A Film Queen

Chapter 409

If matters were as simple as they appear, there wouldn't be a need to schfor authority and take charge, yet

the reality is much more complicated.

Leon has gathered a substantial amount of influence from the Ghost Sect, both publicly and secretly.

Additionally, with the support of the First Branch Sect and Second Branch Sect, it's clear that he is striving to

becthe sect leader.

His abrupt shift in goals has bewildered everyone.

Earlier, he displayed no desire for the sect leader role, opting to stay on the periphery. Given his abilities, he

could have taken leadership much earlier.

But now that he wants the position, the rise of a new sect leader presents a problem, and the best way to tackle

this issue is to remove her! Get rid of any possible future dangers!

King looked at Leon with a serious expression and, after a pause, said in a grave tone, “Leon, have you really

thought about the repercussions of what you're doing?”

Leon's striking face stayed emotionless, showing a cold determination. “I have thought it through. No matter

who she is, she has to be removed.”

His voice reflected absolute resolve.

Seeing him like this, King realised that his words weren't just talk. It was clear that he had already made up his

mind long ago.

He reached out and gently patted his shoulder, sighing softly. “Alright, as long as you've thought it through. As

your friend, no matter what you decide, I'll stand by you without hesitation.”

Then, as if trying to lighten the mood, he turned to Oliver, who was standing not far away, and said, ‘Hey, silly,

don’t you agree?”

Usually, whenever he jokingly called Oliver “silly”, Oliver would get so angry that he'd jump up and start

wrestling with him. But this time, even though he had already assumed a defensive stance after calling out,

Oliver surprisingly remained rooted to the spot.

How strange, truly strange!

King teased Oliver as usual. “Silly, what's wrong with you? You're not still upset about earlier, are you? Didn't we

agree to be magnanimous and broad-minded in our dealings?”

Instead of arguing back, Oliver struggled to curl his lips into a semblance of a smile, his face filled with turmoil.

“Um... the person you were talking about to be removed just now... is it the new sect leader?”

He may appear carefree on ordinary days, but that doesn’t mean he’s actually foolish!

He could fully understand what they had just said moments ago, even though it wasn’t explicitly stated-it wasn’t

too difficult to guess.

In addition, King and Leon had always trusted him greatly, often discussing matters openly in his presence. So, it

was normal for him to be able to guess what was going on.

King hadn't realised his silence moments ago was due to this issue, and the smile that had just appeared on his

face faded slightly. “Yes, we were indeed talking about the new sect leader. So, is there something you're

keeping from us?”

Oliver frowned deeply. “I ..."”

How would | manage this difficult situation?

On one side stood the new sect leader whom he had sworn to follow faithfully, and whom he considered his best

friend in Halturia.

On the contrary, there stood his lifelong comrade, a brother with whom he had confronted countless obstacles

and carried out numerous assignments.

Why did | have to be caught in this situation?

Leon watched as Oliver, who had begun tugging at his own hair in frustration, raised an eyebrow. This was the

first tin all these years that he had seen the usually carefree Oliver so hesitant and troubled.

“Oliver, did you meet the new sect leader in Halturia?” Leon's cold voice pierced the air.

King’s eyes widened in shock. “What? You actually encountered the new sect leader?”

Oliver hunched his shoulders, nodding faintly.

Indeed, nothing could be kept from Leon.

King gaped at him in astonishment, demanding, “If you had already encountered the new sect leader, why didn’t

you tell us sooner? If we had known earlier, things wouldn't be as messy as they are now!”

Oliver retreated a step under the questioning, stammering, “I... | can't tell.”

He had sworn to Milly to keep this information secret. If he spoke out, wouldn't that put her in a difficult

situation?

Despite the benevolence shown by the new sect leader, he couldn't compromise his ethics.

King’s anger intensified further as he watched Oliver persist in defending another person. “Oliver, do you even

regard us as best buddies? We've always stood by you, yet you persist in hiding things from us. Is this how you

treat your friends?”

This was the first occasion King had ever been so furious with Oliver.

Oliver was genuinely scared, yet he adamantly avoided making eye contact. “I'm sorry, | really can’t talk about

this, but | promise you, | haven't kept anything else from you. Honestly!

“I would never betray you, my buddies. You can trust that | won't tell the new sect leader anything about what

happened here, including what | know. | swear it, or if you doubt me, you can avoidfrom now on.

“I made a promise to her earlier, and she is my friend in Halturia. | cannot go back on my word. And | won't

expose your plan to remove her either, because you are my best buddies.

After he spoke, King chuckled coldly. “Ha, best buddies? | wouldn't dare call you my buddy. Otherwise, | wouldn't

even know when my demise would come.’

That remark, clearly said in anger, felt unusually piercing given the circumstances.

At the very least, it stung Oliver's ears deeply.

Immediately, the colour faded from Oliver's face, leaving it ashen as he whispered, “I apologise...”

Witnessing his distress only stoked King’s fury, and the angrier he became, the more biting his words turned.

“Apologies are unnecessary. They are a luxury we cannot afford. Should you ascend in rank and wield influence

someday, Leon and | may find ourselves pleading before you. How dare you apologise to us? Acting all friendly to

our faces, while behind our backs, playing these dirty tricks. Don’t you find it disgusting? It sickensto the

core!”

The situation becmore tense.

After these words, Oliver fell completely silent, bowing his head sullenly. His expression was obscured, impossible

to discern.

King squinted, eager to voice further displeasure, but was restrained by Leon from behind, who gripped his arm

and shook his head. “That's enough, say no more.”

Ultimately, King couldn't suppress a deep grunt.

Leon shifted his attention to Oliver and asked, “When did you first meet the new sect leader?”