With a clang, Leo’s Purple Radiance dagger blocked the woman’s curved blade, sparking a few embers.
Seeing Leo’s purple dagger, the woman’s pupils contracted.
Her curved blade was crafted from profound iron, thin and extraordinarily sharp. It could cut through metal like paper. Under her curved blade, ordinary weapons would be sliced apart like tissue. Leo’s purple dagger unexpectedly managed to block it.
The woman swiftly changed her attack, targeting Leo’s thigh. Leo didn’t resist; instead, he aimed Purple Radiance at the woman’s throat.
Unless she stopped her attack, her throat would be pierced.
In a split second, the woman retreated, evading Leo’s strike. She then swung her blade toward him once more.
After a series of exchanges, they engaged in a fast-paced battle, trading twenty or so moves.
The woman’s attacks were fierce and cunning, showcasing her extensive combat experience. Close combat was Leo’s weak point; he lacked formal training.
Leo figured he wouldn’t stand a chance unless he broke through to the higher realm of a spiritual practitioner.
As Leo pondered how to subdue the woman, she suddenly made a feint and then gestured with her left hand.
A ripping sound echoed as Leo’s shirt was slashed open at the chest. His quick reflexes had saved him from a deeper wound.
During his hasty retreat, Leo noticed the woman’s left hand concealed a small dagger.
Hidden weapon!
Continuing the fight would only lead to his disadvantage. Leo decided to use his mind to control Purple Radiance, and he might have to resort to more drastic measures.
“Kid, one more chance. Join us?” The woman’s voice was ice cold.
“Why so chatty? I already said if I can take the leader’s position, count me in.” Leo grinned.
“Since you’re eager for death, I’ll oblige!” The woman’s voice turned icy. She infused internal energy into her curved blade, causing it to emit a faint blue-purple glow.
“Moon Spirit Slash!”
With a shout, she released her curved blade, creating a blue-purple arc of light in the air.
“Purple Radiance, let’s end this!” Leo shouted in response, launching a purple flash of energy.
Purple Radiance moved almost twice as fast as the curved blade. The woman’s eyes widened in shock as the purple energy streaked toward her.
Leo effortlessly evaded her curved blade while Purple Radiance nicked her left shoulder, drawing blood.
Had she not instinctively lowered herself, the purple energy would have pierced her chest.
Holding her wounded shoulder, the woman’s face showed fear, and she quickly retreated.
Moments later, her BMW screeched to a halt and sped away, the engine roaring.
Leo chose not to pursue, instead picking up the discarded curved blade from the ground.
Holding it, he could tell it was an excellent weapon. As a spoil of battle, he had to keep it.
Back at the Henley family mansion, Leo changed his clothes before hiding the curved blade in a shoebox under the bed. He then sat cross-legged on the bed, entering a meditation to restore his energy.
Around noon, Leo grabbed a quick bite to eat. By around 2 p. m., he headed to Azure Financial.
Located in the bustling commercial district, Azure Financial’s office was situated in a newly constructed, over forty-story high-rise. Three entire floors were dedicated to Azure Financial’s offices.
At around 3 p. m., Leo parked his car in the underground parking lot and took the elevator up.
Following the signs, he arrived on the eighteenth floor. He was about to inquire about the location of Renee’s office when he caught sight of two familiar figures in the lobby.
The two people seated in the lobby chairs were Aunt Sandy and her daughter, Lynn.
Leo suddenly remembered that Lynn was coming for an interview at Azure Financial today.
Leo initially intended to greet them, but before he could, Aunt Sandy stood up and called out to a middle-aged woman in professional attire who was approaching her. “Manager, we’re here.”
The middle-aged woman arrived by Aunt Sandy’s side, checking the time on her wristwatch. “You’re late.”
“Manager, I apologize. We were caught in traffic, which made Lynn arrive late,” Aunt Sandy explained.
The Manager’s gaze shifted to the young girl sitting beside Aunt Sandy, engrossed in playing a game on her phone. She furrowed her brows. “Is she your daughter, Lynn?”
Aunt Sandy nudged Lynn with her hand and smiled. “Yes.”
“Mom, stop nudging me. Let me finish this round.” Lynn didn’t even lift her head.
Aunt Sandy’s face flushed with embarrassment, while the Manager’s expression turned sour.
Standing at the reception desk, Leo observed all of it with regret. Lynn’s attitude was clearly inappropriate for an interview. Any company that hired her would be making a big mistake.
Leo couldn’t help himself and walked over. He decided to prevent Lynn from entering Azure Financial.
Aunt Sandy grabbed the phone from Lynn’s hand, her voice filled with anger. “Lynn, how can you be so thoughtless? This is the HR Manager. Quickly, say hello.”
“Leo!?”
“What Leo?” Aunt Sandy corrected.
“Mom, why is Leo here!?” Lynn pointed her finger.
Aunt Sandy turned her head and saw Leo approaching. “This useless son-in-law of the Henley family must have heard about Lynn’s interview and came here to suck up.”
“Leo, what are you doing here? Did Sophia send you, or was it Jessica?” Aunt Sandy interrogated.
“I’m here to find someone,” Leo replied.
“Find who? Can’t you see we’re busy? Get lost, and don’t even think about getting close to my Lynn!” Aunt Sandy retorted.
Leo just smiled. He had seen this kind of behavior from powerful relatives many times before. He shifted his gaze to the HR Manager. “Hello, could you tell me where Renee’s office is?”
The Manager paused. “You’re looking for President Browne?”
Aunt Sandy sneered beside her. “Leo, you’re going overboard with this act. A freeloader like you dares to say he’s here to meet the president of Azure Financial. How laughable!”
“Manager, this man is just a useless son-in-law of the Henley family. He likes to put on airs. I suggest you have security escort him out,” Aunt Sandy suggested to Manager Han.
The Manager sized up Leo. “Sir, you can’t meet President Browne without an appointment.”
“Is that so? Do I need to call her right now?” Leo pulled out his phone.
“Keep pretending. Go on pretending!” Aunt Sandy sneered inwardly, wondering if Leo had taken the wrong medication today.
“Mom, Leo is up to something. He knew I was coming for an interview today, so he deliberately came here to ruin my chances,” Lynn disdainfully remarked.