Gunther’s mind seethed as memories of his humiliation replayed. His so-called “collaborations” with Dracula and Romeo were nothing but lessons in frustration. He had risked his men, spent sleepless nights executing their plans, and still walked away empty-handed.The Cursed Idol Pendant had ended up in Dracula’s hands. The two amulets—objects of unimaginable power—had been claimed by Romeo and his lackeys. Gunther hadn’t even been allowed to touch them, much less participate in the deeper search that followed.Why?Because his cultivation base was lower than theirs. That was the only reason. If he had stood shoulder to shoulder with them in power, they would never have dared to treat him like a disposable pawn.His fists clenched until his knuckles cracked. That shame burned into his chest like a brand, and in that moment, Gunther swore silently to himself: he would break into the Divine Realm no matter the cost. Whatever it took, whatever blood he had to spill, whatever price he had

Aurora added calmly, "I think there's one more matter we can’t ignore before we leave."Her tone made everyone stop."What is it?" Lord Hades asked, leaning forward with a sharp look.Aurora’s eyes flicked toward Adam. "They have Tessa. Are you all planning to just leave her in Gunther’s hands?"The room fell silent. Everyone’s gaze naturally shifted to Adam. Whatever grudges existed, everyone knew Tessa was once his wife. The decision could only come from him.Adam’s face was unreadable, but his voice carried steel. "Of course, we’re rescuing her. But not recklessly. We need a plan that won’t fail."He didn’t need Aurora’s reminder. He hadn’t forgotten Tessa for even a second. She was his wife once, and more importantly, her purity was tied directly to the completion of his cultivation technique. Gunther touching her was something he couldn’t allow—not as a man, and not as a cultivator."Mr. Manchester," Stacey spoke up, watching him closely. "Do you already have something in mind?"

Nathaniel nodded and was about to leave when Gunther’s cold voice cut through the room.“Wait a minute. Another thing—send someone to capture Tessa’s grandfather and parents. Then send a letter to Zaros Point. Tell that whore if she wants to see them alive, she’d better crawl back here on her knees. Otherwise, she can prepare to collect their corpses.”Nathaniel frowned. “Celestial Master Thorne, the most pressing matter right now is raising funds. Everything else should wait until we return from Cosmic Island. If we scatter our attention now, we risk—”“I can’t wait that long,” Gunther snapped, his tone venomous. His aura flared, making the air feel suffocating. “I’m seething with rage and I need to take it out on Tessa. I won’t be able to calm down otherwise!” he gritted his teeth, his fist clenched.Nathaniel knew that once Gunther’s temper boiled over, arguing was pointless. He gave a stiff bow. “As you command.”---Meanwhile, Adam had already brought Tessa safely back to Zaros P

All around them the ship thrummed like a living thing—muffled footsteps on timber, low music leaking from casinos, the distant clink of glassware. Cosmic Island’s transport was less a vessel and more a floating city: corridors that smelled of polished wood and salt, lanterns that threw soft pools of light, and guests whose wealth and influence made them move through the world like ordained tides.Nobody on that ship was ordinary. Net worths in the billions were the baseline; dozens carried fortunes that could change countries. Invitations to Cosmic Island were rarer than crowns, and the people aboard behaved as if every glance and word might become an asset or a declaration of war.Adam kept his face hidden behind a plain, unadorned mask. The gesture was far from theatrical—masks were practical here. People masked themselves to avoid enemies, to cloak their status, or simply because anonymity bought them room to maneuver. He walked beside Ese as if he belonged to Dante’s retinue; Dant

“The heir of the Jago family?” Adam’s tone sharpened. “Why would he dare pull something like this on a Cosmic Island vessel?”He knew the Jago family by reputation—one of Seachurn’s most dangerous hidden clans, rich in history, wealth, and ruthlessness. Their influence spread across both the political and martial world. The Jagos had several grandmasters within their ranks and were known to settle disputes with blood rather than reason.Dante’s expression twisted with shame. “Ese lost to him in a gamble,” he said quietly. “Cosmic Island’s staff won’t interfere. Their rule is absolute: if you lose a wager, you obey the winner’s terms. It doesn’t matter how immoral or cruel.”“Where is she?” Adam’s eyes turned cold. “Take me there. Now.”He didn’t care about the Jago name, nor the island’s so-called rules. There were lines a man did not cross—and Marcus Jago had already stepped over them.---Inside the luxurious suite, Ese struggled helplessly on a king-sized bed draped in red silk. Th