Chapter 701: Chapter 701 A Costly Demonstration
"You actually recognize the Prajna Ruler?" I shook the ruler in my hand, speaking with surprise.
Bryce Johansson’s brow furrowed involuntarily.
Martial Saint Weapons held supreme value—even among powerful noble houses, they were treasures beyond measure.
Typically, Martial Saint Weapons never left family compounds and would only emerge during critical moments!
Yet nobody anticipated that I would carry a Martial Saint Weapon!
"Come on, show me that broken crossbow of yours," I said with a smirk.
Bert Mercer’s expression turned ghastly, and he showed no desire to engage.
"Wasn’t your crossbow supposed to be some Earth Rank Weapon? Why the hesitation now?" I taunted.
Bert Mercer replied icily, "The Prajna Ruler belongs to the Capital City Martial Arts Association, you..."
"It’s mine now." I gripped the Prajna Ruler and swept it forward casually!
The devastating Martial Saint Aura burst forth instantly!
Bert Mercer’s face went pale! He frantically activated his crossbow, releasing brilliant energy to defend!
But against a Martial Saint Weapon, his crossbow proved useless!
The radiance vanished immediately as the Martial Saint Aura surged with greater intensity!
"Pfft!"
The impact sent Bert Mercer spitting fresh blood!
A massive gash opened across his torso, blood streaming freely!
I sneered, "Looks like your broken crossbow’s having technical difficulties."
Bert Mercer fought to rise from the ground.
He drew a sharp breath and said coldly, "Mason Raymond, you got lucky today. If you’ve got spine, keep that Prajna Ruler with you always!"
With those words, Bert Mercer spun and fled!
His speed was incredible—he vanished instantly.
I played with the Prajna Ruler and turned toward Bryce Johansson.
"What about you, Mr. Johansson?" I raised an eyebrow questioningly.
As a heavyweight equal to Logan Sean, Bryce Johansson naturally showed no fear.
Bryce Johansson shrugged, "You’ve got a Martial Saint Weapon, so I won’t mess with it. But one Martial Saint Weapon doesn’t guarantee everything."
I sneered, "This Martial Saint Weapon at least means you guys won’t dare attack me carelessly."
Bryce Johansson laughed, "Mason Raymond, only your personal strength truly matters."
After saying this, Bryce Johansson started to leave.
A few steps later, Bryce Johansson paused.
"Oh, I forgot to mention—Martial Saint Weapons have usage limits. Every activation weakens the Martial Saint Aura until it vanishes completely," Bryce Johansson said coolly.
"That Prajna Ruler you’re holding... I believe it works three times maximum? Oh wait, you just used it once, so only two uses remain."
With that, Bryce Johansson exited the Taoism Theory Library.
My expression shifted, teeth clenching in frustration.
"Damn it, why didn’t you mention that sooner!" My face showed pure anguish!
Had I known earlier, I wouldn’t have wasted it just now!
"No wonder they don’t casually use Martial Saint Weapons—they really do have limited applications," I muttered.
Considering this, the Capital City Martial Arts Association truly invested heavily trying to eliminate me.
I didn’t stay longer and immediately departed the Taoism Theory Library.
——
The incident rapidly created massive upheaval!
The Capital City Martial Arts Association’s true nature was revealed!
Soon, videos circulated widely, even reaching ordinary citizens.
Sybil Cooper’s words became a martial arts world phenomenon!
"The Capital City Martial Arts Association actually monopolizes all resources!"
"They act like they’re helping regular martial artists, but really they’re just trying to trick us into surrendering our identities and resources!"
"It’s unfair—how many resources does the Capital City Martial Arts Association hoard that should belong to us!"
Seeing the online coverage, even Capital City Martial Arts Association executives couldn’t remain calm.
"Trouble’s brewing," a chilling voice emerged from the shadows.
"We need to handle this properly, or there’ll be serious consequences!"
"Sybil Cooper’s dead—someone must take his place."
"Since Sybil Cooper revealed our existence as the eight leaders, we should lay low temporarily."
Eight silhouettes slowly melted into darkness.
Meanwhile, Phoebe Billy received his appointment and became the new president!
Phoebe Billy not only gained the presidency but wielded greater authority than Sybil Cooper ever had!
The reason was straightforward: the eight executives wanted to maintain low profiles for now.
As the situation continued escalating, responsibility naturally landed on Phoebe Billy’ shoulders.
"The higher-ups will definitely demand answers," Phoebe Billy couldn’t help looking worried.
Without specific guidance from above regarding this matter, Phoebe Billy felt uncertain about handling it.
Just then, Phoebe Billy’ office phone rang.
Once connected, an authoritative voice spoke.
"Your Capital City Martial Arts Association has real nerve! Who authorized you to forcibly lock down resources?!"
Phoebe Billy didn’t dare say much, instead smiling apologetically while repeatedly expressing regret.
"The documents you gave us are all fraudulent!" Jagger Shah exploded on the other end!
The Capital City Martial Arts Association submitted annual work reports, including summaries of available resources.
However, the resources the Capital City Martial Arts Association reported over recent years were completely false.
What they reported was under one percent of reality.
"That was all Sybil Cooper’s doing. I... I just started this position," Phoebe Billy said with a pained smile.
Jagger Shah responded coldly, "Don’t act innocent with me! Phoebe Billy, I don’t buy that you knew nothing!"
Phoebe Billy opened his mouth but found himself speechless.
Jagger Shah stayed quiet briefly before continuing, "And those so-called executives—where are they? I want to meet them."
This created a dilemma for Phoebe Billy.
Because he genuinely didn’t know those executives’ whereabouts either.
"I honestly don’t know whether Sybil Cooper spoke truth or lies. I’m not informed about it," Phoebe Billy said with a bitter smile.
Jagger Shah on the other side didn’t seem inclined to pressure Phoebe Billy further.
He remained silent momentarily and said, "You better develop a workable solution, or don’t blame me for getting harsh!"
Phoebe Billy quickly agreed, "Please be assured—I’ll give my absolute best!"
After ending the call, Phoebe Billy couldn’t help sinking back into the sofa and breathing deeply.
——
After returning to Green Moon Villa, I planned to take Watson Thompson on a journey to the Immortal Slaying Sect.
The coffin was discovered at the Immortal Slaying Sect, so Watson might uncover something there.
But entering the Immortal Slaying Sect requires an array platform, and I currently lack information about array platforms.
Even searching through my inherited memories would probably take considerable time to locate one.
That evening, I walked around Green Moon Villa as usual to unwind.
At that moment, Stella Lucas’s voice came from behind me.
"Mr. Raymond, we’ve discovered information about the matter you asked us to investigate," Stella said indifferently.
