Chapter 1413 Dazed
“Howard.” At that moment, the three people who had talked to Jared walked over as well. Howard sized up the leader of the party of three and said disdainfully, “Jace, I didn’t think you’d be here.”
Taking in Howard’s facial expression, Jace merely smiled faintly in response. “I certainly cannot let slip this wonderful opportunity. I consider myself very fortunate to join Jared and witness his capabilities this time. Jared is the leader of the Sage Leaderboard now, as well as the most outstanding martial artist among the younger generation. He outshines almost all the newer-generation geniuses in the martial arts world.”
Despite Jace’s bootlicking, Jared remained unfazed. Nevertheless, Jared felt Jace’s name sounded familiar, but he could not recall where he had heard it from.
Howard sneered while listening to Jace’s flatteries. “Why didn’t you praise Jared as the most outstanding martial artist among the younger generation and that he was the leader of the Sage Leaderboard when you published the challenge invitation on the martial arts forum in the past?”
Upon hearing that, Howard instantaneously remembered the person who mentioned he wanted to challenge him in a fight on the martial arts forum was that man standing before him at that moment.
Jace immediately felt a little awkward after Howard questioned him. “I was merely kidding at that time. I am not qualified to be Jared’s opponent with my abilities.”
Howard snorted before dragging Jared along and moved to one side, seemingly unwilling to entertain Jace and the others further.
“Jared, you should steer clear of Jace in the future. He’s easily swayed toward whoever is in power and is always scheming something,” Howard reminded.
Jared merely smiled faintly. “I don’t know him, nor am I interested in getting acquainted with him.”
As Jared spoke to Howard, a commotion suddenly erupted among the crowd. Immediately afterward, the horde of people automatically stepped aside to clear a path.
Jared caught sight of a beautiful girl with a heavenly presence ambling into the crowd.
Many people gaped at her because of her extraordinary temperament. They were astonished when they sensed her aura, which suggested she was a Martial Arts Marquis.
That acknowledgment shocked Jared. I can’t believe a girl as young as her is already a Martial Arts Marquis. This is incredible!
Just as he was about to ask Howard about the girl’s identity, he noticed the latter gawking at her and was so close to drooling from his open mouth.
“Howard, Howard…”
Jared gently nudged Howard a couple of times before the latter regained his senses.
Howard hurriedly wiped the corner of his mouth. His eyes gleamed as he said, “Jared, the Trial is going to be fun this time. Do you know who she is?”
Jared shook his head. He did not recognize that girl.
“Her name is Astrid Gunderson. She’s the prized daughter of the Gunderson family and a certified genius, having achieved the rank of Martial Arts Marquis at nineteen years old. Astrid is probably the strongest girl among the younger generation of female martial artists in the Jadeborough martial arts world. Not only is she highly gifted, but she’s also gorgeous, not to mention her divine presence. In the past, many scions from Jadeborough were captivated by her and constantly dueled one another to win her favor. However, Astrid committed herself to isolated cultivation afterward for many years. Only then did everyone gradually grow less fervent about her. Unexpectedly, she’s here to participate in the Trial today!”
Howard’s excitement intensified as he elaborated while fixating his gaze on Astrid the entire time.
All those participants of the Trial present were either descendants of powerful sects and respectable families or prominent figures among the younger generation of martial artists. All of them widened their eyes and stared at Astrid following her advent.
At that moment, Jace took the lead to greet Astrid. “Ms. Gunderson, I didn’t expect you to be done with your cultivation already!”
Astrid nodded at Jace courteously. “It’s been a few years since we last met, and you’re already the leader of the Sage Leaderboard.”
