Invisible Security Guard
Chapter 349: Sophia Makes Her Entrance

Chapter 349: Chapter 349: Sophia Makes Her Entrance

Rachel Fournier and Sophia were both extremely curious about the capital city, so the two of them pestered Yusuf Zuck to keep talking about everything that was there.

Perhaps because they were all young, the two girls had nothing to say to Everest Zuck, but they got along extremely well with Yusuf Zuck, and sometimes his jokes and playful remarks would make the two women burst into giggles.

All through the night, the three of them talked, with the girls asking questions and Yusuf Zuck answering them—about food, drinks, amusements, and everything else, making them long even more for the capital.

The next day, as dawn was just breaking, the sound of a gong rang out, calling everyone to assemble.

In the center of the mountaintop, a simple stage made of robust logs had been built, very sturdy, and sitting to the south of the stage were the three legendary Truth-Insight Grandmasters.

Truth-Insight, by its name, meant to perceive the true self, to return to purity and essence. The three Truth-Insight Grandmasters exuded great authority. Brad Carlson, in particular, did not need to be mentioned. One look at him, and you knew he was not to be trifled with; Yusuf Zuck knew from Carlson’s performance the day before that he was a man of decisive and deadly action.

"Next to Brad Carlson, sitting in the middle, is ’Raylan Meskill,’ the Sect Leader of the Liuhemen. Raylan Meskill has practiced Truth-Insight for many years. His skills are profound and transcendent. He is also the mightiest among the three Truth-Insight Grandmasters. His Liuhemen boxing is unbeatable!"

"That woman is Margaret Wilkinson, without sect or faction, her origins a mystery—at least to us. We have never seen her make a move!" Rachel Fournier introduced the three Truth-Insight Grandmasters, and when she got to Margaret Wilkinson, Yusuf Zuck was also taken aback because she looked so strikingly similar to Mia’s aunt Daisy Wilkinson from Hong Kong. There was also a resemblance to Mia!

Yusuf Zuck’s mind was in turmoil, remembering Mia’s words that her mother had ascended to immortality, seldom seen once in ten or eight years.

Could Margaret Wilkinson be Mia’s birth mother?

Yusuf Zuck suspected that it was highly probable. Margaret Wilkinson, Daisy Wilkinson—they both shared the surname Wilkinson, and the resemblance was uncanny. If it wasn’t Mia’s mysterious mother, then who else could it be? Yet, Yusuf Zuck had not expected Mia’s mother to be so formidable.

The three Truth-Insight Grandmasters were seated at the highest place, with Isaiah Fowler, River Berger, Allan Zuck, and others of similar stature seated a row behind them. These were all Grandmasters, of high rank and seniority.

Although Rachel Fournier was a Grandmaster as well, she belonged to a younger generation. There was a seat for her on the platform, but she did not take it.

As for Everest Zuck, despite being the Sect Leader of Ghost Valley Sect, he was of a junior generation and did not qualify to sit there.

There were over forty Grandmasters at the gathering, a number far exceeding what Yusuf Zuck and Everest Zuck had imagined.

The host of the event was still Brad Carlson. After exchanging courteous greetings with the fellow members of the martial world, he stepped onto the stage with one motion, bowed around, and instantly, the crowd went silent.

"The triennial exchange meeting takes place as scheduled. This year, we have more people than in previous years, including many sects that have joined recently. Our Neijia (internal martial arts) lineage is not in decline. I will preside over today’s grand meeting, and just like in past meetings, we will exchange insights and jointly explore the Heavenly Dao."

"Today, there will be a competition for the younger disciples. Such an event is the best way to measure and encourage our younger disciples to strive for excellence. At that time, we will reward those truly talented disciples so that they can reach new heights!"

"We are all individuals of the martial world, so I’ll speak straightforwardly, without unnecessary words. You all know the rules already; let’s start the drawing of lots immediately," said Brad Carlson, while gesturing for an attendant to bring a black bag and another to bring a stack of folded white papers.

"A total of two hundred and three individuals have registered for the competition. Among these two hundred and three are beginners, those without initiation, and also those initiated many years ago. So, like in previous times, everyone will be treated equally. If you are drawn and feel you are no match for the opponent, you may bow out and admit defeat."

"Hmm, I hope everyone gives their all. Apart from weapons and medicines, the reward for the top ten this year also includes a Sword Pill. The top ten will all receive one, and the top three will become disciples of Brad Carlson, Raylan Meskill, and Margaret Wilkinson, receiving personal instruction in the martial arts."

"So, remember to give it your best."

"All right, let’s begin."

Following Brad Carlson’s command, the person with the white papers tossed all the folded papers into the black bag. Then the person with the black bag brought it to the top of the stage for Raylan Meskill in the center to draw the lots.

Raylan Meskill smiled as he drew two white slips of paper, and the staff member handed them over to Brad Carlson!

At that moment, Yusuf Zuck realized that the competition involved random draws; there were no pre-arranged matches. Moreover, the draw was not a one-time event. Participants would take turns drawing lots, and even the other grandmasters present would draw lots when their turn came. Whoever’s name was drawn would step up to fight. The loser would leave the stage, and the winner would also step down to wait for the next round.

After receiving the slips, Brad Carlson opened them in front of everyone, revealing clearly written names and sect names in large characters.

"Sophia the Healer, Sophia versus Dragon Gate Reed King."

"Ah..." Seeing Sophia’s name, Yusuf Zuck was stunned. He hadn’t known that Sophia would be participating, and she was drawn in the first round!

Sophia did not possess the Inner Qi of Internal Martial Arts in her body but had a unique and indomitable energy within her.

As for that Dragon Gate Reed King, he was genuinely an entry-level practitioner. Once initiated, he possessed Gang Qi and was skilled in Qigong!

"Just my luck, why am I the first group?" Sophia muttered under her breath and then struggled to climb onto the stage.

"Sophia, be careful," Yusuf Zuck suddenly reminded her.

"Got it, Brother Yusuf," Sophia turned back and stuck out her tongue at Yusuf Zuck.

"Don’t worry, out of the more than two hundred competitors, I doubt there’s anyone who could hurt her. There’s no need for you to worry about her," Rachel Fournier said with a wry smile, shaking her head. She knew Sophia’s capabilities the best.

Compared to Sophia, who had climbed onto the stage, that man named Reed King performed a beautiful somersault, landing neatly on the platform.

A handsome young man, who looked to be almost thirty years old.

Being able to be initiated before the age of thirty was considered exceptional in the world of Internal Martial Arts.

"Okay, you can start now. If you find yourself outmatched, immediately shout out to surrender; otherwise, the referee will not intervene," Brad Carlson reminded them.

"Wait a second, Elder Brad," Sophia called out to Brad Carlson, who was about to step down, "Is it true there are no rules on the stage? Any method is allowed, as long as it defeats the opponent, right?"

"Naturally," Brad Carlson nodded and announced loudly, "Whether you use poison or hidden weapons, it’s all permitted. Martial arts are techniques for killing, not child’s play. Any method that takes the opponent down is acceptable."

"Of course, the only things you can’t use are firearms, and if you use poison, you must have the antidote as well," Brad Carlson noted, aware of Sophia being the granddaughter of the great Miao healer. What else would she use if not poison?

"Oh oh oh, got it, got it. We can start now," Sophia repeated, nodding vigorously.

"Sophia Junior Sister, please go easy on me!" Reed King, being much older than Sophia, winked at her before directly attacking with swift and fierce moves, giving no quarter and going all out!

"Xiao Qing, come out and bite him!" As Reed King charged towards her, Sophia stretched out her hand, and from her sleeve shot out a small green snake less than half a meter long. The small snake struck like lightning, hitting Reed King right in the face.

"Ahh~" Reed King screamed. He hadn’t even reached Sophia when he was bitten by the small green snake.

Then, his eyes rolled back, he foamed at the mouth, and his body convulsed uncontrollably!

"Shh~" Seeing this scene, everyone shuddered. That snake’s venom was terribly potent, right? And this fight was just too... too... unconventional!