Supreme Elder Phoenix, who was in child form, sat down slowly.Everyone standing in front of the tables got busy the moment he made his announcement."Look, Floyd is starting to refine his pill.""Elder Erwell is starting too.""Hey, look at Chase Collins. Why is he just standing around?"Most of the disciples watching the summit noticed that all Chase did was go blank while standing after Supreme Elder Phoenix announced the summit’s commencement. He was not refining any pills, and it ignited a discussion."He must've been scared silly because he has no experience in such a huge event.""You’re right. I heard that he was an independent cultivator before Elder Evans brought him back to the sect. It’s only normal that he feels frightened in an event like this."Many of the disciples agreed with this statement.It was not that Chase did not want to start refining pills. He watched as the people around him began to start fires while adding various spiritual plants into the pill fu
"Hahaha! Looks like it."While everyone was discussing this, Lundly had successfully refined a vat of pills and was presenting it to Supreme Elder Phoenix to verify."Good. Not bad at all. I didn’t know that you’ve become a Pill Refining Master. You’ve managed to refine grade-five Energy Reviving Pills!" Supreme Elder Phoenix exclaimed in surprise after verifying the pills."No wonder Floyd Bale was able to refine his pills successfully. It’s because he has a good master. Look at them, both master and disciple are now Pill Refining Masters. The sect will rely on them from now on."As the supreme elder, Supreme Elder Phoenix was happy to see this. It has been a long time since the sect had such encouraging news since the passing of their last sect master.Supreme Elder Phoenix’s words immediately attracted all the disciples to crowd around them."What? Did I hear this right? Elder Erwell managed to refine grade-five pills?""Is that true? That’s grade-five pills we're talking abo
Supreme Elder Phoenix replied, "This is a grade-five Element Nurturing Pill, and it’s a superior grade as well.""What? Chase Collins managed to refine a grade-five pill? And it’s an Element Nurturing Pill?""That’s impossible. Didn’t he suffer from stage fright? He was standing there in a daze all this time. When did he refine that pill?""Even though Inedia Pills and Element Nurturing Pills are both grade-five pills, Energy Reviving Pills are used to recover true energy after one has depleted their cultivation. Inedia Pills, however, are used to solidify elements within a cultivator. It’s clear that Element Nurturing Pills are the superior pills. How did someone like Chase Collins manage to refine such a pill?"Everyone was shocked to hear Supreme Elder Phoenix say those words, and there were looks of disbelief on their faces.It took a long time before Lundly approached Chase to say coldly, "You didn’t refine that pill just now, did you, Chase Collins?""I refined it last nigh
"A man of his age already possesses such high cultivation. How is it possible that he’s also talented in pill refining? He’s clearly playing us for fools.""That’s right. He’s looking down on the Esoteric Medical Sect by giving us such an attitude. He doesn’t deserve to be in our sect. Kick him out.""Kick him out, Supreme Elder Phoenix!""Yeah! Kick him out!"All of the Esoteric Medical Sect’s disciples began yelling out for this.The few elders began to surround Chase with animosity.Even Blake did not dare to say another word. After all, Lundly’s accusation made sense.Chase did not give any excuses when he saw this happening. All he did was look at Lundly and say coldly, "You’re a Pill Refining Master, aren’t you? You should be able to tell if these pills were refined yesterday."Lundly ignored Chase."Kick him out. Get him to leave the Esoteric Medical Sect.""We shouldn’t let him off that easily. His cultivation should be destroyed for creating such a huge disturbance t
It was apparent that Lucas and Phoenix knew each other, and Lucas was aware of Phoenix’s character."Sir, I’ve never once said that I wanted to be the sect master of Esoteric Medical Sect. You were the one who kept mentioning it. I’m willing to refine these pills in public today because you asked me to, not because of some sect master position. I refuse to have anything to do with the Esoteric Medical Sect after I show them what I can do," Chase replied in his mind.The next moment, Chase gathered all his focus to the summit.He took out the three bags with difficulty as he was still being suppressed by Lundly’s power.Lundly released Chase from the suppression when he saw what Chase was trying to do.Chase suddenly went limp and almost fell to the ground.He stabilized himself and opened the bags while slowly saying, "I came to the Esoteric Medical Sect because of you, Elder Evans. I was full of expectations for the sect before coming here, but all I feel for the sect now is dis
Chase would never have believed that the voice came from that child if he had not seen it for himself."Supreme Elder Phoenix, there isn't much to say. I’ve already made up my mind. Please just let me leave." The look on Chase’s face changed when he saw Phoenix.This man was a martial monarch. He was even more powerful than a martial sovereign.If Phoenix wanted to force Chase to stay, there was nothing Chase could do to fight back."You’ve misunderstood me, Master Collins. I'd never force you to stay. I was wrong with how I acted before, and if you need someone to be angry with, feel free to vent your anger at me. I'll never resist it. Do feel free to leave the Esoteric Medical Sect if you want to. "It’s just that we’re all trapped inside this secret realm and are unable to step into the world. We won’t be able to be by your side, Master Collins. How about if I let Blake stay by your side and protect you?" Phoenix was asking this of Chase humbly."There is no need for this, Su
After exiting the Esoteric Medical Sect, Chase found himself in a desolate mountain range. After surveying the surroundings, he realized it was the same place he had entered before.It seemed that the entry and exit points of the Esoteric Medical Sect's secret realm were fixed.After orienting himself, Chase transformed into a streak of light and left the area.In his mind, he asked Lucas, "Sir, why is the Esoteric Medical Sect’s secret realm fixed while the Dragon Vein Secret Realm follows me everywhere?""I don’t know the exact reason. The Dragon Vein Secret Realm used to be like the Esoteric Medical Sect, always situated in the Collins family's estate in Capital City. This change probably had something to do with Divine Collins." Lucas, who had been in isolation due to the Esoteric Medical Sect matters, quickly responded to Chase's question.Hearing the name Divine Collins again, Chase grew curious. "Sir, who exactly is this Divine Collins?" Although Chase had a vague idea, h
"If you don't have money, why run a restaurant on my turf? Do you have a death wish?" Sal shouted. His kick would have left the owner in pain for days.At that moment, a diner suddenly stood up and positioned himself between Sal and the owner, blocking the kick. The diner was none other than Chase."Hey, how much is the bill?" Chase asked.He arrived at Capital City a day ago but was in no rush to look for Gareth. Instead, he wanted to learn about the local customs, which led him to this small restaurant.He had not expected to encounter such a situation during a simple meal. Chase ultimately intervened with the intention of resolving the conflict peacefully.Sal was shocked that his kick had been blocked by someone who appeared out of nowhere. Not only was his kick stopped, but the numbness in his leg indicated that this person was no ordinary man.However, Sal remained defiant, thinking he had the advantage of numbers.As expected, a green-haired youth in Sal's group shouted
"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