"Hmm?"Several confused voices sounded at the same time, and then Knivo followed the voice and found that the speaker was actually the young man that he had completely ignored, and he could not help but sneer."What did you say?" Knivo dug his ears and looked at Ashton jokingly."I said, I did not agree to this. Who are you to take her away?""Ash, I know you want to save me, but it's not working anymore. I've never done anything for you. Let me protect you, okay? At least, no matter what happens next, I won't have too many regrets." Cassia looked at him imploringly.Ashton did not speak, but pulled her to stand behind him and took a step forward at the same time."It's interesting, boy, tell me your name. I never someone I don’t know the name of." The expression on Knivo's face was like a cat teasing a mouse."My name is Ashton Levin. I'm from South Edren. I am an ancient technique practitioner. At the same time, I have also been Cassia's friend for many years. Now, I am her lov
As the chaos unfolded, Ashton's face retained its gentle smile, unaffected by the scene.A decade of rigorous training was nothing compared to his recent years on the run in South Edren.He had once strictly adhered to the Levin family's training methods. After a revelation, though, he had started to adopt an ancient technique passed down from his mother.Years of hardship had made him unstoppable.Blades flew at him from all directions, but Ashton moved with the speed and precision of a lightning strike, deflecting every attempt. With mere flicks of his hand, metal shattered.Then, with a swift gesture, he pulled two adversaries toward him. A pulse of raw power erupted from Ashton, launching them airborne like rag dolls, crashing hard onto the street.In an instant, two formidable opponents lay defeated.Of the members from the Seven Kills Alliance, only Mystikk stood unscathed."There's never a shortage of skeptics in this world, is there?" Ashton said.Behind him, Cassia st
A droplet-shaped black mark marred her arm, its center spreading out into a dense network of spider-web-like lines. The darkest tendrils had even reached her shoulder."When was this Darkspawn curse placed?" Ashton asked, his gaze fixed on her.Cassia shook her head, her eyes filled with uncertainty.Ashton then turned his attention to Eleanor, Tiguno, and Tigdos. They remained silent."I am not known for my patience. I expect an answer within ten seconds." A subtle yet powerful pressure suddenly weighed on the three. The frail old woman nearly collapsed under its weight."Six months ago."Six months ago, the Murdock family sought out the Chieftain of the Dark Thunder Sect. The Chieftain began to search for a suitable host for the Darkspawn curse, a person with pure Dark Essence in her body. He chose our family, promising prosperity for fifty years once the task was completed. He also agreed to allow our family members to learn and train at Mount Dark Thunder.""So, you were rea
"What did you say?"A dangerous glint flashed in the Dark Thunder Sect Chieftain's eyes. His gaze locked onto Ashton, who was seated comfortably."If you had immediately knelt and apologized to Cassia upon entering, admitted your wrongs and offered compensation, and demonstrated a willingness to die for your cause, I might have spared the Dark Thunder Sect. But clearly, you have squandered that lone opportunity.""Who are you? Such audacity!" The Dark Thunder Sect Chieftain remained silent, but his attendant was already seething with rage."Master, he is the one who purged the Darkspawn from Cassia's body," Eleanor Andrade said, her face etched with a bitter smile."What did you say? Him? You can't even handle a mere boy. What a useless bunch you are!" The Dark Thunder Sect Chieftain's face was a mask of barely restrained fury."Heh, you old fool, a mere boy? Master Levin's skills are beyond your comprehension." Mystikk retorted mockingly."So, the scum from the Seven Kills Alli
Dark Thunder, a unique energy form, was not exactly thunder. It evolved from dark techniques like the Silver Soul Technique. As legends believed, it was the primal soul energy in a human body attacking the soul.The soul was the most challenging aspect to cultivate. Even a grandmaster was not significantly superior to an ordinary person in that regard. A single strike from the Dark Thunder could scatter the soul, resulting in instant death.That move was feared by many. One could not fight confidently without knowing how to defend against it.Despite his lack of overwhelming power, the Dark Thunder Sect Chieftain was a figure of terror. Even those of grandmaster status dared not cross him, fearing the deadly strike of his Dark Thunder. Worse still, they feared becoming his next puppet, their bodies manipulated even after death."Master Levin, tread carefully. One hit from the Dark Thunder, and it's over. It's an eerie thing!" Mystikk's voice echoed from afar, having already whisked
At that moment, Ashton seemed like a deity, shaping reality with his words.Thunder rumbled under the clear sky.In the night, a deep, intense purple hue appeared.A thunder pillar thundered toward them the next second.Ashton appeared as a war deity holding a thunder pillar; one hand plunged into the thunder. A single slash split the winery in half.At that moment, it seemed like his sword had split the underworld as well.The Dark Thunder Sect Chieftain lay burned and charred in the wreckage.Bladen, Knivo, and Mystikk emerged from the shadows. Though less affected by the energy blast, they felt their eardrums tearing, their pupils exploding, and the intense light piercing their retinas and reaching deep into their minds."This...this ..." Mystikk's hands and feet trembled, an uncontrollable chill gripped his body, and his black pupils had shrunk to a pinprick.A pit over ten feet deep and dozens of yards long appeared before everyone, its center being the winery's heart.O
"Wow!"Cassia, observing attentively from the side, gasped as her hand flew to her mouth. "It seems even more formidable and impressive than before."Ashton chuckled. "Of course, the exterior hasn't changed, but the core has.""The previous black heart was a malevolent entity transformed by Darkspawn. Now, I've replaced it with a lightning crystal. This will bring changes in his abilities and movements," Ashton said, a satisfied smile playing on his lips as he admired his handiwork.He then tested the puppet control technique provided by Mystikk, issuing simple commands. He found that the Iron Guard was perfect for mass production. It was a force to be reckoned with."Once we're done here, you've got to give it a try.""Ashton..." She blushed, sensing a feeling of intimacy as she called his name. He was the man she had loved and waited for a long time."What are your plans for what comes next? If you're willing, why not stick with me? I'm on my own these days anyway." Ashton smi
Alex weighed over 400 pounds; it was a bit too robust.Pierre had no idea that Ashton had to make changes to reach that weight. If the original existed, Alex would weigh around 700 to 800 pounds. He would be over two meters tall, made of pure iron, and built solidly. Could anyone handle that?"I'll buy you a new car as compensation. How about that?" Ashton joked."You said it—I'm taking you seriously!" Pierre had been waiting for that statement.The group soon reached Golden Glow Spa. A foreign investor reportedly built the hilltop resort over two decades ago. The investor disappeared, leaving the property unclaimed until the government took it. Foreigners continued to visit it over the years. The mysterious Golden Glow Spa owner was rumored to be from abroad.As they approached the entrance, they saw a colorful array of foreigners in eccentric attire streaming in. Once inside, they found a place to eat. After a satisfying meal, Jareth presented the hot spring tickets he had prepa