"No need for your reminder," Chase said indifferently, casting Easton a fleeting glance before turning to push open the door and leave the courtyard.Once Chase stepped out of the residence, Ellen seemed to snap back to reality. She shrieked, "Stop him! Don't let him get away!"Two Stark family guards bolted from the courtyard in pursuit. But in a flash, Chase's figure disappeared into the darkness, leaving no trace."Useless!" Easton bellowed angrily."Mr. Easton…" One of the guards hesitated. "That man is strange. His cultivation level is clearly below yours, but the power he displayed surpasses even yours. I suspect he's using some secret technique or specialized martial arts.""Hmph, it doesn't matter what he's practicing. Tonight, he won't escape the Stark family's grasp!" Easton sneered. "Spread the word—dispatch a squad to hunt him down! Killing the son of the Starks is an unforgivable crime, and we'll deliver justice!"Hearing this, Ellen let out a sigh of relief."Still
Chase did not respond and continued deeper into the Stark estate."Damn it!" Adriel's chest tightened as he growled, "Everyone, stop him!"In an instant, three guards leaped into the air, charging at Chase. Each one was a stage-two martial arts saint, and together, their combined strength could rival that of a stage-six martial arts saint."Die!" The three martial arts saints unleashed a barrage of techniques, their coordinated attacks leaving Chase with no escape route.In the next second, a series of muffled explosions rang out like fireworks. All three guards were sent flying, their bodies crashing to the ground. Blood gushed from their slit throats as their lives were extinguished in a heartbeat."This is impossible!" Adriel's pupils contracted in terror."All of you will die!" Chase said coldly. He raised his hand, and three streaks of sword light howled through the air."No, wait—" Adriel shouted in a panic, but the sharp, unrelenting energy was already upon them.The thr
Chase withdrew the spiritual flame and turned to leave, quickly disappearing into the darkness."Is that… spiritual fire?" Ellen whispered to herself. When she returned to the scene and saw the charred remains, she gasped in horror. Her delicate face was filled with both shock and dread. Without lingering, she hurried back to her room and pulled out a talisman. She placed it against her chest to conceal her aura and hide her presence.Meanwhile, Chase walked along the street, his sharp eyes scanning the surroundings for any clues. Suddenly, he paused and turned toward a seemingly ordinary house. The building appeared unremarkable, with no distinguishing features. However, Chase's keen senses detected a dangerous presence emanating from within.He smirked slightly and leaped to the front gate of the yard.The gate opened, and Chase stepped inside. A damp, musty stench assaulted his senses, making the air almost unbearable. He frowned slightly. It was clear that this place had no
The old woman cackled ominously. "You're mistaken. This Element-Gathering Formation isn't meant to trap—it's meant to kill!"As her words fell, Chase suddenly felt a surge of killing intent rising from behind him. Whipping around instantly, his pupils contracted sharply as the old woman's withered hand closed in mere inches from his shoulder.At the critical moment, Chase shifted half a step sideways.The skeletal hand swiped through empty air, and the old woman's face twisted in surprise. "Such quick reflexes!" she hissed before launching another strike.A streak of blue lightning crackled from her palm that was coiled with violent energy. It shot toward Chase's neck like a serpent.Chase flicked his fingers, sending a fiery red spark hurtling forward. It collided with the lightning mid-air, exploding into a cascade of fiery embers. Chase moved like a butterfly through a field of flowers, deftly evading the relentless onslaught."Not bad for a remnant of the Collins family," the
With a crack, a bone snapped.The old woman screamed in agony. She released Chase as she crumpled to the ground, clutching her right leg."You bastard..." she hissed the words through gritted teeth, her disheveled black hair cascading wildly over her face. Her gaze burned with venom as her sunken eyes fixed on Chase like smoldering coal ready to ignite.Her flushed face glistened with beads of sweat as she fumbled in her robe, pulling out a small bottle of potion.She tilted her head back and swallowed its contents. Almost immediately, her contorted features relaxed, and the hollows of her stomach filled out as if by magic.She then spat out a mouthful of dark blood before casting Chase a venomous glare and retreating without another word. In moments, her figure had vanished into the shadows."She's physically formidable, but her soul lacks strength. Otherwise, she wouldn't have been caught off guard so easily," Chase murmured to himself. He decided not to pursue her. He was awar
Chase ignored the elder and remained focused on his cultivation.After a moment, the elder shook his head and sighed. It was as though he found the situation regrettable.With a single step, he appeared directly in front of Chase. A long spear materialized in the elder's hand, its sharp tip aimed squarely at Chase's throat."Hand over your belongings, and I'll spare your life," the elder said, his voice cold and laced with murderous intent."And why would I?" Chase opened his eyes abruptly, their depth like an endless starry sky. "This situation is in my favor, and you think you can resort to robbery?"While speaking, Chase studied the elder closely. He quickly noticed that despite the man's high cultivation level, his injuries were severe. His chaotic energy flow suggested an overreliance on medicinal pills."You dare defy me, boy? Do you believe I won't kill you right here and now?!" the elder roared."Go ahead and try," Chase replied with a cold laugh.The elder's eyes gleam
The elder was utterly astonished, unable to believe what he had witnessed.The Nine Dragons Shield was a forbidden technique that consumed immense amounts of vital energy to activate. Even martial arts saints who used it would suffer grave consequences, potentially causing their cultivation level to permanently regress."Who are you?" he demanded."Who I am doesn't matter," Chase replied, his tone calm yet piercing. "What matters is that I can kill you."Another bolt of lightning crashed down from the heavens.Chase stood still, unmoving, letting the lightning strike his body.Blood spattered as his clothes were shredded. His shoulders and back bore scorch marks from the impact. He smirked and said, "Not bad. This level of lightning barely affects me."As soon as he spoke, Chase launched a punch. The force of his strike condensed into a tangible blast. It was like a meteor crashing down, slamming into the elder's chest.A dull thud echoed as the elder's body convulsed violently
A golden rune floated in Chase's palm, shimmering with radiant energy.The rune collided with the rusted blade, scattering dazzling sparks into the air."What?!" the elder exclaimed, his pupils constricting."Do you think a piece of worthless scrap metal can harm me? How laughable." Chase shook his head. He flicked his fingers, and the golden rune expanded to the size of a hand. In an instant, it transformed into a blazing flame that radiated intense heat. It spread in all directions."What kind of technique is this?"The elder's face twisted in fear. He leaped back, trying to escape, but the golden flames spread rapidly as they devoured everything in their path. Grass and leaves turned to ash in moments, and even the soil melted under its heat.When a single ember touched the elder's body, smoke began to rise from his flesh, causing him immense pain. The flames were not just hot—they burned through flesh and blood with ease."No! This fire is too dangerous. I can't let it touch
"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