Love at the Wrong Table
Chapter 2282 A Showdown Unfolds
Elsewhere, the masked fighter in white relentlessly pursued the red–clad assassin.
Finished
The mission failed. Father’s disappointment is unavoidable, and it’s all because of this d*mn fool who got in my way.
it out on him.
He ruined everything. Someone has to pay for this. Frustrated and seething, he was eager to takot in my way.
“You’re finished!” he growled, launching a Parallel Palmaimed straight at the red–masked figure’s back.
Sensing the danger, the red–clad assassin reacted instar ly, using Phantom Step to dart out of harm’s way.
Their eyes met. Recognition flashed across both faces.
“Oh, it’s you.” The red–masked fighter tore off his disguise, glaring.
The white–clad pursuer did the same, scoffing. “You again. Teddy Tanner’s loyal lapdog! Always in my way. What the hell are you even doing here?”
Now that he was on his own and not overthinking things, Aora crossed his arms. “Getting in your way? I came to kill Ethan. You’re the one messing everything up.”
Gwain’s jaw tightened.
They had been working toward the same goal–yet instead of succeeding, they had sabotaged each other. If they had joined forces, Ethan would already be dead.
Of course, he wasn’t about to admit that. Instead, he snorted, lifting his chin in defiance. “I do whatever I want. No one gets to question me.”
“I’ve had enough of your arrogance!” Aora snapped. Fueled purely by frustration, he lunged.
This time, their fight wasn’t strategic–it was personal. Blows were thrown with full intent to harm, neither holding back. Their battle raged on, causing destruction all around them.
Yet, no clear winner emerged. Their skills were evenly matched, and neither could gain the upper hand.
Then-
A sharp voice cut through the clash. “What the hell are you two doing? Wasting time here while the real fight is happening on Divine Mountain?”
Both fighters halted, panting.
Gautier stood nearby, arms crossed.
“The battle between Yorick and the Zen Master is about to begin,” he stated pointedly.
Gwain exhaled sharply. There was no reason to waste energy fighting Aora–winning wouldn’t gain him anything.
Aora hesitated, then finally stepped back.
Without another word, the three of them turned toward the mountain.
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2282 A Showdown Unfolds
Yet, Yorick had no intention of letting Ethan proceed.
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Finished
Offering a respectful bow, the Zen Master greeted, “Mr Dotson, the past should not cloud the present. If you seek justice, direct it to the right person. Now, please let Mr. Hale complete the prayer ceremony first.”
Yorick’s voice was sharp. “I’m not here for him. You framed me for an assassination attempt on President Barton. You forced me away from Jane. Then, you and your allies conspired to push me off a cliff and leave me for dead. Do you really think I’ll stand here and let you act like none of it happened?”
The Zen Master sighed, ready to respond.
Before he could, Wendy, the head of the National Ritual Department, stepped forward and declared, “The ceremony is being broadcast nationwide. It cannot be delayed any longer. Clear the way at once!”
Imperial guards and officials immediately moved to enforce the order.
They didn’t get far.
Boom!
Yorick /stomped hard, sending powerful shockwaves rippling outward. The ground trembled violently as cracks spread across the stone in every direction.
A deafening shockwave tore through the courtyard, knocking people off their feet.
Screams erupted as bodies were hurled backward.
Still, it didn’t stop there.
Yorick unleashed another burst of Sage–level energy, sending a powerful force through the air. People were flung like rag dolls, crashing into the chapel walls.
Cries of panic filled the space.
Even battle–hardened fighters–those who had arrived ready to challenge him–hesitated. Some instinctively took a step back.
Then-
A tiger leaped from the temple rooftop, landing with a heavy thud.
Its low, guttural growl sent chills down spines.
“Roooaaaar!”
Panic escalated.
Martial artists who had been standing their ground moments ago now staggered back.
Some abandoned their weapons entirely and fled.
The so–called grand hunt was unraveling.
If anyone dared make the wrong move, this would become a massacre.
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Chapter 2282 A Showdown Unfolds
“Protect Mr. Hale!”
“Shield, Mr. Hale!”
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Finished
Wendy’s voice rang urgently as Imperial guards and Chapel of Oros friars rushed forward, forming a tight circle around Ethan to block the tiger from attacking.
Despite the chaos, Ethan remained still, completely unshaken.
It wasn’t about power–it was about presence. Fear simply didn’t exist within him.
The friars of the Chapel of Oros prepared themselves to engage. They would give everything necessary to stop Yorick and ensure the ceremony proceeded.
“Stand down.” Zen Master’s voice cut through the tension.
Then, Ethan gave him a small nod.
Understanding, the Zen Master turned to face Yorick and asked, “Mr. Dotson, what do you want?”
Yorick’s eyes burned with intensity. His voice was firm and unwavering. “The whole nation is watching, aren’t they? Then, let’s settle this now. If you win, I’ll step aside and let the ceremony continue. If I win, the prayer is canceled. How can you bless a nation that’s drowning in corruption?”
Gasps rippled through the crowd.
The Shoiyans erupted in agreement.
“Yes! Chanaea’s power is fading, just like its so–called martial arts!”
“This nation is full of cowards! They couldn’t even protect their own Martial Saint!”
“These weaklings don’t deserve a country as vast as Chanaea. It should belong to Shoiya instead!”
The words ignited an instant reaction.
Not everyone in the crowd was a loyal supporter of Ethan, but they were Chanaean first and foremost.
Hearing their homeland insulted so openly?
It was unforgivable.
Sensing the growing tension, Zen Master remained calm. “Mr. Yorick, this doesn’t have to happen now. Let the ceremony proceed, and we can resolve this afterward.”
Yorick smirked. “Doesn’t have to happen?”
His voice dripped with sarcasm. “Was it unnecessary when you framed me for an assassination I never committed? Was it unnecessary when you tore Jane away from me? Was it unnecessary when you ambushed me and tried to kill me?”
Each accusation cut through the air like a blade.
“If you tried to take my life, then why shouldn’t I return the favor now? However, I won’t do it in secret. I won’t do it in whisners. I’ll make you answer for it before the entire nation”
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Chapter 2282 A Showdown Unfolds
A heavy silence followed.
These weren’t just accusations.
They were challenges to everything people believed in
Finished
The Zen Master, widely respected as the leader of the Eight Supremes, was admired by millions. To many, he embodied wisdom and strength.
Yet now, Yorick was calling him a fraud?
The weight of this moment was immeasurable.
Laughter erupted from the Shoiyans‘ side.
Kellan smirked, shaking his head.
“Well, well… look at the so–called number one in Chanaea.” His voice was thick with mockery.
“If you’re so righteous, then prove it.”
He grinned.
“Or maybe… if you kneel and beg—maybe if you bow a hundred times–our Martial Saint will consider letting you have your little ceremony and receive the blessings you’re unworthy of.”
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