One of the guys was extra eager, practically tripping over himself to hand over a cigarette and light it with a showy flick of his lighter."Come on, Captain, spill the beans. You know how it is—once our gossip radar is up, there's no shutting it down.""Right, right. Don't tell me that the nation's sweetheart, the Latham family's prized jewel, and Mister Karlos's granddaughter are all being kept as someone's side chicks?"The captain took a long, contemplative drag before he shot them a warning look. "Lower your voice. I only caught wind of it myself. Don't let it slip. Otherwise, we're toast."Then, he leaned in and whispered, "Ever heard of the Battle of Champions?"The trio shook their heads in sync."Never mind. That's too much to unpack right now. Just know that the Battle of Champions is the biggest deal in the Imperial Capital. Only the biggest and mightiest noble houses and elite forces get a seat at the table. Regular folks can't even get a glimpse of it.""That exclus
Yanne could not comprehend it. Alora said that? How did she change so much?She was different before. Had she and Ash become sworn enemies from loving spouses? What had gone so terribly wrong?Even if they split or divorced, it would not have gone to such a state, right?She was lost, unable to comprehend it.That did not matter anymore. She chose this path, and she needed to stand by it.Ophelia tugged her sleeve. "Why don't you call your superhero brother? He will be fine with his strength."Yanne shook her head. "They're too sure of themselves. They must have a plan for Ash. I can't let him walk into a trap.""Yanne, do not refuse help. I'm running out of patience with you. Stop acting brave—I do not believe you are not scared!" Alora roared.Yanne stared at her calmly. "I am scared, but I would never betray Ash nor do anything to harm him.""Alora, you and I are different," Yanne said with quiet resolve.Those words hit Alora like a punch to the gut, twisting her face int
"Who knew that pill crafting could boost my strength like this? The essence of a thousand-year-old magical remedy evaporates, and the one who makes the pill reaps huge rewards." Ashton mused, a grin spreading across his face.He believed he could reach the elusive fifth level without the Water of Youth if he could find more of that ancient remedy. Those god-tier pills would boost his mental strength; each use and recovery would feel like a rebirth."The cultivation path begins with the external body, then the internal, and ends with spiritual power. Spiritual power has some seriously wild and wonderful uses."Ashton decided to try something new. He let go of all his physical and core essence power to rely solely on his spiritual power. To his amazement, he could sense everything in Medicine Valley. It was as if a second Ashton had floated out of his body to take in the whole scene from above. That newfound power was nothing short of astonishing.After a brief moment of leisure, Ash
"Mister Levin, you're out at last."Ashton blinked. Out at last? What was that supposed to mean?"Did something happen?""Yes, and it's big."Rowena rushed to reveal the news. It was not much of a story. Some mystery figure had crashed the Levin place, causing trouble, then hit the Quayles and hurt a girl named Yanne to draw Ashton out.It had been widely reported in the Imperial Capital by then.Ashton grabbed Rowena by the collar and yanked her close."Didn't I tell you to wake me for anything major?""But the elders said you were in the middle of brewing a god-tier elixir, no interruptions!" Rowena blanched, swallowing nervously."Ridiculous!" Ashton exploded.Two new elders knelt, terrified and barely breathing."Immortal Master—"Ashton's hand slipped as he dashed between two elders, barreling down the mountain at an unbelievable speed.Fethorius observed the scene from afar. "It looks like the Immortal Master's magic potion is a success. Who would've thought? A kid w
"They call him Martin, the Supreme Knife-Wielder of the royal court, an old-timer in his 50s or 60s. He's at the Celestial Citadel, waiting for you.""Mister Levin, I have a bad feeling about this," Catelyn said.Ashton nodded solemnly."There's more. I have some inside scoop from the Imperial Court, and it's about you," Catelyn said, her eyes narrowing.She was determined to keep her promise."Your ex, Alora, she's cozying up with the old prince. This whole mess—Martin showing up and Yanne's injuries—has Alora's fingerprints all over it."Ashton nodded slowly—a shadow flickered in his eyes and then disappeared.He stayed in the room to watch Yanne, not wanting to leave.A surprised and confused voice soon followed.It was the doctor."All readings are off the charts! How is that possible?"Their devices checked Yanne's insides, and the lights were all green—healthy as a horse."Is it because of the pill?" The doctors huddled, exchanging guesses.Time passed, and Yanne imp
Anthony paused and smiled. "Sorry to disappoint you, Miss Latham, but your hopes are about to be dashed. I heard Yanne has pulled through, and Ash is on his way. You might want to think about your fate.""No way!" Alora snapped back. "Lord Weaver's Fleshweave Fist is unbeatable. It's a death sentence—no one has ever survived it. Save your breath, Mister Scott. Your words won't shake me."Anthony laughed coldly and left. Alora's words hung in the air.The city was on high alert. A safety zone was established in the heart of the chaos. Soldiers and security personnel swarmed the area, keeping a vigilant eye and barring ordinary folks from getting too close to the unfolding drama.The tourist buzz was still in full swing. The Celestial Citadel was a tourist hotspot, making crowd management difficult. The government had to double security and call in the military.Keeping the martial arts community under wraps was like holding onto a fragile secret, and the departments had to bend ove
The man was breathtaking, a vision of perfection, while the woman's beauty was otherworldly. She looked like she had stepped out of a legendary tale.The two adventurers strolled down the narrow path, the world around them seemingly transformed into a magical paradise."Hmm?"Martin stared at Yanne in disbelief."How can this be?"She had been hit by his Fleshweave Fist over three days ago. Her limbs and thigh bones should have melted into a puddle of gore by then. How could she be walking around, perfectly fine, as if nothing had happened? Impossible!Since its invention a century ago, the Fleshweave Fist had terrorized martial artists. Martin, the rightful heir to that deadly technique, knew its deadly potential. All of its victims died within a week.Despite all odds, the curse had lifted.Yanne's spirit was bright, and her eyes sparkled with a hint of divine light, indicating good health and energy."Ashton! Yanne!"Alora's icy gaze fixed on the pair, her nails threatenin
"This fight is going to be epic, absolutely epic.""The legendary Bladebreaker from 60 years back and the hottest young talent in martial arts today—one of them is about to make history."Lindsay had run out of scornful comments.Her officers were right—she was a straight shooter who hated fakery and evil. She revered Douglas, a war god who gave the nation pride and guarded its borders, and she had no patience for wannabes riding his coattails.The young man's quick exchange showed his mettle; he evidently had some serious skills.Ashton countered the lightning-fast saber with his sword. His body coiled like a spring, the clash a hair's breadth from his neck.With a resounding crash, the fight began.Ashton leaped free from his foe's Coiled Dragon Saber as his inner power roared. He charged forward, his sword piercing the air at a cunning angle.His blade struck its mark, but only a shadow.Martin reappeared a few yards away."You have my respect," Martin said, grinning. "To