Two weeks passed in the blink of an eye.
On the surface, Oracle City remained peaceful.
The streets were as lively as ever, businesses continued to flourish, and construction projects echoed throughout the city with the constant sounds of machinery. To ordinary citizens, life seemed no different from before.
Yet beneath that peaceful façade, every major power in the city was making preparations for the inevitable war.
The atmosphere had become so tense that even smaller families chose to remain silent, afraid of being caught in the conflict between giants.
---
Inside the Jenner family's estate, development continued at an astonishing pace.
The businesses inherited from the Grant family had been fully integrated into the Jenner family's commercial network. Under Robert Jenner's leadership, experienced managers and trusted executives worked day and night to reorganize operations and eliminate unnecessary losses.
Instead of monopolizing every opportunity, Robert honored his promise to his allies.
Numerous profitable businesses were shared among the allied families, strengthening the alliance even further. Every family benefited from the Grant family's downfall, and because of that, loyalty toward the Jenners reached an unprecedented level.
The massive suburban development in Berian City also progressed smoothly.
Roads had begun taking shape, utility systems were being installed, and the foundations of luxury villas were already visible across the vast construction site. Investors from nearby cities continued pouring in, eager to secure properties before prices inevitably skyrocketed.
At the city center, Trisha Jenner remained busy overseeing the construction of the mysterious corporation's headquarters.
Although no one outside the alliance knew the company's identity, its sheer scale attracted the attention of every business leader in the region.
Everything was unfolding exactly according to Josh's plan.
---
Meanwhile, Paradise Casino continued its silent expansion.
Following Josh's orders, Joseph avoided provoking large organizations unnecessarily. Instead, he focused on consolidating the territories they had already conquered.
The underworlds of the newly acquired medium-sized cities were completely reorganized.
Corrupt leaders were removed.
Reliable subordinates were promoted.
The casino's intelligence network expanded rapidly, allowing information from surrounding cities to reach Josh almost instantly.
Outwardly, Joseph remained at Peak Elite Stage.
Only Josh knew the truth.
After consuming the cultivation pill and having his meridians cleansed, Joseph had already stepped into the War Master Realm.
It became Paradise Casino's greatest hidden trump card.
---
However, while the Jenners were strengthening themselves...
Their enemies had not remained idle.
Deep inside the Douglas family estate, Damon Douglas convened a confidential meeting attended only by the family's highest-ranking members.
Maps of Oracle City covered the conference table.
Numerous districts had been marked with colored pins representing businesses, martial arts schools, warehouses, and transportation routes controlled by the Jenner Alliance.
Damon slowly looked around the room.
"No more underestimating them."
Everyone nodded solemnly.
The humiliations they had suffered over the past weeks had become painful lessons.
The auction.
The destruction of the Grant family.
The rapid expansion of the Jenner Alliance.
And now, the growing influence of Paradise Casino.
Every event had gradually weakened the prestige of the Douglas family.
Damon's expression darkened.
"The Jenners are buying time."
"They're delaying the decisive battle while strengthening themselves."
"If we continue waiting..."
"They'll become even harder to destroy."
James, Damon's grandson, clenched his fists.
"Grandfather, let's attack them now!"
Damon shook his head.
"Not yet."
"Our preparations aren't complete."
He looked toward one of the elders.
"How are our forces?"
The elder stood respectfully.
"Our martial artists have been training day and night."
"We've recruited over two hundred independent experts from neighboring cities."
"Several retired elite-stage warriors have also agreed to fight for us."
Damon nodded with satisfaction.
"What about supplies?"
"Our weapons, medicine, and emergency resources have all been prepared."
A cruel smile slowly appeared on Damon's face.
"When the war begins..."
"I'll erase the Jenner family from Oracle City forever."
---
At nearly the same time, another meeting was taking place inside the Wade family villa.
Harold Wade sat quietly as his advisers reported their progress.
Unlike Damon, Harold was naturally cautious.
He understood that the Jenners were no longer the same family they had once suppressed with ease.
Their recent victories had greatly boosted the confidence of their allies.
Many neutral businesses were beginning to lean toward supporting Robert Jenner.
That worried Harold more than anything else.
"Increase our financial reserves."
"Delay unnecessary investments."
"Prepare enough capital to survive a prolonged commercial war."
He paused before adding,
"And strengthen the family's martial artists."
"If negotiations fail..."
"We'll settle everything through force."
Every elder immediately accepted the orders.
The Wade family quietly entered full wartime preparation.
---
Far beneath the northern district of Oracle City, Victor Kane also gathered his trusted captains.
The enormous underground hall was silent.
Dozens of elite warriors stood in disciplined rows.
Victor slowly walked before them with his hands behind his back.
"For years..."
"I've tolerated Joseph."
"I've tolerated every obstacle standing in my way."
He stopped walking.
"But now..."
"The opportunity I've been waiting for has finally arrived."
Every captain listened attentively.
Victor pointed toward the city map.
"Once the Douglas and Wade families begin attacking the Jenners..."
"Joseph will certainly mobilize his forces."
"And Paradise Casino will seize the chance to expand."
A cold smile spread across his face.
"They'll all exhaust themselves."
He slowly clenched his fist.
"That's when the Northern Underground will move."
One of his captains asked respectfully,
"Boss... who should we eliminate first?"
Victor answered without hesitation.
"Joseph."
"He has ruled the southern underworld for far too long."
"As for Paradise Casino..."
His eyes narrowed dangerously.
"I'll personally crush that mysterious owner."
Victor had no idea that Joseph had already broken through into the War Master Realm.
Nor did he know that the mysterious owner he intended to kill...
...was the same man who had quietly manipulated every major event over the past month.
Josh Silver.
In Victor's mind, Joseph and Paradise Casino were two separate enemies.
He never imagined that both forces were already following the commands of a single mastermind.
---
Thus, as the second week came to an end, three different powers prepared for war.
The Douglas family sharpened its blades.
The Wade family stockpiled wealth and warriors.
The Northern Underground quietly gathered its elite assassins.
Everyone believed they were preparing to hunt the Jenner family.
None of them realized that while they were making their plans...
Josh had already anticipated every one of their moves.
The chessboard had been set.
Now, all that remained...
...was for the first piece to move.
On the surface, Oracle City appeared peaceful. Businesses continued operating as usual, construction projects advanced without interruption, and the streets remained as lively as ever. Yet beneath that calm exterior, powerful forces were quietly sharpening their blades.
The Douglas family, the Wade family, and the Northern Underworld had all completed most of their preparations. Their spies moved throughout the city, gathering intelligence on the Jenner family and their allies. Secret meetings were held almost every night, and resources were continuously mobilized.
Meanwhile, the Jenner family also entered a period of rapid development.
The suburban project in Berian City progressed smoothly with the support of their allied families. The mysterious corporation in the city center was nearing completion, while the newly acquired businesses from the Grant family had already begun generating impressive profits.
The Paradise Casino also remained unusually quiet.
Since defeating Max Raider, the casino had stopped making aggressive moves, causing many people to believe that its mysterious owner had decided to lie low.
Only a handful of people knew the truth.
Josh was simply waiting.
Waiting for the right moment.
---
Late that evening...
Inside a heavily guarded underground training room beneath Paradise Casino, only two people stood facing each other.
Josh Silver.
And Max Raider's former right-hand man.
Ned.
Unlike his previous arrogant demeanor under Max, Ned now stood respectfully with his hands clasped behind his back.
"Young Master."
Josh nodded slightly.
"Have you adapted to your new position?"
"Yes."
Ned answered honestly.
"The brothers from the Southern Underworld accepted me far more easily than I expected. Lord Joseph personally arranged everything."
Josh smiled faintly.
"Good."
Although Ned had once served Max Raider faithfully, Josh had seen something different in him.
Unlike the other executives, Ned was not cruel by nature.
He simply followed orders.
More importantly...
He possessed extraordinary talent.
Among all of Max's subordinates, Ned had the greatest potential in martial arts.
Unfortunately, Max had neither the knowledge nor the ability to guide him correctly.
Josh slowly walked around him.
"Show me your assassination technique."
"Yes!"
Ned's eyes brightened.
The next second-
Whoosh!
His figure suddenly disappeared.
His footsteps became almost inaudible as he dashed across the room, leaving several afterimages behind him.
His movements were incredibly fast.
Like a shadow dancing through darkness.
A dagger silently appeared in his hand as he thrust toward Josh's throat.
Josh didn't move.
Just before the blade reached him-
Tap.
Josh casually raised one finger.
The dagger stopped instantly.
Ned's pupils contracted violently.
No matter how hard he pushed, the dagger refused to move another inch.
"You've improved."
Josh calmly pushed the dagger away.
"But your technique still has too many flaws."
Ned immediately lowered his head.
"Please guide me, Young Master."
Josh nodded.
"The technique you're cultivating was created for assassinations."
"It emphasizes speed, concealment, and one-hit kills."
"But you've misunderstood its essence."
Ned looked confused.
Josh continued,
"You rely too much on speed."
"The faster you become, the more predictable your movements are."
Ned frowned.
"I don't understand."
Josh smiled.
Without warning-
He disappeared.
Ned's eyes widened.
He couldn't see Josh.
He couldn't sense him.
He couldn't even hear breathing.
Silence.
Complete silence.
Suddenly-
A voice spoke beside his ear.
"An assassin isn't someone who moves fast."
Ned nearly jumped in fright.
"When your enemy notices your speed..."
Josh's voice came from behind him.
"You've already failed."
Before Ned could react-
Josh appeared directly in front of him.
"...because the perfect assassin..."
Another flash.
Josh vanished again.
"...never lets the enemy realize..."
This time-
Josh's voice echoed from above.
"...that he's there."
Ned stood frozen.
Cold sweat streamed down his forehead.
Even as a late stage elite warrior...
He couldn't follow Josh's movements.
No...
He couldn't even determine where Josh truly was.
After several seconds...
Josh finally reappeared before him.
"This..."
Ned's breathing became ragged.
"...is the real Shadow Step."
Josh nodded.
"The technique you learned is only the incomplete version."
He pointed toward Ned's legs.
"Your breathing rhythm is wrong."
"Your center of gravity is too high."
"You waste too much true energy during every burst."
"And your killing intent leaks before you attack."
Every sentence struck Ned like lightning.
Those were problems no one had ever pointed out.
Even Max Raider hadn't noticed them.
Josh smiled faintly.
"Again."
For the next three hours...
Josh personally corrected every movement.
Every step.
Every strike.
Every breathing pattern.
Ned's understanding of martial arts improved at an astonishing rate.
Each explanation seemed simple...
Yet every sentence opened an entirely new world before him.
By midnight...
Ned had already mastered the refined version of Shadow Step.
His movements became smoother.
More silent.
More deadly.
Even Josh nodded in satisfaction.
"Not bad."
Ned knelt on one knee.
"I owe everything to Young Master."
Josh reached into his pocket.
"I have one more gift for you."
He tossed over a small jade bottle.
Ned caught it carefully.
When he opened it-
A rich medicinal fragrance immediately filled the room.
His entire body instinctively trembled.
"This..."
Josh spoke calmly.
"A Peak Breakthrough Pill."
Ned's eyes widened in disbelief.
"You... you're giving this to me?"
Josh simply nodded.
"Take it."
"You've already reached the limit of the late Elite Stage."
"With your current foundation, breaking through naturally would take at least three to five years."
"This pill will shorten that time."
Ned's breathing quickened.
Such treasures were priceless.
Even the three great families of Oracle City would fight to the death over a single pill capable of increasing breakthrough chances.
Yet Josh handed it over as casually as if it were candy.
Without hesitation-
Ned swallowed it.
Boom!
Violent true energy exploded inside his body.
His veins bulged as immense power surged through every meridian.
His face instantly turned red.
"It's starting."
Josh calmly placed one hand on Ned's back.
"Relax."
"I'm here."
A warm stream of pure true energy flowed from Josh's palm into Ned's body.
Unlike ordinary cultivation, Josh wasn't merely assisting him.
He was directly guiding the circulation of true energy through every blocked meridian.
Crack!
The first bottleneck shattered.
Crack!
The second one followed.
Ned groaned as overwhelming power flooded through his body.
His aura rose rapidly.
Late Elite Stage...
Late Elite Stage Peak...
Half-step Peak Elite...
Boom!
A powerful shockwave burst outward.
The entire underground chamber trembled.
The tables and chairs shook violently.
Ned's eyes snapped open.
His aura surged far beyond before.
Peak Elite Stage.
He had broken through.
Ned stared at his own hands in disbelief.
"I..."
"I actually..."
He had dreamed of reaching this realm for years.
Yet tonight...
Josh had accomplished it within a single session.
Tears unknowingly filled his eyes.
He immediately knelt before Josh.
"Young Master..."
"I, Ned, swear absolute loyalty."
"From this day onward..."
"My life belongs to you."
Josh smiled faintly.
"Stand up."
"This is only the beginning."
He looked toward the night sky beyond the underground chamber.
"The real battlefield..."
"...is about to begin."
Far away, in another part of Oracle City...
Victor Kane slowly opened his eyes during meditation.
A strange feeling suddenly crept into his heart.
He didn't know why.
But for some reason...
He felt as though another dangerous expert had just been born.
The coming storm...
Was drawing closer.