She was not doubting Chase’s decision. Instead, she was concerned about Myra.After she said that, everyone thought they had misheard her.Iris agreed?How was that possible?Was it that easy to join Basalt?Myra was also stunned.Renee’s interest was piqued, and she stood forward while stammering, “Ma’am, um, I want to join Basalt too.”“Do you think you’re worthy?” Iris peered at her in disdain.Renne was speechless.Iris did not care what they thought of her. After she looked at the time, she said, “Alright, it’s late. Recruits, follow me!”After she said that, a few young people, including Sterling and Vince, walked forward.“Myra, go ahead,” Chase said to Myra.After Myra came back to her senses, she felt unconfident and asked, "Chase, is the assessment hard?”“It won’t be. I promise you can pass it,” Chase comforted her.“Okay!”Myra took a deep breath and said, “Don’t worry, I’ll do my best.”She clenched her fists and followed the team into the base.“All of yo
Inferno did not expect what he did to backfire.He even got beat up.He touched his swollen eye and wanted to tell Sterling to get lost.Suddenly, Chase stopped him. “Wait, where's Myra?”“She’s undergoing the assessment,” Inferno replied humbly.“You know what to do this time, right?” Chase looked at him, a half smile on his face.“Of course!”“Go now. Take good care of Myra for me.”Chase waved his hand, and Inferno ran to the assessment venue as if he had been granted amnesty.Finn walked in at this moment. “Boss, I’ve lined up all the recruits. Shall we head over now?”“No rush.”Chase lifted his head to look at the sun. Then, he shook his head and said, “Tell them to do a ten-mile run first.”Finn was stunned after he heard that. However, when he recalled that this was an assessment, he turned around and made arrangements.…20 young people stood tall with their heads held high, chests out, and eyes fixed ahead on the vast training ground.Even though they were unde
“Talk!”“My… My name is Sterling Wallace!”Finn said sternly, “Sterling Wallace? Don’t you even know how to reply? Is there something wrong with your brain?”“Sir, I… I was in the bathroom,” Sterling quickly explained.Finn did not expect him to reply so honestly. He gave Sterling an eerie smile. “Went to the bathroom, did you? Step out of the line!”Sterling quickly walked to the front as everyone looked at him pitifully.“Give me 50 push-ups!” Finn ordered stoically.Sterling’s face turned green when he heard this.50 sit-ups?He could not even do ten!Sterling had always lived a comfortable life and had never trained before. All his stamina was used to lay on top of women.Finn said in a grim voice, “Do you have any objections? Get out if you aren’t willing to do it. Basalt doesn’t need useless good-for-nothings. We don’t need men who disobey military orders!”“No, I have no objections.”Sterling winced and quickly got to the floor. He began to do his push-ups.He was
Sterling was the one who looked forward to meeting the chief instructor the most.He knew that he had performed horribly just now. It was highly possible that he would be eliminated.If he managed to get into the Chief Instructor Collins’ good graces, he might stand a chance to continue at Basalt.Vince could not wait to meet the chief instructor as well.His fists were clenched.If the Watersons were able to get acquainted with Chief Instructor Collins, they would have a powerful ally.Once that happened, they could destroy the Wallaces just like that!As for Myra and Chase, it would be easy for him to have them dead.Vince got excited at this thought.The sound of slow footsteps was heard, and everyone perked up their ears. They held their breaths and looked straight ahead. They did not dare to move at all.It felt like every step was stomping on their hearts. Everyone’s blood pressure went up from that feeling.When Chase got nearer, Finn immediately jogged over to him an
Chase gave the order, “Throw him out!”Finn immediately instructed his subordinates to drag Sterling out.Vince also knelt heavily on the ground. He kept bowing at Chase as he said, “I’m sorry, Mr. Collins. I shouldn’t have offended you. Please show mercy.”There was regret on his face.If he had known who Chase really was, he would never have set his eyes on Myra no matter how brazen he was.Of course, he would never have dared stir up trouble with Chase.Vince wanted to slap himself at the thought of how he had planned to take revenge on Chase.“I thought you would've dialed back on your actions that night at the party after I taught you a lesson, Vince Waterson.“Yet, you decided to bring your men and barge into the Wallace's villa in an attempt to take revenge against me.”Chase’s tone was cold. “A petty person like you who's filled with grudges and has a lecherous mind should be severely punished!“Take him away and lock him up. I’ll deal out his punishment later!”Vinc
Sterling looked at everyone’s expectant faces. He wanted to shout out loud, 'Chief Instructor Collins is actually Chase Collins!'However, he swallowed those words when they were right at his lips.It was not that he did not want to tell them.When he was thrown out, someone warned him not to reveal Chase’s identity or he would be executed!This was an order given by the top brass in Basalt!Chase’s identity had to be kept strictly under wraps before the appointment ceremony.It was because beneath the surface of their calm country laid a sinister layer of threats. Many of their enemies’ spies and powerful fighters were hidden in the dark.Once Chase’s identity was revealed, it would bring him nothing but trouble.Agatha stamped her feet impatiently when she saw Sterling hemming and hawing. “Tell us, quick.”Sterling hesitated before deciding to lie, “Actually, I only managed to glimpse the side of Chief Instructor Collins’ face.”“The side of his face?”Everyone was taken a
Agatha was stunned!Every Wallace was stunned as well.Did they hear this wrong?Myra had actually been accepted into Basalt?How was that possible?Sterling was the only one who looked bitter.Myra was the chief instructor’s sister. It would be a joke if she was not accepted into Basalt.Renee looked the most upset among everyone.Her face was pale, and she was about to explode from jealousy.Renee had always looked down on Myra. To her, Myra was just a wild woman who grew up outside the family. Even though she was a Wallace, Myra could never compare to Renee.However, it was true that Myra had joined Basalt.Renee could not accept this.“Impossible! That can’t be possible!”She was angered and started roaring hysterically, “How… How did she manage to join Basalt?!”“Are you questioning me?” Iris immediately stared coldly at Renee.Renee fell sitting to the ground. She shook her head in fright. “I… I would never dare do that!”Iris grunted coldly and said to Myra, “We’
Everyone was stunned to hear Sterling’s words.Agatha thought she had heard wrong. “What did you just say, Sterling?”“Grandma, I was expelled by Basalt,” Sterling said with an ugly smile.“What?”Agatha almost passed out as she said agitatedly, “How did this happen? How?”Every member of the Wallaces looked like they had just swallowed a bug.They had thought that the Wallaces would be able to prosper after Sterling got accepted into Basalt.Who knew that they had been flung back to hell in a blink of an eye?Sterling glanced carefully at Chase. “I… I performed too badly while in training, and the chief instructor expelled me himself…”Agatha coughed up blood and passed out on the spot.“Grandma!” “Madam Johnson!” The Wallaces were in a frenzy, and there was a huge commotion among them.Chase turned away and said to Myra, “Let’s go, Myra.”Myra left with Chase only after making sure that Agatha was safely taken away by everyone in a car.…Back at the Watersons' villa
"How could it not be here?" Chase muttered, narrowing his eyes. He was certain the Hawkinses' treasured manuals should be stored in this library.Suddenly, his expression shifted as he sensed something unusual.A faint breeze seemed to manifest out of nowhere, followed by a soft green glow that gradually expanded, forming a hazy barrier.Chase focused his mental energy, triggering a subtle yet profound ripple from the depths of his consciousness."Break for me!"His spiritual force surged like thunder, tearing through the barrier in an instant."So, the library not only holds cultivation techniques but is also protected by a spiritual restriction formation! For an ordinary martial arts saint, even someone at the peak stage, breaking through this would be impossible!"With a cold snort, Chase strode confidently toward the center of the library.There, in the heart of the room, sat a skeleton cross-legged. Its surface glowed faintly with a greenish hue, and it radiated a powerful
"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
"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