I have recently found enlightenment in the depths of my contemplation. I need to go to the farthest reaches of the South Sea to break free from my restraints, and I don't know when I will return.
[You have been cultivating on the mountain for over 15 years, and your divine skills have matured. Don't let them go to waste.
[I am old friends with Herman Lewis of Jonford City. In the past, we had arranged a marriage contract for you with the eldest daughter of the Lewis family. Once you see this letter, you can head down the mountain to fulfill the marriage contract. Once you're married, you must serve Mr. Lewis as you would serve me and not take this lightly!
[If your path to immortality is blocked, the Lewises can still guarantee a worry-free life for you...]
On the summit of Tili Mountain, Nash Calcraft looked at the letter left on the stone table with a pendant placed on top.
He had no parents and had been living with his master on the mountain to cultivate since he was young. The old man treated him like his own child.
Once his master broke through his restraints, it would be the moment of his ascension to immortality.
Nash did not expect that before leaving, his master would arrange for his life to be taken care of so clearly.
He felt a tingle in his nose, and tears welled up in his eyes.
Since his master had given him an order, he dared not disobey.
Hence, he packed his belongings, tidied up the courtyard once again, bowed three times, and walked toward the foot of the mountain.
...
In the dense forest of Tili Mountain, a figure moved as fast as lightning, flashing and maneuvering among the trees.
The figure leaped, light as a swallow, and landed on the mountain road.
Nash adjusted his clothes, not panting nor blushing, and looked up at the midday sun.
Although Tili Mountain was close to Jonford City, it would probably take until midnight for him to run there on foot.
Just then, a car came speeding from a distance.
Nash's mouth curled up, and he stood in the middle of the road while waving his hands.
The sound of urgent braking echoed, and the car narrowly avoided hitting him.
The car door swung open, and an angry woman in a jacket stepped out.
Just as Nash was about to greet her, the woman angrily shouted, "Are you insane, standing in the middle of the road like this?! Do you want to die?"
Nash awkwardly explained, "Don't get so angry, pretty lady. Are you going to Jonford? I'm hoping to hitch a ride."
"Hitch a ride, my *ss. Get lost!" Skadi Zabel glared at him angrily.
"I really have an urgent matter to attend to and need a ride."
Nash quickly took out a few crumpled bills from his pocket. "I can pay..."
The five bucks he held was half of his net worth.
"Who wants your measly change?"
Skadi was about to start cursing, but a cold voice came from the car. "Forget it. Just let him in. We can't waste any more time!"
Hera Lewis, who was in the front passenger seat, furrowed her eyebrows. She was already pressed for time, and now she encountered trouble on the road.
This guy seemed a bit dim-witted. If they refused to let him in the car, who knew how long he would drag this.
Skadi glanced at Hera, then glared at Nash, saying, "You're lucky my best friend is so accommodating..."
Nash glanced at the woman in the passenger seat.
She had jet-black shoulder-length hair that fell freely on her shoulders. Her skin was as white as snow, and her eyes were as picturesque as a lake in autumn. She even wore a blue dress that accentuated her well-proportioned figure.
"What are you staring at? Get in the car quickly..." Seeing Nash eyeing her best friend, Skadi immediately scolded him sharply.
"Thank you, thank you!" Nash snapped out of it and did not pay attention to the tigress. He quickly climbed into the back seat and closed the door.
Skadi glared at him fiercely, stepped on the accelerator, and drove toward Jonford.
Through the rearview mirror, Skadi looked at Nash who was wearing coarse linen clothes and furrowed her brows. She asked, "Are you from Tili Mountain?"
Nash nodded politely. "Yes, yes. I've been on the mountain since I was little, living with my master. I usually farm and help others deal with troublesome matters."
"Then why don't you just stay on the mountain? Why the hell are you heading to Jonford?"
Nash chuckled. "I'm heading down the mountain this time to look for my fiance."
Upon hearing this, Hera and Skadi both looked at him through the rearview mirror.
Skadi laughed without restraint. "You? You have a fiance?"
Nash spoke seriously, "Of course. Not only do I have a fiance, but she's also the eldest daughter of the Lewis family!"
"What?!"
Skadi jerked the steering wheel and almost hit the guardrail.
"Stop bluffing. How could the eldest daughter of the Lewis family be your fiance?"
Skadi glanced at Hera beside her.
Hera also had a puzzled look on her face.
"Whether you believe it or not, I'm telling you the truth!"
Nash had a proud smile on his face.
The lifelong dream of his buddies from the village at the foot of the mountain was to do well in university and marry a beautiful and rich woman. To them, that was the pinnacle of life.
Meanwhile, this dream had easily come true for him.
Hera, who had been silent the whole time, smiled and said, "The Lewises' eldest daughter will never marry you!"
Nash was taken aback. "Why not?"
"You'll find out when you get to the Lewises' place!" Hera chuckled lightly.
Who was the eldest daughter of the Lewis family?
Why, of course, it was none other than her eldest cousin.
She was currently in a romantic relationship with the eldest son of the Watson family, the wealthiest family in Jonford. How could she possibly be interested in a country bumpkin?
Hera could not help but feel a little disappointed. Despite also being a daughter of the Lewis family, she was worlds apart from her eldest cousin.
No matter how hard she worked or how outstanding she was, she was still transferred to a distant place that was far away from the center of the Lewises' empire.
The best resources had always gone to her cousin. Even if she was incompetent, she still held a high position in the company.
Now that their grandfather was seriously ill, her eldest uncle would take full control of the Lewises once he passed away.
As for herself, she would never have a chance to turn the tables.
Suddenly, there was a loud noise.
The small car instantly lost balance.
Skadi quickly stepped on the brakes to stabilize the car.
Hera, still trembling, asked, "What happened?"
Skadi got out of the car to inspect and frowned while saying, "It's a flat tire. A bastard scattered nails on the road!"
Nash, sitting in the back seat, looked out the window and asked, "Are those people your friends?"
Skadi and Hera looked and their hearts tightened up instantly.
On the desolate road, a group of burly men dressed in black suits walked slowly toward them with iron bars in their hands.
There were more than 20 of them.
Soon, the group had reached the front of the car.
Hera remained calm and got out of the car, standing beside Skadi. She looked at the group of people and questioned, "Who are you people?"
They did not answer but instead formed a circle, trapping the small car in the middle.
Hera calmly stepped back.
Skadi slowly took off her jacket and threw it on the ground.
Her phoenix-like eyes stared at the group, and she coldly snorted. "You're seeking death!"
In the next second, she dashed toward the crowd.
Nash's eyebrows furrowed. "Tell her to come back..."
Skadi's Heavenly Circulation was at Stage Three, indicating that she had practiced internal martial arts. However, these black-clad individuals were at Stage Four of the Heavenly Circulation, indicating that their strength was greater than Skadi's.
Hera raised her hand to interrupt, "Skadi once won the martial arts championship. You don't need to worry about her. Stay in the car and don't move. This matter doesn't concern you."
Just as she finished speaking, there was a muffled sound, and Skadi let out a cry of agony.
The leader of the black-clad men had grabbed her by the neck and slammed her down forcefully.
"Ack... Pfft..." Skadi's nose and mouth were bleeding, and she instantly lost her fighting ability.
"This... This can't be possible." Hera, who had just been calm and composed earlier, suddenly felt a chill sweep over her body.
Skadi was her best friend and bodyguard, and she was the martial arts champion of Jonford City.
However, in just one encounter, she was disabled by the opponent?
Who in Jonford City had the capability to send out so many skilled fighters?
Before she could figure it out, another black-clad person attacked her from behind and grabbed her by the neck.
The tremendous pressure made her kneel directly on the ground.
The leader of the black-clad men drew a sharp dagger from his sleeve.
A cold glint flashed over, and Hera trembled as she swallowed a mouthful of saliva. "Wait... Can you at least let me know why? Did my uncle send you?"
"You'll know once you're dead." The voice of the black-clad man was icy-cold.
Looking at the other party's emotionless gaze, Hera bit her lip tightly, her eyes filled with unwillingness.
She refused to die like this. There were still many things she had not done in life. She had not gotten married, and she still had to take care of her parents in their old age...
Nonetheless, she had no power to resist.
The sharp dagger drew closer and closer, and she closed her eyes in despair.
"Gentlemen, could you all leave me a bit of dignity here and let her go?"
It was Nash's voice.
He was leaning against the car window, pretending to be frightened as he looked at the group of black-clad men.
Hera turned around and shouted at him, "This is none of your business! You'd better hurry and go..."
There was actually someone else in the car?
The leader of the black-clad men was startled. He looked up and just happened to meet Nash's gaze.
He had not sensed this kid's presence at all.
This kind of stealth technique was extraordinary, not something an ordinary person could do.
The leader of the black-clad men's eyes revealed a cold glint as he coldly said, "Deal with him!"
Meanwhile, Hera looked at Nash with guilt.
These people were after her, and they were definitely here to kill and silence her. This poor guy probably would not be able to escape either.
One of the black-clad men yanked open the car door and reached out to grab Nash's collar.
"Hey!"
Nash let out a helpless sigh.
The next moment, infinite killing intent burst out from his pitch-black eyes.
His fierce face was covered in a layer of frost, and his once youthful and sunny demeanor completely transformed into a chilling coldness.
A loud noise rang out just then.
The chest of the black-clad man caved in, and he was sent flying like a cannonball.
Nash was like an arrow leaving the bow, his momentum as fierce as thunder.
He moved as gracefully as a butterfly through flowers, instantly rushing into the crowd.
Like a dragon emerging from the sea, there was an overwhelming force that came with a single flick of his hand.
Wherever he went, a strong gust of wind rose, and the energy was as sharp as a blade.
"Attack...! Attack together..."
The leader of the black-clad men took two steps back, his voice slightly trembling.
However, as soon as he was done speaking, he saw all of his subordinates fall down one by one.
Within ten seconds, 20 well-trained assassins were all defeated!
"This... This isn't possible."
The leader of the black-clad men widened his eyes, a chill running up his spine.
The young man in front of him was still standing by the car. There was a gentle breeze blowing, and his clothes fluttered with the wind. The murderous intent from earlier had completely disappeared, and it was as if he had never made a move.
Such an unrestrained aura was definitely not something he could handle on his own.
The leader of the black-clad men swallowed a mouthful of saliva with difficulty. He suddenly took a quick step toward Hera.
Now, his only chance of survival was to take Hera hostage.
However, as soon as he took a step forward, Nash's figure instantly vanished.
The leader of the black-clad men suddenly felt a slow and subtle breath behind him.
"Drats..."
His heart sank, and for a moment, he seemed to sense the presence of the Grim Reaper.
Stage One, Stage Two... Stage Five, Stage Six... Stage Eight, Stage Nine?
This kid's Heavenly Circulation was at Stage Nine?
A Grandmaster Realm Martial Artist! How could Tili Mountain have a Grandmaster Realm Martial Artist?
Nash placed a hand on his shoulder. His tone was gentle and calm as water as he said, "Kneel!"
In an instant, the divine voice reached his ears.
The leader of the black-clad men felt his liver and gallbladder shatter, his eardrums explode, and his blood vessels burst as if a thunderbolt had exploded beside his ear.
His body felt as if a mountain was pressing down on him, and his legs forcefully knelt to the ground.
Two deep pits were smashed into the asphalt road, and the knees of the leader shattered.
He let out a heart-wrenching scream, "Ahhh... Ahh...!"
He knew he was doomed today, and falling into this kid's hands was probably worse than death.
He clenched his teeth, and the poison sac hidden in his gums instantly ruptured.
Nash frowned, reaching out to pinch his lower jaw, but it was too late.
"What a pro!"
Occasionally, while dealing with tricky tasks overseas, he would encounter similar situations. He did not expect to encounter this level of a professional assassin in Jonford.
Hera stared blankly at the black-clad men lying on the ground, her pale lips trembling slightly.
Her almond-shaped eyes moved slightly as she looked incredulously at the man in front of her.
Sunlight bathed him, and his messy hair fluttered in the wind. There was a faint smile hung on the corner of his thin lips.
It was warm and reassuring, instantly calming her fearful heart.
It was as if nothing had happened just now.
After a while, Hera regained her senses and looked at Nash, asking, "What... What exactly do you do for a living?"
Nash was taken aback and smiled, saying, "I'm a farmer."
The corner of Hera's mouth twitched slightly. A farmer who could deal with 20 people in ten seconds?
She was not in a state of mind to dig deeper into it now and quickly stood up, running to Skadi's side. She held her in her arms and anxiously asked, "Skade, are you... are you okay?"
Skadi's face was as pale as paper. She could feel her internal organs shifting, but she still gritted her teeth and murmured, "I... I'm fine!"
Nash walked over, bent down, and said, "She has internal injuries, and her aura and blood are flowing in reverse. I'll have to treat her."
"You can heal too?"
Nash nodded. "As a martial artist, it's only natural to know some medical skills."
"Then, please." Hera bowed repeatedly.
Nash extended his fingers and tapped the middle of Skadi's navel, below it, and the back of her head three times.
"Pfft..." Skadi immediately spat out a mouthful of dark blood before her complexion improved significantly.
The stabbing pain in her internal organs was also greatly relieved.
"Skadi, how do you feel now?" Hera asked hastily.
"Much... Much better."
Skadi touched her chest in astonishment, feeling deeply shocked.
She was well aware of the severity of her injuries just now. Even if she were taken to the hospital, she would likely end up in the ICU. However, with just a few gentle taps from this guy, most of her injuries had healed.
With such ability, perhaps even Jonford's very own renowned physician would pale in comparison, right?
Nash said casually, "I only stopped the bleeding for you and adjusted your aura and blood flow. However, your muscles and meridians are damaged, so you still need to rest for some time!"
"T-Thank you." Skadi no longer showed any trace of contempt, and her gaze at Nash now held a hint of wariness.
"You're welcome. I'll go change the spare tire. Let's hurry over to Jonford after that."
"Okay," Hera quickly agreed.
Watching Nash's busy figure, Skadi gently tugged Hera's sleeve and whispered, "Hera, this person is very powerful, and he's also your sister's fiance. You should be careful around him!"
Although this man had helped her, Hera was her best friend, after all. Nash's origins were unknown, so it would not hurt for her friend to be cautious.
"Yeah, I know. It's always good to be cautious!" Hera smiled. This man probably did not have any ill intentions toward her. Otherwise, there would have been no need for him to save her just now.
Her cousin had powerful connections and would never take notice of this kid.
There was no need to be on guard.
Suddenly, she froze and thought of something. "Skadi, how does his strength compare to your grandfather's?"
Skadi pondered deeply for a moment. With squinted eyes, she said, "I can't see through his strength, but I can be certain that he's more than ten times stronger than my grandfather!"
Hera gasped upon hearing this.
Even when compared to Mr. Zabel?
He was the president of the Jonford Martial Arts Association!
This guy was more than ten times stronger than him?!
Hera stared intently at Nash.
She secretly plotted something in her mind...
Soon, Nash finished changing the spare tire, and this time, Hera took the wheel.
Inside the car, Nash fiddled with his phone and asked, "By the way, do you know how to get to 128, Dilvert Road?"
"I'll take you there!" Hera said with a smile.
"Huh? Isn't that too much trouble for you?"
"Not at all. I'm actually heading to my grandfather's place, so we're headed the same way."
Nash was taken aback. "Your grandfather's place? Then you're...?"
128 Dilvert Road was the location of the Lewis family's residence in Jonford.
Could this beauty be his fiance?
Hera smiled sweetly and said, "Let's formally introduce ourselves. My name is Hera Lewis, the second young lady of the Lewis family!"
"The second young lady? Then you... Are you my... sister-in-law?"
Hera nodded. "You can think of it that way!"
He chuckled "It seems I'm somewhat destined to be a part of the Lewises. I even met my relatives on the way over."
He patted his chest and said, "From now on, we're family. If you have any difficulties, just let me know and I'll help you solve them."
"Thank you... Brother-in-law!"
Hera forced a smile.
She could not help feeling a bit jealous. Even the marriage partner arranged for her cousin was so powerful. When would her grandfather start taking notice of her?
In the afternoon, the three of them finally arrived at the Lewis Estate.
The Lewis Estate was adorned with lights and decorations hanging high.
As soon as Hera entered the hall, she saw her father. She took a deep breath, collected her thoughts, and approached him, asking, "Dad, didn't Grandpa gather all the family members to discuss his will because of his critical condition? What's going on here?"
She had no intention of revealing what had just happened to her father so as not to worry him.
Upon seeing his daughter return, Harrison Lewis could not even fully rejoice before reluctantly explaining, "I don't know what your grandfather is up to either. He said there's an important guest coming today. He wants to finalize his will as well."
As he spoke, Herman came out surrounded by a group of people as he leaned on his cane.
Nash looked up and saw a woman standing beside Herman. She was tall, and her face was caked with heavy makeup.
Although she was an exquisite beauty, she fell slightly short compared to Hera's natural beauty even though she currently had zero makeup on.
She must be Helena Lewis, the Lewises' eldest young lady.
Hera quickly stepped forward and greeted, "Grandpa..."
Meanwhile, her eldest uncle standing behind was instantly astonished upon seeing her.
However, it was only for a moment before his expression returned to normal.
Even so, Hera still noticed it.
Seeing his granddaughter, Herman nodded with a smile. "Hera, why did you just arrive?"
Hera was about to come up with an excuse, but Helena said contemptuously, "Grandpa informed everyone about this last night, yet you still arrived late. It seems you didn't take Grandpa's words to heart at all!"
Hera hurriedly explained, "No, that's not it. We almost got into a car accident on our way back, but luckily, he helped us out."
As she spoke, she looked at Nash.
Helena sneered. "Isn't your excuse a little too lame? Are you sure you weren't just hanging out with this wild man and forgot about the time?"
"Please be merciful with your words, Helena. This person has no relationship with me, and he's actually..."
"If he has nothing to do with you, then why don't you kick him out? Today's private banquet is for the Lewis family members. Why is an outsider present?" Helena interrupted Hera, then glanced at Nash, feeling even more disdainful when she saw his shabby appearance.
Herman followed her gaze and was suddenly taken aback.
Although this person was dressed plainly, his physique was robust and full of vitality, with prominent temples and a strong aura. He must be a master.
Herman asked calmly, "What's your name, young man?"
Nash stepped forward, bowed deeply, and politely said, "I'm Nash Calcraft of Tili Mountain, a disciple of Master Johnathan Calcraft. I came down the mountain this time to fulfill a marital alliance with the Lewises on the orders of my master. My master instructed me to regard you as my teacher and father!"
After speaking, he took out the pendant left by his master and handed it over.
"Oh my, oh my. I knew there was something about your vigorous appearance. So you're the beloved disciple of Master Calcraft!"
Herman was extremely excited. He leaned on his cane and staggered over to Nash, trembling holding his hand. "I received a letter from your master yesterday, and I've been eagerly awaiting your arrival. This place will be your home from now on. Don't be too polite with me. If you want anything, just let me know..."
Herman was talking continuously, and his aged face was full of smiles. His previous imposing demeanor could no longer be seen.
Hera's eyes flickered, and she was filled with astonishment.
Grandfather actually valued Nash this much?
Could it be that he was today's esteemed guest?
"Alright then. I won't be polite with you, Mr. Lewis!"
Nash scratched his head with a smile, surprised by Herman's high regard for him.
"Grandpa, didn't you say you'd distribute the family assets today?"
Helena, who was impatiently waiting on the side, held her grandfather's arm and said, "Hurry up and distribute them. I have things to do later. Make sure you give me Lewis Corporation!"
Herman did not get angry at her audacious words. Instead, he laughed heartily. "It's all for you. And today, I'll also settle one of your life's major events."
"Huh?" Helena was taken aback. Could it be that Grandpa knew about her relationship with Kai Watson?
Herman held Nash's hand and said, "Helena dear, this is your fiance, Nash. You two should go ahead and get married today!"
"What?!" Helena yelled.
The Lewis family members were also puzzled.
Herman usually doted on Helena the most, and everyone thought he would choose a wealthy and prominent young man for her, not someone who could not even afford a suit!
"I don't agree!" Helena stomped her foot and scoffed angrily.
Herman frowned slightly. "Helena, don't fool around. Nashy here is a rare talent among men. You're lucky to be able to marry him."
Helena forcefully pulled away from her grandfather's arm and said angrily, "Rare talent among men?! Look at his shabby appearance; he's obviously a peasant. I refuse to marry this country bumpkin!"
When Nash heard himself being belittled, the smile on his face gradually faded. "Since Ms. Lewis is unwilling, then let's forget about it! However, we Calcrafts are self-sufficient on the mountain. I'm not as miserable as Ms. Lewis presumes!"
He indeed did not have much money now, and the money he earned from overseas missions was all donated to build schools in nearby impoverished mountain areas.
Nonetheless, he possessed great skills, and if he truly wanted to make money, it would not be difficult.
"What? Are you saying that you're not interested either now?" Helena disdainfully rolled her eyes and revealed a diamond ring the size of a pigeon's egg on her finger. "See this? It's an engagement ring Kai Watson gave me. It's worth 700 grand. You can't afford it even if you farm your whole life, am I right?"
"Engagement?" Herman's brows furrowed.
Helena did not hold back and bluntly said, "Grandpa, I've already accepted Kai's proposal. The Watsons are the top aristocratic family in Jonford. Once I become Mrs. Watson, I'll surely support the Lewises. Then, the Lewises can also become a prestigious family!"
Upon hearing these words, Herman became so angry that he nearly had a heart attack. Pointing at Helena, he angrily scoffed. "You foolish girl... Return that to the Watsons!"
Herman's eldest son, Hubert Lewis, stepped forward to persuade him, "Dad, Kai has already given his betrothal gifts, totaling nearly 300 million plus 1.5 billion dollars in investment. In what aspect is this boy better than him? Why insist on this marriage contract?"
Herman raised his hand and slapped Hubert across the face. "Utterly foolish! How could that useless person from the Watson family compare to Nash?"
Hubert covered his cheek, infuriated, but there was nothing he could do.
Helena felt that her grandfather was simply unreasonable and coldly said, "In any case, I will never marry that useless person. I'll marry whoever I want!"
Herman trembled with anger, and his chest surged with fury.
Seeing this, Harrison quickly approached and supported Herman to calm him down.
Hera had mixed feelings in her heart.
It was the first time she had seen her grandfather being so angered by Helena.
Throughout her life, no matter how much trouble Helena caused, Grandpa never once punished her. He was reluctant to scold or hit her.
If she wanted the stars in the sky, Grandpa would pluck the moon for her if he could.
Why was Grandpa so insistent on Helena's marriage today?
If Grandpa truly favored Helena, should he not have gone along with her wishes?
Why then?
Soon, Hera suddenly lifted her head, her gaze tightly fixed on Nash.
Grandpa could agree to anything Helena wanted, except for this matter.
That was because Grandpa did not favor Helena but instead the title of Nash's fiance.
Hera clenched her fists, and a bold idea emerged in her heart.
She was willing to take a gamble. She would bet on her remaining life and everything she had.
"Since Helena is unwilling to marry Nash... I'll marry him!"
As soon as these words were spoken, all the disputes came to an abrupt halt, and everyone from the Lewis family turned their gaze to her.