Flamey clung desperately to one of the imperial guards, hiding carefully behind him. The sound of Xayne's footsteps echoed, each one like a death knell for Flamey. With every step Xayne took, Flamey's body trembled slightly. He could feel Xayne getting closer and with each passing moment, death crept nearer. In that instant, Xayne appeared like the embodiment of death itself, the murderous intent in his eyes as vast as the sea. Esmond knelt on the ground, unmoving. Deep inside, Xayne was eager for Flamey to die. If it weren’t for his revenge, he would not in this miserable state. Even Flamey's fellow disciples had taken a few steps back, distancing themselves so they wouldn’t get blood on their hands when the time came. Suddenly, a flash of lightning tore through the sky and a deafening clap of thunder followed, causing the imperial guards to panic and shove Flamey away, retreating from him in fear. By this time, Xayne's entire presence radiated with killing intent, ev
Xayne gritted his teeth so hard they made a grinding sound, but Hilton's final words struck a nerve deep within him. Hilton was right. If Xayne acted now, he would be defying the imperial decree, and by law, that meant the annihilation of his entire family. Resisting would be treason. Xayne didn't care about his own fate, but he couldn't bear to tarnish the legacy of the Xavier family that was built through generations of honor and valor. Not only that but from this moment on, the entire Xavier family would forever be branded traitors to Drakonia. As for Serena, he might not guarantee her safety if the entire kingdom hunted them down. "Xayne, you're still too young. Let me give you some advice: from now on, be an obedient citizen. Otherwise, with just the flick of my finger, I could crush you!" Hilton laughed triumphantly. Thunder rumbled across the sky, and his laughter echoed ominously through the dark night, making his grin even more sinister. At this moment, Xayne
"What do you mean?" Xayne frowned, unsure of what Rhaega meant. "Lexter is dead. Do you know this, King of the North?" Rhaega spoke in a low voice while driving. What? How did Lexter die? When did this happen?!" Those words hit Xayne like a thunderbolt. "Lexter... dead?! What about Warren and Hammond?! " Just a day ago, he had left the capital with Lexter and others. At that time, Lexter had even invited him to visit his hometown someday. 'It can't be an eternal farewell,' Xayne thought to himself. "On his way back home, the plane crashed. But here's the strange part—the entire plane had only eight passengers. Whether it was an accident or deliberate... well, the answer seems obvious. "I've secretly sent people to protect Warren and Hammond, but... whether they'll stay safe, I can't say. At this moment, you cannot afford any mistakes, Xayne. Otherwise, everything will come crashing down." Rhaega's tone grew heavier with each word. It was clear to anyone with ha
At the same time, in the Bullard residence, Lowes and more than a dozen key members of the Bullard family stood respectfully in two rows in the hall. From the bathroom on the third floor, the sound of a woman's cries echoed, wave after wave, filling the silence. Yet Lowes and the rest of the Bullard family members kept their eyes down, stood straight, and fixed their expressions in place. After about half an hour, the sounds subsided, and after another five minutes, Hyenka descended from the third floor, wearing a robe and radiating satisfaction. "Master!" The Bullard family members greeted him as Hyenka nodded slightly, sitting down on the central chair in the hall. He looked at the group and asked, "The three-month period has passed. What news of that brat, Xayne?" Upon hearing Hyenka's question, Lowes immediately stepped forward. "Master, Xayne recently had a dispute with the new Emperor. In his anger, he resigned from his post, returned his seal of office, and left Drak
Lowes furrowed slightly. He was not sure if it was appropriate to take the lead at such a sensitive moment. "Join forces? Do you even know the true background of that Locke fellow? Our Bullard family doesn't need to get involved in such struggles. We simply need to make sure the world knows of our power. As for the rest, it's irrelevant." Hyenka had no intention of helping the Emperor, and helping Hilton was out of the question. What Hyenka needed was an opportunity to elevate the Bullard family's prominence to new heights. Ever since the demise of the Xavier family, no other household had managed to fill the vacuum left by their fall. Now was the perfect moment for the Bullard family to rise from the shadows and claim that position. Lowes's eyes twinkled as he nodded, understanding Hyenka's strategy. "You're right, Master! I'll see to it immediately." With a slight nod from Hyenka, Lowes swiftly exited the room and turned to his attendants. "Contact all the major media outlets
"News?" Xayne frowned slightly, shaking his head. "What happened?" After all, there had been no wars recently in Drakonia, and nothing noteworthy was going on in Drakonix either. For that reason, Xayne had been fully focused on studying the Heavenly Tome. After yesterday’s battle, his cultivation level had greatly improved. Last night, he had spent the entire evening meditating in his study, reflecting on a powerful technique he had learned during the fight. Though Esmond had not executed the move effectively, Xayne had modified it to increase its potency, and the results pleased him. "Bullard family has issued a public challenge across all the major TV stations. Reportedly, it’s Bullard family patriarch, Hyenka, challenging you!" Draluna’s voice came through the phone, sounding indignant. The challenge itself wasn’t the issue, but the Bullard family’s arrogant tone was over the top. "Alright, I understand," Xayne replied casually and hung up the phone. "Huh?" Draluna sta
20 years of seclusion was nothing. He could train for 50 years and still wouldn't be a match for Esmond. It was best to use Xayne to restore his confidence."It seems like you're not scared of him at all but more like..." Xayne hesitated, then continued, "like a hungry fox staring at a chicken after starving for three days."Though the comparison was a bit crude, it was spot on.Esmond tried to warn Xayne to be careful, but the glint in his eyes gave off the vibe that he wanted nothing more than to bite Hyenka."I have a small request. Can you let me take the lead in the fight? Let me at least contribute a bit to the effort. If I lose, you can step in. It won't be too late," said Esmond.The more Esmond spoke, the clearer it became to Xayne that his earlier guess had been right.Esmond came here with this exact plan.Xayne squinted at him and said, "Let me guess. You came here because you wanted to take him down yourself, didn't you?""You're so sharp, my lord," Esmond said wit
"Exactly. And that's only if I'm at my best. Otherwise, I won't even have a twenty percent chance," Esmond said earnestly.Only those who had faced Klink truly understood how terrifying he was.Xander was the only one who had ever been able to intimidate Klink.Aside from him, no one in Drakonia could last more than three moves against Klink.As for those ancient recluses hidden away in the mountains. Those old monsters were not included in this list."Is there such a huge gap between Divine Commanders?" Xayne asked, frowning."A massive one," Esmond replied, his expression serious. "That's why the Divine Commander realm is a turning point. Some people will never take another step forward in their lives, while others will break through quickly and enter the Radiant Commander realm," Esmond said solemnly.If Xayne's goal was to defeat Klink, he would have no chance until he reached at least the Quad-Divine Commander realm.There were conditions for fighting someone stronger. Fir
"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