In the big courtyard of Crimson Sage Sect, Felix stood on a raised tform. He was nked by two sect elders who had clear orders to kill him at any suspicious movement.


    The thunderous sound of helicopter des grew louder as it approached. Looking up, Felix guessed it must be Xena arriving.


    Even after her phone call with Jaden had proved futile, Xena still came to Crimson Sage Sect in person for Felix''s sake. Whatever Jaden''s ns were, this couldn''t be good.


    As the helicopternded in the courtyard, Xena emerged alone without any backup. Her eyes immediately found Felix, and she walked straight toward him.


    ""You shouldn''t havee," he said.


    Xena bit her lower lip but kept walking. "I don''t need you telling me what to do. Keep quiet!


    She feared Felix might say something that would further anger the sect members. Regardless of what really happened, they could not deny that a disciple from Crimson Sage Sect was dead.


    As she reached the tform, Jaden blocked her path. "Why are you in such a hurry? Don''t forget that Felix''s fate lies with Crimson Sage Sect now."


    Xena faced Jaden expressionlessly. "Since I''m finally here, what will it take for you to let Felix go?"


    After reflecting on the past, Xena realized she owed Felix a lot. She had toe whether it was out of gratitude or feelings for him. Staying uninvolved was not an option.


    "Do you really want to save him? At any cost?" Jaden questioned.


    Xena nodded. She nced at Crimson Sage Sect''s leadership gathered nearby, including Cecil. "Crimson Sage Sect ranks among Dragonia''s top martial arts organizations. Do you really need to stoop to such dirty tricks?"


    The others maintained icy stares, while Cecil responded, "Lady Summers, that''s quite unfair. This man killed one of our own. Should we treat him like an honored guest instead?"


    Whatever the situation, they had to show some respect to Xena because of her status. Some might risk underhanded moves in private, but tant disrespect was out of the question.


    Zara had also arrived and was standing a short distance behind Xena. She had done her best, so now it was time to see if Ss had been right.


    Seeing the sect''s united front, Xena turned back to Jaden. "Enough empty talk. What do you want?"


    Jaden smiled without rushing to answer. He pointed at Felix instead. "Felix, you lucky bastard! Even the great Lady Summers seems willing to sacrifice everything for you. I really don''t understand what makes you so special." Felix sighed. Now, he truly believed Xena''s deration of love was not just an impulse. Nothing more needed to be said when a woman would go this far for a man.


    "Fine! Seeing how Lady Summers has gone out of her way for love, I''ll give Felix one chance to live." A hint of amusement shed in Jaden''s eyes as he raised his voice. "It''s quite simple! Xena, if you agree to marry me, Felix will be safe and sound."


    At this moment, Zara burst out before Xena could even react, "Jaden, I can''t believe you''ve sunk so low! I don''t even recognize you anymore! How could you use threats to force love?"


    Ignoring Zara, Jaden waited for Xena''s answer. He was past caring about anything else now. If he were to follow Cecil''s guidance, then marrying Xena would greatly increase his power. Did feelings even matter? Not anymore at this moment.