"Familiar?" Emery was curious."Have you met Grandmaster Rhys before, Sir Bolts?""I must have been mistaken." Woody stroked his beard and gave it some thought, but he couldn't recall anything. With his memory, he would never have forgotten such a talented martial artist. It was a rare sight to see a young man become a grandmaster in Dragonmarsh. In normal circumstances, he would never forget such a talent if he had met him before. That could only mean that they were not acquainted."Sir Bolts, you must be tired after traveling this far. Please, have a seat and rest." Emery gestured. "There's no rush. Let me have a word with the young grandmaster." With that, Woody headed straight for the stage.Emery frowned briefly before regaining his composure.The Martial Arts Union became powerful mainly because it attracted talent from all walks of life. Be it good or bad, anyone with skills or unique abilities could join the union if they were strong enough.Woody had clearly take
"Young man, as long as you join us, I'll make sure to assign you a venerated role." Woody proposed a tempting offer. In the Martial Arts Union, a venerated role was higher than an official. Dustin would enjoy a rapid promotion and advance by two ranks immediately. "I'm sorry, I'm still not interested." Dustin shook his head once more.Woody frowned at being rejected repeatedly. He didn't expect Dustin to be this ungrateful when he had been extremely accommodating. "No way. What is he thinking? He's declining a venerated role in the union?""Being favored by the union is a great honor, but this guy is not appreciative! He's so ignorant!" "Hmph! What's a young grandmaster in front of the union? They're nothing but country bumpkins!"A few jealous martial artists commented on the situation. Most martial artists saw an offer from the union as the highest honor one could receive. However, Dustin declined the offer repeatedly, showing complete disregard for the union. He was t
"He's here?" Everyone turned their attention in the direction Theodore was looking. What they saw was a white figure jumping down from the top floor of the alliance headquarters. As light as a feather, the figure moved with the wind. "He's here! Sir Reeds is here!" A commotion broke out in the arena as the crowd watched the figure descend from the sky. Ronald Reeds had finally made his appearance. Under the watchful eyes of many, a white-clad Ronald arrived with his hands behind his back. His clothes swayed with the wind, and his steps were graceful. He looked like a higher being making his descent, carrying himself mysteriously and charismatically. He didn't have an imposing air or an overbearing presence. Still, nobody dared look him straight in the eye as he commanded utmost respect. At that moment, Ronald was like the brightest light, illuminating the earth and dispelling the darkness. It inspired genuine awe in the hearts of those who beheld him. "Sir Reeds, cong
What did he say? Wasn't he challenging the leader of the alliance for power and position? Wasn't he doing it to make a name for himself?Why did it sound like he was here to seek revenge? Was there a conflict between them? "How dare you openly insult our leader? It's simply unforgivable!" Quincey yelled as he rose angrily from his seat. The members of the alliance were also clamoring indignantly. Ronald was the face of the alliance. Naturally, no one could tolerate it when their leader was being slandered."That's enough, everyone calm down." Ronald raised his hand to silence the noise. Remaining unfazed, he continued, "Dustin, justice is clear. I have always acted honorably. Do you think a few accusations can tarnish my reputation?""Accusations? Hmph!" Dustin snorted. "You betrayed and killed your master. You're worse than an animal! A hypocrite like you who pretends to be virtuous deserves to be condemned by everyone!""How dare you!" Ronald's expression darkened.
Upon Ronald's command, a waiver was brought forth. Both he and Dustin signed their names on it without a word. A duel in the arena had always been a grave affair of life and death. However, unless there was a deep-seated enmity, the victor would normally show mercy. That was the unspoken code of conduct. However, by signing the waiver, that unspoken code would become void. There would be no room for mercy and no option for surrender. All that lay ahead was a ruthless battle for survival.It was either live or die. No third alternative existed. "Dustin, this is the most foolish thing you've done in your entire life." After signing the contract, Ronald's entire demeanor shifted.Instead of his previous grace, he now exuded an imposing might. A tremendous force seemed to emanate from him, enveloping the entire arena. Following that, the martial artists in the audience felt a sudden heaviness. It was as if an invisible boulder was pressing down on their shoulders. Even thei
There were differences in strength even among grandmasters. And the gaps between each minor level were challenging to bridge. "Sir Bolts, it seems like you have overestimated this young man." Theodore chuckled and shook his head. "If I'm not mistaken, after Sir Reeds' recent seclusion, his skills have ascended to another level. So he should only need three moves to deal with Dustin.""Oh? Is that so?" Woody raised an eyebrow, somewhat surprised.Ronald had already attained the status of a grandmaster several years ago. If he had made further progress, he was on the verge of becoming an ultimate grandmaster. If that were the case, the Martial Arts Union would have to reevaluate his value."Dustin, you should never have challenged me. I already offered you a chance back in the Black Forest. But it seems like you're determined to dig a grave for yourself. "No one will be coming to your rescue today!" Ronald continued to advance. His terrifying presence intensified as it surged
When the dust settled, the audience of martial artists felt a cold shiver run down their backs. They were terrified. The aftermath of that previous collision was terrifying. Had they not been prepared and failed to dodge, they would have been seriously injured. Even with their precautions, the destructive force left them with a lingering unease. "Not bad. You've improved since our encounter in the Black Forest," Ronald said as he placed one hand behind his back. With a faint smile playing on his lips, he looked convinced of his victory. "Unfortunately, you're still going to die today.""Ronald, don't hold back and just bring it on. Otherwise, you won't have another chance." Dustin straightened his posture, his gaze as cold as ever. The attack earlier had allowed Dustin to see through Ronald's limits. As expected, it appeared as if Ronald was on the verge of turning into an ultimate grandmaster. Fortunately, due to time constraints, he hadn't fully broken through yet. Other
Ronald leaped up high and suspended himself in the air. Under the sunlight, the golden armor that he wore gleamed brilliantly. It caught everyone's attention. "I call this swordplay the Ethereal Slash. I learned it during my three years spent in seclusion. Until today, I have never displayed it in front of others. "It will be your greatest honor today to die by this technique!"Now, watch me!" Ronald's golden sword suddenly shook. He then transformed into a golden streak of light and descended rapidly. His momentum was tremendous, destroying everything in its path. "How fast! What a terrifying swordplay!""Oh my goodness! Is this divine retribution? It's so frightening!""No one can withstand this strike of his when unleashed. At least the young grandmaster will die an honorable death!" Ronald's astounding swordplay sent shockwaves throughout the arena. The martial artists were left in awe. That golden streak of light was as radiant as the sun and left people utterly def