"The Misty South Palace is the most influential force in the Misty South mainly because of the Misty
South Shadow, but there is no denying that the group itself is inherently powerful. The Misty South
Shadow swore to have the Misty South Palace's back, and they took their word seriously.
In the past, many forces tried to make trouble for the Misty South Palace because they wanted the
latter's power and influence, but they miserably failed because of the Misty South Shadow. Many of
those forces even had demi-spiritual potentates, though that didn't help them, for the Misty South
Shadow still destroyed them,"
Lloyd lengthily narrated.
"Whoa, really? The Misty South Shadow is that powerful?" Ricky and his friends exclaimed in sheer
surprise.
"It looks like the Misty South Palace uses their power to kill and uphold justice in the continent,"
remarked Ricky as he fell deep in thought.
"Strength makes this world go around. You can achieve anything as long as you have the strength to
back you up. Similarly, a force can succeed or fall depending on how strong its members are and as a
whole.
And just like the Misty South Palace, most influential forces have their own powerful members lurking in
the shadows. However, the Misty South Shadow is way out of their league.
In fact, members of the Misty South Shadow have the power to impeach the Misty South Palace's lord
if they doubt his eligibility. You can say that they outrank even the highest leader of the sect.
But even though they have this power, they have never used it to dismiss anyone as far as I know.
Doesn't this make you curious? Why did the Misty South Palace put the South Misty Shadow in charge
of your safety? I think that speaks of how much they value you. And besides, the South Misty Shadow
could have vetoed the decision of the Misty South Palace's lord if they wanted to, but they didn't!" Lloyd
gushed on excitedly.
"Sir, I think the Misty South Palace defended Ricky as a show of force against the other groups. It's
highly likely an intimidation tactic," Claire chimed in.
"That's possible. After all, the peace is going to be disturbed. If the Misty South Palace wants to protect
the continents, they must make sure that all forces respect them, or no one will submit to their authority
anymore," replied Lloyd with a pensive nod.
However, only Ricky knew the real reason that the Misty South Palace sent the Misty South Shadow's
members to keep him safe. It was because Otis thought of him as the next lord of the Misty South
Palace.
'Misty South Shadow is indeed remarkable!' Ricky sighed in his mind.
Before long, he and his companions finally arrived in the Five-element Sect, safe and sound.
The forces that sent assassins after them naturally found out that they had returned safely and that the
Misty South Shadow had intervened on Ricky's behalf.
"It looks like we can't send our saints after him anymore..."
"This is a warning. The Misty South Palace must have sided with him as a show of power."
"Since our saints can't lay a hand on him, we should send our spiritual emperors who are stronger than
Ricky to hunt him down. I'm sure that his luck will eventually run out."
"Excellent idea! We can't give up Paul's inheritance no matter what happens. Otherwise, the Misty
South Palace will gain too much power, and we won't have a hope of usurping the Misty South from
their hands after the devil race's invasion."
Meanwhile, the Five-element Sect's wood branch had also encountered some problems.
Two unexpected guests had arrived not long ago. One was a young man, while the other was much
older.
They came because of one person—Tina.
Every disciple of the wood branch exalted Ricky, especially after they received the news from the Third
Sheol City. And they also knew that Tina was his girlfriend.
Their respect for Ricky drove many wood branch disciples to challenge the young man.
However, he defeated them all with one move.
This only inflamed the burning anger of the entire wood branch, but their hands were tied. The elder
who had come with the young man was incredibly strong, and he could incapacitate the wood branch's
saints simply by releasing his aura.
The young man apparently wanted to take Tina away with him, but thankfully, an old woman appeared
and intervened.
He and the old man didn't want to give up even though they couldn't prevail over the old lady, so they
decided to stay in the wood branch instead.
And when Ricky and his companions returned, the other disciples immediately informed them about the
two unexpected visitors.
Ricky grew worried when he heard the news and immediately raced straight to Tina and Amelia's place
as fast as he could.
His hunch was accurate. Doris, who he hadn't seen for a long time, had intervened to save Tina from
the two guests.
"Doris, long time no see!" Ricky greeted her with respect as soon as he was within hearing distance.
"Oh, hey, Ricky! Nice work. Look how far you've come in just a few years. You've made a name for
yourself, especially after what you've done in the Third Sheol City," Doris complimented Ricky, as her
appreciative glance swept over him.
"That's a great honor coming from you," he replied happily, his lips quirking up in a crooked smile.
"I was right about you. Although you have not yet reached the Sage Level, you have already fulfilled
your promise and got rid of the evil spirit inside Tina," the woman further added as a satisfied smile
pulled at her lips.
Back when she had left Tina in his care, she had placed very little faith in Ricky.
But she trusted him enough to leave Tina with him, and this proved that she made the right choice.
Ricky was indeed a trustworthy person.
"I'm a man of word. There's no way I'll break a promise that I have made. And besides, I didn't want
Tina to get hurt either," replied Ricky sincerely. His eyes quickly flew towards Tina, who was also
looking at him at that moment.
A tacit understanding passed between their electrified gazes. It seemed that a single smile or a
meaningful look was enough for them to understand each other.
"Doris, do you know that young man and the older gentleman with him? Who are they?" Ricky
suddenly asked. A grave expression settled over his face, and his tone sounded deadly serious.
"Those two are from the inner region's Gu Clan, which is a clan as famous as ours. That young man is
Lucas Gu. He is an incredibly talented warrior and the son of the Gu Clan's leader," answered Doris at
once.
"I see. So, what does he want with Tina?" Ricky asked with an eyebrow raised.
"He wants to become the next leader of the Gu Clan. Tina's grandfather would be a great asset for that,
as he is an elder of the Lian Clan, and he is stronger than most members of the Lian Clan.
If Lucas marries Tina, we will have to support him," explained Doris succinctly.
"Oh, I see. Well, he must be daydreaming," Ricky responded with a mocking sneer.
He wasn't someone to be messed with now. After all, Otis considered him the next lord of the Misty
South Palace, and no one in his generation could pose a threat to him.
Whoever tried to hurt his relatives and friends had to pay the price.
All of a sudden, a voice filled with murderous intent rang out. "Paul's successor, I know that you're
back. Come out and meet us like a man!"
"That guy is Lucas, right?" Ricky asked in confirmation, as a fierce expression settled over his face.
He immediately tore the space in the next instant, heading in Lucas Gu's direction.
The next instant, he came upon a tall, muscular, and good-looking young man wearing a fine robe. He
was hovering in the air with a murderous look on his face.
"Are you the one who hurt the disciples of our Five-element Sect?" Ricky confronted Lucas Gu coldly.
His killing intent exuded powerfully from his body.
"You should be thankful I didn't kill them. After all, they do not deserve to die at my hands," replied
Lucas Gu arrogantly.
"Anyway, I'm not here to talk about that. Listen carefully. I want you to leave Tina because you are not
good for her. Even though you are a disciple of the Misty South Palace and the owner of Paul's
inheritance, she is still too good for you.
After all, you are a lowborn mutt from an inferior bloodline," he added with much contempt.
"Perhaps, you are right. I don't have noble blood, but that doesn't change the fact that Tina chose me
over you," Ricky responded with a wicked grin.
He figured that his words would provoke Lucas Gu.
And he was right.
As soon as Lucas Gu heard what Ricky said, he couldn't hold back his temper. He let out an enraged
shout, and his killing intent poured out of him like a flood.
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