Howard's willingness to visit the antique market was not solely to assist the sisters in their quest for a legendary blade. Such weapons were treasures often stumbled upon by chance, rarely found by those who sought them.His real intent was to immerse the sisters in the rich culture of the martial arts clans they were then a part of. More exposure to the ways of the warrior guilds could only benefit them on their chosen path.The following morning, Howard's group of five set off in the direction of Nathanael. Talia and Yuffie buzzed with excitement throughout the journey, their minds alive with wonder.Nathanael, nestled in the mountains to the northeast of Mendorra and a couple hundred kilometers away, awaited them.By 10 a.m., they arrived, parking at the gates of a sprawling estate on the city's outskirts—the site of the famed market.Stepping out, they were greeted by a lively throng at the estate's entrance, many adorned in traditional robes, weapons hanging from their belts
"And look at that bracelet, it's stunning! Oh, and the compact has such a unique charm! Should we get one of each to decorate our homes?""Yuffie, you're still in school. How can you afford all this?" Talia chided gently. "You have a hundred fifty-dollar budget. Spend more, and it's coming out of your allowance.""What? Only a hundred fifty dollars? You're being too tight-fisted, sis!" Yuffie's complaint was lighthearted as she playfully turned to Howard. "Howard...""Don't even think about it. His wallet is in my hands!" Talia cut her off, fully aware of her little sister's ploy."Fine..." Yuffie's pout was all in good fun."Haha! It's not every day we get to do this, honey. If Yuffie finds something she loves, let's get it for her. Who knows if it'll be here next time?" Howard chuckled."Yay! You're the best, bro-in-law!" Yuffie cheered, her face lighting up with joy."You're just making her more spoiled!" Talia gave Howard a playful eye roll and turned her attention away from
The setting sun dyed the sky blood red, and sand filled the air!In the Western Region more than a hundred kilometers away from the frontier of the enemy country, a three-month terrifying battle was coming to an end. The scene was like purgatory on earth; corpses with broken limbs were scattered everywhere, staining half of the sky red.A young man in plain clothes with the Blood Shadow Saber in his hand sat on the ground, and not far from him was a headless corpse.The poorly-dressed young man was Howard Lincoln, the Blood Shadow's commander-in-chief, the King of the West!That headless corpse was the enemy's commander, the Mad God of War!Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh!After a while, five figures quickly flashed from five different directions. In the blink of an eye, they came to the young man's side and knelt on one knee. The five of them were dressed in battle suits, with awe-inspiring righteousness while emanating a suffocating bloody aura."Marshal, the enemy's elite troops have
Within the country, right beside Mendorra, south of Nimbulus.An unlicensed van drove out of an abandoned factory area and sped toward the suburbs. Besides the driver, three tattooed men and a young girl about the age of four were in the vehicle.At this time, the little girl's face was pale, her big eyes were full of endless fear, and she was trembling slightly.The man with a scar on his face looked at the bald man. "Bob, how do you handle things! I told you to watch the little girl, and you didn't even know she had a phone with her?!" "She's so young! I didn't expect her mom to give her a mobile phone!""Be more alert next time!" The scarred man responded. "Thankfully, we noticed it early. Otherwise, the four of us will be in big trouble if someone really comes for her!""Got it, Larry!" Bob nodded hard."Larry, who on earth wants this little girl? The pay is so generous! It's not an ordinary person, right?" Another guy with a buzz cut, Dave, asked."Don't ask things you sh
An hour ago, on a desolate land that stretched for dozens of kilometers at the territory's border, two ghostly figures chased after one another, and their speed was extremely fast.The person in front was a man in his forties who appeared fierce. There was a shocking scar of more than ten centimeters on his face, and he was holding a shiny bardiche, exuding a strong sense of bloodthirstiness. The other person was around twenty-six years old. He was handsome and dressed in a brocade uniform, holding a steel saber. One could vaguely see the words "Shadow Sect" carved on the blade.This saber was called the Cold Moon Saber!"The Judge, you've been chasing me for three days and nights. Do you have to work so hard for your pitiful salary?"The scarred man ran to a river and stopped, staring at the young man behind him like a beast."The Butcher, you've ruthlessly murdered the innocent, guilty of monstrous crimes!" The Judge also stopped in his tracks and shouted, "You'll die today!""
"Anything?" Timothy grinned evilly."A-Anything…" Talia replied in a trembling voice."Haha! You were given a chance to do it the easy way, yet look at yourself now!" Timothy snorted, and his voice became deeper. "I can help you find your bastard child, but I have two conditions!""First, sit beside me immediately, and let me have a sweet taste of you. Second, after I help you find your bastard child, you must accompany me unconditionally for a month and always be ready for me!""I-I agree…" Talia clenched her jaw and nodded."Well, what are you waiting for? Sit next to me now!" Timothy patted the empty seat beside him. "Give me a massage first! Once I feel good, I'll call someone to help you find your bastard child!""I hope you don't go back on your word…" Talia took another deep breath, got up, and sat beside Timothy."Come to me!" Before Talia even sat, Timothy immediately pulled her into his embrace.At this time, the door burst open as if it was made of paper, and sawdus
In the aisle, Yoel, who had just handled Timothy, saw Talia and shouted, "Ms. Talia, where are you going?"However, Talia ignored him and swiftly disappeared at the entrance of the stairs."Stop her!" Howard rushed out of the room and shouted. After listening to Talia's cry just now, Howard had a feeling that he might have misunderstood her."Yes, sir!" Yoel turned and chased after Talia. Just as Yoel took two steps, his phone rang, and he picked up the call as he ran."Really?!" Yoel stopped running immediately. The other party said something, causing Yoel to frown. "We'll be there immediately!""What's the matter?" Howard was already beside Yoel."They found the four men who kidnapped Riley!" Yoel hung up the phone and informed gloomily, "But they're all dead!""Huh?!" Howard frowned and looked in the direction Talia had disappeared into. Then, he paused for a moment before saying, "Let's go and have a look first!"For him, nothing's more important than saving Riley!Three m
In the car, Howard said, "The other party's methods are very professional, and it may be difficult to have a breakthrough in such a short time.""Should we look for Ms. Talia again?" Yoel nodded slightly. "Maybe she can provide us with a little clue?"Howard took a deep breath, nodded, and replied, "Mm!"Yoel sent a text asking for Talia's location, then stomped on the gas pedal. Half an hour later, Yoel drove the car into an old neighborhood. After taking a few turns, they stopped in front of a dilapidated building."Ms. Talia lives on the first floor with her sister and parents!" Yoel informed, looking at Howard in the passenger seat. Howard exhaled heavily. Looking at the building on the verge of collapsing, a look of guilt appeared on his face."I got them into this mess!" After saying that, Howard got out of the car."Dad, I'm begging you! Please help me ask grandpa again. Ask him to send someone to find Riley..."As soon as the two walked to the entrance, they heard Talia'