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
The surrounding Red Phoenix members overheard the conversation and immediately responded with biting sarcasm.Their words not only mocked the speaker but also seemed to indirectly target Green Dragon and White Tiger. As these words spread, the expressions of the independent cultivators present quickly darkened.Being ridiculed in such a way did not sit well with the typically free-spirited independent cultivators. Naturally, someone voiced their dissatisfaction."You Red Phoenix folks are acting high and mighty! Do you really think we need to join you? White Tiger and Basalt are also recruiting. I suggest you watch your attitude, or I'll just walk away and head over to them."The independent cultivators expected Red Phoenix to back down, assuming the organization valued their participation.However, it was as if the independent cultivator's words had struck a nerve. Almost all of the Red Phoenix members present, who had previously shown little concern, now turned their attention t
"Exactly. We should find another place." Chase's words immediately resonated with several others in the crowd.Instantly, many of the martial artists began moving as if they were about to leave. The one who had been singled out by Julie earlier threw Chase a grateful glance as he sensed an opportunity for escape.Acting as if he had not noticed the plea for help, he was the first to turn and walk away as though he truly intended to find another organization to join.His calm departure prompted a wave of movement from the rest of the group, with many others following suit and heading for the exit. The man who had been the target of Julie's fury wasted no time, hurrying to follow closely behind Chase.Seeing so many people trying to leave, Julie could not possibly tell her team to force everyone to stay back.Julie's face turned red with fury as she witnessed the scene. The humiliation of losing her dignity in front of all these people was more than she could tolerate.With a swi
The streak of light disappeared in an instant, and Julie arrived in front of Chase.Without even looking, Chase calmly delivered a simple palm strike. As expected, seeing such an unremarkable attack, Julie, whether out of arrogance or overconfidence, did not take it seriously and chose to block it head-on.In the blink of an eye, Chase's palm landed squarely on target. There was no earth-shattering noise, just a figure flying backward even faster than before.Julie's face was filled with disbelief.That seemingly ordinary palm strike had nearly taken her life."W-Who are you?" Julie realized something was wrong. This power was far beyond what an independent cultivator should possess!"Who am I? I'm just an independent cultivator driven to the edge by Red Phoenix," Chase sneered as he swiftly pursued the retreating Julie.Seeing Chase closing in rapidly, Julie suddenly grasped the severity of her situation—her life was in grave danger."Someone, stop him!" she screamed, her voic
Seeing the Red Phoenix members still standing in front of him, seemingly unaware of the danger they were in, Chase said coldly, "Move aside, or don't blame us for what happens next."As soon as Chase uttered these words, the independent cultivators behind him echoed his sentiment."Yeah, step aside, or we'll kill every last one of you!"This was the power of Chase's decisive action. Without that earlier display, the independent cultivators would not have stood their ground so confidently.They would have either surrendered or fled long ago, but now, they were united, emboldened, and ready to fight.With Chase and the independent cultivators speaking in unison, the Red Phoenix members standing in their way exchanged uneasy glances. Each looked to the other for guidance, as if they had lost their sense of direction and did not know what to do next.At that moment, Chase sensed Duncan's presence inside. Within seconds, Duncan appeared at the doorway."Let them go," Duncan ordered f
Chase remained silent among the group heading toward White Tiger's recruitment drive. The location was in one of the most bustling parts of Capital City, close to the Weber residence, which practically made it part of their domain.The independent cultivators accompanying Chase were well aware of the ambiguous relationship between White Tiger and the Weber family, a connection that was undeniably strong.Upon arriving, Chase noticed that there were more than twice as many independent cultivators compared to those at Red Phoenix's recruitment drive.It was only the first day, yet the turnout was astonishing. Chase could hardly imagine how much White Tiger would expand if this continued for an extended period.'No, this can't go unchecked. Something has to be done,' thought Chase.Looking at the organized recruitment process of White Tiger, Chase's surprise was evident. They were indeed selective, having set three strict conditions for recruits.First, no independent cultivators be
Even though Chase had altered his appearance and aura, the independent cultivators could still discern his true bone age. Because of this, they were fully aware that Chase was genuinely young, still in his 20s."If he's a martial lord, then I must be a martial sovereign!" one of the independent cultivators scoffed, clearly doubting Chase's qualifications.Another chimed in, mocking him further, "Exactly! There's no way this kid is at the martial lord level. He's so young. He's probably barely a marquis."Sure, that makes him a talent, but he's still far from meeting White Tiger's standards. I bet he's just trying to show off. He's probably nowhere near my level and just here to make a name for himself. Later, he can brag about being part of White Tiger's recruitment drive."Chase stepped up to the old man at the entrance. Whether due to the Weber family's proximity or White Tiger's confidence that no one would dare cause trouble, there were no other guards. Even though 50 or 60 i
"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