Adrian had always been a lone wolf, but after today's events, he realized that having his own influence was crucial. If it weren't for Amara's care, no one would probably know if he died.Aligning with major forces wasn't Adrian's style because he detested ingratiating himself with others. Since that approach wasn't viable, he decided to establish his own prestige and have others seek refuge with him.Today, he unexpectedly subdued a demon as well as the Black Dracoblade. However, although Shadowlurker's strength was extraordinary, Adrian couldn't use it openly. What he wanted was to establish a foothold in the faction.At that moment, Amara suddenly asked, "Adrian, what are you thinking?"Adrian was startled by Amara's unexpected question and replied, "Nothing much. Amara, can I ask you for a favor?"Amara smiled. "Between us, there's no need to be so formal. Go ahead."By now, Adrian considered Amara a friend. He felt there was no need for formality between them. Therefore, he
Adrian slapped his forehead, "How did I forget about this?"Upon saying that, he expanded his consciousness to probe the surroundings. Sure enough, beneath the ruins of the Splendour Pavillion, Adrian sensed fluctuations of aura essence. Any aura essence fluctuation was unusual.He immediately summoned the spirit cores of Scarlet and Black Dracoblades, slashing through layer after layer of rocks. Indeed, beneath the layers of rocks, Adrian discovered an independent space surrounded by multiple layers of formations.This space seemed to have existed for a very long time, exuding ancient vibes. Although the layers of rocks collapsed on it, the space remained intact due to the protection of the formations. Now that Adrian had broken the rocks, the interior of the space was exposed.It was a square-shaped cavity with layered stairs that seemed to lead downward. Adrian swung his twin swords, banging against the formation. The formation remained undisturbed, emitting only a muffled sound
Adrian nodded and said, "Yes, with so many rare treasures, it should be enough for our training for a long time to come."As he spoke, he walked toward a large pill furnace and opened it, discovering that it was filled with golden-yellow pills.This precious pill was called the Amber Pill in the immortal world. For immortals, eating regular food from the mortal world had no effect. Over time, impurities would accumulate in their bodies. Therefore, apprentices of some immortal factions consumed various precious herbs, immortal birds, and other items, and some even replaced food with pills.One of the most common pills for this purpose was the Amber Pill. However, not all immortal factions were generous enough to provide these pills to all their apprentices, making the Amber Pill relatively valuable in the immortal world.Adrian said, "Amara, let's split this furnace of Amber Pills between us."Adrian wasn't greedy.This time, Amara didn't refuse and readily accepted Adrian's offer
Rubern repeatedly attempted to put Adrian in life-threatening situations, but Adrian managed to turn the tables each time.Adrian was not a saint. Although he disliked conflict, the current situation left no room for him to remain passive.*Upon returning to Frostspire, Adrian immediately entered seclusion. This time, he had no idea how long it would last. Having gained much from the recent trial, he aimed to make a breakthrough into the next stage during this seclusion.When Amara heard that Adrian was going into seclusion, she came to inquire, "Adrian, are you planning to go into seclusion?"Adrian nodded. "Yes."Amara asked, "Do you need me to do something for you? For example, guard you."Amara was very concerned about Adrian's safety. No one knew what Rubern might do while Adrian was in seclusion.Adrian smiled and replied, "Thank you for your kind offer, but there's no need. I believe I can protect myself."*Adrian sat cross-legged in his residence, activating the Fro
According to what Adrian had heard—after the elder questioned him that day—the elder had also interrogated many new apprentices. It seemed that those apprentices might have had some extraordinary experiences as well.Although Adrian had spent a long time in the faction, he had limited interactions with the outer apprentices. He had been focused on training and rarely socialized with them. Similarly, Amara had been solitary in the faction, with few opportunities to get to know others.Now, Adrian wanted to take advantage of this opportunity to make more acquaintances. Having more friends meant having more avenues of support.Upon hearing Amara's suggestion, Adrian thought about it and found the plan feasible, agreeing to participate.The so-called sparring tournament was essentially a gathering for apprentices to compete and spar with each other. It was not organized by the elders but was a private initiative among the apprentices. A few high-level apprentices would serve as judges,
Adrian modestly said, "You're too kind."At that moment, Amara also approached and said, "Don't be so humble. Your strength is indeed quite impressive among the outer apprentices."Gavin saw Amara approaching and greeted her as well. The three of them chatted amiably, creating a lively atmosphere.While Adrian had gained some reputation in the faction over a year ago, the constant flow of events in large factions meant that such matters quickly became old news. Adrian's recent confrontation with Rubern had happened months ago, and people had moved on to other topics. Now, as Adrian mingled in the faction again, he didn't attract much attention.However, he felt an inexplicable sensation that someone's eyes were watching him as if trying to see through him.Meanwhile, the scheming apprentice with an unsightly appearance, Anton Lucas, stood beside Rubern.Anton reported to Rubern in a hushed tone, "Rubern, as you expected, Adrian has signed up for the tournament."Rubern's express
Amara was occupied with other matters and couldn't always stay by Adrian's side.Meanwhile, Adrian felt comfortable mingling with a group of outer apprentices.Azaan donned an exquisite white robe that emitted a noble and opulent aura. Crowning his head with a majestic crown, he radiated an extraordinary aura, unmistakably disclosing his prestigious lineage. He held a delicate folding fan in his hand, presenting a refined and elegant appearance.When Azaan heard Cormac mention Adrian's name, his eyebrows raised slightly. He clasped his hands and said, "I never expected that you are the famous Adrian. Even more surprising, you are so young. I've heard of you for a long time."Adrian could tell from Azaan's tone that it was not pretentious—it was just polite conversation.Adrian returned the courtesy and, truthfully. He had a favorable impression of Azaan. After conversing for a while, he found that Azaan was quite distinguished and not just a noble facade. It seemed that being the
At the same time, Adrian believed that the two of them wouldn't reveal all their secrets. Especially Cormac, how could an ordinary person easily enter the immortal world? Without extraordinary encounters like Adrian's, stepping into the immortal world was almost impossible. However, everyone had their own secrets, and Adrian wasn't interested in prying into others' affairs.The tournament for junior members was still some time away. During this period, Adrian trained and exchanged techniques with Azaan and Cormac.Adrian discovered that Azaan's techniques were profound and sophisticated, yet he possessed boundless power. In their previous sparring, Adrian had almost been defeated due to his carelessness.Within Azaan's moves, Adrian also gleaned some extraordinary aspects. At this stage, Adrian hoped to engage in more exchanges with others to broaden his horizons and enhance his strength.Azaan executed another move, transforming into a giant deity that shattered mountains and st
The Daemon Emperor was startled."What is happening? This power..."Formless energy was surging forward, pressuring his nerves and senses.Below, Andy and the others trembled uncontrollably."Who is it?" Finnian stared into the crimson mist.Even Andy was horrified, his gaze locked on the unfolding scene in disbelief, and asked, "What is this? What exactly is happening?" At this moment, Adrian abruptly opened his eyes.Apparently, the Daemon Emperor had once conspired with Adrian's subordinates to ambush him.However, Adrian had managed to annihilate the traitors and sealed this Daemon Emperor. Now, fate had brought them together again."If I killed you once, I can kill you again." Adrian stood tall, his white robes fluttering in the air.The Daemon Emperor was stunned into silence."This is impossible! You're not that mortal boy!""Is that so? In this life, your end has come, and so has the era of the daemons." Adrian's voice was calm yet resolute. He stretched out his han
Adrian's face hardened at the words. He despised threats above all else. While he understood what the mysterious entity desired, he couldn't yet fully comprehend its implications or find a way to counter it. His only choice was to focus on growing stronger.Within the hot spring, waves of raw, terrifying power surged and crashed violently against Adrian's body.The force, though beneficial, was brutal and overwhelming. Adrian's body struggled to endure, cracking as though it were disintegrating."Arghhh!"A heart-wrenching scream echoed as Adrian's flesh was torn apart and his aura gradually dimmed."Ahhh!"His agonized cries echoed once more. He could no longer withstand the pain.In the distance, a towering figure appeared and sneered. "What's this? Can't take it anymore? Pathetic. Humans are truly the epitome of stupidity."Suddenly, Adrian erupted with an explosive surge of energy, and in that instant, he broke through to the pinnacle of the Void Stage."Hmm? He actually b
At that moment, the crowd was speechless.Adrian had ascended as if it were the easiest thing in the world.Faced with such a sight, no one could say much beyond admiration. Even if the Holy Son claimed Adrian had cheated, many secretly wished they could cheat the same way.Lacking Adrian's means, all they could do was envy him.Finnian chuckled. "Haha! You really caught us all by surprise, kid. Still, I'll count this as you repaying me a favor."For Finnian, the outcome couldn't have been better. With a broad smile, he seemed to have achieved his desired result. Adrian's successful climb was all that mattered to him.Once Adrian had vanished, the focus shifted to the rest of the group and their trials.When Adrian opened his eyes again, his entire body ached, but an oddly comforting sensation flowed through him. Surveying his surroundings, he realized he was now in a pond."Where am I?" he asked.Though uncertain about the place, Adrian knew he had cleared the trial and arriv
The onlookers stared in bewilderment, their faces etched with confusion as they struggled to grasp the unfolding events.Meanwhile, Adrian seethed with barely contained rage. This wasn't his first encounter with such torment. Every few steps he ascended, another trial awaited.To Adrian, the relentless punishments felt suffocating. Yet he pressed on—this was the final stretch of the climb. "Adrian, hang in there!" Andy shouted, urging him to conquer the last step. To Andy, reaching that final step symbolized Adrian's growth. He had witnessed Adrian's remarkable resilience countless times and held unwavering faith in his potential. In Andy's eyes, Adrian was destined for greatness. Adrian's expression turned cold as he locked his gaze on the steps ahead. Determination flickered in his eyes. "If reaching the top guarantees a reward, it doesn't have to be me up there. As long as someone makes it, that's enough." With that, he shifted his focus to the void above and formed
Adrian felt as if every nerve in his body was beyond his control. A deep sense of grievance filled his heart as the divine thunder from the void relentlessly crashed down.Rage surged within him, but under the onslaught of endless forces, he felt weak and constrained.Still, he had no choice but to press forward. He knew victory was within reach if he could endure a little longer—giving up now would mean death.If he fell, the shame and humiliation would crush him.Below, the Holy Son and others waited, eager to see him fail and mock him. This left Adrian no option but to push forward, striving toward the void above and his ultimate goal.The violent forces continued to bombard him from the sky.With every step, the thunder's impact intensified tenfold. His soul, already battered from a fierce battle with a horde of beasts, now felt as though it was dragging his exhausted body forward.Anyone else would likely have succumbed to despair. After all, under such immense pressure, ev
The oppressive forces descending from the void seemed determined to halt Adrian’s ascent up the staircase.Yet he refused to yield. To him, these overwhelming challenges were merely obstacles to conquer.He pressed forward with relentless determination.Thunderbolts continued to rain down, but the ominous red light from before did not return—a relief, as he never wished to endure its crushing weight again.The memory of that light still haunted him, leaving a lingering sense of helplessness. Its suffocating pressure had drained his strength, reducing him to a gasping, powerless state.Despite the toll on his body and mind, Adrian remained singularly focused on reaching the final step. His burning desire for greater power drove him forward, unwavering and resolute.Step by step, he ascended, reaching the 95th step in what felt like an instant.Only five steps remained. His gaze locked onto the summit, and a wild glint lit his eyes. A daring idea sparked within him, consuming his
Adrian pondered his situation, his cold gaze reflecting simmering frustration. Yet deep down, he recognized that whoever had designed the staircase was far from ordinary.Creating such a formidable trial required unimaginable power.Even a pinnacle Void Stage expert—or perhaps someone of the Multiply Stage—might bow in reverence before the ladder's creator."He won't last much longer. The divine lightning in this void is utterly destructive. In moments, he'll be reduced to ashes," sneered the Holy Son, his sharp eyes gleaming with malice.To the Holy Son, Adrian's demise was inevitable. Adrian had dared to offend him, and he was certain such audacity could only lead to death.Adrian caught the Holy Son's words and cast him a frosty glare. His intent to kill was unmistakable, though now wasn't the time.The staircase was no place for personal vendettas—eliminating him here would require careful planning.He also knew the Holy Son carried seals of immense power. A reckless move co
Finnian's sharp gaze reflected a hint of admiration. "Kid, you owe me a big favor this time. You'd better treasure this opportunity."Adrian remained silent, unsure how to respond. His cold eyes revealed no emotion, though he fully grasped the challenges ahead.Fear was a luxury he couldn't afford—he'd come too far to back down now.Suddenly, a streak of red light surged from the void, hurtling toward Adrian with terrifying speed. His eyes widened in shock as the crimson beam struck him, slamming him against the staircase.Caught off guard, Adrian collapsed, sprawled helplessly on the steps.The crowd below watched in astonishment. No one had expected his seemingly indestructible body to be overwhelmed so easily.The Holy Son sneered. "Haha! It seems he's triggered some kind of taboo. Let's see how arrogant he is now!"His voice dripped with schadenfreude, his eyes gleaming with malicious satisfaction as he relished Adrian's struggle.Despite the crushing force, Adrian refused
"What exactly is up there pulling me so strongly?" Adrian's expression hardened as he pondered the mysterious force drawing him upward.A surge of violent energy erupted across the sky, crashing down like a raging storm.Adrian advanced cautiously, each step deliberate and precise.Gone were the reckless strides of before—now he moved with steely determination, fully aware of the lurking dangers.He'd learned that the void's formidable forces seemed to target him directly, compelling him to proceed step by step. Any attempt to bypass its unseen barriers would provoke a devastating strike."Ridiculous," Adrian muttered. "If I've chosen to climb, nothing will stop me."The void's relentless power intensified.Bolts of thunder hammered down mercilessly, battering Adrian's body. Yet fear never crossed his mind.What was there to be afraid of?To him, the divine thunder wasn't an obstacle—it was a crucible, a tool to temper his body and strengthen his resolve.Despite the storm, A