"Ouch!"Evan and Vivian winced at the unexpected slap that caught them off guard. They held their burning cheeks, confused by the sudden turn of events. They couldn't understand Christopher's actions, especially since Dustin was the troublemaker. The Murray family and their guests were also baffled. No one had expected Christopher to slap someone out of anger on his special day."General … General Murray." Evan tried to argue. "Did you confuse us with someone else? This punk is causing trouble and should be dealt with."Vivian added, "Yes, General Murray, he even assaulted Mr. Murray last night. He committed a crime and should be punished." She believed that Christopher might not know the truth."Quiet!" Christopher glowered at them. His authoritative voice filled the room. He continued, "Dustin saved my granddaughter's life. He's the savior of the Murray family and my most esteemed guest. Any more of this nonsense, and I'll have you removed!"Anxiety set in as Evan and V

A shiver ran down Edgar and Caden's spines as they exchanged uneasy glances. In their family, Gage had always been the golden child. Everyone favored him.The brothers couldn't help but wonder why Christopher wasn't happy about Gage's return. What caused him to put on such a stern expression even though it had been five years? Any past misunderstandings between father and son should have been cleared up long ago."Father, it's my fault for being ignorant and a fool in the past. I'm sorry," Gage said. He showed respect to his father. He continued, "I've reflected on myself over the years, and I know it's my fault. I hope you forgive me.""Hmm?" Christopher raised an eyebrow. He knew Gage's stubbornness, so he was surprised to hear him own up to his past mistakes. After years apart, he had never expected his son to apologize. Gage's change and newfound maturity shocked him."Dad, the past is the past. Gage has admitted his mistakes. Please forgive him," Edgar tried to mediate

A gruesome sound of flesh being cut apart filled the air.Out of nowhere, Gage stabbed Edgar's chest with the knife. Blood oozed from the wound and dripped to the floor."Huh..." Edgar stood frozen, staring in disbelief at the knife lodged in his chest. He never thought his beloved brother would attack him with such ruthlessness.Everyone in the banquet hall was shocked. Who would have thought that Gage, who had been calm and smiling, would attack Edgar? This was no longer a simple drunken fight."You … how could you …" Edgar stammered. He wanted to say more, but the blood gushed from his mouth. Then, his body swayed, and he slumped to the floor."Edgar, don't worry. The blade missed your heart by just an inch. It won't take your life for now. Just lie still and don't make any trouble," Gage said calmly. He took out a handkerchief and wiped the blood off his fingers. His demeanor was strangely calm, as if his actions didn't matter. Christopher was furious. "Bastard! How co

"What?"Everyone gasped at the sight before them. They could not believe their eyes. Caden, who they had expected to dominate the fight, was now coughing up blood after only one exchange of blows."Caden!""Dad!" Lily and Sheila rushed forward to help him.Caden's face contorted in shock and disbelief as he coughed up more blood. His faith in the Soul Devouring Technique had been unshakable. Yet, he could not comprehend his sudden vulnerability. Was he weak, or was his opponent too strong?"You … who the hell are you?" Caden gritted his teeth. He couldn't accept his defeat."I am Grimshade of Eskus." The black-cloaked figure slowly lifted his hood, revealing a foreign face. His cheeks were gaunt, and his eyes were deep-set, giving off an eerie feeling."Grimshade? The grandmaster martial artist from Eskus? Why is he here?""Gage must have sunk a fortune into this. No wonder Caden couldn't keep up.""Oh my! The strength of the Murray family is crumbling. If Caden fall

Gage's words weighed heavily on Christopher and made everyone present uneasy. All eyes were focused on Christopher, the most influential person in the Murray family. His decision would decide the fate of the entire family."You insolent bastard!" Christopher thundered, his voice trembling with anger and frustration. He continued, "You attacked your brothers and threatened the family with such disgraceful actions! And now you dare to demand an explanation from me? Are you trying to play the victim?" He had always thought of Gage as his successor. Courageous, clever, and quick-witted—Gage could have led the family to greatness. Sadly, he had lost his way and caused an irreparable rift within the family.Christopher was angry and heartbroken."Father, you must understand that my actions were a response to your own," Gage replied with surprising composure. "Had you not driven my late wife to her tragic end, none of this would have happened.""Her death may be connected to me, but