For a moment, the focus shifted away from the mysterious cultivators.
The woman standing before them—Master Bertha—was a legendary figure in the cultivation world. At just twenty-two, she had reached the Heaven Realm, an achievement that made her talents almost mythical.
Not only was she one of the youngest to break through to such a level, but she was also the youngest leader of the five Martial Arts League branches in the US.
Her future was limitless. Becoming her enemy was the last thing anyone with common sense would do.
When Bill realized who she was, the thought of attacking her—let alone continuing to fight—left his mind completely.
Bertha lifted a lock of black hair from her face and fixed Bill with a steady, unwavering gaze. "You're well-informed," she said. "I'm the leader of the Central US Martial Arts League. Tell your master, the White Dragon King, that John is under my protection. Anyone who dares to harm him will answer to me."
At these words, Bill shivered.
Although his master, White Dragon King, held the title of Venerable Man, his background paled in comparison to Bertha's. She was a leader of the Martial Arts League, an influential figure whose word carried weight in all corners of the world.
Bill, ever cautious, decided it was wiser to retreat for now and report back to his master before making any further decisions.
After a moment of deliberation, he spoke, his voice laced with frustration. "Master Bertha, I'll relay your message to my master. I didn't mean to offend you."
He turned to John, his face now twisted with anger. "You're lucky to have Master Bertha's backing. I'll spare your life today, but don't think this means I'm done with you."
John, unfazed, smirked. "Really? Then I guess I should thank you for not killing me."
Without missing a beat, he reached out his hand toward Bill.
Bill, sneering with contempt, brushed it off. "You don't deserve to touch me."
John chuckled and clapped Bill on the shoulder, causing him to freeze in surprise. "Bro, you really are something, huh?"
Bill's frown deepened. "Take your dirty hand off me!"
John grinned, stepping back with exaggerated apology. "Haha, what an irritable guy!"
"Goodbye, Master Bertha!" John called out cheerfully.
Bill, his patience stretched thin, turned away without another word and stormed off. He was done with this farce.
Bertha, meanwhile, stood off to the side, watching the drama unfold with a mixture of amusement and curiosity. She knew that John had something up his sleeve. She couldn't wait to see how Bill would react when he learned that standing before him was none other than the King of Horizon.
Once Bill was out of sight, Anita and Sophia stood there, momentarily stunned.
Anita's gaze was wide with shock as she turned to Bertha. "I… I had no idea you were a martial artist, let alone the leader of the Central US Martial Arts League. How did you keep that a secret?"
Bertha stuck her tongue out playfully. "Sis, I didn't want to worry you. It was easier to keep it quiet."
Anita took a deep breath, trying to absorb the shock. She was slowly coming to terms with the fact that Bertha was a martial artist—and the leader of one of the most powerful martial arts factions in the country. She had already accepted that John was no ordinary person, so learning this about her sister wasn't as difficult to process.
She shook her head. "I guess I can't blame you for not telling me. But this is… incredible."
On the other hand, Sophia was still reeling with excitement. Her breath came in quick bursts as she processed the information.
Anita's sister wasn't just any martial artist; she was Master Bertha, the leader of the Central US Martial Arts League—a figure with connections that stretched far beyond anything the Long family could hope for.
If Anita had such powerful connections, didn't that mean the Long family did too? This could open up countless doors.
Sophia's mind raced. So the two opportunities Taoist Perry had mentioned were directly linked to Anita—and by extension, to the Martial Arts League. That thought thrilled her beyond words.
As they discussed these revelations, Bertha's face took on a more serious expression.
"By the way, Anita," she said, "I need to talk to you about Laura."
Anita froze at the mention of the name. She had long since stopped discussing Laura, the woman who had smeared her reputation online. But now, Bertha was furious.
"You should have told me about Laura sooner," Bertha continued, her tone sharp. "If I had known she was behind all this, I wouldn't have let her get away with it."
Anita blinked in surprise, but Bertha's words made sense. As the leader of the Martial Arts League, Bertha could wield incredible influence. Even the wealthiest families in Houston would have to be wary of her.
It would be easy for her to deal with the Swift family—the people who had backed Laura in all her schemes.
Anita shook her head in protest. "It's not your fault. You've hidden your identity for so long. I didn't want to trouble you."
Bertha smirked. "Well, now you know. I don't let anyone mess with my family."
She turned to John, her playful expression returning. "By the way, John—you mentioned you were going to visit the Long family. I'm heading to Houston myself. Let's go together."
John raised an eyebrow. "Who are you going to see?"
"You'll find out when we get there," she said, her voice filled with mystery.
John, intrigued but trying not to show it, shrugged. "Keeping me in suspense, huh? Fine. Whatever."
Then, remembering something, he paused. "Oh, and have you figured out the identity of the mutant we caught last time? How did he end up like that?"
Bertha's face became serious. "I've found out," she said, her tone grave. "I'll tell you everything soon."