Chapter 240: I Accept the Challenge

Henry glanced at Felix and then surveyed the others, a hint of a smile crossing his face. "I know what everyone is worried about. And many who don't know me, Henry, think that I can't handle this situation." This statement caused Felix and the others to lower their heads, as in their view, although Henry was influential, they doubted his martial arts abilities could match Silas's. Their intention was to curry favor with Henry while also protecting themselves, which led them to decide on hiring skilled fighters to confront Silas. "I’m prepared to handle Axel and Silas myself," Henry announced, his expression becoming serious as he noticed the silence around him. This revelation stirred murmurs among the smaller families and factions who had never seen Henry in action. They couldn't discern any significant abilities from his appearance. However, witnessing the respect Felix and others showed him, they refrained from speaking out, opting to watch silently. "Mr. Carson..." Felix hesitated before speaking, "Mr. Carson, Silas is extremely powerful. I think it's best not to act rashly. Your safety is of the utmost importance. If necessary, we can fight to the bitter end." Felix's words were clearly meant to flatter Henry. Henry responded with a light smile, "In a few days, there will be no more Axel in Borealia, and Silas will pay a heavy price." "This matter is settled. You handle the arrangements," Henry concluded. He then gestured to Patrick and Theodore, and the group promptly stood up, ready to leave with Henry. Just as they were about to leave, a panicked man rushed in and approached Felix, exclaiming, "Mr. Cooper, there's been trouble!" "What happened?" Felix asked anxiously. "The competitors who lost in the contest were ambushed as soon as they left the dojo. They're all knocked out cold, and we're not sure if they're still alive. We found this on one of them," he said, handing Felix a white envelope. "Mortal pledge!" Felix blurted out upon seeing the envelope, quickly extracting a paper from inside. "Mr. Carson…" Felix gasped in shock as he read the contents. Henry took the paper, reading the brief message. "Henry, in three days, at King City World Plaza, we settle this. There will be no winners, only life or death." Signed, Silas. "Hmph, he's finally making his move," Henry muttered coldly. "Felix, make the preparations. I accept the challenge." As Henry strode out, Felix and the others were still reeling from the revelation. Once outside, Theodore’s expression changed. "Mr. Carson, let me confront Silas myself. I must settle this score personally," he urged. Henry understood Theodore's deep-seated need for revenge, but after considering, he responded, "Mr. Cavendish, you've just recovered. You need more time to regain your strength. And most importantly, Silas has reached the pinnacle of Martial Sovereignty. With your current strength, I fear you're no match for him." "Mr. Carson, I must be the one to take him down!" Theodore insisted passionately. "Mr. Cavendish, let me finish. I promise you'll get your chance to settle the score. Just don’t hold back when the time comes," Henry assured him. Understanding Henry's plan, Theodore realized that if Henry could defeat Silas, the rest would be up to him. It was a sensible strategy, as facing Silas now would be a futile effort. "Thank you, Mr. Carson. After dealing with Silas, I'll owe you my life," Theodore said gratefully. "Don't mention it, Mr. Cavendish. I might need your help in the future," Henry replied with a light chuckle. After expressing his gratitude, Theodore joined the others as Zane drove them to their rented house, while Henry returned to his suburban residence. After returning home and taking a bath, Henry sat on his bed to meditate on The Commandment of Serpent. He hadn't fully absorbed its essence yet, all due to the unawakened guardian bloodline within him. Once awakened, he knew he'd be unbound by this world's limits. Meanwhile, Sophie was engulfed in turmoil. With Henry having left home and not returned, and facing difficulties at the company because of Joseph and Gabriel, she felt overwhelmed and called Lily for a chat. They met at a coffee shop. "What?" Lily's eyes widened in shock as Sophie recounted her actions. "You pushed Henry into divorce, and now he's left home?" "Why are you reacting so strongly?" Sophie asked, puzzled. "Are you out of your mind? Why push for a divorce and drive him away? You'll regret this!" Lily exclaimed. Sophie stirred her coffee absentmindedly before lifting her gaze to Lily. "Actually, I regret it already." "Then what are you waiting for? Call him and ask him to come home!" Lily urged. "You know, Henry married me for a million dollars to save his sister. But her disappearance hit him hard. I saw in his diary how much he cares for her, and I suspect their relationship isn’t so simple," Sophie confided. "I didn't want to hold him back from searching for his sister. His greatest wish might be to find her." Lily tried to reassure her. "Henry cares for you, and he didn’t mention divorce after the contract ended. That shows his feelings for you. But your actions now might push him away. You’ll regret it if he agrees to divorce someday." Lily's words struck Sophie like thunder. "What can I do? I’m so torn, that's why I wanted to talk." "My advice? Call Henry and ask him to come home. If he’s still upset, apologize, or even act cutesy if you must," Lily suggested earnestly. "Apologize? Act cutesy?" Sophie was taken aback. "Lily, are you doing this because Henry once saved you?" The conversation between Sophie and Lily revealed the complexities of Sophie's feelings for Henry and her struggle with the situation.