lucky one today.”

Magnus Vale snorted coldly, then turned and vanished in a flash.

Only when the old man was completely out of sight did Ethan Blackthorn finally breathe a sigh of relief. He couldn’t believe he’d actually managed to bluff him. It seemed the damage Selene Vale had dealt him yesterday was quite severe.

At the same time.

On the summit of Shadowpeak Mountains, Grandmaster Marcus Langford, the leader of the Arcane Warriors Guild, was sipping tea. Just then, his phone rang.

Grandmaster Marcus Langford picked it up. “Second Brother, what’s up?”

Indeed, the call was from the Pavilion Master of the Oracle Society, Ethan Blackthorn’s second master.

“Boss, Magnus Vale has appeared. I just got a tip-off that he has cornered Ethan Blackthorn and looks ready to make a move. Are we really going to stand by and do nothing? You and I both know Magnus Vale’s cultivation is formidable, and most of Ethan Blackthorn’s has entered Serena Blake’s body. He’s no match for Magnus Vale right now. I’m really afraid Magnus Vale might kill him!”

Grandmaster Marcus Langford laughed. “Ethan Blackthorn is our disciple and our Young Master. Naturally, I’m concerned for his safety. But don’t forget, the boy has the Dragon Guardian. Magnus Vale’s cultivation is impressive, but killing Ethan Blackthorn won’t be easy. Besides, the boy grew up under our protection and has never truly traveled the martial world. Magnus Vale is the first formidable opponent he’s faced. In the future, he’ll have to face countless enemies even stronger than Magnus Vale, understand?”

“Boss, you mean you want to let Ethan Blackthorn have a proper trial?”

“Exactly. That’s my intention. That boy carries too many burdens. If he can’t even handle Magnus Vale, how will he deal with those heaven-defying old monsters in the future?”

“But I’m still a bit worried. If his cultivation were intact, it wouldn’t be a problem, but he has lost ninety percent of it. The current situation is truly unfavorable for him.”

Grandmaster Marcus Langford smiled. “Don’t worry. The monster the seven of us trained isn’t as weak as you think.”

“Alright. Since you’ve said so, Boss, I’ll continue to have our people monitor everything closely. If there’s any sign of trouble, I’ll report to you immediately!”

“Good, that’s the right approach. The priority now is to investigate the origins of that Selene Vale. I fear she may be the true major threat to Ethan Blackthorn!”

The Pavilion Master of the Oracle Society chuckled. “I forgot to tell you. That little rascal Ethan Blackthorn poisoned Selene Vale and has her cultivation under his control.”

PFFT.

The usually stern Grandmaster Marcus Langford burst into loud laughter. “He really is the monster we trained. His methods are something else.”

The Pavilion Master of the Oracle Society also laughed. They chatted for a bit longer before ending the call.

When Ethan Blackthorn returned to Serena’s bar, the spacious establishment was deserted. Apart from Derek Vance, only two other security guards were present.

“Where’s everyone else?” Ethan Blackthorn asked.

Derek Vance hurriedly replied, “Captain, Ms. Blake told them to rest at home. She said their salaries would be paid as usual.”

Ethan Blackthorn nodded. “Where’s my wife?”

“Inside!”

“Alright, I’ll go see her.”

Ethan Blackthorn entered the bar to find Serena Blake sitting on the first floor with a gloomy expression. When she saw him, she snapped back to her senses and glared at him.

“Where have you been?”

“Oh, just strolling around,” Ethan Blackthorn said with a smile.

Serena Blake snorted coldly. “Instead of doing your job as a security guard, what are you running around for!”

He could tell she wasn’t in a good mood.

“Honey, what’s wrong? You seem upset,” Ethan Blackthorn asked with a smile.

Serena Blake shot Ethan Blackthorn a resentful glare. “You damn hooligan, what a stupid question! The bar got trashed. If it were your bar, would you be happy?”

“But it’s going to be renovated, right? Why are you still so upset?”

“Nonsense! The renovation costs twenty million,” Serena Blake said angrily.

Ethan Blackthorn chuckled. “That’s not so expensive. Is it really worth being this depressed over?”

His words provoked her. She suddenly stood up, glaring at him lividly. “Not expensive? You damn hooligan, it’s easy for you to say! That’s twenty million! I’ve been running this bar for over two years, and I’ve only just managed to save that much!”

Although Serena Blake’s bar was quite profitable now, it had only started making real money in the last six months. Before that, it had been constantly operating at a loss.

“How about I give you the money?” Ethan Blackthorn offered.

Serena Blake’s anger flared as she glared at Ethan Blackthorn. I’m already at my wit’s end, and this damned hooligan is still teasing me! He’s infuriating!

“You damn hooligan, can you stop messing with me? I’m asking you, is the scroll painting my mom gave me last night still in the car?”

“Was there a scroll in the car?” Ethan Blackthorn asked back.

He had genuinely forgotten about it, though he did recall her mother giving her one last night.

Serena Blake snorted coldly, got up, and headed outside.

Chapter 104

A moment later, Serena Blake walked in holding a painting scroll. She slowly unrolled it in front of Ethan Blackthorn.

To be honest, when he had seen Serena Blake’s mother with the scroll last night, he knew it wasn’t the Sovereign Dominion Map he was looking for, so he hadn’t paid it much mind. After all, when it came to calligraphy and paintings, Ethan Blackthorn had plenty in his treasure chamber at Shadowpeak Mountains—any one of which was a priceless treasure.

After Serena Blake opened the scroll, Ethan Blackthorn glanced over and saw that it depicted lifelike shrimps. Even without seeing the signature, he recognized at a glance that it was a painting by Master Whitestone. A quick look at the signature confirmed it.

“Serena, congratulations,” Ethan Blackthorn said with a smile. “With this, your urgent problem is solved!”

Master Whitestone’s paintings weren’t cheap. Although this scroll of Serena Blake’s wasn’t particularly large, it was still worth tens of millions.

Serena Blake, however, rolled the scroll back up. “I don’t plan on selling it,” she said in a serious tone.

To be honest, when she had asked Ethan Blackthorn about the painting earlier, she just wanted to see what gift her father had left her and if it could be sold. She was truly short on cash right now. Once the renovations were finished, the bar’s bank account would be completely drained. But when she saw the painting and remembered it was a gift from her father for her twenty-second birthday, she immediately dismissed the idea of selling it.

Ethan Blackthorn smiled. “It’s good that you’re not selling it.”

In truth, Ethan Blackthorn had already made up his mind. If Serena Blake really decided to sell the painting, he would buy it himself. Then, when the time was right, he’d find a chance to give it back to her. After all, this artwork was a gift from her father for her twenty-second birthday. To Serena Blake, its value couldn’t be measured in money.

“You scoundrel, take this back to the car,” Serena Blake said, handing the scroll to Ethan Blackthorn.

Ethan Blackthorn took the scroll, walked out of the bar, and got into his car. He opened the armrest compartment, preparing to put the scroll inside. However, he suddenly noticed that one of the scroll’s rollers was loose and decided to tighten it. The moment he touched it, the roller fell off. Along with it, a palm-sized piece of sheepskin-like material tumbled out.

“What’s this?” Ethan Blackthorn muttered. He placed the scroll on the seat and picked up the palm-sized piece of sheepskin. It was clearly ancient, covered with dense topographical markings.

“What is this thing?” he murmured again, looking it over from all angles but finding nothing unusual.

I should probably just throw it away,  he thought, but then reconsidered. It was hidden inside the scroll, so it might be valuable.

He placed the small piece of sheepskin back inside the broken roller, reassembled the scroll, and locked it in the armrest compartment.

After taking care of that, he got out of the car. Just as he was about to head back to the bar, two luxury cars sped toward him and screeched to a halt. One of them was unmistakably Damien Stone’s. Ethan Blackthorn didn’t recognize the other vehicle, but it had Silverton City license plates.

The car doors flew open. Damien Stone swaggered out, looking arrogant. The doors of the second car opened, and a young man about Ethan Blackthorn’s age stepped out. He bore a slight resemblance to Nolan Thorne, and Ethan Blackthorn knew at once that he must be from the Thorne Family.

The moment Damien Stone saw Ethan Blackthorn, his eyes flared with terrifying rage. He snarled at the young man behind him, “Hayden, that’s the worthless scum! Kill him for me!”

The young man’s gaze fixed sharply on Ethan Blackthorn, his eyes filled with an overwhelming hatred, as if he and Ethan Blackthorn shared some deep-seated grudge.

“Don’t worry. Today, I’ll make him regret ever being born,” the young man said viciously.

Perhaps having heard the commotion, Serena Blake came rushing out of the bar with a panicked expression just as the young man finished speaking.

When Damien Stone saw Serena Blake, a sinister, ghastly smile spread across his face. I brought the Thorne Family here to deal with Ethan Blackthorn for the sole purpose of forcing her to give in.  Seeing her this panicked… how could he not be thrilled? He could already feel it. Today, he would finally get his hands on the woman he had lusted after for seven years. He had it all planned out. When he took her, he would make that worthless scum watch. A malicious laugh echoed in Damien Stone’s mind.

His words, however, were even more venomous. “Worthless scum, allow me to make an introduction. The man standing before you is a member of the Thorne Family. You’ve heard of the Thorne Family, haven’t you? A top-tier family in Silverton City. What’s more, not only is Hayden Thorne here a Martial Artist, but his big brother is a member of the Arcane Warriors Guild! Killing a piece of trash like you is easier than crushing a bug!”

Of course, these words were meant for Serena Blake. I know she’s worried about this worthless scum. The more powerful I make Hayden Thorne sound, the more terrified she’ll become. She might even get on her knees and beg me any second now.

And just as he predicted, upon hearing his words, Serena Blake’s expression grew even more panicked, with a hint of terror mixed in. Seeing this, Damien Stone let out an extremely satisfied, malicious laugh.

The time is right,  he thought. He sneered, “Serena Blake, right now, you’re the only one who can save this worthless scum. I’ll repeat my offer: spend one night with me, and I’ll let him go. Otherwise, I’ll have Hayden Thorne kill him right here, right now!”

Serena Blake trembled with rage at his words, her beautiful face contorted with fury as she glared at Damien Stone.

It was true—Hayden Thorne’s identity and background frightened her. But to be humiliated by Damien Stone like this… she wished for nothing more than to slap him across the face several times.

The thought had barely crossed Serena Blake’s mind when Ethan Blackthorn struck. A huge slap cracked across Damien Stone’s face with such speed and force that he instantly dropped to his knees in front of her. Then, his eyes rolled back, and he collapsed, completely unconscious.

And that was Ethan Blackthorn holding back. If Serena Blake hadn’t been there, that single slap would have blown Damien Stone’s head clean off.

Serena Blake was stunned. I can’t believe he actually hit him! And so brutally! It’s over. This is really the end.  Damien Stone was the type of person who sought revenge for the smallest slight. Ethan Blackthorn had humiliated him time and again, and now he’d knocked him unconscious. When Damien Stone woke up, he definitely wouldn’t let this go.

An overwhelming wave of panic and fear completely enveloped Serena Blake. Her face turned deathly pale, and her beautiful eyes were wide with terror.

Ethan Blackthorn said softly, “Don’t worry, honey. Today, I’ll show you just how capable I am.”

Hayden Thorne suddenly sneered. “Worthless scum, you’ve got a big mouth. In that case, I’ll let a piece of trash like you witness the power of a true Martial Artist!”

The words had barely left his mouth when Ethan Blackthorn sent him flying with a single kick.

BOOM!!!

Hayden Thorne flew through the air like a cannonball fired from its chamber, tracing a graceful arc before crashing viciously onto the hood of Damien Stone’s car. The massive impact instantly caved the hood inward.

Hayden Thorne struggled to his feet. His face was ashen, and his insides churned with qi and blood, causing him extreme pain. He took a few deep breaths, suppressing the urge to vomit blood, then looked at Ethan Blackthorn in utter shock.

“You worthless scum, what… what is your cultivation level?”

“Divine Ascendant Realm!” Ethan Blackthorn said with a cold laugh.

Hayden Thorne was startled, his gaze on Ethan Blackthorn growing even more shocked. Wasn’t it said that this worthless scum had no cultivation at all? Wasn’t it said that he only managed to kill Silas Thorne and Jasper Thorne by relying on someone else?

Suddenly, Hayden Thorne sensed a fluctuation of Profound Energy. Looking in its direction, he saw a young man of about twenty-seven or twenty-eight standing to the side, watching him with cold, stern eyes. Startling surges of Profound Energy constantly emanated from this man. Although Hayden Thorne didn’t know his cultivation level, it was clearly extraordinary—who knew how many times more powerful than his own.

Hayden Thorne abruptly realized. It was almost certainly this young man who had attacked just now. No, not almost certainly—it was definitely him. After all, there was no fluctuation of Profound Energy coming from that worthless scum. So, after all this, that worthless scum was just posturing.

Thinking of this, Hayden Thorne shot Ethan Blackthorn a disdainful glance. Then, his gaze fell on Derek Vance.

He asked indifferently, “What is your name?”

“Derek Vance!”

“So it was you!” Hayden Thorne said bitterly.

Ever since Zane Ironwood, Silas Thorne, and Jasper Thorne had disappeared, the Thorne Family had used considerable means to uncover the truth. Indeed. The Thorne Family felt that while the worthless scum named Ethan Blackthorn appeared to be in charge, the one who did the real work behind the scenes was a bouncer named Derek Vance from Serena Blake’s bar.

Hayden Thorne had been skeptical at first, but now, seeing Derek Vance in person, he knew it was all true. It was this man, Derek Vance, who was secretly helping the worthless scum. After all, the Profound Energy flowing from him was truly remarkable.

“Derek Vance, do you really want to meddle in this worthless scum’s business?”

“Shut up! Ethan Blackthorn is my captain. You had better watch your tone!” Derek Vance said frostily.

If he didn’t clearly remember that Ethan Blackthorn never killed anyone in front of Serena Blake, Derek Vance would have already finished off this piece of trash. How dare he be so insolent to his captain. He was truly courting death.

Hayden Thorne sneered. “Good, very good. You’d better stay by this worthless scum’s side forever. Otherwise, our Thorne Family will kill him sooner or later.”

After leaving that threat, Hayden Thorne loaded the unconscious Damien Stone into the car, stomped on the gas, and disappeared without a trace.

The storm seemed to have passed, but Serena Blake’s face remained etched with worry. Ethan Blackthorn had just offended the Thorne Family. With their power, they obviously wouldn’t let this go. The last words Hayden Thorne said before leaving proved it.

The thought of having to live in constant worry from now on made Serena Blake even more depressed, so much so that she didn’t know what to do.

She let out a heavy sigh. Why was life so hard? All I want is to live a simple life with Ethan Blackthorn. Why can’t even this one small wish be fulfilled? If I hadn’t grown up in Silverton City, a place that holds so many of my memories and so many of my relatives, I would really just take Ethan Blackthorn and my mother and leave. Go somewhere no one knows us and start over.

Ethan Blackthorn saw Serena Blake’s misery. He waved a hand at Derek Vance, who tactfully made himself scarce.

Ethan Blackthorn said softly, “Honey, it’s over now, don’t be upset. Besides, a mere Thorne Family is nothing. I don’t take them seriously, and neither should you.”

Serena Blake was already distraught, and hearing Ethan Blackthorn’s boasting only made her feel worse. However, she didn’t lash out. With a forlorn expression, she said, “Please contact Mia Sterling for me. Tell her I’d like to treat her to a meal at The Crown Pavilion!”

Ethan Blackthorn understood instantly. She doesn’t really want to treat Mia Sterling to a meal. It’s obvious she wants Mia Sterling to help her deal with the Thorne Family.

“Honey, what are you asking her for? If it’s about the Thorne Family, you really don’t have to. Honestly, I’m very powerful. You saw me when I hit Hayden Thorne, and I wasn’t lying. I really am in the Divine Ascen—”

“Enough!” Serena Blake snapped, her lovely face turned grim. Even Hayden Thorne himself admitted it was Derek Vance who attacked him, yet Ethan Blackthorn was still bragging about his strength.

“No, Honey, I’m really not lying to you!” Ethan Blackthorn argued. As he spoke, he prepared to kick Damien Stone’s wrecked luxury car to prove his power.

But Serena Blake simply looked at him with a gaze full of disappointment. Then, with a look of bitter disappointment, she said, “Ethan Blackthorn, I can tolerate your boasting most of the time, but look at the situation we’re in! You’re still trying to brag? Don’t you understand you’ve provoked the Thorne Family? That’s the Thorne Family! They aren’t the Harrington Family or the Sterling Family. Will you please get a grip?”

As she spoke, her beautiful eyes began to redden.

Ethan Blackthorn felt helpless, truly helpless. No matter what he said, Serena Blake just thought he was bluffing.

With a heavy sigh, Ethan Blackthorn said in a deep voice, “Fine, you’re right. I’ll stop boasting. But if we really have to ask her, then I should be the one to do it. You’re my wife, how could I let you go asking for favors for my sake?”

A warmth spread through Serena Blake’s heart. Apart from his love of boasting, this guy really didn’t seem to have any other flaws. Though he loved to boast, he always protected her when it mattered most.

“I should be the one to ask. You’re my husband, how could I let you be the one to step forward in a situation like this?” Serena Blake said solemnly.

Ethan Blackthorn’s heart stirred. This woman is so proud, yet now she’s willing to bow her precious head for my sake. It would be a lie to say I’m not moved.

Seeing how determined she was, Ethan Blackthorn smiled. “Serena Blake, I must have saved the entire galaxy in my past life to have married you!”

When he first married Serena Blake, Ethan Blackthorn truly felt that she must have saved the galaxy in a past life to have ended up with him. But as they spent more time together, he found himself deeply fascinated by her countless shining qualities—her tenderness, kindness, resilience, and independence.

Serena Blake’s cheeks flushed red. She was flustered by his words.

She chided playfully, “Stop blabbering and hurry up and contact Mia Sterling!”

Ethan Blackthorn laughed. “Alright!”

Chapter 105

Ethan Blackthorn called Mia Sterling.

“Smelly Daddy, you miss me?” Her sultry voice purred through the phone.

Thank goodness I don’t have this on speaker. If Serena Blake heard that… God only knows how big of a blow that would be.

“My wife wants to invite you to dinner at The Crown Pavilion!”

“Of course, I’ll be right there!” Mia Sterling said with a seductive smile.

Ethan Blackthorn hung up the phone and then drove toward The Crown Pavilion.

After a few moments on the road, Serena Blake suddenly spoke softly, “Ethan Blackthorn, what I said earlier might have been a bit harsh. I’m sorry. It’s just… I really want to be with a down-to-earth person and live a simple life. I hope you can understand.”

Faced with Serena Blake’s sudden confession and the expectant look in her eyes, what else could Ethan Blackthorn say?

He smiled helplessly and replied, “Alright. From now on, I’ll be down-to-earth and live a simple life with you.”

Serena Blake breathed a sigh of relief, gratitude shining in her eyes.

“Thank you!”

“Silly girl, what are you thanking me for!” Ethan Blackthorn said, not knowing whether to laugh or cry.

“It’s nothing. I just hope you’ll be more grounded from now on and stop boasting. Otherwise, I’ll really start ignoring you!”

Ethan Blackthorn sighed in resignation. “Okay, you have my word!”

When they arrived at The Crown Pavilion, Mia Sterling was already waiting by the entrance. Her outfit was as seductive and eye-catching as ever. The skintight bodycon dress did little to hide her fiery figure; in fact, it only served to accentuate her sexiness. Paired with the black stockings wrapped around her long legs, her sensual aura was elevated to a whole new level.

Upon seeing Ethan Blackthorn and Serena Blake, Mia Sterling smiled coquettishly.

“Greetings, Master. My respects to the First Lady!”

Serena Blake despised being called “First Lady,” but since she needed a favor, she could only say reluctantly, “Miss Sterling, you really don’t have to be like this. We invited you to dinner today because we actually have something to ask of you.”

Mia Sterling looked at Serena Blake with theatrical alarm. “First Lady, you honor me too much. If you need something, just give me a command. I truly cannot bear the word ‘ask’!”

Serena Blake didn’t know how to reply. She wasn’t normally such a timid person, but asking for a favor now made her feel inferior, so naturally, her words lacked confidence.

At that moment, Ethan Blackthorn smiled and said, “Come on, let’s go inside. We can talk while we eat!”

The two women nodded in unison. It wasn’t just Serena Blake who felt awkward; even Mia Sterling was a bit uncomfortable. Although my status and background are more impressive than Serena Blake’s, I can’t change the fact that she is Ethan Blackthorn’s wife. And Ethan Blackthorn is no ordinary man.  Although Mia Sterling didn’t know the specifics of Ethan Blackthorn’s background, she knew that any man who could compel her father to order her to become his woman at any cost was obviously far from ordinary.

The trio entered a private room. Mia Sterling’s arrival sent the entire restaurant into a state of high alert. After all, the owner herself had arrived. From the manager and head chef down to the waitstaff, everyone was treading on thin ice. Fortunately, Mia Sterling was a relatively kind person, so she wasn’t difficult to please.

“Miss Sterling, may I know what you would like to eat?” Manager Reginald Brooks asked respectfully.

Mia Sterling smiled and said, “Just bring us your specialties.”

Manager Reginald Brooks quickly retreated.

While they waited for the food, Mia Sterling asked with a charming smile, “First Lady, have you run into some trouble?”

Serena Blake didn’t hide anything and directly told Mia Sterling the whole story.

After hearing Serena Blake’s account, especially when she heard that Damien Stone had hired the Thorne Family to deal with Ethan Blackthorn, Mia Sterling’s seductive smile vanished, replaced by an icy fury.

“A mere Thorne Family dares to bully my master? They must have a death wish! First Lady, just relax and enjoy your meal. After we eat, I’ll go find the Thorne Family and have a nice, long talk with them. If the Thorne Family dares to disrespect my Sterling Family, I won’t mind making them disappear from the face of the earth. They shouldn’t think they can bully people just because their eldest son, Garrett Thorne, is now part of the Arcane Warriors Guild. The Sterling Family might not have anyone in the Arcane Warriors Guild, but we are members of The Apex Nine. So please, First Lady, set your mind at ease,” Mia Sterling said reassuringly.

A look of envy appeared in Serena Blake’s eyes. She had certainly heard of The Apex Nine; her father had told her about it when he was still alive. Serena Blake knew The Apex Nine was composed of the nine most powerful families in the nation, led by the number one financial magnate in the country. Their influence wasn’t just domestic; they were a renowned power on the international stage as well. After all, it was said that The Apex Nine even included top-tier foreign families. Serena Blake never imagined the Sterling Family would be one of its members. For a moment, her heart swelled with envy.

If only my family could join The Apex Nine one day… how wonderful would that be?

Hearing Mia Sterling’s words, Ethan Blackthorn couldn’t help but smile. This woman may look utterly coquettish, more feminine than any other, but I never expected her to have such a fierce side to her personality.

It had to be said that Mia Sterling’s words had a profoundly comforting effect on Serena Blake, allowing her panicked heart to finally settle down.

“Miss Sterling, thank you. What would you like in return?” Even though Mia Sterling called her “First Lady,” Serena Blake didn’t take her help for granted.

Mia Sterling looked at Serena Blake with a teasing glint in her eyes. “First Lady,” she purred, “can I ask for anything I want?”

Serena Blake seemed to grasp her meaning, and precisely because she understood, a wave of panic washed over her. She blurted out, “Anything except my husband!”

Mia Sterling discreetly shot Ethan Blackthorn a thumbs-up. She smiled and said, “Don’t worry, First Lady, I wouldn’t dare try to steal the Master from you; he’s clearly so fond of you. What I meant was, if you truly want to thank me, how about giving me a card for unlimited drinks at your bar?”

At these words, Serena Blake sighed softly. “Miss Sterling, I’d love to, but I’m afraid that’s not possible for a while!”

“Why?” Mia Sterling asked with a smile.

Serena Blake said gravely, “The bar was smashed.”

Mia Sterling was taken aback. The flirtatious smile on her face froze instantly. “What? Smashed? When?”

“In the early hours of this morning,” Ethan Blackthorn said.

“Who did it? How despicable!”

“We don’t know.”

“Could it have been the Harrington Family? Oh, by the way, First Lady, did you hear? Something happened to the Harrington Family… you know, Madison Harrington’s family.”

Serena Blake’s heart trembled. She asked urgently, “What happened?”

“I’m not sure about the details, but Madison Harrington is dead, and the Harrington Family has been wiped out.”

BOOM!

Serena Blake felt as though she’d been struck by a bolt of lightning that left her mind blank and her entire body numb. She was stunned, completely and utterly frozen. After what felt like an eternity, tears suddenly streamed from her eyes like a dam bursting. She collapsed onto the table, sobbing her heart out.

Mia Sterling was astounded. She stared at Serena Blake in confusion, completely unable to understand why she was crying.

Ethan Blackthorn, however, knew the reason. To put it plainly, those weren’t tears of sadness. They were tears of pure excitement—the thrill one feels after a great wrong has finally been avenged.

She remembered how Madison Harrington had drugged her with an aphrodisiac, causing her to lose her virginity to a man she thought was a beggar. Not only that, but Madison Harrington had then forced her to marry him. Although Serena Blake eventually grew to get along quite well with that man, the trauma Madison Harrington had inflicted upon her was forever etched into her heart, a wound that would never heal in this lifetime.

If not for her deep attachment to her mother, Serena Blake would have lost the will to live long ago.

So now, hearing the news of Madison Harrington’s death, how could she not be overjoyed? How could she not be thrilled? She might be an inherently kind girl, but she was no saint. She couldn’t possibly shed tears of sympathy for the misfortune of an enemy who had caused her so much pain.

“Master, what’s wrong with Madam?” Mia Sterling asked cautiously, worried her words had somehow made Serena Blake cry.

Ethan Blackthorn just smiled. “It’s nothing. She’s just overwhelmed with excitement.”

“Excitement?” Mia Sterling’s face was full of doubt.

“Yes, excitement,” Ethan Blackthorn explained. “My wife suffered immensely at Madison Harrington’s hands; she almost didn’t survive. Hearing that her enemy is dead is naturally going to make her emotional.”

The realization dawned on Mia Sterling. She knew, of course, that Serena Blake had lost her virginity to Ethan Blackthorn because Madison Harrington had drugged her. She also knew that Madison Harrington had forced the marriage simply to humiliate Serena Blake.

For some reason, a sliver of envy for Serena Blake sparked within Mia Sterling.

How I wish Madison Harrington had given me the aphrodisiac instead. Then I could have tumbled in the sheets with that rascal of mine… Or maybe I should get my hands on some aphrodisiac and have him use his body to cure me?

As the thought crossed her mind, Mia Sterling’s heart began to race.

Serena Blake cried for a while longer before finally stopping. Her eyes, normally as beautiful as peach blossoms, were now red and swollen. Seeing her like this, Ethan Blackthorn felt his heart ache as if pierced by a knife. Had he known that killing Madison Harrington would affect her this profoundly, he would have acted much sooner.

“Honey, it’s all in the past now. Madison Harrington got what she deserved. You don’t have to be sad anymore,” Ethan Blackthorn comforted her softly.

Serena Blake nodded obediently.

“Madam, what are your plans now?” Mia Sterling asked at an opportune moment.

“I’ve already contacted a crew to renovate the bar. As you know, I’m competing with my uncle’s daughter for control of the Blake Corporation, and that bar is my only leverage for victory. I have to get it running again.”

Mia Sterling nodded. Ethan Blackthorn had once asked her to investigate the Blake Corporation, so she was well-informed about the Blake Family’s affairs.

She smiled and said, “Madam, why didn’t you come to me for the renovation? We have the most professional renovation team on retainer!”

“Oh, no, no, Miss Sterling. You’ve already done more than enough to help me.”

“It’s no trouble at all, not in the slightest. After we eat, I’ll take you to meet the team. It’s settled then,” Mia Sterling said with a cheerful smile.

Serena Blake looked at Mia Sterling, her eyes filled with gratitude. She was truly at a loss for words. She desperately wanted to thank her properly but had no idea how. Serena Blake knew perfectly well that Mia Sterling was only being so kind to her because of Ethan Blackthorn.

Unfortunately, she was already married to him. It wasn’t as if she could just give Ethan Blackthorn to her. Serena Blake realized she truly couldn’t bear to part with him, though even she didn’t quite understand why.

“Miss Sterling, how can I ever thank you?” Serena Blake asked earnestly, her lovely face a mask of sincerity.

Mia Sterling smiled. “Don’t worry about it. When your bar reopens, just give me a card for unlimited drinks!”

“Alright then!” Serena Blake said gratefully.

Honestly, Serena Blake knew such a gesture was trivial to someone like Mia Sterling. After all, her family was the most prominent and wealthy in all of Silverton City; they certainly weren’t short on money for drinks. Mia Sterling was probably just saying that to put her at ease. But for the moment, Serena Blake couldn’t think of any better way to show her gratitude. For now, she could only commit this kindness to memory and vow to repay the Sterling Family when an opportunity arose in the future.

The meal concluded in a pleasant atmosphere. Perhaps hearing about the Harrington Family’s downfall had lifted Serena Blake’s spirits, because not only did she eat a lot, but she also uncharacteristically drank some wine.

After a bit of wine, Serena Blake was as enchanting as a freshly bloomed rose, so beautiful she seemed to glisten like morning dew. Ethan Blackthorn was utterly captivated, and even Mia Sterling couldn’t help but exclaim, “Madam, you truly live up to your title as the number one beauty of Silverton City. It’s no wonder men are smitten by your face—even I, a woman, find my heart racing!”

Serena Blake instantly flushed, so embarrassed she wanted to find a hole to crawl into. “Miss Sterling, you’re very beautiful too, truly. And it’s not just your looks; you have an incredibly stunning figure.”

Mia Sterling’s face lit up with surprise. “Really, Madam?”

Serena Blake nodded quickly.

Mia Sterling burst out laughing like a delighted child.

After the meal, when Serena Blake went to pay the bill, Mia Sterling stopped her.

“Madam, your presence honors my restaurant. How could I possibly let you pay?”

“Miss Sterling, please… don’t make me feel like I owe you too much, alright?” Serena Blake pleaded.

Mia Sterling glanced helplessly at Ethan Blackthorn.

He smiled. “If my wife wants to pay, let her. It’ll make her feel better.”

Since Ethan Blackthorn had said so, Mia Sterling relented. “Alright then.”

Serena Blake successfully paid the bill.

Led by Mia Sterling, the three of them made their way to her office, which was in a skyscraper in the most central district of Silverton City. Her office occupied the entire top floor of the sixty-six-story building.

It had been a long time since Serena Blake had been somewhere so high. Standing before the enormous floor-to-ceiling windows, she could see almost half of Silverton City spread out below.

Before Serena Blake could fully take in the view, her eyes were drawn to another building in the distance, one that towered a hundred stories high. Emblazoned across the top of the building were two words: Myth Corporation.

Serena Blake stared at the name for a long moment. A wave of envy washed over her, and she made a silent vow. I have to work hard. One day, I will build my own Myth Corporation!

At some point, Ethan Blackthorn had come to stand beside her. Following her gaze, he also spotted the Myth Corporation building.