Firestone’s expression darkened at the words she heard, her earlier smile vanishing. Fixing her sharp gaze on Mags, she asked, “Mags, this doesn’t sound like you. This isn’t how you usually act. I prefer the decisive and resolute Mags I know.”
Mags hurriedly replied, “No, Lady Firestone, that’s not it. This man is far from simple. Think about it-he dared to give us three days to prepare. That alone shows he’s thoroughly prepared. While we, The Nightshade, are undoubtedly strong, so is he. He has Seclela’s best troops and the finest weapons. If he launches an airstrike, we could easily overlook something.”
Mags had thoroughly investigated Kayden and understood his unyielding nature. Without this knowledge, Mags would have sought a thousand ways to retaliate against him.
Firestone’s gaze turned icy as she asked, “Then what do you suggest we do?”
Hearing her question, Mags bowed deeply, clasping his hands in respect. “I believe we should report this to our superiors. After all, this is a matter directly tied to their orders, and they have the right to know. Additionally, we should call upon the Master.”
Firestone fell silent, her expression unreadable. Then, suddenly, she rose from her chair, her masked eyes boring into Mags. “Are you suggesting that I-Firestone-am afraid of that man?”
Her words struck like a hammer, firm and unyielding.
Mags immediately dropped to one knee, trembling as he said, “Lady Firestone, that’s not what I meant! I’m only concerned for the future of The Nightshade.”
“Hahaha! Hahahahaha!” Firestone suddenly spread her arms, laughing wildly. But her laughter quickly faded, and her expression turned cold. “You still don’t believe in my abilities, do you?”
“I wouldn’t dare!” Mags declared earnestly. “Everything has been entrusted to you, Lady Firestone. Of course, I believe in your abilities. However, this matter is no trivial one. I urge you not to take it lightly. The future of The Nightshade depends on it.”
“Mags, has the Master’s favor made you bold enough to teach me-Firestone-how to handle things? Do you even realize that I’m one of The Nightshade’s rare talents?” A white-haired elder across the room stood up, his eyes fierce as he glared at Mags.
Mags quickly replied, “I wouldn’t dare! I’m merely stating the facts. Better safe than sorry-this is what the Master has always taught us.”
“Mags, you’re being insolent! You keep invoking the Master-left and right-as if you think Lady Firestone can’t handle this. You’re just scared out of your wits by that man!”
“Enough!” Firestone interrupted sharply, her voice cutting through the tension. She let out a cold laugh and said, “What of it? If I can’t handle something as simple as this, then my position here is meaningless. Let him come. If he dares, I’ll ensure he never leaves.”
Mags’ expression shifted. It was clear that Lady Firestone had made up her mind to confront Kayden.
“However,” Firestone added after a moment, “we’ll still take Mags’ concerns into account. We’ll prepare thoroughly. Sitting where we are, I refuse to believe anyone would dare challenge The Nightshade.”
—
The Scott Family
In the garden pavilion, two elderly men sat across from each other, engrossed in a chess game. One was Billy, the family’s butler, and the other, Jason, the head of the Scott family.
Jason moved a piece and captured Billy’s elephant, declaring, “Check!”
Billy froze for a moment, then sighed. “Ah, I’ve lost again! Master, you’ve shown no mercy today. I’ve lost every match all afternoon.”
“Hahaha!” Jason chuckled. “That’s because your mind isn’t in the game.”
“Speaking of which, have you heard any news about the young master recently?” Jason asked.
Billy nodded. “Yes. The young master has made waves across the upper echelons of the nation. He’s declared his intent to destroy The Nightshade.”
“What?” Jason’s face changed, his hand hovering over a chess piece mid-move.
“Destroy The Nightshade? Why?” Jason asked, his face full of shock.
Billy explained, “The Nightshade captured one of his subordinates.”
“So, the young master wants to destroy The Nightshade-a centuries-old hidden sect-just for that?” Jason said in disbelief.
Billy nodded. “Exactly. And this time, the young master has been unusually bold. He deliberately spread the news, letting everyone in the upper circles know. The matter has caused an uproar in Seclela’s cultivation world.”
“Should I go and speak to the young master?” Billy asked hesitantly.
Jason raised a hand to stop him. “Do you think he’d listen to you?”
Billy lowered his head. He knew Jason was right. The young master’s resentment toward the Scott family was deep, and he was impervious to any advice from them. If Billy went, it would only result in another confrontation.
Jason let out a long sigh. “What’s coming will come. Kayden must walk his own path, and no one can stop him. All we can do is what’s within our power.”
“What do you mean by that, Master?” Billy asked, puzzled.
Jason’s eyes narrowed as he sighed again. “Do you really think Kayden spread that message just to warn The Nightshade? No, his real target is the organization behind The Nightshade. By giving them three days to prepare, he’s provoking that organization. Destroying The Nightshade would be tantamount to declaring war on them. And, ironically, this is exactly what that organization wants.”
Billy’s expression shifted. “So, everything the young master is doing is playing right into their hands?”
“It seems that way,” Jason muttered to himself.
“Master, why don’t you tell the young master the truth about what happened back then?” Billy asked.
Jason’s eyes narrowed into slits as he sighed once more. “Fate has its own timing. When the time is right, he’ll know. And as for Hellblazer, they’ll eventually pay the price for what they’ve done.”
Jason’s eyes grew bloodshot as he spoke, his face dark and brooding. Billy dared not say another word, quietly observing the storm brewing within Jason.
After a long silence, Jason finally spoke. “The young master has made his decision, which means he’s walking into an even more dangerous situation. He loves his wife deeply. For now, that organization may leave her alone. But if the day comes when they find themselves losing control of the situation, they’ll target her.”
“So, Master, what are you suggesting?” Billy asked.
“We can’t control Kayden,” Jason replied, his voice low. “But we can target the woman he loves.”