Trek stopped wasting time talking to Julie at this point. He flipped his palm, and a gold object appeared in his hand."Now that you see this, do you have anything else to say?""This… This… Chase Collins actually gave this to you!"Julie's jaw dropped when she saw the object, and the look on her face changed."I thought you would pretend not to recognize this. Now that you know what this is, get lost if you know what's good for you and stop trying to disrupt Basalt from recruiting reserve team members," Trek said to her coldly.Julie did not expect this object to be in Trek's hands. This object represented unlimited power, and Chase had easily let someone he had just defeated have it. She had wanted to force Chase out and humiliate him, but her plan was dashed.Julie wanted to pretend not to recognize the object, but as an envoy of Red Phoenix, this would be too ridiculous. She had no idea what to do now."What's that?"Liev got curious when he saw the troubled look on Julie's
This group of people arrived haughtily but left in humiliation.Julie had finally left.That was when Trek sighed with relief and put away the object in his hand.He did not expect the King Defeating Golden Mace to be so useful. When Chase handed it to Trek and told him that it was useful when conducting business in Capital City, especially when facing other government agencies of Bactria, he did not expect it to be so powerful. Even Red Phoenix had to back off at the sight of this mace."Alright, everyone. Please continue staying in line to register yourselves. We'll conduct the assessments one step at a time. I hope that you'll become a part of Basalt's reserve team," Trek said to the crowd in a friendly manner before leading Finn and Iris back inside.They then disappeared from everyone's sight.It was only after that a huge discussion erupted among the crowd."I thought that they were about to fight each other. I can't believe one object in hand was powerful enough to sett
There was a glow on Joe's face when he was talking about this.Chase had no idea how to react to such praise.It was difficult to imagine the look on Joe's face when he saw Chase after becoming an official Basalt member one day.Chase could not bear to destroy his dream and wondered if he should do something to make Joe a lifelong Basalt reserve team member. While he was thinking about this, it was their turn to register.Chase saw that the Basalt member in front of him was Sterling from the Wallaces of Camland. He did not expect Sterling to be in Capital City too.When he saw Sterling, Chase could not help remembering everything that happened at Camland."Are you two together?" Sterling asked without looking up.Many of those present had come in groups. Some were in twos while others came in three or even five or six. Anyone who came together was considered as one group.Before Chase said anything, Joe spoke up, "Yes."Chase stayed silent."I'm asking you a question. Are the
Could the second challenge be about using one's aura to dominate? Chase made a guess. As Joe took each difficult step forward, beads of sweat started appearing on his face.Finn's lips moved slightly, and he seemed to be asking Joe something."Finn, what is this?" Chase could not help but ask curiously through sound transmission.Since it was his master asking, Finn dared not ignore the question and quickly explained."Master, this second test is to assess the strength of one's character. I use my cultivation to guide them, applying pressure with my aura to target their inner self."Then, I ask a series of questions to determine if the person can become a reserve member. Only those with a kind heart and a strong sense of justice can pass my test."Seeing how Basalt was so meticulous in selecting even reserve members, Chase's curiosity was piqued. He wondered who would oversee the next challenge and what method would be used to screen the candidates.Chase patiently waited for Jo
Chase had high hopes for Joe. At the same time, he was curious to see what the third challenge would be."But if we just jump into the next challenge like this, wouldn't that be too reckless? The second challenge was already so difficult, and becoming a full member must be even tougher," Joe said, starting to worry unnecessarily."Didn't you want to meet your idol? If you don't become a full member, how will you ever meet him? Besides, we've come this far. Aren't you determined to see this through?" Chase analyzed, laying out the logic clearly.Joe gritted his teeth, finally making up his mind. "Alright! I'm going for it!"He pushed past Iris, heading straight for the end of the hallway. When he realized Chase was not following immediately, Joe paused and waited."Let's go," Chase said, giving Iris a knowing look before catching up with Joe. They walked together toward the end of the hall.In the end, Trek was waiting. Unlike the others, Trek sensed Chase's presence from afar.
Chase's expression showed a hint of surprise. Trek quickly continued explaining, "However, as long as someone can endure for a single second, they won't suffer any permanent damage. If they can last ten seconds, they pass."And if they can endure for dozens of seconds or even longer, then their willpower must be exceptionally strong. It's been more than ten seconds, and Joe is still hanging on, which is quite impressive," Trek said, watching Chase's expression relax.Sensing Chase's ease, Trek voiced a question, "By the way, Basalt's Collins, who exactly is this Joe guy? Why are you paying such close attention to him?"Chase realized Trek had misunderstood and clarified, "You're overthinking it. I just met him, and we happened to come in together. I was curious about how you guys were conducting the evaluations, so I didn't reveal my identity. There's no special relationship between us."While they were speaking, Joe suddenly reappeared. He lay unconscious on the ground, his body m
The person blocking Chase's path showed no fear, feeling quite confident as he continued to speak with arrogance. At the same time, three or five others stepped up, joining him to block Chase's way.Seeing how clueless they were, Chase suppressed his growing anger and warned them once more, "Move aside, or don't blame me if I'm not so kind.""Kid, for someone so young, you sure talk big. I'd like to see just how you plan on dealing with me."Come on, give it your best shot!" one muscular man taunted with a sneer, looking at Chase's slender frame. He was over 90 kilograms of muscle, so he did not believe Chase could do any harm.The surrounding group wore matching smirks, showing no sign of taking Chase's warning seriously."Since you're so eager to die, I'll grant your wish." Chase's eyes hardened as he spoke, and he clenched his fist.Without much effort, he knocked down each of the three or five men blocking his path, delivering a single punch to each one.He did not hit them
Red Phoenix released an announcement through Bactria Express: [Due to business expansion, Red Phoenix extends a sincere invitation to all martial artists to join. Help Red Phoenix and Bactria in building a reputation for honor and glory.]Although Bactria Express had primarily been reporting on the arena battles lately, this particular message caused a stir among the martial arts community, especially among independent cultivators.Before many of these independent cultivators made up their minds, another similar announcement appeared on Bactria Express.White Tiger, nearly copying the exact wording, published a similar message: [Due to business expansion, White Tiger extends a sincere invitation to all martial artists to join. Help White Tiger and Bactria in building a reputation for honor and glory.]The fact that both organizations released recruitment statements at the same time, along with the recent developments surrounding Basalt, made it clear to many that the three of the F
"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