"If that's the case, then come with us," Chen Fei said with a smile when he saw Apel's gaze turn toward him.

"Really!? That's wonderful! Thank you, Brother Fei."

Upon hearing this, a look of intense delight appeared on Apel's delicate face. She immediately stood on her tiptoes and planted a firm kiss on Chen Fei's cheek. SMACK. The sound was crisp and clear. Afterward, blushing, she turned to bow respectfully to Old Brad. "Respected Old Brad, I'm honored to receive your invitation."

"It's my honor as well, beautiful lady," Old Brad replied with a natural smile.

"In that case, shall we set off?" Chen Fei grinned and suggested.

"Um, respected Old Brad, Brother Fei, I might need to excuse myself for a moment. Could you two go on ahead? I'll follow shortly," Apel said suddenly, her face blushing.

Chen Fei was momentarily taken aback, but he quickly realized that the beauty in his arms was only wearing a nightgown and some rather scant lingerie. This attire was certainly not suitable for a formal banquet. He immediately let go and nodded. "Alright, you go change. Old Brad and I will go ahead."

"My beautiful lady, you may find suitable clothes in the room. You can take your time to choose, and I'll have someone bring you over afterward," Old Brad quickly added. He then made an inviting gesture toward Chen Fei and said with narrowed eyes, "Respected Sir Chen, shall we depart now?" His current demeanor lacked the domineering air one would expect from a man at the pinnacle of power in Italy.

He couldn't help it. His status, while frightening and astonishing in the eyes of ordinary people—enough to be considered at the apex of Italy's power structure—was something he knew to be more fragile than paper in the presence of a monster like an Ancient Martial Artist of the East. Chen Fei was not someone to be feared or regarded lightly; he was someone to be shown deference.

This was because both their Western Dark World and the East had always followed an ancient rule: whoever has the biggest fist is the ruler! They are the Supreme!

Now, this young monster, Chen Fei, had single-handedly destroyed the Crimson Fang, a terrifying Assassin Organization no less formidable than the Brad Family. Furthermore, the body of the legendary assassin, Jack the Blade, had been discovered by their people. In the presence of such a figure, how could Old Brad dare to act domineering, regardless of his own self-confidence? If he were to do so, it would be no different from courting death. He wasn't that foolish and would never make such a mistake.

"Yes, respected Old Brad," Apel immediately nodded obediently, bowing her head.

Seeing this, Chen Fei said nothing more and followed Old Brad outside. In the presence of a young monster like him, even Old Brad lacked the confidence to walk side by side, so he instinctively fell back half a step. This small act caused the pupils of the men in black following them to constrict. They were so shaken they didn't even dare to breathe too loudly.

Led personally by Old Brad, Chen Fei emerged from the most luxurious presidential suite in the ancient castle. They traversed dimly lit corridors and crossed a drawbridge entwined with thorns and vines, eventually arriving before a palace of unsurpassed luxury.

"Mr. Chen, we're here," Old Brad said, then glanced at the men in black behind him. Understanding his signal, they bowed their heads respectfully, passed by the two of them, and pushed open the massive, exquisitely carved doors that stood several meters tall. A dazzling light shone forth from within.

Through the doorway lay a magnificent grand hall—vast, luxurious, and so exquisitely detailed it was almost beyond belief. Verdant, neatly trimmed grass, classical kerosene lamps, priceless Persian carpets, and countless Swarovski crystal chandeliers of varying sizes hung from the ceiling, all exuding a unique and expensive charm.

More importantly, Chen Fei could sense a profound weight of history in the air, a permeating aura of ancient nobility, a stark contrast to the gaudy excess of the nouveau riche.

RUMBLE... RUMBLE... RUMBLE...

As the enormous doors of the resplendent palace were pushed open, everyone inside froze. This included the members of the Brad Family's direct lineage, both old and young, who had been chatting in small groups with wine glasses in hand, as well as the impeccably dressed servants weaving among them. But when they clearly saw it was Old Brad, their expressions shifted to shock, and they quickly placed a hand over their chests in a respectful salute. "Lord Clan Leader."

Although everyone present tonight, aside from the servants, was a true member of the Brad Family's core direct lineage, Old Brad's authority was unquestionable. This was not only because he was the current Clan Leader but also because Old Brad was a great Blood Clan Duke!

A Blood Clan Duke—what did that even mean? On the European Continent, it was a being who could essentially do as they pleased, someone few would ever dare to provoke.

But what happened next stunned the majority of them. The man they saw as the great and venerable Lord Clan Leader made a truly astonishing move. He was personally escorting a young man with an Eastern face into the palace. Everyone present was intelligent enough to understand the implication: anyone personally led in by the Clan Leader of the Brad Family, the esteemed Lord Duke Brad himself, had to be a person of immense stature and astonishing background.

But that man... he looks far too young. And he's an Easterner.

While they trembled with apprehension, their minds filled with confusion and doubt, Old Brad had already led Chen Fei through the outer hall and into the true core of the palace: a small reception hall.

Inside, five figures exuded a heavy, dark, and bloody aura. Some were white-haired, while others appeared to be middle-aged. They were all seated at a long dining table, their expressions solemn as they waited in silence. Behind them, numerous figures with weaker auras stood respectfully, seemingly not even qualified to be seated. The silence was suffocating, almost frightening.

Just then, with a creak, the door to the reception hall was pushed open from the outside.

A stern-faced Old Brad entered, his eyes flickering crimson, followed by a calm-looking young man.

"Clan Leader." The five figures at the table immediately rose. They first bowed slightly to Old Brad before their gazes shifted in unison to the young Easterner behind him. At once, their expressions grew grave and tense.

So this is the one... who destroyed the Crimson Fang's lair?!

"Respected Sir Chen, please allow me to make the introductions. These five are the great Elders of the Brad Family, members of the Elder Council. As for those standing behind them, they are the most elite and outstanding members of our family's direct lineage."

Old Brad paused briefly, then swept his authoritative gaze across the room. Extending a hand toward Chen Fei, he announced slowly, "This is the esteemed Mr. Chen, from Huaxia of the East."

"Mr. Chen!" the top members of the Brad Family's direct lineage chorused with the utmost respect.

Even the five great Elders, who reeked of a dark and bloody aura, exchanged glances before offering Chen Fei a warm smile. "Respected Sir Chen, it is an honor to meet you. We are..." Each of the five then stated their name.

"The honor is mine. Hello, I am Chen Fei, from Huaxia," Chen Fei said, his eyes narrowing slightly as he looked at the five men, a faint smile playing on his lips.

As expected of a powerful family that can influence all of Italy. Five great Elders? More like five great Dukes!

Indeed, just like Old Brad, the five of them were Blood Clan Dukes, equivalent to Early Innate Stage Ancient Martial Artists.

The Brad Family had once controlled Italy from behind the scenes during the world-engulfing war of the past. Even if they weren't as overtly dominant now, the foundation they had built over centuries was still astonishingly formidable.

The five Elders plus Old Brad himself made for six Duke-level experts. What's more, Chen Fei could vaguely sense at least two other sleeping or hidden auras within the ancient castle, presences far more powerful than any of these six.

The implications were obvious. But for me, right now, it doesn't seem to matter much. I'm just here for a meal and to pick something up. I can't be bothered to dwell on all these unnecessary details... as long as they don't provoke me.

What followed was naturally a delightful affair for both hosts and guest. Whether it was Old Brad or the five so-called Elders, they were all old monsters who had lived for countless years. They were truly astute, exceptionally skilled in conversation, and knew exactly what to say and what to avoid, making for a pleasant exchange.

Not long after Chen Fei was seated, Apel arrived, fashionably late, now dressed in a light purple, butterfly-laced evening gown.

Upon her arrival, Old Brad clearly gave Chen Fei a great deal of face. To the immense envy of the elite members of the direct lineage standing around them, he ordered a seat and a set of cutlery to be added for Apel.

This was an unimaginably high-level banquet where only the great Old Brad and the five Elders of the Brad Family were qualified to sit! And now, an ordinary woman had also been seated, granted the incredible privilege of dining with the other great figures at the table. What a glory! What an honor!

Though Apel couldn't grasp the full weight of the situation, she was still dizzy from it all. She wasn't foolish; she could certainly guess what this grand display signified.

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