Chapter 1166

Chapter 1166 I Will Not Let Them Hurt You A meeting at the Fighting Arts Guild base.

Avery and Shane exchanged glances with serious expressions on their faces.

They took over the invitation from Irwin, and their expressions grew even more solemn after seeing the signature at the bottom.

Neera noticed it and glanced at the signature as well. With a puzzled look on her face, she asked, “Who’s Matthew?”

Shane explained calmly, “He is the vice president of the Bartitsu Guild and an important person among the ancient martial arts families.”

“The fact that he had personally sent this invitation means no one is allowed to be absent,” Avery added.

A wave of realization washed over Neera, who instantly felt as if a huge mountain was pressing down on her.

Things seem to be getting more and more complicated.

Just then, Irwin shared another piece of news.

“The family of the Fourth Elder has also arrived.”

Upon hearing that, Avery’s eyes darkened. “Is the Gardner family getting involved as well? Ha, they are indeed ambitious to dare to covet the position of the district president.”

Neera could roughly guess what was going on from the sarcasm and disgust in the man’s tone.

“Is the Gardner-family at odds with the Gordon family?”

Shane nodded and replied, “To be precise, they’re actually at odds with the Cox family, and because the Cox family is on good terms with the Gordon family, they’ve also come to view us as enemies.

That’s just how it is here in Phison. Once we choose to align with a certain family, we will automatically be considered as part of their faction.”

Neera understood that principle well.

“Are the relations between the two families really that bad? Do they fight every time they meet? And they also play tricks behind each other’s back?”

Shane understood what she meant and replied, “Are you suspecting that the Gardner family was the one who harmed you? It’s hard to say. Even though the Cox family and the Gordon family are on good terms, and the Gardner family also harbors hostility toward the Gordon family, so far, the Gardner family still sees the Cox family. as their main enemy. After all, the Cox family’s influence in Bartitsu Guild is stronger than the Gardner family’s. Compared to the Gordon family, who has kept a low profile all these years, the Cox family poses a greater threat to the Gardner family. Therefore, the Gardner family has always considered the Cox family as their archenemy and has been trying to take over the Cox family’s position in Bartitsu Guild.”

Neera couldn’t help but sigh as she figured out the intricacies of the relationship among the families.

“I didn’t know that such competition exists among the elders in Bartitsu Guild. Being in the same guild, shouldn’t they stay united? Why must they engage in internal strife…”

Avery put away the invitation and nodded.

“Actually, internal strife happens everywhere. Like power struggles within a company’s management, Bartitsu Guild is no different. Families who haven’t secured a seat among the eight elders would do anything in order to get a place. Those who are already among the eight elders would aspire to climb even higher, to become the leader of Bartitsu Guild. That’s why there’s endless internal strife. Besides, in Bartitsu Guild, power is respected above all else.”

“That’s right.” Shane added, “You’ve only seen Bartitsu Guild so far, but the situation is the same in Lordsworth Estate. Jean is the leader of Lordsworth Estate, but there are many forces underneath him who want to hold high positions there. However, unlike Bartitsu Guild, the mysterious leader of Lordsworth Estate is so powerful that no one can match his capabilities. Under his iron-fisted rule, the forces underneath him dare not act too recklessly. Hence, and the competition among them is relatively mild.”

Understanding the situation, Neera asked, “So, any degree of violence can be used in the competition within Bartitsu Guild? Even if it results in death?”

“Yes, just like the attack you experienced last time. Such incidents are actually very common in Bartitsu Guild. It happens all the time.”

Neera pursed her lips, finding it hard to agree with the practices and governance of Bartitsu Guild, let alone have any fondness for them.

Worried that the woman might feel anxious over what she heard, Shane reassured, “Don’t worry. They can fight among themselves for all they like, but we won’t let them hurt you.”

However, that was not what Neera was worried about. “I have a feeling that tomorrow’s so-called meeting might not be anything good,” she said.

Sharing the same thoughts, Shane replied, “It’s unlikely that it would be a peaceful event. After all, the election of the district president is a matter of great importance. There will inevitably be confrontations, both open and hidden.”

Avery chimed in, “I’m afraid it’s all about the election. The families on the invitation are all eligible candidates for the district president. Don’t overthink it for now. Let’s rest well tonight and be prepared to meet those wolves tomorrow.”

Neera understood that overthinking wouldn’t help. Hence, she calmed herself down and replied, “All right.”

That night, before falling asleep, she found herself gazing at the ceiling, her thoughts drifting towards Jean.

She wondered how he would react if he knew about the recent events she had been through and the challenges she was about to face…