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
"Speaking of which, those disciples from the Esoteric Sword Sect are really worth paying attention to," Miles mused.He rubbed his chin and looked at the three figures in black robes. "Their sword mastery technique is both mysterious and powerful. "Beheading enemies from miles away is child's play for them. And challenging opponents above their level? That's just routine. "If only I could learn their technique, I reckon I could make a name for myself in the martial world."Crystal chimed in, "The sword mastery technique is their best-kept secret. It was never shared outside their sect. Our elder once tried to exchange it with three of our top secrets, but they refused." She sighed and shook her head.The Sword Union was unwaveringly dedicated to anything sword-related. Whether it was renowned blades, ancient sword manuals, intricate techniques, or swordsmanship principles, they would spare no expense in obtaining them."I happen to know a thing or two about sword mastery te
As Dustin and the others chatted, a commotion suddenly erupted nearby. The bustling crowd swiftly scattered. They immediately cleared a wide path as if something dreadful was approaching.Then, a stunningly beautiful woman, accompanied by several mysterious figures in white robes, entered the tournament arena. Her white hair and eyes gave her an otherworldly appearance, and her demeanor exuded a chilling authority.Within a 30-foot radius, no one dared to approach her willingly. Their faces betrayed a mix of reverence and fear, as if they were avoiding a venomous serpent.Yet, when Dustin saw the white-haired woman, he couldn't help but pause momentarily. He was surprised as he hadn't expected to encounter a familiar face."Hmm, that's strange. That woman looks pretty, but why's everyone acting so scared around her?" Ruby scratched her head in confusion."Yes, she's beautiful. But take a closer look at the emblem on her clothes. She's from the Mystic Arts Order," Dalen pointed
"Wait... am I seeing things? The Grand Sorceress of the Mystic Arts Order is actually in another man's arms?""They say she's ruthless, cold-blooded, but she doesn't seem quite like the rumors.""Who is that guy? How could he make the Grand Sorceress of the Mystic Arts Order fall for him? Is he some big shot?"The sudden turn of events sparked whispers and finger-pointing among the onlookers.They never expected the notorious Grand Sorceress of the Mystic Arts Order to have such an innocent and adorable side. At that moment, she looked just like any ordinary woman.If it weren't for the several guardians of the Mystic Arts Order standing behind Abigail, they would have doubted her identity."Hmm?"Abigail's behavior startled Dustin just as much as it did the rest of the crowd. After all, he had completely changed his appearance with his disguise, looking nothing like his usual self. He couldn't help but wonder how Abigail had managed to recognize him at a glance."Sir, what's
"Your reputation precedes you, Grand Sorceress. Meeting you today confirms it." Crystal nodded respectfully, her demeanor composed and full of respect."You're too kind, Ms. Wesley," Abigail replied with a gentle nod."Uh… Greetings, Grand Sorceress," Miles stammered, visibly nervous as he hastily nodded."You're friends with Mr. Dustin, so you're my friend too. No need to be so formal." Abigail's warm smile was devoid of any trace of arrogance."I'm Ruby Wesley, pleased to meet you!" Ruby exclaimed eagerly and extended her hand.Abigail wasn't just the Grand Sorceress of the Mystic Arts Order but also ranked second on the Legendary List. Hence, Ruby felt honored to be acquainted with someone of her caliber."Pleasure's mine." Abigail smiled as she shook Ruby's hand. However, this simple act caused Crystal and Miles's expressions to change.After all, rumors circulated that Abigail was filled with parasitic poison. Any physical contact with her was perceived as potentially lif
"Abigail? Are you for real?" Dustin raised his eyebrows in disbelief. Since discovering her hidden abilities, she had become bolder than usual. He thought he was ready for anything, but her boldness surprised him.On the day of the Combat Tournament, she suggested poisoning all the skilled disciples from different guilds.Dustin felt uneasy about taking such a risky step. He came to understand that Abigail's way of thinking was beyond conventional norms.She exclaimed proudly, "Of course, I'm serious! With us poisoning those formidable opponents, winning the championship will be a breeze, don't you think? I feel like a genius for coming up with this brilliant plan!" Dustin fell silent while Dalen and the others tensed up. They felt like they were treading on thin ice.Abigail was loud and caught all the nearby martial artists' attention.Everyone cast wary glances in their direction, and some even started to reach for their weapons.If Abigail continued to speak boldly, Dusti
"What?" Miles was shocked. He jumped from his seat, thinking he must have misheard.He could not believe he was sharing a life with Ruby because of a pill. How ridiculous. Who would ever believe this?The others looked bewildered after hearing Abigail's unexpected revelation.The Echoed Curse was a powerful and rarely seen spell. It could change destinies and even save lives.But Abigail had turned it into a joke and bound Miles and Ruby's lives together. This prank had gone too far."Ms. Abigail, can we undo this Echoed Curse?" Ruby's voice quivered.Her initial curiosity now filled her with dread and uncertainty. She disliked the idea of sharing her fate, especially with Miles.As she pondered, a troubling realization struck her. What if he got into trouble one day? Would she be pulled down with him?"No, the Echoed Curses are for one-time use only. Once taken, their effects can't be undone," Abigail explained.She smiled faintly and added, "From now on, your destinies are l
The arrival of the middle-aged monk instantaneously hushed the entire training ground. It was only when he gradually tamed his imposing presence that whispers began to ripple through the crowd."Who is that? He looks powerful.""Of course he is. He's Oron Foyer, the disciple of the Ancient Sage!""Ah, that explains it. I've heard he's incredibly strong, nearly on par with Kaden, another disciple of the Ancient Sage. It seems the rumors are true.""Well, with Master Oron here, I doubt anyone will start any fights today."As Oron stood in the center, the crowd started murmuring.Today was the Combat Tournament held by the Sacred Wrym Summit, so security naturally was the top priority.If things got out of hand, it wouldn't just be a feud between guilds—it could turn into a big fight.Alliances were frequent in the martial world, and a skirmish between a few could drag others in. If that happened, matters would quickly spiral out of control.So, when the Frostzard Manor was abo
"So what if I am? And what if I push even further?" Dustin's smile slowly faded. "If you don't like it, do something about it."There was no reasoning with tyrants like Warrick."Punk, are you really willing to risk your life against me? Have you ever considered what happens if you lose?" Warrick's face turned grim as a wave of killing intent spread from him.He had already taken a step back to avoid unnecessary trouble. If Dustin refused to back down, there was no choice but to fight."Cut the crap. You wanna fight, fight." Dustin didn't bother with more words. With a flick of his wrist, a silver needle shot out and aimed toward Warrick's forehead—silent, unassuming, but deadly."Hmm?" Warrick's brow furrowed as he instinctively raised his arm. Sparks flew as the needle deflected off his arm and buried into the ground."Oh? You've mastered the Adamantine Body Technique?" Dustin narrowed his eyes. At that instant, he saw through Warrick's technique. Not only was he halfway
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