Inside the tavern, the air suddenly froze. On the first floor, where Leander and his companions sat, a raging current of energy surged, shattering tables and chairs, splintering jars of wine. Liquid sprayed everywhere, the aroma of spilt alcohol filling the room.The owner and the few bartenders were dumbstruck, their faces ashen, unable to comprehend what was happening."So... you're Jeff Ashcroft!"Galen's eyes shifted wildly. In a single glance, his aura exploded into a tempest, hurtling toward Leander.Leander's lips curled into a faint, bitter smile. Eight years had passed since he last saw Galen, yet this reunion was far from pleasant. He hadn't expected that Galen's trip to Highcliffe was to come after him.The windstorm swept forward. Leander did not seem to be doing anything, but the violent force could not reach him. Before him and Daphne hovered an invisible shield, holding the two of them safe as the storm raged around them.Their opposing auras collided at the tables, making the entire tavern tremble. A low, muffled boom followed, sending ripples of energy outward. Outside, the towering cedar trees lining the tavern split cleanly in half, as if struck by a razor.Nearby, several abandoned courtyard buildings crumbled instantly.Daphne's eyes widened in shock. Leander and Galen hadn't even fully attacked— this was merely a clash of intent—and yet the destruction was terrifying. If they had gone all out, every building within a hundred feet could have been reduced to rubble."Impressive, Jeff Ashcroft," Galen said, his voice dark with awe. "I'd heard stories about you—making a name for yourself at a young age, killing masters across the martial world, even earning a title from the Divine Loom itself. Seeing you now, I can confirm every word was true."The oppressive aura around Galen abruptly collapsed, vanishing. He raised his eyes to Leander, his expression a tangle of respect and lingering tension."No wonder Homer died by your hand."Leander's defenses faded, and he shook his head lightly, his face calm and indifferent."He acted for the Riverstone family. I already told him to back off, but he didn't heed my warning," Leander said."I've always felt a certain respect for Mount Martial... I truly didn't want to kill him." Leander had faced countless formidable enemies across the world without showing the slightest hesitation or weakness. Yet now, facing Galen-whom he regarded as a benefactor-he couldn't help feeling a pang of nostalgia and regret."It doesn't matter," Galen said coldly, the murderous intent flickering in his eyes. "What matters is that he died by your hand."Leander laughed lightly and drained the last of the liquor from the jar."Then drink this, and if you wish, avenge your junior brother."Galen stared at Leander. The atmosphere seemed to freeze around them. After a long moment, the fury in his eyes softened."Today, our feud is set aside; this is just about courtesy and respect. I won't strike you."He lifted the jar, drained it of its contents, then flicked it aside; it smashed against a beam, splintering to pieces."Wine shared and gone. From now on, we are enemies."He picked up his whisk and walked calmly toward the door, his words chilling."I am Galen Pierce, head of Mount Martial, Taoist name Windborne. Next time... I will kill you."With that, his tall figure vanished from the tavern."Ander!"As soon as Galen left, Daphne hurried to grab Leander's arm, her eyes flickering with concern.Leander picked up a piece of beef and chewed thoughtfully, a faint curve touching his lips."I had hoped that meeting an old benefactor would be a time to drink and give thanks. I never imagined that a friend could so easily become an enemy."Daphne paused for a moment, then spoke."Ander, this Galen, head of Mount Martial-I've heard my grandfather mention him. On the International Combat Units ranking, he's actually two spots above you, sittingthird."Decades ago, he already reachedthe Transcendent Realm. He's aonce-in-several-centuries prodigy forunt Martial Among all the.heads,of Mount Martial over the years, his prestige is probably second only to Saint Greaterson. "If he fights you, you must be extremely careful."Daphne had seen Leander's power firsthand. She knew that even if he couldn't defeat Galen outright, he wouldn't fall completely. What worried her was that he might hold back because of Galen's past kindness, leaving an opening that could cost him the fight. noveldramaAs if reading her thoughts, Leander smiled faintly, brushing a strand of her hair aside."Don't worry, Dani. In this world, anyone who comes after me—I will never hold back, even those who once did me favors."Besides, at this level of skill, if I held back, he wouldn't be satisfied either."He straightened, stretching lazily, his eyes glinting with a cold light."Seven major generals, three provincial governors, and a Mount Martial head... the Riverstone family sure is bold."He clenched his fingers, a faint smirk curling his lips."Dani, this time, I'll show you what it means to crush them completely."Watching Leander's confidence and unshakable poise, Daphne forced down her worries for the moment.She glanced at the wrecked tavern, then pulled a bank card loaded with a hundred thousand and handed it to the owner.With everything settled, they left together, leaving the stunned owner and bartenders behind.Just as they stepped outside, Daphne's phone rang. She answered, listened for a few seconds, and her expression darkened."Ander, the Riverstone family is making a move."She hung up and looked at him. "I just got word—they're hosting a banquet atCelestial Pavilion in the east of the city, inviting all the major families from Highcliffe."At this event, every notable from Highcliffe will be there-business, politics, and military alike."I think they plan to target you at this banquet."The Riverstone family's influence was vast. Every banquet they hosted was overflowing with wealth and power, attended by the top elites.By choosing this occasion to move against Leander, they intended to make a statement before the city's most influential figures. Notwould they avenge Quincy OnlineandSkelly, but they could also cement the Riverstone family's dominance inHighcliffe. "Banquet or no banquet, if the Riverstones dare, I'll play their game all the way,"Leander replied casually, his tone unconcerned.Suddenly, the crowd ahead parted. A line of soldiers advanced in formation, led by a familiar figure—Dorian, dressed in his military uniform.The onlookers stared in surprise. A major general had never appeared so directly before them, and no one knew what was happening.Dorian stopped in front of Leander and pulled an invitation from his chest. "Jeff, tonight the Riverstone family is hosting a banquet at Celestial Pavilion for the notable families of Highcliffe. I've been sent by my father to personally invite you. "All the grudges between you and the Riverstone family will be settled tonight."