"I am interested in you solely because of your outstanding talent and sincere heart," Tyler said slowly, his voice deep and heavy.

"Don't ruin your bright future because of your so-called integrity."

When he spoke the final words, his lips curved into a meaningful smile. His tone subtly shifted, as if each syllable carried an invisible hook, probing, tempting, threatening—all at once.

It was not advice.

It was a warning.

Ethan heard it clearly.

For a fleeting instant, a chill flashed through his eyes—cold, sharp, fleeting as frost beneath moonlight. Then, just as quickly, it vanished.

He smiled.

Calm. Polite. Perfect.

"It's an honor to be valued by the commander-in-chief," Ethan said gently.

"But I have little interest in the Palace of the Four Cycles. I hope the commander won't waste his precious time on me."

He cupped his hands, posture relaxed.

"My talent is mediocre. I'm merely a wandering cultivator whose strength barely suffices to protect himself. Frankly speaking, it's embarrassing. I'm not worth your effort."

His smile was warm, even friendly—so harmless that an ordinary cultivator might believe every word.

But the Supremes present felt it.

Beneath that gentle expression lay a faint, biting chill.

It was subtle. So subtle that one could doubt its existence. Yet it was there—like thin ice stretched over a deep abyss.

Max and Bella exchanged glances.

They both sensed it.

The two men before them were smiling, exchanging pleasantries—but the air between them was filled with killing intent that never surfaced, never spilled, yet never faded.

Ethan had just become a guest elder of the Sky family.

Soon, they might rely on his strength to protect their juniors within the Training Trial Secret Realm.

They could not afford to remain silent.

Max stood up.

"Hahahaha! Mr. Ethan is truly honest. Such sincerity is rare—I admire it greatly."

He turned toward Tyler, smiling faintly.

"Commander Tyler, since Mr. Ethan has no intention of joining the Palace of the Four Cycles, let's stop here for today. The recruitment must continue."

He paused, then added smoothly, "Another day, let the three of us drink together at the Drunken Jade Tower. I'll host. What do you say?"

Silence.

Tyler did not respond immediately.

His gaze fixed on Ethan.

His eyes were heavy, solemn, carrying an oppressive pressure that could make ordinary Supremes bow their heads unconsciously.

It was an attempt.

A silent coercion.

But Ethan did not move.

From beginning to end, he stood there calmly, a faint smile never leaving his face. His gaze met Tyler's without retreat, without defiance—yet without submission.

Like still water before a storm.

Max and Bella's eyes lit up subtly.

Such composure.

Such control.

Even when facing the commander-in-chief of the Heavenly Palace, Ethan showed neither fear nor arrogance—only absolute self-possession.

That alone spoke volumes.

"Commander," Max added casually, breaking the silence, "it's getting late. Didn't you bring your disciple to recruit a son-in-law? If you delay further, Elara might be taken by someone else."

Tyler finally withdrew his gaze.

"Ethan, was it?" he said lightly, his voice tinged with cold amusement.

"I'll remember you—from the White Fox Clan."

"I hope you won't regret your decision today."

The words were calm.

But beneath them lay unmistakable menace.

Tyler had already used secret techniques to probe Ethan earlier.

And what he found unsettled him.

This half-human, half-demon concealed himself far too deeply. His aura was masked, his foundation obscured, his true combat power impossible to determine.

One thing was certain.

Acting rashly would be a mistake.

Moreover, today was a grand event hosted by the Sky family. He had to give Max and Bella face.

The Palace of the Four Cycles still relied on the Sky family's weapon refiners. Pressing too hard would only invite backlash.

"I'm honored to be remembered by the commander-in-chief," Ethan replied calmly.

"I also look forward to our next meeting."

No fear.

No hesitation.

"Hahahaha! Very good!"

Tyler laughed loudly, turning away.

"After so many years, someone interesting has finally appeared in Blue-Wave City. I look forward to seeing you again."

His laughter deepened, sharp as iron.

"I only hope that by then, you'll still be alive—and still have the confidence you do today!"

With his hands clasped behind his back, Tyler strode away.

"Bruce, let's go."

Bruce and the two Demon Lords beside him followed without a word, their figures quickly disappearing from the arena.

Once they were gone, the tense atmosphere finally eased.

Max and Bella turned toward Ethan.

"Mr. Ethan," Max said solemnly, "I truly apologize. You've only just joined our Sky family, yet you were dragged into this."

He straightened slightly, his voice firm.

"But rest assured. Since you are now a guest elder of the Sky family, no matter what the Palace of the Four Cycles does in the future, I, Max, will stand behind you."

"Our Sky family may not rival the Palace of the Four Cycles in Blue-Wave City, but protecting one guest elder is something we can do."

Ethan nodded lightly.

"Thank you. But the commander of the Heavenly Palace may not be as frightening as he appears."

He smiled faintly.

"If he truly had the confidence to take my life, he would have acted already."

The words were calm.

Yet they struck like thunder.

Max and Bella froze briefly—then smiled.

They understood.

Ethan wasn't boasting.

He was stating a fact.

He was signaling cooperation.

Strength for trust.

Bella glanced at her husband and sent a message directly.

"Husband, what do you think? Should we decide on this candidate now?"

"This Ethan is extraordinary. Neither you nor I can see through his strength, and even Tyler didn't dare to act."

"With the Palace of the Four Cycles' usual behavior, they would have already taken action to assert dominance."

"But today, Tyler held back."

"There's only one explanation—Ethan is strong enough to make him hesitate."

"Husband, what do you think of what I said?" Bella asked again.

A/N:

The Magic Castle mass releases will be uploaded this Sunday and next Sunday.

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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