The Rise of a Master: It Starts With Rejection

According to Billy, one's energy signature would essentially be an extension of their soul's frequency. While he could mask it temporarily, it would only last for about a year-making it permanent was simply impossible.

"Felix, come with me. I'll make sure to repay you properly. Trust me. I have the means, so don't turn me down," the old man insisted.

Feigning hesitation, Felix eventually agreed and got into the Audi A4. As the car moved, the two of them chatted casually, though Felix remained cautious.

"Where are we headed, sir?" Felix asked when the car began to slow down. He noticed, with some surprise, that they were entering a massive cave.

"This is my summer retreat. It's normal to be curious if it's your first time seeing it," the old man replied with a smile.

Felix simply nodded and said, "Oh."

The car came to a stop inside, and Felix followed the old man out. To his surprise, a group of more than a dozen people was waiting there. At the center, an elderly woman sat in a chair, licking her lips as she examined him.

"My, what a handsome young man!" the woman said with a sly smile.

Shedding his earlier demeanor, the old man immediately knelt and said humbly, "You've got a sharp eye, ma'am. Not only is he good-looking, but I can vouch for his kind heart. He's guaranteed to satisfy your... tastes."

Felix frowned and demanded, "What's going on here?"

The group erupted into laughter as the old man narrowed his eyes. "Oh, it's nothing. You were just too kind for your own good. In Martial City, people like you are rare these days. Be smart and don't resist― you'll suffer less that way."

Felix shook his head with a wry smile. "So, this was your plan all along, huh?"

The old woman's grin widened. "I like how calm you are. It makes the meal that much more flavorful."

Felix's expression turned cold as his energy erupted outward. "Meal? With just a bunch of trash like you?"

These people were not even

qualified to sense Felix's realm, let alone fight against him. In an instant, everyone froze in fear. They were so overwhelmed that they could not even stand, collapsing to the ground under the sheer pressure of Felix's presence.

Someone blurted out, "Y-You're a martial artist!"

"You lured me here with bad intentions. You've only got yourselves to blame," Felix said icily.

Even the old man and the elderly woman began pleading for their lives, but Felix was not about to show mercy. By now, it was far too late for that.

Felix had followed them because he had already gauged that the old man and the two others from earlier were only at Martial Saint level. He figured their leader or backup would not be much stronger, which meant he could easily handle the situation.

Nonetheless, Felix knew better than to take unnecessary risks, especially as a newcomer to Martial City. After eliminating everyone in the cave, he searched the area and uncovered the truth behind their twisted scheme.

His expression darkened with

disgust when he found out that the elderly woman had a grotesque obsession-she enjoyed eating human hearts, particularly those of kind-hearted individuals. The old man had been playing out this act for some time, luring victims into their trap.

While it did not always work, they would occasionally get lucky. This time, however, they had run into

Felix.

Felix searched the cave thoroughlynoveldrama

and found five emerald cards. Adding up the numbers on them, they barely totaled a little over 1,000 emeralds. It made him realize how

significant the 10,000 emeralded

on

his own card were-he had more wealth than he initially thought.

As he was about to leave, Felix suddenly sensed trouble. A group of dozens was rapidly approaching the

cave, and leading them was someone with a Pulse Realm energy signature.

Staring at the bodies littered across the ground, Felix saw his situation take a turn for the worse. His face hardened as he muttered, "Great. Just what I needed-more trouble."