Scorned Heir's Reckoning
The retired warrior-king, Leonard "Leo" Hayes, once lived in seclusion in a small village when he was ambushed by Japanese assassins. Despite his age, his skills remained unmatched, and he swiftly defeated his attackers. His son, Liam Hayes, was engaged to the village chief's daughter, Zoey Zhao, only to discover she was secretly involved with William Wang. Heartbroken and seeking revenge, Liam made a mysterious phone call, demanding that elite heiresses from powerful families present themselves so he could choose a new bride. Many mocked his audacity, including his ex-fiancée, who gloated about dodging a bullet. However, to everyone's shock, high-society women from all walks of life arrived, competing for Liam's hand. Among them, he was drawn to Scarlet Jiang and set off to the city to find her. Upon arrival, he encountered Empress Seraphina "Sera" Marlowe, who was immediately impressed by him. When Scarlet appeared, she and Liam fell in love at first sight. However, complications arose when General Wu Fa, a lawless warlord, and his gang wreaked havoc in the city. Leo Hayes arrived to save his son and the Vermilion Phoenix Warrior, but Wu Fa sought to eliminate them all. Fortunately, Imperial Guardian Tian intervened, ending Wu Fa's rampage. Empress Sera then issued a decree stripping Leo of his warrior-king title—though it was later revealed as a ruse—as she secretly desired to marry into the Hayes family. With Leo imprisoned and his title revoked, Scarlet and her father renounced their engagement, leaving Liam heartbroken. Wandering the streets, he encountered Sera, who confessed her feelings for him. When an assassination attempt threatened her life, Liam saved her, revealing her true imperial status. Leo, now freed, proposed to Sera on his son's behalf, and the two, having grown close, happily accepted each other.
![[Dubbed]The Outcast's Rise cover](/covers/shortmax-1983514007-2.webp)
