Chase glanced around and noticed that aside from Jovan, there were four or five older family members from the Coopers, all from the same generation.Jovan held a unique position in Capital City. He was not burdened with family responsibilities like other heirs. He only needed to focus on his studies and eventually marry and start a family."Chase, come over and have a seat," called a young man around 28 years old, who exuded confidence and strength. His name was Cosmo Cooper."Chase, this is my older brother, Cosmo," Jovan introduced. "He's one of the future successors of the Coopers and a formidable semi-saint ancient martial artist."A semi-saint represented the pinnacle of ordinary ancient martial arts. Although Jovan was quite capable, he was still far from the semi-saint level. He was not even a true master yet, let alone a martial arts saint. Martial arts saints were figures revered as near-mythical on land, far beyond the reach of typical martial artists."Pleasure to mee
"Miss Esther, it's been a while," Chase said softly with a detached gaze.He had only met Esther a few times and had no reason to act overly familiar now."It's good as long as you remember me." Esther Cooper nodded lightly before turning away and gracefully making her way to an empty couch where she took a seat."Miss Cooper?" An astonished voice suddenly called out.Esther turned her head and smiled warmly. "Mr. Stark, hello."The voice surprised Chase as well. Chase looked over at the man called Hadley Stark.He appeared to be in his early 20s. He was dressed in a crisp white shirt and donned polished shoes, also sporting a Rolex worth around 30 grand. He had a clean, sharp look and came off as rather charming."Who are you, and how do you know Miss Cooper?" Hadley's brows knit together, his tone carrying a hint of hostility.Chase did not respond, simply standing there with an indifferent gaze."Oh, I forgot to mention. This is Hadley Stark from the Starks of Capital City,
Everyone gasped at the sight.One single move had defeated Hadley! Who was this man?This banquet hosted by the Coopers had mostly drawn members from various provincial branches, along with a few core family members. These guests, though not part of the immediate family, were still the elite children of wealthy provincial families.Each one, by their own merit, held significant influence even in a top-tier city like Capital City.For a moment, everyone froze, stunned by Hadley's embarrassing retreat."Mr. Collins is truly strong!""He even knocked out Hadley just like that. No wonder he dares act like he owns the place!"After a brief silence, the guests began whispering among themselves, their eyes filled with newfound respect for Chase. As she sat on the couch, Esther sipped her tea with an unreadable expression. She seemed unaffected by the chaos."Miss Cooper, I apologize if I've caused a disturbance," Chase said, preparing to leave."Hold on!" Esther suddenly stood up, st
"This…"Everyone was astonished by what they saw. They were all stunned.Hadley was a martial artist. How could he be defeated so easily?"T-That's impossible!"Esther's pretty face turned pale as she stared at Chase in disbelief. She was not willing to admit it. Chase's power far surpassed her imagination. She thought Chase was just an ordinary man but it looked like he was more than that."Chase Collins, w-who are you?" Esther clenched her teeth. She had a feeling that Chase was not as simple as he seemed.He did not reply and turned to leave."Wait!" That was when Esther suddenly shouted.Chase stopped and turned back to look at her. "What do you want?""Stop your arrogance, Chase Collins. This party was organized by the Starks. Hadley Stark is the most outstanding person among the Starks' youngest generation. They won't let you get away with this so easily."Hadley's companions began to snap out of it. They looked ferocious as they glared at Chase with animosity. It was b
Chase swept a glance at everyone. A sarcastic smile appeared on his face. "Do you think you jokers can scare me?""Do you want to continue having some fun?""Too bad even the king can't save you!""You should get out of here like a coward or you'll only embarrass yourself!"These people kept insulting Chase, but he remained calm until the last of them spoke."I'll say this once more. I don't care if Hadley offended you. Let him go right now and knock your head on the ground three times as a show of your apology. You might be able to live if you comply."The man who said this was Dale Cooper.Chase raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Who are you to talk to me that way?""You're dead!"Dale's eyes turned dark as he narrowed them. He was close to Hadley and would not stand by quietly to see Hadley being beaten.There was the sound of wind gushing. Dale raised his right fist, and shots of energy shot out as quick as lightning. They were aimed at Chase's chest."Hmph! You're not as good as y
"Huh?" Hadley's eyes widened in shock. He could not believe that Conrad, who had always done everything he said, would defy his orders."Are you crazy, Conrad?!" Hadley roared at him. He wanted to punch Conrad to death. It was clear that Conrad refused to go along with him. He ignored Hadley and turned to leave."Damn it!" Hadley laughed in anger. He took a deep breath as he forced his temper down."What are you waiting for, Esther? Kick that country bumpkin out! Don't worry. If you help me, I promise the Starks will always be an ally of the Coopers."Hadley clenched his teeth as he looked at Esther. His tone was threatening."You…" Esther's pretty face turned pale, and her dainty body trembled. She had expected Conrad to comply with Hadley's orders. However, things did not turn out as she thought.Esther looked at Chase.Chase had returned to his seat. He was sipping some wine calmly. There was a sarcastic smile on his face. He looked like he knew that the Starks would be humil
"W-What do you want?"He got a loud slam on the table in response. A long table made out of redwood cracked, and wood chips flew everywhere. Hadley was not prepared for this and almost got hurt."Ow!"Everyone took a sharp breath as they looked at Chase fearfully while backing off. They knew that Hadley was a goner.Esther, the young heiress of the Coopers, was also trembling from fright. She tugged at Chase's sleeve, afraid he might do something overboard.However, he next did something no one expected.Chase grabbed Hadley by the neck and pulled him up from his seat. Chase said coldly, "You want to play? I'll play!""You!" Hadley panicked. He tried to struggle but was unable to exert any strength.Chase elbowed him in the abdomen, causing Hadley to scream. He instantly sucked in his stomach as his face turned pale. Hadley's lips trembled. He broke out in a cold sweat from the pain and could hardly speak.He fell onto the floor the next second. He was heaving and covered in s
Hadley's face was pale as he tried to push himself up with both hands on the ground. He stumbled out of the hall.Chase looked around and said calmly, "Everyone, the charity event tonight will continue."The noise in the hall gradually died away after he declared this. Everyone looked at each other and kept silent. There was respect and fear for Chase in their eyes."Are you helping me?" Esther was stunned and asked the question.Chase took a gentle sip of red wine as a glint flashed in his eye.The Starks were a powerful family in Capital City. They had great influence, especially overseas, and they had immense power that could take down any government. They even had military power.If it were not for the Coopers, Chase would have gone ahead to destroy the Starks."Chase Collins…" Hadley soon walked out of the washroom with a dark look on his face.Chase turned to glance at him. "What do you want? Do you still want to fight me?""No, I don't!" Hadley could feel this chest tig
"How could it not be here?" Chase muttered, narrowing his eyes. He was certain the Hawkinses' treasured manuals should be stored in this library.Suddenly, his expression shifted as he sensed something unusual.A faint breeze seemed to manifest out of nowhere, followed by a soft green glow that gradually expanded, forming a hazy barrier.Chase focused his mental energy, triggering a subtle yet profound ripple from the depths of his consciousness."Break for me!"His spiritual force surged like thunder, tearing through the barrier in an instant."So, the library not only holds cultivation techniques but is also protected by a spiritual restriction formation! For an ordinary martial arts saint, even someone at the peak stage, breaking through this would be impossible!"With a cold snort, Chase strode confidently toward the center of the library.There, in the heart of the room, sat a skeleton cross-legged. Its surface glowed faintly with a greenish hue, and it radiated a powerful
"Hmm? Someone's approaching," Chase muttered, his brows furrowing together.He sensed several figures drawing near, their presence becoming increasingly apparent."It seems some people aren't ready to give up. Fine. If they've come, they won't be leaving," Chase said, a glint of cold determination flashing in his eyes.Without warning, Chase leaped out of the window and slammed his foot into the ground.The courtyard erupted in a cloud of dust and debris."Chase, prepare to die!"Several figures in black emerged, their auras sharp and menacing. All of them were martial arts saints who were exuding lethal intent.Four blades streaked toward Chase, each gleaming with deadly precision."Child's play," Chase remarked with a sneer. With a casual wave of his hand, he deflected the incoming attacks.The sheer force of his strike was overwhelming, like the weight of a mountain crashing down.In an instant, two of the martial arts saints exploded into clouds of blood and gore, leaving
"Fine! As long as you spare my life, I swear eternal loyalty to you. I'll serve as your slave or servant if that's what it takes!" Luis declared without hesitation. He knew too well that if he refused, death would be his only outcome.Luis was not afraid of dying—he simply could not accept defeat. A lifetime of prestige was ruined in an instant."I, Luis Hawkins, swear to the heavens that I'll submit to Chase Collins and never betray him. Should I break this oath, I vow to meet a terrible end!" Luis raised his hand and spoke in a firm, resolute tone.Chase scoffed, his expression tinged with disdain. He had no intention of believing Luis, and the mockery in his eyes was evident. "Luis, you think I don't see through your games? Do you think I'm unaware that you're merely stalling for time?""H-How do you know that?" Luis narrowed his eyes, a murderous glint flashing within them.Chase chuckled coldly. "Luis, I've dealt with countless schemers and liars. Your petty tricks? They don'
"You can try," Chase said with a faint smile."You…" Luis was consumed with rage.Suddenly, a pitch-black spear shot out from the side. It was aimed directly at Chase.Chase's expression shifted. With a light tap of his toes on the ground, he leaped back several yards, creating distance between himself and the attacker."I see the Hawkinses really are cunning!" Chase's gaze turned icy. "But since you're so desperate to die, I'll gladly oblige."Sword energy erupted, sharp and unforgiving. A single flash pierced through the head of a guard."Y-You're breaking your word!" Luis roared, his face turning an ashen shade.He had planned to use the family members as leverage against Chase, but instead, Chase had struck preemptively."I won't lay a single finger on your family," Chase said coldly. "But as for the others... Don't blame me for what's about to happen."He stared at Luis, his expression devoid of emotion. "Do you really think I care about the Hawkinses' wealth? To me, your
Luis was utterly stunned upon hearing Chase's words. He had never imagined Chase's appetite would be so insatiable. He wanted the entirety of the Hawkins family's assets!"Mr. Collins, pardon me for being frank, but if it's money you want, the Hawkinses are not lacking in that. I can offer you five times the amount you desire," Luis said, attempting to negotiate.Chase chuckled. "Mr. Luis, you've misunderstood. Money means nothing to me." He then added while shaking his head, "I'm after more than just your resources. What truly interests me is the Hawkinses' forging techniques. Surrender those, and I might spare your life.""The forging techniques?!" Luis's eyes widened with disbelief. "Impossible! Absolutely impossible! The Hawkinses' ancestral rules strictly forbid passing those techniques to outsiders. We can only offer you finished products!"The forging techniques were a legacy painstakingly developed by generations of the Hawkinses' forebears. They were the family's lifeblo
"Young man—no, Mr. Collins—please, let's talk this through. There's no need for violence," Luis pleaded. His dignity as the head of the Hawkins family had all but vanished. The Hawkinses had been a cornerstone of Bactria, influencing its entire power structure. Now, however, Luis saw that everything could change with Chase. He needed to bring Chase to their side no matter what it took.After all, Chase's talent was extraordinary, and his potential for growth was limitless. If the Hawkinses could recruit him, they would gain a formidable martial arts saint. They could elevate their standing to unprecedented heights.Luis said, his face stretching into a fawning smile, "Mr. Collins, on behalf of the Hawkinses, I'm willing to compensate you with any resources you need. I can even offer you an entire mine to aid your refining pursuits.""You think I need your resources?" Chase scoffed, his tone dripping with mockery. "And from the Hawkinses? I doubt you can provide anything worthwhile
"What… What's happening? Why are these swords flying on their own? Such powerful sword energy! Are these... black iron swords?!"Everyone was stunned, their eyes wide with shock. The event unfolded so abruptly that none of the Hawkinses' guards could react in time.In an instant, countless black iron swords tore through the air, forming a dense cloud that surged toward the guards like a tidal wave."This is bad!" Luis roared in fury. "Block them!"A massive surge of energy exploded from him, forming a white fist aura that smashed into the incoming sword energy."Hmph! A mere insect of a martial arts saint dares to intercept my black iron swords? You people are courting death!" Chase sneered.With a wave of his right hand, the swarm of black iron swords merged into a single massive blade that slashed down toward Luis.A terrifying sword light split the air. Luis hastily countered with a punch, but it was not enough to escape unscathed. A gruesome gash tore across his chest, blood
"Reckless fools," Chase muttered coldly.He raised his hand and struck out, unleashing a golden palm strike that swept through the air like a tidal wave, enveloping a radius of dozens of feet. Everything in its path was utterly destroyed.The golden imprint descended, shattering every weapon it touched. Bones snapped, flesh tore, and blood splattered in all directions. The power of a single strike crushed everything in its wake."Run for your lives!""No…""Help me!"Agonized screams echoed through the air as bodies fell lifelessly to the ground.Luis' face turned ashen at the sight. He involuntarily stepped back while trembling. "You… Who are you?!"Chase did not bother to respond. Without sparing Luis another glance, he strode toward the Hawkinses' grand estate.It was a sprawling complex of magnificent architecture that exuded opulence and grandeur.Inside, the family members were already alerted to the attack. They had gathered in the main hall, and they whispered nervous
Despite his exhaustion, Zion pressed on as he was convinced that Chase would eventually falter."Seventh Form!" he roared, unleashing a blade strike that seemed to split the heavens and earth.Yet even as the towering blade descended, Chase remained unmoved. With hands clasped behind his back, he stood still and made no effort to dodge or block the attack.An arm fell to the ground, blood splattering everywhere.Zion's eyes widened in utter disbelief as he stared at the scene. His most powerful strike had severed an arm, but it was not Chase's."T-This can't be… H-How is this possible?" he stammered. Zion looked lost, unable to accept the reality before him."It doesn't make sense! How could you withstand my blade? This defies logic!" he muttered, his voice tinged with confusion and despair."You're just too weak," Chase replied calmly while casting a cold glance at Zion.Flicking his finger, Chase sent a pill into his mouth. The pill dissolved instantly, replenishing his deple