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
After three muffled thuds, everyone thought Chase was done for.Instead, Chase said coldly, "Since you're busy now, I'll come back later."He then turned to leave."Huh?" The crowd then noticed that it was not Chase but the three guards who were lying on the ground. Everyone turned their attention back to Chase."Kid, who exactly are you?" Alan finally realized something was wrong. He leaped forward and blocked Chase's path."You hurt the Kaydens' guards and think you can just leave? Dream on."Alan lunged at Chase, aiming a claw-like hand at his waist."Mr. Kayden himself is making a move. That kid is done for.""Yeah, everyone in Capital City knows that Mr. Kayden's Dragon Claw Technique is unrivaled among his peers. Even if that kid could defeat three meridian-opening masters, he won't stand a chance against Mr. Kayden, a true master of martial arts."The onlookers were curious about how Chase managed to beat three meridian-opening masters. Now, they were watching with eyes
"What has this got anything to do with me?"Chase could not understand the woman in front of him. Why would she say all these in the arena?"Before that, allow me to share a secret with you. The male and female phoenixes were supposed to be one."Chase was about to say something when Yara interrupted him, "The Rising of the Phoenix is not only about enhancing power after rebirth; it's a process of a male turning into a female and vice versa."But since the Dragon and Phoenix Calamity, the Phoenix Deity is the only Phoenix Demon Saint left, and he lost his power from the Rising to switch genders. He's unable to recover to his original power as well."However, he predicted that someone would be able to break him out of his suffering while wading in the river of fate."Yara looked into Chase's eyes with a smile."Is that person… me?"Anyone could tell the answer at this point.Chase was aware of what Yara was trying to tell him, but he still found it unbelievable when he asked the
Chase was the only person qualified to judge if there was murderous intent as he was the opponent in the arena.When Yara played the flute, it sounded like a beautiful melody from above the Ninth Heaven at first. If one listened closely, one could identify the vague signs of murderous intent.Chase scoffed at this. He thought it to be childish for one to hide murderous intent that way.He did not know music at all, but even he could tell what Yara was doing. Yara was looking down on him by doing this.When Chase was about to make his move, he was suddenly pulled into an illusion by the opponent. Chase was on a floating cloud above the Ninth Heaven in the illusion. It was just as Carla had said.He was initially flustered. How was he going to defend himself against the next killing move with such a powerful technique?While he was gathering all the vital energy within him, a sweet, melodious voice was heard. "Please don't retaliate, Mr. Collins. I bear no ill will."A tall, slen
"History scrolls don't really help with my cultivation. They make me drowsy every time, so I don't read them," Ford continued explaining without holding back. It did not seem wrong to him.However, his words made an impression on those listening.Ford was able to pick up the dragon clan's mystical techniques after reading them once. He even claimed it was not necessary to read them a second time. Was he even human? Oh, wait. He was a dragon. Tiana stared at him, not knowing what to say next.The Saintess of Emerald Lake Holy Land had not only fought with her talents yesterday but also with her hard work.When Tiana first entered Emerald Lake Holy Land, her master told her that her talents were upper-middle at best. She was considered extremely lucky to be accepted to the sect.Emerald Lake Holy Land was one of the top five sects in this world. It was second only to Sky Dragon Holy Land among the Four Holy Lands. Every disciple was the cream of the crop.Tiana grabbed attention t
Yara placed his flute to his lips and warned Chase, "I'll be making my move, Mr. Collins.""Please go ahead." Chase waved his hand casually and indicated for Yara to go ahead.It was the third round, and everyone at this stage was not to be underestimated. A powerhouse with a musical instrument for a weapon was rare. Chase looked forward to exchanging hands with him.The melodious sound of the flute was soon heard. All of the spectators could feel the atmosphere become more relaxed."Why is this Musical Technique non-lethal?""This can't be right. How did Yara Fries get into the third round? There's nothing formidable about this piece of music.""Is there anyone here who can explain?""He used his flute as a weapon in the previous rounds and knocked out his opponents with a couple of moves. He didn't play any music then.""Is he giving leeway to the opponent?""Could he be hinting at the opponent with his music that they're soulmates? They might end up being taken with each oth
As Clive had gained quite a lot, he decided to let it be. He allowed himself to let go of things. However, that being's consciousness began to open up to Clive, and that was when Clive realized how powerful the being was.It was one against the 12 Primal Treasures, and the universe was its target. It had existed for millions of years. The result of allowing it to take over was Clive losing complete control of his body. It was a projected image that vanished after Chase defeated it.However, Clive's body had been modified by it, and Clive's mind and soul were unable to control his own body. This was what had caused Clive to look like he was in a daze right after the match.Rania then used a mystical technique to transmit her cultivation and combine the powers of both parties. It triggered a lost talent within Clive that merged all of the swordsmanship he cultivated to form an unknown sword form that had never been seen before.Clive felt like he had been revived.He looked at the Ni
Inside the halved corpse, faint outlines of Rania and the coachman's bodies could be seen. They were twisted and contorted.Foul-smelling digestive fluid bubbled and hissed, corroding their bodies.Rania appeared to retain a shred of consciousness. "Cli... Clive... Clive... Help me... Save..."Her voice was faint, tremulous, and laced with sorrow. It stirred pity in the heart.In truth, even before she had spoken, Clive had already detected her presence through his spiritual consciousness. He raised his sword. His face was tormented as if he wanted to put a swift end to things. Yet in the end, he let out a long sigh and released a surge of true essence, pulling both the coachman and Rania from River's corpse.The coachman's cultivation was far too low, and his clothes were made of ordinary fabric. They offered no resistance to the corrosive and toxic digestive acid inside River's body.Half of his body was already unrecognizable, with the bones and internal organs exposed. His b
"Pathetic."The Nine-Sea Giant Squid that River had transformed into spoke with a human voice, then opened its gaping maw and swallowed her whole.The coachman, who had leaped off the horse the moment River transformed, scrambled and sprinted away. He was already dozens of feet out.Just then, a dark blur flashed past, and one of River's tentacles shot forward at incredible speed, snatching him back and devouring him in a single gulp as well."Disgusting. That woman tasted better," he muttered while slithering toward the carriage on his tentacles.Suddenly, an explosion echoed from within his belly, and faint glimmers of light shone through the surface of his body."That woman's protective artifact is so weak. Looks like she wasn't treated well in the Norths, after all."River examined himself carefully and found that it was indeed Rania's protective talisman that had just detonated. Yet his body remained largely unharmed. With some minor healing over ten days to half a month, he
Outside Light Divine City, Rania sat inside a carriage with Clive."Clive, say something, will you? You staying silent like this is really worrying me," she said while wiping the sweat from Clive's forehead and letting out a sigh.As a collateral descendant of the Norths, Rania's life had never been particularly easy. She had thought she had finally snagged a golden opportunity with Clive, only for him to fall into a daze after just one match.What was she supposed to do now?Everyone had witnessed their behavior during the tournament. Though some might look down on them, they would undoubtedly see the two of them as a pair by now.If she abandoned Clive at this point, she would surely be labeled a heartless woman.Just then, the carriage came to a halt. They had only left the city less than an hour ago and were still far from Universal Holy Land. Was someone blocking the road? Rania frowned and lifted the curtain.Sure enough, there was someone standing in the way.She looked c
Even though the match had ended, Lisa still could not fully escape the lingering terror.The slimy, wriggling tentacles covered in suction cups and jagged teeth, stretching out toward her… Such images were seared into her mind. The impact had been too great.Though she was a direct descendant of the dragon clan—an authentic ancient lineage and one of the top races in the entire world—she had been completely overpowered then.Normally, her bloodline would exert natural suppression over most others. However, at the time, she was almost crushed by another.She could not even begin to imagine what kind of race could do that."It tried to eat you?" Walter exclaimed in shock.As a great beast himself, he understood just how powerful the dragon clan's pure bloodline was.Even though the incident with the Lightning Dragon kneeling to Chase had dulled some of the mystique around dragons, it remained undeniable that they were a superior bloodline."For a creature to make a dragon feel lik