My Mother is the Villain

Chapter 24: Another Guest

Ella froze, unable to say a single word.

The very thing she had relied on to stay with Lukas had proven useless.

How else could she resist now?

Escape was impossible here. Running away was nothing but a fantasy.

The only real option left was death—and even that was uncertain. With so many powerful cultivators present, even self-detonation could be stopped with nothing more than a glance.

The real question was—did she even have the courage to die?

DING!

(You have committed an evil act—stealing someone else’s lover. Your Fire Power Affinity has increased from Sky Class to Saint Class!)

[Power Affinity:]

(Fire: Saint Class)

(Wind: Earth Class)

(Lightning: Heaven Class)

Victor smiled when he saw the notification.

He didn’t actually want the woman—especially since she was no longer a virgin, which meant she couldn’t even be used with the Yin-Yang Mirror.

What he wanted was simply the evil act of taking someone else’s lover.

Fortunately, the System was straightforward, granting rewards the moment things were recognized as official by society.

"You two, take a seat first," Paul spoke again.

The mayor nodded and chose a table for them.

The next guests to arrive were representatives from clans that were no weaker than the Agron Clan.

They didn’t come empty-handed—they brought along their most beautiful daughters and shamelessly offered them to Victor.

However, he rejected them all.

Unfortunately, none of them were as beautiful as Ella.

People assumed they simply didn’t meet Victor’s standards.

"Everyone, this banquet is to celebrate my grandson’s success in his training," Paul announced, earning a round of applause.

"And in this era, we will once again compete for the World Crown. My grandson will surely win it—I am fully confident his strength will not fall short of my daughter’s. With his mother supporting him, who in this world can stand against us?" Paul boasted without restraint.

Victor had never said he wanted to become a World Monarch—but since it was the only path to becoming the strongest, of course he intended to pursue it.

He just wondered why his mother had stopped.

She clearly hadn’t lost her ambition.

Was there another path beyond becoming a World Monarch—a path even stronger?

It was said that one could reach the power of a World Monarch through orthodox cultivation alone, without actually becoming one.

That was merely legend. Ancient experts had all desired such a path.

But was it really necessary for Margaret to choose that route, one that was clearly inferior to becoming a World Monarch?

"Everyone, today, aside from introducing my grandson to the world, I also wish to show that we will be granting him a Great Heaven Weapon," Paul continued, then looked toward several elders.

"Bring it and present it to Victor."

The guests exchanged glances upon hearing that.

What a display. Other factions would hardly dare to do something like this.

The elders carried over a sword completely wrapped in gray cloth.

They handed it to Victor, who received it with both hands.

"This is the first weapon ever forged in our clan. It is simply called the Russell Sword—but it was this very blade that my daughter used to dominate the world in her young age, striking fear into all top geniuses. Victor, unveil it," Paul said.

Victor pulled at the end of the cloth, which instantly slipped off, revealing a silver sword lined with golden patterns that radiated a sharp golden light.

Buzz!

The golden light shot into the sky, releasing a pressure that caused the very space above the city to tremble.

With this sword, while still in the Sage Realm, his power could rise by an entire realm.

Of course, the cost was that it would instantly drain all his strength.

It could be said to be a weapon meant for unleashing a single, ultimate strike.

Whoosh!

Victor stored it into his ring.

Even while kept inside his Storage Ring, the sword’s presence still enhanced his perception.

He returned to his seat, calmly enjoying his meal despite the countless gazes directed at him.

But the peace of the night did not last long.

A blue light shone brightly in the distance, rapidly approaching the Russell Clan.

As it drew closer, it became clear—it was a blue eagle, constantly emitting lightning.

A woman in sleek silver armor stood atop the eagle, looking mesmerizing even from afar.

She had snow-white skin and light blue hair concealed beneath a war helmet.

Her face wasn’t the sweet type—it was fierce, yet stunningly beautiful, with a sharp nose and a pointed chin.

Her gaze was even sharper than the eagle’s.

One could feel a piercing sensation at their throat just by meeting her eyes.

"Bella Thunder—it’s Bella Thunder!" the younger generation erupted in excitement.

Ella was indeed beautiful—elegant, even sweet—the finest in the city and its surroundings.

But she was nothing like the light-blue-haired woman, who was renowned across the entire continent.

The difference between them was like heaven and earth.

Bella Thunder was a top-tier talent believed to be worthy of becoming a World Monarch.

And the rumors that she was the daughter of the Thunder Monarch only elevated her reputation further.

A being who had crossed through time.

She had actually been born long ago, but had been completely sealed, preventing her lifespan from decreasing.

In theory, she was older than anyone present—even most ancestors.

People couldn’t help but wonder why she had come.

Was she here to take revenge on Victor for defeating her four years ago?

Boom!

The woman showed no courtesy.

The eagle’s claws slammed onto the wall of the Russell Clan, causing the entire clan grounds to tremble.

She looked directly at Victor, then leapt down, landing right in front of his table.

Paul and the elders wanted to get angry at such disrespect, but they held themselves back, wanting to see what this girl intended to do.

After landing, she removed her helmet, letting her light blue hair cascade down, then casually sat in front of Victor.

"Boy, I need an explanation," she said.

"An explanation?" Victor couldn’t help but feel confused.

So she wasn’t here to challenge him to another duel.

"What do you mean you got engaged again? Are you planning to have two wives? You can have a thousand concubines for all I care—but you must choose between me and that woman," she said coldly, her chin slightly raised.

Victor subconsciously scratched his ear, wondering if he had just misheard something.