Iver charged forward at Xayne as he raised his sword with deadly intent. Xayne, overwhelmed by the turmoil in his blood from ascending to the next level, could not summon even an ounce of strength.“Ah!” With a furious roar, Xayne thrust his spear toward Iver.As Xayne swung his Crimson Dragon Lance, a surge of energy suddenly exploded from within him. His aura rose sharply, propelling him straight into the Quad-Divine Commander.“What?!” Iver hesitated for a split second upon hearing the unnatural tearing sound.But it was already too late.A red flash blurred before his eyes as the Crimson Dragon Lance was already upon him.By the time he tried to defend with his energy barrier, he could not keep up. The spear pierced right through Iver’s chest.Xayne’s figure appeared behind him in a heartbeat.“Cough... cough...” Iver staggered as he spat out blood. His hands trembled as he looked down at the hole in his chest. Weak and shaky, he turned his head slowly, eyes filled with dis
As Xayne coughed up a mouthful of blood, he slipped out of consciousness.Truthfully, he had barely managed to keep himself steady as he walked off the stage just moments before. Xayne could not afford to collapse, much less bleed in front of the crowd.If he did, the Big Four would seize the chance to attack, wiping out not only him but also Serena Group from the entire city.Upon seeing Xayne fall unconscious from his injuries, Jean went pale with fear, momentarily losing all composure."Mr. Xayne... Mr. Xayne! Wake up, please! Mr. Xayne!" Jean desperately shook him, but Xayne did not give the slightest response."My Lor—" Before Esmond could speak, Serena raised her hand, stopping him."Don't panic! Act like nothing happened. Everyone, into the car. Now!"Though her face was pale, Serena knew many eyes were watching their every move.If they caused a scene, it would blow their cover.Finally understanding why Xayne had fought so hard to hold it together earlier, Esmond and
The crowd was mourning their fate.With the Bullard family's defeat today, their own futures were clear as day. They were ruined.Their anger was directed at Hyenka. This "legend" of empty prowess, who did not even last a single hit before dying at the hands of one of Xayne's subordinates.They had trusted the Bullard family, gambling their lives and fortunes on them, and for it was for nothing. Now, their families were tearing down, and the Bullard family's next move would decide their next move.If they had to go down, they had to make sure the Bullard family went down with them."We... we're returning to Drakonix!" Iver spoke in a heavy tone, then took a deep breath.He turned toward the local leaders, still glaring at the Bullard family, and added calmly, "Do you think my family will fall so easily to Xayne? Don't worry. When I return to Drakonix and consult our three remaining elders, they'll see to it that Xayne is buried six feet under."With that, he strode off the platf
Upon hearing this, the Emperor's expression flickered.'Landholdings exceeding a thousand acres for Hammond and Warren? True, but that was thirty years ago. From the day they joined the Emperor's Pavilion, both men had handed their ancestral estates over to the state as proof of their integrity.'"Your Majesty... are you all right?" Hilton asked cautiously, noticing a hint of emotion in the Emperor's eyes.The Emperor clenched his teeth. "Outrageous! Assign men to investigate, then report directly to me." "Yes, Your Majesty!" Hilton had barely taken a few steps when he turned back. "And about Xayne...""Investigate him as well, but keep it quiet—undercover only." The Emperor waved his hand dismissively, motioning for Hilton to leave.Once Hilton was gone, the elderly palace attendant at the Emperor's side frowned. "Your Majesty, this man has grand ambitions. Are you really going to tolerate him...?""Tolerate?" A cold glint flashed in the Emperor's gaze. "Fishing requires good
By age, Esmond was older than Serena's grandfather by more than a decade. "At this critical moment, you must show strength," he advised firmly. "Our leader may be injured, but with the power of the Heaven Sword Circle supporting you, those who dare to resist will pay the ultimate price. Set an example, and Folksworth's troubles will cease!"Nearby, Harbin broke out in a cold sweat. Thankfully, his third uncle had insisted on avoiding alliances that could jeopardize their family. Without his uncle's caution, the Leng family would now be in ruin."Isn't...isn't this too much?" Serena frowned. Though her perspective had hardened with time, the idea of wiping out whole families unsettled her. The cost of human lives was staggering."Madam, we cannot afford mercy. If Mr. Xayne had lost to Iver today, we would all..." Esmond trailed off, letting the implication hang.Jean nodded, "Master Esmond is right. If Mr. Xayne had fallen, the Leng family would have been destroyed without mercy!"
"What?"Xayne could hardly believe what he heard, and his face turned pale with shock. Both Warren and Hammond had retired and settled into quiet lives back in their hometowns.He wondered if it was because Hilton wouldn't leave them alone, trying to drive them to their deaths. Xayne quickly asked, "When did this happen?""Just last night, Hilton's subordinates arrived at the homes of the two elders. This morning, we received reports that their sons had been taken, but we don't know much beyond that."So, do you want us to send some protection for them?"Xayne stood there, thinking, his chest heaving as he shook his head slowly and said, "No, I'll go in person."It wasn't that Dracarium couldn't protect Warren and Hammond. Dracarium had no real jurisdiction in this matter, and sending them could give Hilton the ammunition he needed to accuse Dracarium of disobedience before the authorities."Drakon King, should I send someone ahead?" Dragos asked anxiously."No need. I'll lea
The man lying there was covered in blood, his body long since lifeless.It was clear from a single glance he had endured brutal torture before he died."Xayne! What sin have I committed to deserve this?" Seeing Xayne and Dragos arrive, Warren couldn't hold back his tears, his grief spilling out in heavy sobs even though he was strong-willed.He had watched helplessly as a group of officials from Drakonix beat his son to death right before his eyes.Meanwhile, Hammond's son, Herme Chopin, had his legs shattered and bled to death from his injuries.The two families' tragedies were eerily similar."Who did this? Which heartless bastard could be this cruel?" Dragos shouted in a rage. He felt an overwhelming urge to hunt down those responsible and tear them to pieces."Let it go. Maybe this is the punishment for all the lives I took in my youth," Warren muttered bitterly. "Since you're both here, please, come inside and sit for a moment."Hammond wiped his eyes and dragged Xayne and
The middle-aged man's face twisted into a cruel grin as he gripped the little boy's hair tightly.The boy's eyes brimmed with tears, but he clenched his jaw, refusing to cry out."Rory! That girl you dishonored back then was a citizen of Drakonia! She was only sixteen, and you kept her locked in your quarters, brutalizing her until she died!"Don't you understand? As an officer of our nation, your actions defied all decency and honor. How could I have left you in your post and still claimed to serve justice?" Warren roared, pointing an accusatory finger at the man.Rory laughed smugly, shoving the boy into the hands of an enforcer nearby. With his hands clasped behind his back, he pointed to his polished jacket and sneered, "You're just jealous, Warren. You don't like me! But it doesn't matter. Hilton sees my worth. Look at me now. I have everything I could want. Look at you. You're miserable!""You're all cut from the same rotten cloth! There will come a day when you all get what
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