"It's not easy to lift a 50 thousand-pound cauldron. Thousands of people register daily, but only a few can lift it!"The burly man's words caused many to doubt him.A 10 thousand-pound cauldron was way different from a 50 thousand-pound cauldron.A lot of people could easily lift a 10 thousand-pound cauldron. However, they couldn't even lift a 50 thousand-pound cauldron at all.Plus, one had to lift it over their head to succeed. It was obvious how difficult it was."You should consider it carefully. It's not easy to lift a 50 thousand-pound cauldron," the judge reminded."I've trained hard for a decade just for today. I'm determined to lift this 50 thousand-pound cauldron! You guys just need to watch me perform!" the burly man said confidently before walking over to the second cauldron.The second cauldron was twice the size of the first cauldron. It was almost 10 feet tall.One felt helpless just looking at it.The burly man walked over to the 50 thousand-pound cauldron. Af
The burly man collapsed to the ground.As he had gone beyond his limits, his blood vessels burst. After spitting out a large amount of blood, he fell unconscious.His muscles were torn, and his eyes were bloodshot. His internal meridians were also heavily injured.It would be a problem for him to get out of bed for the next few days, let alone compete."See! I said he couldn't do it, yet he still wanted to show off. Look what happened!""Indeed, not anyone can challenge the 50-thousand-pound cauldron.""He just passed the test. Now he's done it. He pushed himself too hard and even vomited blood. He truly overestimated himself!"Seeing the burly man dropping to the ground, the crowd burst into discussion. Some were laughing at him, while others pitied him.It was already impressive for him to be able to raise the ten-thousand-pound cauldron. As for the 50-thousand-pound cauldron, only those with extraordinary abilities could lift it.After all, it was two different things for o
Dustin had already altered his looks so that he didn't stand out so much. Thus, it was weird that a beautiful woman would hit on him."Melissa, the martial world is filled with dangers. Don't simply talk to strangers. There's a lot of hypocritical people in this world nowadays."At this moment, the two young men before Melissa turned to face them.One was dressed in green, while the other wore yellow.The man in green was tall and muscular, giving off an impressive air.The man in yellow was short and had a gaunt face. One would think he was malnourished. "Krel, Jimmy, this is Dustin Rhys. He's also here to participate in the Combat Tournament," Melissa quickly introduced."So many people signed up for the competition, but not all can pass the test. Some are destined to just be the spectators," the man in green, Krel Webb, replied indifferently.There was a hint of indifference in his eyes when he glanced at Dustin."Krel is right. Only a few out of many here can pass the tes
"Hmph! You must have never seen real power! You'll soon know we're a thousand times better than you!" Jimmy scoffed.Someone like Dustin, who belonged to no guild, didn't even deserve his attention. "Contestant 846 has failed. Next."Right then, the judge's loud voice sounded again.Another martial artist failed the sign-up test and left the square dejectedly."Jimmy, it's your turn next. Don't embarrass Boulderthorn," Krel said, raising his chin. Jimmy was No. 847, Krel was No. 848, and Melissa was No. 849."Don't worry. Boulderthorn's elite disciples aren't weak! If I can't even pass the first test, I might as well kill myself!" Jimmy patted his chest confidently. The cauldron-lifting test was only the most elementary test. If he couldn't even pass this level, how could he compete with the warriors of the world? How could he make a name for Boulderthorn?"Very well. Go ahead and unleash your power." Krel nodded."Krel, Melissa, just watch my performance!"Jimmy smiled p
"Hah! You worthless punk! How dare you be so arrogant!" Jimmy sneered, looking contemptuous. He continued, "You can't even lift a ten-thousand-pound cauldron. How dare you propose to lift a 50-thousand-pound cauldron? Stop bragging!""Jimmy, since he wants to lift the 50-thousand-pound cauldron, let him," Krel chimed in. "Move it in front of him. Let's see what he's capable of!"He thought Dustin was just looking for excuses to scare off Jimmy with the 50-thousand-pound cauldron."Okay! Then I'll show my power again! Let this punk know he can't lift it!" Jimmy said enthusiastically.As he spoke, he lifted the ten-thousand-pound cauldron back to the original place, then turned to the judge. "I want to challenge the 50-thousand-pound cauldron!""Contestant 844 has failed to lift it. Are you sure you want to challenge the 50-thousand-pound cauldron?" the judge asked.The cauldron-lifting test had certain risks, especially if the martial artist with insufficient strength tried to l
"You'll soon know whether I can do it or not." Dustin smiled lightly and didn't continue to argue. To him, Jimmy and Krel were just arrogant clowns."Fine, then! I'll watch you make a fool of yourself!" Jimmy glared at Dustin. If looks could kill, Dustin would be dead by now. Jimmy had never been so embarrassed before. He must teach Dustin a lesson.If Dustin couldn't even lift a ten-thousand-pound cauldron, he would take this opportunity to humiliate Dustin and vent his frustration."Jimmy, calm down. Don't lose your temper over some insignificant punk." Krel stepped forward and patted Jimmy's shoulder.He said calmly, "You have amazing speed and skills. It's normal for you to slightly lack in strength. Don't worry about it. Watch my performance next.""Krel, you must shock that punk! Show him the might of Boulderthorn's elite disciple!" Jimmy said aggressively."Rest assured. I'll make him feel utter despair." Krel smiled proudly, glancing at Dustin with deep disdain and cont
If the ten-thousand-pound cauldron hit an ordinary martial artist, he would probably die on the spot.However, Krel remained calm, facing the falling cauldron without dodging or showing any fear. It was as if it were of no concern to him. It wasn't until it was about to hit his head that he slowly stretched out a hand, easily lifting the ten-thousand-pound cauldron.After the cauldron fell slightly, he held it midair with one hand.Judging from his calm demeanor, it seemed as if he was holding cotton instead of a ten-thousand-pound cauldron."Look, he's lifting the cauldron with one hand! Krel, you're awesome!" Jimmy clapped wildly and almost jumped with excitement."Holy shit! This guy held the cauldron up with one hand? He's too strong!""There are many people who can lift a ten-thousand-pound cauldron, but he's undoubtedly the best I've ever seen!""It's Divine Strength! He's amazing!"All the martial artists couldn't help but marvel at Krel's stunning performance. They co
Dustin smiled, looking unfazed in the face of Krel and Jimmy's provocation. He readily agreed to the challenge, "Want a bet? Sure. I'll play along.""Great! You've got guts. I can't wait to see you defeated!" Jimmy cackled aloud.Dustin could have backed down. It might be humiliating, but at least he wouldn't have to risk his life. Jimmy couldn't believe that Dustin had agreed to the challenge—he essentially had a death wish."Dustin, don't!" Melissa's face fell when Dustin risked his life for the challenge. She advised, "A 50-thousand-pound cauldron is no joke. You'll be crushed if you can't support it. Please think it over!"Dustin might look intimidating, but he was nothing more than an amateur who didn't hail from any established guild or sect. His capability would certainly fall short of Krel's. Taking on the challenge against Krel was just an act of self-destruction.All she wanted was to befriend Dustin. Never had she thought that she'd get him into such trouble."Melissa,
"This is interesting." Dustin smirked as the dense barrage of swords came slashing down at him. In the blink of an eye, his figure dissolved into a wisp of smoke and vanished.A storm of sword shadows carrying the force that could split rivers and overturn seas crashed down on the fishing boat where he had just been standing. The entire vessel broke apart in an instant—some sinking into the depths while others drifted across the water."What? He dodged it?" Warrick's eyes flickered with surprise.Mulder's attack just now had been a 360-degree attack. Once caught in its range, there was no chance to dodge—only the option to endure. He couldn't understand how Dustin had managed to avoid it. Did he just teleport?"Hiding like a coward? What kind of warrior are you? Come fight me face-to-face."Frustrated after his attack missed again, Mulder grew desperate. His enhanced serum would only last for 15 minutes. If this dragged on, he'd collapse from exhaustion before Dustin even touche
"Oh? Are we going all out now?" Dustin smirked, with a hint of amusement in his eyes.Mulder, who had advanced to become a grandmaster martial artist through drugs, had a weak foundation. Even after taking the enhanced serum, he still posed no threat to Dustin. If Mulder were a hundred times stronger, he might just barely be able to fight Dustin.As the serum's effects pushed his body to the limit, Mulder suddenly let out a furious roar. His muscles swelled rapidly, and his bones cracked as they expanded. His body grew larger at an alarming rate, and his clothes tore apart under the strain.His six-foot frame stretched to nearly seven feet in mere moments as his body swelled to monstrous proportions. His face twisted fiercely, and his skin darkened as black scales surfaced.With another guttural growl, his roar turned beastlike. He grabbed his shredded shirt and ripped it away, exposing his broad chest covered in dark scales. A faint, eerie sheen flickered across their surface."D
Dustin's words made Mulder frown.Mulder knew all too well that Warrick was the kind of man who had no sense of loyalty or honor. If Warrick could kill his own personal guards without hesitation, what would stop him from killing a stranger? Mulder was certain that the moment things went south, Warrick would be the first to flee. Given the choice, he'd never willingly risk his life as Warrick's sacrificial pawn. But now, there was no turning back.With his undercover identity exposed and him helping Warrick escape, Mulder became a sworn enemy of West Lucozia. His name was now on the most-wanted list.Tonight was their best chance to escape. If they missed it, finding another way out would be nearly impossible.There was only one path left for him—kill whoever stood in his way and make it onto that escape boat."Enough talk, punk. Let's see what you're really made of," Mulder said.After weighing his options, he gritted his teeth and finally decided to draw his longsword. His fig
"You had your chance. Don't blame me for what happens next," Dustin said.With a slight squeeze of his fingers, the steel blades clamped between them shattered with a sharp clang.Before the two Hall of Gods members could even react, Dustin waved his hand.The two men were sent flying as if they'd been hit by a truck, hurtling over 30 feet through the air. Blood sprayed from their mouths and noses before they hit the ground. They were critically injured and on the verge of death.Dustin slowly turned his head and looked at the man who had just tried to ambush him.The man glanced at the broken sword in his hand, then at Dustin, who looked utterly unfazed. He hesitated for a split second—then bolted.With a powerful leap, he dove straight for the sea. He knew Dustin's strength was on a completely different level. There was no chance of outrunning him on land, so the only hope was to disappear into the water.It might have worked—if not for what happened next.Just before he hit
"You're not a fisherman? Who the hell are you?"Mulder's guard shot up the moment he got a clear look at the young man's face.Fishermen who spent their days at sea were usually tanned from the sun, but this one had a fair complexion. It felt a little strangeNoticing something was off, the men behind Mulder drew their blades and fixed their sharp gazes on the fisherman.The so-called fisherman standing guard wasn't just anyone—it was Dustin, who had been waiting for them all along.Since his plan was set in motion, he'd been stationed there from morning until midnight. After what felt like an eternity, his targets had finally arrived."Isn't it obvious? I'm here to capture you."Dustin rose from the deck and rolled his shoulders before speaking in an even tone. "If you don't want to die, surrender now. Otherwise, it'll be too late.""Watch out! It could be an ambush." Mulder swiftly pulled out his dagger. His sharp gaze scanned the surroundings for any sign of hidden troops.
As night fell, Warrick sat motionless in his room as he tried to calm his mind through meditation. He had always been able to clear his mind with ease. But tonight, no matter how hard he tried, focus eluded him. A restless unease settled over him and refused to let him relax.Nearly two hours passed before Mulder's scouts finally returned. This time, they brought good news.The smuggling route they had scouted was completely safe, with no signs of an ambush. The West Lucozia army had yet to discover this potential escape route.Once everything was confirmed, Mulder let out a breath of relief. Warrick, too, finally felt the weight lift from his chest."Since the route is safe, we should set out immediately to avoid any unexpected complications." Warrick said. He had no intention of waiting any longer. He was a wanted man, and every moment in West Lucozia increased his chances of capture. There was no telling when the army might surround him. Only by escaping to Thaloria would he
After a hearty meal, the burly Warrick sprawled lazily onto the bed and dozed off. He slept soundly till dusk, lost in a deep dream. When the sky was painted in brilliant hues of the setting sun, only then did he wake up leisurely.The exhaustion from the previous day seemed to have melted away. He felt invigorated, refreshed, and in high spirits.At that moment, Leigh had already set the table in the hall with quiet efficiency. Compared to the first meal, this spread was far more lavish.At the center of the table sat a whole roasted pig. Its golden-brown skin glistened with a rich, crispy sheen. The mouthwatering aroma filled the room, making it impossible not to crave a bite.Warrick had never been one for formalities. The moment he saw the feast, he didn't hesitate. He strode over, took a seat, and started digging in. He ate with zero restraint without sparing a single thought for Mulder, who was still out gathering intel.After a while, half of the roast pig was gone. His fac
"Who is it?" Warrick's grip tightened around the hilt of his steel blade. His eyes, sharp and alert, were like those of a startled predator—full of caution and menace.For the past few days, he had been on edge, like a cornered animal. He barely slept and was constantly on high alert, fearing danger would strike at any moment.The door slowly creaked open. An elderly man with gray hair stepped inside with a tray of fruit and pastries in both hands.Before he could even register what was happening, a flash of cold steel appeared, and Warrick's blade was at the elderly man's throat.The elderly man trembled with fear. The tray slipped from his grasp, and fruit and pastries scattered on the floor."Easy, Sir Prescott. He's one of us." Mulder stepped forward and pressed down on the flat of Warrick's blade with a finger. He smiled and explained, "His name's Leigh Houston. He's mute and has served the Hall of Gods for years. He keeps watch over this tunnel entrance and has never slipp
"Here's the problem—even if we know Warrick's intentions, how do we stop him?" Austin asked.Right now, Warrick had already disappeared without a trace. Austin's team hadn't even come close enough to get a hold of him, so there was no way to track him down.West Lucozia's vast territory and resources made it impossible to seal off every exit route completely. While it might be manageable in the short term, prolonging such an operation would significantly impact West Lucozia's economy. Wasting resources on a single fugitive wasn't a wise move."Warrick is a wanted man across the entire city. There's no way he's leaving through official channels. He'll have to sneak his way out," Dustin analyzed. He continued, "According to the maritime charts, if he's traveling from West Lucozia to Artea, he'll have to go through Thaloria. That's our lead. Get someone on it immediately—find out how many smuggling routes there are from West Lucozia to Thaloria.""Got it. I'll get it done right away