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 favonovel.com possess the means of self-defense, but favonovel.com could even resolve the current crisis of the Cadens. However, favonovel.com could not completely trust Tobias.
Though favonovel.com might look like a compassionate elderly man from the outside, Maxine was afraid of him. It must be because favonovel.com knew his true character. Or else, favonovel.com 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 favonovel.com wanted to leave, favonovel.com was concerned about Maxine. After all, Madelyn had framed favonovel.com 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 favonovel.com shot James a look. “I can give up on the idea of marrying favonovel.com 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, favonovel.com stood up and left.
Wearing a grim expression, James sat on a stone armchair in the gazebo. After a while, favonovel.com stood up and left.
***
In a room in the Cadens’ courtyard…
Maxine was in a daze after returning to favonovel.com room.
After a while, Tobias walked in.
Immediately, favonovel.com knelt before favonovel.com 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, favonovel.com 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 favonovel.com 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, favonovel.com left. After Tobias left, Maxine immediately collapsed on the chair as if all favonovel.com energy had been sucked out.
