The Rise of a Master: It Starts With Rejection

"Sorry, Nerissa. I keep breaking my promises to you, again and again," Felix said.

Inside the courtyard, Nerissa sat beside Felix, gently shaking her head. "Don't say that. The royal family is watching from the shadows. Until this crisis is resolved, we won't have a moment of peace.

Felix knew how understanding she was. He reached out and brushed her cheek, his gaze full of warmth.

"By the way, still no news from Westley?"

"Yeah. He's probably dead by now."

Her words were blunt, but after nearly two years without any news, death was the most likely reality.

Fortunately, Felix had emerged as her husband, or Westley, the patriarch of the Xavier family, would have been unable to hold his position any longer. However, with the royal family problem still unresolved, there was still an uneasy sense of impending disaster.

"Felix, your first guest has arrived."

From outside, Deborah's voice came through.

Felix rose, bringing Nerissa along. Since he was now in open conflict with the royal family, he had to keep his loved one close who knew when desperation might drive them to reckless action?

Even now, ten late-stage Transcendent Realm experts were stationed around the courtyard, eager to be part of his protection detail. After all, the payment was an Ascension Pill every two months-six pills a year. Who wouldn't be tempted?noveldrama

Obtaining the ingredients needed for Ascension Pills was nearly impossible, especially for those without powerful family backing. This was the best opportunity they could have asked for.

Several carriages pulled up. The first person to step out was Nala-meaning the Hughman family had arrived.

This was expected. Before Ezra had even spread the news, Felix had already informed Nala in advance. Whether she wanted to use this as a chance to negotiate with her family was up to her.

Moreover, after the duel against Howie, the royal family was sure to have their eyes on her. For now, it was safer for her to stay close.

Felix wouldn't claim to have deep feelings for Nala, but they had known each other for a long time, and she had helped him more than once. If she was in danger, he couldn't just turn a blind eye.

"Felix." Nala greeted him with a bright smile.

Compared to a year ago, she was completely different person. Aside from another breakthrough in cultivation, her presence and energy had transformed significantly. swnovel

"Congratulations on becoming the head of the Hughman family."

Given the circumstances, her rise to leadership was only natural.

"Thank you, Felix. Here. These are the ingredients our Hughman family has gathered. Enough for three pill refinements."

The Hughman family had suffered suppression from the Yorker family for so long,

so the fact that they managed to preserve even these ingredients was impressive.

"Laura, check the inventory."

Not far away, Laura walked over and began her work.

These days, people were eager to curry favor with her. Everyone knew

and her status had risen

she was Felix's personal a net

accordingly-even her former family members now humbled themselves before her. swnovel

"Nala, we meet again."

Janet approached, recalling their last encounter in the capital. It brought back many memories.

"Yes. We meet again."

But Nala's gaze remained fixed on Nerissa, unable to hide her envy.

Once Laura finished taking

inventory, Felix was about to return

inside to refine the pills when

suddenly Ezra, Andre the Bear, and

the te late-stage Transcendent Realm experts appeared,

surrounding Felix. swnovel

"I can sense eight more Transcendent Realm experts approaching at high speed,"

one of them reported grimly.

Eight? Felix's brows furrowed deeply.

Was it the royal family? Were they really being this brazen?