"Why are they gathered here?" Chase asked. Although he could see what was happening outside, there was no sound. It was unclear whether Skylar had deliberately muted the noise or if the group of old men was simply not speaking.Just then, Skylar's expression shifted once more. He was clearly receiving another transmission.Instead of answering Chase's question, Skylar simply waved his hand, and the door to Herb Hall slowly opened.The moment Chase and Skylar were visible, the crowd outside began to speak up."Skylar, are you really going to protect such a villain?""Skylar, are you truly willing to tarnish your reputation by sheltering a murderer who takes lives so recklessly?""Skylar, we've come here, and yet you've shown us no respect. You're far too arrogant."Their accusations filled the hall, but Skylar had only one word in response, "Silence!"The accusations abruptly stopped."How dare you cause such a commotion at my doorstep, disturbing my peace? Do you really think
Since the founding of Bactria, there had been an unwritten rule that the Nine Major Powers should not interfere in the affairs of Bactrian clans.This was also why Bactria tolerated sects and aristocratic families dominating certain regions. Over the years, even if someone secretly colluded with these powerful families, they had to keep it on the down low and never be blatant about it."Enough talk. I don't care what your intentions are. As long as Chase remains in my Herb Hall, none of you will lay a hand on him. Now, leave!" Fed up with the conversation, Skylar turned to leave.At that moment, someone in the crowd spoke up, "Hmph, Basalt's Collins isn't much, after all. He killed so many people but won't even admit it. He's just hiding behind an elder."As soon as this was said, others chimed in, "Yeah, the great Chase Collins who only knows how to hide. How fitting! After all, Basalt's divine Black Turtle is just a turtle hiding in its shell."This remark sparked laughter among
When Chase called him out by name, the elder instinctively tried to deny it. He was just about to speak when Chase interrupted."Forget it. I doubt you'd admit it anyway. Fine, since we're all warriors here, let's settle this like warriors," Chase declared, his voice steady and resolute."I, Chase Collins, declare that anyone at my level can come and challenge me no matter their age or gender. If I lose, I'll accept any punishment. But if I win, then wherever I go, the defeated must retreat in my presence."Chase looked at the group of elders before him, his gaze cold and full of provocation."Chase, what's your current level?" someone immediately asked, curious about his strength."I'm a stage-six martial lord," Chase replied without hesitation, revealing his exact level. Even so, his answer caused a stir among the crowd.Many still remembered the recent battle for the secret realm on the outskirts of Capital City, and in their minds, Chase should not have progressed much since
The members of the Sosa Clan exchanged uneasy glances. Despite being so openly provoked, not a single one of them stepped forward to fight. Seeing this, Chase decided not to waste any more time with the group. He left them with one final statement before returning to Herb Hall."Seeing as none of you dare to make a move today, I'll change my terms. In the next five days, I welcome anyone at the same level to challenge me!"As soon as Chase walked away, a group of clueless elders from the Sosa Clan turned to Ray, hoping to regain some dignity."Ray, go get Mr. Zach to teach this arrogant kid a lesson," one of them urged.Aware of the real situation, Ray kept a stoic expression. To protect Zach's reputation, he did not reveal the truth but simply said that Zach was too busy to bother with such trivial matters."If Mr. Zach is unavailable, could we perhaps request the Saintess to step in?" one elder pressed on, unwilling to let go of the insult from a younger generation.The moment
Although Chase initially directed his challenge only at the Sosa Clan members outside Herb Hall who were provoking him, the story changed as it spread.Rumors quickly twisted his words. At first, it was simply reported that Chase was challenging opponents at his own level. However, as the story traveled, it became increasingly exaggerated. Some even claimed that Chase believed himself to be invincible among the younger generation and that he declared himself the strongest, inviting anyone who disagreed to challenge him.As expected, the news spread like wildfire, reaching nearly all the prominent factions. It was said that Basalt's Collins had boldly challenged all the strongest fighters in the world. Upon receiving the news, various sects promptly informed their heirs. They felt indignant, believing their own heirs to be the strongest.Within the Flaming Sun Clan, Apollo was dealing with people urging him to accept the challenge.Initially, Apollo had thought about making a pu
Perhaps sensing Zach's arrival in advance, Sherley spoke coldly before Zach even stepped into the sacred site."What is it?""The clan master has ordered you to go and teach Chase Collins a lesson. Here's his portrait," Zach replied. Knowing Sherley rarely left the site, he thoughtfully handed her a drawing of Chase.The woman glanced at the portrait before it turned to ashes in her hand."Understood."...Deep within the Tonrad Mountains was the gate of the Melody Sect. Two young women were pleading earnestly with an older woman before them."Please let us go to Capital City," begged Enola and Eve. The older woman before them was the sect master of the Melody Sect, Melody.After hearing the news about Chase, Enola dragged her senior, Eve, to look for Melody. She was hoping that with Eve accompanying her, Melody might allow them to leave the sect grounds.If Enola went alone, she knew Melody would never agree. Eve had readily agreed, having grown close to Enola over time."No
A male disciple eyed the figure of a woman in the distance, his tone dripping with jealousy that was evident even from afar.Female disciples were rare in the Esoteric Sword Sect—one in ten, if that. Despite this, the sect boasted a brilliant female sword cultivator, which made many male disciples feel overshadowed.The woman who was the subject of their discussion clearly overheard their conversation. She immediately stood up.In a flash, she appeared before the two, interrupting their sparring session with a single thrust of her sword."What's the meaning of this?" one of the male disciples demanded angrily.Without offering an explanation, the woman responded with a question of her own, "Is what you said just now true?""Of course, it's true. What, are you thinking of challenging Chase? Dream on. The sect master has already decreed that only Odin, can freely enter and exit the mountain. If anyone else wants to do so without a mission, there's only one way.""And what's that?"
At that moment, an overwhelming pressure descended upon the plaza, forcing the approaching disciples of the Esoteric Sword Sect to instinctively retreat.Although Olivia had no intention of harming anyone, the sheer force of her aura was too much for most to withstand. Under this oppressive presence, the disciples could do nothing but continuously back away."H-How is this possible? She's only been in the sect for a few months. How could she progress so rapidly?""Exactly. It's been such a short time, and her cultivation is already above ours. No, this can't be real."As they retreated, the disciples of the Esoteric Sword Sect exclaimed in disbelief."She's the sect master's personal disciple. You're just an ordinary disciple. Do you really think you're on the same level as Olivia?""That makes sense. The sect master must have given her some kind of miraculous pill; otherwise, this wouldn't be possible."Hearing the comments turn negative, with some even starting to cast aspersi
Chase furrowed his brows as he got lost deep in thought. "Could it be that the demonic race never truly perished but instead went into hiding, secretly passing down this forbidden art? First, I need to fully understand the Devouring Sky Demon Art before investigating that secret."With that decision made, Chase immediately began his closed-door training.Once cultivated to its peak, the Devouring Sky Demon Art could consume souls and refine them into demonic puppets with terrifying combat power.For Chase, this technique was a perfect match. "Devouring Sky Demon Art, First Layer!"With a single thought, new information flooded his mind.This was the fundamental incantation of the technique—nothing too obscure. After a quick review, Chase grasped it with ease.He extended his finger, allowing a drop of blood essence to fall onto the purple skull emblem.In an instant, blinding crimson light erupted from the emblem. It trembled violently, letting out sharp, anguished wails, as if
In just a matter of moments, the androgynous young man was dead. His corpse lay motionless amid the blood-soaked ground.His final curses and hatred meant nothing to Chase, who remained indifferent and showed no reaction.Chase withdrew his hand with a calm expression. Every strike he delivered was absolute—he never left his enemies a chance to recover."This technique of his is rather unique. It absorbs the life essence of others to enhance one's own power." Chase rubbed his chin, lost in thought."Unfortunately, it has a fatal flaw. The more one absorbs, the stronger the backlash. If not controlled properly, the user ultimately loses themselves, becoming neither human nor ghost."He sighed inwardly."This sinister martial art must have been created by a powerful demonic sect figure. It's a flawed version, but it's still highly dangerous. If left unchecked, it could bring disaster to the world."A chilling glint flashed through Chase's eyes. Demonic arts were forbidden as they
The moment the words left his mouth, the androgynous young man lunged at Chase with a dagger in hand. He closed the distance between them at an alarming speed.In an instant, his energy surged, and the aura radiating from his body grew even more intense.This was the power of a stage-nine martial god!"Hah! You dare act so arrogantly in front of me? One hand is all I need to deal with you. Now, let me show you my strength!"Chase sneered, extending a single hand toward the approaching, black-robed young man."An ant trying to stop a giant?"The young man smirked. He flicked his wrist, sending his dagger slicing through the air while gleaming coldly.The dagger struck the back of Chase's hand, but instead of cutting through, it shattered on impact, producing a metallic ringing sound.The young man stumbled backward, his face twisted in shock."How… How is this possible?"His eyes widened in disbelief as he stared at Chase, who remained completely unharmed. His skin was untouch
"Regardless, this demon beast's corpse is incredibly valuable. Whether it's the demon core, demon blood, or even its tendons and bones, all can be refined into powerful weapons."Chase licked the corner of his lips.A demon core was the essence of an innate demon beast, brimming with potent lifeblood energy.Meanwhile, demon blood was the condensed essence of the beast's body, holding immense power. If used for cultivation, it could accelerate training speed multiple times over. Not only that, demon blood also had the astonishing ability to purify impurities within the body."This demon beast is a treasure trove. If I hunt one and sell it, I could make an absolute fortune."Chase licked his lips once more, making up his mind. Under the cover of night, he would launch a sneak attack on this powerful demon beast lord.Besides, since this demon had lived in the valley for so long, it was likely a native of the area.If Chase wanted to explore the valley, clashing with these creatur
'My body is strong, but it still has its limits. If I can absorb some Blood Vein Ginthera, I should be able to enhance my physical strength!' Chase thought.If his physique could undergo a transformation and reach martial nirvana, what would happen then?A martial nirvana-level martial artist possessed a reborn body. Their skin itself could serve as armor, and a single punch could shatter steel. They could even withstand direct attacks from spiritual artifacts, making them nearly indestructible.If he could strengthen his body just a bit more, he would be able to practice martial nirvana techniques and unleash their full might with just a simple movement. He would be capable of destroying mountains and rivers in an instant."Blood Vein Ginthera is indeed a great option for tempering the body, but with my current level, I need to at least reach the martial nirvana realm before I can withstand its medicinal power. Otherwise, consuming it would cause my body to collapse instantly."S
A chilling aura crept over Chase, sending shivers down his spine.The little monkey that had been lazily basking in the sun atop the vine suddenly sprang up in alarm, bolting away as fast as it could.Chase grinned. "Relax. I'm just passing through!"However, before he could finish speaking, a sharp cry pierced the air.A black eagle swooped down, landing on Chase's shoulder. Its piercing gaze locked onto the monkey, and it let out a warning growl from deep within its throat.The monkey was not particularly large, but its body was covered in black scales, giving it an eerie, sinister appearance. Its head was somewhat grotesque, and its scarlet-red eyes were filled with hostility as it glared at Chase."A little beast like this… Could it be a guardian of some hidden treasure?" Chase murmured in surprise.Suddenly, the monkey darted from beneath the vine, leaping onto the branch of an ancient pine tree before vanishing into the depths of the forest.Chase froze.He had just been
Chase spotted a thick vine wrapped around the tree trunk. The lightning strike had just severed it."What is that?" Chase's expression darkened with shock and uncertainty.The vine was at least three feet thick. Its entire body glowed a vibrant green, and its leaves trembled slightly, radiating a powerful life force.In an instant, a chilling gleam flashed toward him—sharp and deadly!Chase reacted quickly, his instincts kicking in. He bent his legs and launched a powerful backward kick toward the source of the attack.Pain shot through his foot as a sharp wound appeared on its surface, and blood trickled down.His eyes widened as he finally saw the creature behind the attack—a beast resembling an ape."You bastard! You actually think of me as prey?" Chase let out a cold snort. Clenching his right fist, he threw a punch at the monstrous ape.A dull, resounding impact sent the beast flying backward.However, the strike only enraged the ape. It let out a series of deafening roar
At this stage of cultivation, advancing to each new realm required absorbing the soul essence of demonic or fierce beasts.Only the most powerful could condense a Nascent Soul. Yet even then, it remained bound within the void, unable to break free from the shackles of heaven and earth.Only those who reached the martial divine transformation realm could truly transcend these limits, traversing the void and exploring the vast universe.To break through these constraints, one had to refine a Demon Soul and fuse it with the Nascent Soul. Only then could they set foot on the path of true ascension.For ordinary warriors, even reaching midway martial arts overlord status placed them far above the rest. They gained extended lifespans, living well beyond a century.If a warrior refined their Martial Soul to its peak, its terrifying power would be beyond imagination."I still have a long way to go before I can condense my Martial Soul… I wonder if this Demon Soul Orb can provide me with
Illusions were essentially a type of special illusionary realm, and like all things, they varied in strength.Weaker illusions were ineffective against warriors unless the master of the illusion was vastly superior in cultivation. Only then could they manipulate a warrior's perception to the point of deception."Miss, I didn't mean to ambush you. I was forced into this situation due to unforeseen circumstances. I hope you can forgive me."Chase withdrew his imposing aura and cupped his hands in a respectful gesture.The woman in the purple dress stood a distance away. Her face was slightly pale, her lips were chapped, and her breathing was uneven. Sweat beaded on her forehead."Hmph! Consider yourself lucky. We're leaving!"She let out a cold snort, tossing a ring to the ground before turning away and departing swiftly. A faint blush spread across her delicate features, and her tattered robes barely concealed the color of her undergarments beneath.Moments ago, she had employed