Seraphina nodded and said, “Yes! I just returned to the palace and heard that Daniel Williams has recently recruited four of the top-ranking Paragons. These four are all in the top ten of the Amerosia cultivators’ rankings. One of them, Elderwood, is ranked second and is said to have reached the Crescendence level.”
Her expression turned anxious as she continued, “Mr. Shelby, you should immediately seek Master William’s help. These four Paragons are not to be underestimated!”
Chris smiled faintly. “Seraphina, while these four may be strong, I’m no weakling myself. Don’t worry, I have my ways of dealing with them.”
“But-”
“No buts. Did you bring me anything good to eat? I’m starving. Let’s eat first!”
Seeing his casual demeanor, Seraphina sighed deeply.
In truth, Chris didn’t take these so-called four Paragons seriously. After all, he was now the master of Emberwood Estate.
Since his return to Emberwood, Chris had sensed the presence of the Emberwood Guards. These guards, trained meticulously by his master, Archer Wintersong, were all formidable fighters.
The last time Chris worked with the Emberwood Guards, they managed to sever the arm of Amerosia Abbot. If he could eliminate these four Paragons this time, it would deal a devastating blow to Daniel Williams.
—
Meanwhile, at the Lord Protector’s residence in Middleton…
“Your Highness, Chris has arrived in Middleton and has already killed eighteen leaders of the underground world here,” Ironheart Steer reported respectfully to Daniel Williams.
Daniel Williams responded dismissively, “Just a handful of insignificant figures. Not worth mentioning.”
To him, the lives of Middleton’s underground leaders were inconsequential. They were merely tools at his disposal, and their deaths meant nothing.
“Are you all ready?”
Four individuals stood before him, each radiating an overpowering presence. These were all cultivators who had surpassed the Transcendence stage.
They were the four Paragons Daniel Williams had recruited at great expense. His goal for them was simple-kill Chris.
A gaunt old man among them spoke calmly, “Rest assured, Your Highness. The four of us will make sure Chris is eliminated.”
This old man was none other than Elderwood, ranked second among Amerosia’s cultivators. His strength was rumored to have reached Crescendence.
“Hahaha!” Daniel Williams laughed heartily. “Excellent! If you succeed in killing Chris, I will bestow noble titles upon you once I ascend to the throne. When that day comes, you will all be honored aristocrats of Amerosia.”
Hearing this, the four men’s faces lit up with fervor.
A noble title!
Who wouldn’t desire such a thing? A title promised wealth and prestige for generations to come.
“Thank you, Your Highness!”
“Rest assured, we will kill Chris and help you claim the throne as soon as possible.”
“When that time comes, Your Highness will be the emperor!”
Their eyes glinted with cold determination. In their minds, Chris was already as good as dead.
—
Night fell, and the early autumn air in Middleton felt chilly.
Chris stood alone in the villa’s courtyard, smoking a cigarette.
After a long silence, he said softly, “You’re here.”
The courtyard appeared empty, with no one in sight.
Suddenly, a shadow descended from the sky. In an instant, Lord Valerian landed before Chris.
Chris looked at him with a mix of exasperation and resignation. “Brother! You’ve chased me all the way from the East Coast to Middleton. There’s no grudge between us. Why are you trying to kill me?”
Lord Valerian’s expression was cold. “Chris, I admit we have no personal feud, but it doesn’t matter. You must die.”
“Tell me, who wants me dead?” Chris exhaled a smoke ring and said calmly, “I know you’re Amerosia’s former Primus, and your strength is unparalleled. But even with your abilities, killing me won’t be easy. If you tell me who’s behind this, I can help you eliminate them. How about that?”
Lord Valerian sneered. “Chris, I don’t need your help, nor do you qualify to help me. I acknowledge your strength, and I know killing you won’t be easy. But if I go all out, you’re no match for me.”
Chris sighed softly.
It was clear that Lord Valerian was determined to kill him. Though someone was pulling the strings behind the scenes, Valerian’s pride would never allow him to reveal their identity.
After all, he was Lord Valerian, Amerosia’s former Primus. His dignity and pride were unshakable. Accepting Chris’s help would be a humiliation he couldn’t bear.
The two men stood silently, staring at each other. Their gazes clashed in the air, sparking an intense tension.
The atmosphere in the courtyard grew heavy, like a powder keg waiting to explode.
Both Chris and Lord Valerian began to release their auras. As top Paragons of their time, their combined presence was terrifying.
Suddenly, the rumble of an engine broke the silence.
A dark green Hummer pulled up outside the villa.
Seraphina stepped out of the vehicle and entered the courtyard. The moment she arrived, she sensed the tension in the air.
Turning her gaze to Lord Valerian, she studied him intently. Though she didn’t speak to him, her expression betrayed her recognition of his immense power.
Instead, she turned to Chris and said, “Mr. Shelby, I’ve just received word that the four Paragons are preparing to make their move against you. I’m here to take you somewhere.”
“Where?” Chris frowned.
“You’ll know when we get there,” Seraphina replied.
Chris nodded, trusting that Seraphina wouldn’t harm him.
Glancing at Lord Valerian, Chris asked, “Still planning to fight?”
“Hmph!”
Lord Valerian snorted coldly before vanishing into thin air.
“Mr. Shelby, was that man really Amerosia’s former Primus, Lord Valerian?” Seraphina asked curiously once he was gone.
Chris nodded. “Yes.”
She shuddered slightly. “What a terrifying presence. He truly lives up to his title as Primus. Mr. Shelby, you’d better be careful!”
Chris chuckled bitterly.
He realized that his enemies were growing in number and strength.
Without another word, Chris got into Seraphina’s car, and they drove away into the night.