Chapter 374: A Different Kind of Confrontation

The car finally stopped at the venue entrance. Dozens of Department of Justice investigators guarded each entrance, meticulously checking every vehicle.

Lizbeth approached Jared, advising, "Be careful. Many Jantz family members are here, all experts. One car just bypassed security unnoticed."

Jared nodded. "I understand."

Lizbeth waved, granting Jared's car entry. More investigators guarded the interior, but with Phoenix at his side, they passed easily.

The moment they exited the car, Jared and Phoenix drew immediate attention. Their fight was the day's main event, and the crowd eagerly awaited the outcome.

"Mr. Jantz, isn't that Jared?" Leonardo pointed to Jared, standing beside Phoenix.

Zachariah frowned, glaring at them with lethal intensity. His anger was understandable; his enemy stood before him.

"Why is Jared with Phoenix?" Zachariah was perplexed.

Leonardo shook his head, admitting his ignorance.

"What the f*ck" Wilbur, behind Zachariah, exploded in fury at the sight of Jared. He lunged forward. "You have the audacity to show your face here! I'll kill you today and avenge my sister!"

Wilbur threw a punch, but Jared neither dodged nor retaliated. Phoenix intercepted, seizing Wilbur's wrist. "Wilbur," she warned sternly, "lay a finger on Jared, and I'll make your life a living hell."

The threat chilled Wilbur to the bone. He knew he was no match for Phoenix's power.

"Wilbur, get back here!" Zachariah commanded.

Wilbur glared at Jared and Phoenix before returning to Zachariah.

The crowd's attention remained fixed on Jared. His recent prominence among martial arts families was well-known, but few had seen him in person.

Whispers rippled through the crowd: "What? That's Jared? He looks so young! How did he destroy the Whitaker family at such a young age?" "Why's Phoenix with him? Protecting him? Are they lovers?" "Quiet! Don't get in trouble! Didn't you hear her call him Mr. Chance? He's no ordinary person." "This is going to be good! It looks like the Jantz family and the Phoenix Regiment are going to war!"

The anticipation was palpable.

Phoenix guided Jared to a seat opposite the Jantz family. They glared at him, but Jared remained impassive, his focus on a hatted man beside Zachariah who was engrossed in eating snacks.

Jared couldn't see the man's face, but he sensed a surge of spiritual energy. While all martial artists possessed a faint aura, this man's energy was significantly stronger.

Jared's suspicion grew: "Did the Jantz family recruit a cultivator?" However, closer observation revealed the energy was faint, unlike a true cultivator's.

"Be careful," Jared cautioned Phoenix.