Chapter 2281
Hmm?” Crystal frowned as she watched the strands of hair flutter down from above.
Aurora’s unexpected Boomerang Slash had caught Crystal off guard. She had narrowly avoided a hit by quickly ducking her head.
If she had been just a bit slower, it wouldn't have been just her hair but possibly her head.
Despite Aurora’s young age, her skills were impressive. This realization prompted Crystal to approach the situation with greater caution.
“Quick reflexes,” Aurora commented as she smoothly retrieved her weapon with a flick of her wrist.
The technique she had just executed was a signature move of her own creation. It was challenging for anyone encountering it for the first time. The fact that Crystal had managed to evade it just in t disappointed her.
“Your technique is decent but lacks refinement,” Crystal remarked coldly.
If Aurora’s earlier move had been more precise, she might not have evaded so easily.
“Really? Let's see if you can handle this! “Aurora snorted and charged at Crystal again. She hurled her dual
blades and spun them toward Crystal with increased speed and force.
Only a keen-eyed observer would notice a thin steel wire attached to the blade hilts. It was almost invisible unless closely inspected.
“Trying the strick again?” Crystal narrowed her eyes. Her sword lunged forward like a serpent and aimed for the hilt of Aurora's dual blades.
A metallic clang resonated as Crystal deftly intercepted Aurora’s thrown blades.
As if anticipating the move, Aurora flipped her palms and pulled. The dual blades circled her before accelerating toward Crystal with increased velocity. At the stime, she used her palms like swords to strike Crystal's
shoulders from both sides.
She was skilled in bone-crushing grip technique. A direct hit from her palms could instantly dislocate and incapacitate her opponent's shoulders, rendering them unable to continue the fight.
“Tantrumia Slash!” Aurora’s relentless assault forced Crystal into action.
Leaping into the air, she somersaulted to evade Aurora’s strikes. With a swift maneuver, her sword extended like a whip and delivered a muffled blow to Aurora’s back.
Aurora was caught off guard as the sword struck her forcefully from behind. It ripped through her attire to expose the mithril armor beneath.
Though the mithril armor protected her from injury, the blow from Crystal's hidden force knocked Aurora off balance, and a searing pain burned in her back.
She gasped sharply as a grimace of pain crossed her face. Even without looking,
she felt the heat of her reddening back. Aurora couldn't believe how adeptly
Crystal wielded the sword like a whip. It was a difficult attack to defend against.
“As expected from the daughter of the Celestial Alliance’s guildmaster. You're certainly well-off and powerful. You even had soft armor made of mithril,” Crystal remarked sarcastically.
“You-" Aurora gritted her teeth, and her expression darkened. Despite initially gaining an edge by snipping a lock of Crystal's hair, she was now at a disadvantage.
“Excellent swordplay, Crystal!” Miles cheered from the stands as Crystal gained the upper hand.
“That's how it’s done! Let's see how arrogant she can still be!” Ruby pumped her fists excitedly. She looked relieved.
“The Sword Union disciple is truly impressive. Keep it up!” Cheers erupted from those who had bet on Crystal, and the venue beclively.
“What is Aurora thinking? She's being too reckless.” Alicia frowned, and she looked worried. After a successful strike, one should follow up with a different move to keep the opponent guessing.
Repeating a technique might work against Divine-level martial artists but not against elite fighters like Crystal.
She wouldn't fall for the strick twice. Instead, she'd seize opportunities to exploit weaknesses and gain the upper hand.
“So, that's the Hexfold Breaker technique of the Sword Union? It really lives up to its reputation,” Grace murmured approvingly, her eyes narrowing.
The Hexfold Breaker technique was the Sword Union’s ultimate skill. With just six moves, it offered limitless variations. Crystal's flawless execution moments ago attested to her mastery of it.
“This is interesting.” Fenley smirked, and his interest was piqued.
Considering the Sword Union disciple’s impressive swordsmanship, he pondered how formidable Glenn might be.
“Con.” Unfazed by her earlier setback, Aurora charged forward with her blade again.
She refused to believe that, as Alloy’s daughter, she couldn't handle a mere Sword Union disciple.
Chapter 2282
“Galactia!” Aurora advanced with her blade held firmly in both hands as she slashed horizontally.
Blinding flashes of blade light erupted and swept toward Crystal like a violent storm. The air whistled with the sheer power of her strikes, and the intensity was terrifying.
In contrast to her previous rapid and aggressive assaults, Aurora now revealed her ultimate technique-the Phoenix Dance.
A legendary female grandmaster created this superior blade technique a century ago. It melded powerful offense and defense with a touch of feminine elegance. It was beautiful and deadly.
“Vibro Slash!” Crystal stood firm and composed as the blade light surged toward her. She shook the longsword in her hand violently and thrust it out suddenly.
An expert observer would notice that her sword was vibrating intensely in a small, controlled manner. Though it appeared unremarkable, it concealed a profound mastery of swordsmanship.
With a series of metallic clashes, Crystal's vibrating sword shattered Aurora's blade light and struck her weapon directly.
Aurora’s assault momentarily faltered as her dual blades were pushed back. Undeterred, she swiftly retracted
her blades and spun like a spinning top. She used her momentum to deliver a faster, stronger blow toward Crystal.
“Darkocto!” At that moment, Aurora’s blades turned black with faint water- like patterns rippling along their edges.
“Circulator Slash!” Crystal instantly parried with her sword. She leaned back sharply and dragged Aurora’s blades in a sweeping arc. She turned defense into offense using the momentum and stabbed Aurora again.
Seeing the imminent danger, Aurora decisively dropped her blades and retreated. She dodged the attack and swiftly retracted her dual blades by pulling the steel wires attached to their hilts.
“Flynn Spore!” Aurora spun around. Her dual blades flashed through the air like a machine gun. It sent a barrage of blade lights toward Crystal.
These streaks of light filled the sky. They bounced unpredictably and attacked from all angles, making them nearly impossible to defend against.
Crystal remained composed. She flicked her wrist and began to draw circles with her longsword. Her sword moved so swiftly that it created an impenetrable wall of afterimages.
Aurora’s strikes met Crystal's sword shadows, and the spark ignited with each collision. Despite the intense offense and defense, neither could gain the upper hand.
But Aurora didn’t give up. Along with her dual blades, she continued to spin wildly and accelerate like a spinning top.
A torrent of blade lights surged toward Crystal with each rotation like a flood. Yet, she stayed calm and focused on defense. She waved her longsword continuously and conjured a shield- like illusion before her.
The sharp blade lights clashed against the shield. It only sparked off harmlessly without causing any major damage. Despite being purely on defense, Crystal remained composed, flawlessly protecting herself.
She understood that Aurora’s relentless attacks were powerful but draining. If their fight were prolonged, Aurora would inevitably exhaust herself.
“Ennea Chorus!”
Seeing no breakthrough in her attacks, Aurora suddenly leaped into the air and unleashed the ultimate move of her Phoenix Dance technique, Ennea Chorus. She crossed her dual blades before her chest and channeled her
true energy into her weapon.
A resounding hum filled the air as her blades began to vibrate intensely. A brilliant red light burst forth and swiftly spread to cover a ten-yard radius, which enveloped herself.
The red light quickly transformed. It took the shape of a phoenix with astonishing power and a clear and vivid
outline.
“Break!” Aurora shouted as she swung her crossed blades forward.
The phoenix on her body suddenly spread its wings over ten yards long, and with incredible speed, it crashed toward Crystal.
The phoenix was large, casting a shadow over everything. Crystal appeared tiny before it, as small as an ant. It seemed as if a gentle bump would be enough to crush her completely.
“What a terrifying blade technique! What horrifying power!”
“Oh my god! Is this the strength of the Celestial Alliance guildmaster’s daughter? Truly extraordinary.”
“This strike is approaching the level of a Grandmaster. The problem is, she’s not even 20 years old.”
“Oh no! The Sword Union's beauty is going to lose.”
After Aurora unleashed Ennea Chorus, the entire arena erupted into uproar. No one had expected her to possess such incredible strength.
With this move, she was unmatched by anyone below the Grandmaster level.
Chapter 2283
“Oh no! Crystal's in danger!” Miles sprang to his feet. His eyes widened in shock as he watched Aurora's terrifying attack. Fear etched across his face.
Her power was far greater than he expected. Her strike was on par with a grandmaster.
“Crystal, hang in there!” Ruby urged. She clenched her teeth as she watched intently. Though her expression didn’t show it, she was just as tense as Miles.
The match was no longer just about victory or defeat. It was life or death, and one wrong move could be fatal.
“I didn’t expect Aurora to improve so quickly. She’s about to break through to grandmaster level,” Fenley said, nodding in approval.
Aurora and Alicia were equally talented in martial arts. However, Alicia’s dedication fell short. Despite being two years older, Aurora's strength had already surpassed hers.
“Yes.” Alicia smiled proudly. “She is now halfway to becoming a grandmaster, and her Phoenix Dance technique is incredibly refined. Few can match her when she’s at her best.”
“I'm not worried about her,” he said, glancing sideways at Alicia. “It's you I'm concerned about. You need to stop slacking off and train harder. Try to ease sof the burden on the guildmaster.”
“Okay, | get it. I'll work harder from now on,” she promised coyly.
Fenley shook his head in exasperation but said nothing. Despite her playful nature and occasional laziness, she was the most valued member of the Celestial Alliance.
In the battle ring, Aurora unleashed the Ennea Chorus technique, which enveloped Crystal entirely. With no way to dodge, Crystal focused her true energy on her sword, thrusting it toward the phoenix.
“Conquest Breaker!” she shouted.
Her sword shone brilliantly as her energy transformed into a giant silver blade. It was nearly 33 feet long and 6 feet wide, encasing her. At that moment, the sword and wielder becone.
As the phoenix dove down, the giant sword thrust upward. It was an earth- shattering collision as a loud explosion rocked the area. The fiery red phoenix burst apart, and the silver sword shattered.
In an instant, a wave of energy radiated from the impact and swept outward in all directions. The sky darkened as the energy waves swept through, stirring dust clouds.
The fierce winds whipped through the crowd, causing their hair to stand on end and their robes to flutter wildly.
They struggled to keep their eyes open against the relentless gusts.
“What incredible power! This attack is on par with a grandmaster’s duel.”
“I can’t believe two women are fighting with such skill. Truly impressive.”
“This Combat Tournament has gathered the best of the best. It’s been worth every moment.”
With the aftershocks still rippling through the air, the spectators couldn't help but murmur in awe.
Aurora’s Ennea Chorus technique was indeed formidable. It could match a grandmaster’s skill. However,
Crystal's final move, Conquest Breaker, was equally impressive. It was hard to tell who had the upper hand.
As the dust settled and the winds died down, the figure of the two women on the battle ring cinto view. The spectators were momentarily stunned by the scene.
Aurora and Crystal stood just six feet apart as they faced each other. Crystal gripped her sword with one hand.
Its tip was pressed against Aurora’s throat. It cut her skin, and blood trickled down her collar.
In contrast, Aurora held her crescent blade in a slashing position. Its edge was just three inches from Crystal's chest.
Under normal circumstances, a distance of just three inches was nothing more than a quick flick of a wrist. It could take a life in an instant.
Aurora could reach Crystal from that distance with a longer weapon without effort. But now, those mere three inches seemed impossible.
Aurora’s blade would barely graze Crystal's skin if it moved three inches forward. But if Crystal's sword advanced the sdistance, it would sever Aurora’s head. This stark difference highlighted the thin line between life and death.
At that moment, the outcwas clear.
“You-" Aurora frowned and looked at the sword hovering at her neck. She wanted to say something but sighed instead.
She lowered her crescent blade and said reluctantly, “I surrender.”
Aurora realized that if Crystal hadn’t shown mercy and pulled back her sword in time, her head would already be dead. She knew Crystal would just walk away with just a minor injury.
It dawned on her that she was no match for Crystal.
Chapter 2284
“Thank you.” Crystal sheathed her sword and nodded at Aurora. She had to admit Aurora was a tough opponent.
Even though Aurora was a few years younger, their skills were almost on par. Crystal knew Aurora would become someone to watch out for in the future.
“Aurora lost? How...” Alicia was stunned and incredulous. She had anticipated Aurora’s victory, especially after using the Ennea Chorus technique. But in an instant, everything had changed.
“Her talent and strength are impressive, but she lacks experience. Although she lost, she learned a lot. | believe she’ll advance even faster from now on,” Fenley remarked impassively.
He appeared unfazed by the outcome. It was as if he had anticipated it.
Aurora’s cultivation level was on par with Crystal's, but she lacked battle experience and mastery of technique.
Her training was too diverse. She had a basic understanding of everything from hand-to-hand combat to various weapons but wasn’t proficient in any.
In contrast, Crystal had honed her swordsmanship to an exceptional level. She wielded her sword with unparalleled skill. When she struck Aurora with Tantrumia Slash, it was clear that she had the upper hand.
While being a jack-of-all-trades might seem impressive, weaknesses becapparent when facing experts.
Instead of trying to master various skills, it was more effective to perfect one skill to an exceptional level.
This was the difference between disciples of the Celestial Alliance and those of the Sword Union. The Celestial Alliance taught various techniques, while the Sword Union focused solely on swordsmanship.
Though the Celestial Alliance had many disciples, their skill level fell short of the Sword Union. Hence, Aurora's defeat was inevitable.
“Hey! | lost because you're better. But that doesn’t mean Sword Union is better than our guild. I'll make a comeback!” Before leaving, Aurora couldn't resist a final taunt.
She didn’t mind losing. As Alloy’s daughter and representative of the Celestial Alliance, she understood that losing to a Sword Union disciple might attract criticism.
After all, the Sword Union's rapid growth in recent years had started challenging the Celestial Alliance’s position as the top guild.
Though she lost the match, she didn’t lose her fighting spirit. Even if she couldn’t win, she wouldn't let her resolve waver.
“I'll be looking forward to that day.” Crystal just nodded without saying much. She sheathed her longsword and stepped down from the battle ring.
“The winner of this round is contestant number 22!” the referee declared.
The venue erupted in a wave of sound. Cheers mingled with disappointed sighs. Those who bet on Crystal cheered loudly, while those who placed their bets on Aurora sighed in regret.
The match had been a rollercoaster of unpredictability. The outcwas uncertain until the last moment.
Crystal and Aurora had given it their all, but ultimately, Crystal proved superior.
“Yay! That's great! Crystal won.” Ruby jumped up from her seat as soon as she heard the results. Despite trying to stay calm, she had been nervous the entire match.
She was glad that everything turned out well. Plus, Crystal's victory brought honor to the Sword Union.
“That's great! | win. Finally, this is my chance.” Miles couldn't contain his excitement. Crystal's victory meant a win for him as well. He had played it safe earlier and worried he might lose everything. But now, he was finally
on the rebound.
He could clear his debts and even make more celestial stones with a few more wins. The thought filled him with hope.
“Crystal, you were amazing. That Conquest Breaker technique was just like our master’s.” Ruby couldn't stop her excited chatter even after Crystal took her seat.
“I won, but we can’t let our guard down. We shouldn't underestimate the Celestial Alliance disciples,” Crystal replied calmly. Her expression was humble.
The earlier match had shown her that there would always be stronger opponents. She realized she shouldn't be proud of her current skills, and she was determined to train even harder.
“If you win one more match, you'll advance to Group A, right?” Miles asked with a smile.
“Probably.” She nodded. “And the sgoes for you two. You guys have a shot, too.”
“Countout.” He shook his head as he looked at his injuries. “I know my limits. Winning even one match was tough. With these injuries, getting back in the battle ring could be deadly. I'd rather sit here and watch.”
As the matches continued, the opponents bectougher. Even those halfway to becoming a grandmaster were defeated. He knew his current strength wasn’t enough.
“It's wise to sit this out. You've already won a match, so there's no need to risk your life trying to prove yourself,”
Crystal said noncommittally.
Given Miles’ condition, he couldn’t keep fighting. As the matches continued, even the weakest contestants were likely halfway to becoming grandmasters. If he ended up facing a grandmaster, he could be killed instantly.
She understood that even she might find it hard to survive.
Chapter 2285
“Crystal, if you can advance to Group A and make it into the top ten, you'll be famous. Then, the guild will pour all their resources into your training,” Miles said excitedly.
“I might have a chance to advance to Group A, but there's no way | can make it into the top ten.” She shook her head.
She continued, “Most contestants in Group A are grandmasters. Who knows how many of the top ten are from the Heavenly Immortals list? With my current strength, I'm not even close to competing with those beasts.”
Crystal knew her limits. Even if she were against an early-stage grandmaster, her chances of winning were slim.
She knew competing with those beasts from the Heavenly Immortals was out of the question. After all, those who made it into that list were at least a late -stage grandmaster.
“Don’t be discouraged. Not all the elites from the Heavenly Immortals list will be competing. We can still try our luck. “Miles chuckled.
There weren't many participants listed in the Heavenly Immortals in the Combat Tournament. Swere absent,
while others had already fought in the earlier rounds.
After all, when two heavyweights clashed, swere bound to get hurt. Miles believed that the strongest contestants should fight each other first.
He knew they might have a shot to break into the top ten if they were lucky enough to face weaker or injured opponents. But these odds were slim.
“Let’s do our best.” Crystal didn’t say much. She was in a good mood and wasn’t looking for fame. Her main goal was to make friends in the tournament and broaden her horizons.
“Alicia, I'm sorry for letting the guild down.” Aurora returned to her seat, looking dejected. As Alloy’s daughter,
losing to the Sword Union disciple was a blow to her pride.
“You did your best, so don’t be too hard on yourself,” Alicia said reassuringly.
“I was so close to winning,” Aurora replied, frustrated. If only she were composed and less impulsive, she might have won.
“Winning and losing are just part of the journey. Don’t get too hung up on it. Concentrate on your training, and you'll bounce back and win again,” Alicia comforted her. She believed that with Aurora’s talent, she would
surpass Fenley and earn a spot on the Legendary List.
Aurora slowly clenched her fist. Her fighting spirit was ablaze. “I'll remember Crystal Wesley from the Sword Union. I'll defeat her next time. She vowed to reclaim her honor after the earlier encounter.
After the exciting match between the two beauties, the tournament continued to heat up. Renowned experts stepped into the battle ring one after another. Even the elites from major guilds showcased their unique skills.
Every match was intense.
For many guilds, the tournament meant more than just victory or defeat. It represented their honor and prospects.
Winning would bring fame, attract disciples, and elevate the guild's prestige. Conversely, a loss could result in being overlooked and stuck in a downward spiral.
New talent was essential for any guild, as they would carry on the legacy passed down through generations.
Therefore, achieving favorable results in the tournament was crucial for all participating guilds.
As a result, the top experts from each guild gave their best effort. They aimed to bring honor to their guild and establish their own reputations. Seven risked their lives in the process.
According to the tournament rules, the top 32 contestants would be determined that day. Group A had already filled 20 spots and left 12 places up for grabs among the contestants in Group B.
The matches were incredibly intense, with over 100 elite participants from Group B competing for those slots.
As tpassed and the sun began to set, the matches finally neared the end. Dalen and Crystal successfully advanced to Group A, while the remaining ten spots were filled by other geniuses chosen from various guilds.
“Congratulations to contestant number 15 on qualifying. Today's match is over. All qualified contestants, please get ready for tomorrow.”
With the referee’s announcement, the day’s event ended.
The top 32 contestants had been decided. Tomorrow's matches would reduce the field to eight. A new draw would decide the pairings since winning required luck and skill.
“With contestant number 15, our guild now has three members in the top 32. The future looks promising.” Alicia sighed with relief.
She was glad that contestant number 15 was a Celestial Alliance disciple. Otherwise, her day wouldn't have ended well.
The Celestial Alliance had many disciples and was the top guild in Dragonmarsh. They had two guaranteed spots
in the top 32-Fenley and Riley Grayson, the SuprElder's disciple. Since they were grandmasters, they could
advance directly. Yet, Alicia knew having these two wouldn't be enough. In Group B, the Sword Union and the Mystic Arts Order's
disciple had also advanced to Group A. Without representatives from the Celestial Alliance, she knew they would likely be criticized.
“It should have been four, alas.” Aurora sighed, lost in thought.
If Brian hadn't betrayed the guild, he could've brought honor to the Celestial Alliance. Instead, his ambition for the guildmaster’s position led him to conspire with outsiders to harm Alicia. No matter how talented he was, he
lacked true merit. “Dr. Rhys, you're also competing in Group A, right?” Alicia asked, suddenly turning to Dustin.
“Yes,” he replied with a nod.
“Great!” Her eyes lit up. “Since you're consulting for the Celestial Alliance, can you compete under our guild's banner?”
“Well...” Dustin paused, glancing thoughtfully at Grace next to him.
He joined the tournament mainly to help her find the Dracan essence. Fand such didn’t matter much to him.
After all, it depended on what she had in mind. “Since you're their consultant, it makes sense to compete under their name,” she said.
Dustin promptly agreed when Grace nodded.
“Great! It's settled then!” Alicia beamed. With that, the Celestial Alliance secured another spot in the top 32. She felt they were finally getting their chance to shine.
Chapter 2286
As the sun dipped below the horizon and night descended, Bailey, known as the Grizz Lord, was 30 miles from the Sacred Wrym Summit in a secluded mountain villa.
Seated at the dining table, he feasted on meat and gulped down the wine. His mouth was gleaming with grease.
The 16-foot-long table was filled with a variety of meats. At the center was a giant cow’s head, with its cooked and reassembled body behind it.
There were also suckling pigs, whole lambs, chickens, ducks, fish, and other meats surrounding it. The table was filled with 30 to 40 different types of meat without any vegetables.
Bailey grabbed different pieces of meat and stuffed them into his mouth with incredible speed. He devoured them like a ravenous beast.
The two maids standing nearby watched in astonishment as hundreds of pounds of meat disappeared before their eyes as he wolfed them down in large pieces.
This amount of meat could have fed over 100 people, but he could have polished it off at the rate he was eating.
His appetite was truly terrifying.
The maids couldn't resist wondering who could eat several hundred pounds of meat in one sitting. Was such a person even human?
Just as Bailey was stuffing himself, a handsman of mixed heritage entered the room and greeted respectfully, “Hello, Mr. Bailey.”
“Hank, you arrived just in time. The meat tasted great today. Con over and have some,” Bailey said,
glancing up before diving back into his food.
“Thanks for the invite, but I've already eaten,” Hank responded with a smile.
“Then, what brings you here?” Bailey asked through a mouthful of meat.
“You call for me, Mr. Bailey,” Hank reminded him.
“I did?” Bailey paused. Then, he recalled something. “Oh! Right! | did have something to discuss with you, but |
was so caught up enjoying my meal that it slipped my mind.”
Hank’s smile faltered before he regained his composure. He seemed used to Bailey's forgetfulness. “What
instructions do you have for me, Mr. Bailey?” he asked politely.
Bailey finally stopped eating and took the hot towel handed by the maid to wipe his hands and mouth. “You
know why the Hall of Gods is mobilizing forces to Sacred Wyrm Summit, right?
“We need to undermine Dragonmarsh secretly and also publicly lower the morale of their martial artists. That's
why we must win the Combat Tournament.”
“Mr. Bailey, if | may speak frankly. Dragonmarsh is filled with skilled experts and rising talents. Given our current
capabilities, it would be tough for us to win in a fair fight,” Hank said with measured respect.
Being of mixed heritage with Dragonmarsh roots, he knew that the nation’s martial arts skills were the best in
the world.
The only advantage the Hall of Gods had was the internal strife within the Dragonmarsh martial community,
which prevented them from uniting. Otherwise, invading Dragonmarsh would be nearly impossible.
“I understand your concerns,” Bailey replied with a smile. “That's why I've arranged for three experts to assist
you. Their expertise will help us execute our plan smoothly.”
“Oh? Who are these experts?” Hank asked, curious.
“Con in!” Bailey suddenly called out.
Three distinctly dressed men walked in one after another.
The first was a burly man in his 30s with tanned skin. He stood over six and a half feet tall, and his muscular
build rivaled Bailey's. This gave him an imposing presence, like a dark tower.
Following him was a man with mixed- race features similar to Hank's. He was dressed sharply in a suit that
conveyed an air of nobility with every move. His unnaturally pale complexion gave him a ghostly appearance.
The third was a middle-aged man with glasses and dressed in a clerical robe. He had a Streuquan face and wore
a friendly smile. A cross hung from his neck, and he held the Holy Scriptures.
Despite his unassuming appearance, his presence made the burly and mixed -race man instinctively step aside.
They were wary of him.
“Why don’t you three introduce yourselves?” Bailey said with a burp.
“I'm George Burroughs from Artea, also known as the Dusk Titan,” the burly man with tanned skin said coldly.
“The Dusk Titan?” Hank's eyes widened in surprise. He had heard of the nbefore.
George was a legendary A-Class mutant from Artea. He was known for his incredible strength and nearly
indestructible body. His skin was tougher than metal, making him impervious to bullets and cannon fire.
What was even more astonishing was his immense power.
He once single-handedly stopped a speeding train. He didn’t just stop it but practically obliterated it with a single
punch. It was no exaggeration to say that the man before them was a walking juggernaut.
Hank couldn't believe Bailey had managed to recruit such a powerful being for the tournament.
Chapter 2287
After Dusk Titan wrapped up his introduction, the handsand pale mixed-race man stepped forward.
He said proudly, “I'm Bill Wolfe from Esmington, representing the Coven of Blood Eclipse. They callthe
Shadow Prince.”
“The Shadow Prince of the Coven of Blood Eclipse?” Hank was taken aback.
The Coven of Blood Eclipse held unparalleled influence in Esmington. It was second only to the Hall of Gods
among Streuquan nations.
The coven included three main races- vampires, werewolves, and mystic artists, along with a few uniquely gifted
beasts.
Among these, vampires held the dominant position. They nearly ruled the entire Esmington. Previously, the Hall
of Gods had enlisted the Blood Devil Willem, an earl of the vampire race.
Bill was the son of the Shadow Master, the leader of the Coven of Blood Eclipse. The Shadow Master was the king
of vampires. His influence was on par with the God King of the Hall of Gods.
As the son of the Shadow Master, Bill inherited his father’s noble lineage. Despite his young age, he possessed
the strength of a vampire viscount. Countless powerful opponents had fallen at his hands.
His most notable feat was the overnight defeat of three grandmasters, which significantly weakened
Dragonmarsh’s influence abroad.
Hank never expected Bailey to convince the Shadow Master to send Bill to participate in the tournament. After
all, Dragonmarsh wasn’t known for its hospitality. So, Hank was surprised to learn that Bill would risk his life.
“Bill's father is my friend,” Bailey explained upon seeing Hank’s confusion. “When he heard about the Hall of
Gods’ plans, he sent Bill to gain sexperience and show off the power of the Coven of Blood Eclipse.”
Bill stepped up to make a nfor himself in Dragonmarsh. If he excelled in the tournament and crushed the
pride of Dragonmarsh’s martial artists, he could easily assert himself as the rightful heir to the Shadow Master's
throne.
“Oh, | see.” Hank smiled and began to flatter Bill, “With you on our side, we'll definitely make those
Dragonmarsh martial artists run for their lives!”
“You bet!” Bill smirked proudly.
He continued, “I can’t even count how many so-called grandmasters from Dragonmarsh I've killed. They're just
as weak as paper. | could tear them apart with just a little effort.
“This time, | want every Dragonmarsh martial artist to witness the power of my vampire clan. | want them to live
in fear forever.”
He reached out with his fingers in a claw-like grip as he spoke. His nails extended to three inches and became
sharp and deadly. A faint black mist swirled around it, giving off an unsettling air.
“Bill, it’s fine to stir things up, but don’t underestimate them. Be careful not to slip up,” Bailey warned.
“Relax, Mr. Bailey. Noble bloodline vampires like us can’t be defeated by those pathetic humans from
Dragonmarsh,” Bill replied dismissively.
Bailey simply smiled and said nothing. He understood the nature of vampires, especially Bill, who carried the
Shadow Master's bloodline.
Bill had an amazing recovery ability. As long as he had a fresh supply of blood, he could recover instantly, even
from life-threatening injuries. He was practically immortal unless he was completely obliterated or turned to ash.
Bailey knew the martial artists from Dragonmarsh would have a tough tdealing with such a beast.
“Father, it’s your turn.” Bailey turned his gaze to the third person, a lean man with glasses and a clerical robe.
“Praise the Lord. I'm Jeremiah Price, a Cardinal of the Holy Sovereign Church, “the lean man said with a smile.
“A Cardinal?” Hank raised an eyebrow, puzzled.
He knew that being a Cardinal meant holding a significant position. But he couldn't understand why a clergyman
would participate in the Combat Tournament. Jeremiah looked frail, and Hank wondered if he was up to the task.
“Hank, Father Price isn’t just a Cardinal. He's also called ‘The Dust of Angel,'” Bailey explained.
“What? The Dust of Angel?” Hank was startled. His body broke out in goosebumps at the mention of the name.
Members of the Hall of Gods might be unaware, but he fully grasped the true meaning of “The Dust of Angel”.
Jeremiah was the Holy Sovereign Church’s trump card in the “Betrayer” organization after being the only
survivor of a hellish experiment. He was feared as the ultimate beast among beasts.
He possessed the strength of werewolves, the regenerative powers of vampires, and impressive exorcism skills.
After being blessed by the Holy Sovereign Church's holy arts, he becan unstoppable killing machine.
Anyone who opposed the Holy Sovereign Church, no matter their status or power, faced a gruesfate at
Jeremiah’s hands. The most frightening part was that he was a complete psychopath who took twisted pleasure
in sadistic, brutal killings.
The Holy Sovereign Church called him ” The Dust of Angel”, but those who opposed them knew him by another
name-the “Song of Hell”.
Chapter 2288
Hank felt a chill run down his spine when he glanced at Jeremiah, the man who killed without mercy.
Even the formidable Dusk Titan and Shadow Prince showed signs of caution around Jeremiah, and it was clear
why. If they were regarded as beasts, then Jeremiah, known as The Dust of Angel, was the ultimate beast.
With someone of Jeremiah’s caliber involved, the martial artists of Dragonmarsh would likely face an
unprecedented calamity.
“Hank, are you satisfied with these three allies?” Bailey asked, grinning.
“Satisfied? I'd say more than that! With their support, victory in the Combat Tournament is practically
guaranteed! “Hank replied confidently.
He used to have doubts because he recognized the exceptional talents of Dragonmarsh. But now, his confidence
was on the rise.
After all, the Hall of Gods, the Coven of Blood Eclipse, and the Holy Sovereign Church had deployed their
strongest elites. They had effectively united forces from several nations to suppress Dragonmarsh. With this kind
of support, victory seemed almost guaranteed.
“Great! With your assurance, | feel much more at ease,” Bailey said with a nod.
He added, “I'm putting you in charge of the tournament. As for our secret plans, they need to go off without a
hitch. Make sure everyone stays alert and avoids any trouble in the next few days. When the tis right, we'll
launch our full-scale attack.”
“Got it.” Hank nodded emphatically.
“Why don’t you all get back to work? Don’t interrupt my meal,” Bailey said, waving them off. He then dug into
his food with gusto.
Soon, the entire spread of meat was gone.
Meanwhile, Schola Hub, the largest tavern within a 100-mile radius, was buzzing with activity. It hosted elites
from various major guilds, including many who had advanced to the top 32.
Unlike modern taverns, Schola Hub was an antique three-story building with a spacious interior. The staff
referred to themselves as servers.
Right across the entrance, a stage showcased a performance of the Moby Dick musical. The actors were fully
immersed in their roles while the audience enjoyed their meals and drinks, applauding enthusiastically.
The scene near Sacred Wrym Summit was truly one-of-a-kind.
“Hey there, esteemed guests! Please cin.”
As Dustin and his entourage from the Celestial Alliance entered, the server at the door greeted them warmly and
escorted them upstairs.
Schola Hub had welcomed high-status and wealthy guests for the past few days. Judging by Dustin and his
group's attire and demeanor, the server could tell they were quite exceptional. Hence, a good service would
likely earn the server a generous tip.
“Server, bring us your finest drinks and dishes,” Aurora called out as soon as they were seated.
“Yes, ma'am.”
The server turned to leave, but Alicia suddenly stopped him. “Wait! Don’t forget to bring sreally good wine!”
With a quick flick of her finger, she tossed a gold bead the size of a fingernail into his hand.
He looked closely, and his face lit up with joy. He nodded eagerly. “Thank you for your generosity! Just a moment,
I'll get everything right away!”
With a bounce in his step, the server hurried downstairs. Before long, he returned with the best wine and dishes,
plus sappetizers.
“This ten-year-old wine is pretty good. “Alicia opened the bottle and slowly took a sip. Then, she smiled faintly.
As a wine expert, she couldn't resist a few drinks daily.
“Alright, enough chatter. Let's toast!” She poured herself a generous glass and was ready to drink when a hand
stopped her. She turned to see it was Dustin's.
“You just got better, so no drinking for you,” Dustin said gently.
“What? No drinks?” Alicia replied, a hint of disappointment in her voice. ” Dr. Rhys, | feel great now. A couple of
drinks should be okay, right?”
“Recovering from a serious illness isn’t easy. It's best to skip alcohol for now,” he said, shaking his head.
If anything happened to her after drinking, he’d be the one left handling it. He wanted to avoid any trouble, so he
felt it was his responsibility to step in and stop her.
“How about just three drinks? Can 1?” Alicia asked, holding up three fingers with a hopeful grin.
“Absolutely not,” Dustin replied, shaking his head firmly.
“Just one! I'll have one to satisfy my craving. That should be fine, right?” She weakly raised one finger, looking
pitiful.
“If you want to risk your life, go ahead, ” he said, lowering his hand.
“Oh, con...” Her face scrunched up in frustration as she raised her eyebrows. She turned to Grace for help.
“Faith, can you talk ssense into your guy? He's so strict and won't even lethave a drink.”
“What are you saying? We are just friends. You can’t just ruin his reputation like that,” Grace shot back, rolling
her eyes.
“Really?” Alicia replied, looking skeptical. “I thought you two were a couple with how you keep exchanging
glances.”
Chapter 2289
“Dr. Rhys is right. You really really shouldn't drink,” Grace said earnestly. “You're already not thinking straight
without alcohol. Who knows what’ll1 happen if you do drink?”
“Faith, | know I'm wrong. Please talk to him and lethave just one drink.” Alicia clung to Grace's arm and
pleaded. She craved alcohol so much that even a day without it made her feel restless.
“Con, Alicia. Just hang in there for a few more days. Dr. Rhys is doing this for your own good,” Aurora said
with a smile.
“What? | still have to endure a few more days!” Alicia's face fell, and she slumped over the table, looking
defeated. “How am | supposed to survive without a drink? This is torture!
“It's okay. If you can’t drink, I'll do it for you,” Fenley said with a slight smile. He took her glass and downed it in
one gulp.
“Fenley! You-" Alicia pouted and was on the verge of crying. She felt like everyone around her was ganging up on
her.
“Miss, it’s just a drink. Letbuy you one,” ca deep, resonant voice from a nearby table.
They turned to see three foreigners seated nearby. One was a towering figure with tanned skin and exuded an
intimidating presence.
Another wore a clerical robe with a cross around his neck as he smiled warmly. The third was dressed in a suit.
He looked handsand noble.
These three men were George, Jeremiah, and Bill.
“Lovely miss, I'm new to Dragonmarsh. | haven't seen anyone as, captivating as you. May | have the pleasure to
invite you for a drink?” Bill smiled and approached them with a glass of wine.
He was always confident in his looks and charisma. Plus, he was convinced that any woman he pursued would
eventually fall for him.
Even those who played hard to get usually succumbed to his advances. Once they were in his bed, he would
relish in his dominance.
“Who are you?” Alicia looked at him indifferently.
“I'm Bill Wolfe from Esmington. I've been honored with an aristocratic title by Her Royal Highness,” he replied
with a smile.
Bill believed appearance was important, but his status was just as crucial. Women would flock to him whenever
he mentioned his title.
“So what?” Alicia's expression remained neutral, though her eyes flashed with disdain.
She couldn't believe he was trying so hard to flaunt his aristocratic title as if it were the most important thing
about him. It made her cringe.
“Hmm?” Her lack of interest caught Bill off guard. He had expected a warmer reception but was met with
indifference instead. He had heard that women from Dragonmarsh were supposed to be easy to charm.
“Lovely miss, there's an old saying in Dragonmarsh that crossing paths is a sign of destiny. Since we've met,
would you joinfor a drink?” He smiled and extended his invitation again.
“Not interested. Please leave,” Alicia refused.
She had encountered plenty of charming men and had no interest in. arrogant ones like Bill. Besides, she found
Dustin more appealing.
“I heard you enjoy fine wines. | happen to have a collection of rare wines at home. How about | bring sfor
you to try?” Bill persisted and tried to tempt her with his offer.
“No thanks. I'm not in the mood for a drink right now.” Alicia looked visibly annoyed.
Didn't he get the hint? She had already turned him down, but he kept insisting. It was starting to get on her
nerves.
“Hey! My sister is not interested, so can you leave us alone while we eat?” Aurora asked bluntly, making it clear
they wanted to be left alone.
The Marshall sisters were used to unwanted advances. Usually, a firm refusal was enough to make guys back off.
But Bill wouldn't take the hint. He seemed to have “creep” written all over him, which disgusted them.
“Bill, I never thought I'd see you get rejected.” George, sitting at the adjacent table, laughed heartily. His face lit
up with smug satisfaction.
He had always envied Bill's charm, as women seemed drawn to him wherever he went. Hence, he was thrilled to
see Bill, who rarely faces rejection, finally get turned away.
“Shut up!” Bill snapped at George.
Then, he turned to face Alicia. His gaze darkened as he asked, “What will it take for you to cwith me? Just
nyour price.”
Since seduction wasn’t working, he was trying to buy her off. As the Shadow Prince, he had more than enough
power and money.
Before Alicia could respond, Aurora slammed her hand on the table and stood up. “Hey! Are you deaf or
something? Get out of here, or | won't be so nice!”
Chapter 2290
Aurora's eyes were icy, and her expression was hostile. Bill had gone from flirting to harassment, and it was
making her sick. She wouldn't hesitate to teach him a lesson if he kept pushing.
“You're not going to be polite, huh?” he sneered.
With a menacing grin, he added, What's the matter? You want to have a long, wild night within bed? I'm
more than happy to arrange that.”
“Bastard! You're asking for trouble!” she fumed, grabbing the skewers on the table and throwing them at him.
The skewers flew toward his arms from both sides with a sharp whoosh. Aurora was halfway to becoming a
grandmaster, so she threw them with bullet-like force.
Bill merely sneered and casually waved his hand. A powerful gust of wind surged forth and deflected the
skewers. They flew into a pillar 15 feet away and embedded just under an inch deep into the wood.
“Hmm?” Aurora frowned, and her expression turned serious.
She had gone all out in her previous attack and aimed to cripple him as a punishment. But she hadn't expected
him to be a skilled expert and deflected her attack effortlessly.
“You're quite the character, miss. You've caught my interest. If you cwithand behave, | might let you
and your friends go. Otherwise, everyone here is as good as dead.” Bill smiled sinisterly.
He loved fiery women like Aurora, and her defiance only fueled his desire to conquer her.
“You're asking for trouble!” Her expression darkened, and her eyes flashed with murderous intent.
She drew her dual blades with lightning speed and sprang forward like a leopard. In a heartbeat, she was face-to - face with him.
Aurora swung her blades toward Bill's lower back, but he smirked and didn’t dodge. Suddenly, his pale hands grabbed her blades.
“You're overestimating yourself!” She turned her blades mid-swing and changed her attack from a thrust to a slash.
She aimed to sever his fingers. But when her blades hit his palm, they rang out with a sharp clang as if striking metal. Unfortunately, her blades couldn't pierce through.
“Hmm?” Aurora’s expression changed.
With her skills and a weapon sharp enough to cut through iron, it seemed. impossible for anyone below the grandmaster level to challenge her unarmed. She wondered if he was a grandmaster.
“Stop resisting. You should be honored to sleep with me,” Bill taunted. His grip slowly tightened around her blades.
The cracking sound of her dual swords warping and bending was alarming. The sheer force of his grip made her shudder. Who was this guy? How could he be so strong?
“You! Chere!” Bill sneered. His hand darted toward her neck with blinding speed.
Aurora tried to dodge, but his movements were too swift. Just as he was about to grab her, a sharp whistle
pierced the air. A skewer shot out and impaled Bill's hand. The impact not only stopped his attack but pierced
through his palm.
“Hmm?” Bill frowned at the skewer sticking out of his palm. He looked up and locked eyes with Fenley, who
stared back with a frosty expression.
Fenley’s attack with the skewer was at least tenfold superior to Aurora’s.
“I don’t care who you are. But if you have any sense, you'll leave now. Otherwise, you'll have to deal with the
consequences!” Fenley warned coldly.
He couldn't believe Bill dared to mess with Aurora in front of him. If Fenley hadn't been at the Sacred Wyrm
Summit, he would have already dealt with Bill, who would be dead by now.
“I didn’t expect to run into someone with a skilled expert. This is getting interesting.” Bill chuckled sinisterly as
he slowly pulled the skewer out of his palm.
His face didn’t show a hint of pain, as if the injury didn’t bother him. Even more unnerving was how his wound
began to heal right before everyone's eyes, the gash disappearing within moments.
Aurora's eyes widened in disbelief. With such an astonishing ability to heal, she wondered if Bill was a human.
“Are you a vampire?” Fenley narrowed his eyes and quickly caught on.
“Correction. I'm Bill Wolfe, an aristocrat among vampires. Pathetic humans like you should revere and admire
me,” Bill said haughtily.
Vampires followed a strict hierarchy. Ordinary vampires were nothing compared to the aristocrats. The purer the
bloodline, the greater the power.
“You Strequan vampires really have sguts showing up in Dragonmarsh and causing trouble. Aren't you
worried you might not make it out of here alive? “Aurora snapped.
Dragonmarsh martial artists and Strequan’s underworld forces had always been at odds. Their conflicts
manifested in both obvious and subtle ways.
The Strequan typically tread carefully in unfamiliar territory, so Bill's brazen provocation was definitely out of the
ordinary.
“All Dragonmarsh martial artists are a joke. No matter how many of you show up, it won't make a difference. A
herd of sheep doesn’t stand a chance against a lion.” Bill laughed. His tone was dripping with contempt as he
looked down on them.
No comments:
Post a Comment