One of the guys was extra eager, practically tripping over himself to hand over a cigarette and light it with a showy flick of his lighter."Come on, Captain, spill the beans. You know how it is—once our gossip radar is up, there's no shutting it down.""Right, right. Don't tell me that the nation's sweetheart, the Latham family's prized jewel, and Mister Karlos's granddaughter are all being kept as someone's side chicks?"The captain took a long, contemplative drag before he shot them a warning look. "Lower your voice. I only caught wind of it myself. Don't let it slip. Otherwise, we're toast."Then, he leaned in and whispered, "Ever heard of the Battle of Champions?"The trio shook their heads in sync."Never mind. That's too much to unpack right now. Just know that the Battle of Champions is the biggest deal in the Imperial Capital. Only the biggest and mightiest noble houses and elite forces get a seat at the table. Regular folks can't even get a glimpse of it.""That exclus

"Who knew that pill crafting could boost my strength like this? The essence of a thousand-year-old magical remedy evaporates, and the one who makes the pill reaps huge rewards." Ashton mused, a grin spreading across his face.He believed he could reach the elusive fifth level without the Water of Youth if he could find more of that ancient remedy. Those god-tier pills would boost his mental strength; each use and recovery would feel like a rebirth."The cultivation path begins with the external body, then the internal, and ends with spiritual power. Spiritual power has some seriously wild and wonderful uses."Ashton decided to try something new. He let go of all his physical and core essence power to rely solely on his spiritual power. To his amazement, he could sense everything in Medicine Valley. It was as if a second Ashton had floated out of his body to take in the whole scene from above. That newfound power was nothing short of astonishing.After a brief moment of leisure, Ash

"They call him Martin, the Supreme Knife-Wielder of the royal court, an old-timer in his 50s or 60s. He's at the Celestial Citadel, waiting for you.""Mister Levin, I have a bad feeling about this," Catelyn said.Ashton nodded solemnly."There's more. I have some inside scoop from the Imperial Court, and it's about you," Catelyn said, her eyes narrowing.She was determined to keep her promise."Your ex, Alora, she's cozying up with the old prince. This whole mess—Martin showing up and Yanne's injuries—has Alora's fingerprints all over it."Ashton nodded slowly—a shadow flickered in his eyes and then disappeared.He stayed in the room to watch Yanne, not wanting to leave.A surprised and confused voice soon followed.It was the doctor."All readings are off the charts! How is that possible?"Their devices checked Yanne's insides, and the lights were all green—healthy as a horse."Is it because of the pill?" The doctors huddled, exchanging guesses.Time passed, and Yanne imp

The man was breathtaking, a vision of perfection, while the woman's beauty was otherworldly. She looked like she had stepped out of a legendary tale.The two adventurers strolled down the narrow path, the world around them seemingly transformed into a magical paradise."Hmm?"Martin stared at Yanne in disbelief."How can this be?"She had been hit by his Fleshweave Fist over three days ago. Her limbs and thigh bones should have melted into a puddle of gore by then. How could she be walking around, perfectly fine, as if nothing had happened? Impossible!Since its invention a century ago, the Fleshweave Fist had terrorized martial artists. Martin, the rightful heir to that deadly technique, knew its deadly potential. All of its victims died within a week.Despite all odds, the curse had lifted.Yanne's spirit was bright, and her eyes sparkled with a hint of divine light, indicating good health and energy."Ashton! Yanne!"Alora's icy gaze fixed on the pair, her nails threatenin

Alora's heart was a tangled mess of emotions. A few months back, Ashton was nothing more than a guy living off others. He was like a character straight out of a fantasy novel, and she could not shake the feeling that she was stuck in a dream.His sudden transformation into someone who seemed to radiate otherworldly magic baffled her.She suddenly found her obsessions—money, power, status—ridiculous. Watching those titans fight changed her world, teaching her who ruled and who was the best.No matter their wealth, political power, or birthright, they all looked like fools before true heroes.That was the real deal, a chosen one who could shape their destiny.Had she not left, would she be standing by his side instead of Yanne?She sneered at the dark silhouette on the Celestial Citadel, wanting him to split in two and vanish.Her pain and regrets would end if he were gone. She could pursue her goals without looking back.Why did she feel as if something was off, though?She lau