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'
"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
Chase furrowed his brows as he got lost deep in thought. "Could it be that the demonic race never truly perished but instead went into hiding, secretly passing down this forbidden art? First, I need to fully understand the Devouring Sky Demon Art before investigating that secret."With that decision made, Chase immediately began his closed-door training.Once cultivated to its peak, the Devouring Sky Demon Art could consume souls and refine them into demonic puppets with terrifying combat power.For Chase, this technique was a perfect match. "Devouring Sky Demon Art, First Layer!"With a single thought, new information flooded his mind.This was the fundamental incantation of the technique—nothing too obscure. After a quick review, Chase grasped it with ease.He extended his finger, allowing a drop of blood essence to fall onto the purple skull emblem.In an instant, blinding crimson light erupted from the emblem. It trembled violently, letting out sharp, anguished wails, as if
In just a matter of moments, the androgynous young man was dead. His corpse lay motionless amid the blood-soaked ground.His final curses and hatred meant nothing to Chase, who remained indifferent and showed no reaction.Chase withdrew his hand with a calm expression. Every strike he delivered was absolute—he never left his enemies a chance to recover."This technique of his is rather unique. It absorbs the life essence of others to enhance one's own power." Chase rubbed his chin, lost in thought."Unfortunately, it has a fatal flaw. The more one absorbs, the stronger the backlash. If not controlled properly, the user ultimately loses themselves, becoming neither human nor ghost."He sighed inwardly."This sinister martial art must have been created by a powerful demonic sect figure. It's a flawed version, but it's still highly dangerous. If left unchecked, it could bring disaster to the world."A chilling glint flashed through Chase's eyes. Demonic arts were forbidden as they
The moment the words left his mouth, the androgynous young man lunged at Chase with a dagger in hand. He closed the distance between them at an alarming speed.In an instant, his energy surged, and the aura radiating from his body grew even more intense.This was the power of a stage-nine martial god!"Hah! You dare act so arrogantly in front of me? One hand is all I need to deal with you. Now, let me show you my strength!"Chase sneered, extending a single hand toward the approaching, black-robed young man."An ant trying to stop a giant?"The young man smirked. He flicked his wrist, sending his dagger slicing through the air while gleaming coldly.The dagger struck the back of Chase's hand, but instead of cutting through, it shattered on impact, producing a metallic ringing sound.The young man stumbled backward, his face twisted in shock."How… How is this possible?"His eyes widened in disbelief as he stared at Chase, who remained completely unharmed. His skin was untouch
"Regardless, this demon beast's corpse is incredibly valuable. Whether it's the demon core, demon blood, or even its tendons and bones, all can be refined into powerful weapons."Chase licked the corner of his lips.A demon core was the essence of an innate demon beast, brimming with potent lifeblood energy.Meanwhile, demon blood was the condensed essence of the beast's body, holding immense power. If used for cultivation, it could accelerate training speed multiple times over. Not only that, demon blood also had the astonishing ability to purify impurities within the body."This demon beast is a treasure trove. If I hunt one and sell it, I could make an absolute fortune."Chase licked his lips once more, making up his mind. Under the cover of night, he would launch a sneak attack on this powerful demon beast lord.Besides, since this demon had lived in the valley for so long, it was likely a native of the area.If Chase wanted to explore the valley, clashing with these creatur
'My body is strong, but it still has its limits. If I can absorb some Blood Vein Ginthera, I should be able to enhance my physical strength!' Chase thought.If his physique could undergo a transformation and reach martial nirvana, what would happen then?A martial nirvana-level martial artist possessed a reborn body. Their skin itself could serve as armor, and a single punch could shatter steel. They could even withstand direct attacks from spiritual artifacts, making them nearly indestructible.If he could strengthen his body just a bit more, he would be able to practice martial nirvana techniques and unleash their full might with just a simple movement. He would be capable of destroying mountains and rivers in an instant."Blood Vein Ginthera is indeed a great option for tempering the body, but with my current level, I need to at least reach the martial nirvana realm before I can withstand its medicinal power. Otherwise, consuming it would cause my body to collapse instantly."S
A chilling aura crept over Chase, sending shivers down his spine.The little monkey that had been lazily basking in the sun atop the vine suddenly sprang up in alarm, bolting away as fast as it could.Chase grinned. "Relax. I'm just passing through!"However, before he could finish speaking, a sharp cry pierced the air.A black eagle swooped down, landing on Chase's shoulder. Its piercing gaze locked onto the monkey, and it let out a warning growl from deep within its throat.The monkey was not particularly large, but its body was covered in black scales, giving it an eerie, sinister appearance. Its head was somewhat grotesque, and its scarlet-red eyes were filled with hostility as it glared at Chase."A little beast like this… Could it be a guardian of some hidden treasure?" Chase murmured in surprise.Suddenly, the monkey darted from beneath the vine, leaping onto the branch of an ancient pine tree before vanishing into the depths of the forest.Chase froze.He had just been
Chase spotted a thick vine wrapped around the tree trunk. The lightning strike had just severed it."What is that?" Chase's expression darkened with shock and uncertainty.The vine was at least three feet thick. Its entire body glowed a vibrant green, and its leaves trembled slightly, radiating a powerful life force.In an instant, a chilling gleam flashed toward him—sharp and deadly!Chase reacted quickly, his instincts kicking in. He bent his legs and launched a powerful backward kick toward the source of the attack.Pain shot through his foot as a sharp wound appeared on its surface, and blood trickled down.His eyes widened as he finally saw the creature behind the attack—a beast resembling an ape."You bastard! You actually think of me as prey?" Chase let out a cold snort. Clenching his right fist, he threw a punch at the monstrous ape.A dull, resounding impact sent the beast flying backward.However, the strike only enraged the ape. It let out a series of deafening roar
At this stage of cultivation, advancing to each new realm required absorbing the soul essence of demonic or fierce beasts.Only the most powerful could condense a Nascent Soul. Yet even then, it remained bound within the void, unable to break free from the shackles of heaven and earth.Only those who reached the martial divine transformation realm could truly transcend these limits, traversing the void and exploring the vast universe.To break through these constraints, one had to refine a Demon Soul and fuse it with the Nascent Soul. Only then could they set foot on the path of true ascension.For ordinary warriors, even reaching midway martial arts overlord status placed them far above the rest. They gained extended lifespans, living well beyond a century.If a warrior refined their Martial Soul to its peak, its terrifying power would be beyond imagination."I still have a long way to go before I can condense my Martial Soul… I wonder if this Demon Soul Orb can provide me with
Illusions were essentially a type of special illusionary realm, and like all things, they varied in strength.Weaker illusions were ineffective against warriors unless the master of the illusion was vastly superior in cultivation. Only then could they manipulate a warrior's perception to the point of deception."Miss, I didn't mean to ambush you. I was forced into this situation due to unforeseen circumstances. I hope you can forgive me."Chase withdrew his imposing aura and cupped his hands in a respectful gesture.The woman in the purple dress stood a distance away. Her face was slightly pale, her lips were chapped, and her breathing was uneven. Sweat beaded on her forehead."Hmph! Consider yourself lucky. We're leaving!"She let out a cold snort, tossing a ring to the ground before turning away and departing swiftly. A faint blush spread across her delicate features, and her tattered robes barely concealed the color of her undergarments beneath.Moments ago, she had employed