Since someone had to stay behind to keep an eye on Leonard, only one of them could be here and appear before him. This meant that there was an 80 percent chance the man from before was probably the second-most superior apprentice out of the five black-robed men and a 20 percent chance that it was the most superior apprentice.Lorenzo's expression darkened, and he took in a deep breath. It was apparent from the current situation that something had gone horribly wrong, but at least it could show that Leonard was safe. This was of some comfort to Lorenzo.When Edmund arrived, he saw Lorenzo standing at the door, looking grim. He was surrounded by people who were watching him curiously. Edmund frowned and reached out to push the people away so he could get to Lorenzo but to no avail.The spectators couldn't wait to see what was happening, so they refused to make way. Edmund had no choice—he gathered some energy in his palms before pushing them away. He wasn't the most powerful enlightened

Lorenzo enjoyed some much-needed peace and quiet in these two hours. Edmund knocked on the door just as the clock rang, and Lorenzo opened his eyes. He knew it was time. Perhaps they'd all get answers tonight... and perhaps not.Lorenzo got to his feet, feeling expectant. He opened the door to see Edmund standing there. Edmund was already suited up and looked like a perfect gentleman. "Mr. Byers, the banquet's starting soon. I'll stick to you like glue tonight to protect you."Lorenzo nodded. "Okay. Deal with it as you see fit."Edmund smiled. "Some of the guests are already starting to arrive, and they've gathered at the hotel's courtyard. Should we start giving out the party favors?" His voice was a little shaky toward the end of his sentence, and Lorenzo knew it was because he was excited.He smiled as well and nodded. "Yeah, go ahead. In fact, you can give them out personally if you want to-you'll get to see their reactions up close."Edmund's eyes lit up at his suggestion. Soon,

"As I mentioned, the things she said were unreasonable and nonsensical. You sound very much like her, though." Edmund's eyes slowly turned icy. He leaned back a little and tapped lightly on the party favors. "And you sound very sure of yourself... it's as if you already know what's going to happen." He kept scrutinizing the old woman. "There's no need to wonder, Edmund. They're one and the same." Lorenzo's voice suddenly rang out from the entrance, and Edmund quickly turned to look at him. "Mr. Byers!" Suddenly, everyone turned to look at Lorenzo, standing there with both his hands behind his back. He nodded, his face devoid of emotion as he said, "Good evening, everyone. Welcome to my banquet. Rest assured that you're safe here, and I guarantee that anything you guys take away from here-with my permission, of course-will not harm you in the slightest." Everyone calmed down at his words, but the old woman scowled. She didn't expect these

"Otherwise, I'd take you on as an apprentice and teach you everything I know. I'd even give you my energy." The old woman shook her head. However, her murderous intent grew beneath her pity."You've advanced so quickly that it's scary. It hasn't even been two months since you became enlightened, yet you already found the shortcut to meditating. In fact, that's a strange method you've discovered. Normally, such methods come with evil connotations, but I don't sense anything evil in you. I have to admit that you're a powerful character."She smiled, but it wasn't a kind one. "I honestly feel it's a pity that you're going to die-you would've become an extremely powerful existence. I doubt any of the people I know would've been your match; your current level is one that many people strive and fail to achieve in their lifetime."She sounded conflicted as she spoke, but Lorenzo was sure that her murderous intent had never disappeared. Since she hadn't changed her mind about killing him, he

The man's face darkened, and he stopped attacking.Lorenzo raised an eyebrow, feeling that he was up to something. He took the opportunity to lunge at the man, but in the next second, he was enveloped in complete darkness. He immediately skidded to a stop because he couldn't even see his opponent.He was sure of one thing-if he were to continue with his attack, he could injure anyone, whether they were enlightened martial artists or normal, innocent bystanders. He couldn't act rashly when he wasn't sure what he was up against, and his actions would accomplish nothing aside from depleting his energy.He bit his lip and tried to find a way out of this. He felt pissed off by the fact that he hadn't landed a single blow on his opponent since the start of this duel, and this was a first for him. He couldn't accept this outcome, but his opponent obviously didn't care.The man's voice was as rough as sandpaper, and it seemed to be coming from all around Lorenzo as he said, "Lorenzo, you've a