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
When he saw his idiot son standing there motionlessly, Kent slapped him across the face angrily. “You rascal, this is all your fault!”Logan fell to the ground after the slap. After a buzzing sound in his ear, he lost consciousness.“Alright, that’s enough.”Chase interrupted, “This is just a lesson for you. I won't spare you so easily if you repeat this.”“Yes!”Kent patted his chest and promised, “Don’t worry, sir. I'll never disobey you in the future!”…Outside the military camp, Myra noticed that Chase had not returned after a long time.She could only call someone. “Grandma, I agree. But I need the Wallaces to help me save someone.”Soon, a car with Camland’s license plate drove over.Then, a middle-aged man with a square face walked out with a young man.“Uncle…” Myra struggled to say that word.The middle-aged man’s name was Samson Wallace, and he was the head of the Wallaces in Camland. Meanwhile, the young man's name was Sterling Wallace, and he was Samson’s son.
After Chase parted ways with Finn, he came out to see Myra. “Myra.”“Chase, a-are you alright? Kent didn’t hurt you, did he?” Myra asked in surprise.“I’m fine.”Chase smiled and continued, “Kent’s not bad. He didn’t do anything to me.”Myra looked at Chase closely. After making sure he was completely fine, she sighed in relief.‘Did Kent spare Chase because of Sterling?’Myra wondered, feeling a little moved.At this moment, Samson and Sterling emerged with their heads lowered. They looked very dejected, especially Sterling. His expression was so unpleasant that he looked as if he had lost a parent.He was so confident before he went in. He thought Kent would welcome him and show him respect after discovering he was a Basalt candidate.However, he got kicked out before he could meet Kent.‘Damn you, Kent. Just you wait. You'll suffer when I become an official Basalt member,’ Sterling swore in his heart.When Myra saw them, she walked over and said with gratitude, “Uncle Sam
“Really?” Myra was stunned.Immediately, Samson started panicking. The Wallaces’ plan would be in vain if they told the truth.He quickly said, “Kid, you'd better be grateful. How could you come out if we didn’t inform Kent about this?”He brought up the question in Myra’s heart.Chase then answered in a deep voice, “Easy. I have a stronger background than Kent. Even if you gave him balls of steel, he still wouldn't do anything to me.”“Oh yeah? How much stronger, then?” Sterling asked in disdain.Chase answered word by word, “I'm the chief instructor of Basalt.”Right after he said that, the air around them fell quiet.The three of them had looks of shock on their faces.Sterling started laughing after a few seconds. “Hahaha! I’m going to die from laughter. He’s saying that he’s the chief instructor of Basalt! This is the funniest joke I’ve ever heard!“Gosh, I’m going to die from laughter.”Samson also burst into laughter. “Kid, are you for real? Why don’t you just say tha
Samson’s face was drenched in sweat at this moment. He was shaking as he looked at Chase.If he remembered correctly, Chase just said that he was the chief instructor of Basalt.They thought he was lying, so they did not take him seriously.However, now that the military news station had made the announcement, he could be sure that Basalt’s new chief instructor was also surnamed Collins.…How could he not panic?Sterling and Myra also understood when they saw Samson’s reaction. Then, they turned to look at Chase in unison, their faces filled with shock.As Samson looked at Chase, he inhaled sharply and asked, “A-Are you really Basalt’s chief instructor?”Chase replied flatly, “Do you believe me now?”Samson was scared out of his wits.Meanwhile, Myra was astonished.Suddenly, Sterling scoffed and said, “Dad, don’t be fooled by him.“He can’t be the chief instructor just because he shares the same last name, right?“It’s just a coincidence.”Then, he said confidently, “Mo
"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