When Adrian stepped forward, it was as if he had entered a realm of chaos. The stairs shook violently, compressed by an immense gravitational force. The crowd watched in a mix of anticipation and anxiety, unsure of what would happen next. They wondered if they would be able to follow or if they would remain where they were.Adrian and Tyron moved into the void ahead, and the surrounding air seemed to tremble. Awe and disbelief filled the spectators as a golden light enveloped the pair, transporting them out of the area. But despite their departure, the gravity on the stairs remained unchanged.The Astral sneered, saying, "Don't think just because I’m still here, I’m like the rest of you. If that bastard can complete the challenge, so can I." He quickly rushed up the stairs, eager to escape and exact his revenge on Adrian.However, with Adrian having reached the Astral Stage, the Astral knew facing him now would only lead to his own defeat. Determined to become stronger, the Astral m
The Astral seethed with anger. After ridiculing the others and calling them worthless fools, his arrogance was slapped back in his face. Now that they all had the chance to escape, his frustration only grew. But despite his rage, there was nothing he could do about it."Damn it! I’ll make you suffer, Adrian! I’ll cast you into an abyss of endless torment and make sure you suffer for all eternity!" he shouted furiously.In the Astral’s mind, everything that had happened was Adrian’s fault. If not for him, the others wouldn’t have been freed, and he wouldn’t have been humiliated. His hatred for Adrian burned fiercely, though Adrian remained oblivious. Even if Adrian knew, he wouldn’t care. He was used to dealing with people like that.As Adrian and Tyron stepped out of the void, they found themselves in a dense forest. The sudden change of scenery sharpened Adrian’s focus.“Tyron, it seems we’ve arrived in a completely different place. I wonder where the Phoenix Tree and the Prism St
Oscar was horrified as he recognized the familiar voice. Before he could react, two figures materialized—one in front of him, one behind. His expression turned to shock as he found himself face-to-face with Adrian and Tyron.He hadn’t expected to encounter them here. Seeing Adrian, his face darkened, sensing that Adrian had grown even stronger than before.“How is this possible? You've reached the Astral Stage? That shouldn’t be possible.” Oscar was in disbelief. He couldn’t fathom how Adrian had advanced so rapidly.Adrian sneered. “Why don’t you come and try me for yourself?” He then threw a powerful punch, hitting Oscar with brutal force, and the latter flew through the air and crashed into the distant ground."Adrian?" the disheveled man who had been running for his life looked back in shock. He hadn’t expected Adrian to intervene. Calming himself, he turned and said, "Thank you. I’ll repay you if we meet again." Then, without another word, he fled.Oscar, meanwhile, was overw
Upon hearing Oscar’s words, Adrian and Tyron exchanged cold glances, fully aware of the trail of innocent lives Oscar had taken.Adrian sneered. “It seems you haven’t changed at all. You’re still killing innocents without a second thought. Looks like I’ll have to be the one to uphold justice today.”Tyron added icily, “Exactly. You caused me a great deal of suffering before, and I’m here to make sure that debt is paid, you bastard. People like you don’t deserve to live.”With that, both Adrian and Tyron charged at Oscar. Though Oscar’s eyes burned with fury, his calm demeanor couldn’t hide the nervousness he felt inside. The combined might of Adrian and Tyron was intimidating, and despite having six puppets at his command, he feared they wouldn’t be enough. The puppets began to emit a terrifying, cold aura in response to his anxiety.Oscar glared at the two and said in frustration, “Don’t come any closer! If we fight, we’ll all come out worse for it. We’re all here for spiritual tr
Boom!A chilling force exploded from Oscar’s hand, spreading wildly as he glared at Adrian and Tyron.“If you two are seeking death, don’t blame me for obliging you. Do you honestly think you can kill me?!” Oscar roared in fury. Adrian and Tyron’s defiance was unforgivable, and Oscar was determined to eradicate them to vent his frustration. After all, Oscar was also a prodigy.Tyron hated Oscar because Oscar had tricked him while he was tracking him. Oscar had not expected Tyron to haunt him so relentlessly after the fact. Oscar found this situation unbearable, which made him want to destroy Adrian and Tyron.Oscar roared, “I’ll settle things with you today!"His newfound confidence stemmed from the six puppets. They trembled in unison, and their combined power was immense. It was a shocking sight. The strength emanating from the six puppets resembled six unparalleled warriors.Adrian’s expression turned cold, and Tyron's demeanor was similarly grim. While confident in their abil
Oscar's puppets charged toward Adrian. The former thought his puppets should at least heavily injure Adrian, even if the puppets were not at their best.Four out of the six puppets attacked Adrian while the other two focused on Tyron. Evidently, Oscar prioritized Adrian and saw Tyron as less of a threat.Tyron noticed Oscar’s disdain for him and shouted, “You bastard! How dare you underestimate me! I’ll slice your puppets to shreds!”Oscar taunted, “You’re an ignorant fool for seeking respect when you’re weak. How ridiculous.”He thought Tyron was nowhere near as strong as Adrian and that he deserved nothing but ridicule. However, Oscar did not know that Tyron had killed an Astral. Otherwise, the former would be horrified and not underestimate Tyron.Meanwhile, Adrian endured attacks from the four puppets. Despite their onslaught, Adrian held his ground and punched a puppet, shattering it. Unable to comprehend the situation, Oscar was stunned.“That’s impossible! How is your stre
Oscar then turned and saw that Tyron had also destroyed one of the puppets.“Impossible… How did these two progress so quickly? What have they experienced?” Oscar muttered. After all, Adrian and Tyron were merely at the Nascent Stage when Oscar last encountered them. Now, one had reached the Astral Stage and the other was close behind.Oscar felt overwhelmed as the duo smashed apart the puppets he had painstakingly forged. His heart ached, but he could do nothing. He desperately charged at Adrian, hoping to use his remaining puppets to inflict severe damage.Bam!Adrian retaliated, which sent Oscar flying. Soon after, the remaining puppets rushed toward the former.Adrian became even more excited when he saw that. “Heavenly Body Training Art! Now, let’s see how this power fares!” His body surged with power. He ran at the incoming puppets and smashed into them.Crack!Adrian shattered yet another puppet. Meanwhile, Oscar turned grim as he witnessed what had happened. He had not e
Oscar was fully intent on escaping as he transformed into a blood-red streak of light and tore through the air at breakneck speed. Then, one of his puppets trembled violently.“Watch out!” Adrian exclaimed. He grabbed Tyron and fled from the scene.Suddenly, the puppet exploded. The duo never expected Oscar to sacrifice his beloved puppet to give him a chance to flee. The explosion even created a massive crater.At that moment, Adrian and Tyron appeared in the distance. Tyron was astonished yet relieved. If Adrian were just a moment slower, they would have gotten caught in the devastating blast.He turned to Adrian and said, “Thanks for that. I would’ve died if it weren’t for you.”Adrian’s gaze turned cold as he said, “That bastard. I’ll kill him the next time I see him.”Although Oscar had several escape methods up his sleeves, he had suffered severe injuries. Hence, Adrian would have an easier time killing him.Tyron smiled, fully understanding Adrian’s intentions. Among thos