Chapter 1: Terry Yale's Release
Words : 1612
Updated : May 7th, 2025
"Sir, I'm leaving now. Please take care of yourself."
In Drakon Prison at Jenos, Terry Yale bowed respectfully to a scruffy old man, his eyes filled with reluctance.
The old man nodded slightly, advising, "Don't forget what I instructed you. Deal with the Wyrm's Wrath inside you as soon as possible. If it invades your heart, catastrophe will surely follow."
Terry nodded earnestly. "I understand, sir."
Three years ago, he took the blame for his brother and ended up in prison. At only fifteen, he was often bullied.
Fortunately, the older man intervened, took him under his wing, and taught him many skills. The older man revealed that Terry possessed the Wyrm's Bloodline, but his Wrymbone had been removed for unknown reasons. This caused the Wyrm's Wrath, which continually wore away at his body. Without intervention, he wouldn't live past eighteen.
The old man's martial arts lessons boosted Terry's vitality, temporarily keeping the Wyrm's Wrath in check, but it was just a temporary fix.
There were two methods to resolve the problem completely. One way was to find a woman with a special constitution. The dragon's nature was lustful, and the Wyrm's Wrath shared this trait; by practicing dual cultivation with such a woman, her vital energy could balance the Wyrm's Wrath.
A Phoenix or Dragon Vessel would be the most ideal.
The second method was to recover the missing Wrymbone. Since the Wyrm's Wrath arose from its removal, finding it would dissipate the wrath.
The old man waved his hand. "Go on. Remember, don't tarnish my name."
Terry knelt and bowed three times before leaving the prison. As he left, Drakon Prison erupted in excitement.
"Hahaha, the tyrant Terry is finally gone."
"Great! Today calls for a celebration."
*****
The Yale family was one of the four prominent families in Jenos City. Inside the Yale Manor, Harley Yale and his wife looked worried.
"What should we do? We only have three days left. If we can't devise a plan, my time as head of the family is over." Harley furrowed his brow.
Molly Shayle said bitterly, "Dad is doing this on purpose."
Harley sighed. "I know. Dad is pressuring me to give up the position."
Molly was anxious. "Then what do we do?"
Harley gritted his teeth. "If it comes to that, we'll have to sacrifice Theo."
Molly's face changed. "Will Theo agree? The Jackman family's daughter is in a vegetative state and reportedly disfigured."
The eldest daughter of the Jackman family became vegetative after a car accident over a year ago. After seeking medical help everywhere to no avail, they decided to find a husband to bring good fortune.
The Yale family volunteered for the opportunity to gain prosperity.
Pierce Yale, Harley's father, immediately called a family meeting, and after deliberation, put the pressure on Harley.
As the couple pondered, the family butler, Archie, entered.
"Sir, Mr. Terry has returned."
Molly frowned. "Which Terry?"
Harley frowned too, but then seemed to remember.
Archie explained, "Sir, it's Mr. Terry, who went to prison three years ago."
The couple suddenly remembered Terry. Not having seen him for over three years, they almost forgot they had another son.
Their eyes lit up simultaneously. Molly smiled. "Harley, we can have Terry marry into the Jackman family."
Harley nodded in agreement. "Perfect. A convict and a vegetative person are truly a match made in heaven."
Molly was still worried. "Terry is an illegitimate child and has been to prison. Will the Jackman family object?"
Harley pondered, "I'll call and find out."
He took out his phone to contact the Jackman family. After the call, Molly asked, "How did it go?"
Harley replied, "The Jackman family said they'd consider it."
At that moment, Archie brought Terry in. Seeing his faded, washed-out clothes, the couple looked at him with disdain but forced smiles because of the marriage plan.
Harley eagerly approached, taking Terry's hand. "Terry, you've been through so much these past three years."
Molly added, "Terry, wait here. I'll make you something to eat." She headed to the kitchen.
Harley kept Terry engaged with questions about his prison life and excuses about being too busy to visit him over the years.
Terry listened silently, sneering inwardly.
He wasn't the naive boy he used to be; no matter how sweetly they talked, he wouldn't believe a word. He had always been insignificant in the family, often enduring beatings.
Three years ago, Harley had him take the fall for his brother, Isaac, claiming that as a minor, his sentence would be lighter. He promised Terry a life of wealth and honor upon release. Yet, no family member had visited him during his time in prison.
Terry was initially not planning to return home after his release. However, his master revealed that he had the Wyrm's Bloodline. Since both Harley and his late mother were ordinary people, they couldn't have passed on such a bloodline. This meant either they weren't his biological parents, or one of them wasn't. He returned to uncover the truth about his origins.
Though puzzled by Harley's enthusiasm, Terry knew something was up. He was determined to find out what they were up to.
Over an hour passed, and as Harley continued his monologue, Terry couldn't bear it any longer. He said coldly, "Enough with the charade. What's going on?"
Harley paused, then chuckled. "Terry, can't a father be genuinely concerned about his son?"
Terry remained silent, his gaze fixed on Harley. The latter looked a bit uncomfortable, and just then, the phone rang. Harley answered it, and his face lit up with joy. After a brief conversation, he hung up and turned to Terry with a fatherly smile.
"Terry, to make up for your sacrifice these past three years, I've arranged a marriage for you."
Terry's heart stirred, knowing they were getting to the point.
"The bride is the Jackman family's eldest daughter. Marry her, and you'll live a life of luxury."
Terry inwardly sneered. He had suspected as much, but still didn't expect such shamelessness. He had heard about the Jackman family's eldest daughter from a fellow inmate.
Once the jewel of the Jackman family, she had been tragically turned into a vegetative state.
Fresh out of prison, they wanted him to marry a vegetative person. What a wonderful father indeed.
Harley rambled on, "Terry, the Jackman family is a powerful clan in Jenos City, even more so than ours. You mustn't miss this opportunity."
Terry replied with a mocking smile. "If it's such a great deal, why not have Isaac or Theo marry her?"
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