Chaos erupted outside the doors of the inn as San Yang stormed forward, brutishly pushing aside any who stood in his path.Resentment flickered across the faces of many, but one glance back at the insignia on San Yang's armor was enough to dispel their ire. The courtyard was filled with those who recognized him—San Yang, leader of the Martin family's occupying forces in Hampshire County.Two factions divided dominion here: the Martins and the Qins. Though the Qins had risen in recent years, the Martins still held sway, their control evidenced by the soldiers they had installed."Why is San Yang barreling in here in such a fury? He must be after someone," the onlookers murmured."No doubt. Poor fool who dared offend the Martins," another spectator chuckled grimly.Milling about the streets, the crowds swiftly swelled as word of the commotion at The Inn of Homecoming spread.The innkeeper's round face was creased with bitterness. Of all his unwanted guests, few were more troublesome tha
Activating The Eight Mystical Metamorphoses, three identical copies of Ethan materialized before the inn, each wearing the Heaven-Breaking Boxing Set with cold eyes. They charged the six guest officials in unison.With his meridians unlocked, Ethan's speed now far exceeded even mid-stage Bone Sacrifice experts. His blurring fists found their marks before his opponents could react.Crunch. Thud. Seizing one early-stage cultivator, Ethan landed two lightning-quick punches, caving in the man's chest and pulverizing his bones. Blood spewed as the cultivator tumbled into the street beside the inn, his life surely at an end.Without the Moon-Slashing Saber, the Heaven-Breaking Boxing Set made Ethan even more formidable, ideal for group combat. As a rare mid-grade spiritual weapon with special amplification properties, the quality of his new armaments could not be understated. Having the right tools for the task was crucial; mid-grade weapons like these were scarce even among late-stage Bone
Though Blood Demon Technique had yet to advance since opening his meridians, the blood mists seemed denser and more expansive, enveloping the five Martin experts within dozens of yards."What sorcery is this?" The brow-scarred cultivator sensed a faint stagnation in his inner force, hampering his energy circulation. The effect was subtle, but concerning.In that moment, Terry Martin also dove from the void straight for Ethan, as Kenneth Martin split off, swooping down with a twisted grin. Amanda immediately fled far from the coming battle, watching anxiously from a rooftop hundreds of yards away."Villain! There's nowhere for you to run now!" she shrieked vengefully. In a blink, Ethan felt a fierce, freezing blade energy cleaving toward his back as Terry closed the hundred-yard gap between them.With his clones depleted for now, facing seven Bone Sacrifice masters alone weighed heavily on Ethan. He hesitated no longer, drawing out the Azure Dragon Shard.Whoosh. Twisting aside, Ethan
Terry took flight, rocketing hundreds of yards into the sky at top speed as he desperately fled the scene.Still, countless eyes below watched in shock, but Terry couldn't afford to care. Though Ethan was merely at the peak of Meridian Training, something about him chilled Terry to the core.It wasn't just his astounding recovery abilities or speed, but those ominous black bottles Ethan had revealed at the end. Terry couldn't be certain if he had more, and refused to take the risk!"The Martin elder himself has fled...""Just who is this man to force even Terry into retreat?""With one strike, an assassin's skills prove formidable indeed. No telling which organization he hails from..."Hovering invisibly overhead, Lawrence observed the battle with interest. "Truly powerful to overwhelm even that old crone Terry..."On a distant rooftop, Amanda's face was ghostly pale, mind buzzing in shock. In a daze, she suddenly came to her senses—with a shriek, the disheveled woman fled barefoot in
One month later.Heavenly State, Eternal Waters County.Situated in the north of Heavenly State bordering the Extreme North Icefield, Eternal Waters County was a mid-sized region.Unlike its typical tranquility, today the county bustled with activity as countless cultivators and mortals from all over flooded in, converging before an elegant manor on the northern edge.Occupying about a square mile, the manor was nestled against the mountains with pavilions and gardens exuding refined taste. The faint aroma of medicine mingled with the soothing tones of a zither, immediately imparting a sense of serenity to visitors.With the gates thrown open, people steadily filed in until the manor grounds overflowed, the line extending beyond the high walls. Most were youths aged fifteen to twenty, male and female, with nary a Swords Sect disciple among them.It was common knowledge that today was the day Grandmaster Alchemist Stone Three would take on a named disciple. Though eager to curry favor,
Resentment flickered across the remaining two thousand faces, but with the black-robed man's profound cultivation before them, none dared protest. Reluctantly they began dispersing until the once packed manor stood empty, all save one figure.A grey-robed youth with chiseled features stood calmly amidst the departing crowds. Though not remarkably handsome, an innate gravitas emanated from his composed frame."Who are you?" the black-robed man demanded sharply."Greetings, senior. This junior is named Ethan, and comes seeking..." Ethan bowed politely, only to be abruptly cut off."I've no interest in your story. Begone!" The man glanced at Ethan dismissively."Senior, please let me explain—" Ethan frowned."Need I repeat myself a third time?" A icy glint flashed through the man's eyes. Ethan quickly replied, "Senior, I've come for medicine!"The man paused, then smiled coldly. "Many come daily begging my master for remedies. Do you have a referral?""Referral?" Ethan started, not havi
Blood trickled from the corner of Ethan's mouth, the vivid red imprint of the slap standing out starkly on his left cheek.He was stunned, having never been struck in his life. The saying went that one should not hit the face, yet this man had crossed even that line.Licking the blood from his lips, Ethan repeated, "Junior comes seeking medicine!" Perhaps surprised at Ethan's stoic persistence, the black-robed man paused before scoffing, "You have fortitude, I'll grant you that. But you think such antics will sway me?"Ethan said nothing, back ramrod straight as he silently circulated his energy, rooting himself firmly in place with a weight increasing art. This time, he absolutely would not let the man eject him again!"Defeat me, and I'll relay your request," the man remarked with interest.Ethan was silent for a moment before continuing hoarsely, "Junior comes to seek medi—"A flash of light cut him off as the man's hand blurred through the air, severing Ethan's left arm in one cl
"Thank you for your mercy, Master!" The remaining people prostrated themselves, scarcely daring to breathe after the formidable six hundred year retainer was vaporized before their eyes. They would surely meet the same fate for the slightest misstep.In a blink, Ethan found himself facing a new figure—a handsome, silver-robed youth with waist-length hair.His flowing robes depicted a boundless starry sky on the front and a galaxy along the back. Tall and lithe, his long tresses and bright gaze lacked any imposing air, instead exuding a carefree noble's elegance."This is Stone Three?" Ethan was somewhat surprised. Rumors described the alchemist as quite young, but this man looked barely eighteen by mortal standards.Of course for profound masters, appearance mattered little. Eternal youth was trivial to attain; some forgot their own ages after living tens of thousands of years."Come, junior brother," Stone Three beckoned with a smile, leading the way inside.Ethan followed, filled wi