A deep, resonant chime, like that of a massive bell, echoed from the Aegis of Faith. Then, the golden barrier shattered into shimmering fragments. Sheena coughed up another mouthful of blood, yet the light in her eyes did not dim. Instead, it burned even brighter. The invincible sword energy finally dissipated into the air like faint smoke, and with it, all of Sheena's defenses collapsed completely. Yet, from the ashes, a phoenix rose! For the first time since the fierce battle began, Sheena seized the initiative to attack. She shot into the air like a launched top, vaulting about seven meters above the ground in an instant. Then, she drove her fist downward like a meteor, aiming directly at the pavilion below, or more precisely, at Alfredo. Alfredo's brows furrowed slightly. "You really are one stubborn little pest that just won't give up." He sent another wave of sword energy her way, but this time, Sheena shattered it with ease. Her body burned with the power of the ni

It seemed that if Luna or Valerie dared to interfere, Onyx and Ivory would kill them just the same. The two women were shocked and furious, tensing their bodies as they prepared for a life-or-death battle. At the last second, Andrew lifted Sheena into his arms and shouted, "This may be your Swordhaven Keep, and you can certainly wipe us all out if you want. But what you might not know is that your three sons are already in my hands. If Sheena and I don't make it out of here alive, your sons will turn into nothing but shriveled corpses." Alfredo's brows twitched, his tone icy. "What did you just say?" Andrew grinned. "I said, your three sons, including your favorite, Jericho. These three little mutts are all under my control right now. If you dare give us trouble, I'll make sure they all suffer fates worse than death." Alfredo's grip on his sword suddenly tightened, and he said furiously, "Andrew, you're truly Reginald's son. Well, well… You played the preemptive move well, but

Alfredo hissed, "Looks like you really have a death wish. Do you think running your mouth before you die will make your death any easier? Ridiculous!" With a sharp clang, he drew his sword. Firefly hummed excitedly in his grasp, and everyone present could hear its high-pitched keening. A collective gasp swept through the crowd. Even Luna and Valerie froze in horror. The sheer force of Alfredo's strike was beyond human comprehension, so overwhelming that even the two martial emperors watching from below felt the urge to kneel in fear. Alfredo's strength was terrifying, divine, even. Andrew could feel Sheena trembling beside him, no doubt terrified beyond words. However, for some reason, he was not afraid. He knew he could not beat Alfredo and that the sword energy could obliterate him in an instant. Even so, he decided to gamble because he believed Alfredo would not dare to kill him. A thunderous hum filled the air as the crushing beam of energy plummeted toward him. Yet,

As they moved quickly, Luna spoke to Andrew, her voice low and urgent. "Andrew, the people following us aren't just from Swordhaven Keep. There are other factions mixed in with them." Andrew replied calmly, "Alfredo would never let us leave. What's happening now is just for show. As long as we're still in the Eastern Regions, he'll make sure Sheena and I die." Valerie looked shocked. "But didn't he just agree to let you go?" Andrew scoffed. "Words mean nothing. A man like Alfredo never allows anyone to defy him. He might smile on the surface, but deep down, the only way he feels his pride is intact is when he kills those who cross him." Valerie cursed angrily. "That bastard! If this wasn't the Eastern Regions, I'd love to see who'd still fear him." Luna cut in, her tone sharp. "Enough. We just need to get out of Swordhaven Keep's territory first. Once we reach the outer regions, Alfredo's reach won't be as strong, and we'll have a better chance." However, Andrew suddenly s

Jericho's tone turned cold. "What kind of dirty trick are you trying to pull now? Andrew, I'd suggest you stop digging your own grave." Andrew frowned impatiently. "So what, you want me to shout it out loud? If someone else hears and gets there first, don't come crying to me when Swordhaven Keep loses it." Jericho was irritated, but he knew Andrew was not wrong. Onyx and Ivory said calmly, "Sir, go ahead. If he dares to try anything funny, we'll cut him down before he even moves." Jericho took a deep breath and stepped closer to Andrew. Andrew smirked. "So you are afraid of dying, huh? If I'd known you were such a coward, I wouldn't have bothered with you earlier." Jericho sneered. "Don't worry. You'll pay for that sharp tongue soon enough." When he got close, Andrew lowered his voice. "The sword is… actually, forget it. I'll take you there myself." Jericho's face turned red. "You!" Rage boiled inside him. He wanted to tear Andrew apart piece by piece. Andrew chuckl