Departing from Goldridge toward the southeast, there was only one famous McDaniel family: the McDaniel family of Sunstrand. They were not only old money but also a martial family. Their patriarch, Nicholas McDaniel, ranked tenth on the Titan List.
After traveling most of the day, Andrew and his companions finally arrived in Sunstrand. The difference in atmosphere was obvious the moment they stepped into the city. Martial artists filled the streets, their presence brazen and undisguised.
Eric said darkly, “It looks like quite a few people have heard about Shiloh’s whereabouts. Sunstrand won’t stay peaceful for long.”
Andrew stayed calm, his eyes glancing toward Cordelia. Due to her striking, foreign-looking blue eyes, she wore dark sunglasses to cover them. She had been quiet along the road, not causing any trouble.
“Doesn’t matter. First stop is the McDaniel family estate,” Andrew decided immediately.
The McDaniel family was undoubtedly the giant powerhouse family in Sunstrand. It had a huge reputation throughout all five provinces of Holtrien’s Gabo Creek region. In terms of status, the McDaniel family ranked among the elite families, no less than Goldridge’s McCormick family.
All three had simple disguises as they passed through Sunstrand’s city center, heading toward the McDaniel family estate. However, halfway there, they were stopped by people.
“What’s your business? Where are you from?”
The group blocking their path had over 20 members. Each one wore a long sword at their waist with bulging temples. You could tell they were well-trained experts, and organized ones at that.
Eric whispered, “These are the McDaniel family’s guard unit. They’re quite strong.”
The leader was a martial king, and Andrew certainly did not take him seriously.
However, an old man was smoking a pipe at a small stall nearby. He looked disheveled and half-asleep. Nonetheless, the faint, dangerous aura emanating from him made Andrew notice him immediately.
This old man was a martial saint hiding his true strength. It seemed like a routine inspection, so Andrew did not think much of it and smiled. “We’re from Gabo Creek province, here to visit relatives!”
The martial king’s pale eyes scanned them up and down before he finally stepped aside. “Move along. Sunstrand is under lockdown. If you’re here to visit family, then find a place to stay. No one is allowed near the McDaniel family estate.”
Eric feigned ignorance. “Oh? The McDaniel family estate is one of Sunstrand’s landmarks. Can’t we at least go take a look?”
The martial king sneered. “That’s the McDaniel family’s territory. Surely you know what their name means here? If you have a death wish, go ahead and ‘visit.’ No one will stop you.”
Eric scoffed but said nothing more. Andrew smiled again at the martial king, looking completely harmless. Only then did he leave with Cordelia and Eric.
The main road to the estate was sealed, so the only way to approach was through side routes.
Eric grumbled, “The McDaniel family estate is huge. We have plenty of ways to sneak in!”
Andrew shook his head. “Keep moving. Something feels off.”
Eric frowned. “Off? You’re imagining things.”
Ahead of them stretched a redwood path. At the end of it lay another street of Sunstrand.
Andrew’s brows furrowed as he scanned the surroundings, then stepped forward into the redwood forest.
Halfway through, a sharp whistle split the air. Without hesitation, Andrew yanked the slow-reacting Cordelia down and dropped low.
A long spear, carrying enough force to pierce through anything, sliced past their heads.
Eric’s expression changed slightly as he shouted, “Who’s there? Come out!”
Cordelia lay beneath Andrew, already pale with fear. If he had not saved her just now, she would have died.
She opened her mouth to say thank you. However, Andrew had already sprung up and was looking toward the depths of the forest.