“My father is Marshal Hampton. You can’t touch me…”Even in this situation, Logan did not give up on his threat.Chase looked down at him and said, “It doesn’t matter to me if your father is a marshal. He can’t bully any woman of mine even if he was the king!”Myra’s heart warmed to hear his words and she smiled.It has been years since she experienced the feeling of being protected by another person.Chase continued, “I’ll give you a chance right now. Apologize to Myra right now. If she forgives you, I’ll let you live.”“No way…”Before Logan could finish, a muscled man covered his mouth. “We’re in another person’s territory, Young Marshal. We have no choice but to yield to them. Just apologize.”“That’s right, Young Marshal. You’re of noble status. There is no need to hold this against him.”The other muscled men began to talk him into apologizing.Logan’s arrogance was wiped out instantly because of Chase. He looked at Myra unwillingly and said, “I’m sorry!”“Did you hear
Everyone looked at Chase curiously as well when Myra asked the question.Chase smiled mysteriously. “I have my way.”Not long after Logan left, Myra received a phone call.She looked grimly at the name on the phone and said, “It’s a call from Kent Hampton, the commander-in-chief of West Oceania. Logan must have complained to him.”“Pick it up!” Chase said.Myra took a deep breath and picked up the call.After she hung up, she said with a pale face, “Kent Hampton wants me to go to the West Oceania military camp in three days to apologize to Logan. Otherwise, I’ll have to pay the price!”Everyone’s expressions changed when they heard this.They finally had to face whatever was coming for them.Chase was the only one who looked calm as he said, “Don’t be afraid, Myra. I’ll accompany you to West Oceania in three days. I want to see what gave this West Oceania’s commander-in-chief the confidence to bully my woman.”His woman?Myra’s pretty face felt hot when she heard this and he
“What? He’s a true master of martial arts. He really died? How is that possible?” “Hehe, I bet none of you know about this. I heard that Tyrone Gilligan and Master Collins had a shocking battle in Shantal. Tyrone Gilligan ended up losing badly and he escaped in a fluster. It looks like he must have died in Master Collins’ hands.” “What is Master Collins’ real identity? How is he able to slaughter a true master of martial arts?”As multiple sensational news began appearing one after the other, everyone finally started to piece things together to form a background of Master Collins.“Master Collins is from South River. Rumor has it that he is only in his twenties but he’s already a true master of martial arts despite his age. He had even killed a midway true master of martial arts with one hand!”The whole of Rochester and even the cities nearby were blown away by the reveal of Chase’s background.“Master Collins is such a formidable man. He attained the level of a true master of
The next afternoon, Chase saw Finn and Iris again.This time, they were the ones who came to see him.Chase said in surprise, “Finn, have you found out where Quinn is?” He asked the question because he knew that Finn and Iris were busy with work and they would not be able to conduct the search on their own.“I’m sorry, Chase!”Finn shook his head and smiled bitterly as he said, “We tried to track down Miss Norris and Madam Snake, but we won’t be able to get any news in such a short time.”“Is there a reason why you’re here today?” Chase asked.Finn and Iris gave each other a look. They had no idea how to voice out their reason for seeing him.In the end, it was Finn who said, “Have you heard about the Basalt, Chase?”Chase shook his head and said, “I suppose it’s the most mysterious organization in Bactria and it’s in charge of solving difficult and complicated issues for the country.”“That’s right!”Finn nodded and said, “You’re a cultivator of martial arts, Chase. You mu
Iris was almost crying as she watched the almost-crazed Finn. Her tears could not stop falling.She said with reddened eyes, “People are too selfish. They're either afraid of dying or they only care about their own benefits. They'll just sit on their high horses if the issue does not implicate them.“This era might look peaceful on the surface but it’s not as wonderful as everyone thinks. People can enjoy the peace because someone else is taking up the responsibility to keep the peace.“Every time there is an earthquake or a horrible flood, who are the ones who risk their lives to be the first responders, saving every life they can? Do they get paid a lot? Aren’t they people too? It’s all because they are soldiers serving the people!“When news is reported on drug organizations being busted, no one knows how much effort has been poured into taking them down, even risking their lives. Do they get paid a lot? Aren’t they people too? It’s all because they are soldiers serving the peop
Myra smiled sweetly at Chase’s attempt to comfort her.However, she hesitated before taking out her phone to send out a message.Four hours later, it was noon. They had finally arrived at the West Oceania military camp.Myra reminded him, “Don’t say anything to anger Kent Hampton when you get inside, Chase. Just let me handle everything.”“We’ll see how things go.”Chase smiled. There was something hidden behind his smile.If Kent was reasonable, Chase was willing to give him some leeway.However, it would be different if Kent was not.Many soldiers were stationed at the door of the military camp. They stood guard firmly within miles of radius.Chase and Myra had just arrived at the food when a few soldiers with guns stopped them. “Halt! Who goes there?”“Are you blind? Don’t you know who I am?” Myra asked coldly.The muscled man who looked like the leader sneered. “We know who you are, Miss Kollins. We meant that fellow behind you. This is important military grounds, after
Dozens of muscled men with guns flooded into the room in an instant. Their guns were all aimed straight at Chase.“Marshal Hampton…” Myra turned pale from fright.Kent put up his hand to silence her. He looked coldly at Chase. “I’ll give you a chance right now, young man. Kneel and apologize to me and my son, and I’ll spare your life.“I know you can fight, but don’t forget that this is my territory!”“That’s right, Collins. Kneel at my feet or I’ll let my father kill you,” Logan began bragging excitedly.“Really?”Chase laughed with disdain. He said calmly, “I’ll give you a chance too, Kent Hampton. I’ll let this go if both of you kneel to Myra and me to apologize.”“Wait, Chase…” Myra was shocked.She did not expect Chase to be so stubborn. He was still angering Kent at a time like this.Clap, clap, clap…Kent laughed angrily while applauding. He sneered and said, “You’re a brazen man. Looks like you won’t learn your lesson until I teach it to you.“Take Myra away. I’ll st
When he felt Finn looking at him, Kent thought Finn was unhappy that he had brought an outsider into the military camp.Kent said, “Sir, you have no idea. This kid beat up my son, so that’s why I called him here to settle debts with him.“But this kid is so bold to make a fake King Defeating Golden Mace to sneak in here.”Finn roared when Kent said that, “You bastard!”Kent and Logan were thrilled when he saw this.He had offended a representative of the Basalt!Even God would not be able to save this kid, let alone Myra.Kent then ordered one of his men with an angry look on his face, “You bastards, what are you waiting for? Lock that kid up! Are you trying to embarrass yourself in front of the sir?”“Kent, you’re the bastard!” Finn roared, his voice thunderous.“Sir, you…” Kent was confused.Finn’s expression turned dark as he asked, “Do you know who he is?“He’s the new chief instructor of the Basalt!”Right after Finn said that, Kent was completely stunned.Logan was a
"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
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
Chase strolled toward the massive stone monument, his gaze fixed on the four bold words carved into it. "The Hawkinses' Secret Sect? Perhaps today is the day this name vanishes.""Hmm?" Chase suddenly paused, sensing two powerful auras converging from different directions."As expected of the Secret Sect—full of hidden talents," he muttered while shaking his head lightly. He did not appear surprised; he had already anticipated this scenario before arriving.The ground trembled violently, followed by a chorus of furious roars echoing through the air.From deep within Hawkins Residence, Chase sensed a massive number of disciples pouring out from a grand hall. These disciples, all of them martial arts legends or higher, radiated intense killing intent.Together, they were a formidable force capable of annihilating smaller sects and clans. Yet even their combined might could not withstand a single punch from Chase. Within moments, their resistance crumbled, leaving corpses strewn acro