Read Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) Novel by Only For You Updated 2025 -26 - Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) Chapter 3197

Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) Chapter 3197

Andrew sidestepped quickly, refusing the salute. To him, Jerome was both mentor and friend—there was no way he would allow him to bow.

“Mr. Thornton, it’s been too long. I’ve truly missed you!” Andrew laughed, stepping forward and clasping Jerome’s hand in a firm shake.

Jerome studied him for a long moment, joy flickering across his face. Then surprise followed.

“Andy… this is strange. I can’t read your strength at all.”

Andrew waved it off with a smile. “It’s not that dramatic, Mr. Thornton. I’ve just stepped into the Martial God realm.”

Jerome exhaled slowly. He wasn’t shocked—only deeply impressed. “Two short years, and you’ve advanced this far… Andy, you truly are heaven’s chosen.”

Andrew walked past him and looked at Eric with a grin. “What? Not coming over to welcome your big brother properly?”

Eric snorted as if he couldn’t care less.

The next second, he pulled Andrew into a tight hug.

“You’re finally back,” Eric said, voice thick with emotion. “I’ve waited two whole years. I even said if you didn’t return, I’d storm into the Western Regions myself and drag Julius out for revenge!”

Andrew chuckled. “That’s loyalty. But right now, you’re no match for Julius. Give it a few more years of training.”

Eric’s face flushed red. “What’s that supposed to mean? You looking down on me? Let’s spar!”

Jerome stepped aside, eyes gleaming with interest. He, too, wanted to see just how far Andrew had progressed.

Eric shouted, “Careful, Andrew! If you lose, I’m taking over as big brother!”

Andrew smiled faintly. “In your dreams. Just focus on being a good little brother.”

With a growl, Eric launched a flying kick.

Andrew caught it with one hand.

Then his vision blurred.

Eric’s Phantom Mirage had activated without warning.

Andrew stood motionless, as if his mind had been seized.

Eric burst into smug laughter, shadows swirling in his eyes. He stepped forward and reached out to pat Andrew’s shoulder.

“It’s not just you who improved,” he boasted. “I’ve officially entered the Martial Emperor realm! With Phantom Mirage, even a peak Martial Emperor wouldn’t scare me. Didn’t expect that, did you?”

His hand descended toward Andrew’s shoulder.

If it landed, Andrew would lose.

But just before contact—

Andrew twisted slightly.

Eric’s hand cut through empty air.

He froze. “You—”

Andrew gave him a gentle push.

That was all.

Yet Eric stumbled backward as if struck by an invisible wave. No matter how he braced himself, he couldn’t stop. Sweat poured down his face as he roared and fought for balance, but the force carried him more than twenty yards—until he slammed into the far wall of the training hall.

Only then did he manage to steady himself.

“What kind of technique was that?” Eric demanded, stunned.

Andrew smiled calmly. “No technique. Just a very ordinary push.”

Eric stared at him.

“That’s why I said,” Andrew continued lightly, “you still need more training.”

Eric opened his mouth to argue—then shut it again. He wasn’t convinced, but he knew one thing: Andrew was far more terrifying than he had imagined.

Two years ago, Andrew had been stronger.

Two years later, nothing had changed.

“Forget it,” Eric muttered. “Competing with you is pointless. You’re a freak.”

Then his expression softened.

“Welcome back.”

Andrew met his gaze and smiled. “Thanks.”

Jerome stepped forward again and offered another respectful salute.

“Andy, your transformation over these two years… it’s extraordinary. I can’t quite describe it. I’ve practiced martial arts my entire life, pursuing the realm of unity between heaven and man.”

He paused, eyes filled with quiet admiration.

“But looking at you now… you’ve already reached it. As for me—who knows when that day will come.”