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Chapter_277
As Nash leaned back in his chair, his fingers hovering over the keyboard, he contemplated the next move. The Heavenly Martial Arts Order was not a message to be taken lightly. It was a call to arms, a declaration that those with the strength to heed it would converge at Jonford. But Nash wasn’t just calling any ordinary martial artists. No, he was summoning those who owed favors to his master, a master who had traversed the country, leaving a trail of debts behind him—debts that would now come due. With a grim smile, Nash clicked ‘publish’. The golden token flickered to life on the screen, burning in golden flames before vanishing into the virtual ether. Zakariah Sinclair Zabel would know what to do when the time came.
Leaning back, Nash muttered to himself, his voice low and filled with quiet determination. “We’ll have to use excessive force this time to properly scare the Kleins.” The Kleins had orchestrated the destruction of the Young family, and though they had been dealt a devastating blow with the fall of the Ten Juggernauts, Nash knew this was only the beginning. Confronting them head-on before he achieved a breakthrough in the Profound Reality Realm would be premature. Instead, he would wait, allowing the martial artists he had summoned to prepare the stage for a confrontation that would send a clear message.
The tension in the air was thick, but Nash didn’t allow it to consume him. He needed time—time to train, to prepare, and to gather more allies. But for now, he had to keep things moving.
After a quiet exchange with Zakariah, Nash made his way downstairs, arms crossed, his mind still occupied with the plans ahead. He found Hera in the midst of introducing Yvonne to Bianca and Skadi. Yvonne, with her cheerful personality, had already hit it off with the others, her energy filling the room.
Lunch was ready. The dining table was alive with chatter and laughter as Lauren served up a hearty meal. Skadi eagerly grabbed a drumstick. “Skade, eat more. You should replenish your body,” Lauren said, her voice warm.
“Hehe, thanks, Aunt Lauren!” Skadi grinned, happily devouring the chicken leg. Her carefree nature was a relief to everyone in the room, especially after all the tension outside.
But Hera, not to be outdone, pretended to sulk. “Mom, why don’t I ever get a drumstick?” she pouted, making everyone chuckle.
Yvonne joined in. “That’s right! I don’t get that kind of treatment either!”
Lauren rolled her eyes in mock exasperation. “Skade is injured. Why are you all fussing?”
Yvonne immediately put a hand to her stomach and groaned. “My stomach hurts. I’m also hurt,” she exaggerated, making everyone laugh again.
Nash, never missing a beat, placed a drumstick on Hera’s plate with a playful smile. “You shouldn’t eat so much spicy food if your stomach hurts. This chicken leg is spicy, so don’t eat it!”
“Hey! That’s too much!” Yvonne whined, but her protest only added to the cheerful atmosphere.
As the laughter echoed around the table, Finn sat quietly in the corner, his smile tinged with a touch of envy. He had longed for a family like this—a place where warmth, comfort, and laughter were abundant. But his own life had been far from this. His past was filled with bitterness and struggle, and he hadn’t yet found peace with it.
Suddenly, Nash’s voice cut through his thoughts. “Finn, has your father been released?”
Finn clenched his fists around the cutlery, his face hardening slightly. “My aunt has brought him back, but he lost a finger,” he said quietly, a bitter smile creeping across his face. “The money’s gone along with his finger. I hope he won’t gamble anymore in the future.”
Everyone could sense Finn’s pain. But they didn’t push him. Instead, Yvonne offered a comforting smile. “Mister, you shouldn’t sigh. It’s a blessing that your father is fine!”
Finn’s eyes softened as the warmth of her words reached him. “Thank you,” he said, the simple expression carrying the weight of his gratitude.
“Ahem, no worries. Haven’t you been punished anyway?” Yvonne teased, her playful tone making everyone laugh again.
Finn flushed with embarrassment, but the laughter helped to lighten the mood. The tension that had once hung thickly between them had slowly faded away, replaced by a camaraderie that felt genuine.
After lunch, Lauren decided to take Yvonne and Hera out shopping, but Nash quickly interjected, his tone serious. “Things aren’t so calm outside today. You guys shouldn’t go out.”
Yvonne, always eager for adventure, pouted. “You’re so powerful, Nash. Besides, Finn is also an expert. What’s there for us to be afraid of?”
She knew that her aunt had a busy schedule, and this might be one of the rare occasions when they could go out. But Lauren smiled indulgently, agreeing with Nash. “Your cousin-in-law doesn’t like shopping, so let’s just listen to him. There’s a study room, a gymnasium, as well as a karaoke room, and an e-sports room in the villa. We can even play golf!”
Hera raised his hand in agreement. “I agree with my mother’s suggestion. I want to play golf!”
The others, including Skadi and Bianca, quickly followed suit, and soon they were all heading toward the karaoke room on the third floor. Even Yvonne, after a moment of thought, yielded to the group decision.
Nash, however, had other matters to attend to. As he stepped outside with Finn, he was met by Xeno, who had been waiting.
Xeno didn’t waste any time. “Mr. Nash, the four young masters of the Green Bamboo Association are hosting a dinner at the Dynasty Grand Hotel for the younger generation of the top five business giants in Jonford. They’ve invited you!”
The invitation wasn’t unexpected, but it was certainly a clear sign that the Green Bamboo Association was aware of Nash’s recent actions—and they were preparing for the next move. This dinner would be more than just a social gathering; it was a stage for power plays, alliances, and hidden agendas.
Nash’s lips curled into a subtle smile. The pieces were falling into place, and he would be ready to play his part when the time came.
With tensions rising, Nash found himself on the brink of something far greater. The Green Bamboo Association had extended a hand, but what was the true cost of their invitation? As Nash continued to navigate this intricate web of alliances, he knew that the stakes were higher than ever. Would he attend the dinner and face the Green Bamboo head-on, or would this invitation lead to a more subtle confrontation?