"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
The Ironfist Statue and Albert held their imposing stance, both exerting immense pressure on Reagan. In the colossal shadow of the Ironfist Statue, Reagan appeared minuscule—like an ant, seemingly vulnerable to a gentle touch that could effortlessly crush him."Sevenbane!" As Albert launched his attack, Dustin swiftly sprang into action. His eyes were filled with rage and energy concentrated within the Celestial Blade. Stepping forward, Dustin fused with his sword, transforming into a black streak aimed unerringly at Reagan's heart."Noble Force!"Witnessing Albert and Dustin going all out, Reagan couldn't afford to take any risks. He immediately activated his defensive technique. His body trembled, and a white energy burst forth, creating a circular force field around him.Albert's Adamantine Wisdom Palm clashed with the force field above Reagan's head, creating a loud noise. Ripples coursed through the force field, resembling flowing water, and the cryptic runes on its su
The Deicide Venom, a projectile with a range of ten feet, was almost a sure hit when launched unexpectedly. So, when Julius produced the projectile from behind and executed a surprise attack, the poisoned needle, carrying the Deicide Venom, effortlessly pierced Reagan's body."Finally got it done." Julius let out a long breath as if accomplishing some crucial task.On the other hand, Reagan was left bewildered. He turned around, staring at Julius with disbelief, shock, confusion, and deep suspicion."W-Why?" Reagan's eyes widened, his face reflecting shock, bewilderment, and an undeniable sense of betrayal. He couldn't comprehend why Julius, who had already cut ties with West Lucozia castle and joined the Dragon Guard, would betray him."Sir Judd, I'm sorry. I'm still a member of the Rhys family. I can't stand idly by while my family falls." Julius smirked. He went on, "Besides, Logan is my nephew. How could I bear to harm him?""So, right from the start, it was all an act?
Willem was so fast that, even to a grandmaster, it would appear as though he had teleported, leaving no time to react.Bailey had already drawn Arion's full attention, making Willem's sudden attack almost impossible to counter.When everyone thought his attack was about to succeed, a red divine talisman suddenly shot out and stuck to his forehead just as his fangs were mere inches from Arion's neck.The talisman exploded, releasing a surge of violent energy that blasted Willem over ten yards away. Before he hit the ground, a blazing fireball instantly engulfed him.He screamed as he turned into a human torch. The fire burned fiercely, scorching his flesh and charring his body.The flames clung to him like a curse and were impossible to put out. His blood energy crackled and hissed as the fire burned, and thick black smoke rose from his body.The sight shocked everyone.Just moments ago, Willem had almost succeeded in his ambush, but Arion had been prepared. With a single talisma
Thousands of golden whips lashed out with the force of a storm, and it was impossible to dodge.The group led by Bailey launched their attacks to block and continually struck the golden whips. With each collision, energy erupted, followed by loud booming sounds.Arion stood firm like a mountain. His body was enveloped in golden light as he swung his whips. Even though he was outnumbered, he still held the advantage.Bailey and the others couldn't break through at all. A few slightly weaker gods from the Hall of Gods were forced to retreat with each lash and struggled to withstand the onslaught.At that moment, everyone finally realized the terrifying power of Dragonmarsh's strongest martial artist. Even the attacks evolved from the Glow Incantation were enough to throw them off balance."I don't believe these things can stop me!"Bailey roared as his body began to change. His already large frame grew even bulkier, like a small mountain. His shirt tore as his muscles expanded, and
The sudden turn of events took everyone by surprise. No one had expected Arion to strike so suddenly; he was so fast that they couldn't even see his movement.Even Willem, renowned for his speed, couldn't react in time. One slap had sent him flying—simple, brutal, and unstoppable.At that moment, they finally realized that the seemingly harmless Arion was much more formidable than they had imagined.Willem staggered to his feet and reached up to straighten his twisted neck. His collapsed cheek began to heal at a visible rate. Fortunately for him, vampires possessed extraordinary regenerative abilities. Without it, the slap would have crippled him."You're strong for an old geezer, but it'll take more than that to finish me off," Willem hissed through clenched teeth. The bloodthirst in his eyes was unmistakable as he glared at Arion. If he could drain Arion's blood, his strength would surge to unimaginable heights."Oh? This is interesting." Arion raised an eyebrow with a faint smi
The battle between the Hall of Gods and Sacred Wrym Summit raged with unrelenting intensity. The Hall of Gods had made meticulous preparations for this invasion. Besides recruiting powerful martial artists from around the world, they also distributed valuable enhanced serums to everyone. To counter Sacred Wrym Summit's Stormcraft technique, they developed a special combat suit capable of resisting such attacks. Generally, a divine martial artist struck by Stormcraft would instantly lose their combat ability, but this special suit reduced the effectiveness of the attack by half. Even if struck, they could recover after a brief moment to continue fighting. The defensive capabilities of this gear were nearly flawless.In addition, their greatest strength was the sheer weight of their numbers. They had at least ten thousand people, including hired outlaws, under their command. During the siege, they were densely packed like a swarm of bees.In contrast, Sacred Wrym Summit had only
Willard's ultimate move cleared the battlefield in an instant. The martial artists who had rushed forward were either dead or critically wounded, with no ability to defend themselves."This… How is this possible?" Hank's eyes widened in terror as cold sweat beaded on his forehead.Under the restriction of the sealing formation, even ultimate grandmasters couldn't unleash their full strength. But Willard, with nothing more than a flask of liquor, had managed to tap into a supreme divine power far beyond his cultivation level.Though he was only at the grandmaster level, his move, Infinite Spirit Manifestation, carried the might of an ultimate grandmaster. If he were to use it again, the outcome would be grim for everyone, including himself."Retract!" Willard took a deep breath and the thousands of illusory images that had surged forth earlier instantly retracted into his body. His face turned red and pale as his breath grew heavy and ragged.The toll of using Infinite Spirit Manif
"Take a guess." Willard didn't answer. Instead, he took another sip from his flask.His cultivation had been sealed, but his strength came from the wine in his hand. The wine was refined with valuable herbs and contained dense spiritual energy, which he could absorb and convert into combat power.In short, every sip made him stronger. Even with his cultivation sealed, he could still execute powerful techniques."It's the wine, isn't it?" Garrett's gaze landed on the flask, and a quick realization set in. Willard drank before and after every attack, which hinted at something suspicious."Bingo. But no prize for you." Willard smirked and launched forward with a palm strike aimed at Garrett. Though his strength wasn't at its peak, the attack remained a deadly threat to the already injured Garrett."Mr. Styles, save me." Garrett knew he had no chance of blocking it and cried for help."Go to hell, traitor!" Hank saw the internal commotion unfold and threw a powerful punch at Willard
With a longsword in hand, Dustin plunged into the crowd like a tiger among sheep and cut down his enemies with brutal efficiency.Though he couldn't tap into his mystical energy, his physical strength far outstripped that of an average martial artist. His speed, power, reflexes, and combat skills crushed anyone in his path.Every swing of his blade was precise and targeted the enemy's vital spots with deadly accuracy, which left no room for defense.Under his relentless assault, the assassins were helpless. The air rang with their screams as bodies fell one after another.Unlike the tournament match, Dustin now unleashed his full power in this life-or-death fight. His attacks were becoming more brutal and relentless than ever."This kid's tougher than I thought." Hank frowned as he watched his men struggle.He hadn't expected Dustin to have such formidable combat prowess, even with his sealed cultivation. If an unmatched genius like Dustin couldn't be made an ally, he had to be e
"Step forward, and you're dead!" Facing the onslaught of desperate assassins, Dustin showed no mercy. With a swing of his long sword, a dazzling sword aura swept through the darkness like a crescent moon and briefly illuminated the night sky. The assassins only saw a flash of white light and instinctively stopped in their tracks. When the brilliance faded, those at the front stood frozen as if struck by a paralysis spell.A moment later, heads tumbled to the ground, like ripe fruit falling from a tree. The headless bodies stood upright for two seconds before collapsing, blood splattering everywhere.The gruesome sight shocked everyone. They exchanged uneasy glances and were hesitant to move forward. No one had anticipated Dustin's sword to be so fast that the fallen couldn't even defend themselves.The assassins who had just been killed were among the elites. Yet, none of them could block even a single strike. The difference in strength was clear."What are you standing aroun
The people who emerged from the fog wore masks that hid their faces, but each had the Hall of Gods emblem on their bodies. Among them was a small group led by Dustin.After sensing a battle nearby, Dustin had deliberately left his team behind to investigate alone. He hadn't expected another group to lead them out of the fog formation."What's going on? Why are there so many bodies scattered around?" "Looks like they ran into a strong enemy. Stay sharp, everyone!" The sight of scattered corpses put everyone on edge. Their eyes darted between Dustin and Aven."Dustin, what are you doing here alone?" The leader of the group recognized him immediately.The Hall of Gods had recruited several teams, each marked by different colored masks, with team leaders wearing a distinctive emblem."Hank?" Dustin narrowed his eyes as he recognized the voice. "What happened here?" Hank asked tentatively."I don't know. I just stepped out of the fog formation." Dustin shook his head."Really?"