"Your strength is impressive. I admit defeat. Farewell!" Chase gritted his teeth, preparing to activate a secret technique to escape."You can't escape," the old man said with a faint smile. "Surrender and come with me, or I'll resort to the cruelest methods to extract what I want from you."Behind the old man floated an ancient cauldron, its surface inscribed with intricate runes that emitted faint dragon roars.As the cauldron rotated, it unleashed waves of powerful energy, surging like a boiling ocean.Chase's expression darkened. He sensed the cauldron's overwhelming restriction sealing the courtyard, leaving him no route of escape.'Damn it, how did I provoke such a monster?' Chase cursed internally.Realizing that escape was impossible, he chose to sit cross-legged and close his eyes. He focused on gathering the true energy in his navel region and directing it to his left arm.Suddenly, his left arm trembled. A radiant glow emerged from his skin, enveloping his entire arm
"Hmph! Do you think I'll surrender so easily?" Chase scoffed coldly.Suddenly, a radiant glow erupted from his pores, and a crystalline purple-red rune surfaced on his body, emanating a brilliant golden light that formed an armor-like barrier."Martial Arts Codex, Martial Overlord Divine Armor, shield me!" Chase bellowed, activating the secret treasure gifted by Lyana."It's just a small trinket. It's hardly worth mentioning," the old man sneered dismissively.Just then, the golden light from Chase's body intensified. The purple-red rune expanded rapidly, transforming into an exquisite golden armor that enveloped every inch of his body.The old man's attack landed with a deafening impact on the Martial Overlord Divine Armor, creating a shockwave that rippled through the air.A sharp sound echoed as the divine armor shattered, but it successfully withstood the old man's fearsome strike."This is impossible!" the old man exclaimed, his eyes wide with disbelief. "How can a mere pea
Suddenly, the old man let out a furious roar, releasing an overwhelming aura that radiated from his body. It was clear he was ready to unleash his full power and eliminate Chase once and for all.A martial monarch expert!Chase's expression shifted in shock. He had not anticipated that this old man had already reached the martial monarch realm, which explained his terrifying strength and ability to effortlessly destroy the formation's binding chains.In the blink of an eye, the old man stepped forward at astonishing speed.A tremor rippled through the air as his massive hand reached for Chase's head, enveloping him entirely.The power of a martial monarch was overwhelming, as if the very heavens and earth were bearing down on Chase.Blood spattered everywhere.The sheer force of the old man's strike was devastating, and even the Martial Overlord Divine Armor could not withstand it. Chase's arm was shattered, his bones and tendons were snapped, and blood poured from the wounds.
The old man's body shuddered violently, his face turning deathly pale as he spat out a mouthful of blood.His knees buckled, and he collapsed heavily to the ground."Old fool, I told you—today is the day you die," Chase said coldly.As he spoke, his figure vanished. In the next instant, he appeared directly behind the old man."What!" The old man's eyes widened in shock as he swung a desperate punch behind him.Chase barely flinched. His body wavered for a moment before steadying again. With a flick of his wrist, he unleashed a whipping kick, sending the old man sprawling to the ground.The old man spat out another mouthful of blood, his body convulsing as he stared at Chase in disbelief.How could this be? This youth's physical strength had surpassed his own?It made no sense. He had refined his body during his martial sovereign days and possessed a vast reservoir of true energy.Even an ordinary martial monarch of martial arts experts would struggle to match him. Yet this bo
"No!" The old man's scream echoed through the air as his face contorted in pain and disbelief.He could not understand how this mere martial arts overlord could unleash such terrifying power. It defied everything he knew.In an instant, the two figures clashed within the desolate ruins, exchanging brutal blows.Chase's fingers formed a sword. A razor-sharp energy emanated from him, piercing the sky like a divine blade. His attacks were overwhelmingly fierce, every move embodying the essence of advanced martial techniques.The sheer intensity forced the old man to retreat repeatedly, leaving him no room to counter."How is this possible? This brat has mastered such an advanced and profound sword technique!" the old man muttered through gritted teeth as his heart seethed with hatred."If this continues, I'll have no choice but to flee. Better to live and fight another day!"A glint of madness flickered in the old man's eyes as he suddenly let out a thunderous roar. His true energy
The old man roared in fury, raising his hand to strike as surging true energy erupted from his body. It was wild and unrestrained.Their fists collided with a resounding impact.The old man felt a powerful force ripple through him, shattering his fist and dislocating his entire right arm.He let out a piercing scream of agony.Before he could recover, Chase's left leg swung out, his knee slamming into the old man's abdomen.The dull sound echoed as the old man was sent flying backward, landing heavily on the ground. Blood spurted from his mouth in thick droplets.He struggled to get up, and his face was pale and twisted with rage."You brat! How dare you ambush me? I'll tear you apart!" the old man screamed furiously.Chase shook his head calmly. "Old fool, is that all you've got? I haven't even used my full strength, yet you can't handle it?""What did you just say?" The old man's face turned red with anger, almost causing him to cough up blood again. "You insolent wretch! I'
"Burning blood essence to gain temporary power?" Chase scoffed. "That's a reckless method."He understood that martial monarchs of martial arts could ignite their blood essence to unleash power far beyond their limits. However, doing so required an extensive recovery period and inflicted irreversible damage on their bodies.The old man's intent was clear—he wanted to drag Chase down with him.'He's insane!' Chase thought grimly.Realizing he could not hold back any longer, Chase activated his sword essence. Sword light burst forth, slicing through the old man's last line of defense.Blood splattered everywhere.The old man's chest was pierced, and his body collapsed to the ground like a broken ragdoll. A wooden hairpin punctured his heart through his chest, leaving the old man utterly powerless. His eyes widened in disbelief, filled with venomous hatred."I curse you! I curse you to eternal damnation…" Before he could finish his words, he let out his final breath.Chase approac
Suddenly, a crimson blade arc slashed through the sky, hurtling toward Chase."Get back!" Chase barked, swinging his sword and unleashing a burst of sword energy that obliterated the blade arc.Leaping into the air, Chase nimbly dodged the man's relentless attacks.Sparks flew as metal clashed repeatedly, creating a cacophony of sharp, ringing collisions.As Chase evaded, he felt the terrifying intensity of the man's strength. Each attack narrowly missed him, heightening the sense of peril.The man's punches and kicks carried immense force, each blow capable of exerting tens of thousands of pounds of pressure. Some strikes reached nearly double that strength, enough to crush even martial supremes into pulp, leaving not a single bone intact.Despite the overwhelming power, Chase's body remained resilient. His skin glowed faintly, as if forged from golden steel. Though the man's strikes caused some pain, they failed to inflict serious damage.Meanwhile, Chase observed his opponent
Lightning Storm Mode was immediately activated. If they had waited for the Water Domain to be activated, they would never have been able to pass this level.Those outsiders were actually able to gather water spiritual energy when the Water Domain was active. One could only conclude that Chase had massive water attribute talent.The female Poison Dragon was shocked to see this."He has a few tricks up his sleeve. That old, poisonous thing didn't die in vain."She did not sound sad and was even a little sarcastic when talking about her ex-husband. She said to the Lightning Dragon, "The more powerful their water-attribute talents are, the more challenging it is for them later. Should we continue wasting our time watching them?""I think there's something strange about their auras, especially that guy who formed the water spiritual energy vortex. He must be hiding more moves."The Lightning Dragon snuck a pinch on the female Poison Dragon's butt while maintaining a serious look."
At last, Chase understood what Lisa meant.The fourth and fifth levels were connected, and they were aware of each other. The fourth level considered the fifth level to be a higher realm."So, you guys actually have contact with the upper realm?""Yes. They can communicate with us through special arrays and communication artifacts. Usually, only the major families or individuals with great power possess such means," Lisa explained earnestly."I see…"Walter grew curious as well and was just about to ask more. However, before he could speak, the Water Dragons' attack came surging in.The dense water vapor actually made it hard for him, a naturally water-aligned beast, to breathe.He and Lisa, both of the water element, quickly adjusted and began moving as if they were truly at home in this environment. They became like fish in water.Chase did not even need to adjust. His mastery over the water and fire elements had already reached the peak.Though not naturally born of the wat
Walter's fear was largely dispelled by his longing to visit Earth."As my contracted beast, you'll have plenty of chances in the future. For now, the urgent matter is facing this so-called Dragon Clan Trial. Pull yourselves together," Chase reminded them, seeing that both their moods had stabilized."The so-called judgment is to undergo four rounds of challenges from the martyr spirits of the dragon clan to prove your courage and strength. If you fail, then go to hell! Hahaha!"The Lightning Dragon's maniacal laughter echoed throughout the arena.Only then did the three notice that three dragons had appeared at the center of the battlefield. Judging by the auras they emitted, they appeared to be Water Dragons."This is the first trial—Water Dragon," Lisa finally found an opening to speak and gave an explanation."Water Dragons? Aren't they from the same branch as you? You mean they'll still go all out on you?"Walter looked at Lisa, his face full of question marks."These trial
Even though Chase possessed cultivation comparable to this so-called ruler of the world, the Lightning Dragon, he was baffled. How had he been brought into this arena without noticing a thing?He simply could not figure it out."Master, I feel like I was pulled into this space by force. If they want to, can't they just kill us at will?" Walter, whose nerves were a bit tougher, managed to recover some clarity. He quickly arrived at the same conclusion as Chase.The fact that the four of them had been transported here without any resistance from their end left him shaken to the core.Willow, also recovering from her initial shock, heard Walter's question and immediately sensed the danger."What should we do?" she asked, panic creeping into her voice."There's no need to panic just yet," Chase said with a light chuckle."Why not?" Walter and Willow asked in unison."Have you noticed something? Every level created by the Light Divine Pearl so far has been incomplete," Chase explain
The three of them gave Chase a grateful look."Self-defense? Who defends themselves like that?"The middle-aged man, whom Lisa had referred to as a Lightning Dragon, seemed extremely displeased with how Chase had dispersed his oppressive aura.At the same time, he was clearly surprised. After all, the dragons were a legendary superior race. They naturally suppressed the bloodlines of most other beings.Yet the young man standing before him, who appeared quite ordinary, had actually withstood his draconic pressure. He was not from just any dragon clan either.In terms of pure power, the Lightning Dragons were unquestionably the strongest branch. On top of that, he was the Dragon King of this world, the ruler of the realm. He was supported by the fortune and energy of the entire world.Years of dominance had cultivated not only overwhelming dragon might but also the imposing presence and authority of a king. Ordinary cultivators could not hope to contend with him.Who was this you
Walter also carried dragon blood, so when he saw all that glimmering gold, he became a little reluctant to move forward."Could this be a trap?" Willow asked with suspicion.As a woman, she liked shiny things too, but she still kept her rationality at the moment."We'll just deal with the problems as they come. What's there to be afraid of?" Walter said carelessly.Lisa had been silent ever since entering. After all, this was her enemy's stronghold. Her grudges and reasoning were still very much alive."They're coming," Chase suddenly said.Walter, Willow, and Lisa all looked forward.It was a grand hall designed to resemble a noble's reception chamber. A well-dressed middle-aged couple descended the stairs slowly from the center.Did Lisa not say the Poison Dragon family only had three members? The father and son had been killed by them, so only the female Poison Dragon should remain.Who was this middle-aged man?Chase and the others turned to Lisa with puzzled looks. Lisa
"So if our comprehension is weak, we won't be able to learn it?" Walter frowned as he asked.He had always possessed a strong talent in water techniques and genuinely liked this technique. Hearing Lisa say it required exceptional comprehension discouraged him a little."Not necessarily. If I guide you through it step by step and you keep practicing, you'll be able to learn it. But your mastery level, teleportation distance, and stealth will vary."Lisa was very patient in explaining. She also kept glancing at Chase from time to time."I see. That's a relief." Willow and Walter both let out a breath of relief.This was a powerful life-saving technique, and they did not want to miss the opportunity to learn it. Plus, both of them practiced water-type techniques, so it was a good choice for focused training.They immediately followed Lisa's instructions and began learning.Meanwhile, Chase kept watch nearby in case that female Poison Dragon came looking for them.…Three days l
Chase followed through on his end of the bargain and handed Lisa the entire lotus pod of the Water and Fire Emerald Lotus. If this had happened earlier, Willow and Walter definitely would have called Chase a reckless spender.However, after seeing Chase's massive fields of Water and Fire Emerald Lotus and Dark and Light Emerald Lotus, they let it go.Lisa held the lotus pod, peeled off one of the seeds, held it up, and asked, "Do I just eat it like this?""Mhm."All three of them nodded in unison.Lisa gathered her courage and swallowed it. A surge of incomparably pure water and fire energies rushed through her meridians.Yes—vital energy, not spiritual energy. It saved her a lot of time refining it.Her energy steadily began to rise.As a Water Dragon, she had always been best suited to water-type techniques. However, because of the need for dark-light balance and her inability to find matching light spiritual energy, she had been stuck at stage-nine martial monarch for years.
Chase smiled as he comforted Willow.'Is blood essence really that easy to obtain? Could these people at least show some respect for us dragons?' Lisa was on the verge of breaking down as she watched Chase casually mention borrowing the dragons' blood essence as if it were no big deal.Blood essence only formed naturally in the smallest amounts each year.If used for cultivation, even just a little bit would represent decades—maybe even a hundred years—of a dragon's effort.That meant all those years of training would be wasted.Personally, Lisa did not mind as much.Chase and his group had essentially saved her life. Giving up a little blood essence was no big deal. However, the other dragons would not be so easy to convince.Also, what was that thing Chase mentioned, the 'Dark and Light Emerald Lotus'? It sounded powerful."Um, what's that Dark and Light Emerald Lotus? Is it something amazing?" She leaned over and asked Willow in a hushed voice.Only then did Willow remember