Seeing the two seated in the front car, Chase quietly whispered to Bianca, "Be careful later."When Chase had assessed Julep earlier, he unexpectedly noticed that not far from them, there was another true master present.Since this individual had not revealed themselves, Chase immediately understood that they were not aligned with Yorels Organization. He did not dwell on it further but advised Bianca to stay alert.The vehicles started moving toward Yorels Organization's headquarters in East Capital. As expected, the unidentified true master began following them as soon as their cars started.As the convoy picked up speed, so did the trailing vehicle, maintaining a close pursuit.After a short while, Julep, who was in the leading car, seemed to realize they were being followed. Perhaps due to Yorels Organization's dominant status in East Capital, Julep brazenly ordered the car to stop in the middle of the road.He then stepped out, standing directly in the street and waiting for
"So what if I did?" Chase responded calmly."At least you're admitting to it. In that case, you'll be buried with my Sonar Organization!" With that declaration, Eli was ready to strike when Julep suddenly stepped forward, subtly positioning himself between Eli and Chase."Eli, are you sure you want to take on both of us? Even though you're a powerful late-stage true master of martial arts and I can't fight you one-on-one, if I team up with him, you won't come out unscathed."I advise you to back off now, or the consequences won't be something you alone can handle," Julep warned.Eli laughed mockingly. "Julep, are you joking around with me? Do you really think true masters are as simple as that? This kid is so young—barely a true master. At best, he's only reached the first or second stage. Do you really want to fight me for him?"Julep was momentarily stunned by Eli's words. He knew Eli was right. Even if he joined forces with this young man, they wouldn't stand a chance against E
Eli's hand chop descended swiftly, but just three inches from Chase's head, it was blocked by a pale cyan-colored barrier.Chase remained expressionless, coldly staring at Eli."You have some kind of treasure on you?" Eli assumed that the barrier was a protective artifact on Chase.Seeing his attack fail, he shouted, "Hidden Mist Technique!"A puff of green smoke flashed, and Eli vanished from sight."To think that Eli had to resort to the Hidden Mist Technique... The treasure on this kid must be something extraordinary. But it's over now. Our nation's Hidden Mist Technique is unmatched. "This kid might have blocked a direct attack, but under the mist, where the assault is undetectable, he's done for," Julep muttered in astonishment from the sidelines.He had originally thought that Eli would take down Chase with a single strike, but he had not expected Chase to block the seemingly fatal blow with his protective artifact.Chase did not fully understand what this so-called Hidd
Julep's apology on his knees was met with indifference from Chase, who returned to the backseat of the Alphard as if nothing had happened. He simply casually closed the door behind him.Seeing that Chase was not going to make trouble for him, Julep sighed in relief, feeling lucky to have escaped unscathed. As his relief settled in, curiosity about Chase's true identity began to grow. Such a powerful young man could not possibly be a nobody.Thankfully, Shea was quick to read the situation. Realizing that Chase had no interest in dealing with Julep, Shea quickly got out of the car and walked over to Julep."Mr. Longford, isn't Mr. Payne waiting for us? We should hurry so as not to keep him waiting," Shea said.Julep, who had lost his earlier arrogance, nodded immediately. "Yes, let's go."The rest of the journey was uneventful. Before long, the vehicles arrived at a sprawling estate. The entrance was heavily guarded by Yorels Organization members, who, upon seeing the approaching
Shea stood to the side, explaining the proper etiquette for meeting Aaron. Chase did not respond. He simply walked toward the area he had sensed earlier.Seeing this, Shea quickly moved ahead of Chase, trying to demonstrate how things should be done.After passing through several sliding doors, the space opened up into a large hall. Inside, a number of people were already seated, with an old man sitting at the front.Upon seeing the figure at the front, Shea immediately knelt down in greeting."Ozark branch's Shea Earling greets Mr. Payne," Shea announced.Noticing that Chase remained completely unmoved, Shea whispered urgently, "Boss, that's Mr. Payne. You need to show respect."Even Bianca, who stood beside Chase, looked pale, clearly overwhelmed by the formal atmosphere. She tugged gently at Chase's sleeve, trying to prompt him to act.Chase let out a slight chuckle. "He's not worthy. If anything, he should be kneeling to me."Though his words were softly spoken, they echoed
Originally, Aaron had gathered the numerous members of Yorels Organization to give Shea and the so-called true master of martial arts a show of force. However, things did not go as planned, and instead, Aaron found himself deeply shaken."Mr. Payne, this young man was so disrespectful to you. Shouldn't he be taught a lesson?" one of the members spoke up despite Aaron's order for everyone to leave. He was eager to gain favor.Aaron's voice grew stern as he responded, "Didn't you hear me? I said, leave!" His tone made it clear that there would be no further discussion. The members immediately fell silent, too afraid to speak further. They quickly left the hall.Aaron then noticed Shea still kneeling on the ground and added, "You can go too."Shea got up and hurried out, leaving only Aaron, Chase, and Bianca in the hall.Once they were alone, Aaron quickly ran up to Chase.With a heavy thud, he dropped to his knees. "Greetings, Master," he said, his voice trembling with fear and rev
Chase finally understood that the secular emperor was merely a puppet, and the real power behind Eastern Ocean resided in those cultivating on Forage Mountain.This revelation did not surprise him much. After all, the situation in Bactria was not much better. Chase had long suspected that a hidden force was influencing Capital City from the shadows.Recalling the task that Gareth had given him, Chase asked, "Have you heard any news about the Basalt Armor resurfacing?""Basalt Armor? What's that?" Aaron looked puzzled, indicating that he had not heard of it.Chase then remembered that 'Basalt Armor' was the name given to the artifact by Gareth. It might have a different name in Eastern Ocean. Thus, he continued, "It's the treasure passed down through Bactria's Black Turtle lineage. It looks something like this." As he spoke, Chase conjured an image of the armor in mid-air."Oh, you mean the turtle shell! Yes, I've heard of it. It was said to have appeared recently on Holy Mount
Chase pondered for a moment before speaking calmly."Do you really want to go?""Of course," Aaron replied with certainty."In that case, I'll accompany you. How about that?" Chase suggested.Although Aaron was not too keen on the idea, wondering if he would even get a share of any treasures they might find, he did not dare show any reluctance.He quickly agreed, "Master, the Jamesons have been gathering people these past few days, planning another trip to Holy Mountain. Without an invitation from the emperor, we can only sneak in."Since Celestial Master Jameson has already made the journey once, he must be familiar with the terrain. I'll reach out to him, and we can join their group. Does that sound good?"Aaron figured that with Chase being a marquis of martial arts, it would be safer to have a Celestial Master with them. Perhaps, with Celestial Master Jameson present, Chase might not dare to harm him, and there was even a chance that the Celestial Master might take care of C