---- Chapter 2893 Louie''s weathered and exhausted face surfaced in Andrew''s mind. He looked at Lucille again and smiled. "Lucille, do not worry. Last night, your grandpa let me drink his liquor. So today, I will definitely pay for that drink. As for what you are worrying about, there is no need to worry. I am not the kind of man you think I am." Lucille said softly, feeling disappointed, "But I am willing. Do you really not want me?" Andrew opened his mouth, but did not know how to answer. Lucille wanted to leave the town and live in a nearby big city.


    She wanted a life far away from hunger and war. If this had been Holtrien, Andrew could have helped her. However, this was the Ounds, and Andrew was alone, so he truly could not protect her. Perhaps Andrew could take her to a city like City of Hope. Nheless, the oue often would be grim. The next day, Andrew might find her body in some gutter, abused and murdered. That was the reality of survival in the Ounds, brutal yet realistic. Staying in this remote little town, a girl like Lucille ---- would likely see her youth wither away far too soon.


    But at least her life would not be casually vited and ughtered by others Ten minutester, Andrew was fully dressed and had shouldered Godyer. Eight warriors from the town, along with Louie, all followed him into action. "Sir, please be extremely careful," Louie warned, "These bandits are mercenaries exiled from a nearby big city. Not only do they have heavy firepower, but they also have dozens of fighters. Ina head-on confrontation, our town isn''t a match for them at all." He continued, "You just need to help us intimidate them and drive them away.


    At least that will keep the town safe for a while. Andrew smiled and nodded without saying anything. Behind him, a boy who was not yet an adult blushed and asked hesitantly, "Sir, you''re a martial artist from Holtrien, right? May I ask what your martial arts level is?" Seeing Andrew look over, the boy quickly lowered his head and stammered, "Of course... iif I''ve offended you, sir, please... don''t be angry at me!" Louie red at him. "Timmy, you talk too much. What does his strength have to do with you?


    All you need to know is that he''s ---- stronger than you." The boy named Timmy scratched his head awkwardly. "I''m not strong at all. I just started learning martial arts from my uncles, and I can''t even beat a wolf in the wastnd." The other warriorsughed heartily. However, they all looked at Andrew curiously, actually wanting to know what martial arts level Andrew had reached. Although they were all descendants of Holtrien, after living in the Ounds for so many years, they had long lost their general understanding of martial arts.


    In the entire town, the strongest was only at the Grandmaster level, and that was why Andrew had decided to lend a hand. The people here were truly too weak "Actually, it''s not that I can''t say." Under everyone''s curious gaze, Andrew spoke. "I''m a fifth-stage martial emperor!" Martial emperor? The other warriors were stunned, not knowing what realm that represented, Timmy asked, "Mr. Shields, what Western noble rank does a martial emperor correspond to?" Louie''s knowledge far surpassed that of the others. The moment Andrew revealed his level, his expression changedpletely.


    Shock and disbelief filled his face, and his lips trembled as he ---- looked at Andrew excitedly. "Sir, you''re actually at the martial emperor level? That corresponds to a Marquis-level powerhouse in the Dark ns. And at the fifth stage... Doesn''t that mean you''re just one step away from being a martial god? Comparable to a Duke-level powerhouse?"