“Orchid, no need to be modest. You carry yourself like a young lady from a distinguished family. I can sense it,” Felicia replied with a grin. Turning to Casey, she inquired, “Casey, is your family sect larger than the Secret Essences Sect?”
Stout cleared his throat, seated nearby.
“Felicia, you’re underestimating Casey. His family is much more significant than the Secret Essences Sect!” Stout interjected.
“Really?” Felicia was taken aback.
Harleen, who overheard the conversation, also displayed a hint of surprise. Since she began practicing martial arts, she had consciously delved into the intricacies of the ancient martial arts world. She knew that the Secret Essences Sect was a powerful force. However, according to Stout, Casey’s background seemed even more formidable.
“Felicia, don’t pay attention to Stout’s exaggeration,” Casey said with a faint smile.
“What I said is true.” Stout retorted.
After some more casual chat, Casey and the crew bid their farewells and left.
Around eleven in the evening, after a delightful meal and conversation, Billy and Harleen retired to bed.
“Wife, what’s been keeping you busy lately?” Billy asked softly, holding Harleen in his arms.
“I’ve mostly been involved in restructuring the company’s organizational structure in these past few days,” Harleen responded gently, leaning on Billy’s shoulder.
“Why the sudden interest in restructuring the organization?” Billy asked, a little puzzled.
“The company needs to grow, and all aspects of management have to keep up!” Harleen explained. “The previous organizational structure was a bit outdated. Many decisions had to be escalated to the president’s level, affecting efficiency.”
“People lower down were hesitant to make decisions on their own. When I’m not around, many business operations come to a halt. It’s not conducive to the company’s development,” she added.
Unspoken in her words was her intention to gradually step back from the company and entrust it to professional managers. She desired to be a behind-the-scenes chairwoman, wanting to spend more time with Billy and experience the highs and lows of the martial world with him. In her view, to truly understand each other, a couple had to immerse themselves in each other’s worlds. Only by integrating could they truly love each other; otherwise, their relationship would be superficial and wouldn’t withstand the test.
She didn’t doubt Billy’s capabilities but lacked confidence in herself. Hence, she aimed to match Billy’s pace as much as possible.
“Well, anything to make things easier for my wife,” Billy smiled and kissed her forehead.
Though he didn’t explicitly mention it, he understood Harleen’s unspoken thoughts.
“Mm.” Harleen nodded slightly. After a pause, as if recalling something, she looked up at Billy and said, “By the way, husband, Uncle Adam called me again today. He asked when I could set off for Ether Mountain.”
“Oh?” Billy smiled slightly. “How’s the progress with the company? Can you free up some time?”
“According to Uncle Adam, he seems eager for me and Felicia to leave sooner. He mentioned we could go take a look first and return if something urgent comes up,” Harleen replied.
“He also mentioned arranging a military plane specifically for the two of us. It takes only a few hours’ journey between Ether Mountain and Ozin,” she added.
“I’ve thought about it and agreed. I’ll set off in two or three days,” she informed.
“Sounds good!” Billy nodded. “Take a look, and if anything crops up, you can always come back.”
“Yeah,” Harleen agreed. “I’ve also told Tasha. I let her know that I will be away on a business trip for a while and asked her to stay with her Grandpa and Grandma at home.”
“No worries. You can go with peace of mind!” Billy smiled. “While you’re away, I’ll try to spend more time in Ozin. There shouldn’t be any problems with me accompanying her.”
“Thank you, Billy!” After saying this, Harleen’s face blushed a little. “Billy, I… I miss you…”
Before she could finish her sentence, Billy kissed her…
The next two or three days were peaceful. Billy didn’t make any arrangements and he focused on staying at home, shuttling Tasha around. During the day, Harleen continued managing company affairs, returning home in the evening to be with her family.
Casey returned to the Eastern Territory, while Night Orchid stayed in Ozin SHADOW, intensively training with Stout and Judge.
On the fourth morning, Adam Greenleaf arrived in Ozin to take Harleen and her sister to Ether Mountain.
This afternoon, just as Billy picked up Tasha and returned home, his phone rang. It was a call from Bob Stokes.
“Bob, what’s up?” Billy answered the call.
“Boss, the details of the selection tournament are almost settled,” Bob’s voice came through the phone.
“It’s as you and Uncle Adam speculated. The selection of the successor for the national destiny is integrated with the Heaven’s Pride List competition. The official announcement will be the revival of the Heaven’s Pride List!”
“Is the date set?” Billy continued to ask.
“Yes, one month later,” Bob responded.
“Good, got it.” Billy nodded before asking, “Anything else happening in the capital recently?”
“Not for the time being,” Bob replied. Then, as if remembering something, he added, “By the way, boss, Ivy mentioned yesterday that the position of General Geis in the Northern Territory might undergo some changes.”
“Oh?” Billy raised an eyebrow. “Why shuffle a good position? And where would he be transferred to?”
“It’s not confirmed yet. Ivy overheard the War Department Elder discussing it with the Prime Minister. It seems this matter hasn’t been finalized,” Bob explained. “Including the one in the Central Zone, it might also be under consideration!”
Billy was surprised again. “Let Ivy continue to watch this matter. If there’s any news, let me know.”
“Understood!” Bob replied loudly.
“At the same time, keep tabs on the two major clans, especially the Harding clan. See if there are any recent movements.” Billy instructed again.
“Got it!” Bob nodded before hanging up the phone.
Billy fell into brief contemplation after putting away his phone.
The next morning, Casey arrived at the SHADOW base in Ozin.
Subsequently, Billy, leading Casey, Night Orchid, and Stout, set off for Blade Town.
Judge clamored to go with them, but Billy didn’t agree, asking him to stay in Ozin and intensify his cultivation.
Around three in the afternoon, the four figures of Billy and the others appeared in Blade Town. Though not vast, Blade Town pulsed with life due to the influx of outsiders. The streets and alleys were bustling.
“Commander!”
As the four arrived near a small park, Wally Hammond approached together with two subordinates. All three were undercover.