The Rise of a Master: It Starts With Rejection

Felix panicked, wondering what the hell was happening. Before he faced any life- threatening dangers in Martial City, he was actually at risk of losing his dignity first.

What made it worse was that the seductive middle-aged woman holding him in an iron grip was a Physical Refinement Realm martial artist, just like him. He would have to go all out if he wanted to resist, but could he risk that here?

"Ma'am, what are you doing?" he protested. No matter how much he struggled, it was useless. Her hold on him was unshakable, leaving him completely immobilized.

"My, my!" Nellie Belmont chuckled, clearly amused. "You're an interesting one. Most men would kill for the chance to be with me, and here you are, acting scared. It's adorable, really—it's making me enjoy this even more."

"Who is this crazy woman?" Felix thought, his frustration mounting. No matter how alluring she might be, there was no way he would allow himself to be caught up in this mess just because of his hormones.

"Ma'am, you said you wanted me to make a choice. What exactly do you mean?" he asked, hoping to distract her.

Her steps did not falter, but she answered with a mischievous grin, "I want you to stay in North City instead of heading to Harmony Clinic's headquarters.

"And if I can, let's say, persuade you with my charm, I'm sure you'll want to stay. Don't worry. I'll make sure you're very satisfied. And if you ever need anything, you can come find me once a month, no strings attached."

Hearing that, Felix felt both relieved and exasperated. He hurriedly replied, "Ma'am, I was already planning to stay in North City."

That finally made Nellie stop in her tracks. "You're serious?"

"Yes, absolutely!" Felix confirmed. "I've always intended to open a clinic here to both help people and focus on pill cultivation."

Nellie smiled, finally setting him down. She even went so far as to help smooth out his clothes, though her hands wandered inappropriately as she did.

"Good, good. Staying in North City is definitely the smarter choice," she said. Extending a hand, she introduced herself, "I'm Nellie Belmont, North City's steward for Harmony Clinic."

It was clear she was thrilled. A Heaven-grade alchemist choosing to stay in North City meant more resources, funding, and prestige for her division.

"Nice to meet you, Nellie," Felix replied, still a bit cautious.

Nellie licked her lips, her gaze lingering on him. "Are you sure you don't want to spend a night with me?"

Felix forced a polite smile, trying to remain composed. "I'm sure, but thank you for the offer, Nellie."

After leaving Harmony Clinic, Felix

let out a deep breath, feeling like he had just survived a bizarre ordeal. At least he had taken his first major

step in Martial City. Now, all he net

needed to do was find a place to

open his clinic, report back t

Harmony Clinic, and quietly proceed with his plans.

"Hey, kid. I've been waiting for you," a voice called out as Felix was about to turn anoveldrama

corner.

A car door slammed shut, and a young man stepped out, dressed in a tailored teal suit despite the warm weather.

Felix sighed inwardly, wondering

what it was with people in Martial

City and their obsession with formalwear. Including the late Bobby everyone with even a hint of status seemed to dress like they were attending a banquet,

"Are you talking to me?" Felix asked, stopping in his tracks.

The young man approached him, his lips curling into a cold sneer. "Don't play dumb. I know why you went straight to Harmony Clinic, but you made me wait long enough."

Felix frowned, still trying to make sense of the situation. He was not about to act rashly without understanding what was going on. "I'm sorry, but I don't know what you're talking about."

The young man's expression

darkened as he pointed an accusatory finger at Felix. "Cut the crap! In all of North City, no man

dares to be seen walking annet

with Laura-except you. You think you can just break that precedent?"