Listening to Evan Lin speak, Melissa Mu didn’t doubt him for a second. She gazed at Evan’s figure, full of admiration.
Up ahead, tucked away in a corner of the Moore Family Manor, sat a simple courtyard. Inside was a plain bungalow with the door half open.
Ever since my father’s meridians were ruined, he’s been living here. If it weren’t for you, he probably...
Melissa let out a soft sigh at the door, took a deep breath to steady herself, and then pushed it open.
Dad.
Melissa called out and stepped inside.
Inside, the room was sparsely furnished: just a bed, a wooden table, and a bamboo chair.
On the sickbed lay a middle-aged man, his face tired and worn.
He wore white pajamas and looked a bit disheveled. Just now, he’d been staring blankly at the ceiling, but when he heard Melissa’s voice, he forced himself to turn and look her way, giving a weak smile.
Melissa, you’re here.
His gaze toward Melissa was especially gentle. Even though his whole body was crippled, there wasn’t a hint of anger in him—just a calm, easygoing man through and through.
And this is...?
He quickly noticed Evan Lin following behind Melissa, giving him a once-over. At first glance, Evan seemed a bit aloof, but Mason smiled. "Hello, you’re Melissa’s friend, right?"
Melissa’s never brought a friend here before. If you really are her friend, could you help me talk some sense into her?
Hope flickered in Mason’s eyes as he looked at Evan. For once, he seemed a little emotional, even struggling to sit up from the bed.
Melissa’s face changed slightly—she wanted to explain who Evan was, but before she could say a word, Evan asked, "Talk sense into her about what?"
Tell her to leave the Moore family. There’s no reason for her to stay here just because of me.
Mason’s face was determined, tinged with sadness. He gave a bitter smile: "You see how I am—stuck in bed, useless, can’t protect her. I probably don’t have many days left."
I’m Mason Mu. The only thing I can’t let go of in this world is Melissa. She might act like a rich girl in front of outsiders, but she’s had it rough since she was a kid. All these years, I’ve never seen her bring anyone to see me. If she brought you, you must be a real friend. So, I hope you’ll help me convince her to leave the Moore family. She shouldn’t be just another bargaining chip for them.
After Mason finished, he couldn’t help coughing a few times, face growing even paler. He looked at Evan, eyes full of pleading.
Hearing Mason’s words, Melissa finally couldn’t hold back. Her face tightened: "Dad, he’s the master I told you about before—the one who can cure you. That pill you took? He’s the one who gave it to me."
He’s here this time to treat your illness.
Melissa’s words stunned Mason. He glanced at Evan Lin, then gave a bitter smile and shook his head. "That pill before really worked wonders, but now my meridians are all shattered—I’m just a cripple. Can something like this even be cured?"
Your illness—I can cure it. And I promise, your life will be way better than it is now. But I need you to agree to one thing." Evan stood to the side, looking at Mason. After a moment of silence, he finally spoke.
What’s the catch? Mason saw how confident Evan looked and couldn’t help but feel a spark of hope.
If I could live like a normal person again, why would I want to stay a useless cripple in bed for the rest of my life?
Here’s the deal: you take charge of the Moore family, and from now on, you recognize me as your lord. If you agree, I’ll not only cure you completely, but I’ll make sure nobody can ever mess with Melissa again.
Mason thought it over for a moment. He still had some doubts, but remembering everything Bob Moore and the others had done to him and Melissa, a wave of sorrow welled up inside. He nodded: "Alright."
Evan walked up and placed a hand on Mason’s wrist. Instantly, Mason felt a warm current flow from Evan’s fingertips, spreading through his body. Wherever the warmth passed, his shattered meridians slowly began to heal.
Moore Family Manor, main hall.
Bob Moore sat at the top, with Victor Moore and Martin Mu standing nearby, heads down and faces full of worry.
Dad, what do we do now?
Martin Mu glanced at the silent Bob Moore, anxious like a cat on a hot tin roof.
Wait and see.
Bob Moore sighed and shook his head.
A moment later, Evan Lin walked in from outside with Mason and Melissa Mu.
When Martin and the others saw Mason Mu walking normally—just a little pale—their faces twitched.
Little brother, congrats. Looks like you’re all healed up now.
Martin forced a smile. "It’s all thanks to the master Melissa found. Talk about a miracle worker."
Mason glanced at Martin and just shook his head, saying nothing.
It was Martin Mu—his own brother—who personally crippled all of Mason’s meridians that day.
Master, now that the sword is in your hands, I want to thank you for curing my son. Your goal has been met, and it’s getting late. Why don’t I have someone arrange a nice place for you to rest?" Bob Moore spoke carefully, terrified of upsetting Evan.
No need to rest. Like I said, the sword was mine to begin with. And you used my property as the prize for your Moore Family Arena Tournament. Time to settle that bill." Evan walked straight up to Bob Moore, calm as ever.
What do you want?" Bob Moore’s face darkened, struggling to keep his anger in check.
He was the most powerful voice in the Moore family. When had anyone ever dared talk to him like this? It was pure disrespect!
One thing, two choices.
From now on, Mason Mu calls the shots in the Moore family—he’s the new patriarch. You can accept it or refuse. But if you refuse, I guarantee you’ll lose your head right here and now.
Evan’s cold voice echoed through the hall, and everyone’s face changed. Martin and Victor Moore looked downright grim.
If Mason takes charge as patriarch, Martin and Victor Moore’s days are numbered.
Fine.
Bob Moore gave a bitter smile. He had no way to refuse—refusing meant death, agreeing meant a few more days to live. He wasn’t stupid; he knew Evan wouldn’t hesitate to kill them all if he had to.
From now on, you’ll honor me as your young lord. If you defy me, you’ll deal with the consequences.