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
As Chase hovered in midair, he heard the crowd's discussion, and his expression turned icy. Initially, he felt that his approach of coming directly to ask questions might have been somewhat rash. Now, he believed he had been too lenient.At that moment, Alan attacked again.Chase's eyes grew cold, and instead of dodging, he clenched his fists. As Alan's claws neared his face, Chase punched forward, aiming straight at Alan's clawed hand.To the onlookers, it appeared as though Alan had successfully grabbed Chase's fist."That kid is done for! Mr. Kayden just used his Dragon Claw Technique to grab his hand. His arm is as good as crippled," one person remarked."Yeah, but the kid should feel proud. It took Mr. Kayden three moves to subdue him," another added."That's if he survives boasting about it. Now that he's fallen into Mr. Kayden's hands, his chances of living are slim," a third noted.The young true masters of martial arts in the crowd discussed the scene while a few marq
The old man was stunned when he heard Chase introduce himself.He said coldly to Chase, "You still need to explain yourself for barging into the Kaydens' residence and wounding our patriarch even if you are Master Collins!"Chase shrugged and said indifferently, "I never planned to wound him. He was the one who wouldn't let me be and insisted on killing me."Alan was speechless. His face turned pale as he pointed at Chase. "If… If you had told me you were Master Collins, I wouldn't have attacked you!""Do you mean to say that I should die at your hands if I'm not Master Collins?" Chase asked.Alan had no idea how to reply. He pointed at Chase. "You…"He passed out just like that.The old man held back his pain when he saw his patriarch pass out and channeled true energy to Alan. He said to Chase after that, "Why are you here at the Kaydens' place today, Master Collins?"Chase turned to look at everyone and said nonchalantly to them, "I'm Chase Collins, and I'm here at Capital C
Chase ran all the way out of the Kaydens' residence while Hubert went after him close behind.It forced Chase to use every fiber in his being to escape because he knew that if he was caught, it would be the end of him.He flew high into the air, but no matter how hard Chase ran, he got caught a few miles in the air."Why did you run when you saw me, Chase Collins?" Hubert stopped Chase but did not attack him. He smiled instead.It was freezing several miles in the air. They could see the vast Capital City below their feet if they looked down."You were coming after me. Of course, I'd run.""Why would I come chasing after you if you didn't run?""Alright, fine. Let's leave it at this. Why did you stop me, sir?" Chase quickly stopped this unending questioning and asked Hubert.Chase did not think that Hubert would come after him relentlessly just to take revenge for him breaking Alan's arm."That's a pointless question, isn't it, Chase Collins?""You need to explain things clea
"Hahaha! It's too late for you to try to escape, young man. Tell me where the Collinses' treasure is or I'll make sure you wish you were dead!" Hubert stopped putting up any pretenses when he saw Chase realize something was wrong. He decided to show his true colors, and his domain filled the entire air. Both their figures vanished several miles high in the air."This was all an act. Did you do this on purpose?" Chase knew that he had fallen into Hubert's trap and asked coldly."You're right. Everything started at the Kaydens' residence. Do you think a marquis of martial arts like you can really escape that far from me? It's because I wanted this opportunity for myself that I allowed you to escape this far. "To be honest with you, the Kaydens aren't the only ones with such a dagger. A few other influential families have one of their own too. It's used to verify your identity. Do you think that no one has been paying you any attention since you left Dragon Tiger Mountain? "I've b
Hubert did not even need to move. All it took was one thought in his mind to suppress a peak stage-nine martial marquis."Attack that spot!"That was when Caspian's voice rang in Chase's mind.Chase did not hesitate. He took out the Seven Star Dragon Abyss Sword and turned into a sword shadow as he headed speedily toward the spot Caspian pointed at.It felt like Chase had pierced into a strong, solid object. It was difficult to imagine something could be so fortified when attacked by the Dragon Abyss Sword."Stop thinking you can escape. Even a marquis lord of the same level as me won't be able to break out of my domain, much less a stage-nine marquis of martial arts like you," Hubert said coldly as he stared at Chase in the form of a sword shadow, desperately trying to pierce through to escape. He kept stabbing at the spot relentlessly."Ignore him, young man. Just focus on what you're doing. This domain is nothing in front of me. I can destroy it with one finger," Caspian conti
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
At the entrance to Hawkins Residence stood a massive green stone monument engraved with four bold words—'The Hawkinses' Secret Sect'."The Hawkins family, the Secret Sect…" Chase murmured, narrowing his eyes as a faint, playful smile crossed his lips. Without hesitation, he stepped toward Hawkins Residence.The gates of Hawkins Residence were firmly locked, but to Chase, they were no obstacle. To him, it was as though the entire place was unguarded."Who dares trespass in the restricted grounds of the Hawkins family?!" The estate was heavily guarded, with patrols stationed at every corner. High vigilance was practiced here. Yet such defenses were meaningless to Chase. He moved through the compound as if walking through air, completely unimpeded.Suddenly, a massive, oppressive force descended, enveloping the entire Hawkins Residence in an aura of suffocating intensity. It was so overwhelming that even seasoned warriors shuddered instinctively.Chase halted mid-step, his gaze shi
"Hmm?" Chase's brows furrowed slightly."Did someone manage to escape?"His gaze sharpened, and his aura suddenly retracted as he transformed into a streak of light. He darted in a specific direction at an astonishing speed."Brat! Don't think you can be so arrogant! You won't escape. Your death is certain!""I'm an elder of the Secret Sect's Enforcement Hall!""Do you know what you're doing? Killing me will bring severe punishment upon you!""Our sect master is in seclusion, attempting a breakthrough to the Body Refining state. If you can't deal with us quickly, your end is inevitable once he emerges!"The furious shouts came from behind. Chase smirked coldly, his voice tinged with disdain. "An elder of the Secret Sect? Perfect. Today, I'll send you off to accompany your sect master."He did not pause to acknowledge their words and only focused on the task ahead. Behind him, the sound of explosions echoed relentlessly."This is bad!""Damn it! How is this kid still holding o