Jin and Min-Su had joined back with the main group along with some other VIPs and were unaware of what was happening. To them, the exhibition seemed to be a large success as the goods were taken off the shelves one after another, regardless of how exorbitant the prices were. The show of wealth was well underway when they heard a loud sound from behind them.

As they turned around, they saw some random employee bashing another. It was so unexpected that they stood there staring. It didn't take long before they heard the host's roar and saw the two employees turn to a bloody mist. To see how easy it was to kill someone remained a frightening sight for anyone witnessing it. Jin frowned at the sight. It reminded him once more about how weak he was.

He didn't even react or see exactly what happened and those two were no more. He didn't care about them but was instead astonished by the speed at which they had been killed. Even if he had his new secret technique activated, he wasn't sure he would have been able to see it coming. It was close to instantaneous.

But he was unable to think further as he heard a second roar. He saw Campbell's face being a furious red and turned over to see who or what made him this way. He spotted a figure outside the grand hall. He or she was wearing a loose robe belonging to the host's organization and his or her face was entirely hidden by a hood.

Jin, like many others, was unsure of who was behind that disguise. That being said, they all knew that whoever it was, it was Campbell's enemy. Many were already getting ready for a fight to back-up Campbell. Either due to them being in a supplier-seller relationship or because they hoped to get in his good books. Maybe a little price cut could be discussed afterwards...

However, they remained cautious. As long as they weren't sure of the identity of this newcomer, they wouldn't act. After all, what if it was someone stronger than them? Or what if it was someone belonging to a force they couldn't afford to offend?

At the moment, they were only bystanders. They had yet to take part in the conflict and remained neutral. As such, they couldn't be blamed by either side. They were all cultivators and knew the unwritten rules. They knew not to act rashly if they didn't want to die early. They kept observing and saw Campbell move forward as he spoke with a very cold tone:

"I never thought you would manage to escape. It is my loss. However, now that you have appeared once more in front of me, don't even think of escaping!"

Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

Just as everyone was thinking the hidden figure would give its own speech, it did something else. It spoke indeed but words no one expected. And its tone was that of a woman trying her hardest to imitate a man's and failing. It was quite comical to hear the hooded one say: "You're confusing me for someone else, Boss"

Even Campbell was stunned for a second, not expecting the bitch to act coy. Then he became even angrier as he screamed: "Sophia! Do you really think I wouldn't recognize you?!"

There was a pause as everyone took in the words he just said. Sophia...They knew of someone with that name. They even saw her some time ago... It couldn't be, right? Right?! But what if this was really Sophia Crowe? Then it was better not to offend her. They couldn't afford that. That girl's mother was just...Yeah, better to remain a bystander.

However, Sophia had another plan in mind. She had been found out anyways. She was disappointed about it. To think this new disguise was this much worse than the previous one...What a shame. Maybe that man knew a secret technique too though? It wasn't impossible. Regardless, it was time to give up on stealth. She spoke as she took off the robe:

"You thought it was your comrade...but it was I! Sophia Crowe!"

As she finally revealed herself, many people reacted strongly, reinforcing her ego. They didn't react due to being surprised but because of what it meant. The Chromatic Abundance was being raided by the Crowe. Even if they wanted to remain neutral, it would be impossible now. Both sides were incredibly powerful and they would obviously hold a grudge to whoever didn't back them up today.

Everyone was thinking hard. Except Campbell and Sophia. The first was furious while the second had a smug smile on her face, proud of her entrance. But Sophia knew that the situation wasn't looking good. While she would not be killed, if the bastard captured her again before anyone reacted, she might be done for. The others might not come rescue her if he told them about the brainwashing... She could not let that happen so she spoke:

"Everyone! On behalf of the Crowe, I plead with you to help me punish this evil organization! They tried to kidnap me and killed many of our tower disciples! Whoever stands by our side will be heavily rewarded afterwards!"

There was a short silence before a man stepped out of the crowd. He was an elegant young man with a goatee. As he moved and went to stand in front of Sophia he was chuckling. A vein popped out on Campbell's forehead as he saw this man and he asked him: "What is the meaning of this, Harvey?"

That man was Harvey Moore, the owner of the Moore Alchemical Lab, one of the top shops of the city and he was also one of the strongest high-level cultivators. Similar in ability with Campbell, they had known each other for a long time and had been long term business partners. Yet, right now, it seems like that friendship of centuries was nothing.

Harvey was still chuckling.