Florence in Europe, once the epicenter of the Renaissance across the continent. Even with humanity entering the space age, this city retains the very atmosphere of its former glory; the rapid advancement of society and technology has not transformed it, as it did Shengjing in the Central Continent, from a city of magnificent ancient architecture into one of cold steel and concrete.

Today's Florence still exudes the artistic spirit of the Renaissance in every brick and tile, drawing large numbers of tourists annually. Yet, few realize that slumbering beneath Florence lies the vast nerve center of a massive family.

The Alexanders! Once a glorious ancient lineage in Europe, this family, which has weathered countless ups and downs, is once again surging toward brilliance as the eras change.

In the secluded estate, dozens of martial artists roamed, some visible, others hidden, while concealed bunkers discreetly surveyed the surroundings.

These armed forces were not stationed there to guard against a sudden assault from another major power. Truly powerful factions generally exercise greater caution in their dealings; under normal circumstances, they would have no reason to launch an attack on a family headquarters.

The forces, both overt and covert, were truly guarding against small-time gangs—groups of three, five, ten, or even a few dozen men—who, having just established themselves, were desperate to make a name for themselves in the shortest time. Such upstarts, ignorant of the true scale of power, would show no compunction and often target major families to make their opening statement.

Those residing in the upper echelons of the family were not all masters of the martial way. Some, lacking talent in combat, might possess exceptional business acumen, extraordinary social skills, or outstanding political ability.

These individuals were not strong fighters; falling victim to a sniper’s bullet would be frighteningly easy. The comprehensive security measures surrounding them formed a protective net, said to be so tight not even a bird could fly through, shielding those whose martial strength was less pronounced.

A stream of luxurious, expensive automobiles appeared near the estate, and throngs of handsome, blonde, blue-eyed men and beautiful women, wearing smiles as warm as a spring breeze, emerged and entered the manor's drawing-room.

The Alexander family was enormous. Ordinarily, everyone was busy scattered across various ventures—some conducting business on distant extraterrestrial worlds—making gatherings rare.

Upon meeting, pleasantries and socializing were inevitable. In the room, people gathered in small groups or couples, conversing in low tones, occasionally stealing glances at others around them.

Everyone present today knew precisely what had transpired within the Alexander family.

Alexander Davina, who had been acting as the provisional head of the family, had recently developed an irreconcilable conflict with the true heir, Alexander Caesar, regarding the future direction of the clan.

Diana, who had always willingly supported Alexander Caesar, had convened this crucial meeting today to initiate Caesar’s removal.

The head of the family commanded immense resources and held the power of life and death over nearly every member and department. Normally, Caesar, possessing exceptional talent in martial arts and supported by Alexander Davina, meant that everyone else could only watch the position of Family Head from afar, swallowing their envy.

This time, Caesar had rejected an alliance offer from the Left Family in favor of supporting a martial arts master who held little established power—a decision that seemed, in retrospect, utterly foolish.

Everyone attending the meeting sensed the Family Head’s seat beckoning to them. Even if they couldn't secure the position today, they needed to finalize arrangements with their supporters so that when their candidate took power, interests could be redistributed immediately.

Within half an hour, over fifty relatives filled the manor’s drawing-room. If not for the unique architecture and the room’s immense size, accommodating fifty people comfortably would have been difficult.

At that moment, the heavy doors suddenly swung open. The quiet murmurs ceased instantly as everyone turned toward the entrance, where Alexander Davina slowly walked in. Dressed in opulent attire, her expression held a cool reserve that conveyed an indescribable sense of noble authority.

Despite holding only the title of regent for many years, Davina had firmly established true authority in the minds of the family members. Those who had harbored ambitions for the Family Head’s seat momentarily cast those thoughts aside, focusing only on how to secure more benefits for their immediate branch during the assembly.

As for the Family Head? A quick glance at the three martial artists standing behind Davina instantly dispelled any thoughts of contention.

One Star-Sixteen master, accompanied by two Star-Fifteen masters—such power was enough to suppress any dissent! Even forcefully removing an uncooperative Family Head like Caesar could be accomplished with ease.

Alexander Davina swept her gaze over the fearful eyes in the room, letting out a long, weary sigh inwardly. These people were excellent elites in their respective fields, yet their spirits lacked a certain fire—that quality of leading the multitude, the aura of "I am the sovereign."

Caesar possesses that! Davina thought of Caesar with even deeper melancholy. For years, to allow Caesar to focus solely on his martial arts training, she had shouldered the entire burden of the family, teaching him only the essential skills required of a Family Head. Her plan was to wait until his martial star level could advance no further, then hand over this vast enterprise, allowing her to focus on assisting him.

"To choose such an extreme path for the sake of some supposed friendship." Davina silently cursed Qin Fen in her heart. The most outstanding heir she had cultivated for years was now one she had to personally depose today.

People averted their eyes from Davina’s gaze, which only deepened her sigh. Caesar! Caesar! How long had it been since the Alexanders produced a Caesar like him? And now...

Davina accepted the customary greetings, acknowledging them with a proud, slight nod. She sighed and proceeded with elegant steps, addressing those around her: "I believe everyone knows why you have been called here today, so I will not repeat the details. Now, please follow me to the conference room. In that sacred space, we will cast a solemn vote for the betterment of our great Alexander Family."

Davina led the procession, while the others followed cautiously, arrayed according to their respective factions, trailing behind the Alexander Family’s "Queen."

The conference room was on the second floor. As Davina ascended the steps carved from white jade, each footfall resonated with a crisp click, sounding to the gathered relatives like the gentle tapping of a gavel before a judge delivers a sentence upon Caesar.

On the second floor, before the vast, exquisitely decorated door, Davina paused. Two maids quickly stepped forward, extending their hands to push the door open, welcoming the arrival of the Alexander Family Queen.

The doors slid open silently to either side, resembling the terrifying maw of some prehistoric beast. A shaft of sunlight pierced through the conference room's enormous floor-to-ceiling windows, bathing the doorway. Many instinctively raised a hand to shield their eyes from the sudden glare.

Alexander Davina, however, did not raise her hand to block the blinding light. Her lips, set in a line of proud, cold confidence, curled into an expression of profound astonishment and shock the moment the conference room door was fully open.

The room, which should have been empty, already contained occupants.

Caesar! Peering through their fingers, the gathered crowd recognized the young man seated upon the Family Head’s throne: it was Caesar, the very person they had convened to depose!

Indeed! Davina’s beautiful eyebrows twitched slightly. Upon the Family Head’s throne, Caesar was casually resting one leg over the other, his right elbow propped on the armrest, his right hand loosely fisted against his right cheekbone, tilting his head slightly as if waiting.

Regal, magnificent, imposing! Even viewing Caesar from the sliver of space between their fingers, the crowd could feel an immense aura washing over them. Some even experienced a sudden urge to kneel and worship.

Monarch! Emperor! Words signifying limitless power flashed rapidly through their minds.

Davina stood quietly outside the doorway, her hands crossed over her lower abdomen, facing Caesar across the expanse.

Abundant light illuminated Caesar’s back, streaming toward the door and spreading into every corner of the room. Davina’s heart trembled a few times. How familiar this scene was! This very moment echoed the commanding presence of her late father, Alexander Odin, in his prime.

"Caesar has truly grown up," Davina realized with a jolt. Her gaze slowly drifted toward the young men standing sentinel on either side of Caesar's throne.

Solomon? That proud, self-assured martial arts prodigy destined to inherit another major European family—was he willingly standing quietly behind Caesar, acting as a mere bodyguard?

Davina felt a slight wave of dizziness. Rumor had always depicted Solomon as silent but intensely arrogant; he disdained standing even behind the elder King Solomon.

Such a person now stood quietly behind Caesar, displaying a look of support?

Many others recognized Solomon, and murmurs of surprise rippled through the crowd.

Yang Lie? Brooks? Davina’s brow furrowed. These were the first-in-line heirs of two influential families on the American continent. Why were they here too? And like Solomon, why were they standing silently behind Caesar, serving as his enforcers?

Davina’s gaze swept over Xue Tian, whose smile was laced with fatigue, Du Peng, whose face was cold and stern, and Qin Fen, whose expression was peaceful and serene, holding a young man beaten into an abstract piece of art.

"You all..." Davina paused, then asked coldly, "How did you get in?"

Caesar, whose fist had been propping his cheek, now rested his middle, index, and thumb against his face. "My dear Aunt, the security here is frankly terrible."

"Is that so?" Davina stared coldly at Caesar. "My dear nephew, why have you returned? Did you hurry back just to cast your affirmative vote for removing yourself as Family Head?"

"My dear Aunt, you always joke," Caesar slowly straightened his back, resting both hands flat on the armrests of the chair. "I returned today to inform you that the sun will not set on the Alexander Family. The position of Family Head—this chair—is not for just anyone to occupy. I, Caesar, will continue to be the leader of this family!"

Caesar’s voice was not loud, yet every word struck the hearts of the assembly like a heavy hammer. The Emperor’s aura, infused with the might of a martial powerhouse, surged throughout the room! Many subconsciously took a small step back, seeking refuge from the overwhelming pressure.

Davina watched the now-seated Caesar coldly. She curled her right index finger slightly and issued a sharp command, as easy as taking a sip of water: "Arrest them all..."

The three martial masters exchanged glances. True Qi capable of blasting men into the air erupted violently from their bodies, surging toward the ceiling and causing the large, wind-chime-like chandelier to jingle wildly.

Caesar smiled but said nothing. The young men standing behind him instantly moved forward, positioning themselves in front of him. The immense, surging True Qi suppressed within them burst forth madly, whipping up a gale that made the hair of the crowd outside the door fly about.

A Star-Sixteen Master! Another Star-Sixteen Master! Star-Fifteen? Another Star-Fifteen martial arts master? There were three Star-Fifteen masters in total! And one Star-Fourteen martial arts master!

As for Caesar, seated securely on the throne, he didn't even entertain the thought of fighting.

The expressions of the three martial masters behind Davina shifted rapidly. How were they supposed to fight this? Setting aside everything else, the sheer numerical advantage in star levels was already a double suppression, let alone...

The Star-Sixteen Master hadn't even made a move, yet his face was grim, as if weighed down by three mountains. He stared intently at Xue Tian, who sported a tired, lazy smile. The qi radiating from the sheathed Iaijutsu sword felt as sharp as if the blade were already drawn, threatening to cleave anyone who slipped up in half with the binding qi.

The Star-Sixteen Master felt utterly helpless. Dealing with this swordsman, who wore a tired, lazy, wicked smile, was difficult enough. Add in the presence of the other Star-Sixteen master who gave off the feeling of a prehistoric monster—what hope was there for a fight? He knew that within a dozen exchanges, his head would likely be rolling on the floor.

The two Star-Fifteen masters looked positively green. Not only did these three young martial masters carry questionable backgrounds, but their presence was sharp! Arrogant! Wild! Filled with surging vitality, they looked ready to die laughing if it meant fighting for Caesar.

"My dear Aunt, are you sure you still wish to continue this fight?"

Caesar spoke slowly, lifting his foot and placing it deliberately upon the expensive, long conference table. His fifteen-star level martial might burst forth as he walked across the tabletop as if strolling through a garden, looking down upon Davina’s invited relatives like ants. "What? Are you all not returning to your posts to work? Do you truly wish to replace me, your Family Head?"

Davina sensed the people behind her quietly turning and shuffling toward the exit. In the blink of an eye, only Alexander Davina and her three martial arts bodyguards remained in the room.

"Clap... clap... clap..."

Davina suddenly began to clap softly. Although her expression held clear reluctance, her eyes betrayed admiration and praise. "Fascinating, my dear nephew, you have won. I don't know how much benefit you promised these future family heirs to convince them to help you seize the Family Head position, but I must admit, you succeeded. I am happy, even if securing your return to power comes at the cost of great family concessions. Your Aunt is genuinely pleased."

"Then..."

Davina gracefully raised both arms and slowly turned her body. "As the defeated party, I accept your judgment. However, I hope you will not make things difficult for these three martial masters who have maintained good relations with our family. They will be important to you in the future..."

"My dear Aunt, first, thank you for your affirmation," Caesar said, leaping down from the conference table. He faced Davina squarely. "But I must tell you, you are mistaken. I gave these people not a single coin to come help me secure the Family Head position."

"Oh?" Davina’s eyes flickered with surprise. She scanned the proud young men surrounding him. "This truly surprises me. Then tell me, nephew, how did you invite them?"

"They are my friends," Caesar replied, his expression brimming with a pride Davina had never witnessed. "Upon learning I was returning to claim the Family Headship, they insisted on coming with me. I couldn't refuse their actions. Because..."

Caesar’s usually proud face broke into a smile of pure joy that Davina had never seen before. "If I refused to let them come help, they would beat me, or even kill me. I fear pain deeply, I am terrified of being beaten, and I am extremely cowardly and afraid to die. To avoid being thrashed or thrown into the Mediterranean for the sharks, I had no choice but to let them accompany me back."

Davina opened her red lips in astonishment, studying the young men whose faces now bore expressions that clearly said, ‘It’s smart of you to know your place.’ A hint of amusement began to surface in her eyes. She could sense that beneath the wild arrogance of these young men lay a deep, inexpressible affection, not the genuine terror Caesar claimed regarding beatings.

Davina slowly nodded with a sigh, her eyes alight with happy relief. "My dear nephew, I am proud and happy for you. Now, I understand why you were willing to give up the Family Head position previously just to support Qin Fen. Finding so many people willing to take a blade for you, and who in turn are willing to stand guard for you, is richer than possessing an entire planet. So, how do you intend to deal with me?"

"If my Aunt doesn't mind, I intend to ask her to continue serving as the Acting Family Head," Caesar said, smiling as he looked at the others. "Of course, the prerequisite is full support for our campaign to conquer Saturn."

"You..." Davina covered her mouth with her hand and slowly nodded. "Very well, I understand. I can agree to that. But, my dear nephew, I must tell you: even if the entire Alexander Family throws its support behind you, our strength remains far too meager for a campaign against Saturn."

"My dear Aunt, I am aware of that," Caesar said, glancing at Solomon nearby, then at Yang Lie and Brooks. "That is why our collective move this time is not merely about seizing control of a single family."

"You mean to say..."

"That's right, beautiful Aunt," Xue Tian leaned cheerfully against Caesar’s sturdy shoulder. "Since we are going to do something, we plan on aiming for something massive!"

PA: I'm very late, I couldn't hold on. Apologies everyone for such a late update, but I was very happy writing this chapter, and I’m satisfied with it, so I’m here again begging for monthly votes!~~

My goal for this month remains unchanged because I made a bet with someone. I will continue to work hard! It’s the double monthly vote period, please cast your votes for me.

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