“Has he gone mad? After such a blow, maybe he really has lost his mind.” At this thought, Grace Thompson couldn’t help but feel a little despondent—a group of once carefree and happy youths had been ruined just like that.

It was as if he knew what she was thinking. Ryan Cooper said, “I’m not crazy. They can all come back to life. Maybe you’ll get to see the whole process, or maybe you won’t have the chance. Your life depends on your own honesty.”

A chill ran down Grace Thompson’s spine. As soon as she closed her eyes, the bloody massacre from earlier flashed through her mind. She absolutely believed Ryan Cooper’s words.

“All right, ask your questions.”

“Why are you here?”

“To look for the descendant of David Cooper.”

“For what purpose?”

“To find the essence stone left behind by David Cooper.”

“Why?”

“To prevent those with ulterior motives in the martial world from obtaining it.”

“Who exactly are these ‘people with ulterior motives’?”

“Fugitives wanted by various nations on the continent, vicious criminals in the martial world, and some powerful, ambitious clans and sects. All of them desire the essence stone to gain its power.”

“So by that logic, you’re one of those people with ulterior motives too.”

Grace Thompson blushed at this. Yes, even though her sect’s intention was to prevent the essence stone from causing chaos and harming the continent and the martial world, wasn’t this still just taking something that belonged to someone else?

“What makes you so sure you’ll be the one to get it?”

“If necessary, I can use extraordinary means.”

“Oh? ‘Extraordinary means’—is that a honey trap? Hahaha…”

“It’s not! You’re talking nonsense. Master never said anything like that.”

Seeing this calm and clever beauty suddenly flustered, her cheeks blooming with two rosy clouds, showing a girlish shyness, Ryan Cooper was momentarily stunned. Such a breathtaking beauty, looking shy, was especially captivating.

Like a phantom, Ryan Cooper suddenly darted forward and pulled Grace Thompson into his arms, grinning mischievously. “The essence stone is right here in my hand. I’ll give you a chance—show me your ‘extraordinary means’ and see if you can take it from me.”

Grace Thompson was both embarrassed and angry. Despite being a top-tier expert, she was being held in a man’s arms like an ordinary, delicate woman.

No matter how Grace Thompson struggled, it was useless. Ryan Cooper’s arms were like iron bars, firmly locking her arms and slender waist.

“Haha… Your ‘extraordinary means’ are far from ‘gentle’ enough. Let me teach you.” With that, he lowered his head and kissed Grace Thompson’s jade-like cheek.

Grace Thompson was completely stunned—held in Ryan Cooper’s arms, and now even kissed. After a moment, she finally let out a sharp scream, “You—you scoundrel, pervert, let me go, wuwu…”

“There, there, don’t cry, sweetheart. Big brother will give you some candy.”

“Hehe, you—you jerk, wuwu…” Even knowing he was teasing her, Grace Thompson couldn’t help but laugh.

“Crying and laughing—just like a little puppy peeing.”

Grace Thompson was both embarrassed and angry. This jerk was coaxing her like a child and even making fun of her. It was infuriating. She opened her mouth and bit down on Ryan Cooper’s bare shoulder. If the martial world knew that the heir of Misty Peak actually bit her enemy during a fight, jaws would drop in shock—and they’d envy the one being bitten.

“Ow! Sweetheart, you’re in such a hurry to leave your mark on my arm? Stop biting, ow—if you keep biting, I really will take you to the bridal chamber.”

Grace Thompson was so startled she immediately let go: “Ryan Cooper, let me go right now! I was just about to help you deal with John Smith and Matthew Clark, and this is how you repay your benefactor?” The beauty, with tears on her cheeks, looked especially pitiful.

“Since my beautiful benefactor was so honest just now, I’ll let you go. What a pity—if I didn’t still have to save my brothers, I really would take you to the bridal chamber.”

“Shameless, despicable.”

“If you keep cursing me, beauty, I might just change my mind.”

Grace Thompson was so frightened she quickly shut her mouth.

“Sweetheart, you have to promise me one thing before I let you go.”

“What condition?” Hearing Ryan Cooper call her “sweetheart,” “beauty,” and “gorgeous” so casually, Grace Thompson was grinding her teeth in anger. On the continent, disciples of Misty Peak held extremely high status and were respected everywhere they went. When had anyone ever dared to tease or flirt with her like this? Now, just for her freedom, she was bargaining with someone. This usually clever and composed beauty had become a shy little girl.

“The condition is simple, nothing difficult. Just promise that no matter what happens in the future, you’ll never try to kill me.”

Grace Thompson thought to herself, “Never try to kill you in the future? Hmph, I want to kill you right now.” But she said aloud, “Fine, I promise.”

“Heh, but how can I trust you? What if you go back on your word?”

“I always keep my word. Whether you believe me or not is your business.”

“Heh, of course I believe you. But to show your sincerity, I think you should give me the jade pendant hanging around your neck as proof.”

“Ah… you pervert, where are you looking?” Grace Thompson’s voice trembled.