"No way! This can't be happening!"Their faces showed terror as if they had seen the devil.Ashton casually picked up a few of the bullets."Kung fu! This is the mysterious kung fu!"Someone yelled hysterically and ran across the park. Ashton flicked the bullets like stones, killing the runners with precision, some piercing heads and killing them."What's going on? Shoot! Take that guy out!" Someone barked orders from a high-rise in the park in a foreign language.The park's security, a squad of battle-hardened soldiers, raised their weapons and unleashed a barrage at Ashton. They were used to that kind of action, each composed and collected.Previously, a clueless Easterner boasted that his father was the president of a famous local company. He thought he could enter the industrial park and throw his weight around, cursing like he owned it. He quickly learned his lesson when they opened fire on him.That was what would happen when someone did not play by the rules and tried to
Solax was already in the clearing with a team."Mister Levin, you're ahead of schedule. I've lined up some extra entertainment to keep you occupied while you wait."Solax had rocketed up the Dark Dragon Society since enlisting Ashton. He had grown into an influential boss. No more hustling for recruits—his job was to keep Ashton happy.The guy was a grandmaster from Lindorm Land, a titan that could go toe-to-toe with the West's S-Class Superbeings. In Alara, he was the real titan of ninja strength—a shadow-level powerhouse, the kind of guy people would tip their hats to.About 45 warriors in black stepped forward as one, and with Solax leading the charge, they knelt and saluted. "Mister Levin."The man who escorted Ashton from Lindorm Land's border was so scared he nearly fell. He cursed Rafael for getting him into that mess. The middleman was supposed to trick some regular Joes, but a big fish from Lindorm Land? That was like painting a target on his back.When he realized Ash
Rosabella stopped, eyes wide, and nodded."The doctor had said it was just my nerves acting up after the shock I had been through. He said another hike up the snowy mountains—to face what happened head-on—might help me heal."However, Ashton just snorted at that. "Nerves? You've been poisoned, and it has spread to every corner of your body. You've got three days tops. It sounds like they're just scared you'll quit being their guide, so they fed you a line to get you here."Rosabella went white, managing a weak smile. "I... kind of figured.""If you knew, why did you come? You're walking straight into your grave," Ashton said, his smile not reaching his eyes.She shook her head. "I might've said no, but my family can't. Mister Levin, I'm sorry. I should not have dumped all this on you.""Rosabella, what are you doing? Bothering Mister Levin like this? The organization won't take kindly to this, and they won't spare your family either!" Solax, who'd been leading the way, shot her
Solax scoffed, brutally popping his daydreams like a bubble. "Forget about it. This treasure? It's only for big shots like Mister Levin, not for the likes of us. An average Joe would be a goner just by trying. Stick to making an honest buck, okay?"Matthew grinned at the comment. He had only been making conversation, after all. The idea of searching the icy wilderness for treasure? He would not dare do that.Ten minutes later, Matthew and Janice were settled in the pilot and co-pilot seats, with Ashton and Rosabella sandwiched in between. Solax, knowing his place, had wedged himself into the backseat.The wicked mountain paths were a breeze with a chopper.They ventured deep into the iceberg. Soon, the small town in the rear transformed into a tiny speck and vanished from sight. After several hundred kilometers north, the landscape became desolate—unsuitable for human habitation. Matthew said a remote village in the mountains was 100 kilometers away. The people there lived in isola
A shadowy group entered, their uniform dark cloaks parting to reveal dark red.Six strangers entered the tavern, which went silent. The clinking of glasses and low conversation halted as if time had stopped.It seemed like an eternity before Janice, sitting next to Matthew, broke the silence with a hushed, awe-stricken whisper."Scarlet Blood Battles."Those six were no ordinary patrons. They were the Scarlet Blood Battles, an elite team revered by the wealthy and feared across the globe, ranking third among the world's elite combat teams.Combat teams, unlike mercenaries, were small groups of fewer than ten people, with strength determining success and coordination placing second. However, mercenaries were large organizations with over 100 members, and their strength was often assessed using comprehensive criteria.Those small combat teams were scarier than mercenaries. Their smaller size, quick movements, and better coordination helped them complete tasks efficiently. Many miss
Kyler's gaze was like a divine force, stripping one's soul with its blinding light. It left no room for defiance."A cultivator from Lindorm Land beat us to it. He entered just minutes before us," Janice said without thinking."What's his name?""Ashton. He's mighty, with powers that are off the charts. That's all I know." Janice snapped back to reality. Her hand flew to her face as she stared at Kyler, terror-stricken. She had not realized it, but her lips had betrayed her, spilling every secret she held.The power was nightmarish, unfathomable—like the legendary Wolf God from the Quindlen lore, whose mere presence could bend wills, turning free men into devoted servants, their every thought bare."What about you? Speak up, you lowly Alara," Kyler said, turning his attention to Solax.A gleam sparked in Solax's eyes. "Ashton, from Lindorm Land. They say he's a cultivator with powers beyond belief. They call him a grandmaster of martial arts, a force to be reckoned with."Howeve
The sound hit him out of nowhere. Ashton whipped around. He could sense everything within three kilometers of the massive ice mountain, but nothing was unusual.If it was not a prank, he had two options.The first was the Water of Youth's guardian. It might have gained strange powers from being soaked in it for a long time.The Water of Youth was no ordinary puddle—it was said to mold spiritual power itself. So, the guardian creature was likely influenced by it. That influence might manifest in unusual, unseen phenomena, such as the eerie, inaudible whistling sounds.Secondly, that eerie sound might have come from the Water of Youth.Without understanding the Water of Youth, no one would know its peculiar characteristics.However, regardless of its nature, Ashton would not pass up the chance to explore the Fountain of Life so close at hand. Despite whispers that the Water of Youth was toxic, he still wanted to taste its secrets.Ashton knelt and took a handful of water to drink.
Ashton looked up and saw a group of aggressive people approaching.Among them, the famous and powerful walked last while others walked first. It looked like they wanted to test the situation."It's a miracle that this snow-capped mountain still exists. The power of nature is beyond the reach of us humans." Kyler walked forward. His eyes glowed with a charming divine light.As the Church of Light's top powerhouse, he had lived for years and forgotten his age. He knew more than most people because he had seen many historical changes."Mister Kyler, what do you mean by that? Should this mountain not exist?" Aside, Bruno asked humbly."It's not that, but it should not exist anymore after that incident."Kyler's eyes looked far ahead. With a faint smile at the corner of his mouth, slight fear crept up his eyes."Originally, I was not sure, but I'm sure now after looking at the surrounding environment. I have been to this place more than a hundred years ago. At that time, this was not