After a moment, the young man finally spoke. "Come with me," he said to Adrian, turning around and walking away.Adrian was surprised. They weren’t instantly kicking them out? That didn’t seem right, but since he didn't feel any hostility from them, he decided to follow them."Adrian, you go on ahead. We've all suffered injuries and probably can’t go far. We'll wait for you here until you return," Machias said.Adrian thought for a moment before saying, "Alright, I’ll be back as soon as I can."He felt that Machias and the others were quite formidable, so he wanted to get to know them better. Even if they went their separate ways after leaving this place, they could keep in contact.Adrian followed after the mysterious group, then asked them, "By the way, who are you people? Why do you live deep in Keltes Mountain? And judging by your attire, you're quite different from modern people.”"We are a tribe that guards the Dragon Vein of Exasword City. I believe you’ve sensed that this
Seeing no further point in talking, Stevie instructed, "Phoebe, take him to Illusory Peak." He waved, and a majestic, powerful force emerged.At that moment, Adrian felt the space around him shift. Suddenly, he found himself in a different place. Gazing around, he discovered a group of buildings nestled among the mountains, and he was standing in a vast square surrounded by numerous structures. Elegant and magnificent palaces stood before him, like ancient giants overlooking everything with untouchable dignity."Let’s go," said a woman who appeared. She was the one Stevie referred to as Phoebe Price.With a wave of her hand, a strange bird appeared before them.Adrian nodded.When they got on, the strange bird flapped its huge wings and to the skies. Soon after, a towering mountain appeared before them. The radiance of the setting sun shimmered over the mountain. Looking around, Adrian saw various rare trees and towering pines. Amid the mist, celestial birds and strange creatures
Ordinary people couldn't even approach the stone tablet, let alone make it past the first trial. Yet, Adrian had managed to take ten steps forward. It appeared he hadn't miscalculated.Ninety-seven, ninety-eight...Ninety-nine.Boom!With the last step, everything was decided.Finally, Adrian stood before the Tablet of Eternal Silence. Gazing up, he beheld a massive stone towering about a hundred meters high. One side appeared as smooth as if sliced by a knife, adorned with rows of ancient symbols. Each one exuded boundless power, and a single glance at these symbols made one feel as though one could peer into the entire universe.As the sky darkened and the moon ascended, Adrian sat down cross-legged, enveloped in darkness.Swish!A burst of light erupted, and Adrian found himself in a vast, white expanse. There was nothingness everywhere. Only one figure stood before him, eerily resembling himself upon closer inspection.‘Interesting.’ Adrian smiled. ‘Is this a trial from th
"What? That was quick. I thought you'd at least provide him with some guidance for a month before allowing him to even approach the Royal Dragon Text. I fear he won’t even pass the Heavenly Steps and will soon give up,” someone in the crowd said."No, he has already made it past the steps." Phoebe shook her head.Everyone was astonished."It appears he's not as feeble as we presumed." Stevie smiled.*Finally, Adrian opened his eyes. The sun had risen and set, and seven days had elapsed. He was still sitting at the end of the Heavenly Steps. At this moment, he had comprehended the Royal Dragon Text. He was now at the final stage.Countless runes surged up and down his body, each imbued with supreme power. These runes continuously infused into Adrian's body, causing his strength to escalate exponentially."There exists a fundamental principle predating the creation of the physical world. Everything is interconnected,” he mumbled.In an instant, countless divine thoughts from anc
The Dragon Emperor illusion was as bright as the sun. “Wow! Is that the Dragon Emperor? I never thought I’d live to see such a phenomenon!”“It's brimming with brilliance even though it's just an illusion. I might finally attain a breakthrough that has eluded me for so long. I need to go into seclusion immediately. I must strive to reach level nine." Voices rose one after another, filling the entire secret realm.Adrian remained quietly seated on the mountaintop.Boom!At that moment, a violent explosion was heard that shook the secret realm. Everyone looked around as the ground shook.“What’s going on? Are we under attack?” Stevie asked.Suddenly, countless figures appeared from various parts of the secret realm and rushed toward the entrance. At the same time, a group of mysterious individuals rushed in from outside of the secret realm. They had white hair and green eyes, and they were clearly not from Exasword."Foreign intruders!" Stevie said. “Hahaha, so this is the K
"Adrian, it seems you truly are the chosen one!" Stevie appeared elated as he approached Adrian."What do you mean by I'm the chosen one?" Adrian asked."In addition to safeguarding the Draco Vein, we have another duty—to await the chosen one. The chosen one is the one who commands the Draco Vein," Stevie explained, his gaze firmly fixed on Adrian.Without a doubt, Adrian was that person. After decades of waiting, they had finally reached this day. "So, what happens now?" Adrian asked, "What is the mysterious power you have here? I want to bring these powers to the outside world.""What do you mean by that?" Stevie asked in puzzlement.It was only then Adrian realized he had not yet explained his purpose for coming here and quickly recounted his mission. Everyone exchanged glances, seemingly unable to fully grasp Adrian's intentions."If these powers were to be unleashed, they could indeed transform the outside world. However, doing so will place you in great danger," Stevie sa
But Adrian knew that something had changed. His senses had become significantly sharper. In the past, he could observe every detail in Exasword using his own power, but it was exhausting and demanding. Now, doing the same thing was effortless for him."So, this is the full power of the Draco Vein?" Adrian inquired."Exactly. This is the full power of the Draco Vein," Stevie affirmed. "Since you've acquired the power from the Draco Vein, it means our duty has been fulfilled." He exchanged glances with those around him.Adrian could discern a hint of disappointment in their eyes. 'They must have believed their purpose for remaining in this world had vanished,' he speculated.He proposed, "Since your duty to guard Exasword's Draco Vein is fulfilled, I have another task for you. I want you to lend your power to Exasword and safeguard it. Are you willing to do so?""What?" Stevie was taken aback."Well, all of you are strong, and by this world's standards, you're all level nine fighte
"You’re finally back, Adrian! A group of Falconians went in just now. We wanted to assist, but most of us are injured," Machias expressed with disappointment."It's alright. They're all deceased now, so let's not dwell on them. Are you all alright? Was anyone injured?" Adrian inquired."Don't fret about us, Adrian. We're fine," Machias replied. Then, he turned to Stevie's group with a frown.Noticing his gaze, Adrian proceeded to introduce Stevie's group to Machias and his companions. After hearing the full story, Machias pondered for a moment before stating, "In that case, can we accompany you? We wish to serve Exasword too.""Are you certain?" Adrian asked."Yes, we are," Machias affirmed, nodding with determination, his juniors echoing his sentiment.Although Adrian hadn't disclosed much, they all inferred his connection to Exasword’s officials. However, they hadn't realized that Adrian was the individual who recently gained prominence."Then you're welcome to join us," Adria
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