From Ruin to Reign Leander's Unbreakable Will novel Chapter 98

Chapter 98 Martial Arts and Occult Arts

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In Mornwick, Cresgate, the doors of the Halloway family were wide open, and the hall was filled with activity. Family members, both senior and cadet branches of the Halloway family, filled the space, creating a lively atmosphere. Today was notable for the Halloway family because they hosted a distinguished guest, none other than their benefactor, Leander.

Leander sat in the main seat alongside William, a seasoned veteran who warmly smiled and repeatedly expressed his gratitude to him.

“Mr. Ashcroft, if you ever need anything from the Halloway family, just say the word. You’ve saved my life and my granddaughter’s, and we are forever indebted to you. There’s no need for you to come all this way personally,” William said straightforwardly. “From today onward, you have free rein to use the Radiant Health Pharmaceutical Group brand. If you need our support, we will spare no effort!”

Gale and Dylan nodded in agreement. Leander had approached them directly, explaining his bold plan. Even though the family was no stranger to power, this plan left them in awe.

However, Leander exuded immense confidence and unmatched strength. If his plan succeeded, it would elevate the Halloway family to unprecedented heights, allowing them to rival the top–tier elite families in the Highcliffe. It was an opportunity too great to pass up.

In this world, allegiances mattered, and the Halloway family had chosen to stand with Leander.

Leander replied with a light smile, “You’re too kind! This plan is a win–win for both of us. I assure you, within six months, the Phoenix Essence Pill will become the number one miracle drug in the world in terms of sales and reputation!”

Leander’s words were taken seriously, prompting the family members to toast him repeatedly.

Ivy stood quietly to the side, her heart trembling uncontrollably.

Leander has already controlled Mornwick’s underground world, reigning supreme. His financial power and connections have reached the pinnacle in Mornwick. If such a vast commercial empire rises on the global stage, he undoubtedly becomes an unparalleled figure of power, wealth, and influence among the younger generation. What heights will his future reach? she wondered, though she couldn’t fathom

an answer.

In the evening, Leander was about to leave the Halloway Residence to find a hotel to rest when Ivy suddenly caught up to him.

“Mr. Ashcroft, please wait a moment!”

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Dressed in a black evening gown, Ivy looked both enchanting and sophisticated.

“What’s the matter?” Leander turned his head slightly, his expression calm.

“My sister is on her way back.” She hesitated before continuing, “She hopes you can wait for a moment. There’s an urgent matter she needs your help with.”

“Your sister?” Leander wasn’t aware that Ivy had a sister. Noticing the pleading look in her eyes, and considering his relationship with the Halloway family, he eventually nodded.

Ivy led Leander to a high–end teahouse in the Crestgate district. About ten minutes later, a female police officer walked in. The woman appeared to be in her mid–twenties, with short hair that gave her a sharp and competent look, yet she also exuded a mature and alluring charm. Her appearance was no less striking than Ivy’s, and they even bore some resemblance to each other. This woman was the same officer who had previously visited Ravenridge Senior High to look for Leander.

“Ivy, I suppose this is Mr. Ashcroft?”

The woman glanced at Leander and was slightly taken aback. Although she had heard a lot about him, she realized only now how young he was. It was hard to believe that someone his age–typically still in high school or at most in university–could already be leading the underground forces of an entire province and wielding immense power.

Ivy stood up and said, “Mr. Ashcroft, let me introduce you. This is my sister, Cara Halloway, head of the Crestgate Major Crimes Unit and a special investigator.”

Leander remained seated but nodded slightly to Cara. “I heard you have an urgent matter. Just tell me directly what it is.”

Cara was secretly surprised by his composure. Despite being faced with a beautiful woman, he remained as steady as a rock, showing no signs of distraction. She nodded slightly and got straight to the point, “I haven’t discussed this with my father or grandfather. I decided to seek your help on my own, so please do not take offense.”

After speaking, she took a file from her bag and laid a stack of photos in front of him.

Leander glanced down at the photos, which depicted the bodies of four different individuals. There were few similarities among them, with varying conditions of the bodies and different locations of death. However, the one common feature was a fine red dot in the center of each forehead.

“Mr. Ashcroft, these four individuals were found in cities across Mornwick over the past two weeks. They died in various places–one in a swimming pool, another in a heavy metal factory, one was buried in the ground, and another was hung from the top of a tree.

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“The time of death for each person is also distinct, but the one link is that a small, sharp object pierced each forehead. However, the medical examiner confirmed that the wounds were not fatal. There were no other deadly injuries found on the bodies.

“Due to this commonality, the Crestgate Major Crimes Unit has teamed up with investigators from other cities to open a case, but we have no leads so far. I have a feeling that more people will become victims soon.”

Cara looked earnestly at Leander, her voice heavy. “I’ve analyzed this case thoroughly and believe it’s not the work of an ordinary criminal but someone skilled in ancient martial techniques or occult practices. That’s why I’ve taken the liberty to seek your help. I hope you can assist in apprehending the culprit.”

Leander didn’t respond right away. He studied the photos laid out before him, considering their implications before shaking his head slightly. “This matter isn’t something you can handle. If you continue investigating, even members of your Major Crimes Unit might be at risk.”

Cara and Ivy were taken aback by his statement. Cara quickly asked, “Mr. Ashcroft, could you explain further?”

Leander nodded slightly and pointed at the four deceased individuals. “As you can see, these four people died in different locations and at different times. The first person, born under the Water element, died in a swimming pool on a Wednesday, corresponding to the Water element.

“The second person, born under the Metal element, died in a heavy metal factory on a Friday, corresponding to the Metal element. The other two individuals, regardless of their birth elements, death times, or locations, all relate to the Wood and Earth elements.

“Lastly, each of them has a small red dot on their foreheads. While the wounds are not fatal, all four are indeed dead. These patterns suggest that the perpetrator is practicing a long–lost forbidden technique, the Hornsey Forbidden Art. This technique is called the Soulrend Needle.””

With every word, Cara and Ivy’s eyes widened further. He continued, “The Soulrend Needle is one of the more sinister techniques among the various Hornsey practices, and orthodox Hornsey practitioners have long prohibited it.

“The Soulrend Needle targets individuals corresponding to specific birth elements. It allows the practitioner to extract their souls in areas that match their elemental charts. Once souls from individuals of all five elements are harvested, it supposedly prolongs life and enhances one’s vital energy.”

Ivy looked as if she had just heard something utterly unbelievable.

“Mr. Ashcroft, isn’t soul extraction just something from folklore? Does it really exist?”

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Leander replied calmly, “There are countless mysteries in this world. How can you claim to know everything that truly exists? Just the existence of internal martial artists is already extraordinary. So, it’s not surprising that dark sorcerers exist as well.”

He glanced at Ivy, warning her, “The person using the Soulrend Needle may not be an orthodox sorcerer from Hornsey, but their ability to employ such a technique indicates extraordinary skill. It would be tough for your special task force to confront them. If you do encounter them, it could lead to significant casualties.”

Leander’s words were devoid of exaggerations. While the orthodox Hornsey sect did not recognize Hornsey Forbidden Art, it still represented a facet of Hornsey practices. The Soulrend Needle was a top forbidden technique within Hornsey arts, requiring substantial mastery of esoteric arts to execute.

Such a formidable opponent cannot be easily countered with mere firearms.

Ivy’s expression turned grave upon hearing this. As the ruler of Mornwick’s underground world and a Martial Sovereign, Leander’s warnings were not to be dismissed lightly.

After pondering for a moment, a mischievous smile crossed her face as she looked at Leander. “Mr. Ashcroft, may I ask, if you were to confront the perpetrator who practices Hornsey

Forbidden Art, what do you think your chances are?”

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