In an instant, a group of guards rushed forward to help the elderly man to his feet."Sir, are you all right?" they asked with concern.The old man clutched his swollen face while coughing up blood. His complexion was pale, and his breathing had turned weak. "This man's strength is extraordinary—likely at the late stage of the martial arts saint level. We can't defeat him. Summon the Council of Elders immediately!""Yes, sir!" The guards promptly obeyed and withdrew."You little brat! How dare you launch a sneak attack?!" Zion Hawkins, the second son of the Hawkinses, spat with venom as he glared at Chase."Save your words. If you hate me that much, then come at me," Chase replied indifferently.Zion, a mid-stage martial arts saint, stood flanked by more than ten early-stage martial arts saints and another dozen at mid-stage.Such a force could dominate most of Bactria, but to Chase, it was laughable at best."Arrogant fool! Prepare to die!""Raging Blade, Ninth Form!" Zion ro
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
"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
"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
"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
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
"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
"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'
By the time Chase noticed, a swarm of venomous creatures had gathered around him.Among them were common species like black mambas, golden-ringed snakes, green pit vipers, seven-step vipers, crimson scorpions, and long-tailed centipedes, but mixed in were also rare and deadly breeds such as Nether Vipers and Thousand Calamities Azure Snake.What was going on? Wait… Nether Vipers?!A familiar voice suddenly echoed above him. "Go to hell!"Chase looked up and saw a figure hovering in the air.Sure enough—it was the man with small eyes. He was still alive!Chase glanced at the corpse he had just slain moments ago. What lay there was not a real body but a pile of beast bones, blood, and shredded fur—a decoy.How careless of him. The warriors of the Nefarious Deity Sect were as troublesome as ever.He let out a quiet sigh.The man with small eyes, on the other hand, was seething with hatred.Back at the Nefarious Deity Sect, the three brothers had initially dismissed the Nefarious
The fierce storm-like assault proved effective.The man with small eyes managed to land a few cuts on Chase's skin, leaving faint traces of blood. Delighted, he sneered, "You brat, you've been poisoned! Just accept your fate and die!"Chase let out a low snort.He had allowed the venomous green dagger to graze him intentionally. The blade barely cut through his skin, and after a slight wisp of black smoke, the wounds healed instantly.Earlier, Chase had estimated that the man with small eyes was, at most, a stage-six martial god. Unlike the boorish man from before, his strength seemed to lie in his speed and use of poison.However, after undergoing multiple rounds of body refinement, Chase's physique had become virtually immune to ordinary toxins. This venom was just too weak!Chase shook his head in disappointment.The smirk on the man with small eyes faded as he watched the wounds he inflicted disappear in an instant.That dagger—the Heaven's Poison Dagger—was forged from t
Zacharias sighed as he spoke, his tone laced with regret.Chase furrowed his brows and asked, "Why did they spare the Nine-Sea Giant Squid?""Orin, the Abyssal Ape, Lysand, the Black Monk, and Elijah, the Skinscraper, were all martial cultivators. The Nine-Sea Giant Squid's flesh has immense benefits for body refinement, even for those at the peak of the martial god realm."So, they carved out a small lake here, set up a restrictive formation, and kept it captive. Every 50 years, they would return to harvest its flesh. That's the only reason I've been able to survive."Chase narrowed his eyes. "How long until their next harvest?"Zacharias calculated for a moment before replying, "It should be happening any day now."Chase glanced at the massive squid still writhing in the lake, seemingly not fully dead. He formed a new plan in his mind. The Nefarious Deity Sect practiced body refinement too. Perhaps this thing could serve as some bait?He pondered for a moment before asking, "
A stage-eight martial nirvana beast, clearly one with a physique-focused specialization, yet possessing an innate talent for mind and soul attacks?Chase was momentarily surprised.Then, a smug voice echoed within his sea of consciousness."What a powerful body! This is a heaven-sent opportunity! Finally, I don't have to be trapped in that slimy squid anymore! These past few centuries have been absolutely disgusting!"Hearing this, Chase immediately understood.This was not an innate mind and soul attack from the Nine-Sea Giant Squid; this was the remnant soul of a long-lost great cultivator attempting to seize his body."Who are you?" he asked."Kid, you should be honored! I've chosen you, so just enjoy the ride!"Before Chase could get more answers, the entity launched a full-scale mind and soul assault.A black shadow rampaged through his sea of consciousness, colliding violently and emitting waves of soundless sonic attacks, sending waves of dizziness through Chase's mind.
"Castiel can only rely on his own luck now. Ivana, we should leave," Turk, the white-robed man, sighed."I suppose there's no other choice," Ivana replied, casting one last glance in the direction Chase had flown. There was a hint of reluctance in her expression.In the end, she activated her movement technique and soared away.Turk had been paying close attention to Ivana. When he noticed the lingering look in her eyes as she gazed after Chase, his expression darkened, though his thoughts remained unreadable.Once Ivana had taken flight, Turk flicked his fingers, sending a small black sphere rolling into the cave before he turned and departed.Not long after, Chase reappeared."Interesting," he mused, watching the direction Ivana and Turk had gone. A smirk played on his lips.With his heightened spiritual awareness, his perception far surpassed others of his level. The two stage-three martial god weaklings were nothing to him.After confirming that they had truly left, he step
Four black tentacles shot out from the cave, heading straight for the four of them.The boorish man, still reeling from his earlier clash with Chase, had no time to react before the tentacles wrapped around him. He let out a series of agonized screams as he was dragged into the depths of the cave.The white-robed man and the woman in purple stood farther away and managed to dodge the attack, their figures flashing as they leaped to safety.Chase, however, remained in place, completely entangled by the tentacles.The white-robed man halted, initially showing concern for the boorish man being captured. But upon seeing Chase ensnared as well, his expression shifted to delight. He assumed the beast would eliminate this troublesome opponent for him.Yet despite the tentacles stretching taut, Chase remained utterly unmoved. It was as if he had taken root in the ground.Feeling the strength of the tentacles, he realized they were far more powerful than those that had restrained the boor
What?!Chase felt incredulous.He dodged the attack and retreated about three feet away."What is this?!" Chase asked."Did you release monsters into this cave?" the woman in purple yelled angrily with her sword raised in the air."Monsters?" Chase glanced at the cave entrance in bewilderment. He saw a long, black tentacle appear from the cave as it reached out for the woman."Look out!" The two men behind the woman shouted as they defended her at the same time.Sword stances filled the air as the man in white helped the woman stop the tentacle. The boorish man picked up his blade and leaped into the air. He slashed down the back of the tentacle.Black-colored blood splattered onto a rock. Hissing sounds were heard coming from the plants as holes appeared in them due to the corrosion. There was lethal venom in the monster's blood.Chase was shocked to see this. The wailing he heard must have come from the monster. It looked quite powerful. He felt lucky about not entering the
Chase opened his eyes. His clothes had been wet but were now dry.He channeled his skills, and strength circulated him. He got rid of all impurities and felt invigorated.After that, he stopped using his skills and punched into the air using pure physical strength. He could vaguely hear the sound of a sonic boom.The effects of the Mirage Dragon Tiger Pill on body refinement were not bad at all. He estimated that he could achieve an upper level if he could take another three to five more pills.It seemed like a visit to the Nefarious Deity Sect was now inevitable.Chase turned to leave.Right after leaving, dark smoke began to billow from the middle-aged man's corpse, forming into a man. "Damn it. I can't believe I can only escape using Nefarious Deity Form. But I've managed to obtain your mind and soul's aura. The next time we meet, I'll make sure you'll suffer a fate worse than death. I won't let you die so easily."The man, who was in Nefarious Deity Form, began to glow green
The man was only at stage three, where each punch possessed a weight of 30,000 pounds.Besides that, as the Nefarious Deity Sect's signature fist technique, it possessed the Nefarious Deity Energy. It could invade the opponent's spirit and soul upon contact.It was also the perfect complement to the Nine Mirage Ecstasy.However, Chase seemed completely unaffected. He seemed to have managed to defend himself against that punch.The middle-aged man knew that he had lost all opportunity at survival when he failed to hurt Chase with the punch. He quickly maneuvered to defensive mode. Black smoke billowed from his body and formed into a protective armor around him."Nothing but a party trick!"Chase checked himself for any injuries caused by the man.Thirty thousand pounds worth of strength was nothing but a drizzle to him.As for the Nefarious Deity Energy and harm that came with it, Chase was now able to withstand the evil power after using the Thunderfruit Core to strengthen his