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
As soon as the voice echoed out, a strange aura accompanied it.It was something Chase felt was familiar, as if he had encountered it before. However, the face in front of him was unfamiliar.Chase was certain he had never met this person before.While Chase noticed something was off, Aaron did not seem to realize it. He immediately stepped forward and spoke."I'm Aaron Payne of Yorels Organization, here to pay respects to Celestial Master Jameson. I ask that you kindly inform him of my arrival."Perhaps it was due to Aaron revealing his identity as head of Yorels Organization that the person at the door hesitated for a moment before coldly replying, "Wait here." Then, he turned and shut the door.The crowd outside immediately erupted in murmurs."Even Master Payne was turned away. The Jamesons are unbelievably arrogant, acting like they're above everyone else.""But what can we do about it? Their family has a Celestial Master. If your family had one, you'd probably act the sam
"Who else could it be if not me?" Lars Jameson made no attempt to hide his identity."Celestial Master, were you attacked? Was it this ghostly creature that harmed you? Tell me, and I'll immediately seek help from outside!" Aaron trembled as he pointed at the skeleton behind him."You mean this?" Lars raised his withered hand, and instantly, the skeletal figure before them disintegrated, collapsing into a pile of bones scattered on the ground.The sight chilled Aaron to the core. The skeleton had been under Lars' control all along, part of a performance orchestrated by Lars himself."Celestial Master, since no one is threatening you, I'll take my leave. I wouldn't want to disturb your peace," Aaron stammered, desperate to escape. He completely abandoned the idea of searching for treasures on Holy Mountain.It was obvious that Lars had undergone a horrifying transformation—he was no longer the man he once was."Heh. Since you're here, don't be in such a rush to leave. Stay a while
As Lars finished speaking, a shroud of ghost energy enveloped him.Suddenly, Chase's ears were filled with a hiss that sounded like a mix between a snake and a dragon.The ghost energy behind Lars coalesced, forming a three-meter-tall figure with the head of a dragon, the body of a turtle, and the tail of a serpent—an unmistakable image of the Black Turtle.Chase immediately recognized the form before him. To his surprise, it was real. The Basalt Armor was indeed in Eastern Ocean.Seeing the monstrous figure, Aaron was paralyzed with fear, unable to move a muscle."Alright. It's time for both of you to meet your end!" Lars commanded, and with a thought, the Black Turtle leaped forward from behind him. Its dragon head and serpent tail opened wide, lunging at the two men."How dare you?!" Chase stepped forward, releasing the powerful aura of a martial lord.Although Lars had boasted about his greatly increased power, Chase had already seen through it.Lars was nothing more than a
Chase looked at the vibrant spirit of the Black Turtle before him and felt a strong sense of affection. He let the Black Turtle spirit continue licking his finger.Lars was now completely reduced to nothing, but the Basalt Armor was nowhere to be seen. Chase grew curious. Why was only the spirit of the Black Turtle present, but not the armor itself?Chase extended his consciousness to interact with the spirit. Instantly, the Black Turtle spirit coiled around Chase's fingertip and then transformed into a streak of light, rushing into Chase's body.This sudden change startled Chase. Just moments ago, the Black Turtle seemed friendly, but now, it had seemingly taken control and entered his body.The light spread throughout Chase's body as if searching for something. After a while, the light reappeared in front of Chase after having found nothing. It then reverted to its Black Turtle form."Boy, why do I sense a familiar aura from you yet can't find the source? Who exactly are you?" A