The old man looked at Hudson and declared, “Why let all that good energy go to waste when it can benefit someone of our own?”He snorted before adding, “Besides, considering how much of it has gone to waste over the years, letting you absorb the rest is already a generous offer!”“Get yourself ready. You’ll need to endure the nourishment of the dragon vein’s power!”Hudson stared at him in disbelief. For a moment, he was too stunned to respond. Then, as the old man’s meaning finally sank in, he understood what he intended to do.He also understood why Diabolo, despite his normally exceptional composure, had nearly lost control of his emotions when he learned the real reason behind the old man’s visit.This place meant everything to Diabolo.It wasn’t because he practiced his cultivation here. Rather, he had long considered protecting this land his personal mission. For years, he had remained in this rundown temple for one reason alone: to keep it from falling into the hands of people

Hudson knew exactly why Diabolo was angry.When he had first arrived at the temple, he had promised Diabolo that he would avoid unnecessary killing. Yet, in barely any time at all, he had already killed three people right outside the temple grounds.Hudson couldn't help feeling a little helpless about the situation. Plans rarely went the way people expected, and circumstances could change in an instant. Those men had come intending to kill him. Was he supposed to stand there like a wooden dummy and let them beat him to death without putting up a fight?The old man also sensed that something was wrong with Diabolo. He turned toward the monk and asked impatiently, “What's the matter with you, you old bald monk? What are you trying to do?”“Amitabha.”Diabolo pressed his palms together and bowed deeply toward the dried corpse lying on the ground. His expression was solemn, his eyes filled with sorrow and disappointment.Knowing that Diabolo couldn't bear the sight of killing, Hudson coul

Life during this period had been simple and free of worldly desires. Whenever Hudson was alone, he rarely had any distracting thoughts. But things were different with Reilan. She was a stunning beauty with an incredible figure, and the two of them had been romantically involved for a long time. Hudson was still a normal man, after all, and with her right beside him, it was only natural for him to feel restless.For Reilan, this was also her first taste of intimacy. When Hudson wasn't around, she hadn't given those feelings much thought. Now that she was standing in front of him again, however, and he was deliberately teasing her, those thoughts immediately returned.The moment she finished speaking, Reilan grabbed Hudson's hand and pulled him toward the nearest hotel. She was in such a hurry that it seemed she couldn't wait another second.They walked for a while, but Hudson soon grew impatient. There didn't seem to be any decent hotels nearby, and his stomach was already growling wit

Inside a lavishly decorated private dining room, Zine, the young master of the Galvez family, was enjoying his meal when the door suddenly opened. The moment he saw Reilan enter, his eyes lit up with excitement.Earlier, he had casually glanced out at the street from the restaurant and caught sight of Reilan's stunning figure. Even from a distance, her beauty had immediately caught his attention.He hadn't been able to see her face clearly because she was too far away, but her graceful curves and alluring silhouette had already stirred his desire. She was exactly his type, and he had immediately decided that he wanted her for himself. That was why he had sent his butler, Hakk, to invite her upstairs.Now that he could see Reilan up close, he realized she was even more beautiful than he had imagined. He couldn't contain his excitement and burst out laughing."Perfect! Absolutely perfect!"For a brief moment, Zine even considered marrying her and keeping her by his side for the rest of

Zine slammed his palm against the table, making the porcelain bowls rattle and clink against one another.The moment he realized that Hudson had never intended to negotiate in the first place, Zine’s anger erupted. From beginning to end, Hudson had been playing him for a fool, deliberately humiliating him in front of Reilan. The realization made his face burn with fury.No one who dared to cross him ever got away with it.“Country bumpkin, you’re asking for trouble!”His anger finally boiled over. At first, Zine had intended to handle things like a gentleman, charming Reilan and winning her over without much effort. After all, forcing someone into a relationship never ends well. Even if he managed to take Reilan back to the Galvez family estate and force her to marry him, she wouldn't be happy. Instead, she would only make his life miserable, turning the entire household upside down.But he had approached her sincerely, only to be treated like a complete fool.Zine suddenly felt that