"This is... An array?" The moment Leander stepped into the grounds of the Yelem Church, his expression shifted.Within his spiritual strength, the vast underground beneath the church unfolded in his mind like a schematic drawing rendered on a computer-clear and precise.It was an array, one even larger than the ancestral protective array of the black dragons he had seen at the Aorinth Peaks.A faint but terrifying killing intent pulsed from the earth below. It was concealed, not even leaking half an inch above the ground. However, nothing could hide from Leander's spiritual strength.The church occupied several thousand square meters, crossing three streets. Yet, the formation beneath it was like chains binding a divine dragon-locking down all directions, with suppression points at every corner.Within the array, Leander sensed a familiar aura.It was Doomlight, which belonged to the Arbitration Office."It's the Arbitration Office again." Leander's eyes narrowed.He had already sensed last evening that several extremely powerful individuals had arrived in Yelem, though he hadn't paid much attention. Now, it was clear that they were likely experts of the Arbitration Office.Thinking of that note fired at him by the Hermit, Leander smiled in amusement."No wonder he called me here for a battle. He is planning to use this array and the Arbitration Office's strength to defeat me."Though Leander saw through the Hermit's scheme, he showed nothing on his face. Without fear or hesitation, he stepped boldly into the array's range.Even knowing the traps and killing intent hidden within, Leander marched forward unshaken this was his absolute confidence in his own strength.Maeve held Leander's arm. Under countless watching eyes, they stepped directly onto the large dance floor."Isn't that Maeve?"noveldramaMany socialites turned to look.Maeve's fame was already global. Her songs appeared frequently in Dollywood blockbusters, so the upper class of Yelem knew her well."Why is she here with a young man?""Look at the way he's dressed. It's so ordinary. Is she with him just because he's from Astria?""No, I don't think so. He might be just a low-profile person. He could probably be the son of some Astria tycoon."The Yelem locals whispered among themselves in their own language as they threw curious glances at Leander.On the other hand, Leander ignored them entirely. He sat with Maeve while Nathan and the rest looked uneasy in such a foreign, high-class setting.Nathan, despite being from a wealthy family and having attended many banquets, had never been in one abroad-much less one hosted by the Benjamin family. Everything felt foreign and uncomfortable."Relax. Just have fun."Leander swept his gaze around. This banquet had everything-tuna, caviar, truffles, lobsters-luxury ingredients everywhere.He waved them off and leaned back casually."Our Yelem branch's manager is over there. Can you come with me?" Maeve asked."You can go by yourself." Leander waved at her dismissively as he closed his eyes to rest.Maeve huffed and left on her own to greet the executives. Nathan and the others remained seated, all somewhat tense. In the meantime, Zara and Liana looked at Leander with disdain."You sure are bold, Leander. Do you know this is the Benjamin family's banquet? How dare you come here with Maeve? Do you really think Denzel would let you off the hook?" Liana mocked.However, Leander didn't even flinch.Annoyed, Liana glared fiercely and was about to continue when Zara raised a hand."Enough, Liana. Some people won't understand the situation unless they take a massive loss," Zara said coldly. She was also displeased with Leander, though she couldn't be bothered to argue.Liana huffed and grabbed a drink from a passing waiter, ignoring him.The banquet had yet to officially begin when noise erupted outside.A Bentley slowly approached, escorted front and back by threelong Lincoln limousines. Then, aman in a thick cloak stepped outnetHis sharp gaze, swept the crowd, and his presence wasoverwhelming. "That's Skur Dalion, head of the Dalion family!"Many of Yelem's elites turned to look, eyes filled with respect.The Dalion family was the fastest-rising power of the past decade in Yelem, having absorbed many declining old families and forming a formidable alliance, they could stand toe-to-toe with the Benjamin family. As soon as Skur arrived, he drew the attention of the entire venue.Seeing that none of the Benjamin family members had appeared yet, he snorted and walked straight in. Then, he sat at the most prominent table by the dance floor.Soon, several more major figures from old Yelem families arrived. They all joined Skur, forming a clear faction."The Pittle family, Jones family, and Raddon family are all here. Looks like there'll be a showdown tonight.It might turn into a majorconfrontation between the Benjamin family and several alliances!" Those who understood the political landscape whispered excitedly.Although Leander kept his eyes closed, he heard every whisper clearly."Interesting. The Hermit didn't just lure me into this array, but he also wanted to help the Benjamin family establish dominance and crush all the families opposing them."Thinking about it, Leander couldn't help but sneer.The Hermit might have made all his plans, but in the end, the only thing that decided anything was power.Soon, more elites continued to arrive. Livia and the other girls grew more nervous while Nathan and the boys tried to comfort them. Only Celia and Aurora stayedcalm.Half an hour later, more commotion sounded outside.A tall man entered wearing a world-class designer suit, hair slicked back perfectly.He walked with long strides, surrounded by over a dozen bodyguards.Denzel had finally arrived.The moment he entered the church, he spotted Maeve across the hall, who waschatting with several renowned directors."Maeve, I will make you mine tonight."A cold glint flashed in Denzel's eyes as he took a step toward her.Just then, his gaze shifted as he caught sight of Leander leaning back in his chairwith eyes closed, as if napping.In that split second, his eyes widened in shock."Why is he here?!"Shock washed through Denzel. After all, this banquet was hosted by the Benjaminfamily, yet Leander sat there as if in his own home.A surge of killing intent shot up inside Denzel."I was planning to deal with you after the banquet, but since you came on your own,don't blame me for being cruel."