Chapter 230
Chapter 230 Spiral Heights on a Rainy Night
At 11 PM, Harmonfield's March night held onto the last chills of spring, the cold wind biting as it whipped through. A light drizzle began to fall.
Along the lonely mountain road leading to Villa One in the Dawnspire Heights Estates, figures in black clothing slipped past, vanishing like shadows into the wind and rain.
A Hummer sped up the road. Inside, Robin glimpsed a few fleeting shapes through the rain, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
"Rowan, kill the headlights and go down the fork toward Dragon Ridge Valley."
"Yes, Mr. Ramsey."
Rain splashed up as the Hummer rounded a curve on Dawnspire Mountain. Then, with a rush of wind, it disappeared into the dark valley, leaving the mountain path silent again.
The men in black in the valley instantly grew alert and quickly scourred several mountain paths in search of Robin.
"General, the target is gone," one of them promptly reported to Jack.
Moments later, they spotted the Hummer speeding out of a junction ahead, racing toward the Peak of Dawnspire Mountain.
The dozen of black-clad figures confirmed that their target had reappeared.
They immediately resumed the pursuit, following the Hummer at a distance as it headed toward the summit.
At the treacherous curve of Spiral Heights, the Hummer gradually came to a stop.
A dozen strangers emerged from three Mercedes. Anthony, accompanied by an elder close to his own age, approached swiftly. "It's an honor to meet you, Mr. Ramsey," he greeted. Robin stepped out of the car, with Rowan standing beside him, holding a large black umbrella.
"Jason, come over here and kneel before Mr. Ramsey!" Tristan instructed, motioning to Jason, who was hiding behind him.
Jason stepped forward shakily, preparing to kneel, but Robin said indifferently, "It's fine; that matter is in the past."
Tristan quickly responded, "Thank you for your forgiveness, Mr. Ramsey. The Neville family is willing to give its all in your service to vanquish any threats."
Robin glanced at the older man before him and replied impassively, "Tristan, there's nothing owed between the Neville family and me. Are you sure you want to get involved in this mess?"
Tristan bowed and replied, "Mr. Ramsey, Cassian Chapman is the son-in-law of the Neville family. My daughter Mavis Neville is also a member of the Phoenix Vanguard."
"Years ago, Cassian made a solemn vow that the Phoenix Vanguard would always regard Mr. Ramsey with respect. The disciples of Phoenix Vanguard would serve Mr. Ramsey for life." "With this vow, we will never betray you!"
"Now, that scoundrel Drogo has allied himself with the Dark Lord, inciting the Phoenix Vanguard disciples to come and kill Mr. Ramsey. The Neville family will not stand by idly!" "Mr. Ramsey, the Neville family is willing to battle for you!"
A girl of about 16 or 17 beside Tristan looked at Robin in confusion. She furrowed her brows, asking, "Grandpa, who is this person? What about the Divine Drakebane?" Anthony immediately broke out in a cold sweat and hurriedly stopped her. "Ms. Neville, please don't say such things."
Tristan spoke sternly, "Jane, don't talk nonsense. Hurry up and pay your respects to Mr. Ramsey. He is the renowned Divine Drakebane."
This girl was Tristan's eldest granddaughter and Jason's sister, Jane Neville.
Jane stared, mouth agape, utterly stunned.
She simply couldn't believe that the man standing before her, who looked about the same age as her brother Jason, could be the renowned Divine Drakebane!
"Mr. Ramsey, please forgive my granddaughter's ignorance; she meant no disrespect," Tristan said apologetically.
Robin glanced at the girl, a faint smile crossing his lips. "It's fine. Kids will be kids."
"Who are you calling a kid?" Jane protested, clearly unconvinced. "Grandfather, you must be mistaken. How could Divine Drakebane be so young? I don't believe it!" "Jane, don't be rude. Bow to Mr. Ramsey," Tristan said, exasperated.
Jane looked Robin up and down, challenging him. "You and I are almost the same age. How could you be so powerful? Are you just riding on your mentor's or family's reputation?" "Without support from our Neville family, would the Phoenix Vanguard really be anything?"
"Jane, enough nonsense!" Tristan said, flustered, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. "Keep acting up, and I'll make you leave!"
Seeing that her grandfather was truly angry, Jane quickly said, "Alright, Grandpa. I'll bow to him."
She stepped forward and sized Robin up, giving a half-hearted salute. "Greetings, Mr. Ramsey. Since you're so impressive, are you bold enough to face me in a match?" Robin didn't respond.
Tristan stepped forward, positioning himself protectively in front of her. "I apologize, Mr. Ramsey; I've spoiled my granddaughter too much...'
Robin replied indifferently, "It's nothing. It's a good thing to be genuine."
He glanced at the shadowed area ahead, then looked back at Tristan. "They've arrived. Are you sure you're prepared to handle both the Phoenix Vanguard and the Brookhaven Martial Alliance?" Tristan's body trembled slightly, but a determined spark lit in his eyes. "For Mr. Ramsey, the Neville family will go all out."
Robin gave a nod. "Good, then!"
Jane cast a sidelong glance at Robin, taking in his young, handsome features, and scoffed with disdain.
"My grandfather and Mr. Anthony are among the strongest martial arts masters in the world. We are not afraid of the Phoenix Vanguard? You'll soon see the strength of our Neville family!" She noticed Robin's cold expression and continued, "If we win against them, don't keep that arrogant look on your face, alright?"
"This is a world where strength is paramount. By the time we beat them, you will be the one bowing to me!"
"Jane, you're being too insolent!" Tristan felt helpless with his granddaughter's brazen behaviors. He turned to Robin to apologize again, "Mr. Ramsey, my granddaughter has been spoiled, please..." A trace of amusement flickered in Robin's eyes as he replied, "It's fine. She's just a spoiled little brat."NôvelDrama.Org exclusive content.
"Who are you calling a brat?" Jane puffed up her cheeks, glaring at Robin. "Hmph! You'll know what real strength is as soon as I make my move!"
Feeling dissatisfied that Robin had
ignored her, she clenched her fists
and turned toward the group approaching from the valley, saying, "Grandpa, I'll take the lead! Whoever dares to provoke first, I'll ensure they don't survive tonight!"
Tristan said coldly, "Don't be ridiculous. Just stand by and watch!"
DAT
Jane pouted and took her place behind her grandfather, casting sidelong glances at the impassive Robin.
Just then, Ronald was wheeled out from the shadows in a wheelchair, with the Four Heavenly Kings following close behind, flanked by Kyler, Knox, and other leaders of the Brookhaven Martial Alliance.
Mr. Ramsey, Ronald laughed loudly, "I kept my word. The 20 billion is here as promised. The Quinn family has never owed anyone a dime!"
"There's just one thing I forgot to mention."
"The Quinn family's money isn't something just anyone can claim. Whether you walk away tonight with this 20 billion depends on whether you can leave Spiral Heights alive."
Tristan stepped forward, retorting, "Ronald, watch your words! Do you even know who Mr. Ramsey is?"
Ronald burst into laughter. "Know him? Of course, I know him!"
"He's the Divine Drakebane, the one who single-handedly took down the Phoenix Vanguard and shook the underworld-how could I not know him?"
"But that's just legend. Who's ever witness it firsthand?"
"Tonight, the Brookhaven Martial Alliance is honored to join forces with the Phoenix Vanguard. We want to see with our own eyes whether the legendary Divine Drakebane lives up to his name or if it's just a myth," Ronald said smugly. Tristan sneered, "Ronald, soon enough, you'll regret those words for the rest of your life!"
Ronald laughed. "Tristan, are you sure you want to stand by Robin, even if it means going against the Brookhaven Martial Alliance and the Phoenix Vanguard?"
"Think carefully, Tristan. If you choose the wrong side, the ancient martial world will have no place for the Neville family after tonight!"
Tristan scoffed. "That's an advice you should save for yourself, Ronald. I'm certain that, starting tomorrow, the martial arts world will have no place for either the Brookhaven Martial Alliance or the Quinn family!"
Ronald shook his head. "That's all the men you have to fight against both the Brookhaven Martial Alliance and the Phoenix Vanguard? That's far too much for you to handle."
"Tristan, there's no point hiding it anymore! After all, none of you will survive the night!"
"The Phoenix Vanguard's sudden strike against Robin is backed by none other than the Dark Lord himself! The Dark Night Alliance, the world's foremost sect, has reawakened!" At that moment, seven men with strange, twisted expressions emerged from the left side of Spiral Heights' valley.
Their eyes were blood-red, and they were bare-chested, each brandishing a large, gleaming broadsword.
They were the infamous Seven Evils of the Phoenix Vanguard.
When Robin had massacred the Phoenix Vanguard years ago, they had been fortunate enough not to be at headquarters and thus had been spared from facing him.
As they took their positions, Ronald
chuckled, "Tristan, do you still think you can stand against us? Some
advice: those who succeed in life et
know how to seize the moment Choose wisely, and you'll rise high. Make the wrong choice, and there'll be no turning back!"
Before her grandfather could respond, Jane stepped forward and snapped, "You old fool, you really have no shame saying something like that."
"As the founder of the Brookhaven Martial Alliance, the greatest martial arts sect in Draconia's underworld, how dare you say such shameless things!"
"By siding with the Dark Night Alliance, you've brought shame upon yourself, and the entire martial world will scorn you!"
"My grandfather would never engage in such disgraceful behavior!"
Ronald was stunned, pausing to look at the 16 or 17-year-old girl standing before him.
He chuckled in anger. "Tristan, is this your granddaughter? Not bad; she has some guts! Lttle one, I must tel you, the world is not as you imagine. Staying alive is what matters most! Those who refuse to compromise won't last long!"
Jane pointed at Ronald and continued to scold him, "Old man, only a coward like you would do something disgraceful for the sake of profit. My grandfather and our Neville family would never act like a spineless cowards!" "Since our Neville family has chosen to stand by Mr. Ramsey, we will share life and death with him today!"
Hearing this, Robin looked up at Jane, who stood fearlessly before Ronald, a glint of light sparking in his eyes.
Tristan chuckled and said, "Ronald, I can't believe that after all this time, your insight is even less than that of my granddaughter."
"Do you know how I feel about what my granddaughter just said?"
Tonight, no matter what happens to Neville family, we will live up to the title of the martial arts world's top family. I've lived with purpose! Hahaha!"
"Come on, you old bastard, enough with the nonsense! Let's fight!"