Life After Prison

Chapter 2157
Inside the hall, Riley had an ashen expression as he drew a deep breath in an attempt to quell his turmoil, yet peace of mind
remained beyond reach. After a moment’s silence, he sighed, “I was careless.”
Riley had the right to look down on Severin prior to the latter’s breakthrough to paragon, but the new development became an
unexpected obstacle. Based on Severin’s track record of defeating opponents stronger than him, it was evident that Severin’s
strength was no longer constrained by traditional levelling systems.
Reflecting on Severin’s impressive accomplishment of countering Uzair despite being two levels lower, Riley found himself
increasingly attentive to Severin’s capabilities, especially since Severin had such an extraordinary spiritual treasure in mind.
A headache seemed to be on the offing, but after some contemplation, Riley finally said, “I’ll just leave Karl and Spencer to
handle him.”
Though he had initially thought himself capable of competing against Karl and Spencer for top spot ranking in the sect
tournament, he realized in light of Karl’s abilities that aiming for a spot in Midland might be biting off more than he could chew.
However, securing second place and being named the second sect leader seemed like a reasonable alternative to aim for.
However, Severin’s unexpected breakthrough raised doubts about Riley’s chances in securing that second place. Not wanting to
let frustration get the better of him, Riley reassured himself that nearly half a year had passed since his breakthrough to paragon.
He had already ensured his rise as level one paragon, and he believed that he might stand a chance even with Severin’s
progress.
Riley believed that he was not the only one that who was unsettled by Severin’s rise.
On a floating island between the third and fourth mountains, Spencer and his brimming dragon-like physique was listening to a
barrage of reports from his attendants. His expression grew increasingly grim. Damn it!”
Spencer did not expect Severin’s meteoric rise to paragon and initially dismissed the news as a joke! Alas, news of the peak
masters’ congregation on Pearl Light Isle had confirmed his suspicions, as did the unusual phenomena.
Like Riley, Spencer had acknowledged Severin’s achievements in alchemy and subsequent recognition by the Alchemy Tower.
He had taken notice of Severin’s victory over Emery and the nine rings that Severin managed to get the tower to produce.
However, he never perceived Severin as a true competitor, as Karl-with a unique divine constitution-was his primary adversary.

His estimate, much like Riley’s, was that Severi would require at least a year or so to make a breakthrough to paragon. By then,
the tournament would have long ended, and the breakthrough would have little to no implications.
Unfortunately, he was forced to face the fact that Severin had made an unexpected leap in advancement. All of Spencer’s plans
were thrown into disarray, and he was visibly perturbed by what was happening