A tingling sensation spread through her entire body.
It was so intense that a soft groan escaped her lips before she could suppress it.
In the next instant, a strand of pure Yin energy slowly drifted out from within her body.
That wisp of Yin energy carried the Jade Sword and the Blood Purification Bottle within it.
Under the shroud of the dark purple essence, the Yin energy was completely sealed. Not a single trace dissipated.
The Jade Sword and the Blood Purification Bottle floated steadily and landed in Alex's palm.
Iris stared at the scene before her in disbelief.
"To use one's own essence to forcibly change the ownership of a virgin spiritual treasure…"
"The strength of Saint Lord Alex is truly unfathomable."
"That is only natural."
Alex smiled faintly.
"Saintess Iris, today I have no intention of taking advantage of your situation to seize your treasure."
"However, your disciple's arrogance has already stirred public outrage."
"If I do not demand a price, I cannot answer to my clan."
"I will safeguard this Jade Sword and Blood Purification Bottle for you."
"If you require them in the future, you may come to me at any time."
"Dress yourself first. I will wait outside."
After speaking, Alex turned and walked out of the secret chamber, the Jade Sword and Blood Purification Bottle resting calmly in his hand.
Iris watched his departing figure.
Her expression grew complicated.
"I never imagined that the Saint Lord of the Hale family would be such a noble and virtuous man."
"The world calls him ruthless and heartless. That judgment seems unfair…"
Outside the chamber, Alex slowly rotated the Jade Sword and Blood Purification Bottle in his palm.
A faint regret flickered through his mind.
Such a stunning woman as Iris stood before him moments ago.
Yet he had not touched her.
Reason prevailed.
It was better not to touch her at all.
Behind Iris stood the Divine Blade Sect.
In the original story, after losing her virginity and spiritual treasure, Iris was stripped of her Saintess title by the Divine Blade Sect.
Later, when Knox rose in power, he stormed the Divine Blade Sect to seek justice.
By coincidence, he earned the favor of Magnus, the sect master.
They became sworn brothers.
In the final massacre of the Hale family, Knox summoned experts from the Divine Blade Sect.
It was Magnus who led thirteen elders to shatter the Hale family's protective formation.
Once the formation collapsed, the clan barrier fell.
The entire Hale family was exterminated.
In this life, Alex would not repeat that mistake.
He could not afford to antagonize the Divine Blade Sect.
Instead, he needed Iris as a bridge to connect with Magnus and establish ties.
With that connection secured, Knox would lose a powerful ally.
And without the support of the Divine Blade Sect, the Hale clan's protective formation alone would be enough to crush Knox and every woman in his harem.
Cedric's eyes showed faint surprise when Alex emerged so quickly from the secret chamber, holding the Jade Sword and Blood Purification Bottle.
"Saint Lord, how did you… come out so quickly?"
"What?"
Alex raised a brow.
"Is that not allowed?"
"No, of course not."
Cedric lowered his head and dared not ask further.
The Hale disciples standing nearby exchanged subtle glances.
A Supreme realm expert possessed unrivaled strength.
Yet this… ended so quickly?
Moments later, Iris stepped out from the secret chamber.
Her face was flushed.
Her hair slightly disheveled.
Her clothing had just been adjusted.
Knox's heart sank.
Despair flooded his expression.
"Saintess Iris, since you have apologized sincerely, this matter shall end here."
Alex spoke calmly.
"You may leave with your disciple and this woman."
Only after Alex's words did the masked women in black at the entrance step aside.
The Hale clan members looked at Knox with open mockery.
He had spoken boldly just moments ago.
He had accused and rebuked the Saint Lord without fear.
What was the result?
He was nothing.
His woman's divine heart had been stripped.
His master had surrendered her treasure and purity.
Only then were they spared.
Under those scornful gazes, Knox's face flushed with humiliation and rage.
He clenched his teeth and flicked his sleeves.
Without looking back, he walked away.
"Knox, you…"
A flash of coldness crossed Iris's eyes.
But before Alex, she maintained her composure.
She turned and lifted Isolde from the ground.
Isolde's body hung limp, like lifeless mud.
"Your Majesty, I take my leave."
White light flashed around her form.
In an instant, she vanished.
"Saint Lord…"
Cedric frowned.
"Even if Isolde is no longer suitable, she was once a member of the Hale family."
"Now that she has been taken by the Divine Blade Sect, I fear…"
"Do not worry."
Alex toyed with the Jade Sword and Blood Purification Bottle.
His smile remained calm and confident.
"When Isolde chose to stand with that wild man and oppose the family, she ceased to be one of us."
"Even if she remained, there would be no place for her in the Hale clan."
"Going to the Divine Blade Sect may bring her unexpected opportunities."
"You are right, Saint Lord."
Cedric nodded.
Admiration quietly formed in his heart.
Saint Lord had changed.
No.
He had always been cold, decisive, and powerful.
But now, he had withdrawn his excessive indulgence toward Isolde.
He had personally cut off his only weakness.
Without weakness, Alex would become even stronger.
The Hale family would inevitably rise higher than before.
"By the way, Cedric."
Alex narrowed his eyes.
His voice lowered.
"Summon all clan members over sixteen years old."
He paused briefly.
"Forget this hall."
"Call them to the Scripture Pavilion."