Outside the Cortez Gate.

Inside the car.

Alexander Vance stared at his phone screen, a slight smile on his lips.

Thomas Watson sat in the back seat, speaking cautiously. "Sir, aren't you worried about Miss Evelyn?"

Alexander tossed his phone aside. "She seems to have some misunderstanding about her own abilities."

Thomas was stunned. "But Miss Evelyn doesn't seem skilled in fighting... She was once pinned down by bodyguards in San Francisco."

Alexander gave him a cool glance. "That was because of Grandma."

Thomas suddenly understood. "Right, it was because of Mrs. Eleanor! She's already in New York, waiting for you to bring Miss Evelyn home."

Alexander looked toward the Cortez Gate, his gaze darkening. "Tell Grandma we won't be back for now."

Until Nange's identity was clarified, he couldn't formally introduce Evelyn to his grandmother.

…

Inside the Cortez Gate.

Evelyn sent the message but received no reply from Alexander. She frowned slightly.

Was there a problem with the phone signal?

Jason Evans approached, his eyes cold. "Calling anyone now is useless! Even if Ethan Valentine were here, he'd have to follow the draw! Nange, kneel and beg for mercy. I'll tell Liam to go easy on you."

Evelyn pressed her lips together.

Kneeling and begging for mercy was absolutely out of the question.

Her only choice was to defeat Liam with all her strength!

She took a deep breath. "Let's go."

She walked to the base of the擂台.

The martial arts tournament had a擂台. Participants fought in the order of the draw.

Evelyn had drawn number fifteen.

The people before her fought until their faces were bruised and swollen. The losers were covered in injuries, carried off the stage.

Evelyn watched with a racing heart.

Her iron-deficiency anemia was a hidden danger. What if she got injured and bled...

Why wasn't Alexander replying?

James was still in San Francisco handling the company's IPO. Distant water couldn't put out a nearby fire.

What should she do if she lost too much blood?

She looked at John Evans. "If I pass out, remember to send me to the hospital for a blood transfusion. And iron supplements."

John was stunned. "Nange, are you really going to fight?"

"I'll try."

Evelyn's tone was uncertain. "Winning gives me hope of entering the inner sect."

John nodded. "There is hope... But how can you defeat Liam? Remember? The two of us together couldn't beat him back then... Maybe just admit defeat now!"

"The tournament rule is, the fight continues until one side admits defeat."

Jason Evans walked over with a smile. "Nange, have you thought it through? Do you really want to fight Liam?"

"Don't think just because you lasted three moves against the Second Senior Brother you're something special! Everyone knows he goes easy on you! Last year, you couldn't even handle the Third Senior Brother's second move!"

"It's not too late to admit your mistake now... It's almost your turn."

Evelyn picked at her ear. "Are you a frog? So noisy."

Jason's face turned ashen. "You're asking for it! Don't blame Liam for being ruthless!"

Evelyn curled her lip.

In the spectator stands.

Ethan Valentine looked through the match list. His brow furrowed when he saw Nange was paired against Liam.

During the last screening, he went easy on others. But with Nange, she somehow dodged his three moves.

He still found it unbelievable.

But no matter what, she couldn't possibly defeat Liam.

Liam was one of the best among the outer disciples...

Elder Xavier quietly slipped into the stands. "Has Nange finished her match?"

"Not yet."

Several elders replied.

Elder Xavier nodded and sat down.

The number fourteen match ended. The loser was carried to the hospital, covered in blood.

Evelyn grew more worried about her own life.

The presiding elder called out number fifteen.

Evelyn reminded John again. "Remember, send me to the hospital for iron supplements."

John was speechless.

The crowd fell silent.

Elder Xavier in the stands also frowned.

During the bone assessment that day, Nange's aptitude felt exceptional. Why was she so lacking in confidence against an outer disciple?

Outer disciples had ordinary talent. Inner disciples could easily crush them...

Elder Xavier suddenly doubted his judgment that day.

Had he made a mistake?

Had he reported to the sect leader for nothing!

He thought his luck had turned, that he had found a good seedling like the sect leader...

Disappointment welled up in Elder Xavier's heart. He slumped into his chair.

On the stage, Evelyn and Liam faced each other.

Evelyn was 1.67 meters tall with a slender build.

Liam was 1.9 meters tall with bulging muscles.

The disparity in strength was vast. The outcome seemed certain.

Evelyn's pretty face was tense. Her eyes were alert, as if facing a great enemy.

The presiding elder shouted, "Begin!"

Liam roared and charged forward!