After the helper left, Chase asked curiously, "You know people from the sect, Mr. Cooper?""Well, you can say I used to be an affiliate."William nodded lightly and continued, "Frankly speaking, I was one of their disciples, but I left and joined the army when the war broke out. It's been almost 50 years."He then let out a sigh and said with a somber expression, "The bodyguard who died to protect me the other day was a lad called Quentin Lawrence. He was one of the sect's disciples. "Yesterday, after regaining consciousness, I contacted the sect and asked them to deal with Lawrence's body. I also sought out some help from them."Chase nodded in understanding as he asked, "You're facing some troubles, Mr. Cooper?"Without waiting for a response from William, Bianca spoke up and said coldly, "That's right, Mr. Collins. We received a challenge from the Harrigans yesterday. They want us to have a showdown at Crescent Lake this afternoon. It's a fight to the death."Given the curre
To their amazement, a palm print appeared on the granite table. Carter had left a dent that was three centimeters deep."This is... How..."William and Bianca were both too stunned to speak. They could not believe what they were seeing.Just how powerful was this man that he could leave a dent like this on the table?It was truly mind-blowing for William and Bianca.If Carter were to place his palm on a body instead, would it mean that the body would be perforated?At this point, William could not help but treat Carter with reverence while saying, "You're truly a man of skills, Master Watson. I've greatly underestimated your capabilities. Please forgive me."Crossing his hands behind his back, the smug look on Carter's face was unmistakable. Anyone could see that he was enjoying the flattery very much.His two disciples looked equally haughty.Still relishing their moment of glory, one of the disciples suddenly noticed Chase shaking his head.The disciple's expression sank as
"In fact, external martial artists are the weakest between the two styles because this style relies solely on brute force. Sure, these guys won't have any problem against three to five opponents, but they'll be at a distinct advantage during huge group fights."William and Bianca nodded unisonly in understanding.Carter continued, "The reason why internal martial artists are superior to external martial artists is because, apart from brute force, they're also trained to cultivate true energy. Coupled with other techniques, the power that they unleash is unparalleled."The ranking system of internal martial artists is primarily divided into two categories—acquired and innate. There are many sublevels within the acquired rank, starting with apparent strength, hidden strength, inner strength, strength-dissolving, and finally, meridian opening!“Being the first sub-level, apparent strength simply refers to internal martial artists who have succeeded in using their true energy during co
Just when William was about to reply to Chase's request with a nod, one of Carter's disciples sneered. "What good can you do by tagging along? You don't know anything about martial arts, so you certainly can't be of any help. Not only that, you may even be a burden to us.""He's right. We're heading off for battle, and from the looks of it, it's going to be bloody. Are you sure you won't shit your pants?" the other disciple laughed haughtily and looked at Chase, eyes full of disdain.Chase replied calmly, "Don't worry, I promise I won't be a burden to anyone."He was asking to join because he was worried about the safety of William and the others.He felt that he was responsible somehow, given that he was the reason the Coopers got into this mess with the Harrigans. He could not just walk away.Sensing his determination, William nodded and said, "You're welcome to join us, Mr. Collins."Carter knitted his brows together as he said, "Let me make this clear, Cooper. My team and I a
A twisted grin stretched across Huey's face, his eyes gleaming with murderous intent."Right back at you," Chase replied nonchalantly."Enough of this bullshit."Caleb sneered. "I'm giving you one last chance, Cooper. Surrender now and I'll spare your life."Refuse, and all of you will die! You should know better that the Coopers won't last a day without you leading them!""How dare you! Let's see who's the last man standing today. Don't get ahead of yourself!" Bianca yelled angrily."Well, what are we waiting for? Bring it on!" William said with a dark expression.Surrendering was not an option."Alright then! If you're so determined to march to your deaths, so be it!" Caleb said coldly.He then turned around, gave a nod to the young man dressed in black, and said respectfully, "As you've heard, Master Lemmington. Kill them all!""As you wish!"Flashing William a predatory smile, Tyrone stepped forward and leaped out from the crowd.He said, "You were lucky to have a loyal
"Urgh, now my hands are filthy thanks to a piece of crap like you!" Tyrone said with a scornful smile, not even bothering to glance at Cameron's dead body.It all happened too fast, leaving William and the others in stunned silence."Cameron!""Cameron!"Grief overtook Carter and his remaining disciple when they realized what had happened, whereas Chase shook his head grimly.This would not have happened if they had taken his warning seriously.Snapping back to his senses, Caleb laughed haughtily and said, "Well, well, well! And yet you dare to say he's skilled? Look at him now!""Exactly! You should've known better than to send someone like him to fight against us. He couldn't even finish his sentence!" Huey said, looking pleased.The two Harrigans gained a newfound respect for Tyrone after witnessing his skills firsthand.He was indeed the Supreme Elder's disciple!Hearing Caleb's words, William asked Carter with a grim expression, "What should we do now, Master Watson?""
"You know nothing about martial arts, yet you dare to spout such nonsense?!""I'm just stating the facts," Chase replied nonchalantly."You...!" Francis flew into a rage and was about to beat him up.Seeing this, Bianca immediately stepped in and said, "Please stop saying such things, Mr. Collins. He's right. We're complete newbies here. We should keep quiet."Bianca was starting to feel annoyed at Chase as well.He did not even know anything about martial arts! Why could he not just shut up?Besides, Carter was representing the Coopers. Chase should be saying nice things about him, not words that would damage his reputation.William also said with a frown, "I agree with Bianca, Mr. Collins. Let's just keep quiet for now. We wouldn't want to risk Master Watson getting distracted."Still in the middle of the fight with Tyrone, Carter yelled angrily, "Just wait, you rude brat! I'll deal with you after I've won this fight!"Seeing that nobody would heed his advice, Chase fell sil
The sudden voice from afar had stunned everyone, even Tyrone.Directing their gazes toward the source of the sound, the crowd stared agape at Chase, eyes filled with shock and confusion.After a moment of silence, Huey burst into laughter and said, "Is it just me, or did he say that he can save Carter?""Hahaha! I think he just wants to boast a bit before he dies so that he can preserve some of his dignity!" Caleb laughed loudly as well.It was obvious that they did not believe Chase one bit.They had witnessed Tyrone's skills firsthand. Even Carter was easily defeated, not to mention someone like Chase.Carter, who was on the brink of death, opened his eyes and sighed helplessly when he saw that his 'savior' was Chase.He was dying here, yet Chase was still saying such things.Thinking that Carter did not hear what he said, Chase repeated, "If you're willing to apologize to me, Master Watson, I'll save your life!"Chase did not have a good impression of Carter. He thought of
"How did they die if I didn't kill them?" Chase shook his head coolly. "These garbage are not worth a mention.""You… You're really cruel…" The plump woman shivered. There was fear in her pretty eyes. She had a different expectation of someone like Chase. Someone like him should be a gentleman. How could he be someone so cruel and vicious?"Who are you? Why did you kill the Secret Sect disciples?" someone roared. There was a coldness in the voice.A group of martial artists in black walked into the restaurant. A black-robed man was in the lead—Huck Brennan.Huck was standing outside the restaurant. He was surrounded by people, but none of them dared to get within three feet of him. There seemed to be an invisible wall around him that put a distance between him and the people. He intimidated the crowd.Behind Huck were several martial monarchs. Each of them was powerful in their respective abilities, especially the peak martial monarchs. They were very close to becoming extreme mar
"Unfortunately, you shouldn't have crossed me."Not long after he said this, he dealt a kick. He kicked one of the men at the waist with great strength. The man flew several yards away, his spine breaking from the kick.There was one last person left. He was extremely frightened and turned toward the deep alley to run."Huh?"Chase raised an eyebrow.That man was attempting to escape. Could he have sensed danger at that moment and enhanced his power based on a last-minute judgment, which helped him escape?"I've said before that none of you can leave!" Chase said coldly. He leaped up and moved with great agility. His legs strode in the air, and a kick whipped out at the head of a man who was trying to escape.The martial monarch flew off about a dozen feet from the impact. He crashed into a row of tables, and half of his face had caved in. All his teeth were crushed."What witchcraft is that?" The remaining person turned pale."You're not good enough to know anything!" Chase w
The dagger was pulled out, and blood splattered everywhere."You…" Vaughn was so shocked that his eyes widened."This guy… He has strong willpower…"The others took a sharp breath with a wary look in their eyes. That man had come to them of his own accord and allowed them to stab him in the shoulder with a dagger. If this were some other person, that person would be howling with pain.However, this man did not make a sound. He even used the pain from the stab to erupt with power."I'll kill you!" Vaughn roared as his muscles swelled up. Energy erupted all over him as he raised his hand to hit Chase viciously on the head.Chase raised his palm to block the attack. He used force with his wrist, and a crack was heard. Vaughn's arms were broken. After that, Chase crushed his throat and he lost the chance to even struggle from the grip.A human head rolled to the ground."That's vicious!" Shocked voices began discussing this.Everyone watched on.Chase wiped the remaining blood fr
Chase was more than a hundred miles away from the small town at the foot of the mountain. He moved at the speed of lightning to get there. When he finally arrived at the small town outside the valley, it was noontime.Many martial artists were gathered at the foot of the mountain. Corpses of the Secret Sect disciples were strewn all over the streets."Looks like many people barged into the valley to save others last night, but they ended up in a heated fight instead." Chase shook his head.Among the corpses were those who were wearing uniforms of Secret Sect disciples while others were in ordinary village clothes. Some had blood and dirt on them. They had clearly died not too long ago."Huh?"Chase's gaze fell onto the chest of a corpse. The height and body of the corpse were not usual. There was also a unique tattoo on its chest.Chase stared at it for a while, and he slowly frowned. "That's the tattoo of the Secret Sect!"He recognized the tattoo. It was the mark of the Secret
The man in black, who was the leader, grunted coldly. He pulled a saber from his waist and came attacking Chase."You're dead!"A murderous look shot out of Chase's eyes.Chase rushed forward with the speed of lightning. He was like a cheetah on the hunt and was soon fighting with the man in black. They had only just started fighting.An arm broke, and blood gushed out. The blood stained his chest, and he flew about three to four feet away.The man in black looked frightened. He could not believe it. He was a martial deity. How did he get defeated by garbage who was just a mere martial monarch?"How is this possible—"Before he could finish, Chase swept a vicious kick at him. He kicked the man right in the head. His brain exploded with blood and pieces of his brain matter splattering everywhere."Kill him!" The remaining people were angered. They came attacking Chase at the same time.Chase faced them coolly. He slaughtered them quickly as he moved around them like a phantom g
"Chase Collins?"Upon hearing his name, the expressions of the man and woman in green shifted dramatically."That's right, it's me," Chase replied coolly."How did you find us?" the man asked sharply.Chase scoffed without offering an explanation. It was clear they recognized him, so he saw no reason to waste his words."If you know me, then answer one question," Chase said, fixing his piercing gaze on the man. He spoke slowly, enunciating each word, "Where is she?"Quinn, Lyana, and his other sisters were his family. Their safety was paramount to him.The man's expression flickered between hesitation and uncertainty."I don't know what you're talking about," he finally said while shaking his head slowly."Heh, so you refuse to answer?" Chase's eyes narrowed sharply. "If that's the case, don't blame me for what happens next!"He raised his arm, and a brilliant silver light began to radiate from his palm.The man's face paled, and he quickly shouted, "Stop! I admit it! We k
Time slowly passed.Three hours later, a muffled sound resonated as the energy in Chase's body surged dramatically. His cultivation had advanced to the next stage of the martial monarch realm, and his vitality was brimming with unmatched strength."I've finally reached this stage of the martial monarch realm!"He exhaled deeply and stood up.After stabilizing his current progress, he resumed alchemy, intending to take advantage of his momentum to refine three more Spirit Gathering Pills.Half an hour later, the pills were complete.Chase swallowed one without hesitation. A surge of potent medicinal energy coursed through his body, refining his flesh and bones.A guttural growl escaped him as his pores opened, expelling impurities from his body like a coiling serpent. As time went on, the energy around Chase gradually stabilized, and his complexion regained its healthy glow."Phew... It's finally done," Chase murmured in relief. He then carefully stored the remaining two pills.
"The rarer the spiritual herb, the greater its potency. For refining a Spirit Gathering Pill, the primary ingredient is the Three-Striped Purple Sun Herb. In addition to that, six supplementary herbs are needed. If I gather them all, it should be enough," Chase mused before forming a plan."My body has been tempered to a considerable degree. Refining a batch of Spirit Gathering Pills shouldn't pose much of a problem," he said with a confident smile.'Alchemy is indeed effective, but the mental energy it consumes is enormous. At my current state, I can refine, at most, five pills a day. Still, even five Spirit Gathering Pills a day is an incredible fortune,' Chase thought with satisfaction.With that in mind, he sat cross-legged, retrieved his pill furnace and the required herbs, and followed the instructions in the Emperor's Alchemy Codex to begin refining.Everything went smoothly.In just a short while, a perfectly round and glistening Spirit Gathering Pill was produced."This
Moments later, silence settled over the area.Chase rose from the ground and dusted himself off."Huh? Did I just break through?"He suddenly realized that his strength had increased yet again. The sensation was peculiar but unmistakable—his cultivation had advanced to another level.'No matter. I need to leave first,' he thought.Chase turned and began to walk away. Just as he was about to leave, he stopped abruptly."Hmm?" His brows furrowed together as he detected an unusual fluctuation in the surrounding energy. He paused, tilting his head and focusing his senses.After a moment, he opened his eyes and smirked coldly. Through his heightened perception, he had noticed someone—a small fry—spying on him."Haha, you little brat, I've finally caught you!"A sinister laugh echoed, and a man dressed in black battle attire emerged. His expression was twisted with rage.Meanwhile, his eyes locked onto Chase, and they were brimming with killing intent."You killed my senior, Kit L