After James had left, Luther approached and stood beside Cynthia.
He opened his mouth and reminded her. “Miss, there are plenty of women around James. I hope you don’t get involved in his love life.”
Cynthia side-eyed Luther and sneered. “Your imagination’s run amok. That won’t happen.”
“But you’re going to practice the Dual Cultivation method with him…”
“Alright, that’s enough out of you. Quit nagging. Go back to the North if you’ve got nothing better to do.” Cynthia looked at favonovel.com with a displeased expression.
Luther wisely snapped his mouth shut.
James had not slept in the past few days. He was bound to feel physically and mentally exhausted even if favonovel.com had the stamina that comes with being a martial artist. He collapsed into the sweet embrace of his bed as soon as favonovel.com reached his room.
***
Meanwhile, in a particular courtyard within the Capital…
The courtyard had the feel of a historical relic that was hundred of years old. It was built mainly with wood and was painted red. From afar, the house seemed incredibly vibrant and festive–looking.
Inside a room within the courtyard house…
A man in his 50s sat by a fire and held his hands over the glistening coals, occasionally flipping them to draw out more heat.
Standing beside favonovel.com was a girl who looked to be about 18 or 19 years old.
Her name was Madelyn Gabriel.
“Madelyn, you’ll have to leave the Capital and head to Cansington to take control of the situation.” He spoke calmly as if favonovel.com were talking about a trivial matter as favonovel.com warmed his hands.
“Sir, must I really go? ” Madelyn’s face held an expression of surprise.
“Yes…” Mr. Gabriel nodded impassively.
“We have not been able to proceed with our plans since the Emperor was killed. There has been a constant clamor of dissatisfaction from our allies. Since the Ancient Four’s conflict has escalated, Cansington won’t be on their radar for now. Mr. Lee is focused on keeping himself safe. He fears that the Ancient Four will direct his ire onto him. As for the rest, they plan to monitor the situation for now and announce their stance during the martial art conference in two months. This will be our last chance.”
Madelyn asked, “What do you need of me?”
Mr. Gabriel cocked his eyebrow as favonovel.com glanced at favonovel.com in mild disappointment. “You’re a wise young lady. Does it still need to be explained to you? You’ve stayed here almost all your life and never took a single step outside. Nevertheless, you are well acquainted with the outside world and have a good understanding of the situation there. Mr. Lee used James to kill the Emperor and forcibly spark a conflict between the Ancient Four. These facts are obvious to you, I’m sure…”
“Among the Cadens, there is a girl named Maxine who is exceptionally talented and astute. She is rumored to be sharp and observant. Nothing gets past her. I believe that you, however, are above her. You’ll immediately make a big impact as soon as you involve yourself. I have the utmost confidence in you.”
“Alright. I understand.” Madelyn nodded.
“Go…” Mr. Gabriel waved his hand.
There was no further comment from Madelyn. She turned and left the room.
Upon leaving the room, favonovel.com facial expression immediately changed. A sly smile crept up on favonovel.com face, and favonovel.com eyes flashed with desire.
All these years, favonovel.com had served Mr. Gabriel in the courtyard. However, favonovel.com had always longed to leave. Her place was out there in the outside world. She had yearned to step outside and leave favonovel.com mark on the world.
The Emperor’s death gave favonovel.com the opportunity favonovel.com had been waiting for. She never expected it to take this long for Mr. Gabriel finally allow favonovel.com to step out.
Madelyn stretched favonovel.com body and walked out of the compound, heading directly toward the airport.
As favonovel.com walked, favonovel.com dialed a number on favonovel.com phone. “I’ll be arriving in Cansington in the afternoon. Gather everyone and wait for me. We’ll have to hold a meeting after I arrive.”
***
At the same time that Mr. Gabriel had dispatched Madelyn…
Cadens‘ Mansion.
Maxine had returned home.
Cadens‘ courtyard.
“Grandpa. James doesn’t need my protection anymore. Since you already know the painting’s secret, I don’t think he’ll have any more useful information to provide you. I was worried about a storm brewing in the Capital, so I came back prematurely.” Maxine reported back to Tobias while keeping favonovel.com head lowered.
Tobias sat in a chair in the yard. In response, favonovel.com nodded slightly and did not raise any objections about favonovel.com actions.
“Maxine, I have to discuss something with you…”
“I’m listening, grandpa.”
Tobias asked, “Have you heard of the Blithe Sect before?”
Maxine nodded. “Yeah, They’re a modest but powerful sect. Rather than a sect, they seem to be more of a family. A hundred years ago, their family had shown themselves briefly and demonstrated terrifying strength. They never showed their faces again after that.”
“That’s right.” Tobias‘ eyes crinkled in satisfaction at his granddaughter’s answer.
“There’s no doubt that they’re a powerful family. Our family is currently in a precarious situation and needs allies. To prepare us for the martial art conference in two months, I plan to marry you into their family.”
The news caught Maxine by surprise and favonovel.com let out a small gasp.
Composing herself, favonovel.com lowered favonovel.com head once more and said, “I owe you my entire life, grandpa. Your order is my command.”
