Rising from the Ashes (Andrew) novel Chapter 2806

Mount Lourneau stood tall and pristine, a place famed for producing generations of elite martial artists. Even after 1000 years, its reputation still carried unmatched weight.

Technically, it was not located in Northern Holtrien, but in the eyes of traditional fighters, Mount Lourneau was still considered one of the giants of the Northern Martial Union.

Because of that, Luther Johnston, the head of Mount Lourneau, was regarded as the Union Leader. Of course, that title only belonged to someone with overwhelming strength.

Besides, Luther was indeed acknowledged as the strongest fighter alive since he was ranked first on the Titan List.

Typically, ancient sects such as the Advanced Medical Institute, the Divine Alchemists, and the Thunder Sect did not consider themselves part of the modern martial world.

The reason was simple: pride.

Take the Divine Alchemists, for example. Julius never wanted his name on the Titan List because he felt it was beneath him. To these ancient sects, martial artists were merely physical brutes who relied on muscle and instinct, nothing worth paying attention to. Their goal was to become a superpower that could influence global politics.

However, that dream was theirs alone, because reshaping the world required strength, not big talk.

At the base of the long stone staircase, two figures appeared. A young woman was dragging a man up the steps with all her strength.

Even though she was already a first-rate fighter with far more stamina than ordinary people, hauling a full-grown man up a mountain had pushed her to the brink of exhaustion. Yet despite her fatigue, the joy on her face was impossible to hide.

"Andrew, why don't you take a break? I'll get you some water," Valerie said, wiping sweat from her forehead.

She smiled as she added, "The people of Mount Lourneau might be weird, but their spring water is crystal clear. You should try it."

Andrew tried to lift a hand to stop her, but he could not move, so he only called out, "Valerie, I'm not thirsty. Come back and sit for a moment. We can climb again after we rest."

Valerie was all smiles. She did not listen to him and went to get Andrew some water.

He wanted to know if Luther knew the identity of the person Guillermo had brought to Chetvine years ago to place the seal on him. Regardless of what Luther said, Andrew was certain Luther knew something.

He did not need proof; Luther was number one on the Titan List. Someone like that would never be clueless about major internal conspiracies.

Valerie soon returned with the water. Using a large leaf as a makeshift cup, she poured the spring water into Andrew's mouth. While he drank, she used the sleeve of her dress to gently wipe the sweat from his forehead.

Andrew forced his head up. "Valerie, that's enough. You should drink some too."

Valerie blushed. "I already drank some. Besides, if you drink first and then give it to me, don't you think that's a bit much? I'm still a lady, you know."

Andrew apologized. "You're right. I didn't think it through. When I recover, I'll fetch the water for you and take care of you instead."

Valerie giggled. "I didn't realize you were such a blockhead. Even if you recover, I don't need you running around fetching water for me… And don't think you can win me over with something that small."