"We're already here. If we don't go in and take a look, wouldn't that be a waste?" Gideon was optimistic, grinning. "I'm like a cockroach. I'm hard to kill.""I'll go with you." Winter grabbed Gideon's hand, eyes blazing with determination. She was ready to live and die alongside him.Gideon kissed her forehead. "This might sound harsh, but honestly, Winter, if you come with me, you'll just be a burden.""Do you have to be that blunt?" She glared at him."Either way, don't get any ideas. You all stay behind. I'm going in alone."Gideon looked toward the deep, dark passage and took a deep breath.Umbra hesitated, but in the end, she said nothing.She and Gideon weren't at the point of life-and-death loyalty yet. Besides, even if she wanted to follow, Gideon probably wouldn't allow it."Stay safe. I'm off."Gideon descended the mountain, sprinting toward the eerie canyon. A gust of cold wind blew against him, chilling him to the bone.Winter bit her lip, watching as Gideon ente
At that moment, somewhere within Bandit's Hollow, eight figures surrounded a central altar, and the person lying in the center was none other than Elara.The eight people were, of course, the seven hooligans and Ivo.Ivo was strikingly handsome, clad in red, with an almost otherworldly charm. A genius by birth, he had already reached the sixth-tier peak transcendent at the age of 36.In the past few days, he had broken through once more to the seventh-tier peak transcendent with the help of the seven hooligans.Ivo's eyes were filled with greed as he stared at Elara on the altar. "Masters, have you decided on a method yet?"The seven hooligans consisted of four men and three women. Six appeared middle-aged, while one was an old man, Pacino Albe. He was the leader of the seven hooligans.Holding a snake-headed staff, he said grimly, "This woman's pure-essence core has already awakened. The pure-essence energy it's releasing is terrifying."If we weren't suppressing it, the energy
"Hellrend Severance Technique… Damn, these hooligans have some seriously bizarre methods. If I could even learn a little, it would be enough to last a lifetime. But…"A trace of resentment flashed deep in Ivo's eyes. "These old bastards won't teach me a thing! It's utterly infuriating."Ivo felt disgusted, especially with Mea. To win their support, he had forced himself to roll in the sheets with her, nearly scarring himself for life.Regardless, once he became a ninth-tier peak transcendent, crushing these old farts and taking their ultimate techniques will be effortless.Ivo plotted in silence.What he didn't know was that, in the distant woods, two figures were secretly watching—Orabella and Gideon. With such a huge commotion in Bandit's Hollow, it was impossible for them not to notice and rush over."We can't wait any longer. We need to act!" Gideon was anxious.He had arrived just in time to witness this scene, but he had no idea it was the Hellrend Severance Technique. All
Blood splattered across the sky.Gideon struck again, aiming to obliterate Ivo. The sight sent Ivo into a panic, scaring him out of his wits."Stop!" Mea shouted in fury.The Hellrend Severance Technique was broken. The villains knew full well that Gideon was a ruthless force to be reckoned with. At this point, there was no way to seize the pure-essence core anymore. They had to deal with Gideon first.On the sacrificial altar, the pure-essence had also stopped its rampage and fallen into a state of calm. The condensed pure-essence energy transformed into a massive shield, wrapping itself around Elara.In the dense jungle, Orabella let out a long breath."That Ivo guy is such a waste of space. He couldn't even take a single hit. If only he had held on a little longer, the seven hooligans' Hellrend Severance Technique would have successfully stripped Elara of her pure-essence core!"Orabella felt a deep sense of regret. She was well-versed in the ways of the world. Gideon might n
"Go!" After throwing that punch, Gideon decisively chose to retreat. Orabella also pulled Elara along with her.Ivo lunged forward in pursuit. "Do you think you can escape? Did you even ask for my permission?""Why the hell would I ask you? Get lost!" Gideon raised his hand and slapped Ivo midair, sending him flying.Orabella struck with Ex Cathera.However, it wasn't aimed at Ivo. He was nothing more than a minor obstacle. The real target was the seven hooligans chasing them down."This…""Woman, you're from The Light Council!"Orabella remained silent.The seven hooligans scowled. If The Light Council was getting involved, things were about to get troublesome."Even The Light Council has no right to act recklessly in Bandit's Hollow.""The Pope himself came here once, and he even treated us with respect. You, a mere little Episcorprie, think you can pull this off?""Hold them back!"At that moment, the seven hooligans finally unleashed their full strength.They moved lik
Pacino's eyes darkened. He actually discarded his serpent-headed staff and engaged Gideon in hand-to-hand combat.What shocked Gideon was that Pacino's strength was terrifying. Every punch was devastatingly heavy.Most crucially, Pacino's combat skills were extraordinarily refined. Out of ten punches, he could land eight on Gideon, whereas Gideon could only land two or three in return.The difference was clear."Heh! Kid, how does it feel? You might have raw power, but you don't know how to use it. Your fighting technique is pathetic. And you think you're fit to brawl with me? What a joke!"The moment those words fell, Gideon took a heavy blow. Pain shot through his entire body, and he crashed straight into the ground.The other hooligans unleashed a flurry of deadly attacks, bombarding the massive crater."Gideon!" Orabella cried out.Just then, a brilliant light shot skyward, slicing through the hooligans' attacks.Gideon burst out of the crater, looking battered. He panted
Ivo used the last of his strength to unleash an attack, successfully blocking Orabella. In doing so, he also shattered Gideon and Orabella's final chance at negotiation."Gideon, you're as good as dead. You destroyed Moblathos. How could I not take revenge? Killing you won't be enough."Once you fall, I'll head to Goldspire and butcher every last man in the Snow family, hacking them to pieces while they're still alive. As for the women, they'll all become my cultivation furnaces, used and discarded until they die."As for Umbra… That wretched woman dared to side with you? Unforgivable! Once I obtain Elara's pure-essence core and ascend to the next level of power, I'll crush Umbra beneath my feet and make her my obedient slave!"Ivo's face twisted with malice, his sinister laughter never ceasing.Gideon had already made up his mind. Ivo had to die.Orabella retreated to Gideon's side, her expression grave. "This is bad. Escaping Bandit's Hollow won't be easy."Seeing that Gideon
"This eerie mist, once it invades the body, brings unspeakable disaster and doom. Some die sudden and violent deaths, while some melt into puddles of pus. Some wither away entirely."The variety of deaths is truly horrifying. If Gideon has been in that mist for half an hour, he will have already reached his limits. He's doomed," Pacino explained.Orabella said, "If the mist is so powerful, and you can control it, doesn't that make you unbeatable?""No, no, no." Pacino shook his head and explained, "We can't control the mist. But we can control that stone gate, sealing Bandit's Hollow. And once the gate is sealed, or rather, once it falls shut, the mist naturally emerges."Orabella suddenly understood.So, as long as the stone gate was opened, the mist would disappear.Pacino said, "Ms. Corthopp, are you thinking of opening the gate to dispel the mist and save Gideon? Don't even think about it."She retorted, "Aren't you after Gideon's Solar Titan Body? That's a rare treasure. If
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