The following morning, as a gentle rain fell, Ethan rose early, washed and stepped outside. Since it was raining, he couldn't chop wood and there was no need to visit Blue Cloud Forge, which he frequented only once a week. Thus, he started his day by practicing his swordsmanship.Diligence and solitude were inseparable from the path of cultivation. To gain, one must first give up. Ethan knew that to exact his revenge and slay his nemesis, Caleb, his current level of skill wouldn't suffice. He must endure the loneliness, bide his time, and lie low until he grew strong enough.With eyes as sharp as blades, Ethan focused on a green caterpillar on the old locust tree before him. With a swoosh, his long sword left its sheath, tracing a brilliant crescent arc in the air as it swiftly descended upon the caterpillar. The blade halted abruptly, just a hair's breadth from the tree. The force of the sword's air split the caterpillar in two, leaving the tree unharmed.This was the realm of master
Ethan's eyes grew sharper, and his right hand naturally rested on the hilt of his blade. The surrounding area seemed to quiet down, with only the occasional conversation of passersby in the distance. In Ethan's eyes, it was as if only the two of them remained in the world.Alexander was undoubtedly the most formidable opponent Ethan had faced since obtaining the Stone Bead. Renowned for many years in Stone Town, he may even have been stronger than Caleb, and Ethan dared not take him lightly. Even in a friendly spar, he had to give his all, not to be underestimated."Ha!"Suddenly, Ethan drew his blade with a flash, like a bolt of lightning, accompanied by a gust of wind, aimed directly at Alexander's waist."Haha, interesting." Alexander's eyes lit up, and at the last moment, he performed an iron bridge maneuver, narrowly avoiding Ethan's gleaming blade as it grazed past his nose."Six strikes in a single breath at such a young age—impressive!" Alexander felt the chilling sensation as
Days passed, and in the blink of an eye, it was spring of the year 1005 in the Chaos Calendar.Ethan's name had quietly spread throughout Stone Town, making him a rising star among the younger generation. Stone Town, comprised of a dozen villages, was a place where even the smallest events became widely known. Most people in Stone Town were aware of the impressive young man who had emerged from Storm Clan's Village.In the verdant month of March, birdsong filled the air near the humble dwelling where Robert resided in Storm Clan's Village.A series of firecrackers erupted outside the hut, their rudimentary construction typical in Stone Town and other parts of the Continent of Chaos. Generally, firecrackers at one's doorstep signified either a funeral or a joyous occasion.With a cry, the door opened, revealing Robert, followed by Victor, Olivia, and Eleanor, all wearing puzzled expressions. They looked at the two approaching figures and the two strong men carrying a pole behind them.
Feeling utterly helpless, Olivia looked around, tears blurring her vision. Her parents' faces were alight with poorly concealed smiles, while her brother, Victor, averted his gaze. For a moment, she felt abandoned by the world."Come, Uncle Robert, let me propose a toast with tea in place of wine," Noah said, filling his and Robert's cups to the brim. His face betrayed his smug satisfaction, for in his eyes, Olivia was as good as his."Pretending to be virtuous? Sooner or later, you'll be mine!" he thought, casting a dark glance towards the upper room.Noah's insatiable lust for women, coupled with his father Caleb's influence in Stone Town, had led to the ruination of countless innocent young girls. He had long coveted Olivia, and now that she was of age, he would not let her slip away."Young Master Noah is too kind. It's my daughter's fortune to be married to you," Robert said obsequiously, draining his cup in one gulp."In that case, Brother Robert, isn't it time to choose an ausp
"What are you waiting for? We must leave now, or it'll be too late! The town is only seven or eight miles away, a swift horse ride there and back would take no more than an hour!""Let's go!" Olivia urged.But where to? There were only one or two paths to the town, and Ethan had no horse. He feared he would be captured by the guards halfway there! Going towards the town at this moment was suicide! Should he head for the mountains? They were filled with wild beasts, and even monsters! Moreover, there were only a few paths down the mountain. Was he supposed to stay there until he grew old?His only option was to find a prominent family in town to hide from the storm.With a plan in mind, Ethan hesitated no more. Glancing at the crowd, he dashed towards Lily's house as if he were flying. In the blink of an eye, he vanished from sight."That speed..." A young man in the crowd stared in awe, "Ethan truly is a hidden gem! That speed might be comparable to a martial artist at the eighth leve
Moments later, the guards retreated like a receding tide, and the chamber was peaceful once more. Clad in only her undergarments and a thin veil, Lily, her face still flushed, stood by the tub until the guards were far enough away. As the water grew colder, she finally exhaled, not daring to turn around. "They're gone, why aren't you coming out?"Silence filled the bright room. "Huh?" Puzzled, Lily turned to find Ethan crouching in the tub, his eyes locked on her chest, blood gushing from his nostrils, staining the clear water. Unaware, he remained still."Ah! Pervert!" Lily, startled, shrieked hysterically, and with a swift kick, her slender leg connected with Ethan's face.Ethan, caught off guard, choked on a mouthful of water. "What? A wolf? Where?" Charles hurried towards the room, his footsteps hurried."Father, it's nothing, I was mistaken," Lily quickly waved her hand."Mistaken?" Charles skeptically scanned the room, noting the orderliness and absence of anything suspicious,
Silently, Ethan accepted the Lock of True Love. Lily smiled and carefully threaded a delicate silken strand through the lock before tenderly fastening it around Ethan's neck. Time seemed to stand still in the quiet room, the only sound the faint crackling of thick red candles.Beneath the flickering candlelight, Lily's blushing face held an unwavering gaze, as if to etch Ethan's visage into her very bones. Overwhelmed by a sudden tenderness, Ethan pulled her into his arms, and as he looked down at the mixture of unease, surprise, and shyness in her eyes, he leaned in and kissed her.Caught off guard, Lily struggled briefly before succumbing to the sensation of their soft, slippery kiss. When their lips finally parted, she recovered first, her face flushed with anger. "You bully!" She pushed Ethan away and yanked on his ear. Unfazed by the pain, Ethan merely grinned at her sheepishly.Silence settled over the room once more, the atmosphere now charged with a newfound tension. "Li
Henry soon returned, holding a white envelope. The wax seal was intact, indicating it hadn't been opened."Ethan, this letter was written by your mother," Henry said, placing the envelope in Ethan's arms. "When you were only a few months old, your parents came to me, left this letter, and repeatedly instructed me to give it to you only after you reached the Meridian Training Realm. Don't think too much about your father's affairs. The more you know, the more dangerous it is for you. Remember, don't open it until you reach the Meridian Training Realm.""A letter from my father? I have to wait until I reach the Meridian Training Realm?" Ethan was bewildered."Yes," Henry confirmed. "While it's still dark, take the letter and flee. Once dawn breaks, the town's exits will likely be sealed, leaving you with no escape!"Ethan took a deep breath to calm himself, then bowed deeply to Henry. "Hurry up, lad," said Henry, a tinge of melancholy in his voice. "If the opportunity arises, come back
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