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
"Look at you, boasting like that," one of the elders remarked.Wilcox chuckled and said, "My disciple, Olivia, mastered the Sword Domain while still a true master of martial arts, which is typically something only martial lords can grasp. Now that she's a martial lord, guess what that implies?"The elders quickly connected the dots and were left speechless, their mouths agape in shock."Enough of this chatter," Wilcox said. "I'm going after my disciple to see why she's so eager to leave the sect.""No, Wilcox! You're the sect master of the Esoteric Sword Sect. It wouldn't look right if you're constantly absent from the sect. Besides, repeatedly forming an avatar consumes the sect's resources—it's too extravagant," one elder protested.Wilcox countered, "If you had a disciple like mine, would you let her go out alone? And besides, the cost of an avatar is nothing compared to the value of my disciple. You all should know which is more important."Seeing Wilcox's point, the elders f
These occurrences were unknown even to the divine Black Turtle or to Lucas and Caspian, who were trapped in the Dragon Vein Secret Realm.Only the powerful beings of this era truly understood them. If Skylar had not explained it to Chase, he would never have known such hidden truths.Chase had visited the Esoteric Medical Sect and met the sect master of the Esoteric Sword Sect. At the time, Chase found it odd. Despite being the leader of a top-tier sect, the strength he displayed seemed almost within his reach.Now, Chase realized that what he had encountered was likely just an avatar. The sect master's real body never walked the world."Basalt's Collins, someone's here to challenge you," Lottie's voice called from outside, snapping Chase out of his thoughts.Chase looked puzzled. "Who is it? Why would someone want to challenge me?"Chase had no idea that his casual remark had spread throughout the cultivation world. It was already dusk, which was most people's dinnertime. He cou