The Emperor saw through Hilton's schemes all too well. His arrogance was merely a mask, waiting for the puppeteers behind him to reveal themselves. However, there was a limit to everything. Williamson was not just any elder. He was a revered figure in the Drakonian Council, where he had served for three generations, having earned the utmost trust of the late Emperor. Anyone could be sacrificed, but not Willaimson. His death would cross the Emperor's line."This case was handled by Marcus Wayne," Hilton said cautiously.Marcus was not only the commander of the Imperial Guards but also the son-in-law of the late Emperor."Marcus Wayne is quite the talent. Where is he now?" The Emperor's smile was deceptive, masking the rage brewing beneath his calm exterior. His hands behind his back were already tightly clenched into fists."Your Majesty, Commander Marcus is currently overseeing an execution. He should be on his way back soon," Hilton replied with a smug grin."What? Executin
"Please, three elders, stop." The Emperor rushed forward, taking several steps to follow, but Warren and the others showed no intention of turning back and soon vanished from the interrogation room."How bold. How insufferable." Hilton’s eyes bulged with rage as he pointed at their retreating figures, shouting, "You dare to threaten the Emperor?! Guards, seize their families and execute them all!"Just as an Imperial guard stepped forward, a glint of steel flashed. The Ravenclaw Dagger severed the guard’s head from his body, sending it rolling across the floor.The remaining Imperial guards recoiled in horror. Fear etched on their faces as they looked at Hilton."Xayne, you have a lot of nerve." Hilton stammered, still trying to grasp the situation. Deep down, he found it hard to believe Xayne would dare to act against him in front of the Emperor."Whoever dares to block the three elders’ departure from Drakonix, I swear by the name of the Master of the Dracarium, will annihilate
Hilton turned to Sefton, a sinister smile creeping onto his face.This young man thought he could impress him with such petty tricks.After all, he was the National Advisor. Ace and his crew were staunch allies of Xayne. They wouldn't suddenly betray him just because he had left."Sefton, your ploys are too immature. Trying to play games in front of me? You're still too young for this," Hilton mused in his mind while maintaining an impassive facade."Ace, have you grown too bold? Do you think Xayne is still the King of the North? Do you think this is the same as when Warren and the others were elders? Back off!" Hilton shouted, summoning several Imperial guards to pull Ace aside.He assessed Sefton from top to bottom as he schemed for another vicious plan.Meanwhile, Xayne had just left the Emperor's Pavillion and hadn't reached the airport when he received a call from an unknown number. After a moment of hesitation, he answered. "Hello, this is Xayne.""Mr. Xayne, it's bad. Som
At that moment, in a remote mountain village far from Folksworth, Flamey savored the moment as he looked at Serena, bound before him. With a glass of red wine in hand, his gaze turned cold as he fixated on her."You filthy woman. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have lost my arm. How dare you act so noble in front of me?" He spat, splashing the wine across her face."Didn't you say you wouldn't hurt Ms. Serena? You're not keeping your word!" Evelyn, also tied up nearby, shouted hoarsely.Flamey chuckled coldly. "Keep my word? What's that worth? Let me tell you, not only will she die, but so will you and your family. I'll make sure each of you suffers unbearably. I'll tear you apart."He rubbed the empty sleeve of his left arm, a vicious expression crossing his face.However, Serena remained silent, her eyes tightly shut. She could hardly believe she had fallen into this trap orchestrated by Evelyn and Flamey.Three days prior, Evelyn had suddenly claimed that her mother was ill
At that moment, Evelyn realized she had committed a mistake she would regret for life."Ms. Serena. I was forced. Please don't blame me," Evelyn stammered, tears of regret streaming down her face.Serena shot her a cold glance. "I always considered you a sister. How could you do this to me? What have I ever done to you to deserve this?"At this moment, Serena's greatest fear was that Xayne would come here alone.She had sensed that Esmond was unlike any warrior she had encountered before.She remembered how, just as she was about to start the car, he had pointed a finger, and her vehicle had lifted off the ground as if an invisible wall had held her in place. She had felt as if her limbs were bound, unable to move at all.The terror he instilled was something she had never experienced, not even from Xayne.Evelyn didn't just harm herself. She had endangered her family."Ms. Serena, they kidnapped my parents and forced me to do this. I had no other choice!" Evelyn cried out, bre
"That's right," Xayne replied as he pushed open the wooden door and stepped into the courtyard.Before him stood an elderly man in a pristine white robe. His long white eyebrows draped over his shoulders, framing a square face that glowed with vitality. His eyes, bright and clear, resembled stars against the night sky. From his appearance alone, it was evident that the old man possessed significant strength."Have you considered the consequences of injuring my disciple?" Esmond asked coldly."Old man, judging by your attire, you must be a practitioner. What has your disciple done? I severed his arm to give him a chance to amend his ways. Given his actions, killing him would not be unjust," Xayne replied casually, meeting Esmond's gaze without a hint of fear as he walked into the courtyard.Esmond looked at Xayne with a few glimmers in his eyes. Although both were Divine Commanders, he couldn't help but feel alarmed. Xayne looked to be in his mid-twenties but exuded terrifying stren
Suddenly, Esmond's eyes widened, his cold gaze piercing like lightning in the night. "Xayne, do you know how many experts my disciples have slain who are ten or even a hundred times stronger than you?"Xayne couldn't help but laugh. 'Experts ten or a hundred times stronger? People who are ten times stronger than a Tri-Divine Commander? Is there even such a thing as that in the world? If they existed, can Esmond defeat them?'"Old man, on what grounds do you claim they are ten or a hundred times stronger than me?" Xayne asked, taking a step forward with a smirk."Given your age, how much ability can you possibly have? The depths of kickboxing are far beyond your understanding. I could sever your arms and take your head in three sword strokes. Do you believe that?" Esmond said arrogantly.Xayne narrowed his eyes and sized up Esmond. "Old man, I haven't seen much, but your ability to brag is unparalleled."Esmond sprang to his feet, slowly drawing a treasured sword from his back.Wi
Xayne's expression grew serious as he stared at the old man. With a steady voice, he said, "If you want a fight, then let's fight."Without another word, Xayne drew his Ravenclaw dagger.Esmond's disciples, including Flamey, stepped out of the wooden cabin. They were cheering their master on from the sidelines."Master, kill him! This kid is beyond arrogant! How dare he talk to you like that! If we don't turn him into minced meat, we won't be able to relieve the hatred in our hearts!"Flamey clenched his fist as he glared at Xayne with seething rage. He could hardly wait to cut Xayne into pieces himself.Esmond squinted as he locked onto Xayne. "So, you've made your choice, kid. Then I'll take your life!"With a roar, Esmond unleashed his attack. Thousands of blade-like currents filled the air in an instant, raining down on Xayne like a deadly storm.Xayne's heart skipped a beat. Those blades were not real. They were a manipulation of the surrounding air currents.Up until now,
"Zoro, I'm sure you've heard the rumors by now. The emperor is making moves, troop deployments, shifts in strategy, it's all happening right here in Drakonix. You know what that means just as well as I do. If there's any way to stop the duel tomorrow, I'm here to offer you some advice: Don't hurt the harmony between the Eastin family and the emperor," Yves said, his tone sharp with urgency.Zoro let out a dry, mocking laugh. "If I'm hearing you right, Yves, you're here to plead for Xayne, huh? Funny. Where were you when Xayne killed a member of my family? Flamey's body wasn't even cold before he'd moved on to his next target. And now, you expect me to show mercy? "It's too late, Yves. Some arrows, once drawn, can't be put back in the quiver. So, save your breath. This conversation is over! Please leave!" Zoro's face was like stone, cold and unmoving. Any trace of patience or courtesy had vanished. It was clear he had no intention of giving Yves an inch.Everyone knew the emperor ha
Chad's sharp, hawk-like eyes suddenly flared with intensity, his cloudy gaze cutting through the air like twin beams of light."Elder Chad, earlier, you mentioned something about 'no borders in kickboxing arts.' I'm afraid I'm not following. Could you explain what you meant?" Lyuben stepped forward, a mix of curiosity and concern etched on his face.Lyuben's words hung in the air. His confusion wasn't surprising. Over the years, White Blossom Mountain's dealings had grown more secretive, and any talks with external forces, like the Light Order, were always behind closed doors. Lyuben's mind, however, was focused elsewhere, on the future of the Eastin family and his ambitions.To him, his family's legacy and his rise in power mattered far more than any grand philosophy. As someone raised within the closed walls of White Blossom Mountain's teachings, even his feelings toward his parents were tepid at best.Chad's voice came slow but firm, like the steady toll of a great bell. "There
Meanwhile, at the Eastin family's estate, Zoro and his grandson, Lyuben, stood on either side of an elderly man.Seated across from the elderly man were none other than Emin and a middle-aged man dressed in a sleek black suit. The man was none other than the Death God of Fusion, a figure as infamous as he was mysterious, second only to Kenichi from Fusion.It was said that decades ago, he had already become Radiant Commander and reached a height that the world had looked up to."Emin, the agreement between us, or rather, the agreement between White Blossom Mountain and Light Order, it's time we discussed its fulfillment, don't you think?" the elderly man began, his voice low and deliberate.This elderly man was Chad Moet, the liaison elder for White Blossom Mountain's dealings with the secular world. It was he who orchestrated the clandestine pact between White Blossom Mountain and the Light Order."Elder Chad, the Light Order has always kept its promises. The benefits promised to
The two guards rushed out of the Emperor's Pavillion with urgent speed."Your Majesty, isn't all this a bit excessive?" Elder Waze stepped forward, his voice low but steady with concern."Excessive?" The emperor's eyes darkened, his voice icy. "Do you think Drakonia is afraid of two Radiant Commanders? Whether it's the Eastin family or Lyuben, none of them have the right to collude with foreign enemies and threaten me!"His voice boomed, filling the room with a commanding presence. "Drakonia is a powerful country. We are not cowed by outside forces, nor do we bend to internal betrayal. If they dare to scheme like this, they'd better be ready to face complete annihilation. When it comes to matters of national integrity, I will not compromise. Leave now!"Yves and the elders exchanged glances, caught off guard by the emperor's unyielding stance. With nothing more to say, they quietly exited the room.Meanwhile, in the estate on the outskirts of Drakonix's west district, Lyuben recli
The tension in the hall was palpable. Suddenly, the door swung open, and a young agent from the Black Ice Platform rushed in. "Chief! We have a situation!"He handed a report to Yves. His eyes scanned the document, and in an instant, his face hardened."What happened?" Elder Waze asked, stepping forward, his gaze locked on Yves's expression."Emin has boarded a flight to Drakonix. And Death God of Fusion was seen boarding a flight to Drakonix an hour ago. Emin is one of the Six Elysium Lords from the Light Order. As for Death God of Fusion, his background is more complicated. Two of them are flying in at the same time? You think they're just here to watch the fight?" Yves explained.Yves's gaze was fixed on the ground as he paced back and forth, the weight of the situation pressing on his shoulders. His fingers tapped the edge of the report, his mind running a mile a minute. Finally, he stopped and looked up, his eyes filled with determination. "This is too big to keep in-house. I'
Even after uttering those threatening words, there wasn't the slightest trace of fear on his face."Mr. Shinoto, are you threatening us?" Yves's eyes narrowed with cold intent."Threatening?" Shinoto gave Yves a once-over and said, "Boy, if I wanted to take your life, it would be as easy as slaughtering a chicken or a dog. Do you think I need to threaten you? You people have no idea how powerful he is. But I'll say this, none of you, not even Xayne, stand a chance against him. That's why I'm advising you, Wyncock, and Drakonia's Court, to choose your side carefully. "If you pick the wrong one, you'll regret it when it's too late! As for those small figures in Eukrania, I won't comment on them, but I'm sure you're well aware of their schemes. When the time comes to deal with them, it'll be thanks to Lyuben. And as for your so-called hero, Xayne, he's simply not on the same level!" Shinoto's words caused a shift in the atmosphere, and everyone present wore grim expressions."Mr. Shi
It didn't take long before an old man was brought into the main hall. This was none other than the old man who'd been seen at Lyuben's side.The moment he appeared, everyone frowned.Elder Waze was the first to rise, ready to speak, but Yves stood before him. "Sir, please, have a seat," Yves said politely.Unlike the humble demeanor he had shown at Lyuben's side, the old man's presence here was commanding. He carried himself with an air of authority, unbothered by the watchful eyes of Elder Waze and the others."Mr. Shinoto," Elder Waze said, bowing slightly in respect.The other elders followed suit, each offering their polite greetings. Yves's gaze lingered on the old man, studying him carefully. His weathered face and calm bearing hinted at someone with significant experience and status.'If Elder Waze is giving him this level of respect, then this man's identity must be anything but ordinary,' Yves thought to himself."It's heartwarming to see that my old friends haven't for
Meanwhile, Fusion's long-hidden Radiant Commander Kenichi Miyamoto announced he would arrive in Drakonix by noon tomorrow to witness the battle in person.From Eukrania, a reclusive expert from the Roland family also declared they would travel to Drakonia to see the epic clash.The world was in an uproar. It had been a century since a Radiant Commander had appeared. This truly was a golden era. At the same time, Yves's face grew darker upon hearing the news. It seemed the situation wasn't as simple as it appeared. He was thinking of what exactly were the Big Four plotting."How many more tricks does the Eastin family have up their sleeve?" Yves slammed the table with force."Report. The Elder Waze seeks an audience." A young officer from Black Ice Platform approached Yves and quietly reported.Yves couldn't help but think about the reason Elder Waze sought him out at this time.His eyes flickered with thought before he quickly responded, "Let him in!"It wasn't long before Elder
Xayne's eyes lingered on Lyuben's departing figure, his gaze steady and thoughtful. This man was different. From Lyuben's posture, his calm demeanor, and his absolute confidence, it was clear that this wasn't the arrogance of fools who relied on borrowed power. It was a quiet, unshakable self-assurance born from true strength. This was not a man who needed to flaunt his power to prove himself. It was a stark contrast to the enemies Xayne had faced before, those men who boasted endlessly but crumbled the moment the tides turned.This was the difference between a disciple of the Five Great Mountains and an ordinary kickboxing artist. Xayne had heard of the terrifying reputation of the Five Great Mountains many times before. Even figures as formidable as Esmond spoke of them with reverence and caution."To be honest, White Blossom Mountain ranks only in the middle among the Five Great Mountains. But Lyuben feels different. He's dangerous. It's not just his cultivation, even the way he