The Rise of a Master: It Starts With Rejection

Nerissa warned Felix, "Don't celebrate just yet. That Resonance Bell is a pseudo- magical artifact passed down by my ancestors. It can only hold them for a few minutes.

"We won't make it back to the city in time. Do you have another plan?"

The situation had been dire, and Nerissa had not thought things through when she acted impulsively. Now that there was a moment of calm, she could feel the pressure of what they were facing.

"I do," Felix said confidently. "In one minute, you'll head toward Westville. I'll go east. They've marked me, so they'll follow me instead."

Nerissa felt a warmth in her heart. Despite having barely interacted with Felix, his words showed the selfless resolve of a true man. She asked, "And what about you?"

Felix had already formed a plan, though it had been thrown off by the unexpected appearance of two major mastery-level warriors. However, with Nerissa's help, he saw a new opportunity.

"I'm going to try my luck in the Lone Paragon."

Nerissa's expression shifted dramatically when she heard the place. After all, she knew exactly how dangerous it could be.

"Echo Cavern?" she repeated, her voice tense. "I probably have no right to stop you, but going there is practically a death sentence. You might as well face those two head-on."

The cavern, located deep in the mountains a few miles from Westville, was one of Martial City's infamous Three Forbidden Lands. Few who entered ever made it out alive.

According to ancient texts, those who ventured inside were tormented by an endless, mind-shattering sound—a sound that drove even Transcendent Realm masters to madness and death.

"I know it's dangerous," Felix admitted. "But at least there's a slim chance of survival. If I face them head-on, I'll die for sure."

Despite the grim situation, Felix did not show a trace of despair. His years under Gerald's mentorship had forged him in the fires of countless life-or-death battles, making his resolve unbreakable.

He added, "Please pass a message to my mentor, Madam Goddard, at Harmony Clinic. Tell her not to do anything reckless. Just wait for me to return."

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When the minute was up, Felix grabbed Nerissa and tossed her gently to the side. He shouted, "Nerissa 4f I survive the Lone Paragon Echo Cavern, I'll meet family and propose marriage. I'll make you my wife!"

Tears welled in Nerissa's eyes despite herself. She barely knew Felix, yet his words struck a deep chord. Without hesitation, she turned and sprinted toward

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Westville, her heart aching but determined.

Both of them understood the stakes. There was no time for drawn-out farewells or emotional confessions. They had made their decisions and would respect each other's resolve.

"Felix, stay safe. I'll wait for you. If you die, I'll never marry anyone else," Nerissa whispered to herself as she ran.

...

Felix activated Lone Paragon and pushed his body to its limits, racing toward the cavern he had scouted earlier.

"You little brat! Let's see where you think you're running to!" The Grand Elder's voice echoed ominously from behind.noveldrama

With the speed and power of two major martial arts masters, they were rapidly closing the distance. Felix knew he did not have much time.

"Felix, what's your relationship with Nerissa? How the hell did someone like you catch her attention?" Kendrick's voice roared in frustration.

Felix smirked and yelled back, "None of your damn business!"

The sheer audacity of Felix's response almost made Kendrick spurt out blood in fury.

"Fine! Let's see how tough you are

once we've caught you. We'll see if you're still running your mouth then!" Kendrick shouted, his rage boiling over as he chased after him.O

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