Read Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) Novel by Only For You Updated 2025 -26 - Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) Chapter 3348

Jakob burst out laughing. “Exactly. We’re all working for Holtrien, so it doesn’t matter who goes. Andrew, you’ve been out of the organization for years, but it seems your attitude has finally improved. Not bad. You might still be worth cultivating.”

Andrew smiled faintly. “Whether I’m worth anything isn’t for you to decide. Besides, I still have a Martial God from the Cavendish royal family in custody. When we head to the Cavendish estate, we’ll go together. I’ll return the hostage while we’re there.”

Jakob’s expression darkened. “I can handle it myself. You should stay at Azure Gate and serve the country.”

Andrew’s tone turned steady and serious. “Jakob, I’m not trying to steal your credit. I’m concerned you may not be able to handle the Cavendish family alone. And I also want to see whether there are any old acquaintances among the forces of the three great Empires.”

“So you don’t need to worry about me getting in your way.”

Having his intentions laid bare so directly, Jakob’s face flushed with anger. “Andrew, are you looking down on me?”

Andrew didn’t even respond. Instead, he glanced around the room and concluded calmly, “That’s settled. Meeting adjourned. Everyone return to your posts. General, Elder Jeffery, sect leaders, Sheena—Azure Gate is in your hands.”

Philip smiled. “That works. The two of you can go together and look out for each other.”

Just then, a cold snort echoed from outside as someone strode into the command center.

Everyone turned.

“Grand Elder Orson?”

A few forced chuckles broke the tension. “Well, I’ll be. The Grand Elder himself showed up to fight for Holtrien. That’s dedication.”

More than a dozen figures followed him in—all top fighters from the Nieves family. At the front stood a man with wild, lion-like hair and a suffocating presence.

Orson—the former patriarch of the Nieves family.

Not long ago, he had tried to confront Andrew in Chetvine, only to be stopped by the military. Now he had arrived in a fury, his face dark and twisted.

He growled, “I won’t waste time greeting the rest of you. General Turman, Elder Jeffery—I’ll apologize later. But where is that brat Andrew? Bring him out.”

“He’s repeatedly provoked my family. With enemies pressing in from the west, I shouldn’t be settling personal scores right now. But he’s gone too far.”

“There’s a temporary ceasefire. I came here to settle this cleanly. One of us walks away. One of us doesn’t. Your choice.”

The room fell silent.

Philip and Jeffery both felt a chill run down their spines. Orson wasn’t bluffing.

Jakob, on the other hand, looked almost pleased. “Andrew, Grand Elder Orson is calling you out. Why so quiet? What—are you scared?”

Andrew met Orson’s gaze calmly. “There’s no need for this fight. Grand Elder Orson, we can settle our grievances after the war. Fighting now will only weaken our unity.”

Orson let out a sharp, mocking laugh. “A little late for unity, kid. If you don’t have the nerve, drop to your knees and apologize in front of everyone.”

Andrew’s expression turned serious. “If that’s your stance, then I’ll defeat you first. Don’t worry—I won’t kill you. I’ll just beat you half to death. Save whatever’s left for the battlefield. Holtrien can still use those old bones of yours.”

Orson’s grin turned savage. “That’s more like it.”

“Let’s take this outside. We’ll settle it right here on the grounds of Azure Gate.”

Excitement rippled through the room.

This wasn’t just any fight.

Anyone familiar with the Nieves family knew Orson’s reputation. At his peak, he stood on the same level as Guillermo. His name alone had kept Sylvan Peaks standing tall for years.

And now—

He was about to clash with Andrew.