Seeing this, Bo shouted, "Leia, lend us a hand, or else none of us will escape death!"If Everett died here, that would leave only the three of them—two stage-eight marquises and Bo—against Chase. It would be a dead end.Thus, Leia also joined in. A red light flashed, and she emitted a mesmerizing aura.Finally, when Immanuel also joined the fray, the four of them together managed to fend off Chase's attack."Since you managed to block one of my moves, I'll spare you this time. But next time, I won't show any mercy," Chase warned before turning away and disappearing in an instant without looking back."Who would have thought that Chase's strength would be so terrifying?" Bo remarked, still shaken after Chase left. He wondered if his bet had been worth it. Had he been more resolute and sided with Chase, the outcome might have been different.Although he knew Chase was stronger, he had not realized just how overwhelmingly powerful he was. Chase was strong enough to handle all four
Indeed, this excuse worked every time. Hearing that Chase was a hunter who had gotten separated from his tribe, the person guarding the area did not ask too many questions, perhaps out of sympathy or pity. After inquiring about his name, they gave Chase a sleeping spot and advised him to rest early.At dinnertime, the person warmly invited Chase to join them for dinner. They were roasting a large beast's leg over the fire, and Chase could not resist the man's hospitality. He followed him to the fire.Around the fire, seven or eight men were already waiting. Seeing Chase, they quickly made room for him to sit. As a token of gratitude, Chase discreetly retrieved two bottles of liquor from his storage space and shared them.He was always generous to those who showed him kindness.Listening to the men talk about interesting stories from far and wide, Chase found himself thoroughly enjoying their company and soon joined in the conversation. The atmosphere was lively and cheerful.After
Although this place was located in the wilderness, the spiritual energy here was no less than that in the Dragon Vein Secret Realm. Chase absorbed the spiritual energy into his body, quickly entering a state of cultivation.Though the effect of absorbing spiritual energy was minimal for Chase, cultivation had always been about gradual accumulation. There was no such thing as overnight success.In the latter half of the night, a sudden chill woke Chase. He spread out his consciousness, scanning the area but finding nothing unusual. When he shifted his gaze, he finally spotted half a pale face with blood-red lips peeking out from behind a tent.The figure was a woman, strikingly noticeable against the backdrop of the wilderness. As soon as Chase looked over, the woman locked eyes with him. Her eyes moved stiffly, as if studying him.Chase stood up, planning to ignore the woman and warn the men in the tent. However, he noticed that his sleeping bag had inexplicably disappeared. Steppi
The white-clad woman instantly stopped speaking and locked eyes with Chase. Meanwhile, the pool of blood around them slowly expanded, shrouding Chase in a blood-red mist that resembled a thick fog."Chase, don't be careless. This ghostly woman is the overlord of these desolate lands for miles around, known as the Bloodthirsty Preserver. It's said she was once a lover of a high-ranking figure in a tribe, who later abandoned her and tortured her to death."Her intense resentment transformed her into a vengeful spirit. Now, she preys on solitary travelers to absorb their light energy. It's strange, though. We've traveled this path many times and never encountered her before. I wonder why she appeared tonight?" said the leader of the merchants to Chase, alerting him.Chase slightly shrugged his shoulders, releasing a burst of true energy that instantly dispersed the blood mist around him.Sensing danger, the white-clad woman tried to dive back into the pool of blood to escape. Chase sw
"You're spreading lies! When have I ever killed hundreds or thousands of people?" the woman retorted upon hearing the accusations against her."Chase, you must not listen to this ghost's deceitful words," one of the men pleaded."Yes, Chase, you must take action for us. If you weren't here today, we might have become her victims," added another, clearly convinced by the rumors they had heard."Have any of you actually seen this woman kill anyone?" Chase asked, trying to reason with the men. He did not want them to think he was simply using his strength to protect the woman.Seeing Chase defend her, the woman calmed down. She lowered her head and stayed silent."Well, no. We haven't seen it ourselves. It's all just hearsay," one man admitted reluctantly."There you have it. None of you have seen it with your own eyes. It's all based on rumors, which tend to become exaggerated. From my observations today, this woman had no intention of harming you. She was just quietly observing ne
"If you keep following me, I'll take action. Don't think you can do whatever you want just because I saved you," Chase warned, trying to scare her off.However, the woman seemed confident that Chase would not hurt her. She was displaying a fearless expression."Go ahead, do it. You're strong, and I can't resist anyway. Come on now. I'm not even going to fight back," she said while drifting closer to Chase, acting as if she were at his mercy.Chase raised his hand, pretending he was about to strike her on the forehead.The woman did not move or evade. She just stared at Chase, convinced he would not actually hit her.After a moment, Chase had to lower his arm, feeling it start to go numb from holding it up."You can follow me, but stop asking so many questions, okay? Otherwise, I really won't let you tag along," Chase conceded. He realized he could not bring himself to harm someone who refused to fight back."Okay," the woman quickly agreed, clearly set on staying with Chase."W
As a mere ghost, she had not achieved any great feats, yet she was granted a dwelling akin to a blessed sanctuary.What had she done to deserve this? Initially, she was only grateful and a bit curious, so she followed this seemingly kind-hearted man for a while.Now, seeing this sanctuary, she felt both fortunate and more determined to follow Chase."Yes, you can reside inside here. Just try not to come out and scare people," Chase instructed."Thank you, Mr. Collins," Rolfene responded formally. In some tribes here, young men with some strength liked being addressed with respect, so she hoped calling him 'Mr. Collins' would be well-received.Rolfene pondered silently."By the way, do you remember much about your life? Tell me about it," Chase asked casually, deciding it was best not to reveal he was not a native."I don't remember much, but there are some things. If you don't mind, I'll share," Rolfene replied."Alright. Just tell me what you remember. And don't call me Mr.
There seemed to be a lack of confidence in him despite the praise.Rolfene was dramatically blunt as she said, "It can't be that you don't have some sort of tactic when dealing with supernatural beings like me but can't do any damage if the fighting were to get real, right?"The more she talked about it, the less confidence she had as she watched herself being surrounded from all four corners at the city gates.Chase glared at Rolfene."Stand to the side and watch. You'll find out how powerful your boss really is!"Rolfene knew she was on the losing end and kept quiet. She made a mental note to escape the moment she sensed something wrong.Chase was not bothered by what Rolfene was planning.He rushed to the front with the Dragon Abyss Sword in his hand as his feet pushed forward.Chase even had time to ask while in mid-air, "Who are you?"No one replied to him.It was a group of people who lived life at the edge.Those who enjoyed announcing their names out loud in public w
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