Chapter 607 - One's Destiny Is In One's Own Hands

Every nation in eastern archipelago had been desperate to see the Ripple Order destroyed. However, the Yale Kingdom had longed for it the most, since the conflict between the two sides had grown fiercer in recent years.

Although outwardly they still maintained decorum, dark currents under the surface had surged for a long time. The Blue Enforcers were the first wave! It had been the Ripple Order's warning shot and, at the same time, a nail into the side of the Yale Kingdom.

Once the quarrel intensified and all pretense was torn away, the Blue Enforcers would serve as a shell that the Ripple Orders could inhabit and become an underground resistance inside the Yale Kingdom itself. They would overthrow the royal family and take complete possession of the kingdom.

Members of the Yale Kingdom's Decapitators were very familiar with this strategy because the Ripple Order had pulled it off before. Roughly fifty years earlier, a mid-sized island nation had been erased in exactly the same way.

To ordinary citizens, it had seemed like mere internal strife. However, to those who were aware, it was clearly a Ripple Order deterrent, one that had cowed the region for half a century. Now, the Ripple Order appeared ready to do it again.

This time, their target was the archipelago's second-largest nation. Had they succeeded, every island nation would have lived in dread and dared not resist the Ripple Order ever again. Yet no one could have imagined that a mysterious and mighty being would wipe out the whole Ripple Order!

An enormous number of mid and upper-rank Ripple Practitioners at Eternal Island had perished, and even the mother tree was destroyed. The survivors scattered overseas still formed a fair-sized force, yet they no longer ranked among the world's top forces! To manipulate the Yale Kingdom at will had become utterly impossible!

"Perhaps the eastern archipelago should at last belong to its own people!" The white-haired elder said, clenching his fist.

In truth, talk of forming an Eastern Archipelago Alliance had circulated for years. Since the two largest states, the Tuke Archipelago Federation and the Yale Kingdom, favored it, the lesser islands would naturally follow. Yet the Ripple Order had constantly obstructed that unity.

Now, they could move forward at full force! Once an alliance stood, it would wield far greater influence and advantage abroad. Moreover, what little strength the Ripple Order retained would likely never infiltrate the alliance again.

Flushed with excitement, the white-haired elder seized his son's hand with sudden vigor. "Come, Otto! Quickly! We must hurry back and bring this good news to the king!"

He led the whole crew back the way they had come.

"Father, that means Princess Katie, guarded in the Hongli Federation for nearly three years, can openly return... And we can finally wipe out those blasted Blue Enforcers too?" the blond youth said with delight.

"Of course! I shall lead the Decapitators myself and rip the Blue Enforcers out root and branch! You can follow me and earn some credit, and I'll see your rank raised." The elder patted his son's head. "As for Princess Katie, that may have to wait a little longer. When the dust has settled, it will not be too late for her return..."

"By the way!" The elder's face hardened. "Once we are home, we must send people back to watch Eternal Island at once. The Ripple Order is gone but that unknown power might return. In short, we must be cautious until everything is over. This news will be sealed tight—no one may leak it. You may well be confined to the palace for a time..."

"Understood," the group answered in unison.

The blond Otto echoed them, though his mind was on Princess Katie. The archipelago's lone jewel had been famous since she was sixteen. She was the dream of every young noble scion in the islands. Otto had once scoffed, thinking the tales mere exaggeration. Yet he had caught a glimpse of her at a royal banquet years ago, and he was lost. His heart pounded and his blood pressure had soared. It was love at first sight.

Then he understood the rumors were true, and the princess became his dream. Sadly, she was sent to the Hongli Federation soon after that banquet . Otto had not seen her with his own eyes since. However, he had pined for her all these years, and she was about to return!

He resolved that he would shine in the coming action against the Blue Enforcers, proving his talent. He would lay the groundwork for the princess's homecoming. After all, what hero did not wish to marry such a jewel?

***

At the same time in East Sea City.

There was a white villa with its own fragrant garden within the international embassy quarters. Inside, a newly refurbished training room faced the garden. One wall was tinted glass glowing under the golden sun. Opening the curtains revealed a riot of autumn blossoms outside.

Neat white-stone paths, black lamps, and metal benches lay beyond. Working out in such a room surely lifted the spirits.

Bright sunlight shone through the amber glass, casting irregular golden rectangles on the floor. Several metal exercise machines glinted faintly, making the place look like a gym. A girl with sea-blue hair sat cross-legged to the left of the equipment. Her tight combat attire traced a flawless figure, her curves nothing short of stunning. Coupled with her elegant demeanor, refined features, and lively blue eyes, she was, without question, a great beauty.

Princess Katie, now twenty, had once been hailed as the Pearl of the Eastern Archipelago. To escape the Ripple Order, she had been sent away by the Yale Kingdom and been guarded by agents of the Black Ops Agency.

For over two years, life had been fairly peaceful. The Ripple Order had reacted fiercely in the first half-year, staging no fewer than ten operations. Some were kidnappings, while others were assassinations and blatant provocations.

Later, perhaps seeing little effect on the Black Ops Agency, they gradually quieted. In the last two years, only a handful of surveillance incidents occurred. Those had been covert spying, nothing like the earlier attacks. She had thought the matter past and the Ripple Order subdued.

Yet two days ago, Katie faced another fierce assassination attempt at Golem Sect's tournament in East Sea City. Hosted by the Golem Sect, the city-level event had invited many young martial artists in East Sea City for sparring. It had also drawn numerous society figures of suitable standing.

For over half a month, the Golem Sect Martial Hall had clashed heatedly with other sects, and the commotion was citywide news. Thus, the tournament carried considerable hype. Many notables figures attended, and the bored princess went as well.

Young fighters traded blows and showcased their sect's styles throughout the tournament. The clashes of strength exuded their martial spirit. When core disciples from major sects sparred, the matches became thrilling. The Golem Sect in particular stole the show as its disciples revealed themselves as one dark horse after another. They became the tournament's dazzling stars.

Spectators found the spectacle immensely satisfying. Though the bouts were capped at pugilist level, the bare-fist savagery awakened mankind's primal instincts.

When the event ended and viewers were exiting the venue, the Ripple Order, who had shadowed Princess Katie, struck. Their long dormancy had lulled both the Black Ops Agency and the princess. Their aim was to seize the moment her guard dropped and succeed in one stroke!

Several fierce Bloodthirsty Ripple Practitioners attacked, and a Ripple Master in silver robe oversaw the operation from afar. The princess's relaxed protection collapsed at once against such a lineup. Had it been only the Ripple Practitioners, it would not have been so dire. The sudden appearance of a Ripple Master made the situation hopeless.

Katie could not fathom why she had merited a Ripple Master to personally make a move. Was she to be taken hostage to blackmail her father and the whole Yale Kingdom? Of course, the deeper motives ran further still. This strike was tied to the Yale Kingdom, but also to warn the Black Ops Agency to stay out of the islands' affairs.

In any case, the kidnapping attempt seemed certain to succeed. They had ample force and perfect timing. It was near perfection. Unfortunately, they made one fatal mistake. They had the right time and people, but the place was utterly wrong!

Where were they? At the Golem Sect's tournament grounds! The hottest arena in the clash between the Golem Sect and the Eastern Nine Sects! Choosing East Sea City, the nine sects' very stronghold, to stage a kidnapping was a resounding slap.

Therefore, strong combat artists of the Golem Sect were stationed there to deter any sabotage. They were fighters whom Cassius himself had empowered and retrained. Each had mastered the Golem Heart Codex and leaped far beyond their former strength.

The greatest transformation belonged to Thunder Dog Simone, who had forsaken Cloud Dog Fist to join the Golem Sect! No, he should now be called Demon Dog Simone.

He had been a genius with a deep foundation in the pugilist realm. After his physical deformities were cured, he had soared like a dragon, improving at breakneck speed. Luckily, he had only just become a combat artist and was still malleable, so retraining proved easier than for veterans fixed to one path.

Currently, Simone’s strength matched that of veteran combat artists. He himself oversaw the tournament. Yet before the event fully ended, someone dared storm in and assault a guest! Clearly they held the Golem Sect in no regard!

Even the Eastern Nine Sects combined dared not disrespect them like this; yet some nobody from a remote corner had the gall? Nothing to discuss—kill them all!

Demon Dog Simone charged first, appearing at Princess Katie's side. Unleashing the might of a combat artist, he slew several attackers in a single graceful flurry!

Then, under the princess's wide gaze, he charged at the silver-robed Ripple Master! The Ripple Master and Demon Dog Simone fought at blinding speed. It was a top-tier duel beyond normal men.

Qi clashed with ripple power, and strength slammed against strength. Gradually, the Ripple Master was forced away. At that moment, Simone seemed like a god of war. Then, the other stationed combat artists of the Golem Sect burst forth. They subdued the Ripple Order with ease right then and there!

Afterward, for safety, the Golem Sect guarded Princess Katie until the Black Ops Agency could send escorts. During that time, Princess Katie and Demon Dog Simone spoke at length. It was obvious that the princess felt strong affection for the hero who saved her. It was simply human nature.

In over twenty years of solitude, this was the first stirring of her heart. Her mind filled with Simone's burly figure shielding her. Were the island's youths to learn of this, they would surely explode.

The Pearl of the Archipelago had a beloved!

To her surprise, Simone had perceived her feelings. He declined with tact and grace, severing the budding tie before it bloomed.

Simone told Katie much that day at the martial hall. He felt that she did not love him but the sense of strength and safety he gave her. Since she had lived in constant fear, ever vigilant against the Ripple Order' attacks and spies, Katie lacked inner security. Thus, Simone's rescue loomed especially large.

However, pinning one's sense of safety on another was foolish! A person's sole savior could only be themself.

So, Princess Katie, try to grow strong on your own. Let your own strength fill your security so you need never rely on others!

On Simone's recommendation, Katie joined the Golem Sect two days ago. Just yesterday, she displayed talent and became a full-fledged disciple. She was granted the Golem Heart Codex and began the path of Covert Martial Arts!

One's own destiny had best be grasped by oneself! It was the same for men and women alike.