Marcia demonstrated her intelligence with a strategic move. Choosing to cut open the abdomen to reach the head could have startled the unconscious Predator, potentially putting herself in danger. That was why opting to kill him outright was a sensible choice.However, she overlooked a critical detail—the vast difference in their strengths. Taking down a grandmaster-level opponent, especially one with significant physical power, was no simple feat, even if they were unconscious.With a swift motion, Marcia drove her sword toward the Predator's chest. Before the sword tip could penetrate more than half an inch, Predator's reflexes kicked in. His muscles tensed instantly, exerting a powerful force that effectively trapped her sword in place."Hmm?" Marcia frowned and applied more pressure to push forward with her sword. But to her surprise, it wouldn't budge any further. Even more astonishing was that she couldn't withdraw her sword.She didn't know that Predator's muscles c
The two disciples from Sacred Wrym Summit moved with lightning speed, swiftly dislocating Predator's arms. In an instant, he was left powerless, his arms hanging limp after just one clash.But Predator wasn't about to give up. Despite his dislocated arms rendering him immobile, he still snarled and lunged at one of the disciples with his mouth wide open.The disciple held his ground, and a shimmering golden light enveloped his body.With a sharp impact, Predator rammed headfirst into the golden light and staggered back several feet. His face was a mess of blood and flesh, a few teeth knocked loose, leaving him dazed and swaying."What was that golden light just now? It looked so powerful," Ruby remarked, her eyes widening with surprise.She was familiar with Predator's strength. Even without his transformation or in his weakened state, he could still hold his own against formidable opponents like Quincy.Yet, his two attacks were effortlessly blocked by the golden light surroundi
Caleb's impressive techniques left the martial artists in awe. They couldn't believe that two simple pieces of paper had such immense power, effortlessly subduing the Predator."No way! He took down the leader just like that?" Ruby's eyes widened in astonishment. She hadn't taken Caleb seriously before, thinking he was too young and probably not very strong.However, the outcome surprised her greatly. The ferocious Predator was already knocked down before she could even process what was happening. Throughout the whole ordeal, Caleb hadn't even budged from his spot. He just casually waved his hand a few times."So this is the strength of the new generation genius from Sacred Wrym Summit? Truly remarkable!" Miles exclaimed in admiration. Sacred Wrym Summit was renowned for its array of esoteric techniques, including Glow Incantation, Stormcraft, and Divine Talisman. However, mastering any of these was extremely difficult.Most disciples of Sacred Wrym Summit primarily focused o
"The offer from Sacred Wrym Summit sure is tempting." Dustin nodded in agreement. Then, he suddenly said, "But I'm more interested in the person in front of me, so I'll have to apologize to you all."Everyone was shocked to hear this, finding it difficult to believe. They couldn't understand why Dustin would refuse such an opportunity.They found it baffling. It was an opportunity that could change someone's fate. Opportunities like this didn't come knocking often, yet Dustin brushed it off like it was nothing.They couldn't help but wonder if he had lost his mind."What's wrong with you, Dustin? Why would you turn down such a golden opportunity?" Miles asked, bewildered.If it were him, he would be jumping for joy. But Dustin's refusal seemed to go against the natural order of things, leaving Miles scratching his head."It seems Dustin thinks that the value of that assassin leader is higher than the favor from Sacred Wrym Summit," Dalen remarked thoughtfully."What? What valu
Miles eagerly explained, "Don't let the thin yellow paper fool you because it holds immense power. Once it latches onto someone, they'll feel like they're being crushed by a massive boulder. "As long as this talisman remains intact, that person won't be able to move a muscle for the rest of their life!""Wow, really that incredible?" Ruby widened her eyes in astonishment."Absolutely! Though I've only heard of it and never seen one. After all, there are very few who can wield the Summit Shift Divine Talisman," Miles said."Should we help?" Ruby asked."If even Mr. Rhys can't budge it, our efforts would be in vain. Let's just wait and see." Crystal shook her head.They hadn't reached grandmaster level, so they weren't qualified for this kind of confrontation."Mr. Rhys, how about letting the two of us give it a try?" Laurel and Willow stepped forward, offering themselves up for the task.Wary of the potential for deception, they decided to take the initiative and offer to go
"Let's try again!"The Sacred Wrym Summit disciple's words failed to dissuade Laurel and Willow.The sisters exchanged glances before unsheathing their swords. With swift motions, they targeted the Summit Shift Divine Talisman on Predator's back.Despite their persistent efforts, they quickly realized that removing the talisman was impossible. Thus, they redirected their efforts toward destroying it.After all, it was just a talisman. They were confident that breaking it wouldn't be any more challenging than shattering darksteel.When Laurel and Willow's swords struck the talisman, it instantly ignited with a brilliant burst of yellow light.A powerful shockwave erupted in a flash and shattered the swords upon impact. The sheer force of the blast sent the sisters flying backward, causing them to cough up blood.Stunned and bewildered, they exchanged incredulous looks. They hadn't expected that such an ordinary-looking talisman could withstand their attacks.It was truly unbelie
"Huh? How is this possible?""Weren't we just saying that the Summit Shift Divine Talisman couldn't be removed? How did he tear it off like it was nothing?""Well, that's unexpected! What exactly did he do?"Everyone was dumbfounded as their eyes fixed on the talisman in Dustin's hand.The Summit Shift Divine Talisman of Sacred Wrym Summit was revered for invincibility. Its strength was likened to a mountain, seemingly impervious to human efforts. Any endeavor to forcibly remove it was typically met with severe backlash. It was a lesson Laurel and Willow had painfully learned from their previous attempts.Yet, Dustin effortlessly tearing the talisman off went against all expectations. It was truly baffling.Ruby asked, "Wait, what just happened? It was torn off just like that? Looks like the Summit Shift Divine Talisman you mentioned wasn't that impressive." She was bewildered. She had believed in the talisman's invincibility, but now, her faith seemed misplaced.Dalen's mou
The overnight uproar was soon forgotten in the light of day.The following morning, Sacred Wrym Summit hummed with activity as people thronged in.It was the much-awaited day—the official kickoff of the Combat Tournament.Participants and onlookers flooded the area. They were eager to witness something truly remarkable.This unprecedented event had become the talk of the martial world. It attracted representatives from all major sects and guilds.Even those not participating in the tournament found themselves drawn to the excitement.Because everyone knew this was a rare chance to witness extraordinary talent, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity not to be missed.The Combat Tournament at Sacred Wrym Summit lasted five days. During the initial three days, Groups C and B participants would compete. Following several rounds of elimination, the standout fighters earned their ticket to join Group A. They would then confront the group's brightest talents.By the fourth day, the tourna
Mulder's body trembled, and he suddenly coughed up a mouthful of blood. His energy drained, and his entire being seemed to collapse.Dustin's finger flick had not only shattered his sword but also injured his internal organs. With the effects of the enhanced serum wearing off, Mulder was now back to his original state and completely spent.His once-powerful frame now shrank like a punctured balloon. He looked as if he had aged ten years in an instant. Mulder could no longer fight. Even standing up was a challenge."He's finished," Dustin said coolly, then looked at Warrick. "Now it's your turn.""Hmm?" Warrick frowned, and his expression turned serious.Dustin's display of strength earlier had made him feel a sense of crisis. If they fought head-on, there was no telling who would come out on top.But Warrick was just one step away from escaping West Lucozia, bound for Artea and a life of freedom and luxury. He had no intention of risking his life in battle unless he absolutely
"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