The Octennial Array was quickly activated under Dustin's order. A white light shone from each side of the octagonal formation at the edge of the foggy area. The white lights soared skyward, eventually converging high above. Then, it descended into a vast curtain of light, enveloping the entire foggy area. The light curtain was translucent. When viewed from the outside, it looked like a giant eggshell.At this moment, within the spell's area, the Dragon Guard members could feel the ground beneath them rumbling as they ran. The hard ground suddenly became soft, like a mud pool. Besides that, there seemed to be a strong suction force coming from underground. They felt like they were being sucked into the mud pool with every step they took."What's going on? Why is the ground so soft?" The sudden change threw everyone in the Dragon Guard members off guard. Even though they were skilled martial artists, they had never been in a situation like this. Regardless of where they stepp
The red flare left a long, bright trail as it shot skyward. However, the translucent ceiling of the Octennial Array lit up for a while, and the red flare stopped halfway.The red flare exploded loudly. The fiery explosion was absorbed by the translucent ceiling and left no trails. The Dragon Guard members could only see a flashing red light before it completely disappeared. Other than the explosion, everything else remained the same."We can't even send a distress signal! It looks like we're completely trapped in this spell," The red-robed elder said with a frown. He couldn't find the spell's breaking point even with his eye technique in this situation. That was enough to prove that this spell was more bizarre and advanced than the Disorientation Spell, especially when both spells were used together. They complemented and enhanced each other's efficiency."Oh no! An ambush from the enemy!" Just as the red-robed elder was thinking of ways to break the spell, he heard a shri
"Damn! What the heck are these things? Why are there so many of them?""I can't kill them all! It's like a relentless wave, one after another.""We have to find a way out. If we continue like this, we'll exhaust ourselves and die here!""The fog is everywhere. I can't even see which way to go, and these shadows just keep coming. How can we find a way out?"Chaos engulfed the Dragon Guard members, transitioning from disdain to shock and fear. Ultimately, it descended into despair. The issue wasn't their incapacity to defeat the shadows but the absence of hope for survival. With each shadow they vanquished, two more emerged, steadily increasing in numbers. As their comrades fell in each assault, the attrition pushed them closer to total annihilation. To them, escape seemed impossible."Elder Reed, the situation is worsening. What should we do now?" The black-clad man, fending off enemies, sought assistance from the red-robed elder beside him.The black-clad man had to fend of
"It's still uncertain," Dustin replied with a serious expression. He added, "There are only two potential scenarios in this situation. First, Julius might not have earned the Dragon Guard's trust. Alternatively, Reagan could have sent this team to test Julius.""And the second?" Austin asked."The second possibility is that Julius betrayed us. It could be a trap orchestrated by the Dragon Guard, using a decoy team to draw us out and setting up a full-scale ambush," Dustin replied.He solemnly added, " Julius is the only one at risk in the first scenario. As for the second scenario, we might have walked into an enemy trap."Austin quickly analyzed the situation and ordered, "Stay alert, everyone!"The castle's elite forces promptly scattered, staying on high alert.At that moment, laughter resonated through the sky, causing a disturbance that sent countless birds into flight. "It's too late to be on guard now!"Shortly afterward, a formidable force of soldiers and horses emer
The elite warriors of the castle clashed fiercely with the numerically superior Dragon Guard, escalating the battle into a brutal confrontation. Austin led the castle forces, while Cinna commanded the Dragon Guard.In the midst of the chaotic battle, Dustin and Reagan faced each other in a standoff. They cautiously observed without taking immediate action.The ongoing combat hindered Dustin from strategically deploying formations. Both the fog formation and octagram array attacked indiscriminately. The earlier planted bombs appeared useless unless the situation reached a critical juncture where mutual destruction became the only choice.After a brief observation, Dustin issued a decisive command, "Austin, the ambush plan failed. Retreat with your men now!" As he gauged the situation, he observed that the castle's elite warriors, though brave and individually skilled, faced a roadblock in advancing further. Despite each warrior's capacity to handle three to five opponents, ac
"My strength may not measure up to Uncle Seth's, but it's still more than enough to take you on!" Dustin asserted."Take me on? Do you really have what it takes?" Reagan sneered.According to the information Reagan acquired, Dustin had recently attained the status of an ultimate grandmaster, mastering some unique techniques. However, Dustin was currently at the mid-stage of ultimate grandmaster, whereas Reagan was approaching completion. The gap between them was almost two levels, resembling a significant divide. This posed a considerable challenge for Dustin to overcome, even with his exceptional talent."You'll see soon if I've got what it takes," Dustin replied. He lifted his sword, and the Celestial Blade smoothly slid out from its sheath on his back, firmly held in his grasp."Fine! If you're that confident, I'll let you challenge me today!" Reagan waved his hand, conjuring a fiery-red spear into existence—the Inferno Fury Spear. It was ranked third on the Divine Weapon
"I'll have to admit that you've got the skills," Reagan remarked, wielding his spear with an imposing presence.He continued, "Not many can block my 'Desert Mirage,' and it seems you're one of the few. With time, you might even surpass me."In the previous strike, Reagan put in at least 50% of his strength. He sensed that Dustin had only slightly lagged after displaying his power in the direct confrontation earlier. However, Reagan felt that Dustin still had a long way to go to catch up."I expected someone holding the fifth rank on the Astonishing World List to be more impressive. Guess I overestimated you," Dustin commented, a tinge of disappointment evident in his expression."What did you just say?" Reagan shot him a cold glare. He couldn't fathom how Dustin would dare to underestimate him."What? Did you not catch that? Allow me to repeat." Dustin raised his voice. "Your strength is pathetic, way weaker than I anticipated!"Upon hearing this, Reagan instantly boiled with a
"Sneak attack? You honestly believe that'll succeed?" Reagan roared. He deftly maneuvered his spear and iron palm, and both were enveloped in a fiery red aura. The attacks were aimed at Dustin and the massive golden palm shadow above Reagan's head.Two thunderous sounds echoed. The force of the spear attack propelled Dustin backward, and Reagan's assault shattered the golden palm shadow in the sky like fragile glass, dispersing it into scattered golden light.Albert, hidden within the golden palm shadow, was thrown high into the air. Upon landing, he retreated more than 30 feet away.In contrast, Reagan quickly stepped back to readjust his stance following the unexpected assault. He retained the advantage even when facing two opponents, showcasing his impressive strength.Even though they were top-notch grandmasters at the pinnacle of their field, Dustin and Albert observed Reagan effortlessly handling them. They noticed Reagan displayed no signs of tiredness.Standing besid