The Rise of a Master It Starts With Rejection novel Chapter 1009

There was a smartphone inside the box. Although phones were not unusual in Martial City, this one stood out.

It was a high-end model from a major city, easily distinguishable by its oversized screen. What made Felix's expression darken was not the phone itself but the ominous feeling creeping over him.

After hesitating for a while, he carefully picked it up, his hands trembling slightly. He did not unlock it right away but instead flipped it over. The moment he saw the back, his jaw clenched tight.

The phone was encased in a transparent plastic cover, and underneath it was a perfectly sized photo of Melissa—his sworn sister. He did not need to power it on to know it was hers.

Felix had spent enough time with her to recognize her phone instantly, especially since she never changed that photo, no matter what phone she used. With that, he finally unlocked the phone, which still had over 40% battery.

He entered the familiar password and gained access without issue. A few minutes later, his face grew even grimmer. He wondered aloud, "How did Melissa's phone end up here? And why would someone send it to me?"

If the phone was here, it meant Melissa was in Martial City. Yet, that was impossible, given how difficult it was to enter the city. According to Xena, the special entry pass that could bypass the protective barrier was strictly controlled by the central authority.

Even powerful clans and sects barely knew Martial City existed, let alone had access to it. There was no way Melissa could have made it inside.

Yet, the phone was undeniable proof. It was real—terrifyingly real. Just then, Felix noticed a piece of paper hidden under the phone. He pulled it out and read it.

"Felix, Melissa is in my hands. If you want her to live, come to the designated location by sunset. Otherwise, you'll be collecting her corpse. And don't bring anyone. If I see you with any help, the result will be the same."

The note sent chills down his spine. Whoever sent the box knew his name and Melissa's, and they had her phone. There was no room for doubt now.