"Kid, I'm going to turn you into a puddle of blood." After the Crimson Skullhead devoured Dustin, Bill's triumphant laughter echoed through the venue. It filled the air with a chilling, lingering sound."Alicia, will Dr. Rhys be okay?" Aurora's face was tense with worry.Vampires' abilities were mysterious and fearsome, especially their scarlet mist that could corrode human flesh. It was deadlier than any divine weapon. Without strong cultivation, it was nearly impossible to fend off."Calm down. Let's see how this plays out. I don't think he'll go down that easily." Alicia frowned, and her expression turned grim. Despite her words, her tightly clenched fists betrayed her anxiety.Grace observed the anxious Marshall sisters with a smile and chose not to comment. Considering Dustin's strength, she believed that even someone like Bill or a vampire of earl status couldn't challenge him.On the other side, Dalen looked at the anxious Wesley sisters beside him with a faint smile. He li
"Whoa! What the heck is that? It's so hideous.""They say vampires are handsome men and beautiful women, but it's all just a facade. Once they show their true form, they become total beasts.""If I'm not mistaken, that must be the vampire's third form. It greatly enhances their physical abilities, which makes them faster and stronger. Number Eight is in danger now."The spectators murmured among themselves as they watched Bill transform into a beast-like creature.Most vampires had attractive appearances that could deceive anyone. But when vampires sacrificed their looks and became grotesque, their combat abilities greatly enhanced. At this stage, they were the most terrifying existence."It looks like Mr. Wolfe is genuinely enraged. He has tapped into his noble bloodline and awakened the third form while disregarding his appearance. This is the final form of a vampire." Jeremiah narrowed his eyes and smiled faintly.He knew better than anyone the sheer power of the vampire's thi
The spectators were stunned as they stared at Bill sprawling on the ground with blood pouring from his mouth. They were speechless, and their eyes widened in shock.Everything happened in a blink—from Bill's aggressive charge to the shattering blow to his heart that had left him mortally wounded. It was a whirlwind of chaos that left everyone dumbstruck.The match had ended before anyone had a chance to process it. The outcome was so unexpected that it left the entire venue in stunned silence."Am I seeing this right? Dr. Rhys won?" Aurora's eyes widened in disbelief as she stared at the battle ring.Just moments ago, she was worried that Bill would kill Dustin. To her surprise, the tables had turned.Dustin was calm, while Bill was on the brink and coughing up blood. The sudden reversal felt almost surreal."One move… and he destroyed him?" Alicia was equally astonished. She knew Dustin was strong, but she hadn't anticipated this level of strength.After his transformation, Bil
The scene was lively below the stage but different on the battle ring. The arrogant and domineering Bill was sprawled on the ground, spewing blood. His face was deathly pale, and his eyes widened in sheer terror as if he had seen a ghost.He couldn't believe he would be defeated even after awakening his bloodline and transforming into the third form. He wondered what Dustin had done.It seemed like a simple touch had drained his strength and torn through his chest. Throughout the entire fight, he hadn't sensed any energy fluctuations from Dustin."No! This can't be happening. I'm from the noble bloodline. So, how can I lose to a mere human martial artist? It's impossible!" Bill's mind screamed in disbelief. He couldn't accept the crushing reality.He gritted his teeth and summoned his bloodline power again. Scarlet mist oozed from his wounds as it gradually flowed into the gaping hole. As the blood energy revitalized him, the shape of a heart began to reform, with the surroundi
Bill was dead. Dustin's single attack left nothing but scattered remains. No amount of recovery ability or inherent ability mattered against such overwhelming strength.When facing a human martial artist, Dustin wouldn't go for the kill unless there was a deep-seated grudge. He would always leave a way out for his opponent.But vampires were different. They were enemies by nature, and it was a fight to the death in the battle ring. Bill's intentions were hostile as he treated humans as nothing more than pests. Someone like him was better off eliminated sooner rather than later.When he shouted, "I surrender," Oron could have intervened and called off the fight. But he deliberately hesitated, almost as if giving Dustin the green light.After all, neither Jeremiah nor George had shown mercy to the Dragonmarsh martial artists. They even went so far as to torture their opponent's bodies after they were dead.As a result, most Dragonmarsh martial artists were fueled by shared anger
Penelope suddenly spoke up. "Gentlemen, this young man has a deep history with my guild. So, it's still a mystery which guild he'll join." Her withered face held a knowing smile.Earlier, her subordinate had reported that Dustin was very close to Abigail. Since joining the Mystic Arts Order, Abigail had never been this close with any man, especially not on their first meeting.Although Dustin had changed his appearance, Penelope suspected he was Logan Rhys, who was ranked first on the Legendary List. He was also the future Prince of West Lucozia.She thought it was unrealistic for someone of his stature to join any guild in the martial world. Even if he wanted to, the palace would never approve.Penelope's motive for getting involved was simply to enjoy the spectacle. She looked forward to seeing Alloy and Cyrus' frustrated expressions when their attempts to recruit Dustin failed. The thought of their dismay amused her greatly."Madam Penelope, the martial world has always kept it
"My life is so miserable!" Caleb grumbled and sighed as he walked onto the battle ring.Oron frowned at his lack of enthusiasm. How could this punk have no fighting spirit? After all, he was one of Sacred Wrym Summit's most talented disciples. Shouldn't he show a bit more enthusiasm?"Whoa! Sage Foyer's star disciple is entering the ring. This is going to be exciting.""I've heard that he's the most gifted disciple Sacred Wyrm Summit has seen in a century. He's not even 20, yet he's already mastered the Glow Incantation and Stormcraft. Plus, he's skilled in Divine Talisman techniques. He's even outshining his mentor.""Caleb's talented, but he's still young. He's almost ten years younger than Sam, so his chances of winning are slim.""That's right. Sam's ranked ninth on the Legendary List. His cultivation and techniques are on another level. Caleb is nowhere near his level."As Caleb made his entrance, the spectators started murmuring. Those who ranked on the Legendary List w
As the hidden weapons shot toward him, Caleb seemed to anticipate their arrival. He raised his middle and index fingers and murmured an incantation. Suddenly, a golden light enveloped him. The weapons hit the light with sharp clangs but were deflected without leaving a mark."He's using the Glow Incantation technique?" Sam raised his eyebrows in surprise.The Glow Incantation was Sacred Wrym Summit's signature technique, and mastering it required decades of intense training. At only 20, Caleb had already mastered it, which showcased his remarkable talent.However, Sam knew Caleb's skill wasn't enough to challenge him. He understood that the effectiveness of the Glow Incantation depended on Caleb's cultivation, and his youth meant his foundation was still developing.He believed he could break through Caleb's defenses if he continued to attack. So, he quickly waved his sleeves to send a torrent of hidden weapons toward Caleb. Though they appeared ordinary, each weapon packed the p
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
"Glenn had only seven swords in the past. I didn't expect that in just one year, two more divine swords would recognize him as their master. This punk is much better than I was back then," Cyrus remarked. He stroked his chin with a look of surprise and approval. He had always believed in Glenn's potential, but Glenn's performance had still exceeded his expectations.After all, the more swords Glenn wielded, the stronger he became. He had already topped the Legendary List with just seven swords. Now, with nine, his strength had grown even more overwhelming."He truly is the Chosen One." Even Kaden couldn't help but sigh.The nine divine swords recognized their master and responded with ease. Glenn's talent and cultivation were leagues ahead of his peers.Every generation brought forth new talent, and the old had no choice but to step aside for the new generation. Compared to their time, today's youth were on another level—monsters in their own right."Now, this is going to be int
Compared to the second green sword, Glenn's third sword was even more powerful. As it descended, accompanied by the fury of a fire dragon, it carried the destructive force of a world-shattering storm.Fenley, whose energy flow was disrupted earlier, watched the fiery red long sword streak toward like a falling meteor. His heart raced and was gripped by a sudden sense of impending doom.With a roar, he risked the backlash effect and unleashed a powerful surge of internal energy. The ethereal divine spirit behind him instantly transformed into a figure with three heads and six arms. This was the complete form of the Four Elements of God's Technique.At that instant, he threw everything he had into the fight. He controlled the spirit to slam its giant arms into the flaming sword. With a loud explosion, the sword tore through the spirit's palms and continued its unyielding path toward Fenley. But its speed had slowed slightly.Without hesitation, he controlled the spirit to strike ag
When the spectators heard the match was about to begin, the excitement reached a fever pitch. Half of them cheered for Fenley while the other half chanted Glenn's name. Both were the Chosen Ones, and their popularity was undeniable. Everyone had been waiting for their face-off in the battle ring.Though Fenley ranked slightly below Glenn on the Legendary List, his fame and influence as the successor to the Celestial Alliance's guildmaster outshined Glenn's. Ultimately, the question of who was stronger could only be answered in the ring."I've been waiting for this day, Glenn." Fenley stared at him intently. His voice was powerful and commanding. He continued, "Others say I'm not your equal, but I refuse to believe it. Today, we'll find out whether your sword is faster or if my Four Elements of God's Technique is superior.""The moment you said that, you've already lost. Your doubt shows you lack the confidence to defeat me," Glenn replied calmly. If this were a fight-to-the-deat
After the quarterfinals, it was time for a break. With noon approaching, contestants and spectators needed food and water to recharge. An hour later, the venue was buzzing with excitement again as Oron stepped onto the battle ring. He was accompanied by a Sacred Wrym Summit disciple, who carried a black box filled with numbered balls."It's almost time. I'd like to invite the top four contestants to the ring to draw lots," Oron announced as he surveyed the crowd.Amidst a wave of enthusiastic applause, four figures ascended the battle ring one after another. First in line was Glenn, with Fenley right behind him, followed by Abigail and Dustin."Sir, we're in the semifinals. Good luck!" Abigail winked playfully at Dustin as she stepped into the ring."You too," he replied with a smile.Given Abigail's strength, her odds against Glenn were slim. However, if she faced Fenley, she would have a solid chance at victory.After all, Fenley had only just broken through to the ultimate g
"Who the heck is this kid?" Oron glanced at his trembling hands and felt a chill run down his spine. He failed to gain the upper hand in the earlier clash with Dustin and suffered an unexpected setback. He was already an ultimate grandmaster, with a cultivation and mastery of the Glow Incantation that surpassed Caleb's. By all accounts, subduing a younger opponent should have been a piece of cake.But that exchange just now had brought him to a stark realization—Dustin had been holding back this whole time and hadn't used his full strength. Otherwise, Caleb wouldn't have lasted this long.The realization unsettled Oron. There were always extraordinary talents out there, but the potential Dustin had displayed was genuinely terrifying. To put it plainly, he was a beast on the same level as Glenn."What happened? Why did the judge step in?""Can't you see? Caleb has already lost. If the judge hadn't stepped in, that sword would have killed him or left him severely injured.""Exactl
As the Eight Trigrams of Divine Talisman took shape, a massive trigram formation suddenly appeared at the center of the battle ring. It spanned across the ring, whirling and transforming with relentless speed.At that moment, Dustin was standing inside the enchantment circle. He suddenly felt overwhelmed by tremendous pressure. Unlike the crushing force from the Summit Shift talisman that affected his body, this pressure came from his mind. He felt as if he were confined in a cage and unable to escape, regardless of how hard he struggled.Unlike the explosion Caleb had used against Sam, the Eight Trigrams of Divine Talisman now showcased its true power."You shouldn't have given me time to prepare. Your arrogance is your downfall." Caleb let out a sigh of relief upon seeing the enchantment circle in place.The Eight Trigrams of Divine Talisman was powerful but required several seconds to cast—a timeframe that could be deadly against a skilled opponent.During his fight with Sam