"But, Phineas..." Pierce wanted to add something."Enough, Pierce. My mind is made up. There's no need for further discussion," Phineas interrupted Pierce's words.The Heavenly Master Mansion's lineage had declined by their generation. If Basalt's Collins could become the current Heavenly Master, he would undoubtedly lead the Heavenly Master Mansion to rise again.Even Chase was startled by Phineas' offer to relinquish the position of Heavenly Master so readily.It was tempting, of course. The position of Heavenly Master was not something to be taken lightly, but considering the vendettas he carried, Chase knew he could not accept the offer."Master Phineas, there's no need for that. I'll just share the technique with you," Chase slowly said.As he handed back the Evil Slaying Sword, a stream of complex words flowed into Phineas' mind, which was the essence of the Five-Thunder Technique."For today's favor, the Heavenly Master Mansion is deeply grateful to you, Basalt's Collins.
Chase ultimately did not take the Evil Slaying Sword with him. After all, it was a symbol of the Heavenly Master Mansion, and he wanted to leave Phineas with some dignity.Once the last scene was filmed and Ira was very satisfied with the outcome, he immediately planned to rush back to Chitara to start post-production work."Chase, come back to Chitara with us. You're the male lead of the movie, so we can't do the promotion without you!" When Ira heard that Chase intended to leave the crew, he immediately began to persuade him to stay."With Enola here, I'm sure the movie will be a hit. I'll sit this one out," Chase declined firmly.He had spent quite some effort just hours earlier convincing Enola to return to Chitara to assist Ira and eventually promised that he would come to Chitara to pick her up after the movie's premiere. Only then did Enola agree.After a heartfelt goodbye and watching the entire crew, including Enola, board the plane, Chase set off alone for South River Ci
Both of them were speechless. Even though the dishes had been served, all they did was lower their heads to eat what was in front of them.Quinn broke the silence. “Let’s remarry, Chase!”Chase choked and started coughing.“What did you just say, Quinn?” Chase took a gulp of water and asked again.“I said, let’s remarry!” Quinn worked up the courage to say this out loud. Even the customers at the next table could hear them and turned to look.Quinn ignored them and continued saying, “I divorced you before because I had no idea who you really were. I was facing threats from the Harrigans, and I didn’t want you to get hurt in the process.“When I found out you were Little Rocky, I was confused. I didn’t know if I was in love with Chase Collins or if I still loved Little Rocky. It’s only now that I found out that you’re Little Rocky, and you’re also Chase Collins. You’re one and the same. That’s why we should remarry!”Quinn professed her love bravely. However, Chase was stunned.
“What exactly is going on? When did you give Blizzard Group to someone else?” Chase ignored Charlie, who had run off, and turned to ask Quinn.It turned out Quinn had handed over Blizzard Group’s management to Reginald after that day so that she could go after Chase in Camland.When she finally found Chase, she encountered Madam Snake and was brought to Silent Creek. After that, she cultivated with Madam Snake and had not been back to the Norris household since then. That was how the misunderstanding occurred with the public.Charlie was one of the numerous businessmen who partnered with Blizzard Group, but Quinn had cut his company off when there were issues with their supplies.Without Quinn to watch over Blizzard Group, Charlies must have used some sort of underhanded way to get back in partnership with them.Chase finally understood everything when Quinn told him what happened.“Why is Blizzard Group doing everything in their power to find you?”“Uncle Reggie must be worried
“You aren’t still a virgin, are you?” Caspian teased him in his mind.Chase suddenly felt embarrassed.“Damn it. I forgot someone could be watching me. I have to remember to shield this next time!” Chase reminded himself quietly.…At a mysterious building in Capital City, a figure was seen seated in the lobby.“I can’t believe that Assassin Five failed too. It would be useless to send more assassins. Why don’t you make a trip there, Garth?” An elderly voice was heard not far off.Someone suddenly replied, “I don’t mind going there, but I won’t do an assassination.”“What do you mean?”“I’ll invite that little bastard for a duel in the name of Martial Soul Hall. It doesn’t matter if he shows up. I’ll still be able to make a name for the Martial Soul Hall!”“Good idea!”…Chase was still thinking about the kiss when he returned to Imperial Dragon Bay. That was when Quinn called him on the phone.He thought that Quinn wanted to see him again and quickly picked up the call. Ho
Silent Creek was different from the other cities in Bactria. Chase only realized that when he arrived. He felt like he had returned to his childhood. There were no high-rise buildings here, and it was the same near the airport. All they saw was barren land not long after they left the airport.“Where are we heading to, Quinn?” Chase looked at the unlimited stretch of barren land and asked.“We’ll head to Grandma Snake’s old home first to take a look,” Quinn replied after some thought.“Alright!”They had no clues for now, and Chase could only follow Quinn’s lead.Chase and Quinn had to keep changing different transports. They started with a cab and later boarded a big bus. After that, they got onto a smaller bus and later took a tricycle. In the end, they got on the original transportation known to men, a horse.They traveled two entire days before they arrived at a tribe. There were a few tents scattered around. They could even see some fallen tents from afar.This was bad!Th
The Voodoo Cult was putting in a lot of effort just to find Quinn, whom the Golden Voodoo Silkworm had acknowledged as its master. Madam Snake had told Quinn once that anyone who had been acknowledged as its master would be known as the Saintess by the Voodoo Cult.Quinn blamed herself for this.Chase noticed how upset she was and held her hand. He said softly, “Don’t feel bad about this, Quinn. The Voodoo Cult are the ones who murdered people. It has nothing to do with you.”“I know, but so many innocent people have died. They’re all just ordinary people. Why would the Voodoo Cult do this to them?” Quinn could not stop feeling sorrow over what happened.“It’s pointless to feel sad at this point. If the Voodoo Cult is after you, Madam Snake won’t be in any danger for now. We should figure out a way to save her,” Chase said after analyzing the situation.Quinn thought Chase was right.“Grandma Snake brought me to the Voodoo Cult before when she was buying voodoo bugs for me. We ca
It was a whole new world for Chase when they entered the village.Quinn had wanted to take Chase directly to where the voodoo bugs were, but Chase stopped her. He pulled her into a place that looked like a restaurant instead.There were not many people inside. Only three or five tables were filled up while the rest of the tables were empty. Chase and Quinn found an empty table and sat down. They waited a while before a waitress came to their table.“What would you like?” A young woman in a traditional Silent Creek dress asked them in a crisp voice.“Bring us all your restaurant’s specialties and give us two bottles of your best alcohol,” Chase said slowly while deliberately deepening his voice.“Alright. Coming right up.” The woman became a little more friendly when she heard their order and turned to enter the kitchen.It was not often that the restaurant had such generous customers. They instantly became her most important customers.“This place is one of the locations where t
"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