Chapter 957
These family heads thought a nobody from some backwater third–tier city like Frihamen wasn’t worth their time or effort.
So when the name Raven Valor popped up on the selection event’s participant list, it was like fate had dropped a gift in their laps.
“No way,” muttered one of the Robinett family lackeys, squinting at the list. “This has gotta be her. If she hadn’t waltzed into Forlunda City, I’d have totally spaced on Miss Larsson’s orders.”
Troy let out a cold, mocking laugh. “A lowlife from Frihamen daring to compete with our Forlunda City elites? Talk about delusional.”
Another family head leaned in, voice dripping with suspicion. “You sure this is the Raven Valor?”
“Positive,” the lackey shot back, tapping the paper. “Check it out. No family, no gang, no nothing. Just her name. Girl’s got zero backup.”
“Pfft,” sneered another. “No support, and she thinks she can go toe–to–toe with our best? She doesn’t know how high the sky is or how deep the dirt runs.”
The family heads exchanged knowing glances, a silent agreement passing between them.
“Miss Larsson’s got big plans,” one of them said, voice low and conspiratorial. “If she becomes Scion’s go–to, we’ll be the ones who paved the way. That’s our ticket to the big leagues.”
“Exactly,” another chimed in. “Get in good with Scion’s inner circle, and we’re set.”
“This Raven chick’s practically begging to be dealt with.”
“Troy, you’re a judge for the selection this time, right? You could totally use that to make sure that little witch Raven doesn’t make it out alive,” one said.
Troy smirked, leaning back in his chair. “Oh, you know I can.”
His gaze drifted to the holographic display hovering above his desk, the name Raven glowing in stark white letters. ‘A nobody from some backwater city. No family, no connections. Perfect.‘
All he had to do was drop a quiet word to the right people–other contestants in the selection who owed him favors. They’d take care of her.
A quick “accident” in the brutal trials, and poof–Raven would be nothing but a memory.
‘And who cares? No one bats an eye when a lowlife commoner bites the dust in the selection. It’s just how things go,‘ he thought.
Get rid of Raven, and the Larsson family–specifically Janelle would owe him big time.
If he played his cards right, he’d secure a spot in her inner circle. And when she rose to power as the Scion’s right hand? He’d be riding her coattails all the way to the top.
The courtyard of Cloudshadow Sect buzzed with tension as the sect’s leaders lined up to bid Raven farewell. Their faces were etched with worry, eyes shadowed with doubt, as if they were already bracing for the worst.
“Raven, listen,” one of the elders said, voice soft but urgent. “This selection event? It’s not worth your life. You’ve heard the saying–where there’s breath, there’s hope.
“Stay alive, and there’ll be other shots at glory. Don’t push yourself too hard, okay?”
Another chimed in, nodding. “Yeah, exactly Even if you ace Forlunda City’s trials, keep your head on straight when you get to Deariton
“Doesn’t matter if you don’t end up as Scion’s shadow guard or some fancy civil servant. You’ll still be our pride and joy.
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09:46 Tue, 24 Jun
Chapter 957
80%
Raven’s lips quirked into a wry half–smile. ‘Gee, thanks for the vote of confidence,‘ she thought. She hadn’t even stepped foot in the selection arena, and they were already acting like she’d crash and burn.
Still, she bit her tongue. Their concern came from a good place, even if it stung.
“Thanks for the pep talk,” she said, her tone light but laced with a hint of sarcasm. “But while I’m gone, I need you all to look out for Cassian. Keep him safe, alright?”
Her heart twisted at the thought of Cassian. His frail condition gnawed at her constantly, a weight she couldn’t shake.
Lately, though, Cassian’s volatile alter ego–had been quieter. No more jealous outbursts or probing questions about her past.
Instead, he’d been holed up in the training room, pushing his body to the limit every chance he got. It was progress, maybe, but it didn’t ease her
worries.
Since they’d arrived in Forlunda City, Cassian’s health had stabilized some, but his Primary Personality hadn’t surfaced once.
Raven’s fingers brushed the small vial in her pocket–the elixir tablet Keegan Brown had slipped her before he left. She’d given it to Cassian, hoping it’d work some kind of miracle.
It had boosted his cultivation level, sure, but his Soul Detachment Illness? Still a stubborn, untouchable beast.
AD
Chapter 957
80%
Raven’s lips quirked into a wry half–smile. ‘Gee, thanks for the vote of confidence,’ she thought. She hadn’t even stepped foot in the selection arena, and they were already acting like she’d crash and burn.
Still, she bit her tongue. Their concern came from a good place, even if it stung.
“Thanks for the pep talk,” she said, her tone light but laced with a hint of sarcasm. “But while I’m gone, I need you all to look out for Cassian. Keep him safe, alright?”
Her heart twisted at the thought of Cassian. His frail condition gnawed at her constantly, a weight she couldn’t shake.
Lately, though, Cassian’s volatile alter ego–had been quieter. No more jealous outbursts or probing questions about her past.
Instead, he’d been holed up in the training room, pushing his body to the limit every chance he got. It was progress, maybe, but it didn’t ease her worries.
Since they’d arrived in Forlunda City, Cassian’s health had stabilized some, but his Primary Personality hadn’t surfaced once.
Raven’s fingers brushed the small vial in her pocket–the elixir tablet Keegan Brown had slipped her before he left. She’d given it to Cassian, hoping it’d work some kind of miracle.
It had boosted his cultivation level, sure, but his Soul Detachment Illness? Still a stubborn, untouchable beast.
