Chapter 22 Disbelief and Terror
Ryan didn’t stand a chance.
EM +8 Pearls
Cindy couldn’t explain why she felt both regret and sorrow, but she subconsciously clenched her fists in response.
Thomas shook his head, too. He knew even more about the Nolans than Cindy did.
The sound of approaching footsteps, sharp and distinct, echoed through the hall.
The doors swung open.
A striking figure appeared–high heels tapping against the floor, long legs encased in denim, and Ja fitted leather jacket accentuating her commanding presence.
Her style was bold and fearless, exuding an aura of decisiveness and power that was impossible to ignore.
She was tall, easily around 5’8“, with flawless proportions and legs so straight and exquisite they could incite envy.
Her face, almost bare of makeup, was breathtakingly beautiful, a sharp and commanding beauty that radiated dominance and left others feeling inadequate. Her eyes, in particular, sparkled like the rarest of gems.
Her hairstyle was simple: a single ponytail.
She walked in with a calm, composed expression, showing no hint of emotion or deliberate
arrogance.
Yet even so, her presence was undeniably regal.
This was Grace, one of the two legendary jewels of Aetheria.
Behind Grace followed ten individuals.
They were all young, around 30 years old, a mix of men and women dressed in sleek black martial arts uniforms.
As they entered, the prominent figures of Fregend couldn’t help but recognize them as martial artists, even if they didn’t fully understand the concept.
The sheer power emanating from these ten individuals was undeniable. It was clear that each of them could crush everyone in the hall with ease.
Their energy was overwhelming, suffused with a menacing aura that seemed to force others into submission. Their mere gazes felt like a tangible weight, pressing down as if ready to make the
Chapter 22 Disbelief and Terror
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“These are martial artists and not just any–they’re all at the late or peak stages of Energy Cultivation Realm!” Axel trembled with excitement, his body shaking as he knelt on the floor.
“Hello, Ms. Nolan!” Mark broke the silence, bowing deeply with an expression of unrestrained admiration and reverence toward Grace.
“What should we do now?” Abigail whispered, her face drained of color as she glanced nervously at Ryan.
Though she didn’t understand martial arts, Grace and her ten guards had filled the room with at suffocating tension, leaving everyone else trembling in fear.
“Hahaha! This is my chance to turn the tables!” Joel clenched his fists so tightly his knuckles turned white, nearly trembling with excitement.
“Greetings, Ms. Nolan!” The entire hall, from Thomas to Axel, who was still kneeling, bowed respectfully in unison.
“What’s the matter?” Grace asked, her tone calm and indifferent as her eyes swept past Mark.
“It’s him, Ms. Nolan! I want him to spend the rest of his life bedridden!” Mark snarled, pointing viciously at Ryan, his venomous hatred laid bare.
Grace’s gaze followed his finger, landing on Ryan.
Ryan met her gaze, his expression a little peculiar.
Grace’s sharp eyes widened slightly in shock.
They knew each other.
“Is that Mr. Howell?!” Grace was stunned. She never imagined she’d run into Ryan here in the small city of Fregend.
About a year ago, Grace’s grandfather, Elis Nolan–the head of the Nolan family–had suffered a relapse of an old injury, leaving him on the brink of death. No one could treat him until Ryan arrived at the Nolan Residence.
Rumor had it that Elis had called on his connections with a martial arts sect to invite Ryan.
At their first meeting, Grace hadn’t thought highly of Ryan. His demeanor came off as arrogant and self–assured, bordering on overconfidence.
But Ryan had cured Elis with ease.
Afterward, Elis personally told Grace that Ryan was the greatest doctor in Celestia, respected even on Shadowcrest Mountain.
From then on. Gracale opinion of Ruan changed drastically. The young man
not much older
Chapter 22 Disbelief and Terror
“It’s been a long time, Mr. Howell,” Grace finally spoke, breaking the silence..
Her words struck the hall like a thunderclap.
Several people fainted outright.
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“Ms. Nolan, you…” Mark’s jaw dropped, his previous smugness replaced by disbelief and sheer
terror.
A chill swept through Mark’s body like he had plunged into a frozen abyss, leaving even hist marrow encased in ice.
