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
Months ago, when Jasmine's blue bloodline erupted, slaughtering all the cultivators of Swords Sect and even the wandering cultivators who had come out from the mountains, both Jasmine and Ethan forgot that there was still one Bone Sacrifice cultivator who had noticed them but had not witnessed Jasmine's bloodline eruption."Senior, I have discovered the madman who provoked Swords Sect months ago!" the youth reported."Oh?" The white-browed elder raised an eyebrow. "Where is this person? To actually dare provoke my Swords Sect!""He is at Stone Three's residence in the northern part of Eternal Waters County! I saw him seeking medicine in front of Master Stone Three's residence half a month ago!" the youth said."Stone Three?" The white-browed elder's expression changed as he murmured in contemplation. After a moment, he took out a shimmering silver soft armor from his ring and tossed it to the young man. "This is for you. You need not worry about this matter anymore."With just a piece
At the same time, Ethan was slashed in his left thigh and abdomen by two blades. His left leg was nearly severed while the abdominal wound gaped three inches deep, with blood spurting out.This was already after Ethan's fleshly body was enhanced by obtaining the Azure Dragon's heart. Otherwise, just these two strikes would have cleaved Ethan in two."Hiss hiss." The wounds on his thigh and abdomen swiftly healed.In an instant, the rocky mounds were dyed red with blood, splattering wildly into the void."Such powerful regenerative abilities!" The triangular-eyed youth was shocked."His real body is here!""This petty Meridian Training cultivator is truly unbridled!"The four late-stage Bone Sacrifice youths spread out to surround Ethan, slashing at him from all directions with their sabers and swords.Swoosh!Ethan cast them an icy glance before directly turning and sprinting away like mad.Ethan was very clear that relying on the Azure Dragon's heaven-defying restorative powers, he
The hoarse yet penetrating shout echoed through the air, reaching not only Ethan but also the remaining eighteen Swords Sect cultivators at the entrance of Extreme North Icefield, the four Swords Sect Bone Sacrifice cultivators in the void, and even cultivators within a radius of thousands of miles."White Brow Steward is here?" In the void, the cultivator with triangular eyes was overjoyed."Yes! That's definitely White Brow Steward's voice. I didn't expect him to arrive so quickly!" Another Bone Sacrifice cultivator also looked delighted....In a street district thousands of miles away in the county city."Insolence! How dare you kill my Swords Sect's people!" This furious roar boomed through the void like thunder in broad daylight, heard by countless people below."Who is it? To actually dare kill Swords Sect cultivators!""No one has dared to challenge Swords Sect's prestige in so many years.""It seems to be Swords Sect's White Brow Steward... To even alert him, this person is c
It was no wonder Ethan thought this way. A monk's physical body absorbed force every day, making it precious as well. Moreover, Ethan possessed the Azure Dragon bloodline!Little White clamped Ethan's ear in his mouth and dashed towards the great lake at an astonishing speed.Compared to several months ago, although Little White was much more "slim" now, his speed was nearly ten times faster than before! It was almost twice as fast as Ethan's peak speed!Was this still the "ordinary little snake" those Swords Sect cultivators in the void space talked about?Clearly not! Just this terrifying speed alone was much faster than ordinary beast spirits, even faster than many beast spirits!Whoosh!Like a white bolt of lightning, Little White carried Ethan's head and rapidly closed the distance to the great lake..."At least it has some conscience..." Ethan grinned, though with just a head left, his grin looked rather freakish.Ethan's consciousness had not faded. He was startled for a momen
Juan Baker flipped his right hand and a pitch-black spear appeared.Ethan's gaze had been fixed on Juan Baker and his son the entire time. The instant Juan moved, Ethan realized his intent."You despicable old codger! Don't you dare!" Ethan was so shocked he nearly jumped out of his skin. If Juan Baker had targeted Ethan himself, he wouldn't have batted an eyelid no matter how powerful his opponent was. After all, Ethan's mental resilience was beyond ordinary and with the ancient Azure Dragon's restorative abilities, conventional attacks posed no threat.But for Juan Baker to make a move against Lily was going too far! And it just so happened to be Ethan's Achilles heel!Juan Baker gave a cold smile. Without hesitation, he whipped his right hand down to hurl the spear!At the same time, Ethan sped towards Lily as swiftly as he could.Originally two hundred yards separated Ethan and Lily, but in this life-or-death moment, he seemed even faster than usual. Incredibly, he managed to rus
"Ethan, do you really think you can bully the Baker family so easily?" Juan Baker's face was ashen, utterly humiliated in front of all the major families of Mistwood County. Having his future son-in-law killed and his guest official beheaded right in front of everyone, how could the Baker family continue to hold their standing in Mistwood County if they did not regain some face?Ethan's expression was impassive as his gaze swept over the core members of the Baker family present in the grand hall. Of them all, only four gave him slight pause.Including Juan Baker and his third son Ralph Baker, there were just five Bone Sacrifice practitioners. And now, only four remained after Ethan's handiwork. Such a force was inferior even compared to the Martin family of Hampshire County. Ethan had no patience for idle chatter. He immediately unleashed the Eight Mystical Metamorphoses, his original form and his clone charging at Juan Baker in unison.Speed was paramount. Ethan was currently only a
In the hall, all the "dignitaries" like Anna Patterson and Allan Long watched Ethan and Maxwell with odd expressions, clearly sensing their malicious intent. Yet no one had expected someone to actually crash the Baker family's joyous occasion.For rivals like Anna Patterson, nothing would be better than ruining the Baker family's big day, or even causing their total downfall. So for the moment, all was silent as they waited to see what would unfold.An eerie quiet. Joseph closed his eyes regretfully. He knew of the feelings between his daughter and Ethan, and rather approved of the boy. But his arrival was just too late, and the timing was wrong...After over seven years, Ethan's appearance had changed somewhat, but Charles still recognized him and kept signaling urgently for Ethan to leave quickly.Ethan ignored him completely, back ramrod straight, eyes empty of emotion as he scanned the Baker crowd.Beside him, Maxwell loomed tall and bulky, standing out in the crowd like a crane
"You...you..." Joseph was nearing eighty. Such provocation was too much for him and his face flushed crimson as he gasped for breath."Father!" Charles hurriedly supported Joseph, gently patting his back to help him calm down. "Grandfather!" Lily's hair was disheveled, tears instantly filling her eyes....The eighth day of the twelfth lunar month was an auspicious date, at least for the millions of ordinary folk in Mistwood County.Everyone knew this was the joyous wedding day of the Baker family's third young master. Though he already had two wives and concubines, how eminent was the Baker family? The undisputed overlord of Mistwood County, even lording over nearby counties--their might was undisputed.The Baker family was worthy of being called the overlords of Mistwood County. Their extravagant welcoming convoy stretched over fifteen miles, handing out large festive cash gifts to all they met--not just any gifts either, but ten taels of silver per person!Many eyed the money cove
"Two celestial beings..." Lily's lovely face paled and she instinctively drew closer to the ice sculpture.The loud commotion also woke the just-risen Charles, Joseph and the rest. Soon--The main hall doors opened and the Joseph family streamed out, from Charles and Joseph down to the servants, staring curiously at the Baker entourage and the glittering array of treasures before them.Many had never seen such wealth in their lives! Just the gold ingots alone filled three huge chests. That was not even counting the obviously expensive jewelry and other gifts.Filling chests with gold ingots--how rich did one have to be?Likely enough...to buy half the streets in Stone Town!Joseph's brows twitched slightly. "Young Master Baker, what is the meaning of this?"It was normal to offer betrothal gifts, but gifts of such extravagance were no ordinary matter. Despite his advanced years, Joseph's eyesight remained sharp. He knew well the sheer quantity of gold, silver and jewels laid out befor
Lily gazed at the ice sculpture, lost in thought, barely registering her father's words.Charles stepped forward and sat down cross-legged beside his daughter. "Speaking of that Ethan boy, he really is pitiable. Losing his parents early, and his only grandfather murdered too. Seven years ago he finally avenged his grandfather by killing Caleb, but then got taken away by some mysterious youth. No word since--such a shame."He sighed regretfully. The image of that teenager chopping wood behind their hill seven or eight years ago was still vivid in his mind. Charles had liked Ethan quite a bit. At the time, many talented local youths had been vying for Lily's affection, yet he had favored Ethan, even hoping to match him with his daughter. But unexpectedly..."Father, enough." Lily turned her head slightly, revealing a face that could bring kingdoms to ruin. But looking closely, her beautiful eyes held a deep weariness.Seven years--how many such spans are granted in a mortal lifetime? Se
An hour later. The rain grew heavier, coming down in sheets. The dark sky heralded an early nightfall in this gloomy downpour. The Inn of No Worries had long since closed, and the main street was now sparsely populated, with only a few swaying lanterns barely clinging to their poles in the wind and rain.Under the torrential rain's dilution, the traces of the Fountain of Time's poison had completely faded away. As Ethan strode through the ankle-deep water on the street, it splashed out around his steps.A hundred or so yards across from the Inn of No Worries, a bulky figure stood under the eaves of a dilapidated house, hands hanging loosely at his sides. Drenched by the raging storm, he seemed unfazed, standing motionless as the rainwater streamed down his face through gaps in the broken roof tiles."Maxwell? Your hands...they're healed?" From afar, Ethan immediately recognized Maxwell and grinned, hurriedly splashing through the standing water toward him.Maxwell's lips trembled and
The assassin in purple robes stepped forward to flip over Ethan's "corpse", intending to seize Ethan's Azure Myst.But at that moment--Suddenly! Ethan's eyes shot open as the Azure Dragon shard materialized in his hand, stabbing into the assassin's left and right thighs in rapid succession!"Pfft!""Pfft!"Blood gushed wildly as holes appeared in both of the assassin's legs. His expression changed dramatically as he was jolted awake. Ethan pounced forward, gripping the assassin's thighs tightly, stabbing the Azure Dragon shard again and again into his legs! Ethan knew clearly that a Beyond Heaven core assassin of this caliber likely had some kind of spiritual armor for protection. A direct stab to the heart might not take him down in one blow. In an instant, the assassin's legs were pierced four or five times. The extreme sharpness of the Azure Dragon shard rendered his legs basically useless. The assassin's face was sinisterly dark. He did indeed have spiritual armor--a mid-gra
"I must make him come down," Ethan's icy gaze swept over the water pooling on the ground. The rainwater mixed with a drop of Fountain of Time. Although constantly being washed and diluted by the rain, it had not yet fully dispersed and was still extremely toxic!Because of the Fountain of Time, Ethan's movable space was very limited right now. While the purple-robe could float freely in the void, under such circumstances this battle was unwinnable!Ethan flung an initial stage spear towards the purple-robe in the void. He still had tens of thousands of such spears in reserve in his Azure Myst. For offensive means, as a peak Meridian Training expert Ethan could only do this much against Bone Sacrifice Realm and above enemies.Weakened over thousands of yards of space, the spear's power had greatly diminished. The purple-robe casually waved his hand, deflecting the spear aside. It could not harm him whatsoever.Ethan flipped his hand, taking out a night pot emanating a faint azure glow