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
"What do you mean by 'caught up'? I'd say she's on par with Odin.""Exactly. It seems we'll have to start calling her our senior from now on."In the span of just a few sentences, the two sword flashes had clashed more than a hundred times. The sound of swords clanging reverberated throughout the Esoteric Sword Sect.As time passed, more and more disciples gathered to witness the duel."Which elder is sparring with Odin?" one of the newcomers asked, not knowing what was happening. Upon learning that it was the recently initiated Olivia, they were utterly shocked.The news spread quickly. Soon, the entire Esoteric Sword Sect was abuzz with the revelation that Olivia, who had only joined the sect a short while ago, was actually able to match Odin in skill.The disciples were astounded.In the unseen heights of the sect, a group of elderly white-haired men observed the battle."Wilcox, you've got yourself a remarkable disciple. In such a short time, she has achieved this level of
Olivia, who had already comprehended the Sword Domain as a true master of martial arts, was now a martial lord of martial arts.Her Sword Domain had evolved to a level far beyond what it once was. Even though Olivia did not display her Sword Domain at its full strength, its power was still overwhelming. It not only covered the entire plaza but transformed it into a world of swords.Odin had not noticed the peculiarity, assuming Olivia had just unleashed a typical martial lord's domain."Olivia, is this your ultimate move? It's just a domain, something every martial lord of martial arts can use. Your domain is just a bit larger, that's all."Let me show you—bigger doesn't mean better!" Odin declared as he attempted to activate his own Sword Domain. As the senior of the Esoteric Sword Sect, he, too, had mastered the Sword Domain.However, as soon as Odin tried to deploy his domain, he felt shock rise within him—along with feelings of awkwardness. He could not believe it—his Sword Do