Chapter 1819

The two men took a cab to the Southern Martial Union headquarters in Goldridge. As the revered center for martial artists throughout southern Holtrien, the headquarters was magnificent and spectacular. Goldridge, a historic cultural city and one of Holtrien's top-tier metropolises, was exceptionally prosperous. The sheer size of the complex highlighted the Southern Martial Union's significance.

Zachary explained, "The three major factions from Gabo Creek—the Crimson Alliance, Hidden Dragons, and Onyx Serpents—all have their headquarters here."

Andrew's heart stirred. "Is the leader of the Hidden Dragons named Riker Lamar?"

Zachary nodded, surprised. "Yes. I heard he's at the peak of martial king level, close to breaking through to martial saint. He's quite famous. Captain, do you know him?"

Andrew smiled. "I wouldn't say I know him, but I do have some grudges with his Hidden Dragons."

Zachary looked thoughtful but didn't ask further questions. He knew many held grudges against Andrew, a man capable of making enemies worldwide—a fact Zachary had long accepted.

"Stop right there and show us your invitation!" Two martial artists at the entrance, their temples prominently bulging, blocked their path, their expressions unfriendly.

Zachary produced his invitation and asked with a smile, "Has something happened at the headquarters recently? It feels even more heavily guarded than my last visit."

After examining the invitation, the guards' attitudes softened.

One said, "So you're here for the inner disciple examination. Zachary, congratulations in advance on your breakthrough!"

The other, annoyed, explained, "Don't even get me started. Mr. Thornton recently sparred with Eastonian masters and won decisively, but at the victory banquet, those shameless Eastonians poisoned and attempted to assassinate him."

He added, "Though he fought his way out, it's put everyone on edge. We were on vacation, but were called back to duty."

Seeing their displeasure, Zachary sympathized and laughed heartily. "Alright then, I'll head in first to see how Mr. Thornton is doing! If I become his inner disciple, I'll definitely buy you both drinks!"

The guards laughed. "Go on in! It's quite lively today. People from all three major Gabo Creek groups are here, along with representatives from powerful families and wealthy clans. In one word: grand!"

Andrew smiled. "By the way, do you know if the Driscoll, Fischer, and Peck families from Blumedale in Gabo Creek State have arrived?"

The guard on the left nodded. "They're here! All of them!"

Andrew nodded. "Thanks!"

He and Zachary entered the compound. As they walked, Zachary asked curiously, "Captain, is something wrong?"

Andrew shook his head. "Nothing's wrong. I'm just confirming something. The Driscoll and Fischer families aren't from Goldridge, yet they came. I'm puzzled."

Zachary said, "I'm not sure why the Driscoll family came, but the Fischer family definitely had to be here."

Andrew looked curious. "Why do you say that?"

Zachary grinned. "Captain, my last name is Fischer. I'm from a branch family in Gabo Creek province. We're one of the Three Titans, but unlike the Phelan and Driscoll families."

He continued, "The other two major powers dominate Gabo Creek through economic resources and connections. The Fischer family rules through martial strength. The Southern Martial Union is essentially our stronghold. Mr. Thornton accepting inner disciples is a major event. If the Fischer family didn't show up, we wouldn't be worthy of being called a martial arts family!"

Andrew finally understood. "Makes sense now."