"What about Quinn?" Chase felt torn."Leave her here for now. This way, I can monitor her condition closely," Hannah said calmly.Chase knew that finding the natal voodoo bug couldn't be delayed any longer. Although he was curious why Hannah was so kind to Quinn, this was not the time to ask questions."Quinn is in your care, then," Chase said, clasping his hands in gratitude before taking off and leaving the cottage.Once outside, Chase quickly realized how vast Capital City was, and he had no idea where to start looking.He recalled what Bianca had said. Since the old man had come to find him, there was no reason he would leave empty-handed after injuring Quinn unless he encountered a significant problem himself, forcing him to leave hastily.With this thought, Chase formed a plan. In a city like Capital City, only a few places could offer aid to such powerful individuals.He took out his phone and called Scott."Basalt's Collins, what brings you to call me?" Scott's teasing
As one of the Eight Influential Families, the Salvatores naturally celebrated Kingston's breakthrough from marquis to martial lord of the martial arts.This was a significant event in Capital City. Normally, this would be headline news and would made known to even the common people.However, recent events like the secret realm and the troubles with the Coopers overshadowed this. Hence, the Salvatores chose to celebrate quietly, inviting only those within their circle. Despite this, many people still attended.At the entrance of the Salvatores' mansion, luxury cars lined up early. Everyone eligible to attend was either a notable figure from various sectors, a fellow cultivator, or a business magnate with ties to the Salvatores.Ordinary people could not even dream of hearing about such an event, let alone attending it."Alan Kayden has arrived with generous gifts!" someone announced at the entrance, drawing the attention of the crowd."I didn't expect the Kayden family's heir to
Hubert met up with Alan, and they directly approached the Salvatores' mansion together. Immediately, someone came forward to greet them. For such events, Kingston did not need to appear in person, even if the guests were from other influential families like Alan or Hubert. Today, Kingston was the main figure and only needed to make a brief appearance later. Instead, it was Kingston's younger brother, Ronan, who welcomed the guests."Mr. Alan, General Hubert, thank you both for coming. Please, come inside.""Greetings, Ronan. There's no need for such formalities. Just call me Mr. Hubert," Hubert replied, recognizing Ronan.After exchanging pleasantries, they followed him into the Salvatores' mansion.As they walked further inside, Chase and Scott arrived at the entrance of the Salvatores' mansion. Although their reputations were well-known, few had seen them in person. The gatekeepers definitely had not.Sure enough, as the two approached the entrance, they were stopped."Wher
In a small courtyard covered with climbing roses on the green brick walls, the three men sat together."What brought you two here?" Kingston finally asked."Your breakthrough to the martial lord of the martial arts is a joyous event. We came to congratulate you. It's only natural," Scott replied while Chase remained silent."Cut it out. I might believe that if anyone else said it, but coming from you, Scott Langley? No way. Relax, no one would dare to spy on us here. Now, tell me. What's really going on?" Kingston smiled, immediately seeing through Scott's intentions.Seeing this, Scott glanced at Chase, who nodded slightly. Only then did Scott start explaining Quinn's situation."Do you have any suspects?" Kingston asked with furrowed brows.Chase shook his head. After searching the entire night in Capital City, the glass bottle in his hand showed no reaction.At that moment, Ronan entered, looking flustered."Kings, Douglas is here."Kingston shot a cold look at his useless
"Enough talk. Are the Salvatores with us or not? Let me be blunt. The Hawkins, Brennan, and Welch families have already sided with us. Though the Coopers seem to have been wiped out, some of their members have communicated with the Webers' Supreme Elder."Kingston, if it weren't for us being acquaintances, I wouldn't even be here today. So, what's your decision?" Douglas revealed an earth-shattering secret."This matter is significant. I need to discuss it with our family's Supreme Elder," Kingston said, trying to buy time despite being shocked by the revelation."You have three days. If we don't hear from you by then, you'll be our enemy," Douglas said bluntly before leaving.Chase and Scott emerged from the room."You two heard it, right? Chase, the Webers are about to make a move against you, even if it means allying with other families. You need to leave Capital City immediately," Kingston urged. "Don't you understand the situation?" seeing that Chase remained unmoved, Kings
In an instant, it seemed as if the two of them had walked thousands of miles. Nikolai finally stopped and turned to face Chase."You've truly refined the secret realm into your own world. You're indeed Divine Collins' son," Nikolai stated, revealing Chase's lineage and startling him greatly."Relax. If I had any ill intentions toward you, I wouldn't have brought you here," Nikolai reassured him when he saw Chase on edge like a cat ready to pounce.Chase realized the truth in Nikolai's words. He couldn't even sense the man's presence, and now, being deep in Nikolai's domain, he would not have time to react if Nikolai meant harm. Calming himself, Chase asked, "Nikolai, did you know my father?""Not only did I know him, he was my brother," Nikolai replied."Your brother?" Chase echoed in surprise."Yes," Nikolai confirmed, seemingly lost in memories. He began to recount the past."A long time ago, when I was just a youth, we were sworn brothers. We adventured through the cultivatio
Chase suddenly realized he had been somewhat arrogant.He had never considered this issue, even believing that after becoming a martial lord, he could act without restraint.Nikolai's reminder brought a cold sweat to his forehead, making him realize the truth. If not for Nikolai's intervention, he might have already died several times.Despite this, Chase stubbornly declared, "I won't leave until I find my sister's natal voodoo bug.""You mean the woman who was with you earlier?" Nikolai asked."Yes," Chase confirmed.Nikolai waved his hand, and the screen changed again. Gradually, a smooth, mirror-like surface appeared before Chase.In the mirror, an elderly man in traditional attire sat cross-legged in meditation. The moment Chase saw this figure, the glass bottle containing Quinn's blood started to tremble."Who's that?" Chase asked curiously."Taggart Cooper, Lennox's father, a peak stage-nine martial lord," Nikolai explained, answering Chase's question.The culprit was h
"What realm is Nikolai in?" Chase asked Lucas after leaving the secret realm.During their time in the Salvatores' secret realm, Lucas had not said a word. Chase realized that Nikolai's cultivation level must be incredibly profound, so much so that Chase did not dare to ask in the secret realm."Nikolai? Who's that?" Lucas looked puzzled."You didn't see me talking to someone just now?""No. I saw you standing with Kingston in front of the screen for a while, and then you suddenly appeared here."Lucas' words gave Chase a shock. Nikolai had managed to shield even Lucas, who resided in his mind. Upon reflection, Chase wondered if Nikolai had already discovered his Dragon Vein Secret Realm. Just the thought of it was terrifying.At that moment, Nikolai's voice suddenly echoed in Chase's ears. "Chase, why are you daydreaming? Go find Taggart."Just this simple sentence snapped Chase out of his daze. Nikolai could even transmit his voice directly to Chase's ears, ignoring spatial bo
"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