"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
"Kill him!"These martial artists were all powerful fighters. Even the weakest among them was a peak eighth-tier semi-saint. They sensed with their consciousness that Halver had been defeated.All of the Webers' powerhouses were filled with hate and anger. They took out their weapons and lunged toward Chase in an attack.The look in Chase's eye became even colder when the Webers retaliated. "I'll destroy the Webers today and get those two medicinal herbs after."A huge sword shadow formed behind Chase. The sword flash swept in all directions, destroying all of the weapons in the attack against Chase.Chase took another step forward. The sword in hand dazzled so brightly that it hurt the eyes. The light covered every corner as if about to destroy everything.It took only a short time for the Webers' powerhouses to be slaughtered. They did not even have the chance to retaliate. They were as weak as sick chickens.Cletus was shocked, feeling his hair stand on end. It felt like deat
Everyone was delighted.Halver Weber, the master of the Weber Secret Sect, was a peak martial arts saint. He was the second most powerful man after the Supreme Elder of the Webers.Two old men in black stood next to him with powerful auras. One of them was the leader of the Webers' Enshrined, Dennis Cloy. The other man was Halver's brother, Cletus."Who are you? How dare you barge into the Weber residence?! Don't you know that the Webers are Capital City's top family?" Halver said with a cold look on his face."Top family?" Chase laughed condescendingly and said with indifference, "I heard that the Webers possess two thousand-year-old spiritual herbs. Bring them out here. Give me those herbs and the Webers will live. Otherwise…"Chase paused at this point. He swept a glance at all the Webers present. A cynical smile appeared on his face. "This isn't much. The Webers are nothing to me!"Halver was enraged and roared, "What arrogance! Don't blame us for retaliating with force now t
Meanwhile, Chase was glowing in gold light, looking like a God of War.He was dressed to hunt, and there was a cold look in his eye. He displayed no emotions, acting like all he had done was kill an ant.Chase pulled out his sword, where blood was dripping down the blade.He turned to leave and headed to look for the Webers. Now that he was done with the Starks, it was time to take care of the Webers.Chase thought about this as he walked there. The Starks were one of the most wealthy families in Capital City. It did not bother him to destroy the Starks, but he had to find a good reason to do so or it might make others suspicious."Forget about it. I'll destroy the Weber Secret Sect first before thinking about this."Not long after, Chase arrived at the door of the Weber Secret Sect. He pushed the door open and strode in.The guards of the Weber Secret Sect saw Chase barge in and shouted, "Who dares come into the Weber Secret Sect?!" Chase kept silent as he continued walking i
"Who exactly is that young man? Why haven't I heard of him? The Starks are finished for making such a powerful enemy."Chase was decisive and resolute. He was ruthless, which frightened many of the Starks' guards.He closed his eyes to rest. Thin, black smoke began wafting out of his body and it eventually covered everything around Chase. No one was able to get near him.This was a lonely mountain peak that was far away from the bustling city.After some time, a car came by and parked near the mountain."Bastard!"Someone roared in misery. Theo Stark jumped out of his car. He was furious and roared with great anger.He looked at the abandoned house in front of him. Sorrow, fear, and revenge consumed him. His roars echoed all around."Chase Collins! Where is my son, Tank?!"He ran toward the ruins crazily.Just as Theo was about to get inside, he suddenly sensed a great danger. The next thing he knew, the mountain began shaking. It felt like the sky was about to fall. Theo was
Something sped by in the air, and several powerful auras were coming in close."Who are you? How dare you slaughter the Starks?"The man in the lead grunted coldly. He had a spear in his hand and came speeding over in a flash to stab Chase in the back.Chase did not look back. He raised his left hand and flicked his finger. There was a loud bang, and the spear broke into pieces. Turning back, he waved his hand. The dagger shot out midair and stabbed right between the man's eyes."H-How is this possible…" The man's eyes widened as he looked at Chase in disbelief. His mouth moved as if trying to say something, but his body gradually turned cold and stiff. This happened in a flash.By the time the other powerful auras appeared, the man with the spear was dead."Who are you?!" The two men were shocked. They were looking at Chase in great astonishment."I should be the one asking who you are," Chase sneered, his eyes narrowing.The two old men stepped forward and said in a deep voic
Chase saw that the entire living room was covered in blood. The walls were filled with various frightening torture tools."Is this how the Starks treat their guests?" Chase's expression was cold. He said this slowly and carefully, making sure every word was heard.The Starks!They were crossing the line!"Who's there?!"An angry voice was heard from deep inside the house. It was followed by violent coughing.A young man with messy hair struggled to stand. He was covered in blood. An arm fell limply below his shoulders. The cut on it was clean, and it was a horrifying sight to see.His eyes were bloodshot as he stared at Chase. "You worthless ant, you—pfft!"He only managed a few words before his throat caught something and he coughed up blood."Who are you? The Starks have never crossed paths with you. Why do you want me dead?!" He was a member of the Starks, and he questioned Chase with clenched teeth.A name immediately appeared in Chase's mind at the sight of this Stark fa
The elder was furious with what the Gold Devouring Voodoo Bug did."Damn it! You destroyed everything I had!"He was filled with anger. His eyes were red as he yelled hysterically. His voice was shrill, and it sounded like the shrill of a banshee."Did you think you were the only one who knew how to use voodoo?" Chase grunted coldly."Impossible! How could you know restricted mystical techniques?" The elder was in disbelief. Only a direct descendent of the clan was qualified to cultivate the Gold Devouring Voodoo Bug."Nothing is impossible in this world," Chase said with conviction.He flicked his fingers after that, and a green talisman appeared. It exploded with a loud bang and formed into a burning ball of flame.Two balls of flame came flying over and sat on each side of Chase's shoulder. The flames burned furiously as they formed into fire armor that covered him. His defense increased."You must die…"The elder laughed crazily.He waved his hand, and two wooden puppets
Chase's eyes narrowed as he observed the mountain of gold and jewels gleaming before him. They were treasures of immense value.He cast a cold glance at the glittering heap and shook his head. "These baubles are worth less than your pitiful insects. They don't even qualify to buy your life."Before his words faded, Chase extended his hand, unleashing a sharp burst of sword energy.The sword energy tore through the treasure, shattering the gold and jewels into dust, leaving not a single piece intact."I told you, you'll die a miserable death." The elder clenched his teeth while his fists trembled with rage.Suddenly, the space around them became distorted. A strange and eerie energy weaved itself into a cage that encased Chase."Devouring Spirit Ghost Domain!" the elder roared, his bloodshot eyes wide with madness. "You're doomed! I'll make you suffer every imaginable torment before you die!"Chase felt the oppressive atmosphere around him intensify, the air thick with the mournf
"You're doomed!" the elder spat venomously, his eyes ablaze with hatred.The Gold Devouring Voodoo Bugs were not so easily eradicated. Their corpses would transform into sustenance for dormant eggs within them, allowing the swarm to regrow stronger and more voracious than before. Eventually, they would consume their hosts' life essence entirely."I'll make sure you'll die without even leaving a corpse behind!" the elder bellowed, his voice tinged with madness.The desolate front yard crumbled under the destructive force of their battle, leaving not a single brick or stone intact.The elder's tattered robes fell apart, revealing a body covered in deep sword wounds. Blood gushed out from every gash. Yet he persisted, his resolve remaining unshaken. He believed Chase was merely a newly-ascended peak semi-saint, far from being a match for him."You won't win—not while I have the Gold Devouring Voodoo Bugs!" he roared, his bloodshot eyes burning with frenzy. "As long as they exist, I'l