News media outlets scrambled to reach Folksworth overnight to set up their cameras in the best spots to broadcast the Battle of the Century to the entire country. A frenzy had erupted online, with most people betting on Hyenka as the sure victor. The odds for Xayne winning were as high as twenty to one.Meanwhile, Esmond and the Leng family had placed nearly all their fortunes on Xayne, making this showdown one of the most anticipated events in recent history. Even the Emperor, in Drakonix, was paying close attention."Xayne, you mustn't lose to the Bullard family," the Emperor muttered as he stared at the starry night sky.By the next morning, Folksworth was packed to the brim, with tens of thousands of people crowding the central square. At the Bullard family's VIP platform, two elderly men sat statuesque in their presence. Lowes was nearby, serving tea and speaking in hushed tones. On the opposite side, the seats reserved for the Serena Group were empty, and Xayne and Serena we
Bullard Family’s Fourth Elder, Iver Bullard, was a Quin-Divine Commander.The overwhelming pressure he exuded instantly enveloped Esmond. Esmond merely frowned slightly, showing no fear as he stepped forward and declared, “I’ve sworn my allegiance to Xayne. The matters of the Xavier family are now the matters of the Heaven Sword Circle. Of course, I’ll interfere!”With those words, he slowly drew his sword, pointing it directly at Hyenka as his voice turned cold. “Does the Bullard family have the courage to accept my challenge?”Hyenka's mind was in turmoil. Esmond’s strength was certainly beyond his. According to rumors, Esmond had already comprehended the Wind Spirit Limit Break, which defied the conventional ranks of ascending. It was a power that could stand above all other levels, a force capable of challenging even the gods themselves.The thought of facing such a challenge made Hyenka’s heart pound in his chest. But for the sake of the Bullard family’s reputation and his own
According to the arena's rules, as long as Hyenka remained on the stage, Iver could not intervene. Hyenka, sensing the danger, realized he had no choice but to fight. If he turned his back now, Esmond's sword would surely strike him without warning. To expose one's back to a Wind Spirit Limit Break master was no different than signing one's own death warrant."Esmond, my Bullard family has no grudge with you—do you really intend to kill me?!" Hyenka roared with his fists raised as he launched himself into the air, aiming straight for Esmond."Hmph," Esmond snorted, calm as ever. With one hand behind his back, he raised his sword with the other and swung it lightly.A brilliant silver light descended like a curtain, unveiling the heavens and momentarily blinding the spectators below."Run! Get out of here!" Iver, abandoning all pretense of dignity, shot to his feet and screamed toward Hyenka.But it was too late. The moment the silver light fell, Hyenka was already trapped with
Esmond stood with his sword in one hand and the other hand clasped behind his back, His gaze fixed on Iver.Iver's eyes were blood-red, and his body radiated a murderous aura, like a demonic figure emerging from the depths of hell. Even before making a move, Iver's powerful pressure weighed heavily on Esmond, who, without realizing it, was already sweating from his temples."Esmond, what grudge does my Bullard family have with you? You dare kill my fifth brother!" Iver's voice thundered as he struck out with a palm, aiming for Esmond's chest.Esmond raised his sword, channeling his sword to meet the attack.The clash of sword and palm sent a deafening thunder across the arena. Countless air swords gathered but could not break through Iver's protective energy field."Die!" Iver roared, exerting more force with his hand and shattering the invisible barrier before Esmond with a devastating push.Before Esmond could react, a surge of energy slammed into his chest, sending him flying
"You're not the first to claim to end my life, but those before you are already dead," Xayne said calmly as he extended his Ravenclaw Dagger. His movements were slow, almost like a scene in slow motion, but the air around him rippled with waves of force.Iver was shocked. Xayne had clearly reached the Wind Spirit Limit Break level, and his mastery was no less than Esmond's. For a person in their twenties, achieving this was nothing short of monstrous."Hmph! Wind Spirit Limit Break?" Iver sneered, brandishing his sword as he unleashed a streak of silver light toward Xayne.Everyone in the arena and watching the duel on television held their breath as the two silver streaks collided.A deafening explosion erupted from the center of the platform. The marble ground cracked, creating a crevice several meters deep. Like a hurricane, a fierce blast of energy swept through the square, causing many in the audience to stumble. The once clear sky was now shrouded in dark clouds, rumbling wit
Xayne could feel the overwhelming difference in strength between himself and Iver. Each time he blocked Iver's sword, it was like his Ravenclaw Dagger was clashing against a mountain. The force reverberating through his body left his arm numb.“Young blood, you’re far too inexperienced to compete with the Bullard family! If Xander were still alive, maybe he’d stand a chance against me! But alas, your Xavier family will never rise again!” Iver mocked, seeing the tremble in Xayne’s hands. He was growing more confident, a twisted grin forming on his face.Years ago, when the Xavier family was destroyed, the Bullard family had been one of the key conspirators. Even though they had successfully eradicated the Xavier family’s influence, they always lived in fear of vengeance. Now, with Xayne about to die by his hands, Iver felt an immense relief, a burden lifted.“Oh? You think you're worthy to face my grandfather? If it weren't for the dirty tricks you all used back then, you’d never hav
Just as Iver’s sword was about to slash Xayne’s shoulder, Xayne’s body suddenly seemed to teleport several meters away, evading the deadly blow in the blink of an eye.A sword wave swept across the spot where Xayne had just stood, and gasps erupted from the crowd. Even the Emperor, watching the live broadcast, could not help but shout out, “Good!”Iver was utterly shocked. He never expected Xayne to dodge his strike. He hesitated for a split second but quickly recovered as he smirked arrogantly. “Kid, I didn’t expect you to have such a trick up your sleeve! Hmph, but it won’t save you—you can’t escape me!”Without wasting another moment, Iver launched himself toward Xayne like lightning. Now looking like a deadly silver storm, his sword descended upon Xayne again.Xayne, though still reeling from his near-death escape, realized that the force of Iver's previous attack had already cut through his clothing and left a wound on his skin. If it were not for his sudden enlightenment in t
"Xayne, come meet your death!" Iver roared, his palm striking with the force of a tempest, perfectly synchronized with the gust of wind that had just swept through the arena.Xayne retreated, narrowly avoiding the windstorm. He dodged Iver's palm strike with a swift turn and countered with a sharp knee aimed at his opponent's chest.Iver's palm clashed with Xayne's knee, causing a burst of energy to explode in the air between them. Though momentarily separated, they quickly resumed their fierce battle. Iver's hands moved like lightning, each strike aimed at Xayne's vital points.Xayne was forced into a relentless cycle of dodging and counter-attacking. In just moments, the two exchanged thousands of blows. Yet, despite his best efforts, Xayne found himself outmatched. Iver was stronger both in power and endurance, a full realm above Xayne in cultivation.In less than ten minutes, Xayne's forehead was slick with sweat, while Iver remained composed and unflustered, his attacks growin
With a mere wave of Lyuben's hand, the entire Hundred Day Peak trembled violently. The ground rumbled with a deafening roar as countless boulders broke free, tumbling from the cliffs and crashing down in a chaotic cascade.The scene was beyond anything the crowd had ever witnessed.All eyes were locked on Lyuben, disbelief written across every face.Hundred-Day Peak was nothing more than an unremarkable hill nestled in the Kowoon Mountain, west of Drakonix. Yet, this insignificant peak was connected to the vast, sprawling mountain chain.And now, as it quaked beneath Lyuben's power, it felt as though the entire northern land was trembling in response.Birds erupted from the treetops, fleeing in terrified flocks. Beasts bolted in every direction as if some apocalyptic disaster was about to descend upon them."This… is this what they call the power of heaven?! I thought this kind of strength only existed in myths! Can a Divine Commander do this?!" Ammar's face turned ashen as his v
The heat of summer still hung in the air, but something was off. Suddenly, the surroundings began to shift. The golden glow of the sun faded, replaced by a chilling autumn-like breeze. Leaves that had been lush and green moments ago now browned and crunched underfoot as they fell in slow, spiraling arcs. The change was so drastic, so surreal, it could only be described as supernatural."Feeling it now, Xayne?" Lyuben called out, his eyes glinting with pride as he stood atop the peak, his voice carrying the weight of absolute certainty. "We're the same age, but years ago, I could already command the world like this. And you? Even now, you can't do it. Admit it. You have no right to stand on the same stage as me!"Every word of Lyuben was filled with extreme arrogance, his eyes looked down upon all directions, and everyone under his feet seemed to be an ant. To everyone below, Lyuben was no longer just a man, he was something far more. A being who could bend the seasons to his will.N
As soon as Xayne's words fell, he took a step forward and launched himself into the air. His body shot up like a rocket, soaring toward the peak of Hundred Days Peak.Lyuben tilted his head back, gazing up at the towering cliff with a faint smirk. Without hesitation, he followed. Unlike Xayne's explosive ascent, Lyuben rose smoothly, his body lifting off the ground like he was being carried by an invisible current. He drifted upward, light as a feather, exuding an effortless grace that left the crowd below awestruck."Unbelievable! Did you see that? It's like he's being lifted by the wind!""Lifted by the wind? No, that's ascension!""Looks like Lyuben's the stronger one here!"Whispers rippled through the crowd as onlookers exchanged glances filled with wonder and disbelief. Hearing the chatter below, Lyuben's face lit up with smug satisfaction."Xayne, take one last look at this world's splendor. It's the last time you'll ever see it! In my eyes, you are not worth mentionin
"Xander! Xander! Xander!" The crowd cheered.All eyes turned toward him, their gazes a mix of disbelief and shock. For decades, rumors had circulated that Xander was dead. Yet here he was, standing right in front of them. He'd aged, sure, but his presence was calm, commanding, untouchable."Looks like everyone decided to show up today!" Xayne's eyes swept over the crowd, landing briefly on Emin and Death God. His gaze lingered just long enough to send a message, one only they would understand."Xander!" Emin's eyes burned with rage as he glared at Xander."Come on, Emin, don't lose your cool. Today's not about us old-timers. It's about watching these kids go at it. No point in us getting involved. Besides, with so many people here, it'd be a shame if innocent bystanders got caught in the crossfire," said Kenichi, rising from his chair with a smooth, practiced smile but there was a hint of killing intent in his eyes.Zoro's breath caught in his chest. He hadn't expected things to e
"Who's that guy? Rolling up with that much security?" Ammar glanced at the convoy at the foot of the peak. Even a helicopter hovered above, following the guards. There were at least a hundred bodyguards and they were all moving with precision, scanning the area."That's Roman Roland. Second heir of the Roland family. This guy's no small fry. He's the head of the most notorious crime syndicate in Eukrania. Controls multiple multinational corporations as fronts for his operations. He is a very dangerous person." Yves's eyes narrowed as he explained to Ammar.No sooner had he finished speaking, another convoy rolled up. The car doors opened and out stepped a tall, broad-shouldered man. His presence hit like a shockwave."Why is he here?" Yves asked, his voice dropping to a cautious murmur."He is…" Ammar asked as he glanced at the man that just arrived."Victor Valentine. The founder of Dark Arrow, the world's largest assassin syndicate. The guy's a legend. Escaped from maximum-secur
If it weren't for Yves's status, Zoro would have already made his move against him."Very well. Just don't regret it later, Mr. Zoro! I'm done here," Yves snapped, his voice sharp as broken glass.He spun on his heel and strode out of the Eastin estate, his steps echoing with each firm impact. From the balcony, Lyuben's eyes followed him with a sneer."Scared now, are we? Pathetic," Lyuben muttered, shaking his head.Zoro's cold gaze lingered on Yves's retreating figure, his expression unreadable but his presence oppressive. The air around him seemed to freeze, each breath turning crisp as frost.That night, crowds began gathering at Hundred Days Peak. They came early to claim the best vantage points for the coming showdown. No one in Drakonia wanted to miss this monumental clash.Even Jean couldn't stay away. He flew in from Folksworth, bringing with him a private entourage of twenty supporters from the Leng family. Their sole purpose was to rally behind Xayne and cheer him on.
"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