The minutes passed as the matches progressed. Before anyone realized it, half the day had already gone by.The battle ring witnessed one intense match after another, with the ring constantly being patched up. Soon, the list of the top 16 contestants was announced.For top-ranked martial artists on the Heavenly Immortals like Glenn, Abigail, and Fenley, the outcome was never in doubt—unless they faced each other. They won decisively and effortlessly.For instance, Glenn's opponent didn't even put up a fight and chose to forfeit right away. After all, swordsmen could deal devastating damage. As the top-ranked martial artist on the Legendary List, Glenn was an ultimate grandmaster. With just one strike, he could easily defeat an ordinary grandmaster. If his opponent hadn't forfeited, there was a high chance they could have been seriously injured.Those who drew Glenn as an opponent were simply unlucky. In the battle ring, sometimes luck played a bigger role than skill.Besides Glen
Jaxton's entrance drew a lot of attention.The Esoteric Sword Guild was highly mysterious in the martial world. Though they had only a handful of members, each was exceptionally talented. Their Sword Mastery Technique was so powerful that even the Sword Union had been envious. Consequently, every time Jaxton stepped into the battle ring, he became the center of attention. Everyone was intrigued by the Esoteric Sword Guild background and the renowned Sword Mastery Technique.Despite advancing to the top 16, he hadn't showcased the technique. Perhaps none of his previous opponents had been able to force him to use it. But the stakes were different now.Jaxton would be going against Fenley from the Celestial Alliance, ranked fifth on the Legendary List. With such a strong opponent, he would need to use his Sword Mastery Technique.At that moment, the two stood on the ring and saluted each other."I'm Fenley Hudson from Celestial Alliance," Fenley introduced himself with a brief s
"It's rare to see a fight like this. No swordplay, no divine powers, just pure fistfighting.""Now, this is what I call action. A real man goes all in, throwing punch after punch.""If they're going at it this hard just in the warm-up, imagine how intense it will get if the fight gets serious."The spectators buzzed with excitement as they watched the fierce battle in the battle ring. They had anticipated a clash of sword techniques and divine powers. Instead, they were witnessing an intense, all-out fistfight.Jaxton had set aside his sword to engage with his fists, while Fenley had put his divine powers aside for a straightforward brawl. It looked like the match was determined to settle things through pure skill in hand-to-hand combat.Fenley and Jaxton continued their fierce exchange of punches in the battle ring.Jaxton's attacks grew more aggressive as his internal energy surged with each strike. Each punch carried the force to split mountains. Soon, his breathing became hea
"Is this the Sword Mastery Technique? It really lives up to its name.""One strike knocked Fenley back and turned the tide. That's amazing.""That sword moved so fast, but I only saw a flash of white light. It was terrifying!"When Jaxton unleashed his Sword Mastery Technique, the spectators were stunned. Even though they had heard about it before, this was their first time seeing it in action. The technique's sheer dominance and fierce momentum had struck them deep in their souls. It was said that "One sword strike could be deadly".With such formidable techniques and divine power, ordinary people wouldn't stand a chance and could be defeated in the blink of an eye. Fortunately, Fenley was strong enough to endure the attack. Otherwise, that single sword strike might have been sufficient to kill him and decide the outcome.Fenley exhaled sharply, and his gaze turned serious. "I have to admit. Your Sword Mastery Technique is indeed a powerful divine ability. However, it's not e
The wind blades formed a net, which carried immense force as they hammered relentlessly against the three flying swords. Each impact resounded with explosive sounds.Though the sharp swords sliced through the blades, their momentum began to slow, and their speed dropped. But the wind blades seemed endless as they flooded the sky in waves. Some continued to hammer at the three swords, while others charged straight at Jaxton."Hmm?" Jaxton's expression changed slightly. He couldn't afford to take it head-on, so he waved his fingers three times and shouted, "Return!"The three flying swords turned in midair and raced back to his side. They spun rapidly and unleashed a fierce wave of sword aura that kept the incoming wind blades at bay.The clash between wind blades and sword aura created shockwaves and explosions, like a constant barrage of fireworks.Jaxton gritted his teeth and pointed his sword forward to fend off the relentless wind blades. Ten seconds later, the onslaught fin
"Fenley, congratulations for making it to the top eight. You're just one step away from winning the tournament," Aurora said with a bright smile as Fenley returned to his seat."While the Sword Mastery Technique is impressive, Fenley's Four Elements of God's Technique is far superior. Jaxton might have lost, but he still deserves respect." Alicia's face beamed with pride.Initially, Alicia was worried when she saw Jaxton's remarkable Sword Mastery Technique. But her worries vanished once Fenley unleashed his Four Elements of God's Technique. She knew the result of the match had already been decided."Defeating Jaxton was easy, but winning the tournament is still a long way to go." Fenley smiled and shook his head.He was confident but not blind to the challenges ahead. Jaxton wasn't one of the top names on the Legendary List. Though skilled, he wasn't in the same league as the top contestants."Let's take it one step at a time," Aurora said with a smile. "If Glenn and Abigail end
The spectators fell silent as Levi's body collapsed on the ground. Shock and disbelief were written on every face, and they didn't expect the match to end so quickly. In the blink of an eye, the winner had been decided."I didn't imagine that, right? Levi, the Boulderthorn branch master, was killed in seconds?""With just a finger in the air, Levi was killed. Glenn didn't even draw his sword. His strength is terrifying.""So, is that the strength of the Legendary List's top rank? It's downright terrifying."After a brief silence, the venue erupted in shock and chatter.When Levi stepped onto the battle ring with his spear, everyone had expected a long, hard-fought match. After all, he was a renowned figure in the martial world and recognized as a master no matter where he went.Even if Levi couldn't match Glenn's skill, he should have lasted a few rounds at least. But what happened? Throughout the whole bout, Glenn had only made one move. Before everyone could even process what
George's brutal treatment of Jermaine's body had already stirred up a lot of anger. As he stepped into the battle ring again, the spectators booed and cursed at him."Ugh! Just seeing this bastard makes me sick. I want to kill him.""Disgusting heartless scum!""He got away with it last time, but now he's facing the Grand Sorceress of the Mystic Arts Order. Let's see how he dies."The spectators were furious as they shouted and cursed at George, but he didn't care. His eyes were locked on Abigail, and his lips curled into a wicked grin. He couldn't hide the lust in his gaze. "Tsk, tsk… Hey, gorgeous. Fighting is a man's job. As a woman, your duty is to bear children." His eyes roamed over her as he grinned wider. "Unfortunately, Dragonmarsh martial artists are weaklings. They don't have what it takes to satisfy someone like you. But I can guarantee you'll experience pure pleasure with me," he said and laughed heartily.His words were like a spark that ignited a wildfire, causing
"After you, Sir Prescott." With one hand resting on the hilt of his sword, Axel's other hand gestured toward the door."Hmph!" Warrick shot a cold glance at Axel's subtle movement and then turned to leave the meeting room.Even if Austin had his suspicions, Warrick knew he couldn't do anything to him without concrete evidence.Axel escorted Warrick back to Room A1. After closing the door, he went to Room A2 and led Huxley to the meeting room."Your Highness, it is my privilege to stand before you." Huxley entered the meeting room with a respectful salute."Mr. Thatcher, please take a seat." Austin's face remained neutral as he gestured for Huxley to sit, then motioned for Axel to pour him a cup of tea."Do you know why I've summoned you here today?" Austin spoke calmly, and his words carried the same probing tone as earlier."Is it about Jovian's disappearance?" Huxley asked in return."Oh? It seems you're quick on the uptake." Austin raised an eyebrow. "In that case, g
The enforcement team worked with remarkable efficiency. Within an hour, Huxley, Warrick, and Percival had been brought back to the castle.Per Austin's instructions, Axel made sure the three met briefly upon arrival, though they were given no opportunity to speak to one another. Afterward, they were taken to separate rooms and were guarded individually.Due to their status, the enforcement team treated them with respect, offering them tea and wine. However, they weren't allowed to leave their rooms and had to wait for Austin to summon them.Warrick was confined to Room A1, Huxley to Room A2, and Percival to Room A3. Their rooms were right next to each other, separated only by thin walls. If they stepped out, they would see one another, but none of them knew how close they were.This, of course, was all part of Austin's plan. He knew that extracting the truth from these three cunning foxes would require unconventional tactics.…Inside Room A1, Warrick sat calmly, sipping his te
"Hm?"Even Warrick frowned at the news.The royal enforcement team was rarely mobilized. When they did, it was always for something monumental. The question was, did a minor figure like Jovian Ballard really warrant such attention from Austin?"Mr. Thatcher, are you sure the royal enforcement team has been mobilized? And it's because of Jovian?" Warrick asked skeptically."Of course I'm sure," Huxley replied with a grave expression. "I've just received orders from above. The enforcement team captain will be taking over my duties temporarily. From now on, they'll have full control over the city's defense and investigative operations.""That's strange. Why would Lord Austin go to such lengths for someone so insignificant?" Warrick was confused, his brow furrowing.According to his intel, this was the first time Jovian and Austin had even met. Even if they had crossed paths before, it shouldn't have been enough to justify deploying the enforcement team.It seemed Warrick had undere
The next morning, after breakfast at the West Lucozian castle, Austin tried calling Jovian. However, his calls went unanswered. After several attempts, he still couldn't get through."Huh?" Austin was puzzled. They had made plans the previous day to head to Oakvale that day. Why was Jovian suddenly unreachable? Had he stood Austin up?After thinking it over, he found that unlikely. He and Jovian had gotten along well and even called each other brothers. On top of that, they had promised to travel together and watch out for one another.If Jovian had an urgent matter that required him to leave West Lucozia, he would have at least given Austin a heads-up. Jovian wouldn't just disappear without a word."Could something have happened to him?" Austin's unease grew. He quickly summoned his trusted aide. "Go find out where Jovian is. Report back to me as soon as you have any information.""Yes, Your Highness," the aide replied before hurrying off.Austin poured himself a cup of tea
A dull sound echoed through the air.Jovian's body shuddered. Blood streamed from his eyes, ears, and nose as he crumpled to the ground, lifeless. He was dead. After fighting to his last breath, he had chosen the only honorable way out.The scene had left even the assassins, who were no strangers to bloodshed, momentarily stunned. Taking one's own life so decisively wasn't something just anyone could do. Even the lowest of creatures had the instinct to cling to life, let alone a human being."This guy… He's ruthless," Ronan muttered, and his face darkened.Warrick had given strict orders to capture Jovian alive, but now he was dead. Now, Ronan had no way to deliver. If he had known it would come to this, he would have personally intervened to kill Jovian first."What now, boss?" one of the assassins asked."Clean up the scene," Ronan ordered. "I'll take the body back myself." With that, he hoisted Jovian's body onto his shoulder, tossed it into the vehicle, and drove off.…W
The sounds of battle echoed under the streetlights. Shouts of pain mixed with the clash of weapons could be heard. Five figures were locked in a deadly struggle, and blood splattered across the ground.The fight raged for nearly half an hour until the noise gradually subsided. The five figures lay motionless in pools of blood.Under the dim glow of the streetlights, three of the black-clad assassins were confirmed dead. One's neck was snapped, another's chest pierced, and the last had bled out from a fatal wound.Jovian and Boston were in no better condition.Boston was soaked in blood. His body was riddled with deep cuts, some so severe they exposed the bone beneath.Jovian wasn't much better. His abdomen and shoulder were slashed. His right arm had been severed, and he was left in a pitiful state.Boston coughed. After taking down the last assassin, he collapsed to the ground. He gasped for air as blood poured from his mouth. His chest and abdomen were torn open, and his orga
"Jovian, listen to me. West Lucozia's trouble runs deep. You won't be able to handle it. You need to get out of there," Boston urged.When Jovian remained silent, Boston couldn't hide his growing concern. After all, they were comrades, and he didn't want to see his friend die on the street."You're right. I'm not afraid if they come at me head-on. What worries me is if they come at me from behind."After hesitating for a moment, Jovian nodded. "Alright, Boston. Take me back to the hotel. I'll pack my things.""Now that's more like it." Boston sighed in relief. "As they say, there's always a chance as long as you're alive. The most important thing is to stay safe.""Thanks, man. I'll buy you a drink next time." Jovian smiled.Without Boston's constant advice, Jovian might have taken a chance. But if things went south, he'd regret it too late.Back at the hotel, Jovian wasted no time. He packed quickly, then hopped into Boston's car to head to the airport. With the burden lifted,
"Gentlemen, I've done my part and had my tea already. I still have things to take care of, so I'll leave now. Farewell!" Jovian said.When no one responded, he didn't say another word. He nodded respectfully, stood up, and exited the room.When the door opened, Warrick's face darkened, and his hand instinctively moved toward the hilt of his sword. But before he could act, Huxley gently touched his arm and shook his head.Jovian noticed something was off and paused at the doorway before stepping out.Boston, who was standing by the door, let out a quiet sigh of relief as he watched Jovian leave without a scratch. His relief was short-lived, though, when he saw the grim expressions on the faces of the three men inside.It was clear that the meeting hadn't gone well. Fortunately, nothing too serious had happened. Otherwise, Boston would have much explaining to do to both sides."Why did you stop me? That arrogant brat clearly doesn't respect us. He'll think we're pushovers if we don
"Gentlemen, you certainly have a refined sense of humor." Jovian took another sip of tea. "But I'm not exactly a brave man. I startle easily, so I'd appreciate it if you kept the jokes to a minimum.""Of course." Huxley smiled and nodded. "Just some lighthearted banter to break the ice. If we've offended you, I apologize on behalf of Mr. Prescott. Please don't take it to heart."Jovian's expression eased slightly at that.Since he had the nerve to attend this trap-laden dinner, he wasn't afraid of a few threats. He wouldn't mind sharing information with them if they were willing to have a proper conversation.But they had tried to strong-arm him. Their words were laced with veiled threats and demands as if he were someone they could push around.Naturally, that didn't sit well with him. He just didn't let it show—for now."There's no need for an apology. If there's nothing else, I'll be on my way," Jovian said flatly. He stood to leave and felt that continuing this conversation w