Just then, Chase swiftly darted forward and landed his attack right on the mark. Enzo was sent flying back in shock.Even when surrounded by so many guns, Chase still dared to slap him."Mr. Bateman, I want him gone!" Enzo stood up while holding his cheek, saying furiously."Whether he goes or stays and when that happens, that's up to me!" Jaxon did not pay much attention to Enzo. He walked over to Chase, looked him in the eye, and asked slowly, "Did you kill my son, Eric?""What if I did?" Chase said calmly."Why did you kill him? Just for this woman? He was my only son!" Jaxon demanded a reason."Because he had it coming!" Chase's words left everyone speechless.Chase mocked that Eric had his death coming in front of his father!"Chase, you're done for. Do you even know who you're talking to? That's Jaxon, the head of the biggest financial group in Chitara, Bateman Group. You dare to say that to his face? Not even a miracle can save you now."Enzo had seemingly forgotten the
The moment Chase's words hung in the air, all the bullets whizzed back the way they came, only faster. In an instant, everyone who had shot at Chase was on the ground, not moving.Jaxon's last thought was pure shock. The master of the Martial Arts Alliance was gone too?That explained why he had not been able to reach him for days.At this moment, only Zara and Enzo were left standing in the chaos. They were frozen with fear at the sight of the carnage."Chase, please let me go! It was all his idea!" Enzo whimpered, pointing at Jaxon's still form. He was begging for mercy. Seeing that Chase did not budge, Enzo scrambled over to Enola. "Enola, my sister, help me! Don't let me die!"Enola just shook off the hand on her leg and turned her back. She had lost all hope in him. Zara, too, finally begged. She ignored the mess on herself as she crawled from among the fallen."Enola, help me out. I'll give you everything I have. I'll even work for you and do anything you say.""Chase, you
Chase did not seem too bothered as he said flatly, "I won't leave. Ask them to step aside and I'll talk to you privately."Jules immediately lost his temper when he heard Chase's answer."How dare you? Chase, what do you think human life is? Talk? Even if the king himself were to come today, you'd have to come with us.""How troublesome." Chase sighed as he took out a purple token and tossed it to Jules.Jules caught it and took a look. Though the intricately carved nine dragons were lifelike, he had no idea what it was. Jules was still puzzled after examining it for a while."What's this?" Jules asked in confusion."You don't recognize it? That just means your rank is too low. How about this?" Chase replied, pulling out a golden item and tossing it over. It was the King Defeating Golden Mace.Chase casually tossed the King Defeating Golden Mace, which was capable of taking down corrupt officials and generals, to Jules. Jules looked equally confused. Chase realized Jules did not
"Besides, the opportunities you've encountered are things others might not come across in a lifetime. Just my space alone in the Dragon Vein Secret Realm is far superior to Martial Soul Hall's secret realms. Don't ignore your good blessings. And don't forget how you can enter and exit this realm at will. "Do you know how many people will come out of their coffins looking for you if word of this gets out?" Caspian was jealous. The thought of Chase casually carrying around a secret realm he had spent his life pursuing filled him with fury. Caspian fell silent after saying that."Get in here and start cultivating once you're done!" His angry voice made Chase know he was in trouble.Previously, when Chase absorbed the fire crystal to break through, his true energy surged uncontrollably. It was Caspian who had intervened to guide him through the crisis, preventing him from exploding and dying.Several days later, Caspian helped Chase strengthen his cultivation, acting as his sparring p
"South River City? Our film crew is going there in a few days. Let's go together. And Chase's from South River City, so he can lead the way and be our guide." Enola immediately suggested going together when she heard that Olivia planned to go to South River City.Olivia looked at Chase.Chase recalled Ira's arrangement and remembered that the next filming location was indeed in South River City, so he instantly added, "Stay for a couple of days. We can all go to South River City together, and I can show you around."Olivia finally agreed to stay.After dinner, Chase had a sudden thought and vanished. He was in the Dragon Vein Secret Realm when he reappeared."Collins, you're finally here." A voice rang out as a fist came flying toward him. Without a second thought, Chase knew that it could only be Caspian.Chase immediately unleashed all his might to defend himself. He was gravely injured with one punch and defeated with two. His body disappeared into dust."Why are you so angry
Someone then saw the Kingpin of South River City, Sam, waiting in the front row."Gosh, isn't that the Kingpin of South River City? Why is he here? For someone like him to be waiting here, just who is the person he's waiting for?"...Chase, Olivia, and Enola followed Ira out of the airport, immediately attracting a swarm of reporters who eagerly took photos of them."Look, Mr. Perkins did bring the entire crew to South River City for filming! I thought it was fake news when I saw it online. I just came to the airport to try my luck. I didn't expect it to be true!""If Mr. Perkins is here, then Enola must be too. Enola! Enola!""Chase must be here as well. Chase! Chase!" When there were reporters, there were fans. The place was instantly chaotic with Enola's male fans and Chase's female fans cheering loudly. Due to Chase's role in Asher's drama last time, Chase's popularity was now on par with top-tier celebrities."Mr. Perkins, you... I told you we should come secretly. You d
"Chief, your friends are my friends. Come on, get in the cars!" With Sam's command, the ten cars slowly started to leave the airport.Chase, Enola, Olivia, Sam, and Ira were in the leading Maybach."Chief, you have no idea that you're now more famous than any celebrity," Sam said enthusiastically while looking at Chase, whom he had not seen in a long time. "When I saw you on TV, I could hardly believe it. But I'd never mistake your face. I've even become the moderator of your fan site."Chase was taken aback. "What do you mean the moderator of my fan site?"Seeing Chase's curiosity, Sam eagerly pulled out his phone, opened a website, and showed it to Chase. "Chief, look. This is a website your fans set up just for you. It's constantly updated with your latest news. I'm a moderator on this site."Chase looked at the numerous posts and photos, instantly feeling speechless. He had a fan site and did not even know it."Sam, it seems you've been very free lately," Chase said lightly
The car ride was silent. With Olivia and Enola both visibly preoccupied with their thoughts, Chase decided it was not the right moment to ask questions.Soon, they arrived at Mount General Cemetery."Master Collins, please wait here for a moment. We need to pay our respects to my master," Olivia said and stepped out of the car with Enola. She even carried a seemingly heavy black handbag."Okay," Chase replied and watched them walk away. He left the car parked on the roadside and secretly followed them.Olivia stopped in front of an unnamed tombstone."Olivia, is this where your master rests?" Enola asked."Yeah, this is the place," Olivia said and set down the black handbag she held. When she opened it, there was a severed head inside—Derrick's head.'Oh, she's using the same methods as me,' Chase thought. He instantly found the scene interesting as he watched from a distance."Master, I brought the one who hurt you." Olivia placed the head and buried it in front of the tombsto
"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