"Little Rocky, how about all seven of us marry you once we're all grown up?""Okay, when I grow up, I'll marry all seven of you!"Enola could hear their naive voices back when they were still kids like it was just yesterday."Okay, stop with the nonsense. Enola, since the location issue isn't settled yet, why don't we properly tour Dragon Tiger Mountain tomorrow and visit the sacred site?" Chase suggested with a flushed face."Good idea," Enola agreed, her cheeks slightly pink.After the conversation, they each returned to their rooms.…In a group chat named 'Dragon Tiger Mountain General Group', Colin's avatar popped up with a message.Colin: [Ira was at Dragon Tiger Mountain today.]With just that one sentence, the group chat became lively.[You mean Ira Perkins, the famous director from Bactria?][He actually came to Dragon Tiger Mountain?][I heard he's currently shooting a film called 'The Extraordinaire', and it seems like it's set at Dragon Tiger Mountain.]Colin:
Late at night over at Camland, a streak of light flashed across the sky. It went unnoticed by everyone.Assassin Five closed his eyes to sense for a moment and said, "Over there!"Then, his figure vanished, reappearing within what was once Basalt's base."Two marquises of martial arts fought here!" Assassin Five was surprised, vaguely sensing the remnants of the formations in the area.One presence was familiar. It was Chase, whom he had been pursuing. However, what about the other presence?Looking around the now empty base, Assassin Five grew frustrated.Was Chase somehow prophetic? How was he always escaping before his arrival?Remembering the orders from the elders of the Martial Soul Hall, Assassin Five had no choice but to distinguish the auras again and follow them....The next morning, a handsome man and a beautiful woman appeared at the foot of Dragon Tiger Mountain. Even though their hats partially obscured their faces, their extraordinary auras could not be hidden,
Malachi James' discordant appearance had already attracted the attention and comments of passersby.The two men's attire was so different that if the man had not spoken up, no one would have guessed they were together."Mr. Jovers, I'm only responsible for your safety. I don't concern myself with other matters!" Even when mentioned directly, the man in the priest's attire remained expressionless and unconcerned.Hearing this, Cian was not annoyed but approached Chase and Enola, his gaze sweeping over Chase briefly before lighting up when he saw Enola."Ms. Langdon, you're even more beautiful in person than on TV. Let me introduce myself. I'm Cian Jovers." The man confidently extended his hand, assuming that his introduction would command respect."There he is, Cian Jovers!""Who's Mr. Jovers?""You don't know who Mr. Jovers is when you're in Joverton?""I'm here on vacation. I really don't know.""I see, that explains it. Well, Cian Joverton is the wealthiest man in Joverton.
Chase was speechless.How could everyone act like this?Had Bactria not banned firearms long ago?It seemed it was time for some reform.Although guns were mere toys to him, their deterrent effect on ordinary people was still significant.True enough, when the man pulled out the handgun, the already dispersing crowd fled in complete panic. There were only a few brave souls who dared to watch from a distance.Seeing that the onlookers had scattered, Chase turned around and calmly said to Cian, "Do you realize how serious a crime it is in Bactria to illegally possess firearms and have a private army?"Cian responded with exaggerated laughter. "Colin, is he threatening me? He wouldn’t go and report me, would he? I'm so scared! I'm terrified, really!"Hearing the laughter, Chase remained unflustered and continued, "Do you really have no regard for Bactria's laws at all?"Cian laughed even more wildly at Chase's remark. "Colin, did you hear that? He's talking to me about the law. K
With a flick of his fingers, Chase had severed several heads.As the pale cyan sword aura approached, Cian could sense his death approaching and fell to his knees with a thud. He pleaded repeatedly, "You can't kill me! I'm a big shot in Joverton. I've made so many contributions to Joverton, so you can't kill me. My dad is Joverton's..."Before he could finish, Malachi appeared in front of Cian with an ancient sword already drawn from its sheath. He struck down with one blow.Although it was just a casual strike from Chase, it still killed several people. The strike even caused the ancient sword to vibrate continuously."Master Collins, you really can't kill him!" Malachi had recognized Chase's identity by then.With such terrifying strength and such youth, who else could it be but the famously notorious Master Collins?"Are you saving him, Father James?"Chase's icy gaze fell on Malachi, instantly doubling the pressure on him."It's an order from my sect, so I have no choice al
As the two departed, the onlookers who had secretly watched from a distance were instantly in an uproar."The chairman of Farwide Group, Cian Jovers, was killed just like that! Even his body was left right here. This is huge! Let’s hurry and leave!"The ordinary folks dared not linger in the area any longer and quickly fled the scene of trouble.The news spread as rapidly as the dispersing crowd.Soon, it reached the ears of the mayor of Joverton."What? Cian was killed on the spot? By a suspected martial arts master? The murderer hasn't even fled and is still at Dragon Tiger Mountain?"I don’t care who the hell that martial arts expert is! How dare he kill my son and show such disregard for me? Notify the Joverton police to besiege Dragon Tiger Mountain. Turn it inside out if you have to, but find the murderer and bring him to justice!" Jeremiah Jovers, the mayor of Joverton, roared hysterically.Putting down the documents he was handling, Jeremiah recalled that the suspect was
"Malachi, I only sent you down the mountain to gain experience, not to get involved in these matters. It's best if you can stay out of it. How could you allow yourself to get deeply entangled in this?" the elder said in a lecturing tone."But, Master—" Malachi wanted to say more."Enough. No need to say more. Just watch," the elder interrupted him.Despite being surrounded by police, Chase was calm and composed. He was merely waiting for the person in charge to arrive.Sure enough, before long, Jeremiah appeared at the scene, accompanied by a whole troop. The police surrounding Chase stepped aside as some of them, armed with guns and a couple with RPGs, secured the perimeter.Seeing that Chase was already surrounded, Jeremiah walked past the officers, ignoring the attempts of Sage Cox and the others to stop him. He simply approached Chase to confront him. "Did you kill Cian?"Chase glanced at Jeremiah and responded indifferently, "What if I did?""May I ask why?""Because he
If it was truly him, the statements made just now were indeed correct. Gregory decided to clarify things first.Gregory quickly responded, "I'm General Gregory Maverick of the Joverton Military Region. Are you Basalt's Collins?"Chase ignored Gregory’s query and retorted, "Since when can a mere mayor control the military?"This response further confirmed Gregory's suspicion.It really was Basalt's Collins himself. Gregory immediately broke out in a cold sweat.This was the man who had command over military movements not just in Joverton but across all of Bactria.Realizing that Gregory had almost ordered an attack on Basalt's Collins, he regretted it deeply. After all, this was Basalt's Collins, a true master of martial arts who had slain several of the Eastern Ocean's Heavenly Masters and made monumental contributions to Bactria."I, Gregory Maverick, pay my respects to Chief Instructor Collins!" Gregory immediately saluted respectfully."Salute to Basalt's Collins," the sol
"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