The Rise of a Master: It Starts With Rejection

One of the Maximus family's elders said, "It doesn't matter who she is. The mission failed. Unless Dean takes action himself the next time, no one from the family will make another move for a long time."

"Exactly. And we still have to worry about whether Delilah or Harmony Clinic will come knocking on our door for an explanation. Let's just forget about that terrifying woman."

In truth, there was one thought Atlas hadn't shared-those who died were the ones who attacked Felix.

Could that woman have been Felix's ally?

But he refused to consider that possibility, as admitting it would mean that there was no hope left for them.

...

Meanwhile, Dickson and Felix slowed their pace. Dickson, for one, felt like he'd narrowly escaped death.

"I've faced countless life-and-death situations, but never before have I experienced true despair. That woman managed to make me feel it."

Wiping the sweat off his brow, Dickson couldn't help but shudder. Although the dead were all middle-stage Transcendent Realm fighters, he, as a late-stage Transcendent Realm martial artist, still wouldn't have stood a chance against that monstrous woman. How could he not be afraid?

"No matter what, she resolved our crisis. We should be grateful to her." Dickson forced a bitter smile.

Felix's emotions, however, were far more complicated. Who could've guessed he'd see Zara in such a moment-and in such a disoriented state?

"She did save us," Felix admitted at last.

Dickson didn't mention that Delilah had brought a group of skilled fighters who were waiting in the shadows, ready to intervene at any critical moment.

However, that mysterious woman had derailed their plans.

"Let's keep moving and reach Harmony Clinic headquarters as soon as possible. I don't want to run into that woman again."

They traveled through the night, and by noon the next day, a mountain finally came into view.

"That's Sumera Mountain. Luckily, nothing happened to us on the way here."

Dickson let out a deep sigh of relief. The mere thought of encountering Zara again was enough to give him nightmares for nights to come.

"Marlow, I have a question. Why did you say earlier that the Maximus family patriarch probably didn't participate in the mission?" Felix finally broke his silence as they

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advanced toward Sumera Mountain.

"There's this unspoken rule in Martial City-those who've reached Grandmaster Realm should avoid intervening, or it could lead to chaos.

"Aside from the royal families, most factions, clans, and sects only have one Grandmaster Realm expert, with a rare few having two. Think about it-if their strongest were forced to join the battle, there would be no hope for the other martial artists."

It all made sense now. Felix immediately connected it to the rules in international relations. A Grandmaster Realm expert in the martial world was equivalent to a nuclear weapon in a country's arsenal.

Once deployed, any negotiation was off the table.

"Well, this is where I leave you. We've entered Harmony Clinic's territory now. If there's any danger, the chief won't just stand by. You have nothing to worry about.

"Even though you're Delilah's disciple, it's better to stick to protocol during such an important evaluation. Otherwise, it might give rise to unnecessary rumors."

Felix bowed. "Marlow, thank you for your care along the journey. I won't forget it, and I will repay your kindness in the future."

Once Dickson disappeared from

view, Felix made his way toward the foot of the mountain. The so-called evaluation, did not faze him at all; instead, his thoughts lingered on Zara. He wondered whether, in her current state, she could resist the corrosive force of the Twinshade Body.

When he was deep in thought, the sound of a car horn startled him. He stepped

aside, simply assuming he was in someone's way.

But the horn blared again several times, snapping Felix out of his thoughts. His already restless mood turned sour as he frowned.noveldrama

Were they looking for trouble?