The three were pacing in circles, utterly restless.What they didn't know was that the warzone soldiers had already been deployed and were systematically searching every mountain peak.High-tech detection devices were also in place.…Gideon escorted Elliot to the Snow residence and asked Fred to help make arrangements."Gideon," Elliot called out."What's wrong? Don't be afraid. This is your home now."Elliot took off a red string from around his neck, revealing a bronze key attached to it. "This is the key to open that box. Without it, the thieves can't open it. More accurately, they wouldn't dare. If they try to force it open, the box will explode!"Gideon's eyes lit up, and he smiled. "Your grandfather was truly foresighted. This is excellent news."Elliot handed the key to Gideon. "Gideon, my task is done. I hope you can retrieve the box.""Don't worry. They won't escape!"…Time passed quickly, and soon, the sun dipped below the horizon. The night began to fall.The
"Novo Ordo? What's that? I've never heard of it!" Gideon shook his head.Marty froze for a moment before angrily shouting, "Gideon, you're too arrogant! How dare you look down on Novo Ordo? Do you know that our sect leader has unmatched power and could crush you with ease?"At that moment, the warzone commander spoke up, "Mr. Snow, I once led troops in Dalhurst and know of Novo Ordo. It's a mysterious and powerful organization, full of formidable individuals with significant backing. It's not to be underestimated!"Novo Ordo—Gideon had indeed never heard of it, nor had he crossed paths with them before. There was no reason they would target him without cause.There had to be someone pulling the strings.Could it be that the Jaeger royal family was behind Novo Ordo? Another possibility was that Novo Ordo, like the Jaeger royal family, was a hidden force coveting the Empyrean Atlas."Gideon, I already sent word to headquarters when I obtained the box. By now, the strongholds from h
"No!" Marty screamed. "Sir, I still have something to say.""Oh?" Gideon stopped his action, looking intrigued. "What else do you have to say? I'm curious!"Marty gulped hard, trying his best to suppress his trembling. "Mr. Snow, I can help you get the box!""Do I need you to get the box?""Sir, if those two face a life-threatening crisis, they'll definitely destroy the box. Even if you're strong enough, they're extraordinary individuals. There's a high chance you won't be able to stop them in time."Caius said, "Sir, what he says makes some sense. Spare him for now, and we can decide later."Marty was desperate to survive.Gideon snorted coldly. "I'll give you a way out. However, with your current level of strength, I doubt you can handle those two extraordinary individuals."With that, Gideon struck Marty a few times on his body.Immediately, Marty convulsed violently. Then, a powerful energy erupted from him, stirring a gust of wind that made everyone present uneasy."What
Melvin and Marcus were left speechless."Marty, listen to me…""I don't have to!" Marty cut him off, waving his hand dismissively. His expression turned cold, and his tone was firm. "Hand over the box now, and I'll let you walk away. Otherwise, don't blame me for not honoring our brotherhood!""Are you out of your mind?" Marcus snapped. "Did you get your hands on some kind of advanced tech? A bomb? A machine gun? You really think you'd have time to use it? The moment you reach for a weapon, I'll crush you!"Marcus exuded his energy, making his stance clear.Among the three of them, Marty had always been the weakest. But that was before. Now…Marty sneered and let out a sharp shout. It was like a thunderclap in the sky.Melvin's and Marcus' minds went blank, and the box slipped from their grasp, hitting the ground with a dull thud.However, Marty didn't pick it up.Instead, he stood there, watching them coldly. As Melvin and Marcus came to their senses, they were visibly shaken
The corners of Marty's, Melvin's, and Marcus' mouths twitch.A peak transcendent, who was considered a powerful and influential figure in the world, was being described as insignificant.However, none of them doubted it.Gideon gave off a presence akin to a deep ocean, immeasurable and unfathomable."Go now!"After the trio left, Gideon took the box back to Beaker Island.Using the key provided by Elliot, he inserted it into the lock and gently turned it. With a soft click, an ancient, dusty smell filled the air.He carefully opened the box.Inside was a parchment scroll and a letter.Taking a deep breath, Gideon hoped the letter would reveal some useful information. But after reading it, he frowned.The letter from the old man stated that Gideon's parents had split the Empyrean Atlas into two parts years ago. One part was taken by his parents, while the other was hidden somewhere. The map in the box—the parchment scroll—led to the hidden portion.Additionally, the letter me
Justin looked slightly embarrassed. "Sir, don't bring it up. It's a long story full of tears."Gideon rolled his eyes, guessing that Ajax and the others were the culprits."Sir, what's the mission you have for me? Come on. Tell me already. I'm raring to go.""Take this map." Gideon handed the parchment scroll to Justin and instructed, "I need you to go to the central area of Mount Mille and locate the place marked by the red dot. Find the treasure I'm after.""That's it?" Justin pouted. He had expected something grander, perhaps leading a campaign against a nation. Instead, it was just a treasure hunt."Not interested?""No, no, no! Sir, I'm very interested. It's just that Mount Mille looks pretty vast. I won't be able to find it alone.""Summon your troops. Have them quietly sneak into Dasovia and begin a covert search deep within Mount Mille. Remember, no big commotions. Keep it low-key and discreet.""Understood!""Get to it at once. Find the red dot's location as soon as p
Marty's words were firm and resonated with conviction.The higher-ups were visibly shocked. What was he trying to do? Even if he had become a peak transcendent, did he think he was invincible? Was he now the strongest in Novo Ordo?They all knew that Esmond and the other peak transcendent seniors had years of experience and deep foundations that a newly ascended transcendent couldn't possibly match.Esmond's expression turned grim.At that moment, Melvin stepped forward and said, "Mr. Mendoza, please contact Mr. Heath."As soon as he spoke, his energy flared. A thunderous burst shook the room.Gasps filled the hall.A senior exclaimed, "Melvin, you've also ascended to a peak transcendent? How is that even possible?""And me." Marcus snorted coldly and stepped forward.The three stood side by side. Their peak-level presences roared like tidal waves.The power granted by Gideon made their transcendence even stronger than usual. Among them, Marty's strength even surpassed Esmond
"Mr. Poe, Kitherglen is vast and boundless. Where are we supposed to find the sect leader? Please give us a clue or a way to contact him directly," Marty said."Take this." Hubert handed a small box to Marty and said, "When you reach the northern mountain pass of Kitherglen, open the box. You'll know what to do then.""Thank you, Mr. Poe."Marty accepted the box, and the three left Novo Ordo in haste, leaving Monmouth.Only after confirming they weren't being followed did they allow themselves to relax slightly. The entirety of Monmouth was under Novo Ordo's control, and they had no idea where spies might be lurking. As a result, the three of them had stayed on high alert within the city."I've heard that the Jaeger royal family resides somewhere within the Kitherglen mountain range. Do you think we'll get to visit them this time?" Melvin asked."Maybe," Marty replied, his expression grave. "But I doubt it'll be that simple. It's highly likely that once we enter Kitherglen, we wo
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