Chapter 179: The Debt of the Past
The Battle God Arena had not yet recovered from Tony Clark’s overwhelming victory over the bald monk.
Every corner of the academy buzzed with discussion.
Some talked about the strange movement technique that left behind countless afterimages.
Others argued about the dragon-shaped fist that had shattered opponents like toys.
Many were already predicting Tony would win the Golden Flag competition and secure all thirty World Tree slots.
Among the happiest people present was Patriarch Rion Clark.
The usually stern patriarch looked ten years younger.
His laughter echoed repeatedly throughout the Clark Family viewing platform.
"Good! Good! Excellent! That’s my son!"
Several elders nodded enthusiastically.
Nobody had expected this outcome.
Not a single person.
When Tony first entered Nine Lotus Academy, most family elders viewed him as a troublesome heir who relied too heavily on luck and strange opportunities.
Yet somehow...
That same troublemaker had reached the final battle of the Golden Flag competition.
Thirty slots.
Thirty precious opportunities.
Enough to alter the future of an entire family.
Rion could barely contain his excitement.
The moment Tony returned from the battlefield, his father immediately grabbed his shoulder.
"Tony, you must win this match. Thirty slots! Do you understand what that means? If our Clark Family controls those positions, our influence will rise dramatically. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity."
Several elders nodded eagerly.
One even stepped forward.
"Young Master Tony, if you secure those thirty slots, your contribution will exceed any previous generation."
Tony remained silent.
The excitement around him slowly faded as people noticed his expression.
Unlike everyone else...
He wasn’t smiling.
Rion frowned.
"What happened?"
Tony looked toward the distant preparation area where Emma Rock stood quietly with Natasha.
His voice became unusually calm.
"Father... do you remember Emma?"
The smile disappeared from Rion’s face.
Several elders exchanged awkward glances.
Nobody answered immediately.
Because they all remembered.
Years ago...
Emma had briefly entered the Clark Family.
At that time, she possessed a special constitution that attracted attention.
After obtaining what they wanted, the family had cast her aside without hesitation.
The matter had been buried long ago.
Or so they thought.
Tony continued staring toward Emma.
"She was my wife once."
Silence spread throughout the platform.
Rion sighed.
"That was years ago."
Tony shook his head.
"Years ago for us. Not for her."
The patriarch suddenly looked older.
For the first time since arriving at the tournament, genuine guilt appeared in his eyes.
Tony continued.
"Today everyone talks about thirty slots. Everyone talks about family glory. But nobody talks about what happened to her."
The surrounding elders lowered their heads.
Nobody possessed a good answer.
Finally, Rion spoke.
"When the World Tree Blessing is over, I will personally deal with this matter. Whatever compensation is necessary, the Clark Family will provide it."
Tony looked at him carefully.
"Promise?"
"I promise."
Only then did Tony nod.
Unfortunately, their conversation didn’t remain private for long.
News spread rapidly.
The entire martial world already knew Emma Rock and Tony Clark would fight next.
Now rumors regarding their past relationship resurfaced.
The story spread like wildfire.
Within hours, countless powerful families began approaching the Clark Family.
Not because of Emma.
Because of the thirty slots.
"If Young Master Tony wins, our family wishes to purchase three positions."
"Our sect is willing to offer Heaven Rank resources."
"We can exchange ancient manuals."
The Clark Family platform became crowded.
Everyone wanted a piece of the Golden Flag reward.
***
Meanwhile...
Nobody asked Emma what she wanted.
Far away, inside a quiet preparation area, Natasha stood beside Emma Rock.
The Healing Tower master remained silent for a long time.
The younger woman calmly adjusted her gloves.
She appeared composed.
Too composed.
Natasha finally reached out and patted her shoulder.
"Are you ready?"
Emma smiled faintly.
"Since the day you found me."
For a brief moment, memories resurfaced.
A younger Emma.
Abandoned.
Broken.
Cast away after serving her purpose.
Most people would have disappeared after such treatment.
Instead...
Natasha found her.
Protected her.
Trained her.
Raised her within the Healing Tower.
Every achievement Emma possessed today originated from that second chance.
Natasha’s eyes softened.
"You don’t owe anyone revenge."
Emma remained silent.
Then she looked toward the arena.
"No."
Her voice became quiet.
"But I deserve answers."
Natasha didn’t argue.
Because she understood.
Some wounds healed.
Others remained.
Unfortunately for Emma...
The Clark Family had their own ideas.
Several elders quietly approached her preparation area shortly before the match.
Natasha immediately frowned.
Emma merely watched calmly.
The leader of the group stepped forward with a forced smile.
"Miss Emma."
The title itself felt strange.
Years ago they barely acknowledged her existence.
Now they spoke politely.
Emma waited.
The elder cleared his throat.
"You were once part of the Clark Family."
Emma’s expression didn’t change.
The elder continued.
"Misunderstandings happened in the past. The family recognizes that mistakes were made."
Natasha’s eyes became colder.
The elder ignored her.
"Therefore, if you withdraw from today’s match, the Clark Family is willing to welcome you back."
The area became silent.
Another elder quickly added.
"You would regain your status."
"A respected position."
"As Tony’s wife."
"We can discuss additional compensation."
The moment those words left their mouths, Natasha nearly laughed.
Not because it was funny.
Because it was absurd.
They still didn’t understand.
They thought Emma wanted status.
Thought she wanted wealth.
Thought she wanted family recognition.
They understood nothing.
Emma slowly stood.
The Clark elders immediately smiled.
They believed negotiations were progressing well.
Then Emma spoke.
"Years ago, when I needed a family, you threw me away."
The smiles vanished.
"When I needed protection, you abandoned me."
Nobody answered.
"When I needed justice, you gave me silence."
Her gaze sharpened.
"And now that I’m useful again, you want to invite me back?"
The elders became embarrassed.
Emma took a step forward.
"No."
Her answer was simple.
Firm.
Absolute.
"No amount of resources will buy my decision."
The elders tried speaking again.
Emma interrupted them.
"You should leave now."
The tone in her voice left no room for discussion.
Eventually, the elders retreated.
Natasha watched them go before shaking her head.
"Idiots."
Emma laughed softly.
For the first time all day, she seemed genuinely relaxed.
Then she looked toward the arena entrance.
The smile disappeared.
Because beyond that entrance stood Tony Clark.
The final obstacle.
The final question.
The final piece of a past she could never completely forget.
A former husband.
A former family.
Soon, the arena bells began ringing.
The spectators erupted with excitement. The final Golden Flag battle was about to begin.
Emma slowly walked toward the battlefield. At the opposite end of the arena, Tony was already waiting.
And neither of them knew whether this match would end with victory... Or with the reopening of wounds that had never truly healed.
