The voodoo bugs grew a few centimeters longer after consuming the corpses. After that, they burrowed in the ground and disappeared.“What just happened?” Chase watched all of this with curiosity.“That’s another Holy Bug from the Voodoo Cult called the Devouring Voodoo. That bug is just like Quinn’s Golden Voodoo Silkworm. They’re both Divine Voodoo. However, Quinn’s Golden Voodoo Silkworm is more powerful. "I can’t believe that the cult leader lied to us and planted those voodoo bugs inside the cult members. No wonder my husband went missing. He must've died and gotten devoured,” Madam Snake explained with hatred.This sight dealt Madam Snake a huge blow. It had also solved a mystery that had been bugging her for a long time.“Grandma Snake, if the Voodoo Cult leader already has his own Divine Voodoo, why would he put in so much effort just to find Quinn?” Chase asked curiously.He had thought that the Voodoo Cult wanted Quinn because of the Golden Voodoo Silkwork inside her. N
Behind the three elders that Madam Snake referred to as the Three Voodoo Sovereigns were a huge group of Voodoo Cult members.Maidi must have used some sort of way to inform all of them about this before he died.“Hehe, it’s been a long time since we’ve walked this earth. It’s good to know that there are still people who recognize three old coots like us,” the elder in red seemed to be reminiscing as he said.The elder in black noticed Chase holding Quinn’s hand and said, “Give yourself up if you know who we are. There's no point in struggling to leave. Let the Saintess go and I’ll make sure I’ll leave your corpse in one piece.”That was when the elder in green noticed Quinn carrying Madam Snake on her back. He asked slowly, "You’re the wife of my useless disciple, aren’t you? Give up resisting us and I’ll beg for your mercy from the cult leader.” “Were you my husband’s master?” Madam Snake suddenly perked up and asked.“Yes, but there was only so much I could do for him. He kil
Chase did not need to be told as the venomous animals that appeared following the burst of energies informed Chase about them.The Cult Voodoo members quickly dispersed far away at the appearance of these animals. Even they were fearful of what they saw.A colorful snake hissed while a black scorpion raised its tail up high. It looked like it would shoot needles at any moment. Another colorful toad was puffing smoke.“Three marquises of martial arts will be fighting you at the same time, young man. You’re in big trouble right now,” Caspian taunted Chase in his mind. Caspian did not seem worried at all about what was about to happen.“It’s been a long time since I last saw the Three Voodoo Sovereigns fight. This is getting scarier.”“Yeah. I don’t think I’ll even be able to protect myself in a fight like this. Just watching this is scaring me enough to pee my pants.”“Come on, you pee your pants every day. You’re right, though. This is pretty scary to watch. Even the cult leader s
“Even though my cultivation has been destroyed, I still have my body. I’ll self-explode later to buy you time.”Madam Snake said this because she was prepared for the worst.If Quinn could disregard her safety just to travel millions of miles to save her, Madam Snake would not stand by and watch Quinn get devoured by those wolves. Quinn was like a granddaughter to her.“Goodbye. It’s time for me to see my real granddaughter now,” Madam Snake mumbled.Chaotic energy began to emerge from Madam Snake’s withered meridians.“No, Grandma Snake!” Quinn exclaimed. She was now a true master of martial arts. She could sense this aura and immediately understood what it meant.Chase moved fast. He knocked out Madam Snake with a chop to the back of her neck. Madam Snake fell limp and became unconscious.“Why won’t you believe me?” Chase shook his head before saying, “Watch her, Quinn. I’ll handle the rest!”Chase turned and went toward the middle of where the Three Voodoo Sovereigns were st
“Look! That can’t be… God's Palm, could it?!”Every member of the Voodoo cult witnessed this with shock. Their mouths were agape as it looked just like a scene from a movie.Oh no!The Snake Voodoo Sovereign and the Scorpion Voodoo Sovereign saw Chase aiming at the Toad Voodoo Sovereign and immediately realized that he was Chase’s target.They wanted to face the enemy along with the Toad Voodoo Sovereign but were unable to get to his side quickly under the intense pressure from the energy Chase was exerting. An explosion was heard next.There was a deep hole where the Toad Voodoo Sovereign was supposed to be. The Toad Voodoo Sovereign was gone.“Toady!” The Snake Voodoo Sovereign and the Scorpion Voodoo Sovereign exclaimed in unison. They appeared right beside the deep hole and looked down.Chase slowly flew up from the deep hole. A corpse in red followed behind as Chase pulled him up using true energy.It was the Toad Voodoo Sovereign.Chase flung his corpse at the remainin
When the Snake Voodoo Sovereign released her natal voodoo bug, Quinn clearly understood the intricacies involved more than Chase did.Glancing at Chase and seeing him nod, she controlled her own natal voodoo bug, the Golden Voodoo Silkworm, to slowly fly out.As soon as the Golden Voodoo Silkworm left Quinn’s body, the green snake began to struggle violently in midair, clearly aware of its grim fate as a voodoo bug.However, as the Golden Voodoo Silkworm approached, the green snake's struggles became fainter until the Golden Voodoo Silkworm bit into it.The green snake immediately wilted, prompting the Snake Voodoo Sovereign to wince and quickly retrieve the weakened creature.Once the Golden Voodoo Silkworm returned to Quinn, her body suddenly shook, and her aura burst forth uncontrollably."What did you do?!" Seeing this, Chase instantly flashed to the Snake Voodoo Sovereign's side, grabbing his throat in a lightning-fast motion.He demanded an explanation. He was even ready t
On the way over, with the Snake Voodoo Sovereign leading, all the poisonous creatures stayed well away."Kid, I suggest you leave now. The Voodoo Cult was already infamous in my time. The cult leader definitely isn't someone of a simple character. I'm afraid this might be a one-way trip for you!" Caspian advised Chase in his mind."No way. If I don't confront him now, that cult leader won't stop targeting Quinn. There's bound to be a fight eventually, and I can't avoid it forever. So I might as well face it now and eliminate the threat once and for all!" Chase was resolute, preferring to confront the danger now rather than let Quinn live in fear.Seeing that he could not dissuade Chase, Caspian fell silent.Soon, they could see a splendid palace nestled against a giant rock. It was lit by sunlight on the mountaintop, stunning in its brilliance despite its deep forest location."Snake Voodoo Sovereign, you've managed to bring the Saintess back. Where are the other two Voodoo Sovere
"Kid, run quickly! He's a stage-four marquis! You can't beat him!" Caspian warned in Chase's mind."Even if I can't beat him, I still have to fight!"Chase could not believe that the Voodoo Cult leader seemed to have anticipated their arrival. He was waiting right at the entrance of the hall. Their original plan for a surprise attack had completely failed.In this situation, how could he abandon Quinn and run for his life?He realized he had been careless. The cult leader must have sensed something when the Devouring Voodoo consumed the corpse earlier.Chase gathered his courage and asked, "Are you the leader of the Voodoo Cult?"The old man was not in a hurry at all and responded softly to Chase."I'm Ambrose Black. And I'm indeed the holy cult leader. How about this? If you surrender to my cult, I'll grant you the same status as the Three Voodoo Sovereigns. No, to be precise, your title will even surpass them. How about it?" The old man displayed an air of being in complete co
"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