Nautica had to be on guard against Scarlet Summit due to the latter’s unique nature. Unlike other immortals, those from Scarlet Summit operated within an independent system tied to secular factions. At the helm of Scarlet Summit was the Empyrean who, according to legend, descended from the faction's founding deity. Consequently, their lineage was meticulously controlled by successive Empyreans, and only they were permitted to practice the faction’s highest-level techniques.At night, Nautica Hall, situated at the heart of Nautica’s base, was ablaze with light and bustling with activity. A group of about twenty or thirty Nautica apprentices, accompanied by elders, had gathered to show their support.Among them were outer and inner apprentices, all sharing a close bond with Cameron. They dispersed across the skies above, forming a tight net that blanketed the entire base. This arrangement ensured immediate observation in the event of any disturbances within Nautica.Lamar's demeanor t
The inhabitants of Scarlet Summit had inhabited their small island for generations. Throughout ancient times, they remained secluded from the rest of the world. Few outsiders ventured to their shores, necessitating their self-reliance in all matters. Consequently, they lived in relative poverty and isolation. Over time, they developed a sense of entitlement, harboring ambitions of world domination.Once a considerable distance from Nautica, Zachary soared into the sky. However, before he could fly far, a sudden exclamation of “ouch” escaped him, and he plummeted back to the ground. Emerging from a nearby river after his unexpected fall, he was on the verge of cursing when he noticed two figures standing before him.Before Zachary stood a burly man and a young-looking woman, both clad in ominous black robes that emitted a palpable aura of malevolence, sending shivers down Zachary's spine. Trembling, he inquired, "Who are you?"The man's voice resonated eerily, as though emanating fro
Suddenly, Adrian's eyes sparkled as his attention was drawn to two figures on the street. One was a burly man, and the other was a graceful woman. While they didn't possess striking features, an undeniable aura emanated from them, causing those nearby to instinctively shy away. Although this aura wasn't perceptible to ordinary individuals, its effect was unmistakable. Wherever these two ventured, the surrounding pedestrians retreated like receding waves, casting fearful glances as if they were in the presence of incarnate demons.These two individuals were none other than Celeste and Umbrex. At this moment, they appeared no different from regular people, devoid of the eerie black aura that once enveloped them. Despite most of their malevolent energy dissipating, remnants of it lingered, still palpable to those sensitive enough to discern it.Adrian, taken aback, gazed at them in astonishment."What's going on with those two?" Lamar inquired, equally perplexed.Adrian shook his head
The Abyssal Blaze Sword ultimately was an artifact of just a minor faction, hence, Celeste and Umbrex set their sights on the Dragonslayer Emerald Seal. Coincidentally, Nautica’s sacrificial ceremony was just around the corner, providing them with the perfect opportunity to seize the seal amid the ensuing chaos.Lost in their scheming, Celeste and Umbrex continued along the streets. Suddenly, they detected surges of power fluctuations in the distance. These fluctuations resembled spiritual serpents slithering through the grass, appearing and disappearing unpredictably, leaving them perplexed. Nevertheless, it was evident that these power fluctuations were slowly drawing nearer to them. They realized they were being targeted by someone, who was launching a clandestine attack.Celeste, a formidable powerhouse, swiftly became vigilant. This was a bustling street, not a secluded mountain forest. She wondered if the caster was not afraid of alerting the populace.Celeste wasted no time,
As Celeste and Umbrex pressed forward, they encountered a peculiarly attired group approaching them. Leading the procession was a diminutive, hunched old man, yet he exuded formidable power and commanded respect and awe. With each step, his cane emitted a distinct clack against the ground. Trailing behind him were two rows of male and female priests, bearing ceremonial instruments that faintly hinted at a larger ritual formation.The appearance of the group caused pedestrians to instinctively retreat, creating a path for their passage. Even Celeste and Umbrex couldn't help but furrow their brows and make way. As the procession passed by, the leader's gaze swept over them like lightning, as if attempting to read their minds.In that fleeting moment, it felt as though an eternity had passed. It was only once the procession had completely vanished from view that Celeste and Umbrex snapped back to reality. The penetrating gaze of the old man felt like a distant reverie.“That group is f
"Josiah, how many factions are entangled in this affair?" a dignified voice resonated.Within a chamber, the old man who had crossed paths with Celeste and Umbrex sat in a chair. Before him, a flickering light projected the image of a regal figure—the Empyrean of Scarlet Summit."Empyrean, to my knowledge, there are at least five factions involved," Josiah, the old man, respectfully responded, "Aside from us, there are factions from the immortal realm, other factions, and those responsible for tampering with our faction's artifact."The Empyrean was taken aback. "Oh? Have you identified the perpetrators behind the tampering?"Josiah responded gravely, "Yes, I encountered two individuals on the street whom I had long suspected. They appeared suspicious to me, and upon brushing past them, I detected a faint aura resonating with our faction's artifacts. I dare say it's highly probable that they’re the culprits."Since detecting the tampering of the Abyssal Blaze Sword, Josiah had dil
Outside the gate, Dakota addressed the group, "Esteemed guests, this is the chamber where the Dragonslayer Emerald Seal is safeguarded. Typically, outsiders are not permitted entry here. However, today I will grant you a glimpse."As he spoke, five guards approached, each extracting a substantial iron piece from their persons. Collectively, they assembled these pieces into a key, which they then inserted into the formidable lock. With a decisive turn, the door swung open. The layers of security measures were flawlessly executed.Stepping through the threshold, Adrian and his companions beheld a grand hall even more resplendent than Nautica Hall. Towering statues of deities adorned each corner, emanating a commanding presence that shrouded their identities in mystery.In the center of the hall loomed an even larger statue. The moment Adrian set foot inside, this statue captured his attention, for he sensed an uncanny vitality emanating from it. The statue seemed almost life-like, a s
Josiah quickly bowed. "I am Josiah, an elder of Scarlet Summit. Greetings to the lord of Nautica."Seeing Josiah's respectful demeanor, Dakota appeared pleased. "There's no need for such formalities between us. Please, rise." With a genial smile, Dakota proceeded to introduce Adrian and the rest to Josiah, and Josiah reciprocated the gesture with a smile of his own.However, Adrian couldn't shake off a sense of unease. There was something about Josiah's aura that felt akin to a predatory wolf biding its time for the perfect moment to strike. Beneath the facade of innocence lay a more sinister intent.Amid the group behind Josiah, Adrian noted the presence of several formidable individuals. Their auras were expertly concealed, reminiscent of the assailants who had attempted to ambush Celeste and Umbrex. It was evident that the immortals of Scarlet Summit possessed unique techniques, signaling that they were not to be underestimated.As Dakota engaged Josiah in conversation, Adrian a
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