When the dust settled, the audience of martial artists felt a cold shiver run down their backs. They were terrified. The aftermath of that previous collision was terrifying. Had they not been prepared and failed to dodge, they would have been seriously injured. Even with their precautions, the destructive force left them with a lingering unease. "Not bad. You've improved since our encounter in the Black Forest," Ronald said as he placed one hand behind his back. With a faint smile playing on his lips, he looked convinced of his victory. "Unfortunately, you're still going to die today.""Ronald, don't hold back and just bring it on. Otherwise, you won't have another chance." Dustin straightened his posture, his gaze as cold as ever. The attack earlier had allowed Dustin to see through Ronald's limits. As expected, it appeared as if Ronald was on the verge of turning into an ultimate grandmaster. Fortunately, due to time constraints, he hadn't fully broken through yet. Other
Ronald leaped up high and suspended himself in the air. Under the sunlight, the golden armor that he wore gleamed brilliantly. It caught everyone's attention. "I call this swordplay the Ethereal Slash. I learned it during my three years spent in seclusion. Until today, I have never displayed it in front of others. "It will be your greatest honor today to die by this technique!"Now, watch me!" Ronald's golden sword suddenly shook. He then transformed into a golden streak of light and descended rapidly. His momentum was tremendous, destroying everything in its path. "How fast! What a terrifying swordplay!""Oh my goodness! Is this divine retribution? It's so frightening!""No one can withstand this strike of his when unleashed. At least the young grandmaster will die an honorable death!" Ronald's astounding swordplay sent shockwaves throughout the arena. The martial artists were left in awe. That golden streak of light was as radiant as the sun and left people utterly def
"Im-Impossible!" Ronald's eyes widened in disbelief as he gazed at his injured body. He never could have imagined that he would be defeated so badly. After all, he had the power of the Infinite Aura Technique and the Ethereal Slash assisting him. Why? Why did it turn out like this? That was his strongest move!Nobody was able to defend against his move, let alone launch a counterattack, in the whole of Balerno! He was supposed to be unparalleled! How? How did Dustin manage to defeat him? Ronald's body trembled, and he spat out a mouthful of blood. Then, his knees gave way. He knelt on the ground, his face ashen. Dustin's terrifying slash had not only severed his arm but a lot of his circulatory pathways were also damaged. At that moment, Ronald's body was in ruins. He had no strength left to continue the fight. Ronald fell to the ground, severely injured. The entire arena fell into a deathly silence. It was so quiet that one could hear a pin drop. Everyone was stunne
However, at that moment, that mountain had collapsed. Ronald's legend and glory were completely shattered. "He won! Dustin won! That's amazing!" After being momentarily stunned, Lyn cheered. "As expected of the man I've set my eyes on. He's truly unparalleled!" Josie was thrilled and excited. Her face began to redden.Although she wasn't sure what happened, she was certain Dustin had won. And brilliantly at that! In front of thousands of people, he had defeated the martial arts alliance leader. The one and only Ronald Reeds. From that moment on, he had successfully made a name for himself. He would stand uncontested, leaving everyone in the dust. "Excellent! What a magnificent victory!" Even the shrewd Emery couldn't help applauding the win. Ronald had suppressed him for a whole decade. With Dustin's unexpected victory and a severely injured Ronald's fall from grace, it was a joyous occasion. Finally, he could seize this opportunity to assume the position of alliance
"Stop!" Just as Dustin was about to kill Ronald, a booming voice yelled. At the same time, an arrow shot out at an incredible speed, carrying tremendous force. With a loud clang, it accurately struck against the Celestial Sword."Hmm?" Dustin's body quivered, stopping his actions. At the same time, he cast a cold gaze below stage. Unbeknownst to him, Woody had already stood up, holding a powerful bow in his hand. He had fired that arrow. "Sir Bolts, what do you mean by this?" Dustin frowned slightly. "Dustin, you have won. Don't overdo it."Woody's expression was cold. "Don't be so eager to burn bridges and make things difficult lest it backfires!""Sir Bolts, our duel was a fight to the death. Only one can emerge alive in the battle ring. That is the rule of the martial world," Dustin said coldly. "The Martial Arts Union establishes the rules of the martial world. I hold the highest position here and wield the ultimate authority!" Woody's tone was extremely overbearing.
If Ronald died, Theodore would probably be next. "Hmph! With the union backing Ronald, what can that brat do? Even if he's powerful, he still has to listen to orders obediently." Quincey grinned widely. He had believed the Reeds family was on the verge of ruins moments ago. Thankfully, Woody had intervened just in time to save the situation. "What a shame. I was almost there." Emery sighed, shaking his head in regret. Today would have been perfect if Woody hadn't turned the situation around."As expected of the Martial Arts Union. They were able to intimidate Dustin with just a few words." "Haha … Even the most formidable figures had to bow down to the union!" Many of the martial artists in the audience breathed a sigh of relief. Although they couldn't accept Ronald's defeat, the current outcome was far from disastrous. After all, Ronald was safe now. Nobody would be that foolish to go against the union. "Dustin, I must admit that you are strong and skilled. Unfortunat
With all eyes on him, Dustin suddenly lifted his blade and cut Ronald's head off.Everything had happened without warning, and he did it without any hesitation.With the slashing of his blade, one of the greatest leaders in the martial world was slain. He had been one of the best martial artists in the Balerno martial world! Dustin's actions were so swift that Ronald's head was already at his feet while he remained standing.His expression was one of shock, fear, and, for the most part, disbelief.Even until death, Ronald did not expect Dustin to dare cross the Martial Arts Union. To kill a person was a serious violation of their regulations."He … He really killed him? Am I mistaken?""Mad! He's gone utterly mad! How dare he commit murder when the head of the Martial Arts Union is present? That's outrageous!""How brutal! He's trading life for life!""In all my years, I've never seen anyone challenge the Martial Arts Union like him! The brat is so ignorant that he doesn't fe
More and more guilds joined in on the mission to kill Dustin.At a glance, the place was jam-packed with people. The arena was so tightly surrounded that there was no way out.In an instant, Dustin became the enemy of the entire martial world. He was now a villain that everyone was out to get rid of.Ronald had been the leader of the Balerno martial arts alliance for many years. He was well-received and respected by all, with a strong following that rallied behind his every call. Now that he'd been murdered, it was a given that they'd all be angered.But of course, the most important reason behind their agitation was that the Martial Arts Union had now declared Dustin a criminal.No matter what, Dustin would have to pay for what he had done. That was how things were in the martial world."Dustin! You have ignored our laws and committed a heinous crime! Surrender immediately and follow me to receive your punishment! "If you do not, you shall be killed on the spot!" Woody roare
Glenn wasn't just skilled in swordsmanship, but his technique was also flawless. Every strike was unpredictable, relentless, and impossible to block. His attacks came in waves, and each one was stronger than the last.What made him even more terrifying were the six divine swords that obeyed his every command. They were like extensions of his will. The swords threw Dustin off balance, attacking from every direction and blocking any chance of escape. They moved in perfect sync with Glenn and left no room for counterattacks.Dustin had no choice but to dodge and parry. If not for his incredible agility and mastery of the sword, he wouldn't have lasted more than a few breaths.Even so, the pressure was overwhelming. It felt like he wasn't just facing Glenn but six or seven skilled opponents at once. Any slip in focus, or any opening, could be his last.The real challenge was that Dustin wasn't gaining any ground. While he had to stay focused on dodging and blocking, he also had to se
Under the watchful eyes of the audience, Dustin and Glenn stepped onto the battle ring. They stood about 30 feet apart, and their eyes locked across the distance. Their gazes met like sparks, and they could feel the weight of the other's stare."Are you Logan?" Glenn asked, breaking the silence.He had heard the rumors about this dark horse before stepping into the ring, but now that he was facing him, he wasn't sure."Who I am doesn't matter. What matters is who wins this fight." Dustin didn't confirm or deny it, but his words left Glenn with no doubt.Both men were at the top of the Legendary List and held equal rank on the Champ-Tier List. Until they fought, no one could say who was the stronger of the two."I heard you're Seth's disciple, so I'm really looking forward to this." Glenn's gaze sharpened.Many years ago, his mentor, Cyrus, was defeated by Seth. That loss had always haunted Cyrus ever since. Now, with the disciples of both men about to face off, Glenn was determin
"Since Madam Penelope has spoken, I’ll follow her lead," Alloy said with a smile. "What about Mr. Hadley and Sage Foyer?""I'm in if you want to make a bet," Cyrus replied coolly."It's not every day we get an opportunity like this. Let me stir things up a bit." Kaden nodded with a grin.Once the three had agreed, Penelope waved for Abigail to come over.Soon, Abigail approached them with a wide grin. "Esteemed guests, I hear you want to bet. The current odds are—bet on Dustin to win, and you'll get 1.6 times your stake. Bet on Glenn, and it's only 0.4."She continued, "And no worries—if you win, I'll exchange your winnings for celestial stones." Abigail smiled brightly, and the other parties' eyes gleamed with the unmistakable shine of greed.Many had already placed their bets with her. Though she couldn't control the match's outcome, she knew how to adjust the odds to her advantage. Over time, that could turn into a huge fortune."I'm betting on Glenn to win." Cyrus quickly
"We're ready for the ultimate showdown of this tournament. The winner will be crowned the Combat Tournament Champion. Now, let's welcome both contestants to the ring." Oron's voice thundered as he stepped onto the battle ring.There was thunderous applause and cheers from the audience.The long-awaited showdown was finally at hand. Today's outcome wasn't just about personal glory, but it would also decide the future of the martial world.If Glenn triumphed and claimed the crown, the Sword Union would rise as the undisputed guild. The Celestial Alliance and the Mystic Arts Order would have no choice but to bow to their supremacy.But if Dustin won, it would be even more sensational. A dark horse, without any guild affiliation, defeating the elite disciples of the major guild—such a story would send shockwaves through the martial world.Once that happened, every major guild would fight tooth and nail to claim him. It would spark a fierce battle for dominance."Dr. Rhys! Good luck!"
"H-Hold on! I-I surrender!" Abigail said urgently. With the sword inches away from her throat, she decisively raised both hands in a gesture of surrender.She didn't expect herself to win the match. Her goal was simply to take this opportunity to test Dustin's strength and also gauge her own progress. But now, it was clear that there was still a sizable gap between them."You've done well. In a few more years, I might not even be able to keep up with you." Dustin smiled and lowered his Celestial Blade. His words weren't flattery; he genuinely saw potential in Abigail.The dark Phoenix flames carried a corrosive power that even his mystical pure energy couldn't resist. In other words, Abigail's black flames were the bane of any martial artist.Her journey in the martial world was still short—barely two years. She hadn't unlocked the full potential of her Phoenix bloodline yet. But with more training and experience, the sky was the limit for her."Don't try to console me, Sir. I'm n
With a resounding bang, the golden light erupted with a burst of terrifying energy wave. In an instant, the earth trembled, and fierce winds whipped through the air.Dustin and his sword were sent flying several yards. After landing, he stumbled back several steps before finally steadying himself.He looked up and saw that Abigail's body was now covered in a layer of golden armor, though he couldn't tell when it had happened. The armor glowed brightly, and it made her look imposing and striking.It was clearly a divine artifact.The Mystic Arts Order had been around for centuries, with deep roots and countless treasures. As the Grand Sorceress, Abigail would obviously have several divine artifacts for protection.Dustin wasn't surprised, but the armor's counterforce caught him off guard. Not only did it protect her, but it also had offensive capabilities.When his sword struck the armor earlier, the blow didn't leave a scratch. Instead, the armor absorbed the hit and sent the for
Dustin raised his hand as the black feathers rained down on him. A white energy shield flared into existence to form a wall before him.The feathers slammed into the shield and sent ripples across its surface but failed to break through. However, the black flames on the feathers spread across the shield and burned through its energy at a visible pace. In the blink of an eye, the once impenetrable barrier cracked open and left a gaping hole.Dustin couldn't hide his surprise. His mystical pure energy was far stronger than the average grandmaster's internal energy in offense and defense. It was meant to be impenetrable. He hadn't anticipated it couldn't hold up against Abigail's phoenix flame.Seeing the raw strength of her bloodline, he knew he couldn't afford to take any chances. As the black flames spread, he swiftly waved his hand to summon a furious gust of wind that sent the feathers and flames flying."Glaring Wings!" Abigail wasn't done yet. She quickly formed hand seals and
Abigail moved with lightning speed, and her figure weaved in and out like a shadow. Her swift movements left a blur of afterimages that was hard for anyone watching to keep up.On the contrary, Dustin stood still without making any movement."Fallen Fist!"After closing in, she unleashed a flurry of strikes—dozens of black palm shadows slamming toward his body, and each one was like a bullet aimed at its target.Abigail practiced a unique martial art, and it was imbued with voodoo-like properties that could kill anyone who made contact with her. But Dustin's body was immune to all poisons, so it was a perfect counter to her deadly attack.As the shadow palms closed in, he remained unshaken and thrust his palm forward.A fierce gust of wind surged and ripped through the air with unrelenting force. It collided with the black palm shadows.Abigail's black palm shadows exploded on impact and disintegrated into thick clouds of dark mist that quickly spread. Within moments, the mist e
The whole arena suddenly fell dead silent. Everyone stared blankly, and not a soul dared to breathe. Alloy shot to his feet in the main spectator seats, and his face was tense with worry. Yet, he didn't dare make a sound. He feared it might startle Glenn into making a mistake that could cost Fenley's life.After all, Fenley represented the future of the Celestial Alliance. Alloy had invested all his effort into Fenley, and he provided him with endless resources. If Fenley were to die in the match, it would deal a devastating blow to the entire guild.While Alloy was gripped with worry, Cyrus and Penelope cheered silently. They secretly hoped Glenn's sword would strike Fenley. If that happened, the Celestial Alliance would take at least a decade to regain its former glory.Fenley's body stiffened as he stared at the Fang Master hovering inches from him. A shiver ran through his spine as goosebumps prickled his skin. Sweat trickled down his face, and each drop hit the ground with a