The Rise of a Master: It Starts With Rejection

The stone Averill gave to him had proven its worth. She had mentioned that if Ophelia were nearby in Martial City, the stone would react once they were within a certain range. At the moment, it was perfectly validating her claim.

In Martial City, Deborah cared abundantly for him. On top of that, Nerissa was insistent on getting engaged with him upon their first meeting. Nonetheless, it was not his home.

Sensing Ophelia's presence made his heart race with excitement.

"A genius who isn't one of the Top Ten Menaces? I love tormenting your kind," a voice said.

Just as Felix tucked the stone away, a man and a woman appeared ahead. Both were sneering at him.

"He's so handsome, isn't he?" the woman said, turning to the man. "Husband, don't kill him outright. I want him as my boy toy! With that face and his strength, he'd be so much fun to play with!"

Their appearances were so hideous that they were almost comical. If it weren't for the oppressive aura they deliberately emitted-proof that both were in the Physical Refinement Realm-someone would have likely sent them to meet their maker long ago.

Felix knew there was no reasoning with people in a place like this-the only way to survive was to kill. He had no interest in wasting his energy.

Just as he was about to strike, a voice thundered through the air. "Leave!"

The couple didn't even look back. Their faces paled instantly, and they bolted like frightened birds, vanishing without a trace. The speed of their retreat was astonishing. Clearly, they feared for their lives.

Felix also felt the shift in the air. Those lurking in the shadows had disappeared just as swiftly as the couple. The power behind that voice was overwhelming, sending shockwaves through the entire area.

This happened all because a woman appeared. As she stepped closer, Felix's heart surged with emotion.

"Follow me," she said.

Suppressing his excitement, Felix obeyed, following her into Ghosttown.

It was clear this place was a lawless wasteland. The so-called town consisted of ramshackle huts, and anyone out in the open moved quickly, avoiding lingering for even a moment.

The faint scent of blood hung in the air, filling Felix's nostrils. In a place like this, danger was a constant companion. He had already survived two ambushes before even reaching the outskirts, which proved its peril.

After following the woman to the edge of town and entering a small house, Felix didn't even have time to speak before she threw herself into his arms.

"Felix! I thought I was imagining things!"

Felix felt his heart burn with warmth.

"I felt the same way. I can't believe I'm actually seeing you here in Martial City, Ophelia."

When they finally parted, Felix took a moment to study her carefully.

Ophelia's long, jet-black bangs framed her face, and her black dress gave her an intimidating, unapproachable aura.

Her personality was the most

normal among the senior sisters To those who didn't know her welk she seemed like an ordinary person with no special talents or skills, noveldrama

As for her looks, she was undeniably attractive. She could be considered cute,

even.

"According to Mr. Hoffman, you shouldn't have come to Martial City so soon," she said.

"Mr. Hoffman?" Felix asked, confused. "Does that mean Mr. Hoffman intended for me to come here all along?"

Ophelia smiled faintly. "Yes. Why else do you think I came to Martial City? I'm here to pave the way for you. He gave me a task, and everything I'm doing is for your sake."

Felix was even more baffled.

WI

"Didn't you tell Mr. Hoffman that your soul had somehow merged with something

called the Destiny Crystal? That's where it all started," she said.

The Destiny Crystal?

Could Gerald be helping him without fully understanding what the Destiny Crystal was? But why would he go to such lengths? It didn't make sense.