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
Even the two sales assistants were envious upon hearing Annie's offer. Chase could secure such a reward simply by accompanying her to a birthday party! It was enough to make anyone green with envy.To everyone's surprise, Chase coldly said, "Get lost."Annie froze on the spot, and the two sales assistants were equally stunned.The man beside Annie shouted in a shrill voice, "Do you even know who you're talking to? This is the third daughter of the Kayden family, a family most people in Capital City can only dream of associating with! "How dare you disrespect her? Do you even want to continue to mingle in Capital City?"The man seemed more enraged than Annie herself."How ridiculous. If you choose to debase yourself, that's your business. Don't assume everyone else is like you," Chase replied. Without waiting for a reaction, he walked past them to Wren."I'll take ten of these outfits.""What?" Wren was momentarily confused."Is there not enough stock?" Chase asked, puzzled.
When Chase returned to the gym, Fenton had already come back. Seeing Chase, Fenton hurriedly and respectfully invited him upstairs.On the second floor, Fenton's two disciples had already woken up. Although their faces were still bruised, their true energy had become much stronger, indicating significant progress.Their attitudes toward Chase had drastically changed. Now, they greeted him with utmost respect, calling him 'Master' and even serving him beverages without any embarrassment."Tell me, what was the outcome of your visit?" Chase asked, waving the two disciples away before addressing Fenton.Fenton looked ashamed, and he hesitated for a moment before speaking honestly, "Master Collins, I went to the Salvatores' residence today. I didn't even get through the door before their people stopped me outside. Eventually, they even drove me away."Seeing Chase's expression darkening, Fenton quickly added, "Although I didn’t get inside the Salvatores' main gate, I managed to get a
Chase's arrival went unnoticed by the attendees. He casually took a glass of wine from a server and moved to a corner, quietly waiting for the main guest of the banquet to arrive.While Chase intended to keep a low profile, someone else had different plans."I didn't expect you to sneak in here. Weren't you acting all high and mighty yesterday? So why are you here now?" a mocking voice called out from a group of three men.Chase turned to see the same man he had encountered at the mall the previous day. Not wanting to engage, Chase prepared to walk away."Mason, who is he? Why did he catch your attention?" one of the man's companions asked."Yeah, Mason. Now that you've caught the eye of the Kayden family's third daughter, your future is bright. Don't forget about us when you're successful," another added.Without waiting for Mason to respond, the two companions moved to block Chase's path."Hey, kid. Mason asked you a question. Answer him."Seeing this, Chase stopped, a smile
"Get lost!" Chase smoothly dodged Annie's grasp and uttered those two words coldly.Annie's smile instantly vanished. Feeling somewhat insecure, she asked, "You didn't come here for me?""Do you think you're that important? Stop dreaming," Chase replied, prepared to move past her as she tried to keep pestering him."Do you know where you are? What happened yesterday in the mall was one thing, but today, you dare insult me in Kayden Manor? Are you looking for trouble?" Annie's voice grew louder, catching the attention of several guests.The man who had been with Annie earlier quickly walked over. "Kid, being noticed by my sister is already a great honor for you. I advise you not to be ungrateful and just comply with her."He spoke confidently, clearly accustomed to his sister's whims.Hearing the man's words, Chase realized this was the protagonist of the banquet—Alan Kayden, the eldest son of the Kayden family.Looking at the man in his early 30s with the aura of a true master of marti
"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