At this moment, Knox and the Hale family members had already finished a round of heated debate.
The hall was filled with lingering anger and suppressed killing intent, but Knox clearly understood one thing, this was the Hale family's territory.
And he was alone.
Powerless.
No matter how righteous his words sounded, no matter how indignant his accusations were, reality did not change. If the Hale family truly decided to act, he would not even have a chance to escape.
Thus, reason prevailed.
It was time to leave.
Knox adjusted his expression, suppressing the faint unease in his heart. He once again delivered a few impassioned words, labeling the Hale family as cold, selfish, and profit-driven bastards who trampled on personal happiness.
Then, without hesitation, he reached out and grasped Isolde's hand.
"Come," he said softly but firmly.
They turned and began walking toward the exit of the Hale family hall.
The Hale family members were furious.
Veins bulged on several elders' foreheads. The younger disciples clenched their fists so tightly that their knuckles turned white. If not for restraint, they would have already rushed forward and torn Knox apart.
But no one moved.
No one dared to move.
Because the person Knox was taking away… was Isolde.
The most favored woman of the Saint Lord, Alex.
Everyone in the Hale family knew this truth all too well.
Anyone who had ever offended Isolde—no matter their identity, status, or seniority—had paid a terrible price.
Some were crippled.
Some were expelled.
Some simply disappeared.
And this was true even when Isolde herself was clearly in the wrong.
Over time, fear became instinct.
No one dared to offend Isolde.
Thus, as Knox openly took her hand and walked away, all eyes subconsciously turned toward the high seat at the center of the hall.
Toward Alex.
Everyone believed that—unless something unimaginable happened—Alex would forgive Isolde again.
Just like every time before.
After all, the Saint Lord's indulgence toward Isolde was no secret. It bordered on obsession.
No matter how outrageous her behavior, no matter how much chaos she caused, Alex always cleaned up after her.
This time… would be no different.
At least, that was what everyone thought.
Knox thought so too.
Before coming here, he had gathered extensive information about Alex.
He knew Alex's temperament.
He knew Alex valued Isolde far more than anything else.
Under no circumstances would Alex harm Isolde.
It was precisely because Knox understood this that he dared to come alone.
Because he knew...
Alex would not stop him.
As long as Isolde was involved, Alex's heart would soften.
Knox felt a surge of joy in his chest.
The woman beside him was not just beautiful.
She possessed a rare, extraordinary mind.
Her insight and judgment were invaluable.
In the future, many of his plans—many crucial turning points—would rely on Isolde's intellect.
Taking her away today was not merely about love.
It was about destiny.
It was about the future.
As they approached the hall's exit, Knox could not suppress the smug smile that spread across his face.
"So this is the Saint Lord of the Hale family… heh," Knox thought with disdain.
"So what if he stands above millions? He's still going to be outmaneuvered by me."
The so-called one of the strongest expert of the Azure Origin Continent?
Sooner or later, Knox would surpass him.
Trample him beneath his feet.
Reduce him to nothing more than a stepping stone.
As Knox fantasized about his invincible future...
Suddenly.
An overwhelming aura erupted.
It descended like a collapsing sky.
In an instant, it enveloped the entire hall.
And then, It locked onto Knox.
Knox's expression froze.
His pupils shrank violently.
A bead of cold sweat rolled down his forehead.
Terrifying.
That was the only word he could think of.
He had never experienced anything like this before.
Not even close.
This aura was not merely powerful, it was oppressive beyond comprehension, like an endless abyss yawning open beneath his feet.
Boundless.
Unfathomable.
Under such pressure, Knox felt painfully aware of his insignificance.
Like an ant staring up at a mountain.
His legs trembled.
His breathing grew labored.
Even his soul seemed to be crushed.
Isolde's body stiffened as well.
Her hand, which Knox was holding, turned cold.
Fear surfaced on her delicate face for the first time.
Just then, a calm, detached voice echoed through the hall.
Low.
Unhurried.
Yet carrying absolute authority.
"Did I… let you leave?"
The words were few.
But they struck like thunder.
It was Alex.
Knox's heart sank.
His face changed drastically.
Impossible.
Why did Alex stop them?
This didn't make sense.
Everything contradicted what he knew.
Was the information wrong?
Had he misjudged Alex?
Before Knox could react further, Alex slowly stood up from his seat.
He did not shout.
He did not threaten.
He did not even raise his voice.
But as he stood, the pressure in the hall intensified severalfold.
The terrifying aura of a true villain spread unchecked, like ferocious beasts awakening from slumber.
Elders and disciples alike felt their hearts tighten.
Instinctively, they bowed their heads in reverence.
Alex had inherited the position of Saint Lord at a young age.
And during his reign, he had been ruthless.
Those who opposed him were erased.
Those who challenged him were destroyed.
Across the entire Azure Origin Continent, his name inspired fear.
Even the Empress of the Heavenly Flame Dynasty treated Alex as a major threat, never daring to underestimate him.
Such a figure—
Even releasing a wisp of aura casually—
Was enough to suffocate countless cultivators.
To Knox, it felt as though savage, ancient beasts were staring him down, ready to tear him apart.
Isolde slowly turned around.
Disbelief filled her beautiful eyes.
Only now—standing under Alex's aura—did she suddenly remember something she had long forgotten.
Alex was not merely someone who indulged her.
He was one of the strongest experts on this continent.
A ruthless, terrifying existence whose reputation shook the world.
How could such a person truly allow her to leave?
A trace of unease crept into Isolde's heart.
But it was quickly suppressed.
After all, Alex had pampered her for so many years.
He had never punished her.
Never truly reprimanded her.
How could he possibly bear to do so today?
With that thought, Isolde regained her confidence.
She straightened her back.
Lifted her chin.
And looked at Alex defiantly.
"My Lord, today, no matter what, I will leave with Knox."
"If you try to stop me, I will sever all ties with you, and there will no longer be any relationship between us."