An Understated Dominance - English Version Translated by Emzee

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Chapter 2462: Their true color

"Look! Senior Sister Jane is on the stage!"
"Senior Sister Jane has been sharpening her skills for ten years. This time, she will definitely be able to shock the world!"

"Come on, Senior Sister Jane! Bring glory to our World Martial Arts Sect!"

"..."

Looking at the majestic Jane on the stage, the disciples of World Martial Arts began to cheer.

The World Martial Arts Sect has always been respected as the largest sect in Dragon Country. As disciples of the World Martial Arts Sect, they naturally had corresponding level of pride.

In their opinion, all elite masters of World Martial Arts Sect are stronger than those of other sects.

"With Senior Sister Jane, this game should be won steadily." In the audience, Lily smiled with confidence.
With Jane's strength, if she faced some long-established geniuses, she would not be very sure.

But her opponent was just a young female warrior who was unknown to the public.

Such a person was basically no threat to Jane.

"The opponent seems to be from the Witchcraft Sect. We still can't underestimate the enemy." Aaron shook his head slightly.

If it is a head-on confrontation, comparing martial arts and cultivation, then Senior Sister Jane will naturally have a higher chance of winning.

But the problem is that the opponent is a disciple of the Witchcraft Sect, and his methods are unpredictable and hard to guard against.

Once you relax, you may be hit at any time.

So the outcome of this game is still a big suspense.

"The Witchcraft Sect disciples rarely participate in the ring competition. This time, we can also see their true strength." Violet said with interest.

Witchcraft Sect is known to be the most mysterious existence among the three major sects. The disciples in it are not only highly cultivated, but also proficient in various Witchcraft techniques.

It is precisely because of the mystery that people are afraid.


Chapter 2463: You have to be careful

Generally speaking, no force is willing to cross the Witchcraft Sect unless it is was absolutely necessary.

"You Two!, are you ready?"

Drake looked left and right, and after the two nodded, he said loudly: "If there is no objection, the game will start now!"

After saying that, Drake stepped down from the stage, giving the two enough space to perform.

"World Martial Arts Sect's - Jane!"

Jane, dressed in red, pointed his spear at the ground, his expression was cold, and his voice was sonorous and powerful.

"Azalea of the Witchcraft Sect, please teach me."

Azalea clasped her hands together, showing a harmless smile.

"I will not show mercy in the fight, you have to be careful." Jane warned coldly.

"Please" Azalea nodded slightly, her face unchanged.

"Buzz~!"

Jane turned her wrist, without wasting words, and stabbed directly with the spear.

This spear was simple and straightforward, but extremely swift. The tip of the spear was surrounded by silver light, and when it stabbed, it rolled up strong winds.

Seeing this, Azalea curled the corners of her mouth and suddenly took out a rolled long whip from his waist.

Azalea grabbed the long whip and shook it lightly, and there was a "pop" sound.

The long whip shot out like a spirit snake and quickly rolled towards Jane's waist.

As the saying goes, an inch longer is an inch stronger. Jane's spear, if it were to face ordinary weapons, would naturally have a great advantage, but it happened to encounter a long whip with a longer attack distance.

Before it touched the target, it would have already entered Azalea's attack range.

The most important thing is that Azalea's long whip is still hung with barbs. If it is rolled up on her and pulled hard, it could instantly make people's skin and flesh burst.

"Huh?"

Chapter 2464: The vortex

Jane raised her eyebrows and immediately changed her offensive, from stabbing to blocking.

The long whip hit the spear shaft and immediately rotated a few times, like a spirit snake wrapped around, tying up the spear.

Azalea pulled along, trying to remove Jane's weapon first.

"Outrageous!"

Jane's eyes widened, and she did not retreat but advanced. With the dragging force of the long whip, she quickly adjusted the long spear and stabbed Azalea's throat with a more fierce attack.

Azalea's eyes flashed with surprise. She didn't expect Jane to react so quickly. She actually used the force to fight back at the first time, not only breaking her restrictions, but also launching an attack.

This kind of combat wisdom is far superior to many martial arts masters.

Of course, although she was surprised, Azalea's movements were not slow at all.

In close combat, the long whip could not exert any power, but she had other means.

"Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh..."

Azalea waved one hand, and a large number of poisonous needles shot out from her sleeves and stabbed Jane head-on.

Jane's pupils shrank, and she was forced to give up the attack. As the long spear shook, a vortex of strong energy formed in front of her.

All the poison needles shot at her were sucked into the vortex and completely lost their edge.

Jane's spear spun faster and faster, and the vortex became larger and larger.

When all the poison needles were sucked into the vortex, Jane used her spear to pull the vortex of the Qi, turned it in the air, and then pointed it in the direction of Azalea.

"Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh..."

A large number of poison needles shot at Azalea fiercely at a faster speed than when they came.

A typical case of giving someone a taste of their own medicine.

Caught off guard, Azalea could only use her own Qi to build a protective shield in front of her.

"Ding, ding, ding..."

The poison needles shot at the protective shield, splashing a large number of sparks, and the fierce force forced Azalea to retreat several steps.

In the first confrontation, it was obvious that Jane, who had more combat experience, had the upper hand.

"Break!"

Jane did not miss any chance. When Azalea was forced to retreat, her spear stabbed out again like a dragon.

This spear thrust was incredibly fast.

Chapter 2465: Too despicable

"Buzz~!"

The spear was surrounded by silver light, and the chill was overwhelming.

Wherever it passed, the air distorted and emitted a sharp roar.

Azalea did not dare to confront head on, and retreated quickly.

At the same time, she pinched her hands, silently chanted a spell, and pointed at Jane who was chasing him.

The next second, a large number of black vines suddenly emerged from the ground of the ring.

These vines seemed to have spirituality, as they entangled Jane's feet at a very fast speed and spread upwards.

In the blink of an eye, Jane's legs, including waist and hips, were completely locked by the black vines, and it was difficult for her to move at all.

"Huh?"

Jane frowned, and just when she was about to raise her spear to fight back, two thick vines shot out from the ground, bounding her hands, and suddenly pulling them apart.

Soon, Jane was tied up like a dumpling by the black vines.

The most important thing is that these black vines are extremely tough and powerful.

Jane tried to use force, but found that she couldn't break free for a while.

"What kind of trick is this? Why is it so weird?"

"Oh no! Sister Jane might be in danger!"

"Too despicable! You're actually attacking me by surprise!"

"......"

Seeing Jane being tied up by vines, the disciples of the World Martial Arts Sect immediately became nervous.

No one expected that Azalea would know such a bizarre technique, which was simply impossible to defend against.

"Quick!"

Chapter 2466: The game has just begun

Taking this opportunity, Azalea formed seals with both hands again, and then pointed at Jane, who had lost her ability to move.

"Boom!"

In an instant, a ball of hot flames gushed out and quickly transformed into a fierce tiger with bared fangs and claws.

The tiger roared silently, carrying a huge flame, and suddenly pounced on Jane.

"Not good!"

The faces of the disciples of World Martial Arts Sect changed drastically, and some of them stood up excitedly.

But at this moment, they could only watch Jane being engulfed by the scorching flames.

"It's over! Senior Sister Jane is dead!"

The disciples of World Martial Arts Sect looked depressed and lamented.

They didn't expect that Jane, who was powerful and had amazing spear skills, would be defeated, and defeated so quickly.


It was really unexpected.

"No way? Senior Sister Jane just lost like that?" Lily widened her beautiful eyes, looking a little surprised.

The two sides fought for less than three minutes and only exchanged a few moves. With Jane's strength, it shouldn't be so bad, right?

"Don't worry, the game has just begun."

Aaron narrowed his eyes slightly, and his expression did not fluctuate too much.

If Jane couldn't even deal with this crisis, then she would not be qualified to be favored by World Martial Arts Sect.

As expected, as soon as Aaron finished speaking, a powerful energy suddenly erupted in the flames on the ring.

"Bang!"

There was only a loud noise.

All the black vines, along with the flames, exploded instantly!

Chapter 2467: Whitlight shield

For a moment, the flames were everywhere and the vines flew everywhere.

At the same time, a figure with a chill all over his body suddenly shot out from the exploding flames.

The long spear in her hand flashed with silver light and stabbed at Azalea with lightning speed.

This spear was as fast as a startled swan and as graceful as a soaring dragon. It was silent and extremely deadly.

"So fast!"

Unable to dodge in time, Azalea could only raise her arms to block. At the same time, the master's aura in his body gushed out instantly, forming a shield in front of her.

"Bang!"

Jane's swift spear stabbed firmly on the aura shield, and the terrifying power suddenly erupted.

After only blocking for a second, Azalea's condensed aura shield exploded directly.

However, Jane's spear continued to stab forward with the remaining force, accurately hitting Azalea's chest.

However, the expected hole through the chest did not appear. The moment when the tip of the spear touched Azalea's chest, a golden light suddenly flashed.

Immediately after a "clang" sound, Jane's spear was directly blown away by an invisible force.

As a result, her entire body was shocked and stepped back several steps, and her arms were numb.

"Huh?"

Jane looked carefully and found that a pocket-sized copper bell suddenly floated in front of Azalea's chest.

The copper bell was only the size of an egg, with dense and tiny runes engraved on it, and golden light lingering around it, which was obviously not an ordinary thing.

"Whitlight shield?"

Looking at the copper bell floating in the air, Jane couldn't help but frown, her face turning ugly.

The Whitlight shield is an extremely rare protective gear. It was much more powerful than any gold silk soft armor.

Because the Whitlight shield had its own spirituality, whenever the wearer encounters any danger, it will automatically activate and form a protective shield even without being activated.


Chapter 2468: Two hypocrites

This kind of top-quality treasure is worth a fortune and can only be found once in a while.

Even she was not qualified to own it.

She did not expect that Azalea, at such a young age, actually had such a magic treasure.

Are all the disciples of the Witchcraft Sect so wealthy now?

"It was a close call. I almost got hurt."

Azalea patted her chest gently, and her heart was surging for a while.

She did underestimate the enemy just now. She thought that two tricks could deal with Jane, but she did not expect the other party to not only break her magic, but also deliver a fatal blow too.

If it were not for the Whitlight shield given to her by the Saintess, she would have been seriously injured.

Of course, this Whitlight shield was not owned by the Witchcraft Sect, but was one of the many treasure that the Saintess won from the casino in recent days.

It must be said that the Saintess was really wise!

In the audience, someone caught sight of the perfection shield that Azalea just used, and his fists were clenched hard.

This was originally his treasure, but he never thought that he would lose it in gambling.

The gambler really lost miserably!

"Master Morgan, your Witchcraft Sect is really rich and powerful. Any disciple can use a protective magic treasure. It's really enviable."

In the main audience, Jeffery suddenly spoke meaningfully, with a bit of temptation.

"Speaking of being rich and powerful, it has to be your World Martial Arts Organization. Our Witchcraft Sect can only be regarded as having something little." Evelyn Morgan said lightly.

"Master Morgan is really too modest."

Xiao Wuming smiled: "But this young disciple, who can be so valued by Master Morgan, must be extraordinary. I am looking forward to her performance next."

"Same here, your World Martial Arts Sect disciples are not simple either." Evelyn Morgan smiled.

Looking at the two hypocritical probing people around him, Hank couldn't help but sneer.



Chapter 2469: You will lose to me in the end

Looking in for the Arena showdown, how can there be so many twists and turns? Just win already

"I didn't expect you to have a protective shield?"

On the stage, Jane frowned and said sternly: "However, although this treasure can save you for a while, it can't help you win the game. You will lose to me in the end!"

As far as she knows, protective shields are generally limited in number of times, but when the spiritual energy inside is exhausted, the protective magic treasure will no longer be activated.

In other words, she only needs to intensify the fierce attack to make the opponent's protective shield ineffective.

It's just that the process is a little more tiring.

"Hehe... If you want to beat me, it depends on whether you have the ability?" Azalea smiled slightly.

The long whip in her hand began to swim like a spirit snake.

Just now, she was a little careless and was attacked by Jane at close range. She suffered a loss. With this lesson, she will not give the opponent any chance in the next battle.

"Watch the spear!"

Jane didn't waste time and suddenly accelerated forward, then the long spear in her hand carried a little cold light, and stabbed at Azalea fiercely.

This shot was not fancy at all, and it was swift and cunning.

It seemed simple, but it could be adapted to the situation and act at the right time.

Seeing this, Azalea swung her long whip, and hit Jane's face fiercely.

Jane twisted her body and turned in the air, like a fish, nimbly avoiding the blockade of the long whip and continued to stab forward.

Azalea seemed to have expected it. She shook her wrist violently, and the long whip that was away suddenly turned around and wrapped around one of Jane's legs.

Then Azalea quickly formed a seal with one hand, and a blue arc quickly gathered between his fingers.

"Quick!"

Azalea with her finger used the arc to suddenly tap the long whip.

In an instant, the strong arc spread along the long whip and instantly penetrated Jane's body.


Chapter 2470: Lightning Techniques

Jane groaned, twitched all over, and her hands and feet were paralyzed. For a while, she couldn't move.

Even the grandmaster's Qi in her body was temporarily confused and could not be used.

"What the hell! What kind of move is this? Could it be the lightening technique of Infernal Mountain?"

"No, the lightening technique of Infernal Mountain is more domineering. The move Azalea used should be a rare Lightening technique."

"Isn't the Witchcraft Sect good at making poisons with Witchcraft? It's strange that she chose to major in Lightening techniques and find a new way."

"......"

The audience were amazed at Azalea's fire and lightning techniques.

As for the World Martial Arts Sect disciples, they seemed a little nervous.

Although Senior Sister Jane is very powerful, Azalea's methods were too weird and hard to defend against.

It's impossible to guess what the opponent will do next, which makes her very passive now.

"Hundreds of rivers flow to the sea!"

Azalea suddenly raised one hand, and the Qi in her body surged rapidly, forming a huge vortex in the air.

The next second, countless tea steams in the audience rose up as if guided. They gathered into small steams in the air and quickly moved towards the vortex above Azalea's head. In the space of a breath, thousands of tea steams had condensed together to form a huge water ball.

"Drops of water turn into ice!"

Azalea quickly formed a seal with one hand, and then pointed at Jane, who was paralyzed.

"Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh, swoosh, swoosh..."

Thousands of water arrows shot out from the water ball in an instant.

The weirdest thing was that when the water arrows took shape, they quickly froze. Tens of thousands of water arrows instantly turned into ice arrows with greater lethality, and then covered Jane in an overwhelming manner.

This was an all-round and no-dead-angle bombardment. Even if Jane was not restrained, it would be difficult for her to dodge, not to mention that she was paralyzed now.

"Blood shield!"

Seeing the situation was not good, Jane's face turned fierce, she bit her tongue directly, and then spat out a mouthful of blood.

As the Qi surged out, the blood that spurted out actually formed a blood-colored shield out of thin air, blocking Jane in front of her

"Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang..."

Thousands of ice arrows hit the blood shield frantically, making a series of explosions and splashing a large amount of ice fragments.

After a bombardment, the ice arrows finally disappeared, and the blood shield condensed in front of Jane began to shatter.

However, before Jane could catch her breath, the second round of ice arrows had already come bearing down.


Chapter 2471: Fight me head-on

"Again?!"

Jane's face drained of colours.

At this moment, the paralysis effect on her body had weakened. Seeing the ice arrows pouring down again, she had no time to hesitate and immediately waved her spear wildly, leaving a trail of afterimages.

"Whoosh whoosh..."

The long spear was like a rotating helicopter, rolling up gusts of wind, forming a defensive barrier ten feet in front of her.

The falling ice arrows hit the strong wind barrier, making a "crackling" sound.

Jane was also shocked by the impact of the ice arrows, and retreated repeatedly, her arms numb.

She had just used the blood shield technique with her blood essence, which consumed a lot of her. Now facing Azalea's continuous magic attacks, she was obviously overwhelmed.

"The ground sinks!"

While Jane was still parrying with the ice arrow attack, Azalea formed a seal again, then suddenly squatted down and slapped the ground of the ring.

Immediately afterwards, a strange scene happened.

The ground under Jane's feet suddenly became soft, like a swamp.

Jane retreated, and before she could react, her feet were deeply stuck in the quagmire.

The weirdest thing was that this quagmire had a huge suction force, which kept pulling Jane's legs, making it difficult for her to pull them out for a while.

There were dense ice arrows bombarding her from above, and the quagmire swallowing from below. Jane was attacked from both sides and couldn't resist at all.

"You're despicable, you can only use some unorthodox methods. If you have the guts, fight me head-on!"

Jane was a little furious.

She was good at spearmanship and had rich combat experience. If she fought in close combat, she was very confident that she could quickly defeat the opponent.

But the problem was that Azalea didn't give her a chance to get close at all, and kept using magic to attack from a distance.

The most annoying thing was that the opponent had so many tricks and methods.

There were vines entangled, flame attacks, lightning paralysis, and ice arrows, and now, there was a swamp and mud, restricting her tightly.

Her exquisite spear skills were useless, and she was very frustrated.


Chapter 2472: Are you ready?

In fact, if the opponent did not have a protective shield, she would have won long ago, but she was just a little bit short, which was really unlucky.

"What's wrong with the unorthodox methods? As long as you can win, you can use any means."

Azalea said, and hurriedly threw a spirit refreshing pill into her mouth.

She had just used magic in succession, which also consumed a lot of energy. Fortunately, she had a bottle of spirit gathering pill worth ten thousand gold on her, so she didn't need to worry about anything when fighting.

Just continue fighting and maybe even kill all the way.

"Are you ready? My attack is coming again~!"

Azalea, who took the spirit refreshing pill, became energetic again, and the master's aura in her body quickly became turbulent.

She slowly raised her hand, and thousands of ice arrows appeared in the sky again.

They were so dense that they covered the sky.

"You... you are really despicable!"

Seeing this scene, Jane was so angry that she cursed.

Not only did she keep using magic to attack, but she also had the Spirit Refreshing Pill as a supplement, so she was not afraid of consumption at all.

How can she fight this?

"Damn it! This woman is endless!"

"It's a protective magic treasure, and it's a precious Spirit refreshing Pill. When did the disciples of the Wu Gu Sect become so rich?"

"......"

Seeing Azalea's various methods, the audience couldn't help but talk about it.

Especially the disciples of the World Martial Arts Sect, they cursed and envied, but most of them were dissatisfied.

The arena competition is about strength, but Azalea used magic weapons and pills to establish a great advantage.

"Break!"

Ignoring the discussions around her, Azalea controlled thousands of ice arrows and blasted Jane again.

Jane's legs were stuck in the mud, unable to move. She could only wave her spear, urging her Qi, and constantly blocking and resisting.


Chapter 2473: I'm coming again

But every time the ice arrow hit her, her body would tremble slightly and her arms would go numb.

The speed at which she waved the spear became much slower, and the consumption of Qi in her body became more destabilized.

Her defense was no longer impeccable. Occasionally, an ice arrow broke through the blockade and shot a bloody hole in her body.

The frost power contained in it made her movements gradually become stiff.

In the end, after a round of ice arrows bombarded her, her hair was disheveled, scarred, and she looked very embarrassed.

"Crack...Crack..."

Azalea on the opposite side did not give up, and threw two precious spirit refreshing pills into her mouth to continue to replenish the consumption just now.


Seeing this scene, Jane's eyes twitched and her heart was bleeding.

If she had a protective shield or a spirit refreshing pill, the current situation could definitely be reversed.

It's a pity that she didn't have it.

"I'm Coming again!"

Azalea was full of energy and high spirits. As she spoke, she raised her hand again, and the internal Qi gushed out without reserve.

At the same time, a dense mass of ice arrows appeared above Jane's head.

Seeing this scene, Jane was completely Devastated.

Who could withstand the continuous bombardment of magic and the spirit refreshing pills eaten just like cooked beans?

Seeing that the ice arrows were about to fall again, Jane was frightened and said quickly: "Wait! I concede! I give up!"

She was seriously injured and her Qi was exhausted. She had no strength to fight again.

If she didn't increase her strength in time, she would be crippled if she didn't die after this round of ice arrow bombardment.

Anyway, there was no hope of victory, so it was better to give up early and not suffer too much torture.

"Ah? You Give up? I just ate two spirit refreshing pills and I haven't had enough fun yet." Azalea looked regretful.

If she had known that the other party was going to admit defeat, she would not have taken the Soul refreshing Pill.

After all, this thing is quite expensive, and every bit saved counts.

Seeing Azalea's unsatisfied expression, Jane's face twitched, and she wanted to cry but had no tears.


Chapter 2474: It's such a pity

Jane was unwilling to lose this match.

In terms of hard power, she is definitely better than Azalea. In a head-on confrontation, she had at least an 80% chance of winning.

But the opponent has all kinds of magic weapons and elixirs, and with the various means, it is really impossible to defend against which makes her unstoppable.

In the end, she was exhausted bit by bit and had to admit defeat.

It was so frustrating!

"Master Jeffery, it seems that your disciples of World Martial Arts Sect are not very good."

In the audience, Hank said with a rarely curled up lips.

He and Jeffery had been fighting openly and secretly for many years, and he likes to see the other party being defeated the most.

"An occasional accident is nothing, and besides, your Sword Sect may not win." Jeffery said lightly.

Although Jane was one of his proud disciples, but he didn't expect that he would be eliminated in the first round, which is a bit embarrassing.

"Really? Then let's see who will win in the end." Hank smiled.

He really wanted to see what kind of expression Jeffery would have when Aaron gets defeated by Finn Sanchez.

"Alas... I didn't expect this result, it's such a pity."

Lily sighed, looking a little regretful.

She originally thought that as Jane had a high level of cultivation and superb spear skills, then she should have a greater chance at winning, but she never thought that she would lose so embarrassingly.

"Senior Sister Jane has tried her best. It can only be said that the Witchcraft Sect disciple has too many tricks to pull, fully exerted her own advantages, and just happened to restrain Senior Sister Jane, which led to the current situation." Violet shook her head.

This is how the game is. The situation changes rapidly. Even if the strength is stronger, it does not mean that you will definitely win.

"Brother Aaron, Doctor Dustin, it depends on you two next." Lily looked around.

The rest of the World Martial Arts Sect disciples had stopped in the quarterfinals. Now, only Aaron and Dustin were left.

Aaron is definitely in the quarterfinals, but this one fighter alone is not enough to show the strength of the World Martial Arts Sect.
Therefore, she hoped that Dustin could also make it to the quarterfinals and grab a spot too.

"I'll do my best." Dustin nodded slightly.

"Doctor Dustin, I remember you drew number 8, right?" Violet suddenly asked.

"Yes, what's wrong?" Dustin did not deny it.


Chapter 2475: Thank you

"I have carefully observed that your opponent is that vampire. I believe you should know that vampires are a very difficult dark creature. It is difficult to hurt them with ordinary means. If you don't have special weapons, it is easy to suffer against such monsters." As Violet said that, she suddenly took out a silver dagger and quietly handed it to Dustin: "I heard that vampires are afraid of silver. This is the silver weapon I just ordered people to collect. You should keep it well first, and then give it a fatal blow at the critical moment!"

"Silver weapon?" Dustin raised his eyebrows slightly and looked at Xiao Ningmeng with some surprise. He didn't expect that the other party was so meticulous. Not only did she notice his opponent, but she also made preparations in advance.

"Sister, when did you get the silver weapon? How come I don't know?" Lily was stunned.

"Of course, this kind of thing cannot be made public. If the vampire clan sees it, they will definitely be on guard, and then it won't have the effect of unexpectedly killing the enemy." Violet whispered.

"That's true." Lily nodded in agreement.

"Thank you." Dustin was not polite and directly put the silver dagger into his pocket.

He had also heard similar rumors that the vampire clan was afraid of silver.

However, this restraining effect will become weaker and weaker as the blood clan's strength increases.

Especially those strong men like the earl and the duke are not afraid of silver weapons at all. Even if their heads are cut off and their hearts are destroyed, as long as they have blood supply, they can live well.

This can be called an immortal monster.

Of course, that Bill Wolf is obviously not at the level of the earl, otherwise, he would not have been beaten up by Aaron last night.

"Contestant No. 2 voluntarily admitted defeat. Now I declare that contestant No. 31 wins!" Drake jumped onto the stage and spoke loudly.

For a moment, the applause was thunderous.

Although Jane had many supporters, Azalea's appearance was more attractive, and with a series of wonderful performances just now, she gained a large number of fans.

Now that she has won, she naturally attracted countless audiences to celebrate for her.
Amid fierce applause and shouts, Azalea walked down the stage with a smile and returned to the seat of the Witchcraft Sect disciples.

If it weren't for the Witchcraft Sect's notoriety, based on Azalea's performance just now, it is estimated that many young talents would have run up to express their love.

"Sister Azalea, you did a good job. Our Witchcraft Sect is finally proud today!" When Azalea sat down, Abigail immediately smiled and praised her to show encouragement.

"Saintess, you are too kind. I am weak and had no chance of winning. Thanks to the protective magic treasure and the Soul restoring Pill awarded by the Saintess, I was able to turn the tide and bring honor to the Witchcraft Sect." Azalea nodded slightly, showing great respect.

Although Abigail treated her very well and even treated her as a sister, she knew that they had different identities and must not cross the line.

If she became arrogant and conceited because of Abigail's support, she would be in trouble sooner or later.

"Sister Azalea, your next opponent will definitely be stronger. The protective shield and the Soul restoring Pill have been exposed, and it is difficult to have an unexpected effect. But it doesn't matter. I still have some treasures here to help you. Take a look at which ones are handy and pick them at will."

Abigail said, and immediately turned out a pile of top-quality treasures and showed them to Azalea.

The Witchcraft Sect elders next to them were stunned.

Just so you know that, any of the treasures here can set off a bloody storm in the martial arts world.

But in a way, when it came to the Saintess' hands, it was like cabbage, and she gave it away in piles.

It was really too daring!


Chapter 2476: Too valuable

"Saintess, these...these treasures are too valuable. I think we should just forget about them."

Looking at the dazzling array of treasures in front of her, Azalea was somewhat flattered.

When the Saintess gave her the protective shield and the restoring spirit pill before, many people had already raised objections. If she accepted them again, she would definitely become the public enemy of the Witchcraft Sect disciples.

"What's so valuable? They are all earned from running a casino. I didn't spend a penny. Just take them. You don't have to have any psychological burden. If anyone dares to gossip behind my back, I will tear their mouths apart!"

Abigail said, and glanced around, scaring the surrounding Witchcraft Sect members to immediately watch their eyes and mouth, pretending that they didn't see anything.

They knew Abigail's methods very well. Since she became the Sainesst, the first thing she did was to purge the Witchraft Sect.

In the past, those dissenting voices were directly suppressed by her with thunderous means.

From the elders to the disciples, anyone who had objections was either imprisoned or killed.

During the initial period, the entire Witchcraft Cult was in a state of panic.

But later, after the reforms of the Saint, they were surprised to find that Witchcraft Cult not only did not decline, but also seemed to be reborn, recruiting many outstanding disciples.

It also made Witchcraft Cult more united.

Later, they realized that some of the people who were previously eliminated by the Saint were all pests of Witchcraft Cult.

They occupied absolute power and a large amount of resources, only seeking profit for themselves, and never considering the development of Witchcraft Cult.

Even the most basic promotion path of Witchcraft Cult disciples was firmly controlled by these people.

Some outstanding disciples, because they had no power, no influence, and no background, could not get any resources at all, let alone promotion.

On the contrary, some mediocre people who relied on nepotism had a constant supply of various elixirs and magic weapons, and their internal resources were extremely unbalanced.

Until the Saintess came to power, everything changed.

Although the Saint was ruthless and ruthless, she was clear about rewards and punishments, which made all the disciples convinced and respectful.

Now, in the entire Witchcraft Sect, the Saintess had the final say, and no one dared to oppose her.

Because those who opposed were already dead.


Chapter 2477: Come on stage and die

"This..."

Azalea still a little hesitant.

Because Abigail is so good to her, she gives her all the good things first. She can not care about being hostile to others, but she has to consider the other party.

As a Saintess, being too partial to one person will inevitably be criticized by the disciples.

"Okay, don't refuse. At most, I will lend you these treasures first, and you can return them to me after you win the game."

Seeing that Azalea has been unwilling to accept them, Abigail can only change her words.

Although it can't be given directly, if you win the game and reward the other party, it will be natural, hehe.

"Well, I will borrow it first."

Having said this, Azalea couldn't refuse.

If it is a loan, there will be no psychological burden.

After the second game, the third game will start soon.

Referee Drake walked onto the stage and spoke loudly: "The third match begins now. Please invite contestants No. 3 and No. 30 to the stage!"

As soon as he finished speaking, a figure suddenly shot up from the stage, turned several somersaults in the air, and finally landed steadily on the stage.

It was Caleb, who was wearing a bamboo hat and carrying a long sword.

As the chief disciple of the Icy Sect, Caleb was quite famous in the martial arts world. Now that he was on the stage, he attracted countless people to cheer for him.

"Black guy! Come on stage and die!"

Caleb was very domineering. He pointed at the black kong under the stage, full of fighting spirit.

The two had shown each other number balls, so they knew who their opponents were.

The provocative action of the black kong wiping his neck before made Caleb very unhappy.

Now, he was going to defeat the opponent directly on the stage with overwhelming strength.


Chapter 2478: Black King Kong

"Hehe..."

Accompanied by a low laugh.

Black King Kong, who is well over two meters tall and has an unusually sturdy physique, walked towards the ring with a ferocious face.

As a fighting maniac, he has endured for so long, and today he can finally enjoy it.

"Warriors of Dragon Country, meeting me is the greatest misfortune in your life. Next, I will let you know what hell feels like!"

Black King Kong walked onto the ring, his shoulders slightly swaying, his muscles bulging high, like obsidian, emitting a strange light under the sunlight.

"Humph! Who are you trying to scare here? Isn't it just a little bigger? Do you really think I'm afraid of you?" Caleb had a cold face and was not afraid at all.

There were at least eight big guys who died in his hands, if not ten.

Although a body of muscles looks scary, it is at most just strong, sacrificing speed and agility. Strength alone is not enough.

With his skills, he can completely play the opponent around.

"Good, very good. I hope you can still be so courageous when I step on you later." Black Kong grinned, looking like he was looking at a dead man.

"Stop talking nonsense! Come on if you can!"

Caleb suddenly pulled out the long knife from his back, looking aggressive.


Black Kong did not attack directly, but glanced at the referee Drake on the field.

The end of Bill Wolf before was still vivid in his mind. Before the game was announced, he did not want to give the other party a chance to attack.

"Are both players ready?"

Drake looked around, and after the two nodded, he said loudly: "Very good, the third game officially begins!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Caleb who had been ready to go, attacked directly without wasting words.

"Die!"

Caleb kicked his foot, and the whole person pounced on him like a tiger. The long knife in his hand left a trace of afterimage and slashed at Black Kong's neck fiercely.

What's the use of having big muscles? I will just cut you with one knife!


Chapter 2479: Sturdy body training

Caleb was very fast, and his sword was extremely fast, like lightning.

The audience only felt a flash before their eyes, and Caleb was already in front of Black King Kong, and the steel sword in his hand slashed towards the opponent's neck.

As a fierce man who broke through the siege of many Group B players, although Caleb has not yet broken through the Grandmaster realm, he had the strength of a Grandmaster.

This is also the capital of his confidence.

The attacked Black King Kong seemed to have not reacted yet, and he stood there blankly without dodging.

Seeing this scene, Caleb sneered.

This is the weakness of the big guy, slow speed, slow reaction, can only be a live target to be beaten and eaten.

"Clang!"

Without any surprise, Caleb's steel sword slashed firmly on Black King Kong's neck.

But soon, the smile on Caleb's face disappeared. Because the expected scene of head being separated from body by a knife did not appear, the originally indestructible sword slashed on Black King Kong, and sparks were splashed.

It was as if he was not slashing a person, but a piece of extremely hard black iron.

The most terrifying thing was that he did not feel any energy fluctuations on Black King Kong.

In other words, the opponent did not activate the Qi, but purely relied on the strength of the body to resist.

"A martial artist practicing sturdy body training?!"

Caleb frowned, his face became more solemn.

It seems that the opponent's arrogance is not without reason. With great strength and strong defense, it is indeed difficult to deal with.

However, it is just difficult to deal with, not that there is no way to crack it.

After all, all martial artists practicing sturdy body training have a weakness. As long as you find their weakness and give them a heavy blow, you can naturally win.

"Hehehe... Is this all you can do?"


Chapter 2480: Monster

Black King Kong grinned and looked down at Caleb as if he was looking at a sheep.

Caleb snorted coldly, and did not say much. He was ready to draw his knife and retreat, and then look for another opportunity.

However, at this time, Black King Kong's neck suddenly tilted, and he clamped the steel knife with his cheek and shoulder.

Caleb tried to pull hard, but found that the knife in his hand seemed to have being clamped by an iron clamp and could not move at all.

"You have made a move, now, it's my turn!"

Black King Kong grinned, and his fist as big as a sandbag suddenly blasted towards Caleb.

It was a very ordinary straight punch, without any fancy moves, but at the moment of the punch, there was a sound of wind and thunder, the air around distoedrt, the strength behind punch seemed terrifying.

Caleb's face changed, and he did not dare to resist. He immediately dropped the knife and retreated, narrowly avoiding the punch.

Black King Kong did not pursue the victory, but took off the knife clamped on his neck, put it in his mouth, and began to eat it bite by bite.

That's right, eat!

The hard black iron sword, in Black King Kong's mouth, was like potato chips, chewing with a bang.

One bite after another, eating with relish.

In a short while, most of the black iron sword had been eaten.

This scene made the audience stunned and look unbelievable.

"Fuck! What the hell is going on? This big guy actually eats the black iron knife as a snack?!"

"Even if he is a sturdy body martial artist, he doesn't practice like this, right? Is this guy still a human?"

"Monster! What a monster!"

The audience was shocked.

They have seen many strange things, but they have never heard that someone can eat black iron as food.

Not to mention whether there is a good tooth, the key is how to digest it?


Chapter 2481: It tastes good

This is obviously not something humans can do.

"This..."

At this moment, Caleb was also a little confused.

He stared blankly at the black King Kong in front of him, his face full of astonishment.

If he hadn't seen it with his own eyes, he would never have believed that his black iron knife would be eaten by someone bite by bite.

It's so weird!

"It tastes good. Do you have any other treasures?"

After eating the black iron knife, Black King Kong grinned, revealing a mouthful of white teeth.

Caleb's eyelids twitched, and for a moment he didn't know what to say or how to react.

"Why, are you scared? The warriors of your Dragon Country are only this capable." Black King Kong showed sarcasm.

"Bold lunatic! Do you think you can scare me with some unorthodox methods? I tell you, dream on!"

The enraged Caleb clenched his fists and took a stance.

Not only is he proficient in swordsmanship, but he is also extremely good at boxing.

The skin and flesh of a sturdy body training warrior were tough and can resist the slashing of swords and knives, but they may not be able to block fists.

Because boxing is a penetrating attack, as long as the cultivation is deep, a punch is thrown, and the powerful true qi can completely penetrate the skin and flesh of a horizontal training warrior in an instant, acting on the internal organs, causing huge damage.

"Come and try if you have the guts."

Black King Kong hooked his finger with a playful look on his face.

He was not in a hurry to win, because he wanted to slowly torture the other party, so that all the Dragon Country warriors would be afraid.

"I want to see how powerful you are!"

Caleb shouted, kicked his feet hard, and rushed out like an arrow from a string.


Chapter 2482: You are so weak

His right arm quickly accumulated power, condensed into a ball of white light, and then hit Black King Kong's chest at lightning speed.

"Bang!"

A muffled sound.

Black King Kong did not move at all, and his muscles trembled slightly, dissolving all the power.

On the other hand, Caleb was shocked by a huge impact force, and he retreated several steps, and his arm was numb.

For a moment, his face was horrified.

Before he could react, Black King Kong's palm as big as a palm fan had already grabbed him fiercely.

Black King Kong moved quickly. Before Caleb could react, he grabbed his neck and lifted him up with one hand, just like a chicken.

Caleb's breathing stagnated, and his face began to turn red at a speed visible to the naked eye.

He began to struggle frantically, kicking his limbs, but found that he could not break free at all.

Black King Kong's palm was like a big iron clamp, locking him tightly.

"You... are so weak."

Black King Kong shook his head, his face full of sarcasm and disdain.

Too bad, he couldn't even block one of his moves.

The key is that he only used one-third of his strength.

For such a weak opponent, he even reduced his interest in killing.

After all, only the strong could make him excited, and only by killing the strong can he shock all the Dragon Country warriors.

Now meeting such a rubbish is really disappointing.

"Escape!"

Seeing the crisis, Caleb quickly formed seals with his hands, and his body suddenly shrank, like a boneless cat, and slipped out of Black King Kong's hands.


Chapter 2483: Shadow Killing Techniques

Then he rolled on the spot, quickly distanced himself, panting heavily, and the redness on his face began to dissipate quickly.

"Oh?"

The sudden change surprised Black King Kong, and there was a little more surprise in his eyes.

It seems that the other party is not useless, and maybe there are some special means that have not been used.

"Big Black, I have to admit that you are really strong. You can force me to use the method of escaping from the shell, but that's it."

Caleb touched his swollen and painful neck, and his eyes were filled with murderous intent: "Next, I will let you see the powerful secret method of the Icy Sect. This was originally my preparation for the finals, but I didn't expect to use it on you now. Although it is a bit of a waste of talent, I can't care about it!"

After saying that, Caleb suddenly took out a black pill and threw it into his mouth, then put his hands together and recited a spell quickly.

Soon, a vague black shadow slowly floated out of his body.

This black shadow was like smoke, erratic, changing all the time, and finally turned into a human figure similar to Caleb's body size.

Seeing this scene, many audiences in the audience were horrified.

"Could this be the secret skill of the Icy Sect, the Shadow Killing Technique?"

"It is rumored that the Shadow Killing Technique is extremely strange and can ignore defense and shields and directly attack people's souls. If a person with a weak soul is touched by the Shadow Killing Technique, he will become an idiot at best, or die on the spot at worst. It is really killing people invisibly!"

"I heard that the Shadow Killing Technique of the Icy Sect has been lost because it is too difficult to practice. Even the Sect Master of the Icy Sect does not know it. I didn't expect that Caleb would succeed in practicing it. It seems that from now on, the Icy Sect will regain its glory!"

"..."

Looking at the black figure floating above Caleb's head, the audience below the stage couldn't help whispering and were surprised.

Two hundred years ago, the Icy Sect was ranked among the top three in the world.

It was precisely because the Sect Master of that generation was proficient in the Shadow Killing Technique that almost no one dared to provoke him.

Because anyone who opposed him, regardless of his strength, would die unclearly, including many top masters.

After the death of the sect leader, the Icy Sect gradually weakened.

The reason is that the Shadow Killing Technique is too difficult to practice. If you are not careful, you will become an idiot.

So far, only Caleb has successfully practiced it in the entire Icy Sect.

But this is enough to prove that the Icy Sect will rise again.

"What is the Shadow Killing Technique? Is it powerful?"

In the audience, Violet tilted her head and looked a little curious.

Margaret next to her explained: "The Shadow Killing Technique is a secret method of cultivating the soul. It is very powerful. It is said that this technique can directly attack a person's soul and destroy a person's mind. Nothing can stop it. Unless the soul of the person being attacked is stronger than the caster, once attacked by the Shadow Killing Technique, there is only one way to die!"

"So scary?" Violet's eyelids jumped.

The strange attack that directly hits the soul is terrifying.

"How do you judge the strength of a person's soul?" Lily suddenly asked.

"It's impossible to judge." Margaret shook her head: "Any technique related to the soul is extremely difficult to practice. First, it requires innate understanding, and second, it requires strong willpower. Otherwise, it is easy to go astray. Looking at the entire martial arts world, there are less than five people who practice the secret technique of the soul."

"According to this, once the Shadow Killing Technique of the Icy Sect is released, won't it be invincible in the world?" Lily frowned.

"It's not that simple."

Margaret shook her head: "Although the Shadow Killing Technique is powerful, it is not without flaws. First of all, when the user performs the technique, the body cannot move. As long as the body is damaged, the technique can be successfully broken. Of course, generally speaking, the caster will not attack so openly because it is too risky. Now Caleb is forced into a desperate situation and can only give it a try."

"So that's the case." Lily nodded, feeling relieved.

If the Shadow Killing Technique is really unsolvable, then the Icy Sect will probably become a strong enemy of the World Martial Arts Association in the future.

"Big Black! Go to hell!"

Caleb suddenly shouted, then put his hands together, pointed his index and middle fingers at the Black King Kong in the distance.

The black figure above his head immediately pounced on him with bared fangs and claws, like a ghost, with an incomparable chill.


Chapter 2484: Why can you hurt me

The black figure was moving very fast. Wherever it passed, the ground was frozen and the air solidified. Within a radius of ten meters, it seemed as if it was trapped in a special space, and all objects seemed to be stagnant.

Black King Kong shuddered inexplicably, and a sense of crisis suddenly rose in his heart.

He did not dare to be arrogant, and immediately mobilized all his energy and punched the black figure in front of him.

"Boom!"

This punch was like thunder, extremely fast.

At the moment the fist was thrown, a red fist shadow as hot as a flame shot out and hit the black figure heavily.

However, unlike what Black King Kong expected, the red fist shadow did not defeat the black figure when it hit it, but passed through it without any hindrance.

It was as if it hit the air.

"Huh?" Black King Kong's pupils shrank, quite surprised.
He had never encountered such a strange attack, which could ignore the collision of energy. What on earth was that black figure?

Black King Kong's shoulders shook, and his muscles instantly tightened. A red light covered the surface of his black skin, forming a special protective film.

With his physical strength, no one could hurt him unless he was facing the top grandmaster of Dragon Country.

"Huh~!"

A gust of cold wind swept past.

The moment the black figure touched Black King Kong, it went straight through his body.

"Ah~!"

Black King Kong trembled all over, as if struck by lightning, and let out a painful howl.

His hands trembled, sweating, and his dark face was a little more strangely pale.

"You...what method did you use? Why can you hurt me?"


Chapter 2485: I'm going to kill you

Black King Kong was panting, angry, and shocked.

At this moment, he felt a splitting headache, as if there were thousands of needles stirring in his brain.

This kind of pain was not physical pain, but pain from the depths of the soul, which was irresistible and unbearable.

"Hehe... Black guy, aren't you arrogant? How are you now? The Shadow Killing Technique doesn't taste good, does it?" Caleb grinned, looking at him like a dead man.

The Shadow Killing Technique was his best trick, originally intended to be used when competing for the championship, so as to achieve the effect of surprise, but now he had to use it in advance.

And he also wanted to take this opportunity to make a name for himself.

"I'm going to kill you!"

Black King Kong roared, stood up despite the pain, and rushed towards Caleb frantically.

"Looking for death!"

Caleb snorted coldly, formed a seal with both hands, and pointed at Black King Kong again.

The black figure turned into a gust of cold wind, silently rushed towards Black King Kong, and then passed through his body.

The next second, Black King Kong's knees softened, and he knelt directly on the ground, with a splitting headache, sweating profusely, and gasping for breath.

"Ah~! My head is about to split!"

Black King Kong covered his head and wailed in pain.

Because of the severe pain, his body began to tremble constantly.

Although he was physically strong and invulnerable, he could not resist this attack that hit his soul directly.

"Good! Good fight! Kill this black guy!"

"As expected of the chief disciple of the Icy Sect, he is really powerful!"

"Is this the Shadow Killing Technique? It is really so terrifying!"

"......"


Chapter 2486: It is impossible

Looking at the Black King Kong kneeling on the ground and wailing in pain, the audience was surprised and awed.

In fact, they did not think highly of Caleb at first.

Especially after the Black King Kong ate the black iron raw, they felt that Caleb had little chance of winning.

But when Caleb performed the Shadow Killing Technique, everything changed.

The situation on the ring was completely reversed.

The originally fierce and invincible Black King Kong was beaten to pieces by Caleb's Shadow Killing Technique and had no power to fight back.

They also witnessed the power of the Shadow Killing Technique for the first time.

It can be expected that after two hundred years, the Icy Sect will rise again.

"This Shadow Killing Technique is truly extraordinary. A mere half-step Grandmaster can actually beat a sturdy body Training Grandmaster to the point of not being able to raise his head. This is an extremely rare example in the entire martial arts world."

In the main audience, Jeffery narrowed his eyes, as if thinking about something.

If he could get the training method of Shadow Killing Technique, he might be able to train a group of strong men who can kill people across levels for the World Martial Arts Association.

"What? Are you interested in the secret technique of the Icy Sect?"

Hank glanced at him and said sarcastically, "Two hundred years ago, many people had the same idea as you, and they successfully stole the Shadow Killing Technique, but guess why no one has succeeded in practicing it in the past two hundred years?"

"Why?" Jeffery asked back.


"Humph! Why should I tell you?" Hank curled his lips.

Jeffrey's eyes twitched, and he was a little angry.

"Because Shadow Killing Technique begins with inheritance, it can only be understood but not explained." Marlon next to him said lightly: "Without the memory of inheritance and without super comprehension, even if you get the practice method, it is impossible to practice successfully. So far, there are more than a hundred masters in the world who have gone astray because of practicing Shadow Killing Technique. Some died and some went crazy. In the end, no one dared to try it again."

"So that's how it is." Jeffery nodded.

He had only heard about Shadow Killing Technique and didn't know much.

Now after listening to Marlon's explanation, he realized that things were not simple. A powerful secret technique that has been lost for two hundred years is indeed not something that ordinary people can get involved in.
 
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Ruthless

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I understand the point. But Shes a Narcissist. As it clearly, Dustin was the reason for her success. But she never even identified him. The only reason she wanted Dustin back was not because he saved her but because she was jealous of Natsha and her narcissism took hold of her.

Dustin also clearly showed his capabilities multiple times but she never trusted him. Even after he had been proven to only speak truth like a lot of times. But Natasha trusted Dustin from the ofset. Dustin healed her grandfather and saved her from a few thugs. These 2 instances were enough for her to completely trust him even though the future enemies were all far stronger than the few thugs. She was worried for him but always trusted him.

Also It's not just about the strength. It's also about understanding character. Dustin had been with Dhalia for 3 years. But she sided with her mother, brother and Julie whenever they accused him of something without even hearing his side. But Natasha always took his side. Even when he killed her cousin in the midst of the whole family, she supported him 100%. That's true trust.

That's why Dhalia will never ever match up to Natasha eventhough she has lost all her memories, she's still selfish and Narcissistic. Natasha will always be the one and only one for Dustin. But I don't mind a competition between Natasha and Margaret or a harem of Natasha, Margaret and Scarlet.

But, I also think the Author has clearly fixed Natasha as the only LI and has gone to other adventures. That's why we haven't see Natasha in so long.
I completely agree with you. Dhalia can never be close to Natasha when comes to comparison
 

svetovid

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I understand the point. But Shes a Narcissist. As it clearly, Dustin was the reason for her success. But she never even identified him. The only reason she wanted Dustin back was not because he saved her but because she was jealous of Natsha and her narcissism took hold of her.

Dustin also clearly showed his capabilities multiple times but she never trusted him. Even after he had been proven to only speak truth like a lot of times. But Natasha trusted Dustin from the ofset. Dustin healed her grandfather and saved her from a few thugs. These 2 instances were enough for her to completely trust him even though the future enemies were all far stronger than the few thugs. She was worried for him but always trusted him.

Also It's not just about the strength. It's also about understanding character. Dustin had been with Dhalia for 3 years. But she sided with her mother, brother and Julie whenever they accused him of something without even hearing his side. But Natasha always took his side. Even when he killed her cousin in the midst of the whole family, she supported him 100%. That's true trust.

That's why Dhalia will never ever match up to Natasha eventhough she has lost all her memories, she's still selfish and Narcissistic. Natasha will always be the one and only one for Dustin. But I don't mind a competition between Natasha and Margaret or a harem of Natasha, Margaret and Scarlet.

But, I also think the Author has clearly fixed Natasha as the only LI and has gone to other adventures. That's why we haven't see Natasha in so long.
I agree with you, in terms of personal qualities, there is no doubt that Natasha is better.

It's just that all that secrecy and training those around him that it is natural AND OKAY TO UNDERESTIMATE HIM is what is bothering me when later he decides to somewhat openly prove himself. Habits die hard is a saying for a reason. In that sense I disagree with his actions.

However, let me ask you this, as a hypothetical. Since Logan showed how loyal he can be, almost to a fault... If Dahlia showed him basic respect a person, much less spouse, should show, would he ever be with Natasha?? Or do you think that her (Dahlia's) flaws would eventually separate them?
 

Rav

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I love reading the dragon man's decree/ a man like none other cause the fights last just 2-3 chapters only, but here eeeh you will find a fight between unknowns lasting 7-12 chapters.
I like that one a lot. Jared Chance is a boss. Haha.
 

Rav

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I only hope that is not Charlie wade, the story gives me anxiety Everytime I'm reading it and it slows my breathing in a way I don't even know, I've stopped reading it.


About the 2 chapters of this story, well I think something is behind it cause no matter how many complaints we make about it, we'll still come back just to check if there's an update 😁😁😁
It's Jared Chance. Charlie Wade is in Amazing Son In Law. And yeah, it has way too much filler recently. Lol. I can't stand the filler based around his mother in law and father in law. Such a waste of time.
 

Rav

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I completely agree with you. Dhalia can never be close to Natasha when comes to comparison
Yeah. Dahlia was moving on from page 1 to the dude who had like $50 more than she did. Lol. The only reason more wealthy people keep pursuing her is to get at Dustin. She always gives up on him too easily. I'm team Natasha all the way.
 

Ruthless

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Yeah. Dahlia was moving on from page 1 to the dude who had like $50 more than she did. Lol. The only reason more wealthy people keep pursuing her is to get at Dustin. She always gives up on him too easily. I'm team Natasha all the way.
Me too
 

Donovan Power 1

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Why do people start a thread when they can't continue it.
It is annoying though. I practically appreciate their sacrifices in dishing out their time in giving us a reading delight but after putting the readers through to a level of no return, they will jettison the readers and go AWOL. This is real emotional insensitivity on their part.
The worst is Emzee offering to continue from Nazmul and ending with only 12 chapters and disappearing to thin air and you begin to wonder why he opted to start what he could not finish.
I will implore on Gilly to help if he can as i see him more consistent on the platform.
I pray may they realize the damage done to the ever bubbling readers and resume their craft of delivering the daily dose of engagements to us.
God bless them for their previous efforts.
 

Donovan Power 1

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Emzee.......a flash in the pan all this while?
He has really defined the term "motion without movement."🙄🤣😅😁😀
 
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Klaus

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First Nazmul, now Emzee..:cry::cry: Who is going to complete this version of the story?
 

Crownsquare

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Does anyone have the link to the original Chinese version of this story?
I've read from another site with the Chinese names, but it stopped after the end of the competition, where Dustin has won the championship against Fin Sanchez by unveiling the sparrow sword of the sword immortal. He met with the old master, who offered Dustin the role of his Successor and have him the winning price of 3 dragon source energy at the same time
 

EMZEE

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Chapter 2640: Cheap Trick

Having made up his mind, Aaron no longer hesitated, swiftly building up his aura.

Powerful waves of qi surged forth from his body’s key acupoints.

In an instant, his hair stood on end, his robe flapping wildly, and light radiated from his entire body.

The divine spirit behind him grew more solid, its facial features clear and imposing.

Seeing this, Zion's expression turned serious in an instant.

He knew that Aaron was about to unleash a killing move.

“Break!”

Zion didn’t hesitate, forming a seal with his hands immediately.

In a flash, his body shuddered and split into three.

Then, the three figures shuddered again, dividing into nine.

The nine figures shuddered once more, multiplying into twenty-seven.

In just the blink of an eye, Zion had conjured twenty-seven clones!

With the appearance of twenty-seven clones, Zion's breathing became noticeably heavier.

This was his limit; any more, and his body wouldn’t be able to handle it.

“Hmph! A cheap trick!”

Seeing the clones around him, Aaron sneered. “Today, I’ll show you what true divine power looks like!”

With those words, Aaron slowly raised his hands to his chest, then thrust them forward: “Wrath of the Wind God!”

As his palms extended, the divine spirit behind him mirrored his movements.

In an instant, the sky changed, filled with storms and thunder.

Two enormous palm shadows, laden with countless wind blades, rushed toward Zion's direction with a deafening roar.

The wind blades were so dense that they covered the sky, endless and unrelenting.

On the surface, this technique, the Wrath of the Wind God, appeared to be centered on the palm shadows, with the wind blades as a secondary attack.

But in truth, the real killing blow lay hidden within the countless wind blades.

“Disperse!”

Zion commanded his twenty-seven clones to scatter immediately, dodging from all directions.

Unless absolutely necessary, he wouldn’t dare to face Aaron's ultimate move head-on.

“Boom!”

The two palm shadows unleashed by Aaron shattered nine of Zion's clones; some were ripped apart by the gusting force, even without a direct hit.

The remaining clones, while avoiding the palm shadows, couldn’t evade the onslaught of wind blades.

“Swish, swish, swish…”

The countless wind blades, carrying deadly power, continued to shred Zion's clones.

The original twenty-seven clones rapidly diminished in number, visibly disappearing.

In just a few breaths, only a handful remained.

Yet, Aaron's wind blades showed no sign of stopping, still blanketing the sky, endless and unyielding.

The terrifying sight left the onlookers trembling, their scalps tingling with fear.

Only at this moment did the spectators realize the terrifying power of the Divine Four Aspects Art.


Chapter 2641: Stronger Today

Even just the first move, Wrath of the Wind God, had a force powerful enough to devastate everything in its path.

Upon activation, a hundred-meter radius around it became a death zone.

Any living thing that entered would be shredded to pieces by the relentless wind blades.

This grand and destructive attack surpassed anything the spectators had seen in previous matches.

“No wonder he’s ranked so highly on the Prodigy List—his reputation is well-deserved!”

“Is it just me, or does Aaron seem even stronger today than he did yesterday?”

“That’s right! He used Wrath of the Wind God yesterday, too, but it wasn’t nearly this terrifying. Could he have been hiding his true power?”

The strength Aaron displayed stirred murmurs among the audience.

At the same time, many began to worry for Zion.

Against such a formidable foe, winning seemed out of the question. Surviving the match itself was in doubt.

Back on the arena stage:

After sacrificing twenty-six of his clones, Zion managed to evade all attacks and positioned himself at a spot behind Aaron.

It was the only place where the wind blades couldn’t reach.

“Hmph! Do you think that will save your life? Utterly delusional!”

Aaron abruptly turned, clenching his hands into fists and launching a fierce attack at Zion: Wrath of the Fire God!

The divine spirit behind him instantly mirrored his movements.

Boom!

Thunder exploded in the sky.

Two massive flaming fists, engulfed in blazing flames, roared toward Zion.

Wherever the fire fists passed, the arena turned charred black, and even the air seemed to twist and distort.

The terrifying, searing energy swept across the stage.

With no clones left to absorb the blow, Zion's main body couldn’t escape the flaming fists.

Since there was no way to evade, he resolved to face them head-on!

Zion swiftly formed a seal with his hands, and a layer of silver light enveloped him like a suit of armor.

His already handsome face now appeared even more regal and awe-inspiring.

“All Spirit be with me and Break!”

Finishing the incantation, Zion's entire body transformed into a beam of silver light, crashing toward Aaron's flaming fists.

The silver and red lights hovered briefly in midair before colliding with a thunderous impact.

“Boom!!”

A massive explosion rocked the arena.

A terrifying energy wave erupted from the point of impact, sweeping outward in all directions.

It was like a mountain collapsing, an unstoppable force.

“This isn’t good!”

Referee Drake's expression changed, and without hesitation, he rushed forward to activate the protective array, shielding the entire arena.

If the energy escaped, who knew how many people would be injured or killed.


Chapter 2642: Zion's exceptional skill

A flash of blue light appeared.

A blue lightning shield, like an inverted bowl, enveloped the entire arena.

The explosive energy waves crashed furiously against the blue barrier.

Like raging waves, they surged one after another, continuous and unyielding.

The blue shield trembled and shook, enduring the assault for several breaths before finally stabilizing.

The spectators below let out a collective sigh of relief, their hearts still pounding.

Thankfully, Drake reacted quickly; otherwise, if that explosive energy had spilled over, many of them would have been affected.

After all, Aaron was already at the Ultimate Grandmaster level. Even a casual strike from him could be deadly.

At this moment, on the arena stage:

As the dust settled, the situation had shifted.

Aaron stood proudly, his presence commanding, his robe fluttering in the residual energy as if he were a god descending to the mortal realm.

The divine spirit behind him looked lifelike, its gaze sharp, adding an extra layer of authority.

In contrast, Zion had been knocked back, landing over ten meters away.

His handsome face had turned pale, with blood staining the corner of his mouth, and his arms were shaking uncontrollably.

“As I thought, the gap is still vast.”

Zion inwardly lamented.

He could clearly feel that today, Aaron was far stronger than he had been in their last encounter.

The key issue was that even before Aaron's breakthrough, Zion's chances of victory had been slim. Now, it was practically impossible.

“To withstand my Wrath of the Fire God head-on… I have to admit, you’re impressive.”

Aaron eyes shone as he spoke loudly, “If this were before, defeating you might not have been so easy. But now, there’s a difference in our levels. Any resistance on your part is futile.”

Ordinary martial arts masters would have been reduced to ashes under his Wrath of the Fire God.

But Zion managed to stand, sustaining only minor internal injuries—a testament to his exceptional skill.

Aaron, a person who valued talent, hadn’t pursued a full attack. Otherwise, if he had unleashed Wrath of the Thunder God, his opponent would have been maimed or worse.

“Thank you, Brother Aaron, for your mercy just now. I admit defeat.”

Zion straightened himself and cupped his fists toward Aaron. “I concede this match.”

Hearing this, Aaron let out a slight sigh of relief.

Though he hadn’t gone all out, he had also been conserving his strength.

After all, the killing moves in the Divine Four Aspects Art consumed enormous energy. While Wrath of the Thunder God would indeed have defeated Zion, it would have taken a toll on him as well.


Chapter 2643: A complete Transformation

The outcome of the subsequent matches was somewhat affected.

With his opponent voluntarily conceding, Aaron had saved some energy.

Zion's defeat wasn’t unexpected. From the moment the two took the stage, most spectators had already determined that Aaron would win.

The only question was how long Zion could withstand Aaron's fierce onslaught.

To endure two killing blows and remain standing already demonstrated Zion's remarkable skill.

Continuing the fight could have led to real casualties.

After all, it was just a match; there was no need to gamble with lives.

Knowing something was impossible yet persisting anyway wasn’t bravery; it was foolishness.

Clearly, Zion was no fool.

“Contestant No. 8, Zion, concedes! Congratulations to contestant No. 1, Aaron, for winning!” Referee Drake quickly announced the result.

In an instant, applause thundered from the audience.

Especially among the disciples of the Heavenly Alliance, cheers erupted.

Defeating Zion meant Aaron successfully advanced to the semifinals—a reason to celebrate.

“Master Jeffrey, your chief disciple is truly extraordinary!” Marlon remarked with a smile from the main spectator’s area.

“In just one night, he seems to have undergone a complete transformation, significantly increasing his strength. It’s quite astonishing.”

Yesterday, Aaron had used the Divine Four Aspects Art, but it hadn’t carried nearly the same power as today. Anyone with a keen eye could see the difference.

“Indeed, Master Marlon has a keen eye,” Jeffery replied with a faint smile, pride evident in his voice. “ Aaron's breakthrough amidst the battle means he is now at the Ultimate Grandmaster level, truly capable of standing on his own.”

“Oh? Is that so? Then congratulations are in order,” Marlon smiled back.

“Although breaking through in the heat of battle enhances strength, it also carries significant risks. If he can’t stabilize his cultivation properly, he might fall into a state of chaos at any moment,” Hank interjected unexpectedly.

He could never stand to see the Heavenly Alliance shine, so he had to douse the excitement with a splash of cold water.

“Hmph! There’s no need for you, Master Hank, to worry. My disciple’s foundation is incredibly solid; this breakthrough was a natural progression with no risk of chaos. It certainly won’t disappoint anyone!” Jeffrey replied coldly.

Hank's pessimistic words rubbed him the wrong way.

“Even without those risks, an unstable strength is still a fact. You can’t seriously believe that a newly promoted Ultimate Grandmaster can compete for the championship, can you? That would be naive!” Hank scoffed.

His own disciple, Finn Sanchez, had reached the Ultimate Grandmaster level two years ago—how could he compare with a mere Aaron?

“Hmph! You’ll find out soon enough whether he can claim the championship. I hope you can still maintain your current attitude then,” Jeffrey said with a cold smile.

The Heavenly Alliance possessed skills far beyond just the Divine Four Aspects Art.

Aaron wasn’t an ordinary genius. Overcoming the odds and defeating stronger opponents was something he could achieve with ease.


Chapter 2644: The Championship won't be easy

Although Zion had lost, his popularity remained undiminished.

The female fans were still going wild, continuously shouting his name—a scene that had never been witnessed with previous competitors.

Indeed, looking good brought different treatment.

“Young Master Zion, how are you? Are you alright?” Lana asked with concern as soon as Zion returned to his seat.

“A minor injury, nothing to worry about,” Zion replied with a smile, though his eyes betrayed a hint of loneliness and regret.

He hadn’t come to the competition merely for fame; he wanted to prove himself and show that he was no less than anyone else.

Reaching the top eight was commendable, but he still hoped to go further.

Unfortunately, his strength fell short, and he had stumbled at the threshold of the semifinals.

Of course, losing to Aaron, he accepted without complaint.

“Young Master Zion, you’ve already done remarkably well. Many disciples from major sects are far inferior to you; there’s no need to take it to heart,” Willa comforted.

“Yes, Young Master Zion, you’re far better than I am. I didn’t even make it to the top sixteen. Look at you now—renowned and with so many supporters. That’s impressive!” Cassius chimed in.

In this competition, he hadn’t achieved a good ranking and had suffered significant injuries, with half his body wrapped in bandages.

In comparison, Zion was already a name that resonated in the martial world.

At that moment, in another direction, Lily said excitedly, “Brother Aaron, you’re amazing! You easily resolved the battle!”

“My opponent was strong, but I had the advantage due to my deeper cultivation. If we were at the same level, I think it would have been a tough fight,” Aaron replied, not allowing himself to feel too proud.

The enemies he had faced before were weaklings unworthy of the stage, but today’s formidable opponent was the true challenge.

“Regardless, you won! You’re securely in the top four. Just win two more matches, and you’ll easily claim the championship!” Lily expressed great confidence in him.

“The path to the championship won’t be easy,” Aaron said, casting his gaze toward Finn Sanchez, who was sitting nearby with his eyes closed, recuperating.

That was his greatest rival; he had to defeat him to be eligible for the championship.

Otherwise, winning against others would be in vain.

With the first match concluded, it was now time for a break.


Chapter 2645: You are truly Heartless

Today’s schedule was relatively relaxed, so the competition process was not rushed. After each match, there would be performances to enhance the atmosphere while giving the next competitors enough time to prepare.

After a dance performance, the second match began promptly.

Drake stepped onto the stage once more, looking at the matchup list in his hands. He spoke loudly, “The second match is between contestant number 2, Finn Sanchez, and contestant number 7, Lucas Myers!”

Upon hearing this, the audience began to murmur among themselves.

Both Finn Sanchez and Lucas Myers were disciples of the Sword Sect, and now they were facing off against each other, which could be considered an internal conflict within the sect.

“Oh dear! Sect Master Hong, it seems your Sword Sect isn’t having the best of luck. Your disciples are actually going to fight each other? What a sorrowful situation!” Jeffery said, shaking his head with a sarcastic tone from the main spectator stand.

After being annoyed by Hank earlier, he finally seized the opportunity to retaliate.

At this stage, even if they were brothers of the same sect, there would be no mercy shown.

After all, the chance to ascend to greatness was right before their eyes—who would willingly give that up?

Once the two began to fight, there would undoubtedly be casualties.

He was more than happy to sit back and watch the struggle.

“Hmph! Our Sword Sect may just be unlucky, but your World Martial Arts Society lacks strength. Even if one of our disciples is eliminated, our sect can still secure the championship. As for you… can you even make it to the finals?” Hank shot back with a sneer.

Initially pleased that two of his disciples had made it to the top eight, he felt a bit unlucky now that they had to face each other in the second round.

“Ha! You should be more concerned about whether your two beloved disciples will fight to the death rather than whether our World Martial Arts Society disciples will make it to the finals,” Jeffery replied with a smile. “Both are top-tier talents; if one were to fall, that would be truly unfortunate!”

“Life and death are fated; wealth and nobility are determined by heaven. Since they are on stage, they must prepare for the worst. If their strength is lacking, then even if they die, it’s deserved,” Hank said coldly.

“Tsk, tsk, tsk… Sect Master Hank, you truly are heartless!” Jeffery shook his head.

“Gentlemen, the contestants are already on stage, so let’s quietly watch the match,” Evelyn Morgan suddenly interjected.

After exchanging a glare, Hank and Jeffrey stopped their bickering and focused their attention back on the stage.

The first to step onto the stage was Finn Sanchez, who carried a sword case on his back and maintained a demeanor as cold as ice.

He stood there like a drawn sword, exuding a fierce and sharp aura.

In contrast, Lucas Myers, though also a disciple of the Sword Sect, had a much gentler presence.

His face wore a natural smile, giving off a warm and welcoming vibe.

If Finn Sanchez represented the cold ice of the abyss, then Lucas Myers was the sun in winter—warm and kind.


Chapter 2646: Just Admit Defeat

On the arena, Lucas Myers stood with his sword in hand, wearing a smile as he quietly gazed at Finn Sanchez. “Junior Brother Finn, I didn’t expect us to meet so early. It seems this internal conflict is unavoidable today.”

Although Finn Sanchez was a highly regarded genius, Lucas Myers was no slouch either; he simply preferred to remain low-key and eschew fame, dedicating himself to quiet cultivation. His participation in the martial arts competition was not for glory but to assess his own strength.

“There’s no way you can defeat me; just admit defeat,” Finn Sanchez replied coldly.

“How can you know who is strong and who is weak without fighting?” Lucas Myers maintained his smile. “Junior Brother Finn, I joined the Sword Sect a few years earlier than you. While you may be a prodigy, I am no ordinary person either. It won’t be so easy for you to win.”

“Your realm is insufficient; don’t waste your effort,” Finn Sanchez said expressionlessly.

With his keen vision, he could see that Lucas Myers was currently at the pinnacle of the Grand Master level. Establishing a sect and claiming dominance would be no problem for him, but to be his opponent, he still fell short.

“Junior Brother Finn, sometimes, the height of one’s realm doesn’t mean everything. For us Sword Sect members, defeating enemies of a higher realm has become the norm,” Lucas Myers replied calmly, without pride or impatience.

“What? Are you comparing me to those weaklings?” Finn Sanchez raised an eyebrow, his gaze turning colder.

“Of course not,” Lucas Myers shook his head with a smile. “You are the number one on the Heavenly Prodigy Talents Ranking, and I admire that. I just hope you understand that there are always people stronger than you, and you should never underestimate your opponents.”

“My sword will see blood as soon as it is drawn. If we fight, I will show no mercy. You’d best consider that carefully,” Finn Sanchez warned one last time.

If it were anyone else, he would not bother with words and would have already attacked. But since Lucas Myers was his senior, he felt the need to restrain himself somewhat.

“Since I am already on the stage, I am prepared for anything. Just use your sword and let’s see whose swordsmanship is superior,” Lucas Myers said as he slowly drew his sword.

The blade was entirely silver-white and extremely sharp, shining brilliantly in the sunlight—clearly not an ordinary weapon.

“Fine, then I won’t hold back.”

Finn Sanchez wasted no time with further conversation and immediately attacked. He pointed his sword forward, and a piercing sword light shot forth from his fingertip, aiming directly at Lucas Myers chest.

This sword light was as fast as lightning, arriving in an instant and leaving no time for defense.

Previously, a martial arts Grand Master had been instantly killed by Lucas Myers sword light with just a single finger.

“Sword light?”

Lucas Myers raised an eyebrow. Without needing to think, he vertically cleaved down with his sword.

“Bang!”

With a loud explosion, his silver sword struck the sword light precisely, splitting it in two and causing it to shatter into fragments.


Chapter 2647: Hundred Birds Facing the Phoenix

Finn Sanchez's sword light was swift, but Lucas Myers sword drew even faster. In this initial exchange, neither fighter gained the upper hand.

“Hmph!”

Finn Sanchez wasn’t done yet. He raised his right hand and flicked his fingers three times in quick succession.

“Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!”

Three streaks of sword light shot through the air with immense power, aimed at Lucas Myers head and torso. These sword lights were noticeably faster than before and packed a greater punch.

Lucas Myers remained calm, repeatedly swinging his silver sword to unleash a barrage of silver rays in response.

“Bang! Bang! Bang!”

With three explosive sounds, the sword lights were all shattered by Lucas Myers strikes. His movements were precise, decisive, and as fluid as flowing water, exuding a remarkable elegance.

Being able to counterattack so effectively against Finn Sanchez's aggression was an impressive feat in itself.

“Junior Brother Finn, why don’t you show me your true skills? This level of attack won’t be enough to…” Lucas Myers smiled, but before he could finish his sentence, Finn Sanchez raised his hand and slashed through the air.

“Boom!”

With a resounding crash, a massive golden sword appeared in the sky.

The gigantic sword was about ten meters long and three meters wide, resembling a mountain in its terrifying scale. As it descended from above, the entire arena began to tremble, and a force that seemed capable of destroying the heavens and the earth enveloped the area.

The spectators below felt a sudden pressure on their chests, as if a heavy stone were pressing down on them, making it hard to breathe.

“What an intimidating force! Such fierce sword energy!”

Watching the slowly descending golden sword, the crowd displayed expressions of shock and fear. The sheer power that could be unleashed with a mere flick of the wrist was truly terrifying.

“Hmm?”

On the arena, Lucas Myers felt a jolt throughout his body, and the smile on his face vanished completely, replaced by a serious expression. The massive sword above him, though falling slowly, had already locked onto him completely. No matter how he tried to evade, it was futile.

That strike was destined to land on his head.

He was left with only one choice: to take it head-on and break the attack in advance.

“Hundred Birds Facing the Phoenix!”

Lucas Myers gritted his teeth, not daring to hesitate, and immediately unleashed his ultimate move. Suddenly, he spun around, and a fierce gale swirled around him, howling as it rose.

In the next moment, a semi-transparent phoenix apparition emerged from thin air.


Chapter 2648: Not to be Underestimated

The phoenix apparition glowed a brilliant red, dazzling like the sun. Its wings were vividly detailed, radiating an extraordinary light.

“Awk!”

In the face of the descending golden giant sword, the phoenix let out a cry and flapped its wings vigorously, soaring upwards to collide directly with the sword.

In front of countless spectators, the red light clashed with the golden light in a dramatic confrontation.

“Boom!!”

A tremendous sound echoed, causing the heavens to tremble and the arena to shake.

At the moment of contact, an explosive wave of energy erupted, sweeping outward like a mountain collapsing and a tsunami surging forth.

The rolling shockwave continuously battered against the protective barrier of the arena.

Boom!

The blue protective barrier surged brightly, vibrating violently and rippling with waves as if it were on the verge of collapse.

Seeing this, Drake didn’t hesitate. He hurried to the core of the formation, channeling energy to stabilize the barrier as much as possible.

Otherwise, if the two continued to clash like this, the barrier would likely shatter on the spot.

“What terrifying pressure! Is this the strength of top-tier fighters? Truly extraordinary!”

“I can understand that Finn Sanchez is powerful, but I’m surprised that this previously unknown Lucas Myers can display such formidable might!”

“Indeed! No disciple of the Sword Sect is to be underestimated!”

The fierce clash on the arena drew murmurs from the audience below.

Both Finn Sanchez's golden sword and Lucas Myers phoenix apparition had reached a level that made the spectators look up in awe.

If it weren’t for the protective formation, they probably wouldn’t be able to withstand the residual energy from the battle.

When the tumult settled, the situation on the arena had changed.

Finn Sanchez stood unyieldingly in place, his expression cold and indifferent, his clothes immaculate, showing no signs of having been affected.

In stark contrast, Lucas Myers wore a serious expression, sweat beading on his forehead, and his hand holding the sword trembled slightly, betraying his loss of control.

Most astonishingly, beneath his feet, the arena had formed a shallow pit with a radius of three meters. The surrounding ground was cracked, extending five to six meters outward.

“Ha…”

Lucas Myers breathing grew slightly heavier as he fought to suppress the recoil force coursing through his arm.

Though his Hundred Birds Facing the Phoenix had shattered Finn Sanchez descending golden sword, he hadn’t gained the slightest advantage. In fact, he seemed to be at a disadvantage.


Chapter 2649: Are you still going to Fight?

The power contained within that giant sword far exceeded Lucas Myers expectations.

At the moment of impact, he felt as if he were about to shatter like a mountain.

The most crucial point was that this was merely Finn Sanchez's casual swing, not even a fraction of his full strength.

Lucas Myers had to admit, Finn Sanchez was far more powerful than he had anticipated.

This was no longer just a matter of swordsmanship; it was a stark difference in realm and strength.

“Are you still going to fight?” Finn Sanchez asked coldly.

The previous strike served as a final warning.

A clever person would have already realized the gap between them.

“Giving up like this isn't my style. Besides, my sword won’t allow it,” Lucas Myers replied, glancing at the silver sword in his hand before raising his gaze to Finn Sanchez. “I know I'm not your match, but I must at least give it a try. I need to see you draw your sword.”

Indeed, throughout the fight, Finn Sanchez had never drawn his sword but had relied on his hand as a substitute.

It was clear that he did not view Lucas Myers as a worthy opponent; otherwise, he wouldn't be so dismissive.

Lucas Myers didn’t aim to defeat Finn Sanchez; he simply wanted to compel him to use his true abilities.

He wasn't afraid of losing; he just wanted to understand where he fell short and the extent of the disparity between them.

“If I draw my sword, you will likely die,” Finn Sanchez said expressionlessly.

“What's the joy in life? What fear in death? My lifelong pursuit is the sword path. Even if I die, I have no regrets. Draw your sword,” Lucas Myers lifted the silver sword slowly, directing it at Finn Sanchez, carrying a hint of provocation.

“Very well, I'll grant your wish!”

With no unnecessary words or movements, Finn Sanchez gently tapped the sword box.

With a “whoosh,” a golden sword leaped from the box, soaring into the sky like a dragon ascending to the heavens.

Immediately, Finn Sanchez raised his sword finger and forcefully pressed downward toward Lucas Myers.

“Whoosh!”

The golden sword spun in the air and then plunged downward, striking with the force of a falling meteor, aimed directly at Lucas Myers.

The sword moved with incredible speed, its golden light blinding, as if the scorching sun were pressing down, making it difficult for anyone to look directly at it.

Boom!

Before the sword even arrived, the sound of wind and thunder exploded through the air, causing the entire arena to tremble.

Lucas Myers felt his body grow heavy, as if a massive mountain were pressing down on his shoulders.

The overwhelming pressure made it difficult for him to breathe, and his limbs began to tremble uncontrollably.

It was in this moment that he truly recognized the terror of Finn Sanchez.

There was a nearly invincible sword momentum that instilled no inclination for resistance.

It was as if this strike could obliterate the very heavens and earth.

So powerful it was beyond comprehension!

It was terrifying!


Chapter 2650: Phoenix Soars to the Nine Heavens

“Phoenix Soars to the Nine Heavens!”

Under the immense pressure, Lucas Myers instantly unleashed all his potential.

His vital energy surged forth like a tidal wave, pouring into the sword.

The silver blade gleamed brightly, becoming exceptionally dazzling.

In the next moment, Lucas Myers leaped into the air, merging with his sword to transform into a colossal divine bird, a phoenix, soaring upward to clash with the golden sword descending from the sky.

The phoenix was entirely silver, and with each flap of its wings, a fierce wind erupted, exuding a formidable power.

It seemed poised to break through the clouds and soar into the nine heavens.

After a brief moment of suspension in mid-air, the silver phoenix suddenly turned and charged toward the golden sword.

“Boom!”

Another massive explosion reverberated, shaking the heavens and the earth, as energy burst forth in all directions.

The entire arena began to rumble, and the protective barrier trembled like waves, appearing ready to collapse at any moment.

At the epicenter of the explosion, the golden sword met the beak of the phoenix.

Then, like a mountain pressing down, the golden sword relentlessly bore down on the divine bird, continuously pushing it lower, lower, and further down.

Finally, with a resounding “bang,” the phoenix buckled under the overwhelming force and was smashed down onto the arena.

In an instant, dust and debris filled the air, and stones flew in all directions.

The arena shook violently, and large cracks appeared on the surface as if it had been torn apart.

As the chaos settled, the scene on the arena left the audience in stunned silence.

The massive arena, spanning a hundred meters, was now riddled with cracks.

From a bird’s eye view, it resembled a gigantic spider web.

In the center of the arena, amidst the cracks, lay a ten-meter-wide pit.

Inside the pit, Lucas Myers knelt, panting heavily.

His clothes were tattered, hair disheveled, and his face covered in dust, hands bloody and battered, making him look particularly miserable.

The once pristine silver sword was now shattered in two, losing all its former brilliance.

Lucas Myers braced himself with the broken sword, striving to remain upright.

But after a few seconds of gasping for breath, he could no longer hold back and spat out a mouthful of blood, his face as pale as paper, utterly weak.

In stark contrast, Finn Sanchez remained standing in place, his expression cold and indifferent.

He had not moved an inch throughout the entire confrontation.

Lucas Myers had lost—lost terribly.

It was only at the moment Finn Sanchez had truly drawn his sword that Lucas Myers grasped just how vast the gulf between them really was.


Chapter 2651: Its Terrifying

There were no flashy moves, no dazzling sword techniques—just a single downward strike that nearly took his life.

If it weren't for the sudden surge of potential that allowed him to use “Phoenix Soars to the Nine Heavens” to absorb most of that strike's power, he would have already been dead.

Before stepping onto the stage, he had been full of confidence, thinking that his profound sword skills could stand toe to toe with Finn Sanchez.

But now, he deeply understood that in the face of absolute power, any technique was futile.

He couldn’t even withstand a single sword strike from Finn Sanchez; how could he possibly challenge him?

“My God! Is this the strength of the top-ranked on the Heavenly Prodigy Genius List? It’s terrifying!”

“To be a fellow disciple of the Sword Sect, and even a senior who joined a few years earlier, yet he couldn’t withstand a single strike from Finn Sanchez—this is truly unbelievable!”

“Looking at this situation, the champion of this martial arts competition will surely be Finn Sanchez!”

As they looked at the imposing figure of Finn Sanchez on the arena, the spectators began to murmur amongst themselves.

Was Lucas Myers weak? Of course not.

He had fought his way through to the top eight, clearly one of the outstanding young talents of his generation.

Yet, in front of Finn Sanchez, he couldn’t even block a single move.

This demonstrated just how strong Finn Sanchez truly was.

This wasn’t merely a difference in strength; it was a chasm-like gap in power.

No one in the entire arena had showcased such overwhelming dominance as Finn Sanchez.

“What kind of monster is that guy? He defeated his senior brother with a single sword strike—how ruthless!” Lily frowned, feeling a mix of emotions.

She had always thought that the newly emerged Aaron would easily claim the championship.

But Finn Sanchez's formidable display just now had shaken her conviction.

“Truly worthy of being the top of the Genius List; he’s indeed extraordinary,” Violet thought to herself, secretly astonished.

Her impression of Finn Sanchez had been based on hearsay, and she hadn’t truly understood his strength until now.

Moreover, in previous matches, Finn Sanchez's opponents had not been particularly strong, so even his victories had not displayed much destructive power.

But that last strike had made her keenly aware of just how significant the status of the top of the Heavenly Prodigy Genius List really was.

“He’s definitely a tough opponent,” Aaron squinted, his expression growing serious.

Before his breakthrough, he had believed he was slightly weaker than Finn Sanchez. After his breakthrough, he had felt confident that he could surpass him.

But now, he was uncertain.

It wasn’t just the power of that strike; it was the fact that Finn Sanchez had won so easily.

He couldn’t even determine whether Finn Sanchez had used his full strength just now.

That was the scariest part.


Chapter 2652: Finn Sanchez's Might

"I've lost."

Lucas Myers lowered his head, struggling to spit out those words. Though he felt some reluctance, he had to admit that the gap between him and Finn Sanchez was simply too great. Continuing the fight would not only lead to certain defeat but could also cost him his life.

"You did well to survive a single strike from me," Finn Sanchez coldly remarked before turning to leave the stage. Lucas Myers abilities were mediocre at best and did not pique his interest.

"Congratulations to contestant No. 2, Finn Sanchez, for winning!"

The judge, Drake, quickly announced the result of the match. Instantly, applause erupted like thunder from the audience. Although the battle was brief, the spectacular clash had left a lasting impression, especially the sheer power displayed by Finn Sanchez, which was deeply etched in the spectators' minds.

When he didn’t draw his sword, it was one thing, but when he did, it was earth-shattering and unparalleled.

"What a pity, what a pity," in the audience Jeffery lamented, shaking his head with a look of disappointment. If Finn Sanchez had simply killed Lucas Myers outright with that sword, it would have been perfect. The Sword Sect would have lost a genius, potentially igniting internal conflict, a scenario that would certainly please the World Martial Arts Association.

"Haha, Sect Leader Jeffery, my disciple didn’t die. You seem quite disappointed," the nearby Hank coldly glanced at him.

"Sect Leader Hank misunderstood. I just suddenly recalled a sorrowful matter," Jeffrey replied with a smile that didn’t reach his eyes.

"Oh? What do you mean?" Hank raised an eyebrow.

"Because soon, you’ll experience the pain of losing a disciple," Hank said, his eyes glinting with coldness.

"Hehe... who wins and who loses, who lives and who dies, is still uncertain. Sect Leader Hank, don’t rejoice too early," Jeffrey sneered.

"Then let’s wait and see," Hank smirked. He had absolute confidence in his own disciple. If his disciple faced Finn Sanchez, he wouldn't just be defeated; he would be rendered incapacitated. This way, they could significantly dampen the enthusiasm of the World Martial Arts Association.

After the second match ended, there was a break. However, this time there was no performance, as the damage to the arena was too severe.

In the center was a deep pit, surrounded by huge cracks resembling a spider web. Looking around, there was hardly a spot that remained intact; it was quite a frightening sight.

Even though the arena was constructed from special materials that could be repaired quickly, it still required a considerable amount of time.

About an hour later, the arena was finally restored. The special materials fused and solidified, giving the entire arena a renewed appearance, with no visible signs of damage.


Chapter 2653: Abigail's Dominance

Although it was the first time Infernal Mountain was hosting a martial arts tournament, it was clear they had made ample preparations.

"Sorry for keeping everyone waiting."

After a brief pause, Drake stepped onto the stage and slightly bowed to the audience before speaking: "Next up is the third match. I believe everyone has been looking forward to this. Now, let's welcome contestant No. 3, Abigail Robinson, and contestant No. 6, Wesson, to the stage!"

As soon as his words fell, the crowd erupted into enthusiastic applause.

There was no need to say much about Abigail. As the Saintess of the Witchcraft Sect and ranked second on the Heavenly Prodigy Talents List, she had already demonstrated her formidable strength in her previous match against the Black Kong Giant.

Moreover, as the only female competitor to reach the top eight, Abigail's popularity exceeded even that of Zion's. She not only ranked high on the Talents List but also made it onto the Beauty List due to her stunning looks. Although she didn’t rank as high as Violet, she was still an exceptionally beautiful woman.

With her powerful abilities and stunning appearance, what man wouldn't be enamored? Even many female spectators had become little fans of Abigail.

In contrast, Wesson from the Blood Mad Sect, despite coming from a prestigious lineage and performing well in previous matches, lagged significantly behind Abigail in both strength and popularity.

Once Abigail and Wesson took the stage, there was no unnecessary chatter. After exchanging formal greetings, they dove straight into battle.

Abigail was skilled in voodoo techniques and possessed formidable strength. On the other hand, Wesson excelled in spells, complementing his skills with swordsmanship.

If it came down to a contest of techniques, Blood Mad Sect would generally have the upper hand against the Witchcraft Sect. However, this supposed advantage could only manifest if both parties were of comparable strength.

The reality was that the gap between Abigail and Wesson was anything but small. One was a Grand Master while the other was merely a Master; the difference in realms was something that techniques alone could not bridge.

Even if Abigail refrained from using techniques, her cultivation alone was sufficient to overpower Wesson.

Thus, this battle held no suspense.

Wesson used all his might, yet he still couldn't land a single blow on Abigail. When she finally began to counterattack, it took her merely three moves to easily defeat Wesson.

This outcome was hardly surprising. It was extremely challenging for an ordinary expert to challenge someone ranked on the Heavenly Prodigy Talents List, especially someone as formidable as Abigail, who was among the top three.

In fact, from the moment the two were chosen as opponents, the match had lacked any suspense.

After the conclusion of the third battle, it was time for the fourth and final match of the top eight.

There was no need to announce the competitors; everyone already knew who would face off against each other, as only Dustin and Karson had yet to take the stage.

"For the fourth match, let's invite contestant No. 4, Karson, to compete against contestant No. 5, Dustin!" As Zhang Qizheng’s voice rang out, the audience erupted into thunderous applause.


Chapter 2654: Quarterfinals Final Match

Under the gaze of countless spectators, Dustin and Karson stepped onto the stage one after another.

This was the final match of the quarterfinals, a contest full of suspense.

Both Karson and Dustin were dark horses in the competition.

Karson had crushed Alaric, ranked ninth on the Heavenly Prodigy List, skyrocketing his reputation overnight.

Dustin, on the other hand, had defeated several formidable foreign opponents, displaying immense strength.

The showdown between these two was highly anticipated by all.

"Who do you think will win this match?"

"Karson, probably? As a direct disciple of Infernal Mountain, he has mastered the Golden Light Curse, Thunder Technique, and Divine Talismans to perfection. Even Alaric, who wielded the sacred artifact of the Icy Sect, couldn’t withstand him. His power speaks for itself."

"Not necessarily! I think Dustin is not to be underestimated. This guy is deeply mysterious and seems to excel at everything. I still can’t figure out his background."

"Well, we’ll know soon enough when they face off."

"..."

The audience buzzed with discussions as they watched the two contestants on stage.

Some supported Karson, while others backed Dustin. The two camps were equally vocal, each refusing to yield.

As both contestants had shown outstanding performances in the quarterfinals, it was impossible to predict the winner before their actual clash.

"Karson of Infernal Mountain, pleased to face you," Karson said, bowing slightly to Dustin.

"Dustin" Dustin responded politely with a nod.

"You both know the rules, so I won’t repeat them. If there are no objections, the match officially begins!"

Drake finished speaking and immediately jumped off the stage, activating the protective barrier around it.

Before the quarterfinals, the battles had limited destructive power, so the protective barrier was rarely used. However, at this stage, it was necessary for every match, and Drake had to stay vigilant in case the barrier began to fail. If that happened, he would need to intervene personally to stabilize it—a physically demanding task.

"I had a feeling you weren’t simple when I saw you a few days ago. I didn’t expect us to meet on the stage," Karson said with a smile.

Previously, Infernal Mountain had been tasked with capturing an assassin, but Dustin had beaten them to it. Karson had even expressed his desire to meet Dustin in the ring. His words had become prophetic.

"That just means we’re destined to meet," Dustin replied with a faint smile.

"Destiny or not, we must determine a winner today. Please!" Karson gestured with one hand.

"Then I won’t hold back."

As soon as the words left his mouth, Dustin struck suddenly.

With a wave of his hand, three silver needles shot out.

Two aimed for Karson's eyes, while the third targeted his throat.

"Buzz~!"

In an instant, Karson's body radiated a golden light.

"Clang! Clang! Clang!"


Chapter 2655: Thunder Technique

The three silver needles, upon touching the golden light, were deflected instantly, causing only slight ripples without inflicting any harm.

The Golden Light Mantra of Infernal Mountain was not something that ordinary concealed weapons could penetrate.

Of course, Dustin had never intended to rely on hidden weapons to secure victory.

At the same moment the needles were launched, he had already advanced toward Karson, closing the distance in an instant.

With his fist imbued with powerful energy, he struck fiercely.

Karson neither dodged nor used the Thunder Technique or Divine Talisman. Instead, he mirrored Dustin’s approach and countered with his own punch.

"Bang!"

The two fists collided, unleashing a massive wave of energy.

The ground beneath Dustin's feet shattered, but he remained completely unmoved.

In contrast, Karson was forced several steps back, the golden light surrounding his body flickering slightly.

"Hmm?"

Karson's brow furrowed in surprise.

With the augmentation of the Golden Light Mantra, all his physical attributes had been significantly enhanced.

Thus, during the exchange of punches, he had been confident of his superiority.

Unexpectedly, Dustin's strength was so overwhelming that Karson found himself at a disadvantage in their initial clash.

Before Karson could respond, Dustin launched another attack.

His movements were ghostlike as he closed in, his iron fists raining down like a relentless storm. Each strike was delivered at an astonishing frequency.

The speed was so incredible that the audience could only see afterimages.

Karson defended while retreating. Even with the Golden Light Mantra protecting him, his arms started to go numb from the vibrations.

He quickly realized that he was no match for Dustin in terms of raw strength.

If this continued, he would undoubtedly suffer a loss.

"Thunder Technique!"

Seeing that he could no longer hold his ground, Karson finally unleashed his power.

His fingertips suddenly radiated blue light as he struck at Dustin's fist.

"Boom!"

A deafening explosion echoed as lightning flashed.

Dustin's entire body trembled as he was forced several steps back, his offensive momentum abruptly halted.

"Interesting."

Glancing at his fist, which was still faintly surrounded by traces of lightning, Dustin raised an eyebrow.

This was his first time experiencing the marvel of the Thunder Technique directly. After taking that hit, he finally understood why Infernal Mountain was considered an indomitable force in the martial world.

The Thunder Technique bypassed physical defenses entirely. It not only inflicted damage on the body but also directly attacked the soul. No one could withstand it with sheer physical strength.

Mastering this technique alone, if taken to the highest level, was enough to dominate the world.

Not to mention the additional might of the Golden Light Mantra and Divine Talismans.

"Now it’s my turn!"

Taking advantage of Dustin's temporary paralysis, Karson launched a counterattack.

His fingertips once again sparkled with lightning as he thrust forward.

A blue electric serpent shot out, heading straight for Dustin's chest.


Chapter 2656: He is Mysterious

Facing the incoming electric serpent, Dustin made no move to dodge. Instead, he formed a spear from his body's True Qi and thrust it forward directly.

He wanted to test the strength of the Thunder Technique.

"Boom!"

The True Qi spear collided violently with the lightning.

For a moment, thunder rumbled and lightning flashed, while waves of energy rippled outward.

Both attacks neutralized each other, leaving neither combatant with the upper hand.

However, neither Dustin nor Karson was willing to relent. They continued their fierce assault, engaging in close-quarters combat as explosive sounds echoed without pause.

"I didn’t expect Dustin to be able to match Karson blow for blow. It’s truly incredible!"

"Dustin's strength is remarkable. What’s so surprising about this?"

"You don’t get it. Dustin's trump card is his swordplay. Yet, relying solely on his fists and feet, he can fight Karson who is using the Golden Light Mantra and Thunder Technique—on equal footing. That shows just how deep his cultivation truly is!"

"If Karson wants to win, he’ll have to use the Divine Talisman. But its power is immense, and it’s risky—dangerous for both him and his opponent."

"..."

As the battle raged on, the audience couldn’t help but murmur among themselves.

They all understood that neither Dustin nor Karson had unleashed their ultimate moves yet.

While the current exchanges were intense, it was clear that neither could claim victory in the short term.

The fight could only end in one of two ways: either an early deployment of a finishing move or a battle of endurance to see whose cultivation lasted longer.


---

In the main spectator stands, Marlon squinted slightly, his sharp gaze fixed on Dustin as he tried to discern the young man’s origins.

Unfortunately, Dustin's techniques were a mixture of various disciplines, as if he had mastered a little bit of everything. It was impossible to pinpoint any sect or lineage.

"The world is vast. It’s not surprising for an obscure genius to rise overnight," Jeffrey remarked, his tone laced with intrigue. "I’ve looked into this man. His background is rather mysterious he likely has powerful backing."

For an organization like Martial Arts Association, uncovering someone’s background was usually a straightforward task.

But after two days of investigation, the information they had on Dustin was startlingly sparse.

Many crucial details seemed deliberately obscured.

This suggested that Dustin was being protected by a significant power.

And for any force capable of eluding Martial Arts Association's surveillance, a connection to the imperial family seemed plausible.

"I wonder whose disciple he is?" Marlon mused thoughtfully.

"He’s drawn his sword before," Hank interjected abruptly.

"So what? Many fighters in this tournament use swords. What does that prove?" Jeffrey glanced at him skeptically.

"He only made one sword strike, but from the momentum of his blade, I felt the presence of Bai Ye," Hank replied, his words sending shockwaves through the group.


Chapter 2657: Bai Ye's Disciple

"Sword Immortal Bai Ye?" Jeffrey's eyelids twitched. "Isn't he already dead?"

Years ago, outside of Stonia City, Bai Ye fought against Kylo in a battle that shook the heavens and moved the spirits. That battle resulted in the complete destruction of the Heavenly Pavilion, with both Bai Ye and Kylo perishing, leading to a significant shake-up in the rankings of the World Shaking List. Even though this event happened a year ago, its impact had yet to fade.

Thus, upon hearing the name Bai Ye, his first reaction was shock. After all, he was the one who had once cut down the Heavenly Pavilion with a single sword strike. That peak sword strike was comparable to the legendary earthly immortals.

"Bai Ye is dead, but that doesn't mean he didn't have any disciples," Hank replied coolly. "I have studied swordsmanship for many years and consider my understanding of the sword to be on par with anyone. I can conclude that this young man is related to Bai Ye."

"You mean this young man, Dustin, is very likely a disciple of the sword immortal Bai Ye?" Marlon quickly connected the dots.

"Almost certainly," Hank nodded.

He had fought against Bai Ye before and was well aware of the man's sword intent. Yet yesterday, he sensed a similar sword intent emanating from Dustin. While not as powerful as Bai Ye's, it was still formidable.

"I didn't expect Bai Ye to take on such a disciple. His lineage in swordsmanship is not completely lost; otherwise, that would be a great pity," Jeffrey lamented.

He had no doubt about Hank's words, for there was no one who understood swords better than him.

"Master Marlon, forgive me for being blunt, but if Dustin draws his sword, your disciple’s chances of winning will be low. The best course of action now is to suppress him with divine talismans before he can draw," Hank warned.

If Dustin truly possessed Bai Ye's profound sword techniques, it would be a significant pressure for Finn Sanchez. If Karson could defeat him, it would certainly be for the best.

"The outcome of the battle on the stage is not something we can dictate; it’s up to their performances," Marlon smiled lightly, seemingly unconcerned. While he hoped for Karson's victory, he didn't harbor a strong sense of ambition. Everything would unfold as fate would have it.

"What's this? Are you afraid, Hank?" Jeffrey teased with a meaningful smirk. "Knowing that Dustin is a disciple of Bai Ye, you must feel some trepidation?"

"What do you mean by that?" Hank shot him a cold glance.

"I remember you used to spar with Bai Ye, but you never gained any advantage. Now that you see Bai Ye's disciple, it's only natural to feel cautious," Jeffrey said with a smile. "We are all masters of the sword. If your disciple is defeated by Bai Ye's disciple, it wouldn't reflect well, so I can understand your concerns."

"Hmph! Stop with your cryptic insinuations!" Hank snorted disdainfully. "Even if he is Bai Ye's disciple, so what? Against Finn Sanchez, he has only one fate: defeat!"

He then changed his tone, "Not just him, but even your disciple Aaron can't compare to Finn Sanchez. If you don't believe it, then we shall see!"


Chapter 2658: Mountain Moving

"Is that so? Since Sect Master Hank is so confident, I’ll be watching with great interest," Jeffrey remarked with a faint, insincere smile.

For him, any chance to unsettle Hank was a pleasure.

After all, Hank had lost to Bai Ye in a single move during their famous duel.

Since then, Bai Ye had loomed over him like an insurmountable shadow, becoming a lifelong heart demon for Hank.

While the two exchanged barbs in the audience, the battle on the stage began to shift.

Karson, unable to secure a decisive victory after prolonged combat, was beginning to feel the toll of his depleting True Qi.

He had to sustain the Golden Light Mantra while also unleashing Thunder Techniques, which exponentially increased his energy consumption.

In contrast, Dustin relied mainly on his physical prowess—speed and power—to dominate the fight. He only resorted to using True Qi when countering the Thunder Techniques.

This difference in strategy meant that Karson's True Qi reserves were rapidly dwindling, while Dustin still had plenty left.

"I can’t keep fighting like this. I need to end this quickly!"

Realizing his energy was running dangerously low, Karson gritted his teeth and decided to use his trump cards.

"Thunder Technique!"

With a hand seal, Karson pointed fiercely at Dustin. A web of crackling lightning erupted, surging forward like an electrified net to entrap him.

At the same time, Karson's other hand flicked a yellow talisman into the air. It floated above Dustin's head, radiating an ominous aura.

"Mountain Moving!"

With another hand seal, the yellow talisman burst into brilliant light.

A massive mountain illusion materialized out of thin air.

It loomed vast and imposing, blotting out the sky, exuding an overwhelming aura.

Under the shadow of this colossal mountain, Dustin's figure appeared as insignificant as an ant.

Karson had timed his double assault flawlessly.

The Thunder Technique acted as the vanguard, drawing Dustin's attention and restricting his movements.

The Mountain Moving Talisman served as the killing blow, aiming to crush him completely.

Once ensnared by the Mountain Moving Talisman, even a martial grandmaster would be helpless. At best, they’d be immobilized; at worst, they’d be crushed to death.

This combination left almost no room for counterplay.

"Boom!"

As Dustin dispersed the electrified web with a surge of True Qi, the mountain illusion had already descended upon him.

He felt a sudden, crushing weight bear down on him.

The arena beneath his feet cracked and shattered, revealing deep fissures as the ground buckled under the immense pressure.

If it had been any other martial artist, even at the grandmaster level, they would likely have been severely injured or outright killed under this attack.

"So this is the power of divine talismans? Truly impressive!"

Feeling the terrifying weight pressing down on him, Dustin couldn’t help but marvel inwardly.


Chapter 2659: Twist of Plot

Among the three ultimate techniques of Dragon Tiger Mountain, the Divine Talismans were the hardest to master but also the most powerful.

The variety of talismans was immense, and the Mountain Moving Talisman was merely one among them.

It was no surprise that Dragon Tiger Mountain had been hailed as the martial world’s leader for centuries—its profound techniques were unmatched.

“It’s done!”

Seeing Dustin immobilized and unable to move, Karson's face lit up with joy.

This opponent had proven far too troublesome. Without using a Divine Talisman, subduing him would have been impossible.

“What an incredible Mountain Moving Talisman—its reputation is well-deserved!”

“To force main into using Dragon Tiger Mountain’s ultimate technique, Dustin's defeat is still an honorable one!”

“Indeed! This fight has been spectacular. If not for the Divine Talisman turning the tide, Karson might not have won!”

The audience erupted into chatter, their voices filled with admiration and excitement.

Supporters of Karson were particularly jubilant, cheering loudly.

After all, many of them had bet on him to win. With victory in sight, their pockets would soon be heavier.

From the VIP seats, Jeffrey sipped his tea leisurely, a faint smirk on his lips.

“Master Marlon, your disciple is quite astute. He knows how to conclude the fight decisively. If Dustin had managed to draw his sword, the outcome would have been much harder to predict.”

Jeffrey had closely observed Dustin's earlier battle with Father Adam. He vividly remembered the devastating power of Dustin's single sword strike—no ordinary martial grandmaster could withstand such an attack.

“Don’t get ahead of yourself. The fight isn’t over yet. Bai Ye’s disciple won’t go down so easily,” Hank interjected coldly.

“Oh? Struck by the Mountain Moving Talisman, and he still has a chance? Impossible!” Xiao Wuming sneered.

“Unless his cultivation has already reached the Ultimate Grandmaster level, there’s no way he can escape.”

Reaching the Ultimate Grandmaster realm required far more than innate talent—it demanded immense resources and opportunities.

Even Jeffrey's own disciple had only just broken through yesterday, and that was with the aid of a rare Breaking Boundary Pill.

Bai Ye, a solitary figure with no faction to support him and long since deceased, couldn’t possibly have left the resources needed to nurture an Ultimate Grandmaster-level successor.

“Just keep watching,” Hank replied tersely, his eyes fixed on the stage.

Though Dustin was currently restrained by the Mountain Moving Talisman, that didn’t guarantee his defeat.


---

“It’s time to end this!”

On the stage, Karson exhaled lightly, his tense nerves relaxing.

He then pulled out another talisman, this one glowing with a deep blue hue, and hurled it at Dustin.

“Soul Binding!”

The blue talisman streaked through the air like a comet, aiming straight for Dustin's forehead.

The Soul Binding Talisman was designed to lock down one’s soul, plunging the target into a deep slumber.

Once struck, the victim would remain unconscious indefinitely unless the talisman was removed.

Victory seemed all but certain.

However, just as the Soul Binding Talisman was about to touch Dustin's forehead, a sudden black streak descended from the sky.

A pitch-black sword shot down like a bolt of lightning, piercing the talisman with deadly precision.

“Boom!”

The Soul Binding Talisman exploded, scattering into shimmering fragments of blue light.

The unexpected turn left the audience stunned.


Chapter 2660: Breaking the Spirit Seals

“What?!”

Karson's expression shifted as he watched the Soul Binding Talisman exploded into fragments.

He hadn’t expected his carefully laid plan to be disrupted by a sword descending from the heavens at the critical moment.

When had this sword appeared? Why hadn’t he sensed it?

Before Karson could react, the black sword moved again.

With a resonant hum, the sword, as if imbued with intelligence, twisted mid-air and darted toward the Mountain-Moving Talisman at incredible speed.

“Boom!”

The Mountain Moving Talisman, which had been floating mid-air, shattered into golden sparks and dissipated.

Dustin felt the immense pressure on his body lift instantly.

With a slow exhale, he opened his palm. The black sword hovered around him briefly before landing precisely in his hand.

“Such is the power of the legendary divine talismans. I’ve learned my lesson today.”

Holding the sword in one hand, Dustin allowed a faint smile to touch his lips, though his gaze turned sharp and focused.

The Mountain Moving Talisman, while unable to fully immobilize him, had significantly slowed his movements, making it nearly impossible to react in time.

Thus, evading the Soul Binding Talisman had been improbable at best.

He had witnessed the power of the Soul Binding Talisman before. Even with his confidence in his abilities, he wasn’t reckless enough to take the risk head-on.

And so, he chose to draw his sword.

This decision marked a shift in his demeanor. He was taking this fight seriously.

“Pity, you managed to break through,” Karson muttered, shaking his head. His usual carefree demeanor vanished, replaced by a grave expression.

Even though Dustin wasn’t radiating an overwhelming aura, Karson felt an almost suffocating sense of danger.

Never before had he experienced such pressure.

Not even when facing Alaric and the legendary Thousand Mechanisms Box of the Icy Clan. On that occasion, he had remained calm, his heart steady as still water.

But now, an inexplicable tension gripped him, as if standing before him wasn’t a man but a primordial beast.

“I believe you have one more trump card—the Eight Trigrams Talisman, isn’t it?”

Dustin slowly raised his sword. “If you’re going to use it, now’s the time. Don’t waste the opportunity.”

The difference between being unarmed and holding a sword was vast.

His fists and kicks wouldn’t be enough to break the Golden Light Shield in a short amount of time. However, the Sky Sword in his hand—a weapon ranked among the top ten divine artifacts—naturally countered such protective barriers.

“If that’s the case, then I won’t hold back!”

Karson wasted no words, unleashing his ultimate move without hesitation.

He knew full well that Dustin was far stronger than Alaric.
 

EMZEE

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Chapter 2661: The Power of the Eight Trigrams

If Dustin had been forced to reveal his sword prematurely, he wouldn’t have had time to activate the Eight Trigrams Talisman, and in that case, he would have had no opportunity to turn the tide.

Now that Dustin had given him the chance to prepare, he naturally wouldn’t hesitate to take it.

“Qian, Kun, Xun, Zhen, Kan, Li, Gen, Dui!”

Karson swung his hands in quick succession. Eight talismans, each with a distinct color, shot out into the air. They rapidly began to spin, rising higher and higher.

In an instant, a violent gust of wind swept through the arena, and sand and stones were sent flying.

A terrifying energy began to ripple through the air.

“I can’t believe it! The Eight Trigrams Talisman again! Karson is really going all out!”

“Karson used the Eight Trigrams Talisman to defeat Alaric, who was ranked ninth on the Heavenly Prodigy List. Now that it’s out again, Dustin is in real danger!”

“If Dustin falls to the Eight Trigrams Talisman, he’ll still have something to be proud of!”

“...”

The crowd below the stage murmured in surprise, their eyes fixed on the eight talismans spinning in the air above.

They had already witnessed the power of the Eight Trigrams Talisman. Even Alaric, armed with the Icy Sect's sacred treasure, couldn’t withstand its power. What hope did the rising star, Dustin, have?

While their previous fight had been balanced, the moment Karson unleashed his talisman, the battle began to tip in his favor.

Especially after the Eight Trigrams Talisman appeared, there was no longer any suspense in the fight.

“Master Marlon, Sect Leader Jeffery, Sect Leader Hank, what do you think? Which is stronger—the Eight Trigrams Talisman or Lu Chen's sword?”

At that moment, Evelyn Morgan, who had been silent until now, spoke up.

Her voice was sharp and cold, carrying an unpleasant tone.

“If it’s a surprise attack, then the sword is certainly stronger. But unfortunately, Dustin made the mistake of underestimating Karson. He gave him the opportunity to use the Eight Trigrams Talisman, and now the advantage of speed his sword once held is gone.” Jeffery squinted and offered his assessment.

“This isn’t arrogance, it’s confidence.” Hank said calmly, “Dustin's ability to face the Eight Trigrams Talisman with composure shows immense confidence in his swordsmanship. This is a trait every exceptional swordsman must have.”

“A swordsman, after all, relies on a single strike to defeat the enemy. Giving your opponent time to cast their spells—what else is that but arrogance?” Jeffery replied dismissively.

“I can only say you don’t understand swordsmen, and you don’t understand their honor and pride.”

Hank gave him a disdainful glance. “People like you will probably never understand.”

“Heh, I indeed don’t understand swordsmen—because I don’t know how to pretend like you do.” Jeffrey's smile was sharp, but his words were laced with scorn.

Honor, pride—it was all laughable to him.

In a duel, the winner was the one who remained standing. As long as you could defeat your opponent, any means were fair game.

Giving your opponent a chance to turn the tide was nothing short of foolishness.

“The fight has started again!”

Just as the two big shots were bickering, the situation on the stage shifted once more.

Karson's Eight Trigrams Talisman had finally gathered its full strength.

And this time, the force it wielded was even greater than before!


Chapter 2662: The True Power of the Eight Trigrams

"Whuum~!"

Once the Eight Trigrams Talisman was fully formed, a massive Eight Trigrams formation suddenly appeared in the center of the arena.

The formation covered most of the stage and began to rapidly rotate, constantly shifting and changing.

Dustin, standing in the midst of the formation, immediately felt an overwhelming pressure.

This pressure was unlike the physical weight exerted by the Mountain-Subduing Talisman; it was mental, and it felt like being trapped in an inescapable cage. No matter how hard he tried, escape seemed impossible.

Compared to the self-destruction tactic he used in his battle with Tang Xin, the true power of the Eight Trigrams Talisman was now fully revealed.

"You shouldn’t have given me the time to prepare. You’re too arrogant!"

Seeing that the formation had fully materialized, Karson let out a sigh of relief.

Though the Eight Trigrams Talisman was powerful, it required a few seconds to cast—seconds that could be deadly for a master.

In his previous battle against Alaric, the situation had been so urgent that he could only use self-detonation to break through, unable to unleash even a fraction of the talisman’s power.

Now, combined with the formation, the Eight Trigrams Talisman was being used to its fullest potential.

"Ready? Then I’ll strike." Dustin slowly raised his sword, its tip pointing directly at Karson.

Karson's eyelids twitched, a sense of unease washing over him. He didn’t hesitate, immediately making a series of hand seals. “Eight Trigrams Talisman! Seal!”

Whuum~!

With a loud rumble, the massive Eight Trigrams formation beneath them began to spin rapidly.

Streams of golden light burst forth, resembling chains that quickly wrapped around Dustin's body.

In the blink of an eye, Dustin was completely bound by golden chains.

“Suppress!”

Karson made another series of hand seals. The Eight Trigrams formation on the stage came to an abrupt halt before starting to rotate in reverse.

The eight golden characters—Qian, Kun, Zhen, Xun, Kan, Li, Gen, Dui—floated up and rapidly spun in the air.

The next moment, a magnificent golden mountain materialized out of thin air and began to crush down upon Dustin.

Boom, boom, boom!

The stage shook violently as the air itself seemed to explode.

The terrifying pressure swept across the entire arena. Even with protective barriers in place, the audience members sitting hundreds of meters away could feel a chilling, oppressive force.

“So this is the true power of the Eight Trigrams Talisman. It’s terrifying!”

“I thought the Eight Trigrams Talisman was just a powerful explosion, but I didn’t realize it could combine with a formation. No wonder it’s considered the trump card of Infernal Mountain!”

“I admit, Dustin is strong, but unfortunately, he’s going to lose to Karson.”

“…”

The spectators had thought the Eight Trigrams Talisman was just a strong burst of power, but now they saw it was a fusion of a formation and a talisman. It combined the advantages of both, greatly enhancing its power.

The two forces worked together to multiply the attack’s strength by tenfold.

This kind of attack was no longer within the realm of a master’s capabilities; it had reached the level of a Grand Master’s destructive force.

Not even Dustin could easily withstand it. Even a powerful figure like Hong Juding would have to proceed with caution.

“Hank, what do you think? Weren’t you confident in Dustin? How do you feel now?” Jeffery said with a half-smile.

The full force of the Eight Trigrams Talisman was so overwhelming that even he felt a hint of threat, highlighting its immense power.

“Don’t rush to conclusions. The battle isn’t over yet, and it’s still anyone’s game,” Hank replied coldly.

“Heh… you really are stubborn. Even now, you won’t admit it. Fine, let’s wait and see.” Jeffery sneered.

At this moment, the battle on the stage continued.


Chapter 2663: Breaking the Bagua Divine Talisman

Karson formed hand seals, manipulating the giant golden mountain to slowly press down on Dustin.

Dustin, trapped in the center of the array with golden chains restraining him, had no chance of dodging.

“Admit defeat! Or you will be crushed to pieces!” Karson shouted.

He didn’t want to kill, so he slightly slowed the descent of the golden mountain, giving Dustin one last chance.

“Admit defeat? Heh… You’re still lacking a bit!”

Dustin smiled lightly, and his profound True Qi suddenly erupted.

With a series of cracking sounds, the golden chains wrapped around his body exploded one by one.

Dustin took a step forward and disregarded the restraints of the array, charging straight toward the golden mountain above him.

“Bang! Bang! Bang!”

With a series of explosions, Dustin's Celestial Sword sliced through the entire mountain with unstoppable force.

The massive mountain shattered into pieces on the spot.

Even the eight divine talismans that formed the foundation of the array were reduced to dust.

“How is this possible?!”

Seeing this, the entire arena was stunned.

Karson stood frozen, his eyes wide in disbelief.

To think that Dustin could destroy the Bagua Divine Talisman with a single sword strike even under the suppression of the array. What kind of monster was he?!

At this moment, Jeffery in the audience also froze, sitting up straight, his face filled with astonishment.

“I have one sword, please, enlighten me!”

Having broken through the array, Dustin suddenly turned and aimed a downward strike at Karson, who was on the ground.

Boom!

The air began to vibrate, and the ground shook.

A massive black sword light materialized and fell with the force of a mountain, overwhelming everything in its path.

Karson watched as the giant black sword descended. For a moment, he stood motionless, unsure of what to do.

He wanted to fight back, but at this moment, he felt an overwhelming sense of helplessness.

It seemed that no matter what he did, he could not stop this destructive sword.

In fact, when Karson saw Dustin break the Bagua Divine Talisman so easily, he already knew he had lost, and thoroughly.

“Stop! Infernal Mountain surrenders!”

Seeing Karson stunned and unable to react, the referee Drake could no longer hold back.

With a loud shout, Drake shot into the air and tried to intercept Dustin's sword with a palm strike.

This palm was infused with golden light, far more intricate than Karson's Bagua Divine Talisman.

“Boom!”

The sword and the palm collided, creating an explosive sound.

A terrifying energy, like a tsunami, erupted, sending Drake flying dozens of meters through the air.

The golden light surrounding him trembled violently, and cracks appeared all over his body.

“Stagger, stagger, stagger…”

After landing, Drake stumbled back several steps before managing to steady himself.

Blood surged in his chest, and his arm went numb.

Meanwhile, Dustin landed lightly, unaffected by the collision.

This scene once again shocked everyone.


Chapter 2664: Unseen Potential

“This guy… Who exactly is he?!”

Looking at his trembling hand, Drake couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of shock.

In the clash just now, he hadn’t gained any advantage; instead, he had taken a hidden disadvantage.

At this point, Drake had reached the Ultimate grandmaster level.

Both in terms of cultivation and the mastery of the Golden Light Curse, he was far superior to Karson.

Normally, it should be easy for him to subdue a young contestant.

But after the earlier exchange, he suddenly realized something.

Dustin had been concealing his true strength. If he had fought seriously from the start, Karson would have already lost.

Thinking about this, Drake grew even more unsettled.

While there would always be someone better, the potential Dustin had shown was truly terrifying.

It wasn’t an exaggeration to say that he was a monster on the level of Finn Sanchez!


Chapter 2664: The Moment of Realization

"This guy... what kind of background does he have?!"

Looking down at his trembling hands, Drake couldn’t help but feel a surge of shock in his heart.

In the previous clash, not only had he failed to gain any advantage, but he had also suffered a hidden setback.

At his current level as an Ultimate Grand Master, both his cultivation and his mastery over the Golden Light Mantra far surpassed Karson.

Under normal circumstances, it should have been easy for him to defeat a younger opponent.

But that exchange had suddenly made him realize something.

Dustin had been hiding his strength all along. He had never been serious in their fights. Had he gone all out, Karson would not have lasted as long.

This realization made Drake uneasy.

Though there are always people stronger than oneself, the potential Dustin had displayed was truly terrifying.

It was not an exaggeration to say that he was a monster on the same level as Finn Sanchez!

"What’s going on? Why did the judge intervene?"

"Can’t you see? Zhang Yiqing has already lost. If the judge hadn’t intervened just now, that sword would have come down, and Karson would either be dead or severely injured!"

"Yeah! As Infernal Mountain’s most talented disciple, if he fell here, it would be such a waste."

"I thought Karson would win, but in the end, it was just one sword from Dustin that decided the fight. It’s terrifying!"

"…"

The sudden turn of events had sparked a flurry of discussions among the audience.

Whether it was the destruction of Karson's Eight Trigrams Talisman or the judge intervening to stop the fight, everything had happened so quickly.

By the time they processed what had happened, the battle was already over.

"Sect Master Jeffrey, how’s it going? You were so full of yourself just now. Got anything to say now?"

On the main spectator stand, Hank glanced at Jeffery with a sharp, mocking tone.

"…"

Jeffery twitched his lips, unable to come up with a rebuttal.

He hadn’t expected that despite the full power of the Eight Trigrams Talisman, Dustin would still be able to draw his sword.

He had also not anticipated that it would only take one sword for Dustin to break the formation, destroy the talismans, and decisively win the fight.

Dustin's potential was far beyond what he had imagined.

No wonder he was Bai Ye, the Sword Immortal’s disciple—he truly wasn’t ordinary.

"Sorry, I almost lost control earlier." Dustin sheathed his Celestial Sword.

Throughout the battle, he had always held back, never truly going all out, so he had never intended to kill Zhang Yiqing.

But when breaking the formation, he had to use his real strength.

Fortunately, Drake had acted decisively, calling for the surrender and intervening.

Otherwise, with Karson's current state, it was uncertain whether he could withstand the blow.

"I always thought our cultivation levels were about the same, but it seems there’s a huge gap between us. I lost, and I fully accept it," Karson said, bowing deeply.


Chapter 2665: A New Beginning

Karson didn’t show any signs of defeat or disappointment. Instead, his spirit seemed invigorated, and his gaze was sharper than ever.

Although he didn’t care much for fame and fortune, he carried an inherent pride in himself. Throughout his life, everything had gone smoothly, and whatever he did, he achieved effortlessly.

Whether it was his practice in martial arts, his spiritual cultivation, or even his discipline, he had always outstripped every disciple of Infernal Mountain.

Where others took years to achieve even moderate success in mastering the Golden Light Mantra—three years for a minor achievement, ten years for a major one—he had casually perfected it in just half a year, effectively matching what others could do after a decade of hard work.

Since his initiation, he had never really applied himself seriously. He had never been one for hard work or deep study. He had done everything lazily, with only a minimal amount of effort. Yet, despite his casual approach, his cultivation and abilities far surpassed those of disciples who had spent years diligently practicing.

Everyone called him a genius, and he never denied it. However, his rapid progress had left him without any real pressure, and as a result, he had no motivation to push himself further.

To him, cultivation seemed too easy. Eat, drink, sleep, and breakthroughs came naturally. Because of this, he could never find the drive to push himself.

But everything changed with Dustin's sword.

That strike completely woke him up. He realized that he wasn’t the only genius in the world. There were others far more powerful than him.

After today’s battle, Karson finally found a purpose, a direction to work towards. The passion and fighting spirit that had lain dormant in him were rekindled in that moment.

From now on, he would take things seriously.

“Congratulations to contestant Dustin for winning!”

After regaining his composure, Drake finally announced the result of the match.

Even though Infernal Mountain had lost, Karson's performance had been impressive, and he hadn’t lost face. In fact, his future was still incredibly bright. The most notable aspect was his youth—he was only seventeen and had already reached the peak of the Grand Master realm. His potential was boundless, and within a few years, he would have a place among the top contenders on the Heavenly Prodigy and even the World Shaking rankings.

As the applause rang out, Dustin slowly descended from the arena.

The quarterfinals were over, and now it was time for the semifinals and finals.

The four finalists were Finn Sanchez of the Sword Sect, Aaron of the Tianxia Association, Abigail of the Witchcraft Sect, and Dustin.

Each of them was a prominent figure on the Heavenly Prodigy rankings, and reaching this stage was no small feat.

But now, it was time for the true battle—the competition between dragons and tigers.

With each contestant at the Ultimate Grand Master level, they stood at the pinnacle of the world. No matter who won, their name would echo throughout the land.

They were destined to become the leaders of the new generation!


Chapter 2666: The Draw

After the intense quarterfinals, the competition entered a brief intermission. It was now noon, and both the competitors and the audience needed a break to eat and hydrate.

Around an hour later, the atmosphere in the venue gradually grew lively once again. The judges, including Drake, had returned to the arena. Behind him stood an Infernal Mountain disciple, holding a black box containing numbered balls.

"Time's up. Please, the four semifinalists come up to draw lots!" Drake announced loudly as he scanned the arena.

The crowd erupted into applause as the four semifinalists made their way onto the stage.

At the front was Finn Sanchez, followed by Aaron, Abigail, and finally, Dustin.

"Uncle, it’s the semifinals now, good luck!" Abigail winked playfully at Dustin after stepping onto the stage.

"You too," Dustin smiled back.

Given Abigail's strength, facing Finn Sanchez would likely be a tough challenge. However, against Aaron, she had a good chance of winning. After all, Aaron had just broken through to the Ultimate GrandMaster realm, while Abigail had been at that level for almost a year. With her Phoenix Bloodline awakened and her abilities stable, she was a formidable opponent. If she were given a few more years to grow, her potential was limitless.

"Let’s hope we get to face each other, Finn Sanchez. It’ll be good to settle things early!" Aaron said with fiery determination in his eyes.

He didn’t see Abigail or Dustin as major threats. His sole focus was on Finn Sanchez. He believed that defeating him would secure the championship.

"You better not get your hopes up," Finn Sanchez replied coldly. "You’ll end up losing worse than you expect."

In Finn Sanchez's eyes, Aaron wasn’t a threat at all. However, Dustin intrigued him. The most critical factor was that Dustin was a disciple of Bai Ye, the Sword Immortal. The Sword Sect and Bai Ye had some unresolved issues.

A year ago, Finn Sanchez had even challenged Bai Ye, but the outcome had been far from satisfactory. Now that he was facing Bai Ye’s disciple, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of rivalry.

"Humph! I know you’re strong, but beating me won’t be easy!" Aaron retorted, his face full of defiance.

Now that he had reached the Ultimate GrandMaster realm, along with the formidable Heavenly God Four Symbols technique, Aaron was confident against any opponent. No one intimidated him—not even the top-ranked figures on the Heavenly Prodigy list.

"Rank number one on the Heavenly Prodigy list doesn’t matter. Today, that title is going to change hands," he muttered, a determined glint in his eyes.

"You’ll soon understand the difference between us," Finn Sanchez said with a cold expression, before turning his gaze away. He didn’t care for idle chatter. Strength would be proven on the arena.

"Now, please draw your lots!" Drake called out once more.

The drawing rules were the same as before—first-ranked contestants would face off against those ranked last.


Chapter 2667: The Battle Begins

"I'll go first!"

Aaron stepped forward, reaching into the black box and pulling out a numbered ball.

Unlike before, this time he didn't hide it but raised the ball above his head, clearly displaying it for everyone to see.

It was number "4."

After drawing his number, Aaron stepped aside.

Abigail glanced around, seeing that Dustin and Finn Sanchez hadn't moved, so she walked up next. She reached into the box and drew a ball.

"It's number 3."

She, too, raised her ball high, showing it to everyone.

"You’re lucky, you didn’t get me. Now you have a chance," Aaron said casually.

According to the rules, number 1 would fight number 4, and number 2 would fight number 3.

"Heh... you’re the most arrogant one here, thinking you can talk big when you’re clearly the weakest. You don’t even know where your confidence comes from," Abigail shot back without hesitation.

Dustin and Finn Sanchez were at the top of the Genius Rankings, and she ranked second. As for Han Feiyang, he was ranked fifth, clearly the weakest of the four, yet he was making the most noise without realizing it.

"Hmph, narrow-minded fool!" Aaron sneered coldly.

Before his breakthrough, perhaps he would have been a little unsure, but now, he was full of confidence.

After Abigail drew her number, Dustin stepped up quickly. He reached into the box and drew a ball.

Upon seeing the number, Dustin couldn't help but sigh softly, feeling a bit helpless.

He had drawn number 2, meaning he would face Abigail in the match.

The two were essentially master and disciple, and drawing such a number certainly wasn't what Dustin had hoped for.

With Dustin drawing number 2, it was clear that Finn Sanchez would draw number 1.

When Finn Sanchez revealed his number, the atmosphere in the arena instantly became charged with excitement.

Number 1 would face number 4, which meant the first match would be between Finn Sanchez and Aaron!

Both were strong contenders for the championship, and the first match would decide the outcome, making it a highly anticipated battle.

"Finn Sanchez! At last, we can settle things!"

Aaron laughed, his blood boiling with excitement. The battle hadn’t even started, but he was already fired up.

Finn Sanchez, on the other hand, remained expressionless: "You’re unlucky to face me."

"Is that so? I think it’s luck, because once I defeat you, I’ll be number one on the Genius Rankings!" Aaron said with fighting spirit.

"Dream on," Finn Sanchez coldly responded.

"Enough talk. Let's see who comes out on top in the arena!" Aaron's eyes burned with intensity.

Seeing the two men about to clash, Dustin and Abigail didn't linger, immediately stepping off the stage to give them enough space.

Once the opponents were confirmed, the match could begin without wasting any more time.

"Are both competitors ready?" Drake asked, looking back and forth between them.

After both nodded, he waved his hand, "The first semi-final match, Finn Sanchez versus Aaron, officially begins!"
---


Chapter 2668: Clash of Titans

As soon as the match started, the atmosphere in the arena became even more intense.

Half the crowd cheered for Aaron, while the other half shouted Finn's name.

Both were top-tier prodigies with huge followings.

Now that the two were facing off, it was a highly anticipated battle.

Although Aaron's ranking on the Genius List was slightly lower, his status as the Vice Master of the Heavenly Alliance made him more renowned and respected than Finn Sanchez.

As for who was stronger, that was something they would find out in the fight.

"Finn, I’ve been waiting for this day for a long time," Aaron said, his gaze sharp, his voice full of resolve. "Many say I'm no match for you, but I’m not convinced. Today, we will see if your sword is faster, or if my Heavenly God Four Symbols Technique is more powerful!"

"When you say that, you’ve already lost, because you don’t have the confidence to win," Finn Sanchez replied coldly.

If this were a life-and-death battle, his opponent would already be dead.

"Hmph, enough talk! Today, I’ll show you the power of my Heavenly God Four Symbols Technique!"

Aaron's body trembled as his spiritual energy erupted.

A gigantic divine illusion materialized behind him, its power overwhelming.

Compared to his previous performance, Aaron was now fully unleashing his power, showing no signs of holding back.

He stood like a god descending from the heavens, imposing and invincible.

"Come forth!" Finn Sanchez said indifferently, extending his finger toward the sky.

"Whoosh~!"

The sword case behind him trembled, and a silver sword shot into the air, resembling a meteor streaking across the night sky.

"Go!"

Without any preparation, Finn Sanchez flicked his finger, sending the silver sword soaring toward Aaron.

The sword was lightning fast, its power immense.

As it passed, the air twisted, and a loud explosive sound followed.

"Wind God’s Wrath!"

Seeing this, Aaron didn’t hesitate, immediately launching his ultimate attack.

His hands lifted, and he struck out toward the silver sword. His divine illusion mirrored the motion as well.

Boom~!

In an instant, a violent wind began to swirl, shaking the heavens and earth.

Countless wind blades poured down like raindrops.

They filled the sky, relentless and unending.

"Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang..."

The wind blades continuously struck the silver sword, creating a deafening barrage of explosions.

However, strangely, the silver sword showed no sign of slowing down, continuing to charge forward.

It tore through the wind blades effortlessly, shattering all obstacles in its path.

"Hmm?" Aaron's pupils contracted, a flash of surprise in his eyes.

He knew Finn's sword was powerful, but he had still underestimated it.

His wind blades, formed from his spiritual energy, were unable to stop it, like a moth flying into the flames.

Seeing the silver sword descending toward him, Aaron let out a shout and slapped his palms toward the sky.


Chapter 2669: The Battle Begins

At the same time, the divine apparition behind him spread its arms wide, as if swatting a mosquito, and slammed down onto the silver sword.

"Boom!"

A loud explosion rang out, shaking the air as energy exploded in all directions.

The once unstoppable silver sword was immediately held in place by the divine apparition's palms.

The silver sword rumbled and trembled, its powerful force pressing against the divine palms, still pushing forward.

However, its speed became excruciatingly slow.

Even so, the sight was still overwhelming.

Especially for Aaron, whose face was grim and every ounce of his strength was being pushed out as he tried to suppress the silver sword.

He knew clearly that if he couldn’t stop the first strike, there would be no point in continuing the battle.

“Get down!” Aaron suddenly roared, controlling the divine apparition as he grabbed the silver sword and slammed it down onto the ground.

"Bang!"

A huge noise rang out.

The hard arena floor was forced into a three-meter-wide indentation from the strike.

Only at that moment did the power of the silver sword finally dissipate.

It lay quietly in the crater, its silver glow flickering.

“Phew~!”

Aaron sighed in relief.

He hadn’t expected that the first strike from Finn Sanchez would be so powerful.

“Yellow Spring! Go!”

At this moment, Finn Sanchez pointed with his sword.

A blue sword shot out from the sword box, instantly flying toward Aaron with lightning speed.

Though the speed of the blue sword wasn’t as fast as the silver one, its power was even more terrifying.

Where the sword passed, the air froze, and the ground was covered in frost, clearly containing some kind of special attribute.

“Fire God’s Fury!” Aaron roared.

The divine apparition behind him instantly turned red, and a wave of scorching hot energy swept across the arena.

Aaron's fists, blazing like fire, struck out forcefully at the blue sword.

The divine apparition mirrored the movement, launching massive fiery fists that collided with the blue sword.

“Bang!!”

Another deafening explosion.

The earth shook, and energy surged.

The expansion of ice and fire caused a terrifying wave of energy, making the arena’s protective shield shake violently.

Judge Drake had been prepared. He quickly injected true energy into the formation to maintain its stability.

At the moment Aaron's fists collided with the blue sword, the sword was sent flying, and Aaron was pushed back a few steps, his energy flow disrupted.

Before he could fully stabilize, Finn Sanchez struck again.

“Scarlet! Go!”

Hong Juding raised one hand and pointed again.

A red sword shot into the sky, spinning once before crashing down toward Aaron.

The red sword, sweeping through the sky like a fire dragon, carried an incredibly terrifying power.
---


Chapter 2670: The Escalating Fury

Compared to the second blue sword, Finn Sanchez's third sword was even more powerful.

As the fire dragon descended, it carried with it the force to destroy the heavens and the earth.

Aaron, already struggling to regain his balance, looked at the blazing red sword falling like a meteor, his heart pounding as an inexplicable sense of crisis surged.

“Ahhh—!”

Aaron suddenly roared, risking the backlash as he unleashed a powerful surge of vitality.

The divine apparition behind him instantly transformed into a figure with three heads and six arms.

This was the complete form of the Heavenly God's Four Symbols Technique. He had gone all out, leaving nothing behind.

“Bang!”

Aaron controlled the divine apparition, using two of its arms to forcefully block the fire sword.

With a loud explosion, the fire sword pierced through the divine apparition’s palm, continuing to thrust toward Aaron.

However, its speed was slightly slower than before.

Aaron didn’t hesitate, commanding the divine apparition to strike with two more arms, attempting to stop the sword’s momentum.

However, as before, when the divine apparition’s palms touched the fire sword, they were blasted apart, creating a hole.

The fire sword continued, pushing forward.

Its speed was reduced even further.

“Stay down!!”

Aaron roared, commanding the final two arms of the divine apparition to slam down on the fire sword.

“Bang!”

A third deafening explosion.

The energy surged as the fiery sword, which had been wreaking havoc, was finally held in place.

The sword continued to tremble and roar, flames burning fiercely, quickly scorching the surrounding energy.

Aaron gritted his teeth, sweat pouring down his face as he pressed his palms against the sword, continuously injecting his energy, not daring to slacken.

This sword was truly terrifying.

The destructive power and impact were far stronger than the previous two swords combined.

Indeed, defeating Finn Sanchez was not going to be easy.

In the end, after several seconds of struggle, the fiery red sword finally lost its glow, falling to the ground and embedding itself into the arena.

Only the hilt was left exposed.

Its sharpness was evident.

“Whew… whew…”

Aaron gasped for air, sweat dripping down his cheeks.

Taking on Finn Sanchez three swords had taken a huge toll.

But he believed that his opponent must have used his trump cards as well, otherwise, the swords wouldn’t have been so powerful.

“Being able to take my three swords is somewhat impressive.”

Finn Sanchez remained expressionless, though his eyes showed a hint of interest.

Most of his previous opponents had been dealt with by his first sword, with no second sword needed.

Now, Aaron had managed to block his third sword, which was indeed a surprise.

But that was all.

“What’s this? Are you out of tricks? Is it my turn now?” Aaron took a deep breath, quickly adjusting his chaotic energy flow.

“Out of tricks?”

A hint of disdain appeared at the corner of Finn's mouth. “You really are like a mayfly seeing the sky, not knowing your place. Since you’re so ignorant, let me show you the true gap!”

As he spoke, Finn Sanchez slapped the sword box with one hand.

The entire sword box opened, revealing six swords inside.


Chapter 2671: The Power of Nine Swords

These six swords, varying in length, shimmered with radiant colors.

Though they had different forms, each sword was a divine weapon.

"Drakon!"

Hong Juding raised his sword and, with a flick, a golden-patterned sword soared into the air like a dragon soaring through the nine skies.

"Dragon Abyss!"

"Shadow of the Sun!"

"Kunwu!"

"Mystic!"

"Auric!"

With each flick of his finger, a sword rose from the ground and ascended into the sky.

The first three swords—the Black Wind Sword, the Yellow Spring Sword, and the Scarlet Sword—had already been summoned and now soared alongside the new swords.

In the blink of an eye, nine divine swords were floating above Aaron.

They felt like nine massive mountains pressing down on him, making it hard for him to breathe.

"How is this possible?!"

Aaron's eyes widened in disbelief as he felt the overwhelming pressure of the divine swords. He had never expected that Finn Sanchez's sword box would contain so many weapons.

And each sword emanated spiritual energy, unlike any ordinary weapon.

The problem was, Aaron had already struggled to withstand Finn Sanchez's three swords. How could he possibly defend against the remaining six?

Can I really win?

In this moment, Aaron's confidence wavered.

The immense power of Finn Sanchez, the pressure from the divine swords, battered his spirit.

He had thought that three swords would be the limit, but he had been wrong. Finn Sanchez was merely warming up.

"My god! So many swords? This is too ruthless!"

"The three swords earlier were terrifying enough, but if all nine swords come at once, I don’t know anyone who could withstand it!"

"This is the power of being number one on the Heaven’s Pride Ranking? Truly terrifying!"

The spectators marveled at the nine swords floating in the air, completely awed by the sight.

For most sword fighters, even one divine sword was an unimaginable achievement.

But Finn Sanchez had summoned nine, an overwhelming sight.

What was even more terrifying was his ability to control these nine swords as if they were extensions of his body. This was beyond everyone’s comprehension.

After all, divine swords were not ordinary weapons. They possessed their own spirits.

To claim ownership of a divine sword was no easy feat.

And yet, Finn Sanchez seemed to command them all as though they were his loyal servants.

It was almost as if a man had married nine wives, and they all lived harmoniously together.

It was inconceivable.

"Who... what is this kid?!"

At this moment, even Jeffrey in the stands was shocked, his eyes wide and his face frozen, no longer the calm figure he once was.

He had thought Aaron's talent was already impressive, but now, comparing him to Finn Sanchez, he was nothing more than a small fry.

It seemed that even geniuses had their limits.
---


Chapter 2672: Han Feiyang’s Resolve

"Previously, there were only seven swords, but in just one year, two more divine swords have chosen their master. This kid is much stronger than I was at his age."

Hank stroked his chin, both surprised and pleased.

He had always had confidence in Finn, but his performance had still exceeded his expectations.

The more swords Finn Sanchez controlled, the greater his power.

When he wielded seven swords, he was already the top of the Heaven’s Pride Ranking. Now, with nine swords, his strength had taken a significant leap.

"Truly a prodigy!"

Even Marlon couldn’t help but sigh.

To have nine divine swords recognize one’s master and be controlled with such ease, his talent and cultivation were far beyond any of his peers.

It was clear that each generation brings forth greater talents. Compared to their own era, today’s youth were undeniably monstrous.

“Looks like we’re in for an exciting show,” Evelyn Morgan laughed ominously.

The rivalry between the Sword Sect and the World Martial Arts Domain didn’t concern her. She hoped for a fierce battle, with both sides suffering losses.

In that way, the Witchcraft Sect could gain some advantage.

Of course, she wasn’t concerned with winning the championship. Although her granddaughter had potential, she was still no match for monsters like Logan Rhys and Finn Sanchez.

Against such opponents, she had no confidence. If she could secure third place, she would be satisfied.

Meanwhile, on the arena, the sword energy flowed continuously, with waves of immense pressure pounding at Aaron's spirit.

“No! I haven’t lost yet! I can still fight! I still have a chance to win!”

Aaron gritted his teeth and, despite the overwhelming pressure, lifted his head high.

So what if there are nine divine swords? He still had his trump cards to play, and he had the strength to keep fighting!

“Bring it on! Let me see what you’re really capable of!”

Aaron stood tall, his voice thundering through the air.

The divine apparition behind him grew even taller, more solid, and its energy surged, far surpassing its previous strength.

Under the immense pressure from the nine swords, his cultivation actually progressed.

“Aaron's momentum seems to have increased! He’s getting stronger!”

“My goodness, this isn’t normal! In this kind of situation, to break through like this... it’s terrifying!”

“Now, this battle is going to be even more thrilling!”

The crowd was stunned by Aaron's sudden rise in strength.

This was the difference between a genius and an ordinary person.

Faced with overwhelming odds, he didn’t back down. Instead, he broke through under the immense pressure.

“Has he broken through to the next level? Interesting.”

Finn Sanchez raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised.

Too bad, it still wasn’t enough.

“Let me show you my Heavenly God’s Four Symbols Technique!”

Aaron's hair and beard stood on end, his energy flaring out as his entire body pulsed with powerful waves of vitality, which he channeled into the divine apparition.

“Thunder God’s Fury!!”

Aaron roared as he pulled back his fist, gathering all his strength, before launching it forward with explosive force.


Chapter 2673: "The Final Strike"

The shadowy figure of the divine being behind him immediately mirrored the movements of the protagonist.

Boom!

In an instant, thunder rumbled, lightning flashed, and fierce winds howled.

Blue lightning crackled across the divine figure’s form, concentrating into a long spear of lightning in the arm. The spear was nearly ten meters long, radiating an overwhelming aura that seemed capable of destroying the world.

This was the final move of the Four Divine Symbols of the Celestial God Technique, and it was also Aaron's most powerful attack.

With his breakthrough just before the battle, his momentum soared, and his body reached its peak state.

This attack, the Wrath of the Thunder God, was truly earth-shattering and awe-inspiring.

"Dragon Abyss!"

"Shadow of the Sun!"

"Kunwu!"

Finn Sanchez sword fingers lightly tapped.

The three swords hovering in the air, Dragon Abyss, Shadow of the Sun, and Kunwu, turned into three rays of different colors and directly collided with the divine shadow.

Boom!

The first sword, Dragon Abyss, precisely struck the lightning spear.

With a deafening explosion, Dragon Abyss was sent flying, and the lightning spear shattered into pieces on the spot.

Boom!

The second sword, Shadow of the Sun, followed closely, crashing into the divine being’s fist amidst a sea of blue lightning.

Another explosion rang out.

Shadow of the Sun was knocked back, and the divine being’s body, along with half of it, was torn apart by the sword’s energy.

Aaron's body trembled, as if struck by lightning. Blood began pouring from his nostrils.

Whoosh!

Another beam of light shot toward him.

The third sword, Kunwu, was aimed directly at Aaron's body.

"Ah!"

Aaron roared in anger, clenching his fists tightly and striking at Kunwu with all his strength.

At this point, there was no avoiding it—he could only go all out.

Boom!

A deafening sound erupted, and the stage shook as the heavens rumbled.

Kunwu was sent flying dozens of meters away, spinning through the air before embedding itself into the stage with a sharp "whoosh."

On the other hand, Aaron was thrown back several meters by the force, spitting out a large amount of blood in mid-air.

He crashed heavily onto the ground, his face pale as paper and his body in disarray.

Before he could rise, the fourth sword of Finn Sanchez, the Divine Abyss Sword, silently appeared, pointing straight at Aaron's throat.

Buzz!

Just before it could touch his skin, the Divine Abyss Sword suddenly halted and emitted a faint ringing sound.

The sharp sword energy tore through Aaron's skin, drawing a small amount of blood.

Aaron froze, not daring to move.

If the sword advanced even an inch further, it would pierce his throat.

At that moment, everyone’s heart hung in suspense.

Aaron's life was at the mercy of Finn Sanchez's next move.
---


Chapter 2674: "The Unyielding Warrior"

Silence.

The entire scene suddenly fell silent.

Everyone stood frozen, not daring to even breathe.

In the VIP section, Jeffrey stood up, his face full of nervousness.

He dared not speak loudly, fearing that if he startled Finn Sanchez, one wrong move would result in Aaron's death.

As the future hope of the World Martial Arts Association, Jeffery had invested all his efforts and resources into Aaron's growth. If Aaron were to fall here, it would be a massive blow to the association as a whole.

In contrast to Jeffrey's anxiety, Hank and Evelyn Morgan secretly cheered.

They hoped that Finn Sanchez would strike and end Aaron's life.

This would leave the World Martial Arts Association unable to recover for the next decade.

Tap… Tap… Tap…

Aaron stood frozen, staring at the Divine Abyss Sword mere inches from his throat. Goosebumps covered his skin, and beads of sweat trickled down his face, splashing onto the ground.

He knew that he had lost.

As long as Finn Sanchez was willing, his blood would stain the arena in an instant.

"Return."

After a few seconds of tense stillness, Finn Sanchez finally spoke and withdrew his hand.

The Divine Abyss Sword immediately reversed its direction and spun in the air before returning to its scabbard.

Not only the Divine Abyss Sword but all eight of the divine swords returned to their sheaths.

In the blink of an eye, the arena, once filled with the aura of death, was now peaceful.

"To have made me draw the Divine Abyss Sword, you can be considered a worthy opponent. I hope you will grow stronger in the future."

After leaving this simple remark, Finn Sanchez turned and descended from the arena.

Aaron's performance had exceeded his expectations. Originally, he thought it would only take three swords to determine the victor, but to his surprise, Aaron had lasted until the seventh sword before finally falling.

Such strength earned Finn Sanchez a modicum of respect.

"Worthy?"

Looking at Finn Sanchez retreating back, Aaron sat on the ground, a bitter smile tugging at his lips.

He had broken through on the battlefield, going all out, almost risking his life.

He had hoped to defeat Finn Sanchez and make a name for himself.

But in the end, he didn’t even manage to force out the full extent of Finn Sanchez's power.

From beginning to end, Finn Sanchez had remained stationary, only flicking his fingers a few times to easily secure victory.

The gap between them was vast—beyond what he could have imagined.

He had once prided himself on his unique talent, looking down upon others.

But in front of Finn Sanchez, his talent was nothing.

In that moment, he truly understood the meaning of the saying, “There is always someone stronger, and there is always a greater sky.”

After a long pause, Aaron dejectedly walked off the arena, completely lost, leaving the battlefield.

He had lost. Staying any longer would only result in further embarrassment.


Chapter 2675: The Third-Place Match

Aaron showed no interest in the third-place match. For him, if he couldn't secure the first place, the rest of the rankings were meaningless.

"Congratulations to Finn Sanchez for the victory!" The referee, Drake, timely announced the result.

The audience erupted in applause, which lasted for quite some time. Supporters of Finn Sanchez were naturally thrilled, while those who had cheered for Aaron, although disappointed, gave a polite round of applause. They knew full well that Aaron had given it his all, tapping into unprecedented energy. However, the gap between him and Finn Sanchez was simply too vast, and his defeat was inevitable.

"Haha, now what do you have to say, Sect Leader Jeffrey?" Hank said, half-smiling as he turned to look at the man beside him.

Before the match, they had placed a bet, and now that he had won, it was time for some light-hearted mockery.

"You've taken a good disciple. I’ve lost," Jeffrey said, taking a deep breath. "A bet’s a bet. I’ll honor my promise. Let’s leave it at that."

With those words, Jeffrey stood up and left. His most talented disciple had been defeated, and there was no longer any face for him to remain in the arena.

"Then thank you!" Hank said, a smug grin spreading across his face.

The two had been rivals for so long, and today, Hank had finally gotten his satisfaction.

After a brief break, the second semifinal match was about to begin.

The referee, Drake, stepped onto the stage and loudly announced, "Next, the second semifinal match will begin. Please welcome contestant number 2, Dustin, and contestant number 3, Abigail!"

At once, the audience erupted in applause. Abigail, known for her beauty and strength, was the only female contestant left in the top four, making her incredibly popular. Despite some criticism surrounding her identity as the Saintess of the Witchcraft Sect, her charm and ability were undeniable, and she had many devoted supporters.

When Abigail stepped onto the stage, her fans cheered wildly, calling her name in excited shouts.

As for Dustin, his supporters were also numerous. A true dark horse in this tournament, Dustin had swept past several powerful foreign opponents. He then defeated the formidable Karson with a shocking display of skill. His "One Sword to Break the Formation" left the crowd in awe.

Thus, the duel between Dustin and Abigail was highly anticipated.

Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Dustin and Abigail both ascended the stage.

"Uncle, I didn’t expect us to meet here. Looks like this battle is unavoidable today," Abigail said with a playful wink.

She knew how strong Dustin was, and defeating him wouldn't be easy. But she wasn't one to give up easily. Now that she was on the stage, she would give it her all.

"Give it your all, and let me see how much you've grown this past year," Dustin smiled and replied.

"Alright! I won’t hold back!" Abigail said as she immediately launched her attack.
---


Chapter 2676: The Battle Unfolds

Abigail's speed was extraordinary, and her movements were like a ghost's.

As she dodged and attacked, her figure left behind multiple afterimages, making it nearly impossible to track her. The spectators’ eyes were left dizzy from trying to follow her swift movements.

In contrast, Dustin remained still, showing no unnecessary movements.

"Falling Flower Palm!" Abigail struck out with multiple palms, her black palm shadows shooting toward Dustin's body with explosive force.

Abigail practiced a unique technique, and her strikes carried the venom of witchcraft. A single touch from her palms could prove deadly to ordinary people.

However, forum possessed the "Body of Invulnerability," rendering him immune to poisons, which worked in his favor.

As the palm shadows struck, Dustin did not dodge. He unleashed his own palm strike.

Boom!

A powerful gust of wind rose, crushing the black palm shadows with destructive force.

Bang, bang, bang, bang...

Each of Abigail's black palm strikes exploded, turning into black mist that quickly spread throughout the arena, enveloping the two combatants.

"What is this? Poison mist?"

"She’s using her energy to create it, but the explosion releases poison. This is a rather novel attack method."

The audience murmured as they watched the black mist spread. Poison was an expected tactic from the Witchcraft Sect. Unlike Icy Sect's hidden weapons and poisons, the witchcraft poisons were far more insidious and unpredictable.

Many people wouldn’t even realize they were poisoned until it was too late.

If Dustin hadn’t reacted quickly enough, using his energy to disperse the palm shadows, he would’ve had no chance of surviving up close. In a fight with someone from the Witchcraft Sect, caution was paramount.

Inside the poison mist, Abigail moved like a fish in water, darting from place to place. The audience could barely make out any images of her; they only saw the ripples caused by the wind in the mist.

Dustin, on the other hand, stood like a mountain, using his energy to keep the poison mist at bay.

Though he was immune to most poisons, he didn’t dare take risks. There were some poisons even he couldn’t withstand.

"Flowing Water Palm!"

Suddenly, Dustin sensed movement behind him. Without thinking, he turned and struck with a palm.

Boom!

A cloud of black mist exploded, sending shockwaves through the air. But there was no sign of Abigail.

Just as Dustin was about to relax, his body suddenly jolted. His protective energy flared to life.

Looking up, he found Abigail, who had somehow appeared above him, her body upside down, delivering a "Flowing Water Palm" directly onto his protective energy shield.

Although it seemed like an ordinary palm strike, it was actually a concealed and silent attack, making it nearly impossible to defend against.

"Uncle, you’re really cautious. You almost fell for my sneak attack," Abigail said with a smile. She then bent her arm, and with a sudden burst of power, she shot up like a fish leaping from the water, disappearing into the black mist without giving Dustin a chance to counterattack.

"This girl has indeed grown a lot," Dustin mused, a smile playing at the corner of his mouth.


Chapter 2677: Black Phoenix

He prided himself on his keen senses, yet he had still fallen for her trick. Clearly, Abigail had mastered a technique to conceal her presence, something even he couldn’t detect. This method likely had something to do with the surrounding toxic mist.

Without hesitation, Dustin stomped his foot hard, and his profound Qi erupted with power.

Boom!

The ground cracked beneath him as a violent wave of energy surged out like a tsunami, sweeping the mist away in an instant. The toxic fog vanished, and Abigail's position was revealed.

The two were now just three meters apart, locking eyes in a tense moment.

“Heh... heh heh...” Abigail forced a smile, embarrassed by her failed attempt.

“Enough games, show me your real strength. I want to see how much you’ve improved,” Dustin said calmly, standing motionless.

“Alright, I won’t hold back!”

At this point, Abigail activated her bloodline power.

“Ao~!”

A massive black phoenix materialized behind her, alive and imposing. With a wingspan of twenty meters, the phoenix exuded an aura of dominance, its tail trailing black flames. Its eyes, filled with bloodlust and cruelty, sent a chill through anyone who dared look directly at it.

“What the heck is that?!”
“Is that a phoenix?”
“I heard that the Saintess of the Witchcraft Sect has phoenix blood, but I didn’t expect it to look like this.”
“Wait! It’s black? Why is it black?”

As Abigail bloodline power was unleashed, the crowd erupted into shock. The Witchcraft Sect’s saintess was known to possess phoenix blood, but the bird before them was a far cry from the holy phoenix they had imagined. It reeked of evil, not purity.

“Be careful, Uncle!” Abigail's tone grew cold as her aura shifted dramatically, becoming more ferocious and dark. Black mist swirled around her like a harbinger of doom.

“Come then,” Dustin said, his eyes sharp.

With a powerful motion, Abigail commanded the black phoenix. The phoenix’s wings flapped, and a wave of black feathers, each tipped with fire and poison, shot toward Dustin.


Chapter 2678: Phoenix Majesty

Dustin raised his hand, and a bright white shield materialized in front of him, forming a barrier against the onslaught of black feathers.

The feathers struck the shield, sending ripples across its surface, but they couldn’t break through. However, the black flames on the feathers quickly spread across the shield, burning through its energy at a visible rate.

In just two breaths, the shield had a large crack, and Dustin couldn’t help but feel a sense of shock. His profound Qi was far superior to the usual martial artist’s defensive aura, yet Abigail phoenix flames were eating through it.

Clearly, her bloodline power was much stronger than expected.

Realizing the danger, Dustin didn’t hesitate and summoned a gust of wind to blow the flaming feathers away, clearing the space around him.

But Abigail wasn’t done.

“Phoenix’s Majesty!” she called out, her hands weaving a seal.

The black phoenix behind her suddenly transformed into a streak of black light and shot directly at Dustin, moving with the speed of a falling star, unstoppable.

Dustin's eyes narrowed, and with a quick push of his foot, he soared into the air, narrowly avoiding the phoenix’s charge. However, the phoenix turned midair and charged back with even greater speed.

It seemed intent on a fatal collision.

Dustin's gaze sharpened. He formed a seal with one hand and shouted, “Dark Shell!”

A giant, earthy yellow armor materialized around him, its surface covered with a faint image of the mythical creature Turtle Dragon.

Boom!

The black phoenix collided with the turtle dragon image, sending shockwaves through the air. Feathers flew, and flames erupted in all directions.

However, the turtle dragon projection wavered under the impact, its glow dimming. The black phoenix showed no signs of slowing down. It opened its mouth and released a torrent of scorching black flames.

These flames seemed to have the power to corrode anything in their path, and Dustin's profound Qi couldn’t stop them. The black fire began to consume the turtle dragon projection, and the light from it flickered like it might collapse any second.

Dustin's face darkened. For the first time, he felt real pressure in this battle. If he didn’t show his true abilities, he might just lose today.

“Celestial Sword!”

He called out softly, and a black sword descended from the heavens, landing in his hand in a flash of light.

Surveying the growing black flames around him, Lu Chen slowly raised the sword and swung it fiercely at the oncoming phoenix.


Chapter 2679: Silver Battle Axe

Whoosh!

A streak of black sword light shot out, cutting through the sea of black flames with overwhelming force, and slashed directly into the black phoenix.

The phoenix’s fiery breath was abruptly halted.

In the next moment, there was a loud bang, and the black phoenix exploded into pieces.

Though the black phoenix was a spiritual entity and immune to physical attacks, it couldn't withstand Dustin's furious sword energy. One slash was enough to tear it apart.

With the death of the black phoenix, the flames dissipated, and the arena returned to clarity.

"Uncle, looks like you're going all out now," Abigail smiled faintly, her excitement growing.

"I had no choice. If I didn’t use my sword, I’d probably be done for today," Dustin said calmly.

The special properties of Abigail's phoenix bloodline could negate all martial arts energy. Even someone stronger than her would struggle to defend against it.

Without his sword, being caught by the black flames would only lead to more trouble.

"Then let's have a proper fight!"

With a single motion, Abigail conjured a large silver battle axe from thin air. The three-meter-long weapon was massive and heavy, a stark contrast to her petite frame.

She preferred close combat to magical attacks because it was more thrilling and exciting.

Seeing the weapon, Dustin couldn’t help but look puzzled. While it was common for martial artists to wield such heavy weapons with ease, it was rare to see a woman use one like the battle axe.

Though powerful, the weapon lacked agility, and once restricted, it was difficult to wield effectively.

Still, given that Abigail dared to use it, she clearly had confidence in her ability.

"Uncle! Come at me!"

Abigail gripped the axe in one hand, the blade pointed directly at Dustin.

"Be careful!"

Dustin wasted no time, charging forward with lightning speed.

Abigail didn’t retreat. With both hands gripping the axe, she used her full strength in a downward chop, creating a sweeping arc filled with black flames.

Dustin twisted his body, dodging through the flames like a swallow weaving through branches, then struck the edge of the battle axe with his sword.

Clang!

The tip of the sword collided with the axe, sending out a violent spark. Abigail's downward strike stalled as her body was knocked back slightly.

Seizing the moment, Dustin launched another swift attack.

The sword moved so fast that an ordinary person wouldn’t be able to follow its motion. Abigail only managed to raise the axe to block in time.

Clang!

Dustin's sword landed on the axe’s handle, creating a deep gash. The force sent Abigail stumbling back several steps.

Dustin didn’t hesitate, following up with another strike, fast and deadly, without giving her a chance to recover.

At this moment, Abigail was on the brink of defeat when suddenly, a burst of golden light erupted from within her.
---


Chapter 2680: Magical Armour

Boom!

The golden light exploded, unleashing a terrifying wave of energy.

In an instant, the heavens rumbled and the winds howled.

Dustin, along with his sword, was blasted backward several meters, landing and sliding back two more steps before finally stabilizing.

Looking up, he saw that Abigail's body was now covered in a golden armor. The armor shimmered brightly, exuding an imposing aura.

It was clearly a magical artifact.

The Witchcraft Sect, with its centuries of history, had an abundance of powerful treasures. It was no surprise that Abigail, as the Sect’s saintess, would possess protective artifacts.

Dustin wasn’t shocked by the appearance of the golden armor, but he was surprised by its power. Not only did it offer protection, but it also had an offensive property.

When Dustin had struck the armor, it had absorbed the attack and sent it back with a violent rebound.

The armor had a reflective damage ability—the more damage it took, the greater the retaliatory force.

"Uncle, didn’t expect this, did you? I also have a magical armor."

Abigail smiled, her voice filled with pride.

"And this armor has a magical property: no matter how you attack it, it will always reflect your attack back at you. The stronger the attack, the stronger the backlash."

"I see."

Dustin nodded, then changed the subject. "But as good as the armor is, it’s still just an inanimate object. It can’t be invincible. Don’t get too overconfident just because you have it, or you might end up being careless."

As a martial artist, true strength comes from within, not relying too much on external objects. Relying too much on such items could hinder growth and leave vulnerabilities.

Dustin said this not only as a warning but to remind Abigail of the importance of self-improvement.

"Then, do you think you have the ability to overturn my ship?" Abigail smirked.

She discarded the battle axe and conjured a red sword with one hand.

After awakening her phoenix bloodline, Abigail had inherited memories from the Nine Generations of Saintesses. She was now proficient in all manner of weapons.

"You know how to use a sword?" Dustin raised an eyebrow.

"Will I be able to? Why don’t you try and find out?"

Abigail flicked the red sword, and with a swift motion, she lunged at Dustin, thrusting the sword forward.

The attack was fast, precise, and full of intricate angles, brimming with variation.

Such skill could only be achieved through at least ten years of rigorous training.

"Oh?"

Dustin raised an eyebrow, visibly surprised.

When a true expert strikes, you can tell immediately.

With his keen eye, Dustin could see that Abigail's swordsmanship had reached a remarkable level, far beyond what could be learned in just a few years.

Whether it was due to her natural talent or the inheritance of the phoenix bloodline, her swordsmanship was formidable.

There was no time to think further as the sword was already upon him. Dustin quickly responded.

He mirrored her movements, executing the same sword technique, and the two swords collided with a precise clash.

Clang!
 
Last edited:

EMZEE

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Chapter 2681: The Clash of Master and Student

Clash!

The sword tips collided and paused, a ripple-like light spreading out from the point of impact, expanding outward.

The power wasn’t overwhelming, but it carried a sharp edge that made one’s heart race.

At this moment, the two swords were locked in a horizontal line, vying for supremacy.

Two streams of master-level Qi clashed within the sword blades, constantly battling each other, like two armies charging into battle.

The turmoil of the Qi stirred waves of light, one ring after another, surging continuously.

Gradually, Abigail's breathing became heavier. Sweat began to bead on her forehead, and her hand that held the sword trembled slightly.

In contrast, Dustin remained unmoved, calm as a mountain.

Though Abigail possessed many magical items and arcane techniques, she was still lacking compared to Dustin in terms of cultivation depth.

At this point, in their clash of Qi, it was clear she was at a disadvantage.

Eventually, Abigail couldn’t hold on any longer. With a shake of her wrist, she sent their sword tips apart, quickly retracting and retreating.

However, as she backed away, Dustin seized the opportunity and thrust forward, his sword aiming directly at the golden armor on her chest.

Clang!

The golden armor emitted a sharp, ringing sound as it absorbed the force of the strike, sending the recoil back into Dustin's sword.

Feeling the counterforce on his blade, Dustin didn’t attempt to neutralize it. Instead, he spun, using the recoil to strike again with his sword, pressing the attack.

Clang!

Another resounding clash.

The golden armor trembled and unleashed an even stronger wave of energy.

Dustin continued his relentless assault, borrowing the power of each strike to fuel the next.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

Dustin's Celestial Sword rained down on the golden armor like a torrential downpour, each strike faster and fiercer than the last.

Abigail was driven back, struggling to maintain her stance.

Each time she attempted to counterattack, Dustin would expertly deflect her efforts with a swift blow, his timing impeccable.

In this way, she was struck over ten times without any opportunity to retaliate.

If it weren’t for her magical armor, she might have been pierced like a pincushion.

At this moment, Abigail truly understood the depth of Dustin's swordsmanship.

What seemed like ordinary slashes was, in fact, a return to the essence of swordsmanship, leaving her defenseless and unable to block.

Moreover, Dustin's strikes grew faster and more powerful with each move.

After dozens of strikes, the golden armor lost its luster and began to crack.

It was clear the armor was nearing its breaking point.

Though powerful, even the best armor had its limits and couldn’t offer absolute defense.

After enduring Dustin's onslaught, it was beginning to give way.

Clang!

Dustin delivered one final thrust.

The golden armor shattered, and the golden light surrounding Abigail vanished in an instant.

Without hesitation, Dustin sword surged forward, aiming directly at her throat.

Abigail's pupils contracted, but before she could react, the Celestial Sword halted.

The sharp tip of the blade was barely half an inch from her throat, and she could feel its terrifying edge, causing every hair on her body to stand on end.
---

Chapter 2682: The Final Concession

Stop! Stop! Stop!

"Uncle! I surrender! I surrender!"

With the sword at her throat, Abigail was decisive, immediately raising both hands in surrender.

She hadn’t hoped to win but had merely wanted to test Dustin's strength and gauge her own abilities.

Now, she realized there was still a significant gap between her and Dustin.

"You’ve done well. Give it a few more years, and you might even surpass me," Dustin said with a smile, sheathing his Celestial Sword.

His words weren’t flattery; he genuinely believed in Abigail's potential.

The corrupted phoenix flames she wielded possessed a powerful corrosive ability, one that even his pure Qi couldn’t withstand.

In other words, Abigail's black flames were a natural nemesis to all martial artists.

However, she had only been practicing martial arts for about two years and had yet to fully unleash the power of her phoenix bloodline.

If she trained diligently and continued to improve, her future accomplishments were limitless.

"Uncle, don’t try to comfort me. Compared to you, I’m still far behind," Abigail said, shaking her head.

Her current strength was entirely due to her phoenix bloodline. While it held great growth potential, compared to someone like Dustin, who was truly a peerless prodigy, she was still lacking.

After all, as she advanced, Dustin didn’t remain stagnant either.

"Uncle, the final match is next. You have to give it your all!"

Abigail waved her little fist in encouragement and turned to leave the arena.

She had done her best, so losing didn’t trouble her.

"Semifinal second match, congratulations to Dustin for winning!"

Judge Drake announced the result, and the crowd erupted in applause and cheers.

Before the match started, not many had expected Dustin to win.

After all, Abigail was not only the Saintess of the Witchcraft Sect but also ranked second on the Genius List, stronger than even Aaron.

On the other hand, though Dustin had performed well, he wasn’t from a renowned sect.

Despite his impressive strength, the audience had still favored Abigail.

However, no one had anticipated that Dustin, the dark horse, would keep surpassing records and make it to the final, easily defeating Abigail, who had been ranked second.

At this moment, everyone truly realized the terrifying potential of this dark horse, Dustin.

"I can’t believe Brother Dustin is so strong, even beating the Saintess of the Witchcraft Sect! He’s definitely got a shot at winning the championship!"

The audience murmured in astonishment.

"I guess we really underestimated Brother Dustin's abilities. He’s truly someone who hides his strength!" another spectator said with admiration.


Chapter 2683: The Final Struggle

The Gap is Clear

Abigail had once entertained the thought of chasing after Dustin, but after their battle, she completely gave up.

The two were no longer on the same level.

"What a shame! If Brother Dustin were interested in joining the Sword Sect, we’d have another powerful general!" Cassius shook his head, expressing his regret.

"I was right all along. You are Logan Rhys!" Zion smirked, muttering to himself.

From the moment they met, he’d sensed that Dustin was extraordinary, though he wasn’t entirely sure.

Now, after witnessing the defeat of Abigail and Dustin's advancement to the finals, he was certain that only Logan Rhys could have achieved this.

With thunderous applause, Dustin slowly descended from the arena.

Aaron had already forfeited, and third place naturally went to Abigail without a fight.

Now, it was time for Dustin to face Finn Sanchez in the championship match.

By this point, many had already guessed Dustin's identity, and this final match was highly anticipated.

During the break, the atmosphere in the arena was electric.

Abigail had secretly set up a betting pool, hoping to make some profit from the spectators, who eagerly gathered around.

Three minutes before the match began, Jeffery, who had previously left, returned to his seat.

Although the World Martial Arts Association had lost, the championship match was still something to watch.

In fact, he hoped Dustin would win. Although the odds were slim, there was at least a glimmer of hope.

Regardless of the outcome, after the match, he intended to try and win Dustin over.

No matter what, Dustin could not be allowed to join the Sword Sect or the Witchcraft Sect. Otherwise, the World Martial Arts Association would lose all chances of rising again.

"Guild Master Jeffrey, didn’t expect you to come back. I thought you’d be too ashamed to show your face," Hank mocked.

"Victory and defeat are common in warfare. What’s the big deal? We lost this time, but we can always win again in the future," Jeffrey replied indifferently.

"Future?" Finn Sanchez sneered. "Do you think there will be a future? Your most prized disciple has fallen into inner turmoil. He’ll never reach his peak."

"That’s not certain. Some people grow stronger with setbacks. I believe Aaron will never be weaker than Finn Sanchez in the future," Jeffrey said seriously.

"Hahaha... Dream on," Hank chuckled coldly.

"Alright, enough of this. The match is about to begin," Evelyn Morgan interjected unexpectedly.

At that, both grandmasters stopped bickering and focused their attention on the arena.

After a brief rest, the final match officially began.
---


Chapter 2684: The Ultimate Showdown

The Championship Awaits

"Now, let’s welcome the final contestants to the stage!"

Drake's voice rang out as he stepped onto the stage.

The audience erupted in applause and cheers, the long-awaited final showdown was finally about to begin.

Today’s result would not only determine personal glory, but also affect the future landscape of the martial world.

If Finn Sanchez triumphed, the Sword Sect would rise to the top, becoming the most powerful sect in the world, forcing the World Martial Arts Guild and the Witchcraft Sect to bow before it.

On the other hand, if Dustin won, it would be even more exciting.

A nameless dark horse defeating the top geniuses of all major sects—this news would surely send shockwaves through the entire martial world.

At that point, every sect would scramble to recruit him, leading to an intense competition.

"Doctor Dustin! Go for it!"

"Defeat Finn Sanchez! Make a name for yourself!"

The two sisters from the Jeffrey family stood up, cheering loudly for Dustin as he ascended the stage.

Both personally and professionally, they supported Dustin.

Earlier, Finn Sanchez's victory over Aaron had embarrassed the World Martial Arts Guild. If Dustin won this match, it would be a way to restore their pride.

"Whether we win or lose, it all comes down to you now," Margaret murmured nervously.

If Dustin were facing any other contestant, she wouldn’t be worried.

But against Finn Sanchez, it was a different story.

Both of them were tied for first place on the Genius List. Who was stronger or weaker was anyone’s guess.

At this level, even the slightest mistake could lead to irreversible consequences.

"Who should we cheer for?"

On the other side, Cassius looked at his senior sisters, looking conflicted.

Though they were more familiar with Dustin, Finn Sanchez was from the Sword Sect. As disciples of the Sword Sect, they had to support him.

The situation had become awkward.

"This..."

Lana furrowed her brow and then suggested, "Why don’t we just watch the match and clap for whoever wins?"

"Alright, it’s settled then!" Cassius smiled.

Willa remained silent, watching quietly.

Though she felt Finn Sanchez had a higher chance of winning, Dustin had defied all expectations so far, so she wasn’t sure anymore.

Zion felt the same. Even though he now knew Dustin's true identity, he couldn’t say for sure whether Logan Rhys or Finn Sanchez would win.

They could only wait for the outcome.

"Guild Master Hank, Guild Master Jeffrey, Master Marlon, why don’t we have a little wager? Let’s see who will win the championship," Evelyn Morgan suddenly proposed from the audience.

"Oh? Master Evelyn seems quite interested?" Jeffrey raised an eyebrow.

"Well, if we’re going to be here anyway, might as well add a little fun by betting on the match," Evelyn Morgan chuckled.

She had made the suggestion mainly because Abigail, who had been glancing at her, seemed to be signaling for it.

Evelyn Morgan understood her granddaughter’s intentions and decided to play along.


Chapter 2685: The Final Wager

"Since the Holy Maiden Evelyn has spoken, I'll oblige and go with Master Hank and Master Marlon," Jeffrey chuckled.

"I'll accompany you in your wager," Hank said flatly.

"It's a rare chance; let me join in and add to the excitement," Marlon agreed, smiling.

With all three agreeing, Evelyn beckoned to Abigail, who quickly approached with a beaming smile.

"I've heard you're taking bets?" she asked, flashing a smile.

"The current odds are 1.6x for betting on Dustin, and 0.4x for betting on Finn Sanchez."

"Place any treasures you have, and if you win, we’ll exchange them for spiritual stones," she added, sweetly smiling, the picture of a money-driven enthusiast. She had already taken numerous bets, and although she couldn't control the outcome, she could manipulate the valuation, turning this into a considerable profit.

"I’ll bet on Finn Sanchez winning," Hank immediately said, tossing a translucent, jade-green pearl to Abigail. The pearl shimmered, with liquid flowing inside, emitting a soft glow.

"Is this an Avoidance Water Pearl? Master Hank is making a substantial bet!" Evelyn narrowed his eyes.

The Avoidance Water Pearl was one of the Five Elements Treasures, known for controlling water flow and enhancing cultivation speed. It was a rare and priceless item.

"Is it that you dare not take the bet?" Hank raised an eyebrow.

"Of course, I'll take it. Whatever the great ones wager, I will match," Abigail quickly agreed.

"The odds of 1.6x are enticing, but I still trust Finn Sanchez. I’ll bet on his victory," Jeffrey chuckled, pulling out a bottle of pills and handing it to Abigail.

"Kong Spirit Pills? A wonderful treasure!"

Abigail's eyes lit up. The Kong Spirit Pills, a specialty of the World Martial Arts Association, greatly enhanced physical strength, coveted by many warriors. However, the pills were difficult to craft, and only a few elite disciples had access to them.

"Master Marlon, what will you wager on?" Evelyn asked, his gaze shifting.

"Since both Master Jeffery and Master Hank are betting on Finn Sanchez, I’ll go with something different, placing a smaller bet on Dustin," Marlon smiled, pulling out three differently colored talismans and handing them to Abigail. "I don't have much, but these talismans might be worth something."

"Master Marlon, you're too modest. These talismans are priceless treasures!" Abigail's face brightened. These were talismans blessed by a celestial master, far stronger than regular ones, highly valued.

"I’m with Master Marlon. I’ll bet on Dustin winning," Evelyn Morgan added, tossing a black cloak to Abigail. The cloak had the effect of concealing one's presence, useful for stealth.

"Hehe, thank you all for your support! Let's see who comes out on top and claims victory," Abigail smiled broadly, thrilled with the incoming wealth.


Chapter 2686: Clash of Titans

Amidst the eager anticipation of the crowd, Dustin and Finn Sanchez stepped onto the arena, standing ten meters apart, their gazes locking across the space.

Their sharp eyes clashed, as if sparks were flying.

"Logan Rhys?" Finn Sanchez was the first to speak.

Before stepping onto the stage, he had heard rumors about this dark horse but hadn’t confirmed them fully.

"Who I am doesn’t matter. What matters is who wins today’s match," Dustin responded without confirming or denying the identity, but his words confirmed Finn Sanchez's suspicions.

Both were ranked first on the Genius Rankings, and both were tied at the top of the World Shaking List. No one could tell who was stronger without them having fought.

"I’ve heard you’re Sword Immortal Ye’s disciple, so I’ve been looking forward to this fight," Finn Sanchez said with burning intensity.

Many years ago, his master, Hank, had lost to Sword Immortal Ye, and it had always been a thorn in his side. Now, their disciples were about to meet, and Finn Sanchez was determined to get revenge.

"I’m curious to see the swordsmanship of your Sword Sect," Dustin smiled. The opponents he faced so far, including Abigail, hadn’t pushed him to use his full strength, but Finn Sanchez was different. He could tell that his opponent was a formidable adversary. Among the younger generation, almost no one could match him.

Without giving his opponent any room, Dustin intended to go all out.

"Both fighters are ready."

"The finals of the Martial Arts Tournament begin now!" Drake shouted.

Immediately, thunderous applause erupted from the audience.

Half the crowd cheered for Dustin, while the other half shouted for Finn Sanchez to win.

By now, both had garnered a significant following. One was the top-ranked genius, the other was a dark horse who had defeated numerous elites. The outcome was uncertain, which made the match all the more thrilling.

"Please!"

Dustin made the first move. With a grab in the air, his Sky Sword flew to his hand, landing firmly as he prepared to fight.

"Black Wind!"

"Blue Frost!"

"Crimson Sky!"

Finn didn’t hold back either. He raised his sword lightly, and three divine swords shot out of his sword chest, floating in the air.

When he fought against Aaron, he had still held back, but now, he unleashed his full strength.

"Bring in a few more to maintain the formation!" Feeling the terrifying sword energy from the arena, Drake felt a little nervous and quickly called for three experts from Infernal Mountain to stabilize the defensive array, as this was the finals and the destructive force would be much greater than in any prior matches.

If the two Ultimate GrandMaster sword fighters weren’t careful, the defensive array could collapse, and the spectators could be in danger.

"Start!"


Chapter 2687: Clash of Blades

Under the leadership of Drake, several elite experts from Infernal Mountain activated the defensive formation on the arena.

A flash of light enveloped the stage, and a pale blue protective shield, resembling a giant eggshell, covered the entire arena.

As soon as the defensive formation was activated, both Dustin and Finn Sanchez seemed to have reached a tacit understanding and moved at the same time.

"Go!"

Finn Sanchez pointed his sword at Dustin and launched an attack.

"Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!"

Three swords, each with a different color, shot toward Dustin from three directions.

Each sword was faster and stronger than the last.

The force behind them was so overwhelming that it seemed like they could split the heavens apart.

"Good!"

Dustin smiled as he swung his Celestial Sword three times.

"Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!"

Three black sword beams shot out and collided with the three swords in mid-air.

"Bang! Bang! Bang!"

The violent explosions sent powerful energy waves rippling outward, sweeping across the arena with immense force.

The black sword beams didn’t knock back the three divine swords but merely caused a brief pause in their momentum.

Dustin seized the opportunity, transforming into a streak of black lightning as he charged toward Finn Sanchez, aiming his sword straight at his chest.

"Dragon Abyss! Shadow of the Sun! Kunwu!"

Finn Sanchez reacted swiftly, raising his sword, and three divine swords flew out of their sheath once again.

Without any unnecessary movements, the three swords aimed directly at the oncoming Dustin.

"Ancestry Sword Style!"

Dustin flicked his wrist, and the Celestial Sword suddenly vibrated.

A powerful vortex formed around him out of nowhere.

This vortex didn’t draw in the swords but rather rotated in reverse, pushing outward with immense force.

When the three divine swords came into contact with the vortex, they were pulled off course by the overwhelming force.

They flew past Dustin's body, missing him by a hair’s breadth.

"Hmm?"

Finn Sanchez raised an eyebrow in surprise.

As expected of the disciple of the Sword Immortal Bai Ye—his swordsmanship was truly impressive.

"Kaito!"

Finn Sanchez grabbed his sword, Kaito, and it landed perfectly in his hand.

As Dustin's sword came at him, Finn Sanchez used the Kaito sword to block the strike, guarding his vital points.

"Clang!"

Dustin's Celestial Sword, charging with full power, collided violently with Finn Sanchez's Kaito sword.

Finn's wrist trembled as he was pushed back several steps.

Just as Dustin prepared to continue his attack, six more divine swords whizzed toward him from behind.

Three attacked his upper body, and the other three aimed at his lower body.

If Dustin wanted to press on with his attack, he would be surrounded and trapped in a dangerous position.

Reluctantly, Dustin had no choice but to give up on the pursuit and draw his sword back to defend.

While dodging and blocking, Finn Sanchez seized the opportunity and launched a counterattack.

His Kaito sword was raised, and with it, he joined the fray, attempting to overpower Dustin.
---


Chapter 2688: The Battle's Tension

Finn Sanchez was not only skilled in sword manipulation; his personal swordsmanship was also peerless.

Each move he made was unpredictable, and his attacks were so fierce and relentless that it was almost impossible to stop him.

What was even more terrifying was that, as Finn Sanchez wielded his sword, six divine swords assisted him.

These six swords constantly disrupted Dustin's movements, sometimes attacking fiercely, sometimes locking him in place.

The synchronization between Finn Sanchez and these six swords was flawless, leaving no openings.

Dustin was forced to dodge and block while under relentless attack.

If it weren’t for his exceptional speed and extraordinary swordsmanship, he would have been defeated within a few breaths.

Even with all his skill, Dustin still felt an immense pressure.

It felt as if he wasn’t just fighting Finn Sanchez alone but facing off against six or seven experts at once.

Any lapse in concentration or any opening he showed would lead to a fatal blow.

What made the situation even more difficult was that Dustin not only had to defend but also had to find opportunities to counterattack, further raising the difficulty.

"This is truly spectacular! The movement and swordsmanship of both combatants are beyond extraordinary—this is a feast for any swordmaster!"

"I have to say, Dustin is truly impressive. Despite Finn Sanchez's seven swords, he’s still holding his ground."

"This match is full of suspense. It’s hard to say who will win."

As the battle continued, the audience couldn’t help but discuss excitedly.

Some of the gamblers who had placed bets were especially nervous.

On the surface, it seemed like Finn Sanchez had the upper hand, as he was the one on the offensive.

However, no one could be sure about the outcome, as it was clear that even though Finn Sanchez was attacking relentlessly, he couldn’t secure a quick victory, leading to many uncertain developments.

Those who had bet on Finn Sanchez mostly did so because of his higher chances of winning, although the odds were lower. Even a small victory would still yield some profit.

However, if Finn Sanchez failed to win, those who had bet on him would suffer significant losses.

"Finn Sanchez has already suppressed Dustin with seven swords, it seems the victory is certain," Jeffery squinted his eyes and mused thoughtfully.

Previously, when facing Aaron, Finn's seventh sword was unstoppable. Now, Dustin had managed to endure so long.

But Finn Sanchez still had two more swords left—his most powerful moves.

Once those were unleashed, Dustin would surely not be able to withstand them.

"The two sides are now evenly matched. It's too early to say who will win," Evelyn's raspy voice sounded.

"Master Morgan, you and I both know that once Finn Sanchez unleashes his full power with the last two swords, Dustin will have no chance of winning. Why keep up the struggle?" Jeffery smiled and shook his head.

Although he didn’t have a good relationship with the Sword Sect, he had placed his bet and naturally hoped Finn Sanchez would win.

"Finn Sanchez still has two more swords as his trump cards, but how can you be sure that Dustin doesn’t have a secret weapon?" Evelyn Morgan smiled coldly.

"These young people have already surpassed our expectations. It won’t be long before they replace us."

Jeffery froze and fell silent.

Although he didn’t fully agree with Evelyn Morgan’s words, a sense of unease lingered in his heart.

What if Dustin truly had a hidden card up his sleeve? This battle could be far from over.

At that moment, on the arena, Finn Sanchez was continuing his fierce assault, wielding his Kaito sword and creating a flurry of sword shadows, relentlessly attacking Dustin.


Chapter 2689: The Arrival of the Final Strike

The six other divine swords continued to dart back and forth, constantly applying pressure.

Dustin felt like a small boat caught in a raging storm, seemingly on the verge of being swallowed by the tempest. Yet, despite the relentless force, he remained steadfast, his boat swaying but never capsizing.

"Mystic!"

After his attacks failed to break through, Finn Sanchez could no longer hold back. He summoned his eighth divine sword, the Mystic Sword.

A golden light shot up into the sky, spinning around once before plunging downward toward Dustin. It was like a falling meteor, carrying the destructive force to annihilate all in its path.

"Black Tortoise!"

Dustin's body trembled, and his profound true Qi suddenly erupted.

A massive (illusory figure) of the Black Tortoise appeared, surrounding him in its protective shell.

Now fully restrained, there was no way to evade. Dustin had no choice but to brace himself head-on.

"Whoosh~!"

The golden sword descended, crashing into Dustin's protective energy shield.

"Boom!!"

A deafening explosion shook the ground, causing ripples of powerful shockwaves to slam against the arena's protective formation.

The blue protective barrier wavered violently, like a candle flame flickering in the wind.

"Steady!"

Drake shouted, and with the help of three other experts from Infernal Mountain, they channeled energy into the formation to stabilize it.

Meanwhile, at the center of the arena, the Mystic Sword hung above Dustin's head. Its sharp tip relentlessly attacked the protective energy, causing cracks to appear in the Black Tortoise figure around him.

It was clear that this defense wouldn’t last much longer.

"Yellow Spring!"

Finn Sanchez, seizing the advantage, summoned the ninth divine sword— the Yellow Spring Sword.

The Yellow Spring Sword, ranked eighth on the divine weapon list, was even more formidable than Dustin's own Celestial Sword, ranked ninth.

"Whoosh~!"

The Yellow Spring Sword shot out of its sheath, rapidly growing larger in midair.

In the blink of an eye, it had transformed into a massive ten-meter-long sword, two meters wide. Its black hue radiated malevolent energy, as though it had been forged in the depths of hell.

The mere sight of it made people’s hearts tremble.

"Slash!"

Finn Sanchez raised his sword and then struck downward with a force that shook the air.

The giant Yellow Spring Sword descended like a mountain, aiming to crush Dustin into dust.
---


Chapter 2690: The Awakening of the Dragon's Might

"With all nine swords of Finn Sanchez unleashed, no one can stop him!"

"Such terrifying pressure! The sword intent is overwhelming!"

"It's over! Dustin is definitely doomed this time!"

As the Yellow Spring Sword came crashing down, the hearts of all the spectators hung in suspense.

No one had expected Finn Sanchez's ninth sword to possess such devastating power, as though it could tear the heavens apart.

"Dragon Sparrow!"

Seeing the situation grow dire, Dustin let out a soft cry.

In the next moment, a purple light shot down from the sky at lightning speed, crashing into the massive Yellow Spring Sword.

"Boom!"

A loud explosion reverberated, and the purple light erupted.

The giant Yellow Spring Sword shattered instantly, flying backward several meters, leaving its true form exposed.

The purple light didn’t stop there— it continued to surge forward, knocking away the several flying swords in its path before finally hovering in front of Dustin.

It was none other than the Dragon Sparrow Sword, a divine weapon ranked second on the list!

"My God! Is that really the Dragon Sparrow Sword from the divine weapons list? I can’t believe it!"

"It really is! But isn’t that sword the weapon of the Sword Immortal Bai Ye? How is it in Dustin's hands? Does he have some connection to Bai Ye?"

"Bai Ye is already dead, and the sword has found a new master. For someone to earn the Dragon Sparrow Sword’s acknowledgment, they must be a once-in-a-lifetime swordsmanship prodigy!"

...

Upon seeing the appearance of the Dragon Sparrow Sword, the entire arena erupted in excitement.

Moments ago, everyone thought Dustin was doomed, but now they saw that he had kept such a powerful weapon hidden all along.

The name of the Dragon Sparrow Sword was well-known among the spectators.

A year ago, Bai Ye had used this very sword to strike down the Dragon Pavilion, causing the entire capital of Stonia to tremble.

Now, in Dustin's hands, the Dragon Sparrow Sword was pitted against Finn Sanchez's immense power. It was a true clash of titans, a spectacle to behold.

"This kid really is Bai Ye’s disciple," Jeffery squinted, his expression turning serious.

If Dustin had truly received Bai Ye’s teachings, and now wielded the Dragon Sparrow Sword, this battle was far from over.

"Defeat him, and you will have no equal from here on out," Hank muttered to himself.

He had already seen through Dustin's true identity and knew that defeating him wouldn’t be easy.

Still, he had faith in Finn Sanchez.

Once Finn Sanchez defeated Dustin, the entire martial world would be his for the taking for the next hundred years.

"Come on, kid!" Evelyn Morgan's eyes flickered with intense anticipation.

Whether for public or personal reasons, she hoped Dustin would win.

"Things just keep getting more interesting," Marlon smiled.

These young people were indeed full of surprises.

---

On the arena stage, staring at the Dragon Sparrow Sword floating before Dustin, even the usually cold Finn Sanchez couldn’t hide his excitement.

"You really had something up your sleeve!"

"Dragon Sparrow— truly a magnificent sword!"

Finn Sanchez's gaze was locked on the Dragon Sparrow Sword, his face filled with obvious admiration.

As a sword fanatic, his life’s goal was to collect all the famous swords in the world.

The more famous swords he possessed, the stronger his power became.


Chapter 2691: The Final Strike – The Battle of Legends

At this moment, although Finn Sanchez possessed nine famous swords, they still couldn't compare to the Dragon Sparrow Sword, a true treasure of the world.

If he could obtain the Dragon Sparrow Sword, it would mean half of his life's goal had been fulfilled.

"I didn’t want to use the Dragon Sparrow Sword, but now it seems that without it, I cannot win," Dustin said, lifting his hand to firmly grasp the Dragon Sparrow Sword.

This was the inheritance left to him by Uncle Bai. If it weren’t absolutely necessary, he would never have drawn it. However, the pressure from Finn Sanchez was immense, forcing him to resort to the sword.

“If you care about winning this match, how about we make a deal?” Finn Sanchez said, his eyes gleaming with excitement. “I can help you claim the championship, but in return, you must give me the Dragon Sparrow Sword. What do you say?”

Compared to the Dragon Sparrow Sword, titles meant nothing to him. He would gladly give up the championship or even betray the Sword Sect if it meant obtaining the sword.

"Are you insulting me?" Dustin raised an eyebrow, his voice cold. "As fellow sword practitioners, why would you think a title is more important than the Dragon Sparrow Sword?"

Finn Sanchez was taken aback, his gaze becoming more restrained as he nodded. "You’re right. I misspoke. Now, let me experience the power of the Dragon Sparrow Sword!"

Dustin glanced up at the setting sun, which was slowly sinking into the horizon. "It’s getting late. Let’s settle this with one strike."

"Exactly what I had in mind!" Finn Sanchez's expression became serious.

Before, it was only a warm-up, but now, with both sides revealing their trump cards, the real life-or-death duel had begun.

"My strike is called 'Dragon Slaying.' Be careful," Dustin warned.

Dustin raised the Dragon Sparrow Sword with one hand, recalling the image of Bai Ye’s final swing of his sword.

That one strike had caused the heavens and earth to tremble, with mountains being cleaved and rivers sliced in half. It had obliterated the entire Dragon Pavilion, changing the course of history.

Today, his strike would not only decide the outcome, but it would also be a tribute to Bai Ye, continuing the legacy of the Sword Immortal.

“Nine return to one!”

Seeing the drastic shift in Dustin's aura, Finn Sanchez did not hesitate. He waved his sword, and the nine divine swords soared into the sky, spinning rapidly. Eventually, their lights converged, forming a massive, nine-colored divine sword.

The nine-colored light surrounded the sword, releasing an intense and sharp aura, each wave of sword energy carrying deadly force, enough to kill ordinary people upon contact.

"Open the heavens!"

Finn Sanchez shouted, directing the nine-colored divine sword to slash down at Dustin.

In an instant, the sky changed color, and fierce winds erupted.

The entire arena began to shake, causing Drake and the others to frantically channel their true qi to stabilize the formation.

"Dragon Slaying!"

Dustin's hand lifted, and he casually waved at the sky.

It was simple and unadorned, without any showmanship. Yet, as soon as he swung the sword, it felt as though his vitality had been drained.

Sweat poured down his face, and his body trembled. His Profound True Qi was exhausted in an instant, leaving him weak and devoid of strength.

"Whoosh~!"

A purple sword beam shot out of the Dragon Sparrow Sword, slowly but steadily moving towards the nine-colored divine sword.

At first, the purple sword beam was only three feet long. But with every meter it traveled, the beam grew by three inches.

In the blink of an eye, the purple sword beam stretched to over ten meters, surpassing the size of the nine-colored divine sword.

Under the watchful eyes of the audience, the purple sword beam collided with the nine-colored divine sword with a deafening crash.
---


Chapter 2692: Cataclysmic Collision – The Arena’s Collapse

"Boom!!"

A deafening explosion shook the earth and the mountains.

As the purple sword beam collided with the nine-colored divine sword, an explosive wave of energy surged outward, like a volcano erupting.

Where the energy wave passed, the world trembled, and space itself seemed to distort.

The once-solid arena floor shattered like tofu, broken into pieces by the shockwave.

The enormous blue protective shield swelled to its limits and began vibrating uncontrollably.

Cracks formed and intertwined across the shield like a giant spider web, covering the entire formation.

"Hold steady!"

Drake shouted, and with the help of a few other Infernal Mountain experts, they poured their energy into maintaining the formation.

But despite their efforts, the protective shield continued to expand, and the cracks only grew larger.

With a final explosion, the protective shield shattered, sending Drake and the other Infernal Mountain experts flying several meters away. They were severely injured, blood pouring from their mouths and noses before they even hit the ground.

The residual shockwaves continued to spread outward.

Like a surging tide, the energy swept across the arena, overwhelming the spectators.

The more powerful among them could brace themselves, but those weaker were sent tumbling, injured and bloodied by the force.

The entire venue descended into chaos.

Shouts, curses, and cries for help echoed through the air.

At this level of combat, even the residual battle energy was beyond the tolerance of ordinary people.

The clash between Dustin and Finn Sanchez had turned out to be far fiercer than anyone expected. It not only destroyed the arena but also ripped apart the carefully prepared protective formation of Infernal Mountain.

Even several Infernal Mountain experts combined couldn't withstand the impact. The destructive force was truly unprecedented.

"Quick! Save the injured!"

At this point, the outcome of the match no longer mattered. Marlon, the Celestial Master of Infernal Mountain, immediately organized efforts to tend to the wounded.

The various sects also sprang into action.

In the face of such a near-catastrophic disaster, no one could remain indifferent.

Fortunately, most of the spectators were martial artists with some ability to protect themselves, so fatalities were avoided.

As for the non- martialists, they were not in danger either, as they were wealthy and influential, with powerful bodyguards to protect them.

Under the leadership of Infernal Mountain, and with the cooperation of the other sects, the chaos was quickly brought under control.

All the injured were moved, some carried off on stretchers.


Chapter 2693: The Judgment – A Draw Declared

Most of the remaining spectators remained where they were, eyes fixed on the center of the arena. Despite their disheveled appearance, their curiosity about the outcome outweighed their discomfort. Who had won?

The arena, once a grand structure of over a hundred meters in diameter, now lay in ruins, with nothing but piles of broken stones scattered about. The surrounding dust and smoke obscured their vision, leaving it impossible to see what was happening inside the wreckage.

"Whoosh~!"

A sudden gust of wind blew through, clearing away the dust and revealing the ruins beneath. Two figures stood on small heaps of stones.

On the left, Finn Sanchez, clad in black, appeared grim and panting, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth. Nine divine swords were impaled before him, their once-brilliant edges now dull and lifeless.

On the right, Dustin, dressed in white, looked pale and drenched in sweat. His hand, still gripping the Dragon Sparrow Sword, trembled slightly. A trickle of blood ran from his hand and dripped down the blade, falling onto the shattered stones below.

The two of them locked eyes, neither moving an inch.

"What’s happening? Who won?"

"Both are still standing. Could it be a draw?"

The crowd exchanged confused glances. The arena was destroyed, and the protective formation had been shattered. It seemed unrealistic to have another round of combat, especially with two Ultimate GrandMasters whose mere gestures could easily annihilate the surrounding spectators.

If they fought again without the formation’s protection, the residual energy would be deadly.

"Master Marlon, how should we proceed?" Jeffery asked, still stunned by the events unfolding.

"This..." Marlon was also at a loss. He had prepared thoroughly with protective formations and infernal Mountain’s experts to control the situation, but he never anticipated that Dustin and Finn Sanchez would possess such destructive power. Now, with the arena destroyed and the formation broken, determining a winner had become difficult.

"Master Zhang, since the arena is ruined, there’s no point in continuing the fight. Why don’t we declare it a draw?" Evelyn Morgan suddenly spoke up.

Marlon didn’t respond directly but instead turned his gaze to Hank and Jeffery, asking, "What do the two of you think?"

"I have no objections," Jeffery shrugged.

"Although it’s a bit disappointing, a draw isn’t bad," Hank pondered for a moment before nodding.

"Since no one has any objections, then it’s settled."

Marlon stood and, using his qi to project his voice, declared, "The arena has been destroyed, and the protective formation has failed. After discussion, it has been decided that this match will end in a draw!"
---


Chapter 2694: A Draw Shocks the World

"A draw?"

As soon as the words left Marlon's mouth, the crowd erupted into an uproar.

This was not the outcome many had expected. It was often said that in literature there is no "first," and in martial arts, no "second," meaning a match must have a winner. Especially in this highly anticipated championship duel, there had to be a clear conclusion.

Otherwise, what had been the point of the long and intense battle?

More importantly, how would they settle the betting stakes? Was the house going to win it all?

"A draw is fine! A draw is great!"

Abigail almost jumped for joy, her excitement palpable.

Originally, she had only intended to make a bit of profit from the handling fee, perhaps enjoy some food and drink. She hadn’t expected such an outcome. It seemed the heavens were favoring her for a big windfall!

"Do you two contestants accept this arrangement?" Marlon asked, turning his gaze back to Dustin and Finn Sanchez.

Both fighters were at their limits, their energy drained, and they were unable to continue the fight. The arena was destroyed, and the protective formation was in tatters. There was no suitable place for another round of combat.

Thus, a draw seemed like the most reasonable decision.

"Do you still have the strength to strike?" Finn Sanchez did not directly answer Zhang Yuzhen but instead focused on Dustin.

"I can still make one more move," Dustin replied truthfully.

The Dragon Sparrow Sword’s last strike, the Dragon Slaying Sword, had exhausted his Profound Energy, and now he only had enough residual power for one final blow.

"Same here."

Finn Sanchez wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth. "It’s unsatisfying to end it like this. Since we’ve fought this far, we should have a clear winner. How about this? Let’s not use internal energy, just swordsmanship, and see who’s the better swordsman."

"Good idea," Dustin nodded.

Without the arena and formation protection, their battle could easily harm innocents. But if they limited themselves to swordsmanship, there was no such concern.

"We’ll fight again, but this time, no internal energy, only swordsmanship," Finn Sanchez declared loudly.

"Swordsmanship?" Marlon raised an eyebrow and glanced at the three sect leaders. Seeing no objections, he responded, "That’s a good choice. Let it be so!"

Upon hearing this, the nervous crowd finally relaxed. If the match ended in a draw, it would lack credibility, and those who had bet would suffer significant losses.

In considering both safety and fairness, deciding the outcome through swordsmanship was indeed the most perfect solution.

"Prepare yourselves. I’ll strike now!"

Finn Sanchez grabbed the Yellow Spring Sword inserted in front of him, its tip pointing directly at Dustin.

Dustin remained silent, raising the Dragon Sparrow Sword in response.

The two stood still for a second, then simultaneously launched their attacks.

Without any internal energy or external force, relying only on their physical prowess, the speed at which they moved was terrifying.

In the blink of an eye, they became two afterimages, crashing into each other amidst the rubble.

"Clang, clang, clang, clang, clang..."


Chapter 2695: The Final Strike – A Swordsmanship Victory

The sound of clashing steel echoed through the air, accompanied by sparks flying in all directions.

The two figures blurred as they crossed each other, their movements so fast that it was impossible to tell who was who. Even without using internal energy, their simple physical collisions produced shockwaves like gusts of wind, rippling outward like waves on water.

The audience, watching from a distance, felt a sense of unease. It was as if being too close would result in instant disintegration.

After several minutes of intense combat, the two figures suddenly paused.

Finn Sanchez's sword had pierced Dustin's shoulder, the sharp tip cutting through skin and muscle, drawing a trickle of blood.

"Is this the end?"

The spectators behind Finn Sanchez, seeing the wound on Dustin's shoulder, assumed that Finn Sanchez had won. Those who had bet on him felt elated, while the others sighed in disappointment.

However, the viewers behind Dustin saw a different story.

Though Dustin's shoulder had been pierced, his sword had plunged into Finn Sanchez's chest. With just a little more force, the strike could have been fatal.

It was clear to them that it wasn’t Finn Sanchez who had won—it was Dustin.

In the battle of swordsmanship, Dustin had ultimately come out on top.

Finn Sanchez looked down at the sword embedded an inch into his chest, his expression complicated. He had once thought of himself as unparalleled in swordsmanship, but now, he had been bested by Dustin.

While both of them were equal in cultivation, their swordsmanship had not been.

It seemed that Finn Sanchez still had much to learn.

"Thank you for sparing my life. I concede defeat," Finn Sanchez said, withdrawing the Yellow Springs Sword and cupping his hands in respect.

He was not a man who couldn’t accept defeat. Nor did he care for the title of champion. His lifelong pursuit was the perfection of the sword. If he had lost, it simply meant his skill was lacking, and he had not put in enough effort—nothing more.

"Thank you," Dustin said, also drawing his sword and cupping his hands in return, showing respect.

This victory had not come easily for him. In fact, it had been a dangerous and challenging fight because Finn Sanchez was incredibly strong.

His control over the nine flying swords was flawless, without any weaknesses. Had the contest not been decided by swordsmanship, Dustin might not have won.

"Alas... one move too few," Hank sighed deeply upon seeing the outcome.

When he had heard that the final battle would be decided by swordsmanship, he had felt uneasy. Finn Sanchez had focused on cultivating sword intent, and while his swordsmanship was impressive, it was not perfect.

Against someone as talented as Dustin, it had proved to be a disadvantage.

But now, it was too late for regrets.

The silver lining was that Finn Sanchez did not seem disappointed. Instead, his eyes glowed with newfound determination, a fire that would drive him forward in the future.

Sometimes, failure was not a bad thing. It could serve as motivation to improve.
---


Chapter 2696: The Unexpected Champion – Dustin Triumphs

"Indeed, the waves of the Yangtze River push the waves ahead!" Jeffery squinted, his expression a mix of surprise and delight.

Honestly, though he knew Dustin was Bai Ye’s disciple, he hadn’t believed Dustin could defeat Finn Sanchez. He was amazed by the unexpected outcome.

Though he had lost the bet, he felt strangely happy. At least the championship had not gone to the Sword Sect. At least his World Martial Arts Association still had a chance.

Of course, his main goal now was to figure out how to recruit Dustin. Simply offering cultivation resources and promises of power might not be enough, especially with the Sword Sect and Witchcraft Sect as strong competitors.

To win Dustin over, he would need to think outside the box.

Thinking about it, Dustin seemed to have close ties with his two daughters. Perhaps using a more personal approach might work. If he used his daughters to attract Dustin, the chances of success would be much higher.

"After hiding for so long, he finally made a name for himself," Evelyn Morgan grinned, clearly satisfied with Dustin's performance.

Her granddaughter was still unmarried, and if she could make Dustin her grandson-in-law, it would be a huge boost to the Witchcraft Sect. While it might go against the sect's usual customs, those rules were made by people and could be changed. After all, times were different now.

"Like a golden-scaled fish in a small pond, once it meets the storm, it turns into a dragon," Marlon whispered, marveling at the outcome.

No one had expected Dustin to win the championship. This dark horse had stunned everyone.

Seeing that Finn Sanchez had conceded, Marlon stood and announced loudly, "The competition is over. I hereby declare that the champion of this martial arts contest is... Dustin!"

At this, the crowd erupted into cheers, applause filling the air.

Both Dustin and Finn Sanchez had put on an incredible display, impressing everyone. They had never seen such a thrilling and intense fight before.

The arena had been shattered, the protective formation destroyed. Even without their internal energy, they had delivered an astonishing final duel of swordsmanship.

It had all been worth the risk to witness such a battle.

"Ha ha ha... We won! Dustin won!"

"Small bet, big win! I’m going to make a fortune!"

"Sigh... I should have bet on Dustin!"

The crowd was filled with a mix of emotions. Those who had bet on Dustin were ecstatic, while those who had bet on Finn Sanchez lamented their bad luck.

However, the mood of the majority of the audience remained high, and the name "Dustin" rang out throughout the arena.

After the competition ended, it was time for the awards.

The third-place prize went to Abigail, followed by second place for Finn Sanchez. Both received rare and priceless treasures, highly valued by the Sword Sect and Witchcraft Sect.

As for Dustin, the champion, he didn’t immediately receive his reward. Instead, Marlon personally invited him to the inner sanctum of Infernal Mountain.

It had been previously announced that the champion would receive a secret treasure of the Heavenly Master. What this treasure was remained a mystery, yet its significance was immense.


Chapter 2697: Old Master Devin

However, Dustin had a guess that the Heavenly Master’s secret treasure was most likely related to the Dragon Source Qi.

And this was the ultimate goal that brought him to the martial competition.

After leaving the competition arena, Dustin followed Marlon through one gate after another, finally entering the inner hall.

“After such an intense battle, take a rest for a while.”

“I have a matter to attend to, I’ll be back shortly.”

“Someone, serve tea!”

Marlon led Dustin to a seat, then instructed a servant to bring tea and snacks, before turning to leave.

By now, dusk had fallen, and the operations inside and outside Infernal Mountain continued as usual, orderly.

Since he was already here, Dustin settled down. He leisurely drank tea while waiting quietly.

It wasn’t until nightfall that Marlon returned, but this time, he was accompanied by a tall elderly man.

The elderly man had a round face, white hair, a plump build, and a cheerful demeanor. He looked kind and jovial.

However, in front of the Heavenly Master, Marlon, the elderly man carried himself with utmost respect.

Seeing the old man, Dustin's expression changed, and he quickly stood up to salute. "Dustin pays his respects to the Old Heavenly Master!"

Indeed, this seemingly unremarkable, plump old man with a round face was none other than the legendary figure, Zhang Xuanji, the number one expert who had held the top position on the martial rankings for many years.

“Hahaha... Little one, don’t be so formal, sit down and speak.”

Devin laughed heartily, patting Dustin on the shoulder, without a trace of seniority.

Dustin nodded and sat back down. Although he had expected to meet Devin, seeing him in person brought a different feeling altogether.

The man seemed ordinary on the surface, but his presence was like a vast ocean, unfathomably deep.

The higher one's cultivation, the more one could sense the pressure emanating from the depths of his soul.

It wasn’t that Devin intentionally exuded this aura—it was simply the overwhelming shock that even ants would feel when looking up at the heavens.

Yes, even with Dustin's current cultivation, standing before Devin felt like he was but an insignificant insect.

“You sit as well.”

Devin motioned for Marlon to sit down beside him.

“Young one, congratulations on winning the championship. In addition to the usual rewards, you may make one request of Infernal Mountain. As long as it doesn’t violate the principles of the martial world and is within our ability, we will do our utmost to fulfill it.”

Devin settled into his chair, smiling as he spoke.

Hearing this, Dustin's eyes lit up.

The prestige of Infernal Mountain needed no further explanation, and the opportunity to make a request to Devin was far more valuable than any material reward.

However, Dustin hadn’t decided what to ask for yet, so after some thought, he replied, “Old Heavenly Master, I haven’t decided yet. Would it be possible to hold onto this offer for now and make a request later?”

“Of course, no problem.”

Devin chuckled. “But don’t take too long, little one. If I happen to pass away one day, you might regret it.”

“Old Heavenly Master, you’ll live a long life, surely.” Dustin hurriedly responded.

“A long life?” Devin paused and then laughed even more joyfully. “You’re an interesting one.”

Noticing the odd expression on Marlon face, Dustin suddenly realized that the Old Heavenly Master was already nearly two hundred years old, so telling him to live a long life might have been both a blessing and an inadvertent curse.


Chapter 2698: Old Master Devin's Gift

“Old Heavenly Master, I apologize for my slip of the tongue,” Dustin said, feeling embarrassed.

“Hahaha... No need to worry, I’m not offended,” Devin laughed heartily, then waved to Marlon. “ Marlon, bring the reward for this young man.”

“Certainly.”

Marlon nodded and took out a jade box, placing it on the table beside Dustin.

“Little one, open it and see,” Devin gestured with a smile.

Dustin nodded, then opened the jade box with both hands.

Inside, there were three crystal-clear beads, each emitting a faint glow. One was golden, another red, and the third green.

Within each bead, a small snake of the same color was swirling around, making them look extremely lively.

“Dragon Source Qi?!” Dustin's eyes brightened as he recognized the beads immediately.

He had already encountered a trace of Dragon Source Qi before, so he instantly recognized the origin of the three beads before him.

However, he never imagined that Longhu Mountain would have three concentrations of Dragon Source Qi.

What kind of treasure land was this?

“Well, how do you like the reward?” Devin asked with a smile.

“Old Heavenly Master, how did you know I needed this?” Dustin couldn’t hide his astonishment.

“The Master’s insight is unparalleled, and the fate of the world cannot escape his gaze,” Marlon said proudly.

“As expected of the Old Heavenly Master, I am in awe!” Dustin clasped his hands and bowed.

It was said that fortune came effortlessly when least expected, and he hadn’t anticipated obtaining the Dragon Source Qi so easily, let alone receiving three concentrations at once.

With four out of the five concentrations now in his possession, only one more remained.

“Don’t celebrate too early.” Devin smiled and said, “The Dragon Source Qi determines the fate of the world, and it will certainly attract countless factions to vie for it. Now that it’s in your hands, while it’s a blessing, it’s also a potential curse. You must consider carefully whether you want to hold onto this dangerous treasure.”

“Since it was entrusted to me, I must fulfill my duty. I will protect the Dragon Source Qi with all my strength,” Dustin said solemnly.

“Well said. A true son of the Dragon Kingdom should possess such courage,” Devin nodded with a smile.

“Old Heavenly Master, you have given me such a great gift, and I also have some news to share with you.” Dustin suddenly changed the subject.

“Oh? What news?” Devin raised an eyebrow.

“The Western world’s Divine Hall has already sent experts to infiltrate Infernal Mountain. Their target seems to be the forbidden area of Infernal Mountain. I’m not sure if it’s for the Dragon Source Qi, or if they have other motives,” Dustin reported truthfully.

“Divine Hall?” Devin's expression changed, a hint of seriousness crossing his face.
---


Chapter 2699: The Secrets of Longhu Mountain

Devin squinted his eyes, his smile unchanging. "They certainly have courage, trying to target Infernal Mountain."

"The enemies are prepared, and we must remain vigilant," Dustin replied.

"Marlon, handle this matter," Devin said with a smile. "Anyone who dares to trespass the forbidden grounds should be dealt with accordingly."

"Understood!" Marlon responded before swiftly leaving.

Recently, Infernal Mountain had been experiencing some disturbances, so it was time to take care of them.

"Little fellow, would you like to know what lies beneath the forbidden grounds of Infernal Mountain?" Devin suddenly asked.

"Shouldn't I not be privy to that?" Dustin said, unsure of what Devin was hinting at.

"It's not a world-shattering secret. It won't hurt to tell you," Devin said, taking a sip of his tea. He smiled as he continued, "The strength of Dragonmarsh has grown because of its prosperous national fortune, an unstoppable force. There are three key factors that determine this fortune: the timing, the environment, and the people. As for timing, it’s a mysterious force connected to the operation of the heavenly laws. I still haven’t fully comprehended it, so I won't go into details. The environment, on the other hand, refers to the mountains, rivers, and abundant natural resources. At the core of all of this is the Dragon Vein hidden beneath the earth.

The strength of the Dragon Vein determines the national fortune.

As for the people, it’s related to Dragonmarsh's rulers and those with the fortune to wield power.

In the past, the true ruler of Dragonmarsh was Kylo, the leader of the Dragon Guard Pavilion. He controlled the royal Dragon Vein and became corrupted by greed. His actions caused unrest among the people. Fortunately, your master stepped in and eliminated him.

With Kylo's downfall and the destruction of the Dragon Guard Pavilion, the Dragon Vein was freed and returned to the world. This was a great act of justice, which I greatly admire."

Upon hearing this, Dustin's eyes dimmed for a moment, but then he quickly regained his composure. "What the old master says, I already know, but what does this have to do with the forbidden grounds of Infernal Mountain?"

Devin paused, then smiled meaningfully. "To be honest, Dragonmarsh doesn’t have just one Dragon Vein."

Dustin's eyes widened. "You mean there is another Dragon Vein beneath Infernal Mountain?"

"Yes," Devin nodded. "This is why I’ve stayed here for so long. My duty is to protect this Dragon Vein. It’s not just related to Infernal Mountain’s fortune but also to the entire nation's destiny."

Dustin was struck with realization. "No wonder... no wonder the royal Dragon Vein was destroyed, but Dragonmarsh didn’t fall into chaos. It turns out this Dragon Vein under Infernal Mountain was still sustaining the national fortune."

"Exactly," Devin replied, his voice low. "I’ve been relying on the energy from this Dragon Vein for my cultivation, which is why I've been able to live this long."

Dustin's eyes sharpened. "Old master, are you telling me this for some other reason?"

Devin smiled. "You're sharp. The truth is, human power is limited. I’ve lived nearly two hundred years, and my time is drawing near. I can no longer protect the Dragon Vein, so before I pass, I need to find someone to succeed me. You are the most suitable candidate."
---


Chapter 2700: The Choice of the Guardian

"Me?" Dustin was stunned, quickly shaking his head. "Old master, you must be joking. I don’t have the ability to guard the Dragon Vein. Please choose someone else."

Such a heavy responsibility was far too much for him to bear. Protecting the Dragon Vein wasn’t like guarding a house—if anything went wrong, the consequences would be catastrophic, affecting not just Infernal Mountain, but all of Dragonmarsh. The pressure would be overwhelming.

"Don’t be so quick to refuse," Devin said with a smile. "There are many benefits to guarding the Dragon Vein. First, the Dragon Vein is a living entity. If you can connect with it, your cultivation will improve exponentially, and your lifespan will be greatly extended. With the Dragon Vein's support, you will become invincible, and no one will be able to stop you."

Devin wasn’t exaggerating. If one could become the Dragon Vein’s guardian, they could harness its power, achieving a level of resonance with the heavens and earth—what many would call the "Earthly Immortal Realm."

"If Kylo had fought near the Dragon Guard Pavilion a year ago, the outcome might have been different," Devin added.

"Old master, I’m not interested in improving my cultivation or extending my life," Dustin replied, rejecting the offer once more. "I’m someone who values freedom and doesn’t want to be bound by such responsibilities."

Devin nodded understandingly. "If you truly don’t want it, I won’t force you. But if you change your mind, feel free to come find me."

This competition was meant to choose the Dragon Vein's successor, but it ultimately came down to personal choice. Dustin's refusal was respected.

"Thank you for understanding, old master," Dustin said, secretly relieved. He had been worried that his refusal would lead to Devin taking back the treasures containing the Dragon Source Qi, but it seemed that wasn’t the case.

Devin smiled kindly. "If you’re not busy, stay here tonight. I still have matters to attend to. I’ll leave for now."
---
 

EMZEE

Ultimate Grandmaster & Disciple of Perv Sect
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Chapter 2701: A Gathering of Heroes

"Farewell, Grand Celestial Master!"

Dustin immediately cupped his hands in respect.

Only after Devin had departed did Dustin finally relax.

Although Devin displayed no airs of superiority, emitted no oppressive aura, and was extraordinarily amiable, an invisible pressure loomed whenever one was near him. Even breathing seemed to require caution.

Indeed, the world’s sole terrestrial immortal was far from simple.

After securing the Dragon Essence Qi, Dustin bid his farewells and left.

He had already given Infernal Mountain a warning, so even if the Hall of Gods attempted any schemes, the mountain sect would surely be prepared. However, to be safe, Dustin planned to approach Noel to uncover whether the Hall of Gods had any other conspiracies in play.

Returning to the inn from Infernal Mountain, Dustin found Margaret already waiting for him. She had arranged a feast and invited several friends to celebrate.

Among the guests were Violet and Lily, two sisters; Willa and Lana, another pair of siblings; along with Zion and Cassius.

Though they hailed from different sects, they all shared a common purpose—to honor Dustin's triumph.

"Brother Dustin, congratulations! Winning the championship and astonishing the world is no small feat!" Zion was the first to raise his hand in salute.

"Brother Dustin, your performance today was truly eye-opening. My admiration knows no bounds," Willa praised earnestly.

"Dustin, I didn’t expect you to be so formidable. From now on, the entire martial world will echo with your legend," Lana chimed in with a smile.

"That’s a given! Brother Dustin is now the undisputed number one on the Prodigy Rankings, even defeating Finn Sanchez. Who could rival him?" Cassius added, seizing the opportunity to flatter.

"You all overpraise me," Dustin replied modestly. "I was merely fortunate to win. Come, everyone, please be seated. Today’s feast is on me. Eat, drink, and let’s toast till we drop!"

Dustin returned each greeting with a smile, then gestured for everyone to sit.

"Brother Dustin, now that you’ve won the championship and become an honorary guest of the World Association, I hope you’ll look after us in the future," Violet teased, her laughter soft and alluring.

Her radiant face, coupled with a captivating demeanor, was strikingly enchanting.

"Dustin, are you accepting disciples? I’d like to become your apprentice!" Lily, more straightforward, sought a closer relationship through her playful request.

The Xiao sisters had already consulted with their father, Jeffrey, and learned of Dustin's true identity. At their father’s urging, they were determined to secure Dustin's favor, even if it meant offering themselves.

A handsome, exceptionally skilled prodigy with boundless potential—he was undoubtedly their ideal match. The only question was whether they could successfully tether him to the World Martial Arts Association.
---


Chapter 2702: Behind the Smiles

"Miss Xiao, you must be joking. The World Martial Arts Association has countless experts. How could I presume to take on disciples?" Dustin smiled politely, declining tactfully. "However, as friends, we can always exchange insights on martial arts in the future."

"Alright, but if I come seeking advice, you mustn’t refuse," Lily quipped, blinking playfully.

She had only asked on a whim, not seriously intending to become his disciple. It was merely a pretext to foster a closer connection. With the excuse of martial discussions, she had achieved her goal.

Once everyone was seated, the banquet began in earnest. Wine flowed, and conversation turned lively.

Throughout the meal, the Xiao sisters continuously exchanged meaningful glances with Dustin. Their intentions were apparent to all.

Dustin, however, maintained a courteous smile, tactfully evading their flirtations and subtly deflecting their advances.

He was well aware of their motives. After his championship victory, his fame had skyrocketed, prompting the World Martial Arts Association to capitalize on the opportunity. As an honorary guest, he was still an outsider; becoming a core member or the son-in-law of the association's leader would cement a much stronger bond.

But Dustin had no interest in being anyone’s tool. Agreeing to the honorary guest title had already been a concession to Margaret's request. Joining the World Martial Arts Association entirely was out of the question.

After the banquet ended and everyone departed, Dustin returned to his room and placed the jade box containing the Dragon Essence Qi on the table.

Moments later, a figure slipped in through the window, ghostly and silent.

Standing before him was a woman dressed in green, her features delicate and fair. It was none other than Margaret, disguised.

"You’re here. Sit."

Dustin smiled, pouring two cups of tea and sliding one toward her.

He had already signaled during the banquet for her to meet him in private.

"Thank you."

Margaret smiled back, her gaze falling on the jade box. "Is that the reward from Infernal Mountain?"

"That’s right. Care to guess what’s inside?" Dustin grinned, eager to test her intuition.

"Being so secretive... Could it be Dragon Essence Qi?" Margaret raised an eyebrow.

"Ha! You truly are sharp. I can’t keep anything from you, can I?" Dustin laughed in surprise.

He had been astonished when she previously deduced the Hall of Gods’ enhancement serum. Now, her accurate guess about the box’s contents amazed him even more.


Chapter 2703: Secrets of the Dragon Vein

"Nothing remarkable. You and I both know that an extraordinary treasure has emerged in the forbidden grounds of Infernal Mountain. It is most likely the Dragon Origin Qi," Margaret said with a faint smile. "Furthermore, with Devin's astute foresight, he could easily deduce your identity and intentions with a simple calculation. Presenting the Dragon Origin Qi as the champion's prize is a masterstroke—beneficial to both sides."

"Smart. Open it and take a look," Dustin nodded toward the jade box.

Margaret didn’t hold back. She opened the jade box directly, but what she saw left her stunned, her face full of shock.

"I… am I seeing this right? Three strands of Dragon Origin Qi?"

Her eyes widened in disbelief. Although she had speculated that Dustin's reward might be Dragon Origin Qi, she never imagined there would be three strands. It was incredible!

What kind of wondrous sanctuary was Infernal Mountain that it could attract the convergence of three strands of Dragon Origin Qi?

"Well, are you surprised? Unexpected, isn’t it?" Dustin smiled knowingly. "When I first saw the three strands, I had the same reaction as you."

"This… this is truly a stroke of fortune!" Margaret's eyes sparkled.

The happiness came so suddenly that she felt almost overwhelmed. With four strands of Dragon Origin Qi now in hand, she was only one away from restoring the kingdom’s fortune.

"This progress… it’s almost unbelievable," she murmured.

"Indeed, only one strand remains. The future is looking bright," Dustin said, stretching comfortably. With his mission nearing completion, he felt much lighter.

"This time, I must thank you. Without your victory, who knows when these three strands of Dragon Origin Qi could have been secured," Margaret said sincerely.

"Don’t be so formal. You’ve helped me before; this is just repaying the favor," Dustin shrugged.

"By the way, I’m curious. Why are there three strands of Dragon Origin Qi gathered here? Could there be another secret hidden within Infernal Mountain's forbidden grounds?" Margaret's tone shifted to a probing one.

"You’re right," Dustin's expression turned serious. "The Grand Celestial Master revealed a secret to me—beneath the forbidden grounds of Infernal Mountain lies a dragon vein. It is this dragon vein that has drawn so much Dragon Origin Qi."

"A dragon vein?" Margaret's pupils contracted in shock. "Is this true?"

"The Grand Celestial Master said it himself; it should be credible."

"No wonder… No wonder the destruction of the royal dragon vein didn’t destabilize the country. It turns out another dragon vein exists beneath Infernal Mountain, supporting the nation’s fortune!" Margaret exclaimed in realization.

"And now I understand the Hall of Gods’ conspiracy! Their goal is to use this martial arts tournament as an opportunity to destroy Infernal Mountain's dragon vein and seize the nation’s fortune!"

Just as she spoke, Dustin's sharp ears detected movement. He quickly lowered his voice.

"Someone’s coming. Hide quickly."
---


Chapter 2704: A Visitor in the Night

"Someone’s coming. Hide quickly," Dustin whispered.

He had already sensed faint footsteps outside the door. The intruder moved lightly and with concealed energy, clearly a skilled expert.

"Understood."

Margaret nodded and swiftly secured the Dragon Origin Qi. With a graceful leap, she vanished through the window, leaving no trace behind.

Almost as soon as she disappeared, a knock sounded at the door.

"Who is it?" Dustin asked calmly.

"It’s me, noel."

Recognizing the familiar voice, Dustin opened the door with a smile. "Ah, Lord Noel, please come in."

Noel's late-night visit likely signaled that the Hall of Gods was about to make their move.

"Brother Dustin, congratulations on your victory! I came to personally celebrate," Noel said warmly as he entered. "Your performance today was remarkable—truly a surprise! I knew my judgment of you was spot-on."

"Thank you. It’s all thanks to the strengthening potion you provided. Without it, I wouldn’t have been able to defeat Finn Sanchez," Dustin replied humbly.

"Hahaha! Now you see the benefits of aligning with the Hall of Gods," Noel said, grinning. "With our support, fame and fortune come effortlessly! As long as you serve us well, your future will be nothing short of glorious."

"Of course," Dustin nodded, smiling.

"Enough pleasantries. Let’s get to the point," Noel said, closing the door and setting up a soundproofing barrier. "I’m here to assign you a mission. The God King has decided to launch a surprise attack on Infernal Mountain tonight. You’ve been appointed as the team leader to command a squad of elites and infiltrate the forbidden grounds to retrieve a treasure."

"Infiltrate the forbidden grounds?" Dustin feigned reluctance. "I’ve heard it’s fraught with danger and guarded by powerful experts. I’m afraid I might not be up to the task."

"Rest assured, you won’t be alone. Two other elite squads will cooperate with you," Noel explained. "You only need to deal with the experts in the forbidden grounds. As for external threats, we’ll handle them, ensuring your success."

"If that’s the case, then I have no objections. But what exactly are we after?" Dustin asked curiously.

"You’ll find out once you’re inside," Noel replied cryptically.
---


Chapter 2705: Leader of the Mission

"It’s not that I won’t tell you—I simply don’t know myself. The God King has orchestrated everything. Our job is to follow orders. It’s best not to ask too many questions; that’s our rule. I hope you understand," Noel explained.

"Understood. I’ll follow orders," Dustin nodded.

"Excellent. It’s getting late. Let me take you to meet your team," Noel said with a smile.

"Lead the way," Dustin replied politely.

Under the cover of darkness, Noel led Dustin through the quiet streets. They moved like shadows, their presence undetectable. Within ten minutes, they arrived at a secluded courtyard—the designated gathering spot.

Inside the meeting hall, about a dozen people were already assembled. Dustin recognized several of them, including Briggs, the drunken martial artist dressed like a beggar, and Dawson, one half of the notorious Heaven and Earth Twins.

"Everyone, now that we’re all here, let me introduce someone," Noel announced. Gesturing to Dustin, he continued, "This is Mr. Dustin. Some of you may already know him. From this moment, he is your squad leader for tonight’s mission. You will all follow his commands. Understood?"

Before anyone could respond, a young man with dreadlocks sneered. "Lord Noel, are you serious? Why should a kid like him lead us? Only someone like Elder Dawson or Elder Easton is qualified!"

Dawson's expression darkened as he slapped the young man hard across the face.

"You insolent fool! Shut your mouth!" Dawson roared.

"Why are you hitting me, Elder Dawson?" The young man was stunned, clutching his reddened cheek.

"You blind idiot! Mr. Dustin is the champion of today’s martial arts tournament—an Ultimate Grandmaster-level expert! If he’s not qualified, who is?!" Dawson spat furiously.

The young man froze in shock. He had heard of Dustin's astounding feats but hadn’t expected to meet him here. Realizing his mistake, he trembled with fear and stammered out an apology.

Now he understood—he had just kicked an iron wall.
---


Chapter 2706: A Narrow Escape

"Mr. Dustin… Mr. Dustin, I truly apologize! I was blind just now. Please, forgive me this time and don’t hold it against me!"

After a brief moment of shock, the young man with dreadlocks quickly bowed and apologized, beads of sweat the size of beans dripping down his forehead.

He knew that the other party was a top-tier Ultimate Grandmaster-level powerhouse, and killing him would be as easy as flipping a hand.

"Don’t let it happen again." Dustin glanced coldly at him, but didn't seize the opportunity to take action.

In his eyes, these people were in cahoots with the Temple of the Gods, invading Infernal Mountain, and were already sentenced to death. It was just a matter of when.

"Yes, yes! Thank you, Mr. Dustin, for showing mercy!" The young man nodded repeatedly, looking like someone who had narrowly escaped death.

It was fortunate that the other party was magnanimous. Otherwise, today he might have been doomed. It seemed that in the future, if he wanted to flatter someone, he’d better assess the situation first, or he might meet an untimely end.

"Everyone, I won’t say anything unnecessary. We are all on the same side, with a shared goal. As long as we all cooperate fully, I believe tonight’s mission will be a perfect success," Dustin announced as he scanned the room.

Those who met his gaze lowered their heads in agreement.

Only one person remained indifferent, and that was the Wine Immortal Wei Ling - Briggs.

From start to finish, he was obliviously sipping his drink, completely unconcerned with the external changes, lost in his own world.

Dustin had a good impression of Briggs and didn’t think he was the type to act as a lackey.

After all, when Dawson had provoked him, it was Briggs who stepped in to stop him.

If they encountered danger tonight, Dustin figured he could help protect Briggs.

"Alright, everyone, stay here for a while, conserve your energy, and once the time is right, we’ll move together."

"I have a few things to attend to, so I’ll leave first."

Noel clasped his hands in greeting and departed.

With two hours until midnight, there was plenty of time to prepare.

After leaving the hidden courtyard, Noel traveled swiftly, crossing mountains and ridges, until he arrived at the temporary command center of the Temple of the Gods.

This command center was located less than ten kilometers from Infernal Mountain, and its location was highly secretive, surrounded by both overt and covert guards. Ordinary people couldn’t approach.

Even Noel, as a main god, had to reveal his identity to enter.

Inside the command center’s meeting hall, many had already gathered.

At the head of the table was Bear King Baily, along with top powerhouses from various countries, invited by the Temple of the Gods.

Among them were Blood Demon William, Sword Saint Taro Kusama from the Jinwu Kingdom, the three top assassins from the Ten-Zhu Kingdom, Brahma, Shiva, and Vishnu, as well as Fist Saint Bason from the White Elephant Kingdom.

These were all Grandmaster-level warriors, the pinnacle of international combat power.
---


Chapter 2707: The Power of the Temple of the Gods

Now gathered together, their purpose was clear: invade Infernal Mountain, seize the rare treasures, and destroy the dragon veins.

In addition to these Grandmasters, the Temple of the Gods had dispatched more than ten master-level gods to provide support.

Also present were several hundred elite death soldiers, the best of the best.

In truth, the Temple of the Gods had mobilized all the resources at their disposal to ensure the success of this mission.

It was a do-or-die operation!

Once the main forces were in place, Bear King Baily gestured, and a group of servants walked in, carrying exquisite boxes.

"Everyone, these are the latest genetic enhancement serums developed by the Temple of the Gods. Each of you will receive two doses. After taking them, your strength will significantly increase. Feel free to try them out," Bear King Baily announced loudly.

As the boxes were opened, two vials of red and blue serum were revealed before everyone.

The master-level gods didn’t hesitate and immediately grabbed the vials, drinking them in front of everyone.

It was a statement of faith and a way to prove that the serums were safe.

"I’ve heard that the Temple of the Gods’ genetic serums are exceptional. Let me try them first," Taro Kusama said casually, inspecting the vials before drinking them.

In an instant, he felt a surge of heat throughout his body, his heart racing, and his qi flowing stronger and more condensed than before.

"Truly a marvelous treasure! Thank you, Lord Bear King, for the gift!" Taro Kusama bowed respectfully.

"You're too kind, Kusama. We’re allies, after all, and should help each other," Bear King Baily smiled. "If you’re willing, we can even cooperate long-term. The Temple of the Gods can provide as many genetic enhancement serums as you need!"

"That sounds fantastic! I look forward to working with you, Lord Bear King!" Kusama replied eagerly.

He knew that the side effect of the serum was that it would need to be taken annually, or the enhancement would wear off. But with a long-term partnership with the Temple of the Gods, he wouldn't need to worry about running out.
---


Chapter 2708: The High Stakes of Power

"Is this the Temple of the Gods’ genetic enhancement serum? It’s incredible!"

"I feel an overwhelming surge of power, and I’m eager to fight!"

"Those worthless Dragon Kingdom warriors, tonight, I’ll make sure they have no graves!"

As the serum took effect, everyone grew more enthusiastic, their power increasing rapidly, and their battle spirit soaring. The atmosphere in the hall was charged with excitement.

"I say, Baily, with such a marvelous treasure, why didn’t you reveal it sooner? How much of this serum do you have left? I’ll buy all of it!" Blood Demon William said grandly.

"These are top-tier S-grade serums, extremely rare, and only available for the high-ranking members of our temple. The ones for sale are only A-grade. But, if you’d like, I can gift you a batch, free of charge," Bear King Baily offered generously.

"Ha ha ha… Then I won’t be polite!" William laughed heartily.

Getting something for free was always the best. Whether for personal use or resale, it was a great opportunity.
---

Chapter 2709: A Web of Deception

"Lord Bear King, you can’t be too biased. Our Ten-Zhu Kingdom is also very interested in these genetic enhancement serums," Brahma spoke up.

"Don’t worry, after tonight’s success, the Temple of the Gods will reward all of you generously. No one will leave empty-handed!" Bear King Baily promised.

At these words, everyone’s faces lit up with satisfaction.

Though they were allies, in the end, they were working for the Temple of the Gods. Without sufficient rewards, they wouldn’t be eager to help.

Fortunately, Bear King Baily had made it clear that after the mission’s success, they would all benefit greatly.

"Everyone, the time is almost here. Let’s proceed with the plan," Bear King Baily announced.

"Yes!" they all agreed and quickly departed.

Each country’s top experts led their own teams, each tasked with different objectives—some would create disturbances, others set up ambushes, while others were assigned to assassination missions. They would all coordinate while acting in their specific roles.

To ensure success, the Temple of the Gods had meticulously planned every detail, leaving nothing to chance.

After the main forces left, Bear King Baily kept Noel behind.

"How are things on your end?" Baily asked.

"Lord Baily, Dustin and his team are ready and awaiting orders," Noel reported with his head lowered.

"Dustin is a man of great talent and potential. If he could fully commit to the Temple of the Gods, he could be a great asset," Bear King Baily said thoughtfully.
---


Chapter 2710: Entering the Forbidden Grounds

As the fire broke out at Infernal Mountain, Lu Chen received the order to commence the attack.

He immediately led a team, following the original plan to infiltrate the forbidden area of Infernal Mountain.

Due to the large-scale invasion by the Temple of the Gods, Infernal Mountain was in chaos, with people scrambling to extinguish the fire.

As a result, the defenses around the back mountain’s forbidden area were extremely thin, and many of the usual guards had been reassigned.

Only a lone mountain stood, solitary and abandoned.

Of course, Dustin didn’t underestimate Infernal Mountain’s setup.

Even without guards, the forbidden area of Infernal Mountain was not something anyone could easily breach.

After all, Infernal Mountain was renowned for its exceptional array formations in the martial world.

When Dustin and his team arrived at the back mountain, two other teams had already arrived in advance.

These two teams were hired by the Temple of the Gods, mostly made up of outsiders from the dark arts.

Their moral standing might be questionable, but their strength was undeniable.

To avoid exposing their identities, all participants wore masks for this operation.

Dustin's team wore red ghost face masks, while the other two teams wore black and white masks respectively.

In addition to the masks, everyone had a special badge representing the Temple of the Gods, used to distinguish friend from foe.

The leader of the black-masked team was a giant, extraordinarily muscular man, with two purple-gold hammers hanging from his waist. His eyes were wild, and his aura was powerful—he clearly wasn’t an easy opponent.

The leader of the white-masked team was a bent-over old man, with graying hair and withered hands, coughing occasionally.

Despite his frail appearance, those around him showed great respect, indicating a high status.

"Old Ghost, another team has arrived. Should we have them scout ahead?" the burly man in the black mask whispered to the old hunchback.

The two had met earlier and were somewhat familiar with each other.

After some initial exploration, they realized the forbidden area was full of complex array formations, which could easily be deadly without someone well-versed in the art of formations.

As they hesitated on whether to enter, Dustin and his team arrived for support.

Naturally, the burly man in the black mask saw an opportunity to have Dustin scout ahead.

"Good idea. Let that guy test it out first," the hunchbacked old man nodded.

It was said that a death among allies was unfortunate, but in the face of danger, alliances were merely stepping stones.

"This brother, why are you so late? We’ve been waiting for you!" The burly man greeted Dustin enthusiastically, as if they were old friends.

"You’ve been waiting for me?" Dustin asked calmly, looking around.
---


Chapter 2711: A Trap Unfolds

"Of course!" the burly man smiled. "Our two teams’ task is to assist you in entering the mountain and finding the treasure. Let’s not waste any time, go ahead, and we’ll cover your back."

"Then I appreciate it," Dustin nodded slightly, not refusing.

"Not at all, we’re allies, no need to be polite," the burly man said, his enthusiasm hiding a cold sneer inside.

He had expected to put in some effort to convince Dustin, but the fool didn’t even suspect anything and agreed immediately.

What a fool.

"Everyone, stay close and don’t fall behind," Dustin turned and reminded his team before heading straight into the mountain.

With his keen vision, Dustin could easily see that the area was filled with various formation traps.

He understood perfectly well what the burly man was trying to do: use him as a guinea pig to explore the path.

Unfortunately, the man had underestimated both him and the formations of Infernal Mountain.

As Dustin led his team into the forbidden area, a dense fog suddenly enveloped the surrounding mountains.

The fog came out of nowhere and couldn’t be dispelled. Even with a wave of their hands, it quickly gathered back together.

With the fog blocking their view, everything around them disappeared, and it was impossible to tell direction.

Everyone’s field of vision was limited to a mere three meters.

The most terrifying part was that the fog also interfered with their senses, making even sound seem weak.

No matter how loudly they shouted, those ten meters away could barely hear them.

"This fog is strange; could it be part of some formation?"

"I can’t tell which way we’re facing. Are we trapped here?"

"The forbidden area of Infernal Mountain is not to be underestimated. Everyone stay cautious, don’t fall behind!"

After walking for a while, many were starting to panic. Anyone with sense could tell that something was off. This impenetrable fog seemed like a maze formation.

If they couldn’t find the right way out, they might be trapped forever.
---


Chapter 2712: Trapped in the Maze

Meanwhile, behind Dustin's team, the burly man and the hunchbacked old man had also entered the formation.

At first, they planned to have Dustin lead the way so they could sit back and reap the rewards.

But once they stepped into the fog formation, they were immediately stunned.

With their vision blurred and senses suppressed, they couldn’t even tell where they were, and they lost track of Dustin's team.

They quickly realized they were lost.

"Old Ghost, it seems we’re trapped in the formation. What should we do?" the burly man asked, looking around in confusion.

"Don’t panic. Just keep moving forward, we’ll definitely find our way out of this fog," the hunchbacked old man said, scanning the ground.

The path was narrow, and they could trace faint footprints left by Dustin's team.

As long as they followed the footprints, they should be able to catch up.

"Everyone, stay close! Don’t fall behind or you’ll face the consequences!" the burly man ordered, his voice sharp.

Everyone quickly responded and huddled together.

In the midst of the tension, the group began to cautiously follow the footprints, their hands on their weapons, wary of any potential threats hidden in the fog.

After about half an hour, the hunchbacked old man noticed something strange.

The footprints were still there, but they seemed oddly familiar, as if they had passed this spot before.

Normally, given their pace, they should have been out of the fog by now.

Could it be that they were truly trapped?

The hunchbacked old man frowned and made a mark on the ground before continuing forward, feeling uneasy.

Another half hour passed, and the old man suddenly stopped in his tracks. He had just seen the mark he made earlier.

They had returned to where they started.

This realization sent him into a frenzy.

He was sure he had been walking straight without turning or going backward.

So how could they have circled back to the beginning?

Could something be distorting their senses?

"Old Ghost, this situation is really bad!" The burly man saw the mark too, and his expression darkened.

They had been walking in circles, and now they were stuck.

"No simple maze will defeat me. I have a plan!" The old man grinned and reached into his robes, pulling out a black bottle.

When he opened it, two black-winged insects flew out and landed in his palm.

"Old Ma, what are these?" the burly man asked, intrigued.

"These are tracking spirit insects I raised. They can sense the presence of treasures. If there’s anything valuable nearby, they’ll lead the way. Just follow them, and we’ll get out!" the hunchbacked old man said confidently.

"Impressive, Old Ma. You truly have a treasure for every situation!" The burly man praised him.


Chapter 2713: The Path to the Forbidden Mountain

The old man with a hunchback raised his hand, and two spiritual insects flew out, quickly disappearing into the mist.

"Old Ghost, they're gone!" the burly man said, slightly surprised.

"They disappeared that quickly, how do we follow them?"

"Don’t rush. Let them fly for a bit. Just follow me," the old man said calmly, walking ahead at a leisurely pace.

These two spiritual insects had a special connection with him, allowing him to sense their position within a ten-mile radius, so he wasn’t worried about losing them.

The group continued to follow him, moving forward once again.

Fortunately, they didn’t get lost this time. After about the time it takes to burn an incense stick, the white mist started to thin, and the surroundings gradually became clearer.

A short while later, they arrived at the foot of a large mountain.

Not far ahead, they saw the entrance to the forbidden area of Infernal Mountain, blocked by two large bronze doors, making entry difficult.

"Ha ha ha… We’re out, we’re out!" someone shouted, elated.

"Old Ghost is amazing! As expected, he’s incredible!"

"With Old Ghost leading, this mission is going to be a success!"

After emerging from the mist, the entire group cheered, the tension in their hearts easing.

The mist had been suffocating, and they were relieved to escape. Thanks to Old Ghost's experience and the help of the spiritual insects, they had finally broken free from the mist maze.

"It looks like we followed the right person," the burly man observed, scanning the surroundings but not seeing Dustin and the others.

"They must’ve been trapped in the mist. It’s their bad luck," the old man with a hunchback said indifferently.

"You don’t expect me to rescue them, do you?"

"Of course not," the burly man said with a laugh. "I hope they stay trapped. The fewer people there are, the more we get to share."

"Smart," the old man nodded in approval. "Once we’ve taken the treasure, we’ll split it fifty-fifty. Infernal Mountain’s accumulated riches are in there. Once we succeed, we’ll live like kings for eight lifetimes!"

"Haha… Looks like we’re going to strike it rich this time!" the burly man laughed heartily.

"Don’t get too excited. We still need to open the gate ahead before we can begin searching for the treasure," the old man said, gesturing toward the bronze doors.

"Don’t worry, I’ve got the gate covered!" the burly man said confidently, striding forward.

The bronze door was six meters tall and five meters wide, covered in mysterious symbols. It looked ancient and formidable.

The burly man squatted down into a stance, huffed into his fist, and then struck the door with all his might.

"Open up!"
---


Chapter 2714: The Unyielding Gate

"Open up!"

The burly man roared, unleashing all his inner power into a punch aimed at the bronze door.

"Boom!"

There was a loud crash, and the door trembled slightly, shaking off clouds of dust. But there was no further reaction.

The symbols on the door briefly flickered with light.

"Hmm?"

The burly man blinked in surprise. He was a man of extraordinary strength, and his martial skills greatly enhanced his power. To him, a mere bronze door should’ve been no challenge.

Yet, the door remained intact.

The murmurs from behind made the burly man feel embarrassed. He had boasted about smashing the door, but now, it hadn’t even budged, and his confidence was shaken.

"I don’t believe it!" the burly man grunted, gathering all his energy into another punch.

"Boom!"

Another massive crash.

The door trembled again, and the dust fell off, but once more, the symbols briefly lit up, and the door didn’t give way. The burly man’s hand went numb from the impact.

Seeing this, the hunchbacked old man frowned. He had expected more from his ally. If the burly man couldn’t even break a door, then he had misjudged him.

"What's going on, Big Sam? Did you skip meals today? Your punches are weak," a voice from behind mocked.

People started to whisper, doubting the burly man's strength. In their world, strength was everything, and they had trusted Sam to lead them because of his power. But now, his inability to break down the door was a huge disappointment.

"Damn it! I’ll break it this time!" the burly man snarled, his face red with fury. His fists came down like a storm, pounding relentlessly on the door.

Every punch sent a shockwave through the air, causing the symbols on the door to flash, but the door remained unscathed.

After dozens of punches, the burly man was exhausted, his arms trembling, sweat pouring from his face.

Clearly, brute force wasn’t going to work on this door.

Just when the burly man was about to give up, the door suddenly trembled.
---


Chapter 2715: The Trap Behind the Door

The symbols on the door blazed with light, and they began to move like tadpoles, swirling into a coherent pattern.

In the blink of an eye, they formed a mysterious image resembling the Eight Trigrams.

"Rumble~!"

The bronze door suddenly began to open, a heavy sound echoing through the air as it slowly parted.

The burly man froze for a moment, and then his face broke into a wide grin. He turned to the group behind him, shouting, "It’s open! The door’s open! I did it!"

"Wow, Big Sam is amazing!"

The group cheered, and even the hunchbacked old man finally smiled.

It seemed the big guy had some use after all. Though it was hard-earned, he had managed to open the door.

"Haha, I knew this door wasn’t so tough. In the end, it was nothing but a piece of scrap metal!" the burly man boasted.

But before he could enjoy his victory, a sudden change occurred.

A bolt of purple lightning shot out from the door, striking the burly man square in the chest.

"Bang!"

The impact sent the burly man flying through the air, crashing hard into the ground. He slid for several meters before finally coming to a stop.

The unexpected lightning strike shocked everyone. They quickly looked at the burly man, only to see him blackened and scorched, his chest a bloody mess. His body twitched uncontrollably, as though struck by lightning.

"Thunder magic?" the hunchbacked old man muttered, his face growing serious as his sharp eyes scanned the opened door.

As the door fully opened, a frail old man in tattered grey robes stepped out. His appearance was decrepit, like a beggar, but his presence radiated an overwhelming, almost divine aura.

Just a glance at him made the spirits of the group tremble with fear, as though they were facing a great beast from ancient times.

"Who dares to be reckless in Infernal Mountain?!" the old man in grey spoke coldly. His voice was not loud, but it felt like thunder, reverberating in everyone’s mind.

For a moment, the group was paralyzed with fear, unable to move, drenched in cold sweat. They couldn’t even think of resisting.

"Who are you?" the hunchbacked old man said, bowing respectfully.

He had anticipated that powerful guardians protected Infernal Mountain, and he wasn’t afraid. He had prepared for this encounter.

"What’s your name?" the old man in grey asked again, his tone indifferent.

"I am Old Ghost, and I seek to borrow something from you," the hunchbacked old man said without fear.

"Borrow something?" the grey-clad old man’s expression didn’t change.

"I seek your life!" The hunchbacked old man grinned maliciously, suddenly throwing a series of poisoned needles at the grey-clad elder.


Chapter 2716: The Dark Power Awakens

"Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh..."

The poison needles shot out with incredible speed, each one aimed at a vital spot.

If they hit, death was certain!

"Hmph! Childish tricks!"

The grey-clad old man did not move, his body suddenly glowing with a golden light.

The poison needles struck the golden aura and were deflected, not leaving a scratch on him.

"Golden Light Mantra?"

The hunchbacked old man seemed to have expected this, grinning slightly, but he did not stop. He waved his hands repeatedly.

"Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh..."

A large number of poison needles poured out like a torrential downpour, surrounding the grey-clad elder.

"Brothers! Attack!"

As he launched the poison needles, the hunchbacked old man immediately issued the command to surround and attack.

He knew the guardian of Infernal Mountain’s forbidden area was formidable. He could never defeat him alone.

Only by using their numerical advantage could they overcome him.

"Kill!"

The two groups of men did not hesitate, drawing their weapons and rushing towards the grey-clad elder.

Various poisons, poison insects, throwing darts, and hidden weapons flew toward the target.

They were not just in it for money; their true interest was the exotic treasures hidden in Infernal Mountain’s forbidden area.

Rumors had it that whoever found these treasures would never have to worry about food and drink for generations.

People say that greed leads to death, and under the lure of enormous benefits, these desperate men had no scruples.

They would use any means to achieve their goals.

"Unaware of their fate!"

Seeing the wave of attackers, the grey-clad old man’s eyes turned cold, and he finally grew angry.

He raised his palms forward, and two purple lightning bolts shot out, directly blasting the first few attackers away.

These men fared even worse than the burly man earlier; their bodies were charred black and their flesh destroyed.

Before they hit the ground, their lives had already ended.

The grey-clad old man's lightning techniques were far stronger than Zhang Qizheng's, and no ordinary martial artist could withstand them.

Without any mercy, the grey-clad old man kept striking with his palms.

Another bolt of lightning struck, then another, each one obliterating the attackers.

The sounds of thunder, screams, and roars filled the air.

Against the grey-clad old man’s lightning, not even protective auras or defensive artifacts worked.

Anyone hit by the lightning was almost guaranteed to die.

On the other hand, their attacks, when hitting the grey-clad old man’s golden aura, had no effect whatsoever.

Standing at the entrance of the forbidden area, the grey-clad old man was like a god of death.

Anyone who dared approach would be struck by a bolt of lightning.

In just a few minutes, half of both groups had fallen. Charred bodies littered the ground, with the smell of cooked flesh in the air.

The remaining half were terrified and too afraid to approach.

There was no way around it—the grey-clad old man was too terrifying, far beyond what they had imagined.
---


Chapter 2717: The Last Desperate Struggle

No matter how they attacked, they couldn’t hurt him.

On the other hand, the grey-clad old man raised his hand, and a lightning strike could take their lives.

In the face of such a huge power gap, their earlier greed was now replaced by fear.

Though they were greedy for wealth, they were even more afraid of death.

If they had a chance, they might risk their lives, but right now, they knew they had no chance of winning.

In front of the grey-clad old man, they were like lambs awaiting slaughter.

"What are you waiting for? Attack together!"

"He’s almost out of strength! If we hold on a little longer, we can win!"

"As long as we kill this old man, the treasures inside will be ours!"

Seeing that his men were beginning to hesitate, the hunchbacked old man immediately began to encourage them.

"Don’t forget! We’ve all taken poison. If we don’t complete the task, we’ll still die in the end!" he snarled. "Would you rather die in fear, or fight for a chance at survival?!"

Upon hearing these words, the men’s expressions changed, and they grew resolute again.

Indeed, before they had set out, they had all taken a special poison from the Temple of the Gods. Only completing the mission would allow them to be cured.

If they retreated or became deserters, they would die even if they went back.

Rather than die in a cowardly manner, it was better to fight with everything they had for a slim chance of survival.

"Listen to me! We fight together and kill him!" the hunchbacked old man shouted.

Then, with a swift motion, he led the charge towards the grey-clad old man.

Of the two groups, the hunchbacked old man was the most powerful and had the highest authority.

Seeing him charge forward without fear, the others also raised their weapons, determined to fight to the death.

"Like moths to a flame!"

The grey-clad old man’s expression remained cold, and he showed no mercy. His lightning strikes kept coming.

One after another, purple lightning bolts struck down, exterminating the attackers.

The bodies on the ground piled up, and the screams grew quieter.

Before long, both groups had been wiped out.

Only the hunchbacked old man remained, standing unharmed.

However, compared to before, the hunchbacked old man now appeared much more disheveled.

"You’ve killed all your men. Surrender now, and I’ll spare your life," the grey-clad old man said coldly.

He could tell that the hunchbacked old man’s movements were unusual, and several of his lightning strikes had missed.

"Give up? Hehehe..."

Suddenly, the hunchbacked old man let out a sinister laugh. "It seems you still don’t understand the seriousness of the situation. I’ll tell you the truth. If these men hadn’t died, I wouldn’t have been able to do anything to you. But now that they’re all dead, you’ve given me the chance to kill you."

"Kill me? Do you have the ability?" the grey-clad old man said, his face expressionless.

"I forgot to tell you, I practice the Heaven-Swallowing Demon Technique. The more people die, the stronger my power becomes. Now, let me show you what despair looks like!"

The hunchbacked old man suddenly opened his mouth and inhaled deeply.

From the surrounding corpses, dark mist poured out, rushing into his mouth and nose.

In the next second, the hunchbacked old man’s body began to change.
---


Chapter 2718: The Demon Unleashed

The once-skinny hunchbacked old man’s muscles and bones began to grow rapidly.

In the blink of an eye, his height increased from 1.6 meters to nearly 1.8 meters and continued to grow.

His skeletal frame, once thin, now filled out with massive muscles, the skin straining as it was forced to expand.

His hunched back straightened, and his entire form became extraordinarily powerful.

In just a few seconds, the hunchbacked old man transformed into an entirely different being.

Now towering nearly two meters tall, his muscles swelled, his eyes bloodshot and full of a murderous gleam. He looked terrifying.

If the old hunchback had resembled a skinny wildcat before, now he resembled a ferocious tiger.

Surrounded by black mist, his face twisted into a brutal, savage expression. He looked like a demon walking out of hell.

"Such a delightful taste!"

After absorbing the death and resentment of the nearby corpses, the hunchbacked old man licked his lips, clearly savoring the power.

The Heaven-Swallowing Demon Technique was his trump card, one he never used lightly.

Every time he used it, he sacrificed some of his lifespan.

But now, to complete his mission, he no longer cared about the consequences.

Naturally, using death energy as a medium to increase his strength allowed him to become extremely powerful in a short time.

Now, he had the strength of a GrandMaster.

Though his power could only last for a short time, it was more than enough to deal with the grey-clad old man.

"Heretic! You must be destroyed!"

Seeing the transformation, the grey-clad old man’s face grew colder, his killing intent unrestrained.

He was well aware of the Heaven-Swallowing Demon Technique. It was a dark and evil technique that required the sacrifice of lives to enhance power.

Years ago, a great demon used this technique, leading to a devastating martial arts catastrophe.

It was only after his senior brother Devin intervened that the great demon was slain.

Now encountering a practitioner of this forbidden technique, the grey-clad old man would not show any mercy.

"Destroy me? Let’s see if you have the ability!" the hunchbacked old man sneered.

"Thunderstrike!"

Without hesitation, the grey-clad old man raised his hand, launching a purple lightning bolt directly at the hunchbacked old man’s chest.

The hunchbacked old man did not evade it. Instead, he punched forward, gathering the death energy around him into a black spear.

The spear collided with the lightning, and...

"Boom!"

The two forces clashed in a massive explosion.

The purple lightning dispersed, and the black spear shattered.

Neither side gained the upper hand in this initial clash.

"Hmm?"

The grey-clad old man frowned, somewhat surprised.

His lightning was specifically designed to counteract dark arts, yet it had no effect on the Heaven-Swallowing Demon Technique.

This was odd.

Without Wasting time the hunchedback old man sent 3 black skulls flying towards him.

Chapter 2719: The Battle of Death and Light

The three black skulls, exuding a strong aura of death, flew through the air at incredible speeds, their erratic flight patterns making them nearly impossible to track.

The elderly man in gray dared not underestimate them and swiftly struck three times with his palms.

Three bolts of purple lightning shot out, each aimed at one of the skulls.

However, just as the lightning was about to strike, the skulls suddenly changed direction in mid-air, narrowly dodging the blasts. One of them crashed directly into the elderly man’s golden light barrier.

“Boom! Boom! Boom!”

The moment the skulls touched the golden light, they exploded violently, releasing torrents of black death energy that enveloped the elderly man.

An eerie sight followed.

The once indestructible golden light began to emit a sizzling sound as the black death energy seeped through it, corroding the barrier and releasing a faint green smoke.

The elderly man’s eyelids twitched in alarm.

He never expected that the Sky-Devouring Demon Technique could counter his Golden Light Spell.

He could clearly feel the black death energy burrowing through the golden barrier, threatening to enter his body. If it did, the Sky-Devouring Demon Technique’s peculiar nature would likely drain his life force.

“Demon Suppressing Talisman!”

The elderly man had no time to hesitate. He quickly threw three golden talismans into the air.

The talismans spun rapidly above his head, forming a formation that transformed into a giant golden bell.

“Suppress!”

The elderly man quickly formed hand seals, controlling the golden bell to crash down.

“Boom~!”

The moment the golden bell struck, it shattered the surrounding death energy, providing a second layer of defense for him.

However, the black death energy showed no sign of retreating. It relentlessly battered the golden bell, trying to break through the defense.

“Spin!”

The elderly man formed another hand seal, and the golden bell began to spin rapidly, pulling all the surrounding black death energy into its vortex.

The bell spun faster and faster, rising into the air.

The death energy struggled to break free from the pull, but it was impossible to escape.

“Seal!”

The elderly man formed another seal, causing the golden bell to shrink rapidly, quickly becoming the size of a fist.

He threw another talisman at the bell’s base, sealing all the black death energy inside.

The next moment, the golden bell landed softly on the ground, its surface calm and undisturbed.

The hunchbacked old man and all the black death energy had completely disappeared.

In fact, they had all been sealed within the bell.

“Whew…”

Once the dust settled, the elderly man let out a sigh of relief.

Anyone who practiced the Sky-Devouring Demon Technique was certainly not a mere amateur. Thankfully, he had the Demon Suppressing Talisman to seal the threat; otherwise, it would have been extremely difficult to handle.

“Return!”

The elderly man beckoned, and the golden bell floated back into his palm.

However, just as he began to relax, the golden bell suddenly exploded with a loud bang, sending a torrent of black death energy pouring out like evil spirits from hell, flooding into the elderly man’s body through his seven apertures.

His face turned pale as he tried to stop it, but it was too late.
---


Chapter 2720: A Desperate Gamble

As the black death energy entered his body, the elderly man felt intense, unbearable pain, as though thousands of poisonous insects were tearing at his flesh.

It wasn’t just the physical pain; his very soul was also being violently ravaged.

“Damn it! Get out of me!”

The elderly man roared in rage, attempting to force the relentless death energy out of his body.

But the death energy was like a parasite, burrowing deep into him, constantly devouring his life force.

Even his massive vital energy was becoming its nourishment.

At this rate, within three minutes, he would be drained dry, reduced to nothing more than a husk.

“You won’t leave, huh? Then we’ll die together!”

The elderly man’s fury reached its peak, and he made a desperate decision.

He raised his hand, and a large number of talismans floated into the air, forming a formation above him.

As the formation spun, a massive black thundercloud quickly gathered.

The sky above crackled with lightning, accompanied by booming thunder, its presence awe-inspiring.

This formation, focused on lightning, was a powerful Exorcism Array. Compared to his palm-sized lightning strikes, the power of this array was significantly greater.

“Thunder, strike!”

The elderly man formed a hand seal and pointed towards himself.

“Boom!”

With a deafening roar, a purple lightning bolt the size of a human arm descended from the thundercloud, striking the elderly man’s body.

His robes were torn apart, and his skin blackened as if all the vitality had been drained from him. He crumpled to the ground, shaking uncontrollably, as if his very essence had been ripped away.

The black death energy within him was also significantly weakened by the strike of the purple lightning.

Clearly, the elderly man wasn’t bluffing—he was willing to sacrifice himself to bring down his enemy.

“Thunder! Strike again!”

The elderly man’s trembling hands formed another seal, and he pointed at himself once more.

The thundercloud above him rumbled, gathering more purple lightning.

Seeing this, the black death energy that had been attacking the elderly man suddenly surged out of him, scattering in all directions.

It gathered once more, taking the shape of the hunchbacked old man.

However, this time, the hunchbacked old man appeared far more disheveled than before.

His face was pale, his body withered, and blood leaked from his mouth and nose, clearly grievously wounded.

“You… madman! Are you trying to kill yourself?!”

The hunchbacked old man stared in terror at the thundercloud above him.

He never imagined the elderly man would resort to such a suicidal move, risking his life to summon the purple lightning into his own body.

This was a desperate, self-destructive tactic, where both sides would suffer greatly. But in this twisted turn of events, the technique had inadvertently shattered the hunchbacked old man’s Sky-Devouring Demon Technique.

After being struck by the purple lightning, the hunchbacked old man had lost most of his life force and his cultivation had reverted to its original state.

If another strike occurred, he would be killed on the spot.

“Damn it! I will die with you!”
---


Chapter 2721: The Final Choice

The elderly man gritted his teeth and shakily formed the third hand seal, preparing to bring down the purple lightning once more.

Seeing the impending danger, the hunchbacked old man was now filled with fear.

Given his current injuries, he knew he couldn’t survive another strike of the purple lightning.

“If you value your life, you’ll stop! I’ll leave now! I swear I won’t come back!” The hunchbacked old man screamed in panic.

He had completely lost his nerve.

Just as the purple lightning was about to strike, the elderly man trembled violently and suddenly spat out a mouthful of black blood.

He collapsed to the ground, drenched in sweat and on the verge of death.

The thundercloud above him rumbled for a moment, then gradually dissipated.

The hunchbacked old man stood there in stunned silence before finally realizing what had happened.

It was clear now that the elderly man was in far worse shape than he had anticipated. He was incapable of summoning the purple lightning anymore.

“Hahahahaha…”

The hunchbacked old man laughed maniacally, his expression returning to one of madness. “You’re finished, you old priest! I thought you were so powerful, but it turns out you were all bluster! Weren’t you so arrogant before? Weren’t you planning to die with me? Come on, try again! Let’s see if you still have the guts!”

“Damn it! You—!”

The elderly man tried to get up but was once again stopped by another violent coughing fit, blood spilling from his mouth.

Summoning the purple lightning was a suicidal move. His injuries were too severe; he could no longer maintain the formation, let alone stand.

The hunchbacked old man sneered. “It’s over for you. When my reinforcements arrive, you’ll die!”

The hunchbacked old man, though still severely injured, was no longer worried. He didn’t dare make a move, knowing that a single wrong step could lead to a deadly counterattack.

All he had to do now was wait for his reinforcements, and victory would be his.

“Are you waiting for me?”

A cold voice suddenly echoed from behind them.

Both turned around, startled. A tall figure slowly emerged from the mist.

It was a masked figure, his aura restrained but his eyes deep and unfathomable—it was Dustin!

“Hahahaha! My reinforcements have arrived! Now watch how you die!” The hunchbacked old man’s face lit up with joy.

He had thought that Dustin was still trapped in the mist formation, but to his surprise, the man had emerged unscathed.

“Little brother, we are fellow cultivators! Help me kill this old priest!” The hunchbacked old man gestured toward the elderly man with venomous intent. “Once he’s dead, the treasures in this forbidden land will be ours!”

At these words, the elderly man’s face drained of color.

He never expected the hunchbacked old man would have reinforcements. It seemed he was doomed.

“Little brother, don’t hesitate. He’s at his last breath. You can kill him easily!”

The hunchbacked old man, seeing Dustin's hesitation, hastened to explain.

“Why should I kill him?” Dustin suddenly asked.

“Huh?” The hunchbacked old man blinked, confused by the question.

This was a strange question, and it left him completely speechless.
 

EMZEE

Ultimate Grandmaster & Disciple of Perv Sect
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Chapter 2722: Settling Old Scores

"The person before us is the guardian of this forbidden land. Only by killing him can we take the treasure," the hunchbacked old man explained patiently, though clearly stunned.

With his serious injuries, he could only rely on Dustin to deal with the gray-robed elder. He had to persuade him, even flatter him, to secure the kill.

"We'll talk about the treasure later. For now, it's time to settle old scores," Dustin said, stretching out his hand. A long sword shot up from the ground and landed in his palm.

"Settle old scores? What do you mean by that?" The hunchbacked old man froze for a moment, confused. His anxiety grew when he saw Dustin gripping the sword.

"You conspired with that big guy, planning to use me as a sacrificial pawn to clear the way for you. You really thought I didn't hear that?" Dustin's voice was indifferent. "Since you planned to harm me, don't blame me for being ruthless."

"Y- you... what are you planning to do?" The hunchbacked old man was suddenly panicked. "We are both serving the Temple of the Gods. Why must we kill each other? If we fail the mission, we both die. I suggest you calm down."

"Who told you I was from the Temple of the Gods?" Dustin raised an eyebrow.

"You’re not from the Temple of the Gods, so why do you bear their mark?" the hunchbacked old man demanded.

"Want to know? Go ask King Yama below," Dustin answered without hesitation, lifting his sword.

There was no psychological burden in killing such a scoundrel who was serving the enemy.

"I’ll fight you to the death!" The hunchbacked old man gritted his teeth, and without hesitation, summoned the Sky-Devouring Demon Technique once more, risking his life to unleash its full power.

Torrents of black energy surged from his body like writhing tentacles, attacking Dustin relentlessly.

Without the protection of the Golden Light Curse, once the black energy entered his body, the hunchbacked old man would be able to drain his life force in an instant, replenishing his own vitality.

However, if the technique failed, the consequences would be disastrous. Even if he survived, he would be left severely crippled.

But at this point, he had no other choice but to gamble everything.

"Sky-Devouring Demon Technique? A mere trick," Dustin scoffed, not even bothering to defend himself as he swung his sword.

With a sharp whoosh, a crescent-shaped sword light tore through the black energy, splitting it into fragments.

Without hesitation, Dustin struck again, and the scorching sword light devoured the remaining dark energy, leaving not a trace behind.

Dustin's profound Qi naturally countered the evil aura with ease, and the hunchbacked old man, now reduced to a mere skeleton, was left lifeless.


Chapter 2723: The Consequences of the Sky Devouring Demon Art

This was the aftereffect of the Sky Devouring Demon Art.

While it could steal vitality from others, the backlash was severe. A single mistake could result in complete annihilation.

"Can you dodge it? Die!"

Dustin glanced at the bones on the ground, showing no mercy. He immediately swung his sword for the third time, striking the bones.

"Boom!"

A loud explosion rang out.

The bones instantly shattered into dust, dissipating into the air.

Accompanying this was the desperate scream of the hunchbacked elder.

Though the hunchbacked elder had lost his flesh and only bones remained, a trace of his residual soul lingered within them. Had Dustin not noticed, the elder could have used this fragment of his soul to possess a new body and be reborn.

This was one of the remarkable uses of the Sky Devouring Demon Art.

Unfortunately, although the hunchbacked elder had planned carefully, he couldn’t deceive Dustin's sharp perception.

Dustin had read about the Sky Devouring Demon Art in an ancient text and understood its characteristics. He would never give his opponent the chance to come back.

"Senior, it seems your injuries are quite severe."

After dealing with the hunchbacked elder, Dustin's gaze shifted to the gray-clad elder.

Having been drained of most of his vitality by the Sky Devouring Demon Art, the gray-clad elder was now on the brink of collapse. He no longer had the strength to fight. Without pills to restore his energy, his end was imminent.

"Who are you?!" the gray-clad elder frowned, a wary look on his face.

Although Dustin had killed the hunchbacked elder, to the gray-clad elder, it seemed like a dog-eat-dog situation.

"Senior, please don’t be alarmed. I mean you no harm."

Dustin said, then took out a healing pill and threw it towards the gray-clad elder.

"Senior, your foundation has been seriously damaged. You must heal as soon as possible. The task of guarding the forbidden area is now entrusted to me."

He already knew that there was a dragon vein beneath the forbidden area. As someone from the Dragon Kingdom, he could not allow the God Temple to succeed, whether for personal or national reasons.

Now that the gray-clad elder was gravely injured and reinforcements from Infernal Mountain had not arrived, Dustin had no choice but to temporarily take on the responsibility of guarding the area.

"Hmm?"

The gray-clad elder eyed the healing pill in his hand, frowning, but did not take it.

He didn’t know Dustin's background and was hesitant to trust him.

"Senior, don’t worry. The pill is not poisonous."

Seemingly sensing the elder’s doubts, Dustin said earnestly, "Right now, you can’t even move. If I wanted to kill you, it would be effortless. There’s no need for me to go through such trouble. You should heal and rest as soon as possible to be prepared for any unforeseen circumstances."

Hearing this, the gray-clad elder hesitated for a moment before finally swallowing the pill.

At this point, he had no ability to resist. If Dustin had malicious intent, he wouldn’t be able to stop him.

Thus, he reluctantly accepted that Dustin was likely aligned with Infernal Mountain.

"Senior, someone’s coming. Be cautious!"

Just then, Dustin's ears perked up, and he suddenly turned, looking ahead.

Through the mist, a large group of people was emerging, marching towards them.


Chapter 2724: Unmasking Loyalties

The people emerging from the mist were all wearing masks, their identities unclear, but they all bore the insignia of the God Temple. Among them were a few from the team that Dustin led.

However, after sensing the battle earlier, Dustin had intentionally left his team behind in the mist formation while he went alone to check the situation. Unexpectedly, other teams had led them out of the mist formation.

“What happened? Why are there so many dead?”

“It looks like they encountered a powerful enemy. Everyone, stay alert!”

The sight of numerous bodies made the newly emerged group cautious. Their eyes scanned between Dustin and the gray-clad old man.

“Dustin, what are you doing here alone?”

The leader of the group quickly recognized Dustin.

The God Temple had recruited many teams, each with a distinct mask color. The team leader's badge was also more noticeable.

“ Noel?” Dustin squinted, recognizing the leader's voice.

“Dustin, what exactly happened here?” Noel asked, testing.

“I’m not sure. I just walked out of the mist formation,” Dustin replied, shaking his head.

“Really?” Noel's eyes narrowed slightly as he sized up Dustin. “Then why are you alone here?”

“The mist formation was too strong. I got lost after wandering,” Dustin said.

“But my men didn’t say that,” Han Tian remarked.

“Oh? What did they say?” Dustin raised an eyebrow.

“They suspect that you abandoned them, leaving them trapped in the formation,” Noel said bluntly.

“Just hearsay. Surely, Lord Noel wouldn’t believe that?” Dustin responded with a smile.

“Of course not. I trust you completely, Dustin,” Noel said, smiling, but his expression soon shifted. “However, to clear your name, I think you should prove yourself.”

“How?” Dustin asked, his voice cool.

“That old man is likely the guardian of the forbidden land. He seems badly injured. Dustin, you should kill him to show your loyalty,” Noel pointed to the gray-clad old man.

Words are one thing, but actions speak louder.

“I’m a man of mercy. I don’t like killing. Let’s skip it,” Dustin replied, unruffled.

“If you don’t kill him, I won’t believe you,” Han Tian’s smile faded.


Chapter 2725: The Price of Betrayal

“If you don’t believe me, then I can’t help it,” Dustin shrugged.

“Dustin, it seems you and we aren’t on the same side!” Noel narrowed his eyes, his right hand slowly resting on the hilt of his sword.

Earlier, King Bear Baily had warned him, but Noel hadn’t paid much attention. Now, after witnessing Dustin's behavior, he couldn’t help but feel suspicious.

“Since you’ve figured it out, I’ll be upfront,” Dustin shrugged. “I’m definitely not with your God Temple. In fact, I’m on the opposite side. Since you’re planning to invade Dragon Tiger Mountain, I’ll naturally have to stop you.”

Upon hearing this, Noel's expression darkened. “ Dustin, have you forgotten? You’ve consumed my special poison. Without my antidote, you won’t last three days. Are you really not afraid of death?”

“I’m certainly afraid of death, but your poison doesn’t affect me in the slightest. So, you’re going to be disappointed,” Dustin replied with a faint smile.

“You can cure my poison? That’s impossible?!” Noel furrowed his brows.

His poison had never failed, not even the most skilled poison masters could neutralize it.

It was precisely because of this that he had believed Dustin would never dare betray them.

“If I couldn’t cure your poison, do you think I’d be standing here, calmly talking to you?” Dustin retorted.

Noel was momentarily speechless.

Indeed, if Dustin were truly under his control, how could he dare betray the God Temple?

Since Dustin was willing to confront him, it was clear that he wasn’t afraid of the poison’s threat.

But what confused Noel was how Dustin had managed to escape its effects.

“ Dustin, from your words, it sounds like you’re determined to oppose the God Temple!” Noel's eyes glinted coldly.

“Enough talk. If you want to enter the forbidden area of Dragon Tiger Mountain, you’ll have to get past me first.” Dustin slowly raised his sword, the tip pointing directly at Noel from a distance.

“Fine! If you’re so stubborn, don’t blame me for being ruthless!” Noel's expression darkened as he barked
“Everyone, listen up! Whoever kills this person will get double the reward!”

At his words, the people behind him immediately stirred, eager and greedy.

Killing one person for a hefty reward was far more lucrative than risking life and limb to invade Dragon Tiger Mountain’s forbidden area.

“You dare oppose the God Temple? Today will be your last day!”

A burly man wielding a large knife could no longer hold back and was the first to charge forward, eager to take the lead.

With a leap, he shot forward like a leopard, moving with incredible speed toward Dustin.

“Brothers! Kill him!”

Seeing the man move, the others followed suit, drawing their weapons and charging in a frenzy.

These were hardened killers, bloodthirsty mercenaries. For a generous reward, they wouldn’t hesitate to kill one person, or even dozens.


Chapter 2726: The Unstoppable Power of the Sword

"Who dares to step forward will die!"

Facing the reckless attackers, Dustin showed no mercy.

With a swing of his longsword, a sharp blade of light shot out like a full moon, instantly illuminating the night sky.

The attackers were momentarily blinded, instinctively halting their steps.

When the sword light passed and the brightness faded, the bodies of the few in front froze, as if their acupoints had been sealed, unable to move.

The next second, several heads rolled to the ground like soccer balls.

The headless corpses stood for a moment before crashing to the ground, blood splattering everywhere.

The scene shocked the onlookers, who exchanged hesitant glances, unsure of what to do.

They hadn't expected Dustin's sword to be so fast—too fast for them to even react.

The ones just killed had been elites within the group, yet they couldn’t even block a single strike.

This made the disparity between the two sides painfully clear.

"What are you waiting for? If you kill him, you will enjoy a lifetime of wealth and power!" Noel shouted loudly.

"Kill!"

The group’s desire was rekindled, and they charged forward, reckless and fearless.

"Stubborn fools!"

Dustin's expression turned cold, and he showed no mercy.

He swung his sword repeatedly, sending out sharp sword beams that cut down these desperate men, claiming their lives one by one.

However, with each person slain, more rushed forward, and attacks poured in from every direction.

Most of their attacks were ineffective against Dustin, with only a few of the leaders posing any real threat.

But even they were just a threat, incapable of causing real harm.

Seeing the situation was not improving, Noel frowned.

He had underestimated Dustin's strength. The man who could rise above all others and claim victory was certainly not so simple.

"You six, attack together and show him the power of the God Temple," Noel commanded.

The six people behind him, all dressed in black robes and wearing masks, stood motionless, their expressions as cold as ice, devoid of any emotion.

They remained still, as if robots, unmoved by the deaths and injuries of their comrades.

Only when Noel issued his order did they finally move.

"Go!"

Without saying a word, the six charged at once, their movements perfectly coordinated, clearly the result of intense training.

After surrounding Dustin, they did not immediately attack. Instead, they threw spherical objects into the air, simultaneously forming hand seals and chanting incantations.

Under their control, the six spheres emitted blood-red beams of light.

These beams interwoven to form a blood-red hexagram above them, covering an area of about a hundred meters.

As Dustin was distracted by the attackers, the six black-robed individuals completed the formation and then slammed their hands to the ground.
---


Chapter 2727: The Binding Seal of the God Temple

"Seal!"

As the word was spoken, the hexagram suddenly descended, piercing through the bodies of everyone present, and sinking into the ground.

The next second, everyone, including Dustin, felt their bodies grow heavy, as if all their energy had been drained away.

"What’s going on? Why can’t I use my true energy?!"

"Damn! I can’t either! What’s happening?"

"My true energy is still there, but it's sealed, unable to be used. It must be related to that formation!"

"..."

The sudden change left everyone in shock, their hearts pounding in fear.

Without their true energy, they were effectively powerless, barely stronger than ordinary people in combat.

Of course, in this situation, body cultivation warriors became particularly formidable.

Without relying on true energy, their physical strength alone could still sweep through opponents.

"Everyone, don’t panic. This is the sealing formation of the God Temple, specifically designed to target top-tier experts," Noel said, his voice calm.

"Once trapped by this formation, even Grandmasters will be unable to use their true energy for a short time. Now, you can engage in hand-to-hand combat with this person without worrying about his formidable cultivation."

At these words, the group’s morale soared.

Without their true energy, Dustin's strength would be greatly diminished.

Without the support of his formidable internal energy, he would only be left to rely on his physical strength, reducing his threat by a large margin.

It wasn’t an exaggeration to say that Dustin was now a paper tiger without its claws—appearing powerful, but actually helpless.

"Dustin, brother, didn’t expect this, did you?"

Noel spoke with a half-smile, "Originally, this sealing formation was meant for the experts of Infernal Mountain, but it’s being used on you. How does it feel? Doesn’t it leave you with a sense of helplessness?"

"So, you were prepared. I underestimated the God Temple," Dustin said, his eyes narrowing slightly.

When the formation descended, his True Qi was indeed sealed, and he could no longer use it.

It was clear that the God Temple had prepared many contingencies to deal with the experts of Infernal Mountain.

"Dustin, brother, for the sake of our acquaintance, I’ll give you a chance. If you surrender and swear allegiance to the God Temple, I will spare your life. What do you say?" Noel said with a confident smile.

"Spare my life? Heh..."

Dustin suddenly laughed. "Do you really think that by sealing my cultivation, you’ve secured victory? Even without my cultivation, with just this sword, I can kill you. Do you believe that?"

"Kill me? You’re being too arrogant."

Noel's expression turned cold. "Since you’re so stubborn, don’t blame me for being ruthless. Everyone, listen up—kill him!"

"Kill!!"

The crowd raised their weapons and rushed toward Dustin.

What if he was a Grandmaster? What if his cultivation was profound?

Now that his true energy was sealed, he was practically a cripple, unable to use any powerful techniques.

Although they were in the same predicament, their advantage was numbers. Even a strategy of overwhelming him with sheer force was enough to secure victory.

"Like moths to a flame!"

Dustin smirked, stepping forward instead of retreating, charging straight into the oncoming attackers.

Very few knew that not only did he cultivate Qi, but he also cultivated his body, making him one of the rare inner and outer cultivators.

Even without his cultivation, his physical strength and profound swordsmanship were enough to unleash powerful combat prowess.


Chapter 2728: The Power of the Flesh and Sword

Dustin, with his longsword in hand, charged into the crowd like a tiger among sheep, beginning a relentless slaughter.

Although his Profound True Qi was sealed, his physical abilities far exceeded those of ordinary martial artists.

Speed, strength, reflexes, and combat skills all allowed him to crush his attackers.

Each swing of his sword landed precisely on vital spots, leaving the attackers unable to defend themselves.

Under Dustin's sword, the thugs had no means of countering. The scene was filled with cries of agony as bodies fell one by one.

Unlike a staged fight, in a life-or-death struggle, Dustin unleashed his full power, and his attacks became increasingly fierce.

"This guy is truly troublesome," Noel muttered, watching the group struggle to subdue Dustin.

He hadn't expected that Dustin, even after his cultivation was sealed, could still show such formidable strength.

Such a genius, if not brought under control, would have to be eliminated early.

"All of you, attack together! You must kill him!" Noel commanded the six who had activated the sealing formation.

These six individuals were enhanced through genetic modification by the God Temple—emotionless, impervious to pain, and unafraid of death. They were the perfect killing machines.

Originally sent to deal with the experts of Infernal Mountain, they were now tasked with taking down Dustin.

"Kill!"

Without hesitation, the six black-robed figures drew their blades and charged toward Dustin.

Their speed was incredible, so fast that the surrounding martial artists could barely see their movements, only feeling the flashes of black shadows as they moved.

Followed by their swift, deadly strikes, the attackers' eyes were dazed as they tried to keep up.

Although all martial artists within the hundred-meter radius had their cultivation sealed, the six black-robed individuals were immune to this restriction.

In other words, their combat strength not only remained unaffected but even saw an enhancement.

As expected, once the six black-robed figures joined the fray, the situation immediately shifted.

Previously, Dustin had been mowing down the attackers with ease, but now, with the six of them in play, they had successfully confined Dustin.

The fight became a back-and-forth struggle, with neither side gaining a decisive advantage.

If his cultivation had not been sealed, Dustin would have easily dispatched these six.

But now, without his Profound True Qi, he was forced to rely solely on his physical strength. This shift in balance left him in a somewhat awkward position.

The key issue was that, while dealing with the six black-robed figures, Dustin also had to watch out for sneak attacks from the surrounding martial artists, which proved to be quite troublesome.

"Humph! I wonder how long you can last!" Noel sneered, his lips curling into a cold smile.

He admitted that Dustin was strong, but going up against the God Temple was like an ant trying to shake a tree.

He had many subordinates, and simply overwhelming Dustin with numbers would be enough to secure victory—winning was only a matter of time.
---


Chapter 2729: Betrayal in the Midst of Battle

"Dustin, you die now!"

At this moment, Dawson, who had been waiting for the right opportunity, finally made his move.

He had harbored resentment toward Dustin for a long time but had kept his distance due to Dustin's strength. However, now that Dustin had betrayed the God Temple and was surrounded by numerous experts, Dawson saw it as the perfect chance for revenge.

When Dustin exposed an opening, Dawson didn't hesitate to strike, aiming his blade at Dustin's back.

Just as the sword was about to pierce, a strong hand shot out and seized the blade, rendering Dawson immobile.

"Hmm?"

Dawson turned his head sharply and met the indifferent gaze of Briggs.

"Briggs! What the hell are you doing?" Dawson shouted angrily.

He had finally found an opportunity to exact his long-awaited revenge, but now one of his teammates had blocked him. Naturally, he was furious.

"I’m just disgusted by your actions," Briggs said casually.

"Are you crazy? We’re all working for the God Temple. Are you planning to betray us?" Dawson glared.

"Heh, you’ve nailed it. I am indeed planning to betray you," Briggs admitted without hesitation.

"You’re asking for death!" Dawson's blade whirled, and he struck toward Briggs neck.

Briggs took two steps back, easily dodging the strike, then casually picked up his wine flask and took a swig, as if completely unconcerned by Dawson's anger.

"Die!" Dawson roared, furious, and slashed his long blade at Briggs again.

After drinking the wine, Briggs eyes suddenly widened, becoming sharp and focused. His entire aura seemed to transform.

As Dawson's blade swung toward him, Briggs didn’t retreat but advanced, slamming his palm onto the sword.

"Clang!"

Dawson's long blade was sent flying, the force of the impact numbing his arm so much he almost lost his grip on the weapon.

Before Dawson could react, Briggs struck again, his palm landing fiercely on Dawson's chest in a swift and decisive motion.

"Boom!"

A loud crash resounded.

Dawson was sent flying as though hit by a truck, landing heavily several meters away, blood pouring from his mouth and nose, unable to rise.

"You... How could you still use your true energy?" Dawson gasped, clutching his chest, both shocked and enraged.

Apart from the six black-robed individuals, everyone else had their cultivation sealed, unable to access their true energy.

But the palm Briggs had just struck contained the profound power of a Grandmaster's True Qi.

Dawson couldn’t understand how Briggs had managed to ignore the restrictions of the formation.


Chapter 2730: The Hidden Power of Wine

"You can try to guess," Briggs replied without directly answering, sipping from his wine flask.

Although his cultivation was sealed, his combat strength was derived from the wine he carried. The wine was brewed using various spiritual herbs, infused with rich spiritual energy.

He could convert this spiritual energy directly to boost his combat power.

In other words, the more wine he drank, the stronger he became. Even with his cultivation sealed, he could still unleash powerful techniques.

"Could it be something about your wine?" Dawson quickly realized the secret.

Every time Briggs struck, he took a swig from his flask, which seemed suspicious.

"Correct, but there's no reward," Briggs replied with a slight smile, raising his hand to strike again.

Though this palm was not as powerful as in his peak condition, for the injured Dawson, it was still deadly.

"Lord Noel, save me!" Dawson cried out in desperation.

Seeing that things were escalating, Noel didn’t hesitate. He charged in, throwing a punch toward Briggs.

His cultivation was also sealed, but before this happened, he had consumed a special elixir. This elixir granted him temporary peak strength for ten moves.

He had planned to use it for self-defense or to seal the victory, but now, with Dawson's loud cry and all eyes on him, he couldn’t just stand by.

When Noel intervened, Briggs didn’t flinch. He turned to face Noel's punch with a palm of his own.

"Boom!"

The punch and palm collided, creating a deafening explosion. The surrounding martial artists were thrown back by the shockwave.

Noel was forced to retreat several steps, his energy surging violently within him.

In contrast, Briggs remained unshaken, calm and composed.

"How is this possible?" Noel's expression changed in shock.

He hadn’t expected Briggs strength to be so overwhelming that he couldn’t even withstand it.

Even in his sealed state, Briggs could unleash such power. If he were at his full strength, Noel couldn’t imagine how terrifying he would be.

Being known as the "Wine Immortal" was no exaggeration.
---


Chapter 2731: The Betrayal Revealed

"Briggs! The God Temple has paid you well. Why betray us?" Noel demanded in a deep voice.

Dustin's earlier betrayal had already caught him off guard, and now Briggs defection made the situation even more tense.

"Betray? Haha... To be honest, someone paid me a large sum to infiltrate the God Temple and destroy your plans at a critical moment. So, technically, I’m not a traitor—just an undercover agent," Briggs explained while taking another swig from his flask.

At the moment, Briggs couldn’t use his true energy, so he relied on the spiritual energy in his wine to perform his techniques. Although it could sustain his power for a short time, once the wine ran out, his situation would become dire.

Thus, he needed to finish the fight quickly and eliminate the most dangerous opponents.

"You’re an insider!" Noel ground his teeth, furious. "Briggs! Don’t forget, you took poison before the operation. Without my antidote, you’ll die!"

"Once I kill you, the antidote will be mine," Briggs said with a faint smile.

"You—!" Noel froze for a moment, but quickly grew vicious. "Fine! If you refuse to listen, then don’t blame me for being ruthless!"

With a wave of his hand, Noel commanded, "Everyone, listen up! Those who kill Briggs will receive double the reward!"

At these words, a majority of the surrounding martial artists immediately turned their attention to Briggs, charging at him.

To them, Briggs was easier to deal with than Dustin.

Given the choice, they clearly preferred taking on a weaker opponent.

"Hahaha... Good move!" Briggs laughed wildly.

Seeing the martial artists closing in from all sides, he suddenly drained his wine flask in one go.

In an instant, his face turned red, and his aura surged with newfound power.

"Today, I’ll show you the long-lost secret technique, 'God’s Wander Through the Eight Desolates!'"

Briggs took a deep breath and slapped his palms together.

A large number of illusory figures shot out from his body, countless in number, flooding the area. Hundreds, even thousands, of shadowy images appeared.

Briggs stood still, eyes closed, while the phantom figures acted with apparent intelligence, performing various martial moves and attacking the surrounding martial artists.

The shadows, though intangible, delivered blows as solid as any real strike. Anyone hit by them fell to the ground, howling in pain as if struck by Briggs himself.

What was even more bizarre was that even if the illusions were dispelled, they would regenerate and continue their assault.

The phantoms not only numbered in the hundreds but also struck with incredible strength and could not be destroyed.

In a matter of moments, the attackers were decimated, unable to withstand the onslaught.

This scene left Noel, Dawson, and the others staring in shock.

No one had expected Briggs to possess such a formidable technique. With a single move, he had incapacitated most of their elite fighters.

It was truly terrifying!


Chapter 2732: A Deadly Standoff

Briggs deadly move cleared the battlefield instantly. The martial artists who had charged forward moments ago were either dead or severely wounded, utterly helpless against his power.

"This... How is this possible?!" Noel's eyelids twitched uncontrollably as cold sweat poured down his face.

Under the restrictions of the sealing formation, even a GrandMaster couldn’t exert their full strength. Yet, Briggs, with just a flask of wine, had used a technique far beyond his own cultivation level.

Though he was only at the Master level, his "God’s Wander Through the Eight Desolates" had the might of a Grandmaster. If he performed it again, Noel and everyone else would be doomed.

"Retreat!" Briggs took a deep breath, and the thousands of illusory figures immediately returned to him.

His face alternated between red and pale, his breathing growing heavier. Clearly, the God’s Wander Through the Eight Desolates had taken a huge toll on him. Using it once, while his cultivation was sealed, had been his limit.

Now, only a handful of warriors remained with any fighting strength, including the six black-robed figures and Noel, numbering just over ten people.

The six most powerful black-robed figures had been fully engaged by Dustin and couldn’t spare any hands to help. The remaining few were either too terrified to move or too weak to pose a threat.

"Noel, if you know what’s good for you, get lost. Otherwise, these bodies will be your fate!" Briggs voice was cold.

He was exhausted, and if the fight continued, he might not come out on top. His best hope was to scare the opponent off.

"Lord Noel, what should we do? Should we withdraw?" Dawson clutched his chest, fear written all over his face.

They had started with over a hundred warriors, but now most were dead or injured. He had no will to fight on.

"Don’t be so hasty! Briggs used up a lot of energy with that last technique, he’s like a candle in the wind now. Don’t let him intimidate you!" Noel frowned, staring at Briggs.

He could tell that Briggs had expended a great deal of energy, or else he would have pressed the attack. There was no need for more words if Briggs were at full strength.

"But, Noel, our people are almost all dead. Continuing the fight would only lead to more losses. Perhaps it’s better to retreat for now and come up with a new plan?" Dawson suggested cautiously.

"A new plan? To hell with that!" Noel exploded in rage, slapping Dawson across the face. "If we fail this mission, it’s the end for us! Anyone who retreats will die!"

Having come this far, Noel saw no other option. If they withdrew now, they’d be executed by Lord Bailey upon returning.

Rather than go down as cowards, he’d rather fight to the death.

With that decision made, Noel took two vials of enhanced medicine from his belt and threw one to Dawson. "Drink it. This will greatly enhance your physical strength and fighting power. It’s an S-class enhancement potion, much better than the A-class you had before. Don’t waste it."

"Thank you, Lord Noel, for your generosity!" Dawson's face lit up as he held the potion. The S-class medicine was a rare treasure, far superior to the A-class ones he had previously received. With this, he was filled with renewed confidence.

"Today, if we don’t succeed, we’ll both die. Let’s give it everything we’ve got!" Noel said with determination, immediately opening the vial and drinking it.
---


Chapter 2733: The Siege of Infernal Mountain

Outside the main hall of Infernal Mountain, hundreds of elite warriors were relentlessly attacking the protective array around the mountain. Explosions and thunderous noises filled the air as the array began to weaken under the constant barrage.

Within the main hall, the warriors of Infernal Mountain braced themselves for the inevitable breach.

"Senior Brother, the array can’t hold much longer. It will break within the next incense stick," Drake said hurriedly as he entered the room to report to Marlon.

"Don’t worry, let them come in," Marlon said, his expression emotionless. "Order the disciples to form twelve small arrays. We’ll switch from defense to offense. I want these invaders to have no way of retreating!"

"Understood!" Drake quickly left to relay the orders.

Moments later, the protective array vanished, and the attacking forces from the God Temple hesitated before charging forward with a deafening war cry. Elite warriors surged into the main hall, weapons raised.

"Kill the demons and eliminate the evil!" they shouted as they stormed in.

The warriors of Infernal Mountain, who had been waiting for this moment, immediately began counterattacking with coordinated formations. The sound of battle roared in every direction as the two sides clashed in a violent battle.

Above the battlefield, the Bear King, Bailey, stood atop a building, quietly observing the fierce fighting below, not intending to intervene.

His goal wasn’t just to destroy Infernal Mountain; he aimed to kill Devin, the so-called number one martial artist in the Jianghu.

As the most powerful figure in Dragonmarsh martial arts, Devin posed a significant threat to the Western world. Once he was eliminated, the martial world in Dragonmarsh would descend into chaos.

At that point, the God Temple could strike, dealing a heavy blow to Dragonmarsh from all sides.

This was a plan that would kill two birds with one stone.

Now, Bailey was simply waiting for Devin to reveal himself, and once he did, he would mobilize all available forces to eliminate the threat once and for all.


Chapter 2734: A Fierce Battle

The battle between the God Temple and Infernal Mountain raged on with intensity. The God Temple had thoroughly prepared for this invasion. Not only had they brought in powerful warriors from all around the world, but they had also provided everyone with precious enhancement potions.

To specifically counter Infernal Mountain, the God Temple had developed special combat gear resistant to thunder-based attacks. Typically, a warrior of innate mastery would lose all combat ability if struck by lightning magic. However, wearing this special gear would reduce the lightning’s effectiveness by half, allowing the wearer to keep fighting, even after taking a hit.

On top of this, the God Temple’s greatest advantage was their overwhelming numbers, bolstered by mercenaries they had hired, totaling tens of thousands. Their assault was like a swarm of bees, dense and unrelenting.

In contrast, Infernal Mountain had only about a hundred warriors. While each was formidable, they were still outnumbered, and despite their impressive teamwork and array formations, they were slowly losing ground. The situation was dire, as they could only hold out for so long before exhausting their strength.

"Lord Bailey, we’ve breached all parts of Infernal Mountain. Only the main hall is still resisting, but they won't last much longer," reported a black-clad god-level warrior who had leapt to the rooftop to inform Bear King Bailey.

"How about Noel? Is his progress smooth?" Bailey asked, his face expressionless.

Tonight's plan involved multiple fronts: one group infiltrating Infernal Mountain’s forbidden zone, another wiping out the mountain’s warriors, and the strongest group laying in ambush for Devin. Bailey aimed to maximize their results in the shortest time possible.

"We haven’t received any updates from Lord Noel yet, but he is well-prepared and has contingencies in place. I believe he should be fine," the black-clad warrior replied.

"This mission must succeed. Send two people to check on the situation and report back immediately if there’s any development," Bailey ordered.

"Understood."

The black-clad warrior nodded, signaling two scouts to head for the Infernal Mountain forbidden zone.

"Bailey, we’ve already killed our way to the heart of their territory. Why hasn’t that old man shown up yet? Did he get scared and flee?" A blood-red figure materialized beside Bear King Bailey, none other than the Blood Demon William.

"Devin, the number one martial artist in Dragonmarsh, shouldn't be that cowardly. Let’s wait and see," Bailey said, narrowing his eyes.

The most difficult part of this mission was dealing with Devin. A man who had ruled the Dragonmarsh martial world for years and was revered as almost godlike was certainly no mere pretender. If Infernal Mountain was in danger, there was no way Devin would run without a fight.
---


Chapter 2735: Old Heavenly Master Devin Appears

"Maybe not enough have died yet. Once we wipe out the entire Infernal Mountain, that old man will have no choice but to come out!" Blood Demon William sneered.

No sooner had he spoken, than a calm voice rang out from above.

"Who is it that wishes to destroy Infernal Mountain?"

The voice was soft, but it carried the weight of authority, as if thunder itself had spoken. Those within a hundred meters felt a crushing pressure, as if a mountain had settled on their shoulders, making it difficult to breathe.

"Hmm?" Both Bailey and William turned around in surprise.

Not far behind them, on top of a large tree, stood a rotund man with a broad, muscular frame. He was dressed in a simple, loose Taoist robe, his head covered in silver hair, his face gentle and unassuming. But the immense pressure emanating from him was enough to send chills down their spines.

Without a doubt, this seemingly benign man was none other than Devin, the target of their assassination!

In an instant, both Bear King Bailey and Blood Demon William were on high alert, though they were also surprised. They had been waiting for so long, yet Devin had appeared behind them without them realizing.

"Who are you?" Devin asked, his voice still calm as he gazed down at them from his vantage point, his eyes devoid of emotion.

"That’s me," Blood Demon William sneered. "Not only do I intend to destroy Infernal Mountain, but I will also kill you!"

"Bold!" Devin's eyes gleamed with a hint of amusement. "It’s been a long time since I’ve fought. Tonight, I’ll give you guys a chance to stretch your limbs."

Before the words had even fully left his lips, Devin vanished from his position. When he reappeared, he was standing right before Blood Demon William, and in one swift motion, he slapped him across the face.

"Bang!"

The sound of the slap reverberated through the air. Blood Demon William didn’t even have time to react before he was sent flying like a cannonball, crashing over a hundred meters away. He broke through several trees before finally slamming to the ground, half his face crushed and bleeding profusely.

The sight was grotesque.

Chapter 2736: A Sudden Shift

The unexpected turn of events caught everyone off guard. No one had anticipated that Devin would act so suddenly, and with such speed, that they barely saw his movements. Even the blood-speed renowned Blood Demon William had failed to react in time.

With one slap, William was sent flying—simple, brutal, and unstoppable. It was only at this moment that the group realized just how difficult Devin was to deal with, despite his seemingly gentle appearance.

"Crack, crack, crack..."

Blood Demon William staggered to his feet, gritting his teeth as he adjusted his dislocated neck. His collapsed cheekbone was visibly healing at a rapid pace. Fortunately, as a member of the blood clan, he possessed a remarkable healing ability; otherwise, that slap could have left him crippled.

"Old man! You’ve got some strength, but killing me will not be that easy!" William snarled, his eyes burning with bloodlust. If he could drain Devin's blood, his power would increase exponentially.

"Oh? Interesting," Devin raised an eyebrow, a slight smile curling on his lips.

"Old man, die!" William roared, leaping forward like a crimson blur, charging at Devin.

Devin stood calmly, one hand behind his back, making no move to dodge. Instead, he extended his right hand and lightly pointed at the oncoming blood shadow.

"Boom!"

With a deafening crash, a massive purple lightning bolt shot out from his fingertip, streaking across the air with blinding speed. The surrounding night sky illuminated by the electric light.

This was no ordinary lightning magic; this was the signature technique of Infernal Mountain—Thunder Magic. The elite disciples could conjure lightning the width of a thumb, and even Drake could only manage a wrist-thick bolt. But Devin's version was as thick as a thigh—this was no longer just Thunder Magic, but divine punishment!

"Boom!"

The thick purple lightning struck William’s blood shadow with the force of a missile, obliterating it completely. Yet, in a bizarre twist, the shattered remnants of the shadow transformed into thousands of blood-sucking bats, flitting around in every direction.

The bats were numerous and erratic, quickly regrouping and charging at Devin like a continuous barrage.

"Buzz~!"

Suddenly, a golden light radiated from Devin's body.
---


Chapter 2737: The Golden Light Counterattack

The dazzling golden light shone like the sun itself. As the blood-sucking bats collided with it, they were flung back with incredible force, vanishing into wisps of blood-red energy before they could land.

Ordinarily, a golden light spell would only serve as a defensive mechanism, but the golden light Devin conjured carried an offensive effect, wreaking havoc on any evil, shadowy forces that came near.

Seeing their attack fail, the swarm of bats quickly gathered once more, reforming into the blood-soaked figure of William. However, this time, his complexion was much paler, his strength sapped by the loss of his bat minions.

"You dare claim to destroy Infernal Mountain with such feeble tricks? You’re truly out of your league!" Devin sneered, his lips curling in disdain.

"Old man, I’m going to tear you apart!" Blood Demon William, enraged, unleashed his fangs and claws, charging at Devin like a wild beast.

"Attack!" Seeing William fail to gain the upper hand, Bear King Bailey issued the order, and in an instant, over a dozen top-tier fighters sprang into action, surrounding Devin from all directions.

Bear King Bailey was known for his brutal strength, unmatched speed, power, and defense. In the realm of grandmasters, he was a class of his own. His attack style was vicious, using his palms like blades to tear through anything in his path.

Fist Saint Basong's style was similar to Bear King Bailey's—fighting with his fists. However, his techniques had reached perfection, each strike able to pinpoint weaknesses with devastating precision, delivering a hundredfold force.

The Sword Saint of Golden Crow Kingdom, Kusahane Taro, wielded a cursed blade that drained the life force of anyone it cut. A mere scratch could drain the energy of its victim in seconds.

The three elite assassins from the Kingdom of Tianzhu each had their unique skills: Vantian’s snake-like limbs could bind anyone who was unfortunate enough to be caught. Vishnu specialized in assassination, using surprise attacks with various weapons. Shviva, the master of curses, could kill without anyone even noticing.

Besides them, the few gods from the God Temple unleashed their ultimate moves, bringing their power to its peak.

For an ordinary GrandMaster, facing these top-tier fighters would mean instant destruction. However, Devin remained composed, standing firm, his golden aura shining like that of a deity.

"Get lost, you heretics!"

As the array of attackers closed in on him, Devin stomped his foot, and the golden light around him suddenly transformed into thousands of golden whips. These whips lashed out indiscriminately in all directions.

Each golden whip carried immense power—any normal warrior who was struck would be obliterated.


Chapter 2738: The Furious Onslaught

"Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!"

The golden whips numbered in the thousands, raining down like a violent storm, impossible to evade.

Led by Bear King Bailey, the powerful warriors defended against the onslaught, their strikes attempting to break through the golden whips. Each collision created a shockwave, accompanied by a series of explosive sounds.

Devin stood like an immovable mountain, surrounded by swirling golden light as his whips lashed out. Despite being outnumbered, he remained in control, effortlessly gaining the upper hand.

Bear King Bailey and his allies were unable to make any headway. The weaker gods from the Temple of Gods were driven back step by step, unable to withstand the force of the golden whips.

It was then that they truly understood the terrifying strength of the number one powerhouse of the Dragon Kingdom. Even the offensive capabilities derived from the Golden Light Mantra were enough to overwhelm them.

"I don’t believe these things can stop me!" Bear King Bailey suddenly roared, and his body began to undergo a dramatic transformation.

His already towering frame grew even more massive, resembling a small mountain. His clothes tore apart as his muscles expanded, solid like stone. His fur grew rapidly, covering his face, chest, and limbs in dense black hair. His broad palms sprouted sharp, hardened claws, making him resemble a giant, upright black bear—powerful, ferocious, and domineering.

In this transformed state, Bear King Bailey’s strength and defense were greatly enhanced. The golden whips that had once posed a threat now bounced harmlessly off him, failing to cause any pain or harm. Instead, Bear King Bailey ripped through the golden whips with ease, charging forward like an unstoppable tank.

Approaching Devin, Bear King Bailey unleashed a powerful punch, striking Devin's golden defense.

"Boom!"

The shockwave was immense, shaking the ground. The once indestructible golden light trembled under the force of Bear King Bailey’s blow.

The energy shockwave pushed Bailey back a few steps, but after a brief pause, he surged forward again, launching a barrage of punches, each like a thunderstorm, pounding against the golden barrier.

"Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!"

Bear King Bailey’s strength was formidable, with each punch causing the golden light to tremble. After several violent blows, the golden light around Devin began to dim noticeably.

This sight further fueled the spirits of the other fighters, who saw a glimmer of hope.
---


Chapter 2739: The Counterattack of the Thunder

Seizing on Bear King Bailey’s display of strength, the other powerful fighters continued their relentless assault, pushing against the weakening golden light.

What if Devin was the strongest in Dragon Country? No matter how powerful he was, with their combined might, he would still be shattered to pieces!

"Thunder!"

Seeing the golden light Mantra faltering, Devin quickly formed a hand seal and pointed to the sky.

With a deafening hum, a massive eight-trigram formation appeared in the night sky, covering an area of several dozen meters, enveloping all the warriors within it.

The formation began to spin rapidly, accompanied by flashes of lightning and booming thunder. An overwhelming pressure, like the weight of a mountain, descended upon them, causing their movements to slow and become sluggish.

"Fall!" Devin pressed his hand downward sharply.

The eight-trigram formation flared brightly, and thick purple lightning bolts, each as wide as an arm, rained down.

"Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!"

The lightning struck the ground relentlessly, a barrage of electrical strikes aimed indiscriminately at everything below.

The warriors caught in the formation were shocked, quickly activating their protective energy shields to defend against the oncoming storm. Having witnessed the devastating power of Devin's Thunder Magic earlier, they knew better than to test their luck.

However, not everyone chose defense. Bear King Bailey, in his transformed state, was unfazed by the lightning strikes, continuing to hammer away at Devin's golden defense.

"Boom! Boom! Boom!"

Each lightning bolt slammed into Bear King Bailey, making him stagger slightly with each strike, but he showed no signs of slowing down, continuing his relentless assault.

His incredible durability left the other warriors in awe. To withstand Devin's Thunder Magic with pure physical strength was beyond what they dared to imagine.

"Break for me!"

With a roar, Bear King Bailey unleashed waves of force, crashing forward like a relentless tsunami.

With punch after punch, he relentlessly assaulted Devin's golden defense. After hundreds of strikes, a crack finally appeared in the once unbreakable barrier.

Seizing the opportunity, Bear King Bailey dug his claws into the crack, then, with a mighty tug, tore it open.

"Crack!"

The once invincible golden barrier was torn apart, creating a large gap.

"Bailey! I’m coming to help!"

Seeing this, Blood Demon William transformed into a blood-red mist, dodging several bolts of lightning before diving into the gap.

"Old man, die!" Blood Demon William grinned sinisterly, ghost-like, creeping behind Devin. With a vicious smile, he opened his gaping mouth, aiming to bite into Devin's neck.


Chapter 2740: The Fiery Revenge

Blood Demon William’s speed was astonishing. To even Master-level warriors, it appeared as though he had teleported—impossible to react in time.

Most crucially, Bear King Bailey had already drawn Devin's full attention, making Blood Demon William’s sudden attack unavoidable.

Just when the strong fighters thought Blood Demon William was about to succeed, a red divine talisman suddenly appeared. As the sharp fangs of Blood Demon William were only a few centimeters from Devin's neck, it precisely struck his forehead.

“Boom~!”

The talisman exploded with a violent force, sending Blood Demon William flying several meters away. Before he could land, a burst of scorching flames erupted, instantly engulfing him.

“Ahhh—!”

Blood Demon William screamed in agony as his body was consumed by flames. The fire raged fiercely, quickly turning his body into a charred mess. The flames clung to him like a curse, refusing to be extinguished.

His blood essence sizzled under the heat, releasing black smoke as the fire ravaged his flesh.

This scene shocked everyone around them. Just moments ago, Blood Demon William had been on the verge of successfully ambushing Devin, only for him to be thwarted by a simple talisman that not only neutralized the danger but also set him aflame.

Although Blood Demon William’s vitality was extraordinarily resilient, pain was still a part of his experience.

While ordinary injuries could heal almost instantaneously, this fire was different. It was an unquenchable flame, and for a creature as powerful as Blood Demon William, it was a nightmare.

The cycle of his flesh burning and healing repeatedly created unbearable pain, one that even his formidable resilience could not ignore.

“I’ll help you!”

A high-ranking god from the Temple of Gods immediately pulled out a blue orb and threw it at Blood Demon William.

“Boom!”

The orb exploded upon contact with the flames, releasing torrents of water vapor. The fire was quickly suppressed, with water and flames clashing in a burst of white smoke.

Seeing the effect, the gods quickly threw two more blue orbs, eventually extinguishing the flames around Blood Demon William.

Now, he was a scorched, unrecognizable figure. Fortunately, his recovery rate was extraordinary. The burnt skin began to peel away, revealing fresh, tender flesh beneath.

In just a few minutes, Blood Demon William had fully healed, though his face was much paler than before.

While the Blood Clan possessed impressive regenerative abilities, such healing consumed considerable energy. Unlike warriors who restored their energy with spiritual energy, Blood Demon William had to replenish himself through consumption—blood.
---


Chapter 2741: The Betrayal of Blood Demon William

The Blood Clan could quickly replenish their energy by consuming blood. The stronger the individual, the more beneficial it was to the Blood Demon, even boosting his strength in the process.

“Old man, didn’t expect you had something like this up your sleeve. Looks like I underestimated you!” Blood Demon William wheezed, his face full of venom.

“You not only underestimated me, but you also overestimated yourself,” Devin replied with a half-smile.

“Looks like I’ll have to use some real power if I’m going to kill you today.”

As he spoke, Blood Demon William’s gaze suddenly shifted toward the gods who had helped him earlier. With a sinister grin, he said, “Thanks for the help just now, but now, I need to borrow something from you.”

“Borrow what?” One of the gods was taken aback.

“Borrow your life!” Blood Demon William's smile widened, and in the next instant, he disappeared, reappearing behind the deity.

Opening his massive maw, he bit down on the god's neck with terrifying force.

“Ugh—!”

The god froze in place, his face contorted with fear. He attempted to resist but realized his entire body was paralyzed, unable to move.

“Gulp! Gulp!”

As Blood Demon William sucked, the god's body began to wither visibly. Within mere moments, the once muscular god had been drained to the point of becoming a withered husk.

His hair turned white, his face gaunt, and his eyes were wide open in death.

This feeding was not just of blood, but also of life essence, draining the very vitality of the victim.

“Hmm—” Blood Demon William inhaled deeply, his face expressing satisfaction.

With the energy of the blood he had just consumed, he regained his peak strength, and even felt stronger than before.

However, his actions left the remaining powerful fighters uneasy.

The gods from the Temple of Gods exchanged glances, frowning at the betrayal. They had just helped him, only for him to turn around and drain the life force of his savior. Such behavior was deeply unsettling.

“Hey! Are you insane? You’re killing your own allies?!”

The other gods from the Temple of Gods were furious. While they didn’t share a deep bond, they had been allies in this fight. Seeing one of their own turned into a corpse, they were filled with anger.

“You all exist to serve me,” Blood Demon William said, licking the blood from his lips, his smile twisted.

“It’s an honor for him to become a part of me. Now, I will carry his will and tear this old man apart!”

With that, Blood Demon William threw his head back and roared.

Suddenly, a pair of massive black wings erupted from his back, resembling the wings of a demon.
 

EMZEE

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Chapter 2742: The Ultimate Transformation

Blood Demon William's black wings emerged, glistening with a metallic sheen. They spanned over ten meters when fully extended, and a slight flap unleashed a ferocious gust, as though the air itself was howling in agony.

His transformation was not limited to his wings. His once-handsome face became gaunt, his skin wrinkled and sunken, with pronounced cheekbones, exposed fangs, and horns sprouting from his head. His tall, skeletal frame appeared both emaciated and terrifying, with his ribs and chest bones visible beneath the skin.

This was William’s ultimate form, a state where his speed, strength, defense, and reflexes multiplied several times over. His bloodlust reached an uncontrollable peak, turning him into a demonic predator.

The surrounding deities of the temple, previously displeased with William, now stood silent and fearful. This transformed William radiated a menacing aura, far beyond his earlier self—strong enough to scatter their courage.

"You old fool, I’ll drain you dry today!" William sneered, raising a claw-like hand to point at Devin.

Suddenly, a bolt of lightning descended from the heavens, striking William directly. Yet, he remained motionless, unharmed by the divine attack. His body now appeared invulnerable, rivaling even the resilience of Bear King Bailey.

“Is that all you’ve got? You can’t even scratch me.” William laughed mockingly.

The formation above unleashed more bolts of lightning, but none had any effect. William stood unscathed, emanating a palpable sense of disdain.

“Old man, your tricks are useless now. Time to die!”

William disappeared in a blur, reappearing inches from Devin with his razor-sharp claws aiming for the heart.

A golden light flickered into existence, shielding Devin. William’s claws struck the barrier, sending ripples across its surface.

“Hah…” William sneered, his claws relentlessly striking again, attempting to shatter the golden light.

“Fire!” Devin's voice rang out as he flicked a red talisman toward William.


Chapter 2743: Demonic Resilience

The red talisman detonated upon contact, unleashing a torrent of flames that engulfed William entirely.

The fire burned ferociously, but William didn’t flinch or scream. He stood firm, his silhouette illuminated by the blazing inferno.

Moments later, with a powerful flap of his demonic wings, William generated a gale that extinguished the flames instantly. His charred appearance emitted waves of heat, yet his body remained unharmed.

“That was amusing, but now it’s my turn.”

With a sinister grin, William launched himself as a streak of black light, crashing into Devin's protective golden barrier.

A deafening explosion reverberated through the area as the barrier shattered into countless shards of light.

“Excellent!” The surrounding temple deities rejoiced. Devin's golden shield had been their greatest obstacle, and its destruction filled them with hope.

“Die!” William roared, lunging at Devin again.

Bear King Bailey also sprang into action, attacking from another angle to block Devin's escape route.

Other powerful figures unleashed their most devastating techniques in unison. With Devin's defenses weakened, they sought to capitalize on the opportunity to end him.

“Perish!” Devin remained composed amidst the chaos, raising his hand.

A flurry of talismans erupted from his palm, filling the air like a torrential storm.

“Detonate!” Devin chanted.

The talismans exploded simultaneously, triggering a chain of violent blasts. The resulting shockwave devastated the battlefield, leveling trees, shattering buildings, and sending the attackers flying.

Among the attackers, only the strongest managed to land gracefully. Weaker ones hit the ground hard, coughing blood.

In one swift move, Devin not only nullified their
onslaught but also left half of his enemies gravely injured.
 

EMZEE

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Emzee.......a flash in the pan all this while?
He has really defined the term "motion without movement."🙄🤣😅😁😀
Donovan Power 1 There's alot of talk coming from you being just a mere Martial Master, I can kill you with just the tip of my finger, Do you believe it? 😅😂
 

EMZEE

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Thanks a lot for the update... and welcome back. Hope your screen time restrictions is being lifted off.
Yes Royal Guardian, But I have only a month before going back to seclusion
 

EMZEE

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Chapter 2744: The Elder’s Hidden Trump Cards

“How many tricks does this old man still have up his sleeve?!”

The sheer destructive power of the talisman explosion left everyone both shocked and enraged.

No one had anticipated that even after the Golden Light Spell was broken and the lightning rendered harmless, Devin could still unleash such a devastating supernatural ability.

The energy from hundreds of talismans detonating simultaneously was horrifying. Apart from the blood demon William, Bear King Bailey, and Fist Saint Basong—whose physiques were extraordinarily resilient—everyone else suffered serious injuries.

At that moment, they truly grasped the terrifying might of the Dragon Country's strongest warrior.

“Impressive,” Blood Demon William said, stabilizing himself as he landed. Fine cracks appeared on his dried, leathery skin, and faint traces of blood seeped through.

The brunt of the talisman blast had struck him head-on. Even with his remarkable defenses, he couldn’t entirely escape injury.

Still, the damage was negligible. Within a few short breaths, his wounds had completely healed, as if nothing had happened.

“Too bad,” he sneered. “It’s nowhere near enough.”

Patting the dust off his shoulders, he chuckled wickedly. “To kill me, you’d need at least ten times the destructive power. But do you have what it takes? By now, you must be completely spent.”

In his eyes, Devin's sudden outburst was nothing more than the desperate counterattack of a dying man. If the counter failed, all that awaited him was death.

“Then why don’t you try again?” Devin replied, his face calm and impassive.

From beginning to end, he stood motionless, using only one hand.

“Fine! Let’s see if you can handle this!”

After exchanging a glance, Blood Demon William and Bear King Bailey charged forward simultaneously, launching a ferocious attack.

The Fist Saint Basong, Sword Saint Kusama Taro, and the trio of elite assassins—Brahma, Shiva, and Vishnu—followed closely behind, encircling Devin.

They refused to believe that even with their combined might, they couldn’t take down one fat old man.

“If you’re so eager, then let’s play.”

With a casual motion, Devin reached out, and a black-and-white sword appeared in his hand.

In the next instant, his foot touched the ground, propelling him forward like a phantom to meet Blood Demon William and Bear King Bailey head-on.

This time, Devin didn’t resort to supernatural techniques. Instead, he chose the simplest and most direct method—using his sword.

The Yin-Yang Demon Slayer Sword in his hand was famed as the strongest weapon on the Divine Weapons Rankings.

Many years ago, during the Demon Purge, Devin had relied on this very sword to carve out his reputation, securing his place as the Dragon Nation’s number one warrior.

Now, with the divine weapon in hand, his attacks were unimaginably sharp.
---


Chapter 2745: Mastering the Battlefield

One man and one sword against a group of top-tier warriors—and yet Devin didn’t lose an inch of ground.

His swordsmanship was breathtakingly exquisite. Every stroke appeared simple yet concealed infinite variations, embodying the essence of returning to simplicity.

Combined with his unparalleled footwork, Devin maneuvered with ease, even when outnumbered.

Despite their relentless assault and myriad techniques, Blood Demon William and his companions found themselves countered at every turn.

Worse yet, Devin's sword frequently left deep gashes on their bodies.

The Yin-Yang Demon Slayer Sword wasn’t an ordinary weapon. Each wound it inflicted carried a peculiar energy, making it extraordinarily difficult to heal.

For Blood Demon William and Bear King Bailey, this was unprecedented. Their invincible physiques, impervious to ordinary weapons and capable of rapid regeneration, were now compromised.

Every cut bled profusely and refused to heal.

This shattered their previous confidence.

Unable to rely on their regenerative abilities, Blood Demon William and Bear King Bailey began to panic. Their once-dominant strength was nullified, forcing them to fight cautiously and avoid critical hits.

“Be careful of his sword! It’s not ordinary!” Bear King Bailey shouted a warning.

“This old man is infuriatingly elusive! We can’t even touch him!” Blood Demon William gritted his teeth in frustration.

He prided himself on his speed, believing no one could block his full-power attacks.

Yet, Devin's bizarre footwork allowed him to evade effortlessly, counterattacking with precision.

Over time, William accumulated several wounds. Though not fatal, the unhealing injuries left him in an increasingly dire situation.

“If we keep this up, we’re doomed!”

The mounting frustration made Bear King Bailey’s movements erratic. His body bore over a dozen wounds, and his stamina was waning rapidly.

Meanwhile, Devin seemed to grow stronger, fighting with renewed vigor.

“We can’t hold back anymore! Use every technique you have, or we won’t leave this mountain alive!”

Bailey knew the others had been withholding their trump cards—deadly techniques rarely employed.

But given the current circumstances, if they didn’t unleash their full power, defeating Devin was impossible. Worse, their own survival was at stake.
 

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