Keira was perplexed.

Even from this distance, she could feel the hostility emanating from James.

What was wrong with her cousin today?

He was very helpful the day before, but today he was giving her this attitude.

Keira wanted to find out why. “Is there any misunderstanding between us?”

“There’s no misunderstanding.”

James narrowed his eyes and stared at her as he said methodically, “Freeman Sect rules: no mercy is to be shown in the sparring arena, so think carefully. Are you sure you want to compete?”

Seeing that he wasn’t going to explain further, Keira didn’t bother to ask again and simply nodded. “Yes.”

“Good, then don’t blame me for not being courteous!”

James turned and entered the yard, standing in the middle of it.

Keira followed him in.

The conversation of the Outer Sect Disciples of the Freeman Sect could be heard.

“Why has the second senior brother personally come today?”

“Normally, such matters are handled by the third senior brother. This year, with the second senior brother stepping in, who could possibly withstand his three moves?!”

“And the second senior brother looks so grim!”

“We Outer Sect Disciples already find it very difficult to enter the Inner Sect. With the second senior brother as the obstacle, probably lots of people will be weeded out… It looks like my hopes of getting into the Inner Sect are dashed again this year!”

“…”

As a group of people were whispering and discussing in low voices, James scanned the crowd and then said slowly, “Alright, I know what you’re worried about. Today, I’ll go easy and try to let all of you sign up!”

After saying this, he glanced at “Keera”.

Everyone but her!

Today, he was going to ensure “Keera” was drenched in blood right there, preferably missing the banquet where his third uncle would publicly announce her identity in four days’ time!

The Outer Sect Disciples around felt a sigh of relief when they heard this.

Someone promptly stepped forward. “Second senior brother, are you really going to go easy on us?”

“Yes. Bring it on.”

After James said this, he beckoned the man with a gesture.

The man immediately stepped forward and threw a punch at James, but in the next instant, he was seized by James who then swiftly neutralized his attack with a move.

The person was speechless.

James immediately released him. “Sorry, try again. My body just reacted subconsciously…”

“…”

The man’s face lit up with joy, and he attacked once again. True to his word, James went easy, not using his full strength, so the man passed the test and joyously went to sign up for the martial arts conference.

Then came the second and the third…

Keira was in line, waiting to spar with James. It was at that moment someone tugged on her clothes from behind. Keira turned around and saw a skinny boy standing there, excitedly saying to her, “Keira, this year we can both successfully sign up!”

Keira was perplexed.

Without a word from her, the boy lowered his voice and added, “In the past few years, both of us have come every year, but you’ve never managed to even get past the third senior brother’s single move. This year, it’s the second senior brother, who’s so kind-hearted that he’s sure to go easy on us for three moves. Then we can sign up successfully! As long as we succeed in signing up, we’ll be part of those who participated in the martial arts conference, and then Jackson Gill won’t dare bully us anymore!”

Keira’s brows furrowed slightly.

Jackson Gill? Who was that?

But before she could figure out what was happening, someone on the stage ahead shouted, “Next, Matias Gill!”

The boy behind her instantly responded, “Here!” He gave Keira a look, “I’ll try and see if the second senior brother really will go easy as he says.” And with that, he stepped onto the stage.

James indeed went easy, letting Matias pass. Matias came down excitedly, saying to Keira, “Keira, there’s a real chance this year!”

As he spoke, James on the platform suddenly sneered, “Next, Keira South!”

By now, Keira was used to this name and promptly stepped onto the stage upon hearing the call.

Just as she steadied her stance, she saw James looking at her and saying, “Keira, I’ll be taking ‘good care’ of you in a moment! Three moves. You’ve got to hold on tight!”

Keira was a little confused. She heard intense mockery and murderous intent in his words. That man was actually harboring the intent to kill her?!

Keira immediately took a step back and positioned herself seriously, determined that today she had to give her all and not let down her master!

Observing her ready stance, which looked quite decent, James scoffed. “Showpiece.” Keira was just like that, merely a showpiece, and he couldn’t understand what his third uncle saw in her to be willing to openly declare his affection for her.

His third uncle might be foolish, but he certainly wasn’t. Showing mercy to others just moments ago was all to conserve his strength, specifically for this moment, to openly help his third uncle get his revenge!

As James thought of this, he looked at Keira, then a dark smirk curled on his lips, and he moved forward in a lunge, unleashing a flurry of punches and kicks, intending to take her down in one move!

He could almost picture her pitiful appearance crumpling to the ground after taking his punch.

But in the next moment, James’s smirk froze.