Chapter 185: We All Think You’re a god

Chapter 185: Chapter 185: We All Think You’re a god

He was curious about what else the Ancestor wanted to talk about besides the gifts.

Ancestor Wendell looked at him for a moment before asking directly.

"Mr. X, is your current appearance a disguise?"

Xavier’s expression remained unchanged.

"I suspect you’re wearing some kind of special mask," the Ancestor continued with a faint smile. "And I’m beginning to think that the name Mr. X isn’t your real identity either."

Xavier fell silent.

After a while, he asked, "Did you figure that out through your Law of Perception?"

His question was as good as an admission.

Xavier had encountered quite a few Divine Power Realm experts, yet none of them had seen through his disguise. Even Stanley, a peak Divine Power Realm expert from the Evil Suppression Group, hadn’t noticed anything unusual.

After considering the matter, Xavier could only think of one explanation.

That also explained why Ancestor Wendell had occasionally looked at him strangely after breaking free from Desmond Hale’s control.

"That’s right."

The Ancestor nodded without hesitation.

"The Laws are truly remarkable."

Xavier shook his head with a faint smile.

"So, are you telling me this because you want to know who I really am?"

"Not at all."

Ancestor Wendell immediately dismissed the suggestion.

"I’m not interested in forcing you to reveal your secrets. Everyone has their own reasons for keeping certain things private. Whatever your reasons for using a different appearance and name, you saved the Shelby Family. That’s what matters to me. I have no intention of questioning you further."

"Then why bring it up?"

"I’m simply warning you about something."

The Ancestor’s expression became sincere.

"Abilities related to perception aren’t particularly rare among powerful martial artists. Apart from people who comprehend the Law of Perception, there are martial techniques and special abilities that can greatly enhance one’s eyesight. Some can even see through disguises that would fool ordinary Divine Power Realm experts."

He looked directly at Xavier.

"Your disguise might have worked so far, but you shouldn’t assume it will remain effective forever. Sooner or later, someone may see through it. I thought you should be prepared for that possibility."

That was the real reason Ancestor Wendell had brought up the matter.

But there was something he hadn’t said aloud.

The first time he saw Xavier’s true appearance beneath the disguise, he had been utterly stunned.

The young man couldn’t have been more than twenty. Judging by his appearance, he might have been nineteen, eighteen, or perhaps even younger.

Yet at such an age, he was already a master alchemist. He had mastered the Six Directions Heaven-Piercing Finger and the Phantom God-Slaying Sword Technique, two extraordinary martial arts techniques. His combat strength was also sufficient to kill Divine Power Realm opponents.

Even after living through the Great Destruction Era and witnessing a century of changes in the martial world, Ancestor Wendell had never encountered anyone remotely comparable.

That discovery had completely changed his plans.

The Dragon Blood Fruit, the Shepherd God Puppet Technique, and the mysterious severed finger were not originally meant to be given away. They were among his most treasured possessions, things he had intended to preserve for the next generation of the Shelby Family.

But after seeing Xavier’s true appearance, he had decided to offer all three.

It was a gamble.

A young man with such extraordinary abilities and potential could hardly have an ordinary future. Reaching the Venerable Realm might only be the beginning of his journey.

Ancestor Wendell even believed that Mr. X had a genuine chance of becoming the first Martial Saint of the New Calendar era.

And someone like that already had a connection to the Shelby Family.

If the Ancestor could secure his goodwill before his own death, the entire family might benefit from it for generations.

He was nearing the end of his life. Everything he had done was ultimately for one reason: to ensure that the Shelby Family would have a future after he was gone.

Xavier had always known that his disguise might eventually be exposed. In fact, he had mentally prepared himself for that possibility long ago.

After all, the disguise relied on a special mask he had obtained as spoils of war.

Although its concealment abilities had exceeded his expectations, it was still only a mask.

As he encountered increasingly powerful opponents, it was inevitable that someone would eventually see through it.

He had simply assumed that day was still a long way off.

Besides, with his current strength and astonishing rate of improvement, what did it matter if someone discovered his real appearance? Even if people eventually connected him to Mira Sinclair’s husband, he wasn’t particularly worried.

This was an era in which spiritual energy had revived and strength determined one’s standing. As long as he possessed enough power, anyone who tried to cause trouble for him would have to bear the consequences.

Still, he hadn’t expected his disguise to be exposed so soon.

Fortunately, Ancestor Wendell had no intention of revealing his secret. There was no need to silence anyone or resort to anything unpleasant.

"The power of the Laws really is remarkable, Ancestor Wendell. Thank you for the warning. I’ll be more careful from now on."

Xavier spoke sincerely.

"It’s nothing. I only wanted you to be aware of the risk. Just remember to take precautions in the future."

Ancestor Wendell waved the matter aside with a smile.

"Come on. Let’s return to the others. I also heard about Sarah Shelby and her daughter, Maya Knox. I’ve decided to look into what happened and make sure the matter is dealt with fairly."

As he mentioned the mother and daughter, a trace of disappointment crossed his face.

For many years, he had devoted almost all his attention to cultivation and rarely involved himself in the family’s internal affairs. He had never imagined that things would deteriorate so badly in his absence.

Sarah’s decision to fall in love with an ordinary farmer had been difficult for him to understand. However, that alone should never have justified the family’s actions.

They had forcibly separated a family of three, dragged Sarah back to the Shelby Family, and arranged another marriage for her against her wishes.

But even that wasn’t the worst part.

Maya was a member of the Shelby bloodline. Yet for eighteen years, the family had treated her as though she didn’t exist. They had not only neglected her but had also prevented her from maintaining contact with her own mother.

What kind of family would treat its own blood so cruelly?

Ancestor Wendell had spent most of his life pursuing greater strength, but with his time running out, his priorities had changed. He no longer wanted to spend his remaining days buried in cultivation.

If the Shelby Family’s values had become so distorted, then he would personally set things right, even if it meant making drastic changes.

"Wait a moment."

Xavier suddenly stopped.

He still had a long way to go before he could stand at the absolute peak of the martial world. Until then, protecting his true identity remained important.

An idea came to him.

He circulated his chaotic energy, allowing it to spread across his face and completely conceal his features.

"Ancestor Wendell, can you still see through my disguise now?"

The Ancestor examined him carefully. After a moment, he shook his head.

"No. I can’t make out your appearance anymore. I didn’t expect you to possess such mysterious energy. That’s truly impressive."

Xavier smiled with satisfaction.

The chaotic energy covering his face might make his appearance seem somewhat unusual, but that was a small price to pay for greater security.

Besides, the amount of energy required was insignificant compared with his enormous reserves. If necessary, he could maintain the concealment indefinitely without worrying about running out.

"Since that’s settled, let’s get back. It’s getting late. We should finish what needs to be done so everyone can have dinner and get some rest."

"Agreed."

Ancestor Wendell nodded with a smile.

He couldn’t help thinking that Xavier really was young. Despite possessing such extraordinary strength, he still seemed concerned about ordinary things like eating and sleeping.

After all, no matter how powerful someone became, they still had to eat.

"From this moment onward, Charles Shelby, you are no longer the head of the Shelby Family."

At the Shelby Family’s leadership meeting, Ancestor Wendell announced his decision without hesitation.

Five elders and more than a dozen core members of the family had gathered. Among those present were Charles Shelby and Liam Shelby, both members of the Star Sea Realm.

The Ancestor’s expression was stern as he looked at Charles.

"I won’t waste time explaining my reasons. You should take some time to reflect on your own actions."

He had already decided to reform the family, and he wasn’t about to delay the process.

Charles’s removal from the position of patriarch was the first step.

No one dared to object.

Ancestor Wendell was the oldest and most respected member of the Shelby Family. His authority was deeply rooted in the hearts of its members, and few would dare question a decision he had made personally.

Charles hesitated briefly before lowering his head.

"Yes, Ancestor."

His voice was subdued. Losing the position of patriarch so suddenly was a heavy blow, and he couldn’t hide his disappointment.

But Ancestor Wendell wasn’t finished.

"Liam, you’ll take over as the new head of the Shelby Family."

The announcement caught everyone off guard.

Several members who had quietly begun considering their own chances of becoming patriarch were left speechless.

Liam?

He was known for his straightforward personality and preference for fighting over handling family affairs. Some even considered him a reckless brute.

How could someone like him possibly manage the entire Shelby Family?

Liam himself looked equally bewildered. He pointed at his chest.

"Me, Ancestor? You want me to become the patriarch?"

His expression suggested that he wasn’t sure he had heard correctly.

"That’s right. You."

Liam immediately shook his head.

"Ancestor, I don’t think I’m suitable for this position. Honestly, I’m not interested in becoming patriarch. I also don’t have the time to deal with all the family’s administrative matters. Surely there’s someone more suitable?"

He would rather spend his days cultivating or fighting than sit around dealing with endless family affairs.

The thought alone gave him a headache.

"You don’t need to worry about that."

Ancestor Wendell dismissed his concerns.

"I’m appointing you for one reason. I want you to restore the Shelby Family’s traditions and correct the problems that have developed over the years. That’s your main responsibility."

He then looked toward two other family members.

"Charles, Hayes and Holt will assist Liam with the day-to-day affairs. With their help, you won’t have to handle everything yourself. Is that clear?"

"Yes, Ancestor!"

Hayes Shelby and Holt Shelby answered together.

The other family members exchanged glances. Some looked toward Charles, whose expression had grown even more miserable.

Now they understood why the Ancestor had been so dissatisfied with him.

Under Charles’s leadership, the family’s traditions had gradually deteriorated. His removal wasn’t simply a matter of choosing a different patriarch. Ancestor Wendell wanted someone who would restore the family’s principles.

Even so, Liam remained reluctant.

"Ancestor, you can appoint whoever you like, but I’d really rather not take the position."

Then an idea suddenly occurred to him.

"Actually, since you’ve just emerged from seclusion, wouldn’t it make more sense for you to remain patriarch? You’re clearly the most suitable person!"

Ancestor Wendell nearly laughed in disbelief.

"Are you trying to work an old man like me to death?"

He shook his head.

"Besides, I don’t have much time left. There’s no point pretending otherwise. You’ll all find out soon enough, so I might as well tell everyone now."

Until then, only Xavier had known how little time Ancestor Wendell had left. He had deliberately kept the matter from the others.

But with Liam making such a suggestion, the Ancestor decided it was time to be honest.

His words caused an immediate uproar.

"Ancestor, what are you talking about?"