"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
After a while, Chase walked into an alley.Suddenly, a group of people emerged, blocking his path ahead and behind."Kid, you've offended the Heavenly Dragon Clan. Let's see where you can run now!" It was the blond-haired youth speaking, but this time, he was following someone else.The man in front of him wore a martial artist's attire. He appeared to be in his early 40s and had pronounced temples, giving off an intimidating aura."Master Colter, that's him. Not only did he disrespect the Heavenly Dragon Clan, but he also beat us up.""You mean all of you couldn’t handle one kid?""Master Colter, this kid knows some martial arts. We got overpowered, so we asked you to come," the blond-haired youth explained.Hearing this, the man referred to as 'Master Colter' stepped forward and confronted Chase."Kid, if you know some martial arts, you should've heard of me. I'll give you a chance. Kneel before me. If you do, I might let your offense against the Heavenly Dragon Clan slide. O
"And them?" Chase pointed to the retreating figures of the blond-haired youth and his gang."If I’m not qualified to meet the leader, they certainly aren’t either. Sir, if you really want to meet our leader, why not stay at my martial arts school for a while? When the opportunity arises, I can introduce you, and you'll be able to meet the leader," Fenton said eagerly.After witnessing Chase's ability to levitate, Fenton realized he was in the presence of a true master. Seeing how approachable Chase was, Fenton thought that staying close to him and possibly receiving some guidance could significantly elevate his own status."If you haven't met the leader, what about the Eight Dragon Kings?" Chase became interested in these so-called Dragon Kings. If he could not find the leader, meeting a Dragon King might be just as effective."I haven’t met any of the Eight Dragon Kings either," Fenton replied, looking innocent.Chase was disappointed and turned to leave."But I do know some inf
The two disciples looked at the young man before them with suspicion. He was even younger than they were, and they found it hard to believe he was a master. However, out of respect for their master, they reluctantly addressed Chase as 'sir'.Chase did not mind and simply nodded slightly. However, this slight nod sparked some anger in the two disciples.How dare he act so superior?!After exchanging glances, they came up with an idea. One of them spoke up, "Since Master Fenton says you’re a true master, your skills must be extraordinary. Would you mind giving us some pointers?"Before Chase could respond, Fenton said in feigned anger, "How dare you?! A true master’s skills are beyond your comprehension. Apologize immediately!""Master, surely he wouldn’t mind sparring with us. Right, sir?" one of the disciples pressed.Chase could see through their intentions. They simply wanted to test his skills."Martial arts are meant for lethal combat, so it's better not to," he replied.Hi
After speaking, Fenton left.Chase looked over at the two unconscious people in the boxing gym and casually tossed them onto a nearby couch. He then decided to head downstairs to check out the first floor.As he slowly descended, the receptionist greeted him warmly, "Hello, Master Collins!"It was clear that Fenton had informed everyone of his presence before leaving. Chase nodded slightly and walked away.As soon as Chase walked away, a muscular man approached the receptionist. "Winifred, who's that guy? How dare he ignore you?!""He's a friend of Mr. Colter. Mr. Colter brought him back just now. It's so strange. Mr. Colter instructed us to call him 'Master Collins' and to treat him with even more respect than Mr. Colter himself," the receptionist grumbled, clearly familiar with the muscular man.Hearing this, the muscular man became disgruntled. "What’s up with that? Mr. Colter is usually such a nice guy. Do you want me to teach him a lesson? Just promise to have dinner with me
When the muscular man, Egon, made his challenge, the bystanders immediately started talking."Egon is at it again. Everyone knows he's the record holder for weightlifting at our gym.""Yeah, I even heard he was specially invited to join the weightlifting team.""This skinny guy definitely won't accept the challenge."Listening to the chatter, Egon wore a proud expression.He was certain the young man in front of him would not dare accept the bet, leaving him with no choice but to pay up.Weightlifting? Chase smiled, looking at Egon as if he were a fool."Kid, do you have the guts to compete with me? If you’re a man, say something. If not, I won’t ask for much, just a thousand dollars," Egon taunted."I’ll compete with you, but let’s change the bet. If you win, I’ll give you a thousand dollars. If you lose, I don’t want your money. You just need to apologize to me in public," Chase replied calmly while smiling.Not only was Egon taken aback by Chase's agreement, but the bystand
Someone even slapped themselves to make sure they were not dreaming.Egon could not believe his eyes either and kept slapping his own face. The pain clearly reminded him that this was no dream.As Chase set the barbell down and walked over, Egon started to back away."You need to apologize now," Chase said calmly."I... I'm sorry. I misunderstood you," Egon stammered. He knew that if he did not apologize, someone with Chase’s strength could seriously injure or kill him with a single punch.He realized how foolish it had been to think he could teach this man a lesson.Seeing that Egon had apologized, Chase did not press the issue further. After all, this was Fenton's gym.He turned and left the gym, leaving the crowd with his back.Walking down the street, Chase noticed people glancing at him. It was already autumn, and he was still in shorts and a T-shirt. It was not just the clothes on his body as even all the clothes he had stored in his Dragon Emerald were summer attire.He
Upon hearing Annie's request, the sales assistant's eyes lit up. Serving such a high-profile customer would undoubtedly mean a significant commission.She immediately began clearing the store.In reality, apart from the couple, Chase was the only other customer in the store. The sales assistant rushed over to Chase, "Sir, the store has been reserved. You have to leave now."Before Chase could respond, Wren interjected, "Sydney, this gentleman has already shown interest in this outfit. Can he try it on before leaving?" Wren pleaded.Sydney glanced at the outfit in Wren's hands and then at Chase.With a look of disdain, she said, "Don't bother trying it on. This outfit costs 12 grand. This poor guy can't afford it anyway. Wren, you only managed to intern here because our boss did you a favor. "Get him out of here. If Ms. Kayden gets angry, even I won't be able to protect you."Hearing Annie's name, Wren panicked but still insisted, "Sydney, he's just trying on one outfit. It'll b
"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