The Seven Sisters and Their Hidden King-Chapter 202: There Was Something Hidden in the Painting

In a different situation, Alfred might've been stunned to discover John's identity. But right now, with the family under threat, he couldn't care less about John being a genius artist.

"Yes, impressive," he admitted. "But hardly blinding."

Adam, too, looked puzzled. He furrowed his brow.

This 𝓬ontent is taken from fгeewebnovёl.co𝙢.

"Little brother... does this painting have anything to do with our family's current troubles?"

'Did this kid really just come here to show off his painting skills?'

If so, this was absurdly inappropriate—and infuriating.

John, however, just smiled.

"Old dog," he said, "open your eyes wide. Stare into the owl's eyes. Not just with your eyes—use your heart. Really feel it."**

Skeptical but intrigued, Adam leaned in and focused on the owl's gaze.

One second...

Two seconds...

Three seconds...

BOOM!

Suddenly—an overwhelming surge of spiritual pressure burst from the painting. It was as if two colossal beasts had erupted from beneath a still lake, sending waves crashing in every direction.

That invisible force—

It struck Adam's gaze, then pierced straight into his chest, colliding with something deep inside him.

CRACK!

A barrier that had long remained untouched—hidden within his body—suddenly shattered.

BANG!

Adam stumbled backward and hit the corner of the table. But instead of pain, his face lit up with sheer joy.

"Little brother—no, senior—thank you! Thank you for your gift of fortune!"

Tears welled in Adam's eyes.

His long silver hair swayed behind him as he bent into a deep bow—almost ninety degrees—showing a respect he had never shown to anyone in decades.

Alfred was stunned. He stood frozen, clueless about what had just happened. Curious, he leaned in, intending to look at the owl's eyes the same way John and Adam had.

But before he could get close, Adam snapped upright and slammed the painting shut.

"Your cultivation is far too shallow," he said firmly. "Stare too long, and you really will go blind."

Even his father said it now?

Alfred's scalp tingled. He was completely shaken.

'Just what the hell is hidden in that painting?!'

John simply smiled and said, "I'm gifting you the painting, old dog. I'll wait outside for your good news."

"Yes—yes! Thank you, Senior! Thank you so much!"

Adam bowed again, then turned to Alfred and barked, "Listen carefully! Treat Senior John with absolute respect. If you dare to offend him—even slightly—I'll come out and blow your head off myself!"

Alfred's mind buzzed.

He had never seen his father like this—so excited, so deferential.

It only deepened the mystery...

What kind of power did John hide in that painting?

—

Back in the main hall, Alfred personally poured tea for John, his attitude now completely changed. His posture was respectful, even deferential.

He asked cautiously, "Um, Senior Lopez... may I ask—what exactly happened just now?"

There was no trace of his earlier pride or suspicion. He didn't even dare to call John by name anymore. If his own father called this young man "senior," who was he to do otherwise?

John took a sip of tea and replied casually, "It's not a secret. I don't mind telling you."

He set the cup down gently.

"Tell me—how long has your father been stuck in the Heaven Realm?"

Alfred thought for a moment. "It's been... decades. He once told me that for all those years, his cultivation hasn't advanced an inch."

John nodded. "Exactly."

He leaned back and explained, "I infused the painting with a power that could help him break through."

At first glance, John had already noticed the block in Adam's cultivation. It was only a single step away—but sometimes, that last step could be insurmountable. Just like Adam, who'd been stuck for decades.

In moments like that, outside help was often the key.

Sometimes, a fresh perspective—an external force—was all that was needed to sweep away the fog and illuminate the path forward.

That's what John's painting had done.

Its hidden force acted like a lantern in the dark—helping Adam cross the threshold in an instant.

Alfred still didn't understand fully, but he latched onto one critical word.

"Breakthrough?"

His eyes widened. "You mean—my father... he's surpassed the Heaven Realm? Has he reached... that level?"

John laughed. "You're thinking too far ahead."

He quickly crushed Alfred's fantasy.

"He's just reached the peak of the Heaven Realm. That's all. If he wants to go higher, that's not something that can happen in a few hours."

"Hiss—!"

Alfred inhaled sharply.

Still—this was a huge leap forward.

Even if Adam hadn't surpassed the Heaven Realm, reaching the peak meant he'd now rank among the top Heaven Masters in the country.

He could easily enter the top 20 of the Masters List.

For context—

Sawyer of the Welch family was ranked 38th.

Adam, before this, had been 80th.

The bottom of the list was always crowded—many masters with similar strength clustered together, their rankings separated by mere slivers.

Adam had fallen behind due to age and stagnation.

But now?

Now that he had reached the peak, he had jumped out of that lower crowd. He might even rise into the top 10.

And that meant—

Beating the Welch family would be a breeze.