From the aircraft, an elderly man with white hair stepped down. Though advanced in years, his face was radiant, and his energy was strikingly vigorous."Sir!" The old man hurried to Gideon, dropping to one knee."Stand up," Gideon said with a faint smile. "Geoffrey, you look like you've been living pretty well. Last year in Oasis Vale, you weren't exactly pulling your weight."The white-haired elder looked visibly awkward.If anyone discovered that the master of Healers Valley, the legendary Medicine Sovereign, was kneeling so humbly, they would likely be utterly shocked.This elderly man was none other than the Medicine Sovereign, Geoffrey Howell.Gideon led Geoffrey toward the palace as he asked, "What brings you to Goldspire?"Geoffrey replied, "Sir, it's nothing major. I've been developing a new elixir, but it still feels like something is missing. I hoped you could provide some guidance.""What concoction have you come up with this time?""This." Geoffrey retrieved severa
"Is Draconis Sanctuary really the largest medicinal herb market in Emberstone?" Geoffrey was skeptical, feeling the place seemed rather modest."It should be. I haven't been here before, but don't compare Draconis Sanctuary to Healers Valley. That's a whole different level."Gideon checked the time and said, "I won't be joining you. Go find the herbs on your own."After Geoffrey left, Gideon headed toward Draconis Sanctuary.At the end of the street stood Mount Dragonback, atop which an ancient temple known as Draconis Sanctuary resided. During festivals, the temple was packed with worshippers, and it often attracted the wealthy and influential who came to give offerings.Not long after he started walking, Gideon found his path blocked.A crowd had gathered ahead, and it wasn't clear what was happening. He was about to take a detour when he overheard a conversation."That girl is really bold. She actually dared to disrespect Mr. Yates!""No kidding. This is going to be trouble.
Could Ruby really be someone important?Tanner wasn't a fool. As one of Goldspire's rising stars, he was already considering backing down.However, the crowd was watching. To make matters worse, some troublemakers in the audience began stirring things up."Mr. Yates, this girl's got a fiery temper. You should put her in her place!""Yeah! Mr. Yates, are you really going to let a woman get the better of you?""Come on, Mr. Yates. Don't disappoint us!""Just take her down already!"The jeers grew louder, escalating by the moment.Tanner found himself stuck between a rock and a hard place.One of his personal bodyguards spoke in a low voice, "Mr. Yates, she's just a girl. Even if she has some kind of background, the Yates family has nothing to fear. We are about to make a big move, and we need to build our reputation. "The family will be a laughingstock if you back down in front of so many people today!"Tanner seemed thoughtful.Recently, Goldspire had been rife with activit
Gideon's words struck like thunder. Everyone in the crowd was stunned.That was Tanner, the eldest son of the Yates family and a figure of considerable status in Goldspire.Yet, he had been struck! And… so miserably at that!The crowd watched as Tanner's face swelled on one side, looking like a pig's head, with blood streaming from his nose."Ah!"After the initial shock came the searing pain.Tanner screamed in agony. Then, he flew into a rage, roaring with a ferocious expression, "How dare you hit me! I'll kill you!""What's with the aggression? It's not like this is the first time I've hit you. Tanner, I used to knock you around quite a bit back in school. Don't tell me you've forgotten?" Gideon said with a teasing smirk.As kids from wealthy families, they had both attended the prestigious Goldspire Academy. Back then, Tanner had been arrogant and loved bullying female classmates, often ending up being beaten down by Gideon.Tanner froze, staring at Gideon for a moment bef
Although Draconis Sanctuary was ancient, it was quite expansive.Finding a serene bamboo grove, Ruby sat on a stone bench. Her playful demeanor from earlier was gone, replaced with an aloof and haughty air.With a serious expression, she said, "I've heard that you have a marriage agreement with my sister?""I knew it would be about this nonsense." Gideon sighed in exasperation. "I've already called off the engagement, so don't worry. I won't stoop to clinging to the Mosleys. Are you satisfied?""It's good you have some self-awareness, but even though you've annulled the engagement, the matter isn't resolved yet!""What do you mean by that?"Ruby didn't know how to respond for a moment.Should she tell him that her father wholeheartedly supported this marriage and intended for Lavinia to bring him into the family for the wedding?If she said that, Gideon might change his mind and shamelessly insist on marrying Lavinia.Ruby's eyes darted as she thought, then she said, "Here's t
Ruby was stunned. Earlier, it had taken her a while to confirm what the Jadeblood Herb was.But now, Geoffrey had identified it as the best quality Jadeblood Herb the moment he got his hands on it. His sharp eyes were truly impressive.Geoffrey glanced at Ruby and snorted coldly. "Where did this little girl come from? She lacks manners!""Old man, who are you calling rude?" Ruby retorted arrogantly.Gideon interjected, "She's the daughter of the Mosley family in Drammore. Her sister is the only female war hero in Dasovia, Lavinia Mosley.""Is that so?"Ruby smirked smugly. "Old man, do you still think I'm rude now?"Geoffrey snorted. "The little Mosley family, with just one war hero, means nothing in my eyes!""You!" Ruby was furious.What was it with Goldspire? It seemed to be full of people pretending to be all high and mighty.First, it was Tanner. Now, Geoffrey came along spouting nonsense and acting so arrogant."Don't bother with her." Gideon then asked, "What treasure
Meanwhile, Gideon and Geoffrey returned to Beaker Island, and the process of refining the Rejuvenation Pill began.Considering it was an ancient formula, refining it was exceedingly difficult. With such a limited amount of precious herbs available, extreme caution was required. Any mistake, like an explosion in the furnace, would mean losing everything.Fortunately, Geoffrey's skills were solid. With Gideon's timely guidance, they finally succeeded in refining a batch of Rejuvenation Pills after a full day and night."It's done! It's finally done!" Geoffrey was overjoyed.Succeeding once meant succeeding a second, third, or countless more times. It was easy to imagine the impact. Once this long-lasting Rejuvenation Pill was introduced to the world, it would create a storm!Who didn't want to look good? Not just women—men, too. The entire world would go crazy for it. Endless wealth would pour in."Sir, since this ancient formula for the Rejuvenation Pill came from you, I've decide
"Sir, something terrible has happened!" The butler's panicked shout brought the entire crowd to a standstill.Caspian's face darkened.This was the critical moment of the apprenticeship ceremony, and someone dared to cause a scene. Outrageous!"You insolent fool! Can't you see Timothy is in the middle of the ceremony? Who allowed you to shout like this? Someone, drag him out and give him a hundred whips!""Sir, it's a major issue!"Caspian's eyebrows twitched.The butler had served him faithfully for over a decade and was usually calm and composed. For him to lose his cool like this, the matter had to be serious.Hanson was equally displeased. He said coldly, "What could be so major? What could possibly happen to the Yates family? Does anyone in Goldspire not know that I am accepting Timothy as my disciple today? Who dares create trouble at this moment?"In the audience, toward the back of the crowd, Ruby sneered. "Lav, that old man with the goatee is truly arrogant!"Lavinia
When Gideon left Drammore, Ronan and Noel followed. They entered Tyrant Sea, too, but didn't get close to the floating palace.It wasn't until Gideon blasted his way out of the floating palace, using the Doombringer Knuckle to shatter the killing formation, that Ronan recognized who he really was, leaving him completely stunned."Noel, you and Gideon both inherited my Doombringer Knuckle. Maybe this is just fate. You two are destined to clash one day." Ronan sighed."I'm looking forward to it," Noel said calmly, though the fighting spirit in his eyes was unmistakable.Ronan was surprised. "I thought you'd try to intercept Gideon and take the netherflame for yourself. I didn't expect you to help him by stopping the ones that were chasing him. Are you confident you've got this?"You should know that once Gideon fuses with the netherflame, his power will spike. I know a thing or two about the Solar Titan Physique. Every time it absorbs a new heavenly flame, it evolves."Once he has
"Marshal Snow, are you alright?" Jessica asked with concern as they burst out of Tyrant Sea and made it to shore. Gideon didn't look too good at the moment."Let's get moving. We have to find a safe place." Gideon could sense powerful members of Nethercult were already on their tail.The three of them rushed into the aircraft.Just as they lifted off, Chaim and the other four appeared right behind and struck without hesitation. "Nethervoid Hands!"A howling wind filled the sky as a swarm of black handprints and claw marks materialized, echoing with ghostly wails and eerie cries. The sinister energy pressed in from all sides, trying to engulf the aircraft."Solar Fist!"The two words echoed like thunder.Blazing light exploded outward, scorching and brilliant, spreading in every direction. The mass of black handprints and claws instantly disintegrated into nothing.The aircraft tore through the sky and vanished."After them!"Chaim's group leaped onto their own aircraft and to
The netherflame, as if it had a will of its own, seized the moment and flared up again with wild, unruly energy.Brantley screamed in pain.The sudden turn of events left Harmoni completely flustered. She shrieked, "Nethercult, you bunch of scumbags! It's bad enough that you used us as bait, but now, you're intercepting at the last second? You've got a death wish!"She instinctively assumed it was Nethercult pulling a bait-and-switch."Nethercult!" Brantley's eyes were bloodshot with rage.Gideon didn't say a word. He struck again, slashing open Brantley's abdomen.The netherflame burst out immediately.Inside Gideon, his Earthcore Flame trembled, and the core of his Solar Titan Physique pulsed with anticipation. Sure enough, it drew the netherflame in like a magnet. With Gideon guiding it, the netherflame turned into a stream of ghostly green light that surged into his body."No!" Brantley roared.He had paid such a heavy price. Just as he was about to seal the netherflame,
Brantley truly lived up to his reputation. As soon as the netherflame entered his body, he immediately sat down cross-legged and began channeling his energy. His Martial God Physique reawakened, and he tried to forcefully suppress the netherflame.His body would turn blazing red one moment, as if it were about to melt, and then be covered in frost and ice shards the next.The alternating waves of fire and ice quickly tore through the internal structure of Brantley's Martial God Physique, and his condition kept worsening."No!"Harmoni was terrified. She quickly spat out an inner core—a treasure her father had given her. It was said to be the inner core of a half apex overbeast. However, it was badly damaged and no longer contained the full power of its original level.She instantly sent the inner core into Brantley's body. It exploded instantly, releasing a surge of energy that began to repair his damaged body.But it still wasn't enough. The netherflame was far too powerful. It
"Once you get the netherflame, your Martial God Physique will fully awaken in no time. When that happens, even Gideon won't be a threat."We can track Gideon down, crush him, and strip his Solar Titan Physique at the source. We'll also get the Beast Supreme Bone! Everything will be yours!" Harmoni shouted, cheering Brantley on.Gideon sneered. So, that was their plan.At this moment, Gideon couldn't help but admire the power of the Pharaoh's Shroud. They were just 100 yards away, yet neither Brantley nor Harmoni noticed them.Of course, it might have been because their attention was fully locked on breaking through to the third floor that they let their guards down."Open!" Brantley roared.His energy surged, and behind him, a phantom slowly took shape, radiating a fierce warrior-like energy. That phantom looked like a war god.Brantley kept swinging his fists, perfectly synchronized with the movements of the war god phantom behind him. Each strike made the floating palace tremb
Sure enough, floating in the deep sea ahead was a palace. It was pitch-black, and in the darkness of the deep sea, it was genuinely hard to spot.The glowing fish darted into the floating palace. Thanks to its golden light, Gideon was finally able to see that the palace gates were open.Strangely enough, the entrance seemed to carry some sort of mysterious power that blocked out the seawater completely. Not a single drop made it inside the palace."Marshal Snow, someone beat us to it.""It's fine. That just means they'll go and clear the way for us," Gideon said calmly.It didn't matter who got the heavenly flame first. As long as they weren't peak Supremes, he was confident he could take them on."Now that we've found our destination, do you two want to head back to shore first?" Gideon asked.Elara shook her head. "No. I'm not some helpless little thing. I've learned all the secret techniques you taught me. I can handle myself."Jessica chimed in proudly, "Marshal Snow, don't
Nethercult's outfits were nearly identical across the board, making them easy to recognize.As a major power in the northern region of the Wasteland, Nethercult kept a low profile. Tristan Neblanc, the leader, was as elusive as a ghost. He was heard of but rarely seen."Mr. Ballard, Harmoni and Brantley have started moving. Do you think they can get their hands on the heavenly flame?"Three people turned toward the eldest man among them—Nethercult's grand elder, Chaim Ballard.With Tristan absent, Chaim was in charge of the cult's operations.He pondered for a moment. "There's a decent chance. Brantley's working on forming the Martial God Physique. Though he's only at the half-step stage, his powerful body will attract the netherflame.""Mr. Ballard, are we waiting for the netherflame to enter Brantley's body before we suppress him?""Exactly.""That could tick off Talonclaw. And Harmoni said Brantley's from Martialgarde, the biggest faction in the eastern plains.""So what? I
Even though Gideon was locked in place and restrained, Gideon didn't sense any hostility from the giant fish. He met its gaze without flinching or acting humble.After a moment, he said, "I used your blood and triggered your phantom once, which helped me out of a tight spot. Thank you."The giant fish didn't move. It shut its eyes, clearly not interested in responding to Gideon."Mighty One, I came this time just to express my gratitude. I'll be on my way. If I get the chance, I'll come see you again."With that, Gideon bowed and turned to leave.Suddenly, a beam of golden light shot out like a sword and pierced into his body."Marshal Snow!" Jessica cried out in alarm.Gideon's body trembled, nearly losing his breath, but the sensation quickly faded.He touched his body and checked himself over. Nothing felt out of place.When he looked back, he saw the giant fish's eyes slowly closing. Clearly, that beam of light had come from its eyes just moments ago."Thank you." Gideon
"The Heavenly Sovereign is the ultimate trump card. As long as Chase doesn't have it, Attwell will always have a shot at pushing back against him."Of course, we're not expecting Attwell to actually beat Chase. We just need him to stir up some trouble and pull Chase's attention. That way, Chase won't have time to focus on the power grab," Jandial explained.Edric nodded to himself. "What you're saying makes sense, but why would Attwell even listen to you?"Jandial paused, looked around the room, and said in a low voice, "I'm only telling you all because we're brothers. Listen closely. When Attwell lost and fled to the Wasteland, his whole family was wiped out. But in reality, I secretly saved one.""What?" Everyone was shocked.Jandial said, "Attwell's only son has been living in my estate. I gave him a name—Alfsee… Alfsee Cook!"The princes around the table started murmuring, "Now that you mentioned it, I've seen that boy at your estate a few times. So that's Attwell's son? Unbe