The scene was pure chaos. Adrian was giving it everything, fighting the hellhound with sheer physical strength. It was a risky move as the hellhound, a creature of the underworld, had a naturally powerful physique. If things went wrong, Adrian’s approach could spell disaster.Boom!Adrian pressed on, unfazed by the strain. In fact, he felt a thrill. His strength was holding its own against this fierce creature.Boom!The elder watched, horror flashing across his face. He hadn’t expected Adrian’s power to be this terrifying. The latter’s strength seemed beyond comprehension. But surrender wasn’t an option, and he refused to yield.Adrian, too, appeared set on finishing this fight.Boom!The hellhound lashed out with savage force, colliding fiercely with Adrian and creating a display so intense that even the elder flinched. Waiting for the right moment, he planned to steal Adrian’s soul energy, hoping to exploit the latter’s focus on the hellhound.But Adrian saw through the elde
Adrian unleashed waves of overwhelming power that shook the realm as if his energy might tear it apart. His expression was icy and determined. He was ready to annihilate anything in his way. Still, he knew he needed to move carefully.Around him, the formation was now fully activated. “A hellhound, is it? Since you’re here, there’s no leaving,” he said, activating sinister runes on his hands that released a fearsome surge of energy.The force crashed into the hellhound like a tidal wave, and its bones began to crack under the unyielding pressure. The shattering sounds echoed, and the elder stared in horror. He hadn’t believed this was possible. The hellhound’s body was supposed to be as resilient as a divine weapon.“What kind of formation is this?” he muttered in fear. Initially, he’d dismissed Adrian’s setup as a mere distraction during their battle, not realizing it could release such destructive force.As the hellhound staggered under the assault, Adrian smirked. “That didn’t w
Adrian sneered at the elder’s confusion. “Curious about this flame? Come experience it yourself.”With that, he unleashed another wave of fire, directing its intense heat at the hellhound’s skeletal frame.Crack! Crack! Crack!The relentless flames splintered the hellhound's bones in a terrifying and chaotic display. Adrian’s expression remained cold, as though this destruction was routine.The elder cried out in despair, “No! This isn’t possible!” Desperately, he called out, “Divine power, I beg you. Release your might and destroy this boy! I offer my entire soul in sacrifice!”The elder couldn’t comprehend Adrian’s overwhelming flame. It was reducing everything to ashes. How could he hope to win like this?Adrian sensed the elder’s panic and sneered. “Pathetic. Your so-called ‘divine being’ can’t even protect itself now.”With those words, Adrian directed his energy toward the strange force controlling the hellhound, certain it was the key to its strength, and prepared to sh
"Die!" Adrian snarled, unleashing his power and drawing in the strange energy around him.The old man recoiled, shouting, "You insolent fool! How dare you defy the gods! You’re inviting divine wrath!"Adrian smirked. "Worry about yourself first, old man." He waved, activating the formation he had set up.The power raced toward the old man, forcing him into a defensive stance. “Arrogant human! I’ll show you what death truly means!” he bellowed. "Great gods, grant me your power to crush this fool!"But the formation's energy disrupted his plea, forcing the old man to stop. His soul flame flickered with rage as he fought against the force. Meanwhile, Adrian continued to drain the hellhound’s inner power, leaving the creature empty and lifeless.Only now did Adrian understand the strange energy he had sensed. It surged through his body, and instead of resisting it, he used the five elements within him to bind and control it. Though it fought back, he forced it into submission.Gradua
“Stubborn old fool.” Adrian sneered. “Divine power, you say? Bring it on. Do you really think I’d be afraid?”He punched upward, sensing a dark force with the same ominous energy as the hellhound's approaching from the shadows. His gaze turned cold. “Perfect timing. I was just looking for more energy to absorb.”The shadowy power surged closer, but Adrian absorbed it in one swift move. The impact sent shockwaves through the air as if the force itself was enraged by his defiance. It retaliated, unleashing a torrent of energy in challenge.Adrian laughed, unfazed. "Too scared to show yourself? Fine, keep sending this power. I’d hate to waste it.” He roared with vitality as he absorbed the energy, his expression brimming with fierce joy. Watching in shock, the old man stood frozen. He hadn’t expected Adrian to consume divine power so readily as though it were a delicacy.As thunderous echoes filled the void, Adrian's eyes glinted with excitement. "Come on, don’t hold back. I’m just
Thunder rumbled as turbulent energy stormed across the sky. Adrian continued absorbing the power until everything went still, and a powerful voice echoed, “Remember what you did here, boy. I won’t forget you.”In an instant, the massive rift in the sky sealed shut. The old man, frozen in terror, realized the divine being had vanished, apparently frustrated by Adrian's relentless consumption of its power. Shockingly, Adrian remained unscathed, despite the enormous energy he had absorbed.“H-How can this be?” the old man muttered, horror in his voice.Adrian gave him a cold smile. “What’s wrong, old man? Lost your confidence? Now it’s your turn. I’ve had my eye on your soul power for a while.”In a flash, Adrian appeared above the old man and struck with his palm, shattering the latter’s skull. The old man gazed up in agony, only to see Adrian smiling calmly.“No need to look so shocked. We’re practically old friends by now,” Adrian cooed.Another snap echoed as the man’s bones spl
Adrian refused to believe the shadows held nothing. The space around him had visibly shifted during his recent trial, suggesting a hidden presence was at work.Suddenly, a deep rumble shook the area, and a faint blue-green path materialized before him. Adrian’s eyes flickered with surprise. This passage was unlike anything he’d seen and likely set up by whatever entity was observing him from the shadows. If he wanted to escape, it seemed his only option was to follow the passage.Although uneasy, he pressed forward, stepping into the mysterious corridor. The path stretched endlessly, shrouded in a haze of blue-green light, making him feel a touch uncertain. Partway through, a stone tablet with an inscription appeared.[If the world were to end, what would you do?]Adrian chuckled wryly. “First, survive,” he replied. “Then, help others where I can. But my survival comes first.”As his answer echoed, the tablet shattered with a thunderous crack, replaced by another that read, [What
The space around Adrian trembled as he felt himself being pulled through time and space. The world spun, and in a blink, he found himself once more before the Phoenix Tree.Awe filled his gaze. Standing before the tree, a deep respect settled within him. Now, he understood its true power.Bowing with humility, Adrian said, “Thank you for letting me leave unharmed, elder. I apologize for any disturbance I caused.”The Phoenix Tree’s voice responded with a hint of amusement. “You are indeed an intriguing one, and your answers resonate with my own. You have a boundless future. Today, I grant you two of my leaves, but remember, a favor will be owed. Dark times are coming, and you will need to fulfill this promise.”Surprised, Adrian asked, “What do you mean, elder? If I have the strength, I promise to repay your kindness.”The tree’s voice grew softer, echoing with a sense of forewarning. “A cosmic calamity is approaching, one that will plunge the world into war and chaos. If you grow
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