"In the northwest of the Demon Territory, no matter how strong a person is, they don't dare to act arrogantly like our Palace of the Four Cycles."

Tyler's voice was calm, steady, carrying an unquestionable authority forged through countless years of blood and conquest.

"So you don't need to worry," he continued, patting Bruce lightly on the shoulder.

"A demon lord of that level won't involve himself in the Sky family's recruitment of a son-in-law. It's children's play to him. Moreover, the Sky family's tradition is clear—only humans are eligible."

Bruce lowered his head respectfully.

"Yes, Master."

Outwardly, the relationship between Tyler and Bruce looked no different from that of any master and disciple. But in truth, it was far deeper than Max and Bella imagined.

Bruce was Tyler's true disciple.

Years ago, Tyler had personally sealed him into seclusion, forcing him to cultivate bitterly in isolation. When Bruce emerged, Tyler sent him out to temper himself through real danger and conflict, sharpening his cultivation through blood and death.

This time, Bruce's participation in the Sky family's recruitment was never a coincidence.

The original plan had been simple—insert spies into the Sky family, infiltrate their core, and slowly hollow them out from within.

But fate had intervened.

Bruce liked Elara.

Not because of schemes.

Not because of power.

Purely because when he first saw her, something stirred.

Her bearing, her beauty, her temperament—it struck him like a blade to the heart.

Coincidentally, the Sky family was recruiting a son-in-law. Coincidentally, Elara needed one.

So Tyler changed the arrangement.

He replaced the infiltrators with Bruce himself.

One move.

Two purposes.

Fulfilling his disciple's desire while planting a blade deep inside the Sky family's heart.

Perfect.

Bruce understood all of this. He never questioned it.

At that moment, Max and Bella stood up together.

Their gazes fell upon Ethan.

There were very few beings in this world who could command the attention of both the head and mistress of the Sky family at the same time.

When the crowd saw this, realization dawned like lightning.

This white fox demon named Ethan… was about to rise.

Perhaps he would truly be favored by the Sky family.

Perhaps he would obtain a Sage token.

Perhaps he would enter the Training Trial Secret Realm alongside the Sky family's juniors.

That alone was enough to make countless Supremes go mad with envy.

Even though the Sky family's rules were harsh—seventy percent of all gains belonged to the Sky family, only thirty percent to the outsider.

Even ten percent would drive Supremes to smash their heads bloody for the chance.

"Mr. Ethan," Max said warmly, stepping forward, "you have hidden your strength well. Congratulations. From today onward, you are a guest elder of the Sky family."

He raised his hand, revealing a jade token.

"This is the identity token of a guest elder. Please accept it."

Ethan took the token calmly, weighing it lightly in his palm. The Sky family's emblem shimmered faintly within.

He smiled, but said nothing.

Bella stepped forward, her expression gentle yet dignified.

"Mr. Ethan, you are young and already possess such terrifying combat power. You are truly a genius. I thank you on Sasha's behalf—for your mercy earlier."

"Madam flatters me," Ethan replied modestly, cupping his hands.

"Victory today was nothing but luck."

Bella laughed softly.

"Mr. Ethan is far too humble. May I ask where you come from?"

"I'm merely a wandering demon," Ethan said with a calm smile.

"To be favored by the Sky family is already a great honor."

"Please, take a seat," Bella said, gesturing. "Once the recruitment trial concludes, we have other matters to discuss."

"Alright." Ethan nodded.

He naturally understood what she meant.

The Sage token.

Whether he had truly gained the Sky family's full approval… that remained to be seen.

Just as Ethan turned to sit—

Heavy footsteps approached.

"My little friend," a deep voice rang out, calm yet oppressive. "You truly hide your depth well."

Ethan turned.

A burly middle-aged man stood there with his hands clasped behind his back. His aura was vast and steady, like a mountain range pressing down silently.

Ultimate Demon Lord.

And not an ordinary one.

This man stood at the very peak of that realm.

Ethan's instincts sharpened instantly.

Judging from his attire—and the totem emblazoned upon his chest—this man came from the Palace of the Four Cycles. The Heavenly Palace.

The Tengu Clan.

This was no small figure.

"May I ask who you are?" Ethan asked calmly.

Tyler smiled faintly.

"I am Tyler, commander of the Heavenly Palace of the Palace of the Four Cycles."

His gaze locked onto Ethan, sharp yet confident.

"Watching your battle today was a pleasant surprise. To think such a young talent was hidden in Blue-Wave City. My Palace of the Four Cycles has always valued capable individuals."

He paused, then smiled wider.

"I wonder if my little friend would be interested in drinking with me tonight? A cup of tea, perhaps… and a visit to the Heavenly Palace Station?"

The confidence in his tone was absolute.

Tyler believed no one could refuse.

Not even a guest elder of the Sky family.

Max and Bella's expressions darkened slightly.

This was poaching.

Blatant, shameless poaching—right in front of them.

But the Palace of the Four Cycles stood above them. Even as elders of the Sky family, they could not openly offend Tyler.

"Commander Tyler," Max said carefully, "Mr. Ethan is already a guest of our Sky family. About this..."

"It doesn't matter," Tyler interrupted smoothly.

"Being a guest elder doesn't prevent him from having a drink with me, does it?"

Max forced a smile.

"Of course not."

Tyler turned back to Ethan.

"Little friend," he said warmly, "how about we meet tonight at the Drunken Jade Tower? Fine wine, exquisite food… and perhaps a beautiful courtesan or two?"

"Commander," Ethan said calmly, "I still have basic integrity as a cultivator. Since I have accepted the Sky family's position, it would be inappropriate for me to agree to invitations from other forces."

He cupped his hands slightly.

"I'm afraid we can only seek cooperation another day."

Silence.

Tyler's smile froze—just for a fraction of a breath.

Then it vanished.

So… he refused.

The white fox demon refused him.

Tyler sneered inwardly.

Ungrateful.

But his expression remained composed. He laughed lightly, as though nothing was amiss.

"My little friend," he said, eyes narrowing imperceptibly.

"you should think carefully. My Palace of the Four Cycles does not recruit people under normal circumstances, and we only recruit geniuses."

A/N:

Extra chapters

100 power stones - 1 Extra chapters

200 power stones - 2 Extra chapters

Massage Chair - 1 Extra chapters

Luxury Car - 2 Extra Chapters

Dragon - 5 Extra Chapters

Magic Castle - 15 Extra Chapters

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