"Despicable?" Bran shook his head as he chuckled."Jackson, you're the lead disciple of the Embersteel Order. I'm really disappointed to hear you say something like that." He was gratified to see Jackson deflated. "Bran, you know the saying—first come, first served. We've staked our claim here. You should go somewhere else." Sophia asserted.It would become increasingly disadvantageous for her if more people found out about the treasures beneath the lake. If she couldn't outcompete them or was beaten to it, then all her efforts would be in vain."Oh? It's Sophia from Harmony Sect. It's been two years since we last met, and you've grown even more beautiful." Bran grinned. "Thank you for the compliment, Bran," Sophia replied with a faint smile. "Bran, Harmony Sect discovered this place first. Can you let us have it?""Sophia, it's not that I don't want to, but this is a mission given to us by our sect. I have no choice." Bran suddenly changed the subject, "But of course, i
"Are you threatening me?" Grace asked calmly."You could consider it... a friendly advice." Bran's chuckle carried a meaningful tone. "Ms. Linsor, you're an intelligent woman. I'm sure you understand the right decision to make in this situation."In the Southwest, numerous factions existed, but only three major sects held supreme authority. Among them, the Drakes Dominion Order was universally acknowledged as the most powerful, followed by the Frostwing Sect, and then the Embersteel Order.The Frostwing Sect was already dominating the region with their influence, adding to that their alliance with the Drakes Dominion Order, their combined strength was unstoppable. Who would dare confront them head-on in the entirety of Southwest?"Sorry, but I'm afraid you'll have to be disappointed. My stance remains the same. We either share it all or there's nothing else to talk about." Grace was unfazed. "Hmm?" Bran's face darkened, and he spoke sternly, "You bitch! I'm being kind he
Everyone was shocked by the scene unfolding before their eyes. The pillar of light shooting into the sky, the enormous vortex at the center of the lake, and the receding water—all signs pointed to a major change. The tension between the two factions was forgotten as their attention shifted toward the extraordinary phenomenon in the lake, silently hoping for the revelation of treasures. The central vortex in the lake spun faster, expanding its reach as the receding water vanished into the vortex. In just half an hour, the lake had dried up significantly. Finally, a palace-like structure hidden beneath the lakebed unveiled itself. The grand building was cloaked in an eerie black hue and covered in moss. Standing in quiet majesty, it resembled a dormant ancient colossal beast, emitting an overwhelming sense of oppression."There really is treasure here! This is fantastic!" The sight of the palace excited everyone. Judging by its size, the previous owner must have been incredi
The sudden emergence of numerous forces disrupted Yonah's plans completely."It's getting more lively." Aidan raised an eyebrow and finally leaped down from the tree. It seemed like he couldn't stay aloof any longer. "Jackson, it's getting chaotic here. Let's hold back for now and let them battle it out. "We'll capitalize on the situation once they engage in their deadly struggles," Sophia whispered as she huddled next to Jackson. Given her current predicament, a direct confrontation with these forces would lead her nowhere. Unwilling to give up, she could only hope for the right opportunity to gain some of the treasures."I understand. Stand behind me later. I'll make sure to protect you!" Jackson promised. The combined forces of the Embersteel Order and Harmony Sect were merely a few people, making them relatively weak. Engaging the stronger forces head-on was clearly unwise at the moment."Brothers! There's treasure here! Let's go grab it!" Suddenly, someone shouted, brea
Before any faction could enter the palace, a massive battle had already erupted. Each group was determined not to yield to others, with everyone vying for the first entry. The logic was simple—the first one inside would naturally secure the most treasures.At that moment, over a dozen forces were clashing violently, creating a scene of intense carnage. In the face of tremendous wealth, the struggle for dominance reached a point where even strangers, let alone brothers, could turn on each other."The Drakes Dominion Order has business here. Retreat immediately!" Yonah led his group as they charged forward, announcing their identity. It was an attempt to intimidate the competitors with their sect's prestige. "To hell with the Drakes Dominion Order! We of Shadow Isle aren't afraid of you!""Hmph! The Drakes Dominion Order may be formidable, but we from the Elysian Sect are no weaklings either! Whoever dares block our path to wealth will meet their end!""Damn it! Who the hell
"Damn it! Where did these creatures come from? They're absolutely horrifying!""We're surrounded by beasts! We're in big trouble!""Stop fighting! We must deal with these creatures first!"The sudden turn of events sent a shiver down everyone's spine. The appearance of the mutated wolf pack had already posed a challenge, and now an Onyxclaw emerged. The situation would leave anyone unsettled. If they continued to fight amongst themselves, their outcome would be dire. In silent agreement, all factions ceased their fighting and united to confront the impending onslaught of the beasts. "Darkness has fallen, and this place has turned into a haven for monsters." Grace's eyes narrowed with a grave expression. The current situation had slipped beyond everyone's control. Initially, it was a clash between different factions, and now the beasts had entered the scene. With so many looming uncertainties, no one knew what could happen next. "Howl—!" At that moment, the silver wol
"Form up!"Upon seeing the various forces closing in, Grace issued a swift command. Her nearly hundred-strong guard team immediately shifted their formation, arranging themselves into a charging wedge.Unlike the ordinary martial artists of the martial world, Grace's guards were well-trained and had seamless coordination. While they might not be a match for the martial artists in one-on-one combat, they could unleash extraordinary combat strength on the battlefield. Especially in their formation, they were an unstoppable force. As the martial artists advanced, they were violently pushed back by the large formation, unable to withstand the impact. Grace's entire team resembled a gigantic wedge, slicing through the crowd and rapidly approaching the palace gates.Under normal circumstances, Grace's group wouldn't have advanced so smoothly. Fortunately, most of the factions were engaged in fierce battles with the beasts, diverting their attention away from Grace's team. As a r
"W-What is this monster? It's gigantic!" Eyes widened in disbelief as everyone took in the size of the monstrous creature that resembled both a serpent and a python. Nobody expected to find such a monstrous beast within the palace. With its enormous body, blood-red eyes, gaping, blood-filled mouth, and imposing presence, a single glance sent shivers down their spines, inducing fear.It didn't matter if they were a low-level martial artist, a divine-level martial artist, or a grandmaster like Aidan, they felt like they had come face to face with a formidable enemy. Even the mutant wolves and Onyxclaw, previously engaged in frenzied combat with humans, halted their aggression. They trembled uncontrollably, intimidated by the serpent's aura. It was a suppression rooted in bloodlines and a fear ingrained in biological instincts.The black serpent let out a thunderous roar, and a row of bone spikes suddenly shot up behind its head. In an instant, a violent gust of wind swept th