Level 1 to Infinity: My Bloodline Is the Ultimate Cheat!-Chapter 254: Warrior and Refined Households

The moment he finished speaking, murmurs rippled through the crowd below the stage.

Someone suddenly called out, "Why isn't the head of the Silverwood family here to preside over this gathering?" free𝑤ebnovel.com

The voice wasn't loud, but it carried unnaturally well—as if aided by some kind of strange technique. Whether intentional or not, everyone in the hall heard it clearly.

The speaker didn't bother to hide his identity either. He stepped forward from the crowd, stopping directly before Liam at the edge of the stage.

Liam's brow furrowed at the sight of the man, but he kept his composure. Calmly, he said, "Ambrose Silverwood is feeling unwell today and is unable to preside over this gathering."

"Oh? Is that so? Ambrose and I go way back. We were comrades through life and death in our youth," the man said with an exaggerated tone. "As an old friend, I think it's only right I visit this 'unwell' family head of yours. Why don't you, 'Steward,' send someone to lead me there?"

Each word dripped with sarcasm. The man bit hard on the words "unwell" and "Steward," his tone full of mockery and provocation.

Sure enough, Liam paused, his expression growing cold. But he kept his cool and glanced toward the stage.

Someone sitting above gave a faint nod of approval.

Ethan followed the exchange with interest. That man, he guessed, had to be Lachlan Silverwood—Donovan's elder brother, one of the last surviving members of the Silverwoods' previous generation.

Ethan had been wondering earlier whether Lachlan would show. It didn't make sense for him to miss a gathering like this.

Now he was sure.

The man looked pale as a ghost—sickly, almost cadaverous. A complete contrast to Donovan. Donovan, even in spirit form, carried a commanding presence, a fierce vitality. Perhaps it stemmed from his awakened energy, but more likely, Ethan figured, it was a reflection of inner strength.

By contrast, Lachlan gave off the vibe of a shrewd and calculating snake.

As Ethan ran through these thoughts, Liam finally turned back and said, "Master Redgrave, if you'll wait just a moment, I'll have someone escort you to the family head."

"So that's Talon Redgrave, the head of the Crimson Talon Order," a chubby man beside Ethan whispered. "No wonder he's so bold."

Ethan tilted his head. "The order's named after him? Is he the founder?"

The man chuckled. "You must be new around here."

"Crimson Talon's got a tradition," the man muttered. "Whoever takes charge must take the name Talon. Doesn't matter what their birth name was. The surname's the only thing that stays."

"Ah, I see." Ethan nodded, offering a word of thanks.

Just then, four more figures stepped out from the crowd.

"Hold it," one of them said. "We'll accompany Master Redgrave."

Liam turned again, seeking guidance from the stage.

This time, Lachlan's gaze turned even frostier. He slowly stood up.

"My nephew's condition isn't suited for visitors," he said in a low voice. "If Master Redgrave wishes to go alone, we'll make arrangements immediately. But the rest of you—there's no need to trouble him further. Please return to your seats.

Today's gathering is for the younger generation," he added. "We old-timers should just enjoy the show."

Then he turned to the leader of the Langford family camp. "Master Langford, I leave the first round of the Academics duel to you."

"With honor," the man replied, rising to bow respectfully.

The crowd resumed murmuring in hushed voices.

Ethan glanced at the older man, Talon Redgrave—and thought, 'You're lucky those others tried to tag along. Otherwise, you might've just walked into a trap.'

Talon seemed to understand the same thing. Though clearly displeased, he returned quietly to his seat.

Lachlan outranked even the current family head as a member of the old generation. His words carried weight. And truthfully, everyone here knew more than they let on. These men were all long-time allies of Ambrose Silverwood—Lyla's father.

Onstage, Liam waited for the crowd to settle. Once things were calm again, William Langford, the head of the Langford family, stepped forward and addressed the assembly.

"I'm sure most of you have never attended an assembly like this, so I'll explain the rules in detail…"

He began outlining the format of the upcoming Scholarly Duel.

"It will be conducted as a literary competition. Every participant will receive a Platinum Card, custom-made by the Silverwood family. The grounds have already been prepared at the family estate, divided into four zones."

"Each zone will be overseen by one of the Refined Four households."

Ethan leaned over to his neighbor. "Who are the Refined Four?"

The man looked at him like he'd grown an extra head. Over their brief chats, he'd already concluded Ethan was a total outsider.

"Bro, you came to a gathering of the Eight Noble families and don't even know the Refined Four?"

Ethan scratched his head. "I've never heard of them."

The guy stared at him. "Then at least you know who the Eight Noble Houses are?"

"Sure," Ethan answered. "There's the Silverwoods, and the Langfords…"

"Alright then," the man grinned, sensing an opportunity. "If you know so well, tell me the other six. Go ahead—besides Silverwood and Langford."

Ethan got the hint. This guy thought he was clueless and wanted to test him. But Ethan had no shame. He'd just ask.

"Well, I know there's the House of Zane," he said confidently.

"The Zane family?" the man blinked. "Oh, you mean the ones leading the Southern Dominion? They're under the Hargraves."

"Technically, the Zane family isn't one of the Eight. It's the Hargrave family that holds the seat. Though lately, the Zanes have been calling the shots, so… fair enough."

Ethan was thoroughly confused. Hargrave family? Zane family? What?

He decided to play along. "You really know your stuff. Mind sharing some wisdom?"

That lit the guy up. He sat up straighter, puffing with pride.

"Of course, of course! But hey,let's introduce ourselves properly first. Just call me Markham. What's your name, anyway?"

Ethan's face twitched. Markham? The name gave off some strong fantasy vibes…

But he forced a straight face. "Alright, Markham. I'm Ethan."

"Got it, Ethan. So, check this out…"

Markham launched into a detailed breakdown.

The Eight Noble linages were divided into two groups: the Warrior families and the Refined families

The Warrior families were: Silverwood Family (based in Ashwick), Langford Family (Terracotta City), Hargraves-Zane Coalition (Southern frontier), Whitmore Family (Northern stronghold)

The Refined were:

Quinn Family (masters of strategy), Blackwell Family (masters of visual arts), Wynn Family (keepers of literature), Hargrove Family (scholars of music and poetry)

Together, these eight made up the Noble Lineages.

Markham went on to emphasize that the Hargrave family was unique. Unlike the others, their roots lay in ancient traditions—descendants of four legendary Noble Bloodlines: the Zanes, the Axels, the Valemonts, and the Graysons.

The Zanes had risen to prominence in recent years, essentially becoming the visible face of the Hargrave family.

As for the other Noble Bloodlines, their descendants might still be alive—hidden away in remote lands or blending in with society.