BOOM!
Da Vinci slowly stepped forward until he stood directly before Tony and Emma. The pressure released from his body rivaled the vast ocean itself. Countless academy elders immediately straightened their backs.
Every disciple of the Nine Lotus Academy felt their blood boil with excitement.
Da Vinci slowly drew his ancient weapon before slamming its end heavily against the ground.
The entire coastline trembled.
His calm voice echoed across heaven and earth.
"I... Da Vinci... Son of Mo Vinci. Promise before every faction gathered here... that whoever dares lay a finger upon the disciples of my Nine Lotus Academy..."
His weapon pointed directly toward the Demonic Sea Tribe.
"...must first cross me."
Silence followed... Absolute silence. Even Luka remained quiet. For several long moments, neither side moved.
Finally... Luka slowly lowered her hand. Her terrifying aura gradually receded.
She looked toward the Demonic Sea Tribe experts. "Retreat."
The command stunned everyone.
Several Demonic Sea Tribe elders immediately became anxious.
"Ancestor!"
"The inheritor is right there!"
"We cannot let this opportunity slip away!"
Another elder stepped forward urgently.
"If we retreat now, today’s efforts will be meaningless!"
Luka’s expression instantly turned cold... She slowly glanced backward.
"Didn’t you hear my command?" Her voice became icy. "Retreat."
Nobody dared speak another word. One after another, the Demonic Sea Tribe experts reluctantly lowered their weapons.
The dark sea gradually returned to normal. The terrifying pressure disappeared.
Without another glance toward the human factions, Luka turned around and walked toward the endless sea.
The Demonic Sea Tribe elders quickly followed. Then the younger generation.
Finally Elsa glanced back one last time toward Tony and Emma before unwillingly turning away.
Within moments, the entire Demonic Sea Tribe disappeared beyond the dark horizon, leaving behind only an uneasy silence and countless questions lingering beneath the towering branches of the World Tree.
***
As the last traces of the Demonic Sea Tribe disappeared beyond the dark sea, the suffocating pressure that had gripped the battlefield gradually faded away.
Soon, the attention of every faction shifted toward a single person. Emma Rock.
Only moments ago she had been the target of a battle that nearly escalated into a war between races. Now, after the Demonic Sea Tribe’s retreat, every major power suddenly remembered something far more important. She was the inheritor of the World Tree.
Almost immediately, elders and patriarchs from influential families began approaching one after another with warm smiles that looked considerably more sincere than they truly were.
"Lady Emma," an elder from the Azure Cloud Family greeted with clasped hands, "our family possesses one of the finest cultivation grounds on the continent. If Lady Emma is willing to become our honored guest, every resource of the Azure Cloud Family shall be opened to you."
Before Emma could even respond, another family patriarch stepped forward with a cheerful laugh. "Azure Cloud Family? What can they possibly offer compared to us? Lady Emma, our Evergreen Manor possesses ancient flame cultivation grounds that perfectly complement your inheritance. We sincerely invite you to stay with us."
"Lady Emma, our family..."
"Our sect..."
"Our clan..."
Within moments, dozens of invitations began flying toward Emma from every direction. The surrounding disciples could only stare in envy. The treatment Emma was receiving now was completely different from before entering the World Tree. She had become the hottest talent on the entire continent in less than a single day.
Even the Imperial Family refused to remain silent.
King Jamie Smith slowly walked forward with the dignity of an emperor. His expression had already recovered from the earlier conflict as though nothing unpleasant had happened between the Imperial Family and the Clark Family. A faint smile appeared on his face as he looked toward Emma.
"Lady Emma... Our Imperial Family has always respected true talent. Your future is limitless, and I sincerely admire such outstanding young people."
Emma merely nodded politely.
Jamie continued calmly, "My son, Prince Mark, is also among the finest young talents of this generation. If Lady Emma is willing, I would personally arrange a marriage between the two of you. With the Imperial Family’s support and your talent, the future of this empire would become brighter than ever."
The proposal immediately stirred another wave of discussion among the spectators.
Tony, who had been standing quietly to one side, folded his arms and watched the entire scene with an amused smile.
"What a shameless old fox," he muttered under his breath. "Yesterday he wanted my life. Today he wants my wife."
Emma did not even spare the proposal a second thought. She quietly stepped closer to Natasha before answering in a respectful but firm tone.
"Your Majesty, I appreciate your kindness."
Jamie smiled.
"But... My only family is Peak Master Natasha. I have no intention of joining any family or discussing marriage."
Natasha’s usually calm face softened slightly. She gently placed a hand upon Emma’s shoulder before speaking.
"Emma, your inheritance has already attracted too much attention. Returning to the Healing Tower immediately may not be the safest decision."
Emma frowned slightly. Natasha continued thoughtfully.
"The Clark Family currently possesses the strongest protection around you. Stay with them for a few days until this storm settles. Afterwards, you may return to the academy together with us."
Emma instinctively glanced toward Tony.
Tony immediately pretended to be fascinated by the clouds. "I have no opinion," he said lazily.
Emma rolled her eyes before quietly nodding. "If Master believes that is best... then I will stay temporarily."
Before anyone could continue the discussion, another old man slowly approached Tony with narrowed eyes.
Da Vinci... The Academy Master stopped directly beside Tony.
"So..."
Tony innocently blinked. "So?"
Da Vinci lowered his voice until only Tony could hear. "The World Tree Seeds."
Tony scratched his cheek. "What about them?"
Da Vinci’s eyebrow twitched. "Boy."
Tony smiled innocently. "I have no idea what the Academy Master is talking about."
Da Vinci’s patience was visibly reaching its limit. "Don’t play games with me."
Tony tilted his head. "Games?"
Da Vinci leaned even closer. "You made a promise."
Tony continued smiling. "You also made a promise."
Da Vinci’s eye twitched again. "I fulfilled mine... Where are the seeds?"
Tony looked toward the sky. "The weather is quite nice today."
Da Vinci finally lost his composure. "Boy!" he whispered angrily. "Do you think I’m joking? I stood against the entire Demonic Sea Tribe because of our agreement. I practically challenged Luka in front of every supreme expert present. Don’t tell me you’ve already forgotten."
Tony leisurely stretched his shoulders. "I’ll think about it."
Da Vinci clenched both fists so tightly that faint cracking sounds echoed from his knuckles.
"If you keep testing my patience..."
He stopped halfway through his sentence. Because another voice interrupted them.
Ancestor Kent slowly walked over while whistling cheerfully, his hands clasped behind his back.
He first looked at Tony... Then at Da Vinci. His old eyes sparkled with curiosity.
"Academy Master Da Vinci," Ancestor Kent said with a warm smile, "my grandson has just returned from the World Tree after suffering who knows what inside those trials. Surely his injuries should be treated before discussing anything else."
Without waiting for Da Vinci’s agreement, Ancestor Kent casually grabbed Tony by the shoulder.
"Come."
Tony immediately nodded obediently. "Yes, Great Ancestor."
As the two began walking away, Ancestor Kent quietly whispered without turning his head. "Young fellow... whatever treasure you hid... make sure you hide it better."
Tony looked toward the old man in surprise.
Ancestor Kent merely continued whistling as though he had said nothing at all.
Behind them, Da Vinci remained standing alone. His fists were still clenched. He had a very strong feeling... That the little fox named Tony Clark was deliberately making him suffer.
-
TQ guys!