No! Gideon wasn't lost!He was nowhere to be seen, not because he had died, but because he wasn't above ground. Instead… He had actually plunged into the Earthcore Flame Vein! It was both frightening and mysterious.At this moment, Gideon lay still, immersed within it. Oddly, the incredibly intense heat of the Earthcore Flame Vein did not harm his body. It was beyond explanation.Just moments earlier, when the Earthcore Flame surged toward him, Gideon decided that instead of retreating, he would take a risk. Using all his strength, he carved a path and dove into the vein. Initially, it seemed he would be consumed by the heat.But then, the image of that deity resurfaced in Gideon's mind, and the cultivation technique of Solar Titan Physique began to activate on its own in his memory.Gradually, he no longer felt any pain.At the same time, Gideon slipped into a peculiar state. He couldn't shake himself out of it, nor could he feel his own body. He even wondered if he was dead and
"Thank you!" Apollo wasted no time dashing into the volcano, with Egan close on his heels.The father-son pair ventured deep into the volcano, eventually reaching its very core."The Flame Vein!" Egan gasped in astonishment, then froze in horror. "That's… Gideon! He's actually sitting cross-legged right in the Flame Vein!"Apollo's mouth twitched, his eyes filled with admiration. "It looks like Gideon is truly on the verge of success!""What?""He's cultivating the Solar Titan Physique."Egan was at a loss for words, his eyes wide with disbelief.Apollo continued, "Let's not disturb him. We'll stay here to guard him. Gideon's ascent is inevitable, and we need to forge a strong alliance with him. It'll be hugely beneficial for the Inferno Order."Egan glanced at Gideon, whose power was steadily growing, and smiled wryly. "He's truly a dragon among men. Compared to him, people like Brantley, Waylon, and Micah don't even come close!"An hour later, a sudden flash of light ignited
"Harmoni, are you sure there's an Earthcore Flame Vein here like you said? If not, do you realize the loss I've taken on? I abandoned the hunt for that peak alpha beast and traveled all the way here with Brock and Conner." In the skies above the eastern plains, a massive avian alpha beast flew gracefully. Four individuals sat cross-legged on its back—three men and a woman. The woman, dressed in white, was the one who had spoken earlier. The three men, all in their middle years, exuded an impressive and commanding presence. They were elite warriors. The man who had voiced his concern was Derrick Tallon, leader of the overseas branch of the Tallon family. Beside him sat Brock Tallon and Conner Tallon. Both were influential figures within the family. The woman in the white dress was Harmoni Tallon, Derrick's daughter and the cherished young lady of the Tallon family. "Dad, trust me. Would I deceive you? The Earthcore Flame Vein is far more valuable than that peak alpha beast. Wi
However, Gael and Cole didn't dare to act recklessly. The presence emanating from Derrick and his companions was simply too formidable. They knew they were no match for them. "Don't you recognize me? Ten years ago, I came to Martialgarde to have a sparring session with Ronan, and all of you were present then. My last name is Tallon!" "It's you!" Gael and Cole finally came to their realization. Brock laughed. "You remember now, don't you?" "So it's Mr. Brock! It's as if we're part of the same family but didn't recognize each other. Come on! Come with us to the great hall. Let's have a good chat." The group made their way to the hall located on the peak of Sky Peak Mountain. Gael and Cole complimented, "Mr. Brock, after ten years, you've become even more powerful and look younger. We can't hold a candle to you." Brock laughed heartily. "Enough with the flattery. We're all getting on in years. Let me introduce you. This is my eldest brother, Derrick Tallon, the head of the T
"Ronan?" At the mention of this name, Bennett's eyebrow twitched slightly before he said, "Ronan left the eastern plains many years ago to perfect his fighting skills by traveling the world." Brock asked, "Is there any way to get in touch with him?" Bennett shook his head. "That's such a pity." Brock sighed, then inquired further, "Did Ronan ever pass on his Doombringer Knuckle to you?" "No, he didn't." "Alas, I won't have the chance to see the Doombringer Knuckle again," lamented Brock. Bennett smiled and said, "If it's meant to be, we'll meet. I'm sure, after all these years, Ronan's Doombringer Knuckle must be perfected, and I'd love to see it, too." Brock reminisced, "Back in the day, I was utterly amazed when I first saw the Doombringer Knuckle. It's definitely an extraordinary fighting technique. Once perfected, its power is extraordinary. Ronan is truly a genius of his time. Of course, Mr. Tatler, you are no less impressive." Bennett modestly replied, "Compared t
"Why?" Umbra asked. Apollo was equally confused. Gideon clarified, "As I mentioned earlier, it wasn't Umbra or me who discovered the Earthcore Volcano. However, the person who did find it didn't act, suggesting they're looking for backup. When they come back and see the Flame Vein is gone, they won't just let it slide. "They'll investigate and might trace it back to the Inferno Order. I'll stick around for a few more days. If they show up, I'll deal with it personally, so there's no need to bother the Inferno Order." Apollo chuckled, "Gideon, you're underestimating us. The Inferno Order is not a place where anyone can just waltz in and cause issues. You can leave without any concerns."Umbra agreed, "Apollo's right. Even if Jarvis, the leader of Martialgarde, were to come, he would have to be cautious around the Inferno Order." "Really?" Gideon was quite taken aback. It seemed the Inferno Order had significant resources and hidden strengths. Top-tier factions were indeed f
After traversing the vast mountain range and soaring over the wide sea, Gideon and team finally arrived in Goldspire three days later. Their journey concluded on Beaker Island. Upon disembarking from the aircraft, Lysander hurried over. "Sir, you're finally back! Something really serious has happened!" "Hmm?" Gideon felt a sense of foreboding. "What happened?" "Terrible news from Tylland. Ajax has fallen!" Gideon was taken aback, his expression drastically changing. "How can that be? Wasn't Ajax in Kitherglen?" Lysander explained, "A week ago, Ajax, Hercule, and Alistair returned from Kitherglen. Then, they went to Tylland to investigate The Light Council along with the champion." "Three days ago, Ian secretly relayed a message that Ajax had fallen, apparently after a confrontation with The Light Council's warriors!" Gideon struggled to accept the news. Having shared so much time with the champions, it was impossible for him not to feel affected. Ajax's downfall left him
"Just push through," Gideon said nonchalantly. Lysander pushed the aircraft to its maximum capacity, dodging enemy fire and attempting to break through using brute force. In response, the ground bases unleashed their full might. "Take it down!" A barrage of firepower, ten times stronger than before, surged in, overwhelming everything. Even Lysander looked alarmed. The aircraft's interception system kicked into gear, but they were vastly outnumbered and couldn't withstand the relentless assault. "Sir!" Lysander called out. Gideon snorted coldly, opened the cabin door, and faced the all-encompassing gunfire with a fierce cry. The Solar Titan Physique activated. The aircraft transformed into a radiant sun, emitting countless beams of light. An intense, scorching energy erupted, spreading in all directions and causing the incoming bullets to explode before they reached the aircraft. "Sunstorm," Gideon commanded. The intense energy swirled into a massive storm, lifting t
The High Marshal title worked like a charm.The mayor of this city, Bailey Pearce, personally welcomed Gideon and his group into his residence with great enthusiasm and utmost respect.After all, news of Gideon storming Cook Manor and carrying the Imperial Token had already spread through every level of government across the Nine Provinces. Who would dare provoke the High Marshal?"Marshal Snow, what brings you to the Wasteland? Are you here to scout for resource troves? If so, I'd be happy to guide you myself.""There's no need for that. I'm here for information on Nethercult."Bailey was visibly startled. "Marshal Snow, Nethercult is one of the three major powers in the northern region. They're no joke."Gideon gave a cold snort. "I'm here to kill their cult leader. If Nethercult's disciples know what's good for them, they'll be put to work mining resources. If they don't, then I'll wipe them all out."Bailey broke out in a cold sweat.So, the rumors were true. Gideon was like
Attwell was already a Supreme.And judging by his energy, he wasn't just any Supreme, but a peak Supreme. He was probably even stronger than Pope of Light and Yohan. No one expected Attwell to have reached this level.Edric and Jandial immediately backed off."Attwell, we meant nothing by it. Don't act on impulse. Alfsee's our grandnephew. We will never hurt him.""Yeah, Attwell. I was out of line earlier. That's on me."Attwell gave a cold snort and reined in his energy. Only then did the two finally breathe easy."It's really not that big a deal." Attwell shook his head and said calmly, "I know the location of several S-class dragon veins in Dasovia. There's one right here in the Wasteland. If I wanted to, I could subdue it. With the power of an S-class dragon vein, I could go head-to-head with him."But what's the point? Fame, fortune, power—none of it means anything to me. Life is short. I might as well live it relaxed and comfortably."Edric and Jandial were deeply shaken.
"Forget everything else. When it comes to familial ties, I'm your uncle. No matter how you look at it, you should come out and see me," Jandial exclaimed.That seemed to work. Inside the bamboo house, a presence stirred.Moments later, a handsome middle-aged man stepped out, dressed in rough linen clothes, long hair loosely draped over his back, yet still carrying an unmistakable noble air."Attwell…""Things have changed. I'm no longer a prince. I'm just Attwell."Edric and Jandial exchanged glances, then said, "Attwell, don't get the wrong idea. We're not using Alfsee to threaten you."Attwell smiled. "I've let go of all that. Alfsee might be my son, but he holds no sway over me. He has his own path—whether he lives or dies has got little to do with me."That caught Edric and Jandial off guard.Watching Attwell watering the flowers, they realized they couldn't read him anymore. Atwell really might have let go of everything and returned to simplicity."Attwell, this is a rare
A visit to the Nethercult in the northern Wasteland—perfect. It was basically a free pass to wipe out Nethercult.Gideon's killing intent surged.Jessica said, "Marshal Snow, should I talk to my father and arrange for a troop to assist you?""There's no need for that. If I wanted, I could contact Samson and have the Dragon's Aegis flatten Nethercult. But that would put Elara's life at risk. I'll pay the Nethercult a visit myself. I want to see what kind of stunt Tristan is trying to pull.""Marshal Snow, it's too dangerous. Tristan definitely has something planned. He wouldn't be bold enough to let you walk into Nethercult otherwise.""It's fine." Gideon wasn't afraid.He already had the confidence to take on a supreme. Even if Tristan had brought backup, it didn't matter."Gideon." At that moment, Ronan and Noel arrived."Mr. Foley, I didn't expect to see you here."Ronan laughed. "I was actually there the day you were appointed. Back then I was trying to guess who the new Hig
"Supreme core, huh?" Gideon muttered, the corner of his mouth lifting. "Interesting. I'm intrigued.""Die!" Tristan screamed hysterically.Gideon rapidly retreated—not out of fear, but to create distance, preparing a devastating killer move.Suddenly, a violent wind howled, spreading intense heat. The temperature in the area shot up.At that moment, firelight flickered in both of Gideon's hands. The left one glowed bright red—it was the Earthcore Flame. The flame on the right shimmered eerie green—it was the netherflame.Then, he brought both hands together.The two heavenly flames began to fuse, though they resisted each other, violently clashing under the pressure. The moment the seal was lifted, the explosion would be unimaginable.But that wasn't enough.Gideon opened his mouth and breathed out streams of core power, merging into the flames. The nation's destiny surged into it as well.The buildup of energy already roared in the void.The seawater beneath Gideon's feet spl
"Proceed!" The word rippled through the skies.From Imperial Palace, it shot out, passed through the High Marshal Seal, and transmitted over Tyrant Sea—stirring it to a boil, shaking the whole place.A dragon's cry echoed through the void from the seal.Next, a mysterious force poured out from the seal, flooding into Gideon's body, lifting him as if to the summit in one step. A commanding, Supreme energy surged from within."This is bad!" Tristan's expression changed.At this moment, Chase had approved Gideon's request. Empowered, Gideon's strength skyrocketed as though he had instantly leapt to the supreme level."Damn it!" Tristan clenched his teeth.He didn't want to back down, but he had no choice. He had to avoid a head-on clash."Are you trying to run away?" Gideon sneered.Now, he was invincible. Tristan was just a weakling—a bug. There was nothing more to him."Tyrant Sea, rise." Gideon raised both arms. The seawater grew wild and furious, surging hundreds of yards int
The broken blade condensed the force of the blade itself."The great Marshal Snow is using a broken blade? How pathetic! My ghost blade was forged over three years, infused with countless rare materials. It's indestructible," Tristan boasted, laughing."If the man's weak, the weapon doesn't matter."Gideon's casual jab left Tristan speechless, his face flushed with shame."A smart aleck, I see. Die!"Just like that, a black blade arc came down.Gideon stayed calm, swung the broken blade, and a white arc of energy shot upward.The black and white blades clashed and shattered on impact.Tristan's next move followed immediately. "The eighth style of the 13 Ghost Blades! Nether's Pass!"The strike carried a chilling gale. The sound of wailing ghosts and howling spirits echoed.As it neared, Gideon noticed countless skulls swirling in the wind. They were only shadows, but enough to make one's scalp crawl. They were clawing and snarling, like demons escaping from hell."Those are p
"Bitch!" The three men were furious and humiliated.As Nethercult guardians, being injured by a woman was unthinkable!"Nethervoid Hands."They moved together, and an intimidating hand seal came crashing down.Noel was just about to step in when suddenly, Elara stepped forward, facing the incoming attack head-on without a trace of fear. Pure essence energy erupted from her, causing the surface of the sea to freeze."Ice Soul Palm." A cold gleam flashed in Elara's eyes as she slammed her palm forward, clashing with the hand seal in a massive explosion.The three guardians were sent flying.Elara also coughed up blood and was knocked back into the floating palace."Elara!" Jessica panicked and rushed in, helping Elara up."I'm fine." Elara then wiped the blood from her lips and closed the palace gates.Her physique was strong, but her cultivation level wasn't high enough. If it got serious, she couldn't match the three guardians.Still, that brief clash had been her first rea
Gideon and Tristan clashed fists and were blown backward.Gideon's whole body went numb. He thought to himself, "Anyone who's remotely close to the word 'supreme' is no joke."Tristan, meanwhile, was shaken to his core. The moment their fists met, a massive force surged through his arm.If he hadn't reacted in time to deflect the impact, his body would've taken serious damage. Even so, his right arm was almost completely numb now.His long sleeves covered it so no one could see the trembling."No wonder it's called the Solar Titan Physique. It's one of the top-tier physiques. Now I see why.""That was nothing. Watch out, Mr. Neblanc. I'm about to turn it up." Gideon laughed loudly, battle intent soaring.He launched a full-on attack.It was not a secret technique. Instead, it was just pure close-quarters combat.That put Tristan in a tough spot. Just one exchange had already left him at a disadvantage. If they kept going toe-to-toe, there was a real risk he would get injured an