Even though Rowan did not actually manage to rescue Andrew in the end, her life-risking determination and loyalty had still moved him. More importantly, she was someone he had not crossed paths with in years, and she seemed to look at him differently now. So, if he rashly stepped in to save her now, would he end up getting entangled in a relationship he could not shake off? Looking up at the pitch-black sky above, Andrew found himself genuinely torn. He mumbled, "You tried to save me once before, even though I didn't need saving. Since I've stumbled across this situation, I can't just stand by and watch someone suffer. I've never been able to turn a blind eye to people in trouble!" After finding himself a reason, Andrew took two quick steps to reach the locked courtyard gate. As soon as he got close, he could hear Rowan's heartbroken sobs from inside. In Andrew's memory, the Onyx Serpents had always been reasonably powerful among the three major gangs in Gabo Creek. Nonet

"Andrew, wait!" Just as Andrew was about to leave, Rowan rushed forward and threw her arms around him. When he turned, her soft fragrance and warm body pressed into his chest. She held him tightly, tiptoeing as she lifted her face, eyes shimmering. She grumbled, "You rascal, I'm leaving now! I don't know what you're planning to do here, but please take care of yourself. I'll listen to you and wait for you in Blumedale. Just promise me you'll make it there safely." Her heart pounded as she spoke quickly. Then, with a sudden burst of courage, she rose on her toes and pressed her lips to his in a brief, tender kiss. Her cheeks burned crimson as she spun away and darted off. In a flash, Rowan vaulted over the McDaniel family estate wall and disappeared into the night. Andrew touched his lips, still feeling the lingering warmth and softness. He sighed at how fast and boldly she moved. Shaking off the odd feeling building in his chest, he focused and slipped into the McDaniel

The unique Flamebinding of the Crimson Flame Cult burned across Shiloh's chest. The bloody seal glowed faintly against her pale skin. In just a few days, Shiloh looked younger still. Though Andrew knew it was her, her features had shifted. She appeared a few years younger, looking barely 18 now. "Mr. McDaniel Senior, you've arrived. Now we can begin our ceremony!" the hoarse voice rasped from beneath a rough hood. Next to the stone platform where Shiloh lay, a tall, thin figure stood with his head lowered. His skeletal, claw-like fingers kept drawing bloody marks on the stone platform. These bloody marks intersected with each other, forming strange patterns. Cordelia had revealed that the Crimson Flame Cult was preparing to perform some kind of ritual on Shiloh. Once the ritual succeeded, she would forever belong to the Crimson Flame Cult. Looking at the scene now, Andrew could tell this tall, thin person must be the Crimson Flame Cult's high priest. And what he was doing w

Alistair had to focus all his energy on maintaining control over Shiloh's resistance. Meanwhile, Nicholas had already lost the initiative. Henry's timing for his attack was indeed flawless, but unfortunately for him, he had not realized that someone else was also targeting him. "Inferno Strike!" Andrew unleashed his fiercest techniques, aiming straight at Henry's unguarded back. Henry might have reached the blood first, but with his defenses wide open, he had no choice but to take Andrew's palm full on. The searing heat at his back felt like death itself pressing down. Henry roared in fury, but he did not dare gamble. He twisted his body midair, planting a foot on the stone platform before launching himself skyward. He narrowly avoided Andrew's lethal strike. Of course, as Andrew attacked, he also exposed himself. Nicholas' sword rang out as he drew it, the blade gleaming. He stood guard in front of the stone platform, eyes cold as he fixed on Andrew. "Who are yo

Soon, Eric found himself in grave danger under Henry's assault. If not for the miraculous power of Phantom Mirage, Henry would have already injured him. Andrew's voice rang out calmly at that moment. "He wants to kill you, yet you're holding back at every turn. Eric, if you want to live and see Mr. Thornton again and make peace with yourself, then the first thing you need to do is love yourself. And if you love yourself, you fight to survive." Those words struck home. Eric drew a deep breath, his hesitation burning away. His eyes turned hazy as the Phantom Mirage activated in full. Henry's head buzzed, and his attacking movements involuntarily slowed by half a beat. Eric immediately closed in and could have kicked Henry's heart to seriously wound him. Yet, at the last moment, he still pulled back, choosing to punch Henry in the chest instead. Henry scoffed, his tone laced with mockery. "I knew you couldn't do it. You still can't bring yourself to hurt me, can you, my sweet E