Meanwhile, in the central courtyard of the Lawson estate, two groups of people were facing off against each other. One group was led by Herman Lawson, the head of this family. They all had tense expressions, ready for a major confrontation; the other group consisted of members of the Riley family, led by Piers Riley, the third-ranking member of the clan. Although their numbers were smaller than the Lawsons', their auras indicated that they were no pushovers.
"Herman, you'd better listen to my advice!" Piers Riley began.
"That thing you're holding is useless to you. To you, it's just a piece of worthless paper. It's not worth sacrificing your entire clan for it."
"Sorry, but this was a gift from a close friend. Even if it's just a blank piece of paper, I, Herman Lawson, would still treasure it." Herman replied with a deep breath, his expression becoming serious.
As he spoke, a heavy feeling settled in his heart. When he had first heard about the tragedy that befell the Dittman family, his immediate reaction had been that the Riley family was responsible. After all, besides the Rileys, no other force had the capability to wipe out the entire Dittman clan overnight in Earthford. However, he couldn't fathom what could drive the Rileys to be so ruthless. The fact that not a single member of the Dittman clan had survived puzzled him.
It was only when a distant relative from the Dittman clan had come to deliver an item earlier that he learned the truth. Herman Lawson had inquired about the item, but the relative had no knowledge of its contents. He had only heard that it was a legacy passed down by the Dittman clan's ancestors, and probably only the clan head knew its significance.
After receiving the item, Herman Lawson had gathered the core members of his family to discuss the matter. Most of the family members were concerned that this item could drag the Lawson family into a dangerous situation and suggested handing it over to the Riley clan.
But Herman Lawson had refused. On a personal level, he had a close friendship with the head of the Dittman family, and now that his entire clan had been wiped out, Herman Lawson considered it his duty to protect this legacy entrusted to him. He couldn't bear to simply hand it over, even if it meant facing the consequences. Moreover, the Lawsons and the Rileys had been at odds for years, and a day would come when their relationship would deteriorate further, whether or not they handed over the item. So, it made little difference.
"Is that so?" Piers Riley smirked. "Are you really willing to risk the lives of everyone in your family for a blank piece of paper?"
"Let me emphasize once more, this was a gift from a close friend of mine. If you insist on taking it by force, the Lawson family will stand its ground!" Herman Lawson responded sternly.
"Very well, Herman, my patience has limits." Piers Riley said, his tone turning serious. "I'll give you one last chance. Hand over the item now, or after today, there will be no more the Lawson family in Earthford."
"That's ambition." Herman Lawson snorted and continued, "Do you think the Lawson family is a lamb to be slaughtered?"
"Herman, do you think that over these years, the Riley clan has tolerated your provocations out of fear?" Piers Riley sneered. "You're too naive. You have no idea about the power of the clans."
"Letting you run amok was simply because we didn't take you seriously. If we wanted to wipe you out, it wouldn't take much effort!"
"Humph!" Herman Lawson snorted again. "You can try. At worst, we'll perish together with you!"
"You're overestimating yourself. Are you qualified to perish with us?" Piers Riley coldly laughed. "Let me make you understand the situation better!"
With that, his eyes narrowed. "Attack!"
His words had barely left his mouth when one of the martial artists from the Lawson family, standing behind Herman Lawson, raised his hand and struck a palm towards the back of Herman.
Herman Lawson immediately spat out a mouthful of blood, flying through the air and crashing heavily onto the ground, completely weakened. Though the palm strike didn't kill him directly, it had taken half his life. Originally in the later stages of the Battle God realm, after that single palm strike, he couldn't even muster the strength of a Battle General.
"Dad!" Eleanor Lawson exclaimed in shock, rushing over.
"Herman!"
"Master!"
"..."
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