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 Phoenix Tree spoke calmly, "Haha, there’s no need to worry so much, young one. Just focus on fulfilling your purpose."As the tree finished speaking, a few leaves gently trembled and drifted into the void. Adrian’s eyes lit up at the sight, and he eagerly reached out to claim them all. But the Phoenix Tree’s voice returned, warning, "Greed is endless, boy. Do you think you can take all these leaves? Do you believe each is filled with my precious essence?"Most of the leaves began to wither, leaving only two that floated slowly toward him. Astonished, Adrian asked, “What just happened? Please, enlighten me, elder.”The Phoenix Tree explained, "These leaves contain my essence. Only two are rich enough to retain it. The others withered. Did you think every leaf I bear holds such essence? You’re too naive.”Adrian’s face flushed with embarrassment, but after a moment’s reflection, he understood the wisdom in the tree’s words. If every one of the thousands of leaves held essence, th
Adrian gazed at the ancient, forest-like realm before him, awe and a touch of dread in his eyes. "This place... It’s not somewhere we should tread lightly," he said.Tyron and the Violet Rain Bird stood frozen beside him, while the little Fire Unicorn looked up, chittering softly.Adrian smiled down at the unicorn. "We can’t go back yet. There are too many powerful beasts here. But, little one, once I’m stronger, I promise to take you home for a while."The Fire Unicorn’s gaze softened with a hint of sadness. This was a place far from its true home.Adrian grinned back, reassuring it, "Trust me, it won’t be long."The unicorn’s eyes widened with hope, clearly looking forward to his promise. For Adrian, bringing it back was just a matter of time."Adrian, what happened back there?" Tyron finally asked. "One moment, we were pulled toward you, and then we were instantly transported here. Was there someone powerful intervening in secret?"Adrian frowned, reaching into his cloak. "Ta
A sudden rumble erupted in the distance, sparking excitement in Adrian’s eyes. Beside him, Tyron and the Violet Rain Bird shared the same look of anticipation. At last, they would fight alongside Adrian rather than watch him bear the burden alone.“Something powerful is definitely stirring over there. Let’s go check it out,” the Violet Rain Bird said.Once reluctant to follow Adrian, the bird now viewed him as a formidable leader, a visionary whose decisions inspired confidence. Tyron felt equally motivated, and even the Fire Unicorn bounced with excitement, wide-eyed with wonder at the vast, unknown world it was finally exploring.“Then let’s head out and begin a new journey!” Adrian declared.With his newfound strength, he was now a force to be reckoned with in this secret realm. Embracing his boldness, he led his companions toward the distant, radiant light pulsing ominously across the sky.Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh…Figures from various directions shot toward the light, clearly
Seeing the look on Greg’s face, the onlookers knew they were mere spectators here. Approaching was out of the question. The Twelve Rakshasas alone would be more than a challenge, let alone Greg.The Rakshasas eyed Greg warily. Their leader furrowed his brow and said, “Well if it isn’t Mr. Greg. I didn’t expect you to take an interest in this treasure as well.”“Indeed,” Greg replied. “If it’s valuable, it’s mine. If it’s ordinary, you’re welcome to it.”Though his tone feigned indifference, Greg’s intent was clear. The best belonged to him, and whatever remained could go to the Rakshasas.Their expressions darkened at his audacity, but they restrained their anger.“Hah! Well said, Mr. Greg. Naturally, if it’s worthy, it’s yours. The lesser finds are ours,” the Rakshasas’ leader replied, forcing a smile. Greg’s strength wasn’t something to challenge lightly. Even if his powerful background didn’t intimidate them, his sheer prowess commanded respect.“Very well. Let’s see what this
Greg gripped his weapon tightly, anger flashing in his eyes as he spotted Adrian.Off to the side, Tyron watched with a look of mocking amusement.“Well, look who I’ve run into. Saves me the trouble of finding you.” Greg sneered, unleashing an intense aura that sent shivers through the onlookers.“What kind of power is this? He’s at the peak of the Astral Stage! It’s hard to believe he’s so strong,” someone whispered in shock.Greg’s strength was no accident. It hinted at years of disciplined training, not something achieved overnight. But Adrian met Greg’s gaze with defiant calm, his expression hardening as anger flickered in his own eyes.Greg scoffed. “I’ll give you one chance. Kneel, and I might let you live.”His desire to crush Adrian swelled as he recalled Adrian’s former arrogance. But Adrian remained cool and indifferent, fueling his rage.“You arrogant fool!” Greg bellowed, launching a deadly punch aimed straight at Adrian’s head. Adrian’s gaze sharpened, readying fo
A deep rumble echoed through the air as an oppressive force pinned Greg down, leaving him utterly helpless. He trembled, painfully aware of just how powerless he truly was. Every part of him wanted to resist, but Adrian's overwhelming power left him frozen in place.As Adrian approached, his gaze was cold and cutting. “What’s the matter? Can’t move? Don’t worry. To me, your so-called strength is nothing more than that of an ant.”The contempt in Adrian's voice sliced into Greg’s pride. Rage flared within him, yet he could no longer ignore the gap between their powers.The crowd below watched in stunned silence, their faces marked by shock and disbelief.“What’s happening? How can Adrian’s strength be so far beyond Greg’s?” “Exactly. Where did he gain such power? Did he encounter some extraordinary opportunity?”They had once been in awe of Greg's power, but now Adrian’s abilities seemed incomprehensible.As Adrian closed the distance, Greg’s anger peaked. “What do you intend to
Greg knew all too well that Adrian might truly annihilate him, especially after all his provocations.“Adrian, just end this already. What’s there to hesitate about?” Tyron urged. As a daemon, he held no sympathy for enemies and never showed mercy.Adrian smirked slightly. “Oh, I intend to. But first, I want him to realize he’s never mattered to me and that he shouldn’t think so highly of himself. Maybe he’ll remember that in his next life.”Hearing this, Greg panicked. “Please, spare me! I’ll do anything for you! I’ll even be your servant!”Adrian’s expression turned ice-cold. “Keeping you around would only sully my hands. I’d just end up killing you, so let’s finish this.”Adrian’s tone was thick with sarcasm, fueling Greg’s fury. Under different circumstances, he’d have burst into rage, but now he could only cling to defiance.“Don’t push me, Adrian! I’ve apologized and tried to make amends. What more do you want?” Greg’s voice boomed, echoing through the air.Adrian merely c
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