He aimed his palm straight at Chase's face.Chase had to react quickly, and he met the attack with his palm as well.True energy flowed between them, and Chase flew backward from the impact of the attack. He crashed through several walls and smashed all the windows of the boxing gym.Another martial lord!Chase was shocked.No one but a martial lord could attack him with such a powerful impact.Chase watched as the entire boxing gym fell into ruins because of their palm attack. Fortunately, it was night and there was no one inside. Even though Fenton was hurt, he was still alive. Chase flew into the sky with a burst of energy."Where do you think you're going?!" Albus flew up as well as he went after Chase.They flew past a high-rise building and went up several miles into the air. That was when Albus sped up and stopped Chase."Don't worry. Bactria has a rule that says powerhouses like us aren't allowed to kill ordinary civilians. I know my boundaries even if you didn't fly u
" I heard that Chase Collins is suspected to be a descendant of the Collinses. Should we…?"A martial lord asked the question."Forget about it. It's just a rumor. Even if it were true, you would risk making an enemy out of the Martial Soul Hall."Another martial lord was cautious about this."You're right. It's the Martial Soul Hall, after all."…In a mysterious location in Capital City, a figure barged into an office."Bad news, sir!"Two old men were in deep discussion inside the office. The tea on their table was still hot. They looked at the man who barged in.One of the old men looked up and picked up the cup on the table. He took a sip of tea before saying, "How many times have I told you not to always act so anxiously, Scott? You have to be calmer."The figure who barged into the room was Scott.Scott regained his composure when he got scolded and said calmly, "Chase Collins is in Capital City, Mr. Cloves. He's fighting with someone in the air!""What? Who is he fi
Chase wondered how to explain this.That was when an aircraft came flying toward them. It got closer to them, and a loud frequency was heard."Fighting is not allowed within the borders of Bactria. Please leave immediately!"It was an unbelievable sight. There was a sea of cultivators standing in the sky while a battle aircraft was at the side trying to stop a fight.Chase was flabbergasted to see such a sight.Albus ignored the aircraft and formed into a shadow remnant once more as he sped toward Chase.Gareth was standing in front of an LCD monitor. It was screening the picture of Albus, Chase, and the cultivators surrounding them. When Albus ignored the warning, he said angrily, "Connect me to the loudspeaker.""Yes, sir!""Stop!"Gareth's elderly voice was heard coming from the aircraft.Albus paused when heard the voice, but he decided to continue his attack on Chase after that. He was the chief hall master of the Martial Soul Hall, and he was using all the true energy
Chase knew that Gareth was just joking. He looked slightly embarrassed and said nothing.Gareth was unperturbed. He turned and pulled a man over to introduce them."This is Scott Langley. I believe it's the first time you're meeting each other."Chase glanced at him. Scott was in a black suit and looked to be a few years older than Chase. Scott looked about 30, but he was already a stage-nine marquis of martial arts. He was one step away from becoming a martial lord.This was Scott. Chase had always thought he was an elderly man, but he turned out to be quite young."Hi, nice to meet you. I hope we'll get along well, Basalt's Collins." Scott reached out his hand.Chase shook his hand when he saw this."Alright. You should tell him what's happening next, Scott. It involves cultivators like you, after all." Gareth walked out after introducing both of them.Chase was curious. Did Gareth ask him here to introduce Scott?He wondered about this.That was when Scott spoke up, "Basal
Fenton quickly came up to Chase and bowed respectfully. He asked worriedly, "Are you alright, Master Collins?""I'm fine. How about you? What are you going to do next?"Chase had to ask because this happened to Fenton because of him."What else can I do? I'll probably continue with my gym after I'm done cleaning up."When Chase saw the look of despair on Fenton's face, he asked, "How about coming to work for me, Fenton?"Fenton became excited when he heard Chase's offer. He quickly said, "I'm definitely willing to work by your side, Master Collins. What do you need me to do?""Very simple. I'm planning to annihilate Heavenly Dragon Clan and put you in their place!"Chase replied with indifference.It was impossible to find out more information about what happened back then from the influential families. After the commotion at the Kaydens' residence, the other families would now be aware of what happened. Hubert had said before that they had similar treasures to the dagger tha
"The Melody Sect has issued the same announcement!""What?"Albus and Roan exclaimed at the same time."The Melody Sect has never cared about the outside world and is almost independent from all the other sects. Why would they make such an announcement too?"They were puzzled."Looks like there's more to him than we thought," Albus said angrily.…Two figures appeared in Capital City's most famous bar. It was a middle-aged man and a younger man. Numerous men and women were dancing in the middle and moving to the rhythm when they entered the bar.Those two men were Chase and Fenton."Where is he?" Chase did not like such places but he had to be there.Even though the music was deafening, they could hear each other very clearly."Over there." Fenton pointed to a private room above where everyone was dancing. Chase could vaguely see many people seated there.They were at the bar because Fenton was taking Chase to meet the local gang leader from the Heavenly Dragon Clan who was
Big Roach stared coldly at Fenton. He was about to fling a bottle right at Fenton.Even though Fenton had guns pointed at him, he was still a martial artist. He suddenly exploded with adrenaline. He grabbed a bottle from the table and broke it. Fenton went forward speedily and pointed the broken bottle at Big Roach.Big Roach quickly evaded the attack."Kill him!" he gave the order.Gunshots were heard all around.They really dared to shoot.Chase gave a wave of his hand at this, and all of the bullets stopped in the air.These gang members on the streets had never seen such a thing before, and all of them were stunned.Fenton took the opportunity to leap forward and take Big Roach hostage."Get them to put their guns down!"Fenton pressed the broken bottle against Big Roach's neck. He pressed it a little hard, causing blood to flow down the bottle.Big Roach had lost all advantage. He was an experienced man and did not panic in this situation. He said to Chase, "Why would s
"Not bad. You know me really well!" A man in his 30s seemed to be used to this as he instructed, "Leave those two behind later. I'd like to have a good workout tonight.""No problem, Mr. Salvatore. I'll make the arrangements right now," Jonah said excitedly.Jonah would be able to move up the hierarchy if he was able to make Ronan Salvatore happy enough to give him something.…Chase and the others walked out of the hotel's elevator."This way."Big Roach led the way.The elevator did not reach the rooftop immediately. They had to talk another flight of stairs to get there.Two men were guarding the entrance, and they immediately recognized Big Roach."The boss is busy with something in there, Big Roach. You should wait out here for a while."They thought that Big Roach was there to report something and did not ask questions. All they did was stop three of them from going through the door.Chase glanced at them. They were both martial artists."Get out of the way!" Chase sa
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