If hit, Adrian would be unable to wield his sword which would inevitably weaken his combat power. Unfortunately, things did not go as planned. It looked as if Adrian could not dodge the attack in time, but in reality, he just did not feel the need to do so. "You're quite remarkable as a fighter, but you're still no match for me," Adrian remarked. His Draco Force shielded him from Clark's punch, rendering it ineffective and wounding Clark's hands instead."What are you?" Clark gasped, his face dark with suspicion. He failed to notice that the blood dripping from his fists was steadily flowing toward the statue."Rather than questioning my identity, why don't you turn around and look at what's behind you," Adrian suggested, pointing his sword toward the statue.Clark suddenly felt a stinging sensation in his hands. Looking down, he was horrified to see that his hands had dried up just like the desiccated corpses under the statue. All the moisture in his hand had vanished, leaving on
Invisible wind blades surged from all directions toward Adrian. Although he could not see these blades with his eyes, he could sense them with his energy. "Blade Tempest!" Adrian raised his sword and unleashed his attack. A barrage of sword energies fell from the sky like stars and shattered everything in the cathedral.However, the monster statue remained solidly intact despite more cracks appearing on its surface. It was evident that whatever force was behind it was still in effect, and Adrian could even see the shadowy figure within the statue.When Adrian looked up, the young man with white hair was still watching him with amusement, and Adrian's face sank. Ever since coming to this world, Adrian had regarded himself on the same level as a deity. It went without saying that he could not tolerate a deity from a humble locale looking at him with such eyes."Are you ready?" Adrian asked softly."For what?" The shadow behind the statue responded with a mocking tone."Are you pre
This time, Adrian didn't utilize his Ebony Shade. Instead, he simply raised his hand and reached slowly into the space before him. Then, his hand seemed to vanish from the air.Whether it was Adrian or the white-robed deity, both knew Adrian's hand had already transcended time and space, arriving in another world. In that world stood the white-robed youth. Just as the white-robed youth's hand had done before, Adrian's hand also traversed to another world, seizing the neck of his enemy.On the divine seat, a hand suddenly appeared before the being, gripping his neck with an indescribable force."Let go of me!”"Didn't I warn you to brace yourself for death? Haven't you realized yet?""Realized what?""That you're nothing but an ant in the presence of true gods."Boom!Above the utterly shattered temple, dark clouds churned. A bolt of lightning streaked across the sky, followed by belated thunder. After the thunder, the white-robed youth transformed into a beam of light and vanis
"Why haven’t Clark and the others returned yet?" a young man with a somber expression screamed frantically at his subordinates in the headquarters of Scarlet Star.Not long ago, their leader, Clark, had been forcibly taken away by the garrison army. Initially, nobody considered it a big issue. It was reported that the daughter of a garrison army instructor had gone missing within Scarlet Star’s territory. Although she was eventually found, it was understandable why they wanted to investigate their leader. Nobody suspected anything awry, not even Clark himself, who had already passed away at this point. He hadn't anticipated any trouble when leaving with the garrison army.The unfolding events followed a predictable path. While within the garrison army, Clark was treated favorably, despite some minor conflicts with Harriett. However, Harriett couldn't touch him, and eventually, Clark departed from the garrison army. However, the unexpected twist came after Clark's departure. He never
Furthermore, each time this man materialized, it was at the periphery of the battlefield between the two factions. The duration of his appearance often lasted less than a minute. Yet, within that brief interval, the battle would conclude. Remarkably, few took notice of him, save for Clement and a handful of level-eight experts who vaguely sensed an anomaly.Whenever Scarlet Star initiated a counterattack, peculiar occurrences within the enemy ranks thwarted their efforts, leading Sable Emblem to suspect Adrian's involvement. Sable Emblem’s fortunes seemed too improbable to be mere coincidence. This pattern mirrored their clash with the Hell Peaks. Despite comparable power levels between Hell Peaks and Sable Emblem, including their three level-eight experts like Keiran who possessed superior combat prowess, an inexplicable turn of events led to Keiran and one of his companions perishing during the counterattack. Ultimately, Sable Emblem emerged triumphant. The circumstances surrounding
Adrian stood before Nebula Inn. The entrance was swarmed with people dressed in black armor, all casting ominous glares his way."I've already told you, the inn is closed to the public today. There's a private banquet happening inside," a guard said to Adrian, his tone dismissive.Moments ago, Adrian had injured one of them, showing no mercy and sending the man to the clinic. Whether the man survived remained uncertain, but Adrian's actions were not excessive; the man's behavior had warranted such treatment.Another minute passed..."Kid, do you know where you are?" sneered the guard at the entrance.Today, Nebula Inn was hosting a banquet held by the Unicorn Society. Attendees were either wealthy or noble. This was a significant occasion for the society, as Aran, the son of their leader, was holding an engagement ceremony. His betrothed was the daughter of Sandstone City's governor. If the engagement was a success, the Unicorn Society stood poised to become the city's predominant
The guard seethed with fury upon Adrian's question. It highlighted the stark contrast between them: some remained unfazed in the face of adversity. To Adrian, the guard's level seemed beneath consideration, unworthy of eliciting anger. Yet, for the guard, being looked down upon was the ultimate insult, a sign of his lack of confidence. Adrian's question stoked the flames of his indignation, leading to a barrage of profanity directed at Adrian.Fortunately, no customers bore witness to the guard's shameful outburst. However, Adrian was not one to tolerate insults passively. This time, rather than engaging in verbal sparring, he opted for action. Without even drawing the Divine Frost Slayer Blade, Adrian delivered a powerful punch that sent the guard crashing into the inn's door. The impact left a dent in the steel and caused the guard to cough up blood, prompting the inn's other guards to intervene and escort him to the clinic. Now, Adrian faced off against the inn guards of the Unicor
Adrian's casual explanation failed to fully convince the guards, given his earlier ruthless display. Moreover, considering the significance of the day's event, their suspicions of him deepened."Please, leave this place," the leader of the guards reiterated firmly.Adrian sighed, reluctant to engage in conflict before meeting with Blake, but it seemed that it was inevitable. Though he could easily bypass the guards and enter the inn clandestinely, such underhanded tactics weren't his style."I came here with genuine intentions to offer my congratulations. Unfortunately, since you doubt my sincerity, I'll have to find another way in. Don't regret your decision later," Adrian warned as he stepped forward.These words put the guards on high alert. However, their vigilance proved futile against Adrian. Their strength paled in comparison to his dominance. As Adrian entered the inn, the guards at the door remained in a daze. The influence of the Draco Force overwhelmed their minds, leavi
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