Now, because of James, they had gotten themselves involved in the turmoil. “Because of you, the Cadens have now been dragged into the fray. It’s not unlikely that you might have been manipulated from the very beginning. Disposing of the Emperor under the Cadens’ name is certainly a surefire way to get the Johnstons and Cadens involved and cause a rift between the two families.” James simply sat there with his mouth agape. He knew that the Capital had been governed by complex dynamics that hung in an intricate balance, but he had not expected things to be this convoluted. The God-King Palace had really made a royal mess of things. “What exactly is the God-King Palace?” Maxine shrugged. “Who knows? We wouldn’t be sitting here doing nothing if we knew who was actually behind this. Tomorrow morning, we’ll likely be receiving a number of guests who are planning to see where my grandfather stands.” “Actually…” Maxine’s mouth snapped shut for a moment before opening once again

Tobias gave James a once over before letting out a pleased huff. “Not bad, your complexion’s improved.” James’ eyes bored into the elderly man before him. Technically, Tobias was James’ grand-uncle. However, he was the farthest thing from family to James whose anger at the events from ten years still burned furiously in his chest. Ignoring the hateful gaze directed at him, Tobias addressed James, “I’m sure you’ve already heard from Maxinne that they’ll seek to destabilize the situation by killing you. Unfortunately, the Cadens can no longer afford to protect you.” Never taking his eyes off Tobias, James said coldly, “I don’t need the Cadens’ protection.” “Oho…?” Tobias exclaimed in amusement. His lips twitched into something resembling a smile. “You’re courageous, I’ll give you that. However, in your current condition, you don’t have a snowball’s chance in hell against them. Even if you had no injuries and were in peak condition, you’ll still get crushed with extreme ease

Perhaps someone else was backing the Emperor apart from Mr. Gabriel. In order to get a clearer understanding of the situation, James would have to return to Cansington and ask the owner of Sovereign Boutique Shop. Although his previous attempt yielded no useful information, James had a feeling that the owner chose not to disclose anything to him. Putting his thoughts aside, he turned to Tobias and asked, “So, why did you bring me here? I’m sure it wasn’t just to regale me with the story of the Ancient Four’s origins along with the Moonlit Flowers on Cliffside’s Edge.” Tobias merely shook his head and pointed at the painting on the wall. “The secret to the ultimate martial arts techniques are concealed within this painting. The key to solving the puzzle is through the 18-meridian diagram. Though I have been researching it for quite some time now, despite my best efforts, I’m still unable to break the painting’s cipher. I believe you are familiar with the 18-meridian diagram?”

“Before I forget…” Just as she was leaving, Tobias called out to Maxine, “Wait.” “Is something the matter, grandpa?” Tobias turned to her. “You are also someone who is highly proficient in martial arts. Feel free to head to the basement if you have nothing better to do.It’ll be a great learning opportunity for you as well.” Maxine kneeled on the ground reverently and said, “I’m not worthy.” Tobias beckoned her to stand. “I’m giving you express permission to do as you see fit..” “But grandpa… I’m not a real Caden. I don’t have Caden blood coursing through my veins. The ancestral teachings were specific about —” Maxine fiddled with the hem of her dress. Tobias raised his hand to interrupt her. “What’s the point of following rigid and obsolete ancestral teachings? Even if you aren’t a Caden by heritage, you were practically raised as a Caden since childgood. I consider you my own granddaughter. All these years, you’ve stayed by my side devising plans and strategies for me. B

“Wh-Why are you looking at me like that?” Seeing that James was staring intensely at her, Maxine frowned in displeasure. “I’d like to ask you for a favor.” “Huh?” Maxine narrowed her eyes at James, unsure of what he was thinking. James continued, “Though the Johnstons crippled my martial arts skills, I think I have a way of regaining my True Energy. I just need your help.” “Me?” Maxine was taken aback by the sudden request. She shook her head and refused, “I’m afraid you’ve misjudged me. I’m only a second rank martial artist. Hades Johnston, the one who crippled you, is at least at the fifth rank. If even my grandpa couldn’t help you regain your martial art skills, there’s no way I possibly could.” “I have a plan. I just need your help executing it.” James managed to cultivate True Energy by reading the texts in Medical Book Volume Two. It mainly explained the other uses of the Crucifier and how to use it to its truest potential. It stood to reason that James could use