Despite having only studied with the three elderly men for a few years, Lilah exhibited a natural talent that was hard to ignore.

However, how could she ever compare to Barth, who had been passionately devoted to martial arts since childhood and trained tirelessly every single day?

The meeting began on a tense note but concluded with most attendees feeling a sense of satisfaction.

Feeling a wave of relief, Lilah rose to her feet, prepared to depart with the three elderly men, when she noticed their unhappy faces.

"Is something the matter, Cyrus?" she inquired, a trace of apprehension in her voice.

"You simply don't understand, do you?" Kyler cast her a frosty glance before turning on his heel to leave.

Cyrus trailed immediately behind him.

Devonte remained, his tone brimming with concern. "Lilah, this isn't solely about you; it impacts the destiny of the entire Fearless League. Your honesty and lack of guile are precisely why we desire you as our league leader. But you..."

Feeling somewhat resigned, Lilah responded, "I accepted the challenge because it seemed the most equitable choice. Otherwise, even if I held the token and seized the position by force, others might not respect my authority."

She earnestly believed that.

“But you are underestimating Barth's prowess," Devonte scoffed, sweeping his sleeve dramatically as he walked away without another word.

Observing his retreating silhouette, Lilah furrowed her brow.

Could Barth truly be that formidable?

As night deepened, the sea breeze whispered across Luna Island, enveloping it in serene tranquility.

Upon returning to his quarters, Barth discovered Bartley, the ambitious deputy leader, already waiting-an irksome sight.

Bartley, perpetually driven by ambition and always attempting to manipulate him, had pushed Barth to clear the air.

“Barth, I understand your dissatisfaction with my actions, but it's for your own benefit. If you smoothly ascend as the league leader, your engagement to my daughter will naturally follow," Bartley said, smiling gently.

Barth's eyes darkened, fists clenched within his sleeves.

"Young man, don't be naive. Are you simply going to wait for the opportunity to fall from the sky?" Bartley chuckled, his tone laden with implications, leaning in to whisper something in Barth's ear.

Barth's expression shifted dramatically. “What did you say?"

Bartley, now stern, gritted his teeth, a cold flash in his eyes.

“Listen, the kid will only be with us for a few hours, alright? Don't worry, he belongs to Lilah after all. I wouldn't harm him.”

“Where is he now?" Barth pressed urgently. "Take me to him."

He understood how much Lilah and the three elders cherished the child.