Chapter 2291
“Arrogant jerk! How dare a pathetic vampire like you chere and act so boldly? Do you think no one in
Dragonmarsh can take you down?” Aurora fumed.
Just when she was about to take action, Fenley raised his hand to stop her. He understood that vampire
aristocrats were formidable opponents. Given Aurora's current strength, she stood no chance against them.
“I'm guessing this is your first tin Dragonmarsh, right?” Fenley’s voice was calm, but his gaze was icy.
“So, what if it is?” Bill lifted his chin defiantly.
“You must be clueless. It seems your elders didn’t tell you that once you're in Dragonmarsh, you must keep a low
profile, or you might end up dead.” Fenley slowly stood up, radiating a murderous intent.
As long as the Strequans behaved in Dragonmarsh, they were generally left. alone. But Bill's reckless and
provocative behavior was like signing his own death warrant.
“End up dead?” Bill laughed mockingly. “Do you and your little group think you can takeon?”
“Let's find out.” Fenley slammed his hand on the table. Instantly, the dozens of skewers began to levitate and
hovered in the air.
With a flick of his wrist, the skewers shot toward Bill like speeding bullets. Each skewer was charged with the
Grandmaster’s internal energy, capable of piercing steel plates.
Bill's eyes narrowed as his fingernails suddenly extended three inches and becrazor sharp. As the skewers
flew toward him, he sliced through each one with pinpoint accuracy.
His nails were comparable to Divine Weapons, slicing through the skewers effortlessly as if they were made of
butter.
“Heh... Is that all you've got?” Bill sneered.
Just as he was about to continue his taunts, he noticed Fenley had disappeared from his seat. In the blink of an
eye, Fenley reappeared just 20 inches away.
“Huh?” Bill's eyes widened in shock as he instinctively raised his hand to strike. Before fully extending his claws,
he felt a sharp pain in his chest.
He looked down and was stunned to see Fenley’s hand had already pierced through his chest, blood staining his
hand.
“You-" Bill was dumbfounded, and his eyes widened with disbelief.
Vampires had always taken pride in their speed and strength, which usually gave them a significant advantage
over human martial artists. But he never expected Fenley to be faster than him.
At that moment, George and Jeremiah, who had been drinking and observing the scene, stopped their chatters.
They exchanged glances, and both looked equally astonished.
They were well aware of Bill's strength. He often triumphed over Dragonmarsh’s Grandmasters. But now he was
severely wounded after just one move. It dawned on them that Fenley wasn’t an ordinary martial artist.
“Pathetic!” Fenley scoffed. With a flick of his wrist, he hurled Bill several feet through the air.
Bill slammed into the wall with a loud crash, and blood splattered everywhere. “Ugh!” He coughed up a mouthful
of blood.
His already pale face turned even more ashen. Despite his impressive healing abilities, he couldn't get up after
such a devastating blow.
“You're tougher than you look,” Fenley remarked with a cold glance.
If any ordinary vampire’s heart were pierced, it would be fatal.
However, as an aristocrat, Bill had superior vitality and a quicker recovery. Although his heart was damaged and
would need tto heal, it wasn’t enough to kill him with just one blow.
“How dare you, you insignificant human! I'm going to rip you apart!” Bill roared.
His eyes glowed red as his fangs lengthened and sharpened. A cloud of scarlet mist enveloped him like it had a
will of its own before it seeped into his wounds. The mist healed his injuries almost instantly.
The others frowned in disbelief at his incredible regeneration. Even with a pierced heart, he healed at an
astonishing rate, revealing the extraordinary power of his nobility.
“Go to hell!” Once fully healed, Bill surged forward.
He morphed into a crimson shadow as he charged at Fenley. His speed had increased tically, and it was
nearly impossible for Aurora and Alicia to follow with their eyes.
“You're asking for it!” Fenley sneered and didn’t flinch. He punched the crimson shadow with a blow that seemed
ordinary but was packed with destructive power.
There was a loud explosion when Fenley’s punch struck. It caused the crimson shadow to burst into a cloud of
scarlet mist.
When everyone thought Bill had been killed, the mist swirled and quickly reformed behind Fenley. Bill reappeared
in the blink of an eye, his sharp fang aimed at Fenley’s neck.
With a single bite, Bill could paralyze Fenley instantly, leaving him immobile and vulnerable to being drained dry.
Chapter 2292
“Fenley, watch out!” Aurora and Alicia shouted in unison. They were shocked by the sudden turn of events.
They hadn't expected Bill to have such a bizarre ability. After being turned into a cloud of scarlet mist with a
single punch, he reformed and launched a surprise attack. Defending against such a deadly move the first time
would be nearly impossible.
Vampire's fangs carried a paralyzing toxin, and bites from aristocratic vampires were even more potent. Even a
grandmaster martial artist would struggle to resist a single bite.
“Pathetic trick!” Fenley didn’t bother to turn. He shook his body, and a huge divine shadow briefly flickered
behind him.
Suddenly, a-powerful shockwave erupted. His hair stood on end, and his robe billowed out.
The shockwave hurled Bill, who was attacking from behind, several feet away. He slammed into the wall and fell
in a daze, looking utterly disheveled.
“That was a close call!” Aurora and Alicia sighed in relief after seeing what happened. They were relieved Fenley
had the Four Elements of God's Technique protecting him. Otherwise, he could be in danger.
“Fuck you! I'll drain every drop of your blood!” Bill, furious from his missed attack, grew even more enraged.
Surrounded by a swirling scarlet mist, his menacing appearance made him look like a demon.
“Go to hell!” He spun around and transformed into a scarlet whirlwind as he swept toward Fenley.
Vampires had remarkable resilience, which allowed them to recover quickly from even severe wounds. Hence,
Bill would fight recklessly and trade blows without worrying about his safety. 1
He could take multiple hits and keep going, but a single hit from him could be fatal for his opponent. This
unyielding resilience was a key trait of vampires, making them so fearsome.
So, taking down a powerful vampire was nearly impossible without a specialized weapon to counter them.
“Fury of Wind God!” Seeing the scarlet whirlwind approaching, Fenley lost his patience and unleashed his
ultimate move, the Four Elements of God's Technique.
He shook his body, and a massive shadow of the Divine Specter materialized behind him out of thin air. Then, he
raised his hand and struck at. the approaching scarlet whirlwind. Simultaneously, the Divine Specter mirrored his
attack.
A roar filled the air as it shattered with explosive energy. A colossal palm shadow filled with destructive power
surged toward the scarlet whirlwind.
The wind howled as the palm shadow passed, and the energy surged wildly. Sharp wind blades sliced through
the air through metal like it was nothing. Then, they formed a densethat shredded the scarlet whirlwind.
“Ah!” A scream echoed from the scarlet whirlwind as Bill was hurled through the air as if struck by a freight train.
He was flung dozens of feet away.
Just as he was about to smash through the window and out of the tavern, Jeremiah appeared behind him and
caught him.
“Mr. Wolfe, you're no match for him. It’s best to take a step back and recover. “Jeremiah patted Bill's shoulder
with a calm, almost benign expression.
Despite the vampires’ impressive strength, Jeremiah knew Fenley was superior. Bill's efforts were futile since he
couldn’t land a blow on his opponent.
“I'm not accepting this defeat! I'm going to kill him!” Bill gritted his teeth. His face contorted with fury.
His suit was torn and drenched in blood, with numerous wounds all over his body. He was a bloody mess, barely
holding himself together.
Luckily, being a vampire meant he could still stand. If he were human, he would've already been dead.
“Mr. Wolfe, fighting isn’t just about using brute force. You need to use your brain. Given your current state, it's
best if you don’t engage further,” Jeremiah said, shaking his head.
“What? Are you saying I’m not smart enough?” Bill was enraged at the comment.
“No, you've misunderstood. I'm not insulting you. I'm simply stating the truth,” Jeremiah replied with a smile.
“You-*
Just as Bill was about to snap, he suddenly felt a burst of intense, holy energy from Jeremiah’s hand on his
shoulder.
The heat was overwhelming, like being set ablaze, and pain surged through him instantly. Thick black smoke
began to seep from his pores, accompanied by a sizzling sound.
“Ahh!” Bill's body trembled in pain, and his face twisted in agony. His previous anger and frustration melted
away, replaced by stark fear.
He nearly forgot that Jeremiah was feared throughout the Strequan underworld. Jeremiah possessed physical
abilities rivaling vampires and mastery over holy magic designed to counter dark creatures.
Bill realized that defying Jeremiah could mean a fate far worse than death. He couldn't afford to cross him.
Chapter 2293
“F-Father, you're right. I'm injured and need to rest. Please, letgo.” Bill. was in so much pain that he
immediately begged for mercy.
In Strequa, strength reigned supreme. Those who were powerful and had a strong presence earned widespread
respect, and their words carried considerable influence. Simply put, they could force a person if.
“Mr. Wolfe, | take back what I said earlier. You're a smart man.” Jeremiah kept a neutral expression and
maintained his smile.
Bill's eyes twitched in frustration, but he held his tongue and stepped back. He was reluctant to admit defeat
against Fenley and believed he could still fight. Yet, he had no choice but to submit to Jeremiah’s authority.
“Father, if Bill can’t handle this, letstep in.” George suddenly rose from his seat. His massive, towering figure
was intimidating.
His strength and physical prowess were superior to Bill's. In a direct confrontation, he was like an unstoppable
human tank.
“Why does this guy look like a gorilla?” Alicia and Aurora exchanged surprised glances.
When George was sitting, they hadn't noticed anything unusual. But now that he was standing, he was quite a
sight.
At over seven feet tall, his massive frwas covered in muscles as solid as obsidian. He looked even more
imposing than a bull, and his presence could intimidate most people before a fight started.
“Mr. Burroughs, let's not act impulsively,” Jeremiah said with a smile. He raised his hand to stop George. “We're
here for a meal, not a fight. Let's not make things worse.”
“Father, you don’t need to get involved. A few martial artists from Dragonmarsh are no match for me,” George
growled.
Jeremiah said nothing. He approached George and placed a hand on his shoulder as he guided him back to his
seat.
Then, Jeremiah turned to Fenley and the others with a smile. “I’m sorry for my friends’ behavior. They got a bit
carried away. Please forgive their impulsiveness.”
“Hmph! Apologizing just because you can’t win? Why didn’t you do it sooner? “Aurora scoffed, clearly irritated.
If Bill had gained the upper hand just now, the other side would probably be singing a different tune. The apology
was merely a sign of fear of Fenley’s strength, a concession to avoid further trouble.
“You have a saying in Dragonmarsh that said, ‘Friends are made through conflict.” My friend here was simply.
trying to engage in a friendly sparring match. If we've offended you, | hope you can overlook it,” Jeremiah said
calmly.
“Father! Why are we apologizing? We should just...” Bill started to protest, but a stern look from Jeremiah
silenced him instantly.
“You seem to be a reasonable person. Since you're willing to admit your mistake, I'll let this incident slide,”
Fenley said
Then, he added, “But remember, if you cto Dragonmarsh again, you'd better play by the rules. The Celestial
Alliance won't tolerate any troublemakers.”
“Oh? Which elite member of the Celestial Alliance are you? Can you tell us your name?” Jeremiah asked with a
smile.
“I'm Fenley Hudson,” Fenley said coolly.
“Ah, you're Sir Hudson. I've heard a lot about you,” Jeremiah replied, nodding with a hint of surprise.
Earlier, Bailey had given them a list of Dragonmarsh’s top talents, including those who might threaten their
chances in the tournament. Fenley of the Celestial Alliance was one of the top names on that list.
It was clear now why Bill had been completely outmatched. It turned out that he had encountered a formidable
opponent.
“Let's skip the pleasantries. Remember my warning, or face the consequences, “Fenley said sternly.
“Thanks for the reminder. I'll keep my friend in check,” Jeremiah replied, nodding.
He picked up a glass of wine from the table. “Everyone, we're leaving now.”. After taking a sip, he headed
downstairs with George and Bill.
“Fenley, I'll remember you! See you in the battle ring tomorrow!” Bill shouted a final threat as they left.
He was still fuming from being beaten by a mere human martial artist. The humiliation was hard for him to
accept.
Fenley didn’t even bother to look at him. He completely ignored the threat. To him, someone like Bill wasn’t
worth acknowledging.
“Fenley, aren’t you going to do something about those guys? They clearly mean trouble,” Aurora said, her
frustration evident.
She couldn't believe the nerve of George, Bill, and Jeremiah for causing trouble in Dragonmarsh. They were quite
bold.
“It's not the vampire we should be worried about,” Fenley said, shaking his head. “But that priest is another
story. If it comes to a fight, it might not go well for us.”
He could tell George, Bill, and Jeremiah had bad intentions. But the seemingly harmless priest gave Fenley an
uneasy feeling. In a confrontation, the outcwas far from certain.
Chapter 2294
“No way! That priest looked ordinary and didn’t seem like a threat,” Aurora said, puzzled.
Given Fenley’s skills, he was among the best in Dragonmarsh. So, she figured he had no reason to be afraid of
those three Strequans.
“You can't judge a book by its cover. Among those three, the priest is the strongest. If you ever run into him,
avoid him at all costs,” Fenley warned earnestly.
If he had been alone earlier, he wouldn't have been concerned. But with Aurora and Alicia by his side, he had to
be cautious and couldn't fight freely.
He knew Jeremiah could distract him if they fought while Bill and George captured the Marshall sisters. With the
sisters’ lives as leverage, the other party could turn the situation in their favor.
So, Fenley decided to let the matter slide for the sisters’ safety and stop pursuing the matter.
“Okay, | understand.” Seeing how serious he was, Aurora nodded.
“Fenley, those people mentioned about competing in the Combat Tournament tomorrow. You might faced off with
them, so be careful,” Alicia reminded him.
She knew Bill was strong, but Jeremiah’s strength was an unknown factor. Until they had a clearer picture of their
opponents, being cautious was the safest approach.
“These people aren't here with good intentions, so we should stay alert,” Fenley said, nodding.
He added, “But don’t worry. Our nation has plenty of hidden talents. If we faced off in the battle ring, we wouldn't
lose to those Strequan forces. The only concern is that they might resort to dirty tricks.”
“We'll handle whatever comes our way, “Aurora said. “Once we're in the battle ring, those guys from the
Strequan underworld don’t stand a chance!”
Over the years, the Strequan forces, led by the Hall of Gods, had always used dirty tactics-manipulating, bribing,
and even resorting to assassination behind the scenes.
They never had the guts to confront the Dragonmarsh head-on. By entering this Combat Tournament openly,
they were just asking for trouble.
“Enough about those guys. Let's continue our meal.” Alicia redirected the conversation as they started to savor
their food. She knew the elders would deal with the Hall of Gods, so they didn’t need to worry.
Outside the tavern, Jeremiah strolled down the lively street while enjoying the night as if he were a tourist.
George trailed behind him silently like a bodyguard.
In contrast, Bill was frustrated. Not only had he failed to attract any women, but he had also been beaten up,
which was a major blow to his pride. If Jeremiah hadn't stopped him, Bill would have shown his true form and
challenged Fenley to a fight.
“Father, | don’t get it. He's just a martial artist from Dragonmarsh. Why are we so afraid of him?” Bill, who had
been holding back his anger, finally spoke up.
“Sir Hudson from the Celestial Alliance is ranked fifth on the Legendary List. He's not someone we can take
lightly. We're still on a mission, and now isn’t the tto stir up more trouble,” Jeremiah replied calmly.
“What's so great about being fifth on the Legendary List? If | had transformed, | could've killed him,” Bill said
bitterly.
Powerful vampires typically have three forms. He was defeated earlier because he only used his second form. If
he could unleash his third form, his strength would double. Then, he would be able to kill Fenley to vent his
anger.
“If you transform, you'll be weakened for days and unable to compete in the tournament,” Jeremiah said.
He continued, “Besides, even if you did transform, it might not make a difference. You weren't fighting at full
strength, and Fenley might have been holding something back, too. In a life- or-death fight, you might not be his
equal.”
“Even if | can’t take him down alone, we still have Mr. Burroughs, right?” Bill said defiantly. “If he is willing to take
action, we can kill Fenley.”
“I don’t need any help. | can handle this on my own,” George interjected.
Bill was speechless. His frustration was barely contained as he glanced at George beside him. He would have
taken out his anger on George if he weren't outmatched.
“Did you really think it was only Fenley back there?” Jeremiah suddenly stopped walking.
While walking with his head down, Bill bumped into Jeremiah’s back and staggered backward. “What? Are you
saying there was another expert?” he asked, surprised.
“Didn’t you notice the young man sitting with Fenley?” Jeremiah asked.
“The guy sitting with him?” Bill pondered briefly before saying, “He seemed pretty average. He didn’t say
anything despite our provocations. He must be a wimp.”
Jeremiah scoffed and turned. He smiled coldly. “I think he’s more like a werewolf than a vampire.”
“Huh? What do you mean?” Bill asked, puzzled.
“All brawn and no brains,” Jeremiah stated bluntly.
Bill's eye twitched again. He was speechless from the insult. In Strequan, strength was everything. If one
couldn't measure up, they had to keep quiet.
“That man is just as strong as Fenley. He had an intimidating presence.”
Jeremiah’s smile faded as he said thoughtfully, “If you had faced him earlier, you might already be a corpse.”
Chapter 2295
“Corpse?” Bill scoffed dismissively.
He continued, “Father, aren't you exaggerating? Vampires are immortal. Even the most skilled martial artists
from Dragonmarsh wouldn't be able to kill me.”
He didn’t mention that the Holy Sovereign Church’s holy laws, while effective against vampires, wouldn't be
enough to stop him. Even Jeremiah wouldn't be able to catch him if he chose to escape.
“Mr. Wolfe, your vampire gene is impressive, but you're not immortal. If you were, the Coven of Blood Eclipse
wouldn't be a vassal of the Hall of Gods, “Jeremiah said calmly.
He continued, “Also, don’t underestimate Dragonmarsh’s martial artists. We've clashed with them multiple times
over the years and haven't cout on top. If you keep being arrogant and complacent, you're bound to face
consequences.”
Bill, being an inexperienced aristocrat, had no idea how dangerous Dragonmarsh could be. His earlier encounter
with a group of young elites had been relatively easy by comparison.
However, if they provoked the older, more formidable figures, their chances of escaping alive would be slim.
“Father, | hope you're not afraid of those Dragonmarsh martial artists. Seems like your title as ‘The Dust of
Angel’ isn’t as impressive as the legends say,” Bill said with a sneer.
As an aristocratic vampire, he naturally looked down on human martial artists. He had expected Jeremiah to be
on the spage as him. But instead, he discovered that Jeremiah was actually a coward and ran away from a
handful of young martial artists. It was a real letdown for him.
“Bill, you'd better watch what you say. If you disrespect Father again, | might just shut you up for good!” George
warned, his voice low and menacing.
Unbeknownst to Bill, George had witnessed Jeremiah’s terrifying power firsthand. A few years back, he was just
as arrogant as Bill until Jeremiah gave him a brutal beating that put him in his place.
“Don’t get too full of yourself, gorilla! You really think I’m scared of you?” Bill snapped, baring his fangs and
taking an aggressive stance.
As the Shadow Prince, he was used to getting his way in Esmington. After the earlier defeat and now facing a
threat from George, his patience had worn thin.
“Hmph! If you're not satisfied, let's settle this with a fight!” George stopped talking and tightened his fists.
His muscles swelled, making him look even more intimidating. A wave of fierce energy rolled off him like a storm
hitting the shore. The wind howled around them at that instant, and the temperature dropped sharply.
Bill's expression changed slightly. He hadn't anticipated George's challenge and wondered if George was not
afraid of the Coven of Blood Eclipse’s retaliation.
“That's enough!” Suddenly, Jeremiah’s voice cut through the tension. An invisible sound wave broke up George's
intimidating presence.
He added coldly, “We're allies now. Our mission is to work together against the Dragonmarsh martial artists, not
to squabble among ourselves. Save your energy for tomorrow's match.”
“Yes, Father,” George said, lowering his head and stepping aside.
However, Bill huffed annoyingly. He turned and walked away from them, realizing that George and Jeremiah were
clearly on the sside. He figured sticking around would only bring him more trouble.
“I just don’t get it. With so many experts in the Coven of Blood Eclipse, why would they send this spoiled brat to
the front lines? He's nothing but trouble for us,” George grumbled as he watched Bill's departing figure.
The so-called Shadow Prince was riding on his father’s reputation to boss others around in Esmington. He wasn’t
remarkably talented but had a notoriously bad temper.
“Bill is set to inherit the Coven of Blood Eclipse. He was sent to Dragonmarsh under the pretense of serving the
Hall of Gods. In fact, this was just a way to boost his credentials,” Jeremiah said.
He continued, “If he makes a nfor himself in this tournament, his status in the Coven of Blood Eclipse will
improve. Plus, his future succession as Shadow Master will be much smoother.
“Bill thinks he can becthe Shadow Master? What a joke!” George scoffed.
He continued, “The werewolves have been gaining power over the years, matching the vampires. The new
generation of werewolf elites is even more formidable. Werewolves, who admire strength, would never let a
weakling rule over them.”
The Coven of Blood Eclipse was anything but a harmonious alliance. For centuries, werewolves and vampires had
been locked in endless conflict. It wasn’t until a powerful Shadow Master rose among the vampires that they
managed to keep the werewolves at bay.
But now, that Shadow Master's days were numbered. Once he died, a war between vampires and werewolves
was inevitable. Bill was nowhere near capable of bearing this burden.
Jeremiah said, “The Coven of Blood Eclipse is bound to have internal strife sooner or later. This hatred has been
brewing for over a thousand years, and there's no avoiding it.
“I just hope these filthy dark creatures killed each other. It'd be best if they all wiped each other out!” He grinned
wickedly.
But he quickly composed himself and masked his expression with a harmless, friendly smile. After all, harboring
murderous thoughts wasn’t appropriate for a clergyman. He figured half would do since wishing for their
complete extinction was too cruel.
Chapter 2296
Chapter 2297
Kaden’s appearance as the Sage of Sacred Wrym Summit stirred up quite a buzz. Everyone, regardless of age
and gender, stood to congratulate him and saluted with respect.
Even though Sacred Wrym Summit rarely got involved in the martial world affairs, it held a revered place among
martial artists. Regardless of Kaden’s past, wearing the Sage’s robe commanded respect.
“It's an honor to have you all here at Sacred Wrym Summit,” Kaden said, facing the crowd with a smile and a
respectful gesture. “If my hospitality falls short in any way, | ask for your understanding.”
His demeanor was calm and poised, without a trace of arrogance.
“Not at all! Sacred Wrym Summit is a paradise. It’s an honor just to be here.”
“I've heard a lot about you, Sage Foyer. Seeing you in person confirms everything I've heard.”
“The Combat Tournament at Sacred Wrym Summit is a fantastic opportunity for us to show off our skills. You
really know how to set the stage.”
The compliments cpouring in as everyone eagerly flattered Kaden. After all, staying on good terms with
Sacred Wrym Summit was a wise choice.
“Thank you for the kind words. Please take your seat.” After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Kaden
motioned everyone to sit. Then, he returned to the main seat in front of the battle ring with Oron and Caleb.
After Kaden'’s arrival, the guildmasters and leaders of various guilds began to make their entrance.
“Look! It's the Sword Union!”
As gasps filled the air, a fierce-looking middle-aged man in white strode in, flanked by several disciples. His long
hair flowed behind him, and his handsface bore a cold, detached expression. An icy chill seemed to
emanate from him.
The crowd instinctively parted to clear a path, showing their respect-or perhaps their fear-as they stepped aside.
This imposing figure was Cyrus Hadley, the guildmaster of the Sword Union and the second-ranked on the
Champ-Tier List.
Behind him were two men and a woman, who were young disciples of the Sword Union. The standout among
them was a young man with five long swords and a commanding presence. He was Glenn Hadley, the mythical
ace who topped the Legendary List.
When Cyrus and Glenn stood together, they resembled a massive, unyielding sword. Their presence instilled fear
in anyone who dared to meet their gaze.
“What an overwhelming presence. That sword aura is chilling. Is this the kind of pressure the Sword Union
brings?”
“I need to back off. It feels like my life is in danger!”
The arrival of the Sword Union instantly grabbed everyone's attention. Unlike the warm welcKaden
received, Cyrus and Glenn evoked an atmosphere of fear and caution. Even before they got close, the crowds
backed away as if facing a looming threat.
The Sword Union wasn’t known for being overbearing. They typically kept to themselves as long as they weren't
provoked. But for sreason, their mere appearance gave off an impression of impending doom and caused
other guilds to keep their distance.
“Mr. Hadley,” Kaden greeted with a warm smile, standing to offer a respectful nod as Cyrus approached.
“Sage Foyer,” Cyrus replied with a nod.
“Please take a seat,” Kaden said with a welcoming gesture. He invited Cyrus and his entourage to sit beside him.
“Thank you,” Cyrus replied before settling down with his three disciples.
Their interaction was short and courteous.
Kaden was new to his position, and Cyrus led a reclusive life. Since this was their first meeting, they weren't
well- acquainted yet.
“Is that the Sword Union’s guildmaster? He looks remarkable!” Aurora said, observing Cyrus with keen interest.
She had heard Alloy speak of Cyrus before. According to her father, Cyrus was arrogant and aloof but possessed
unparalleled sword skills.
Alloy even mentioned that Cyrus was one of the few who might one day achieve the status of a terrestrial
immortal.
“The Sword Union may be small in number, but they were on par with us for a reason.” Alicia sighed deeply.
The Sword Union had Cyrus, a formidable guildmaster, and a beast like Glenn. With such powerhouses at the
helm, their guild was poised to beceven more dominant in the coming century.
While the Celestial Alliance appeared to be thriving, it was missing truly standout experts. In stark contrast, the
Sword Union's strength cfrom its unity.
The Celestial Alliance was bogged down by internal strife, with different groups fighting for their own gain. Even
Alloy, as the guildmaster, was powerless to change the situation.
If the current state of affairs persisted, things could only worsen, and the Celestial Alliance might eventually
crumble.
“Glenn!” Fenley’s eyes narrowed as he zeroed in on the young man with five swords strapped to his back. His
gaze was intense, filled with a burning determination.
The Sword Union and the Celestial Alliance had always been at odds, and Fenley found himself frequently
compared to Glenn. Since he made a nfor himself, Glenn had always been just a step ahead, which fueled
Fenley’s deep-seated resentment.
Now, Fenley was determined to seize this chance to defeat Glenn publicly and establish his own reputation.
“Hm?” Glenn, sitting in the stands, suddenly turned his head. His piercing gaze locked onto Fenley with the
sharpness of a blade.
Undeterred, Fenley met his stare with equal intensity. Their eyes locked, sparking a fierce, heated rivalry.
Chapter 2298
Glenn and Fenley were top-tier geniuses in the martial world. Given the intense rivalry between the Sword Union
and the Celestial Alliance, it was only natural that they saw each other as competitors.
Fenley was fired up with a fighting spirit after a recent breakthrough in his cultivation before the tournament. He
was itching for a showdown with Glenn and could hardly wait to face him.
In contrast, Glenn wouldn't back down from Fenley’s challenge. However, while Fenley was fired up with a
fighting spirit, Glenn remained indifferent.
Since topping the Legendary List, Glenn had stopped regarded his peers as worthy rivals, except for Logan, who
was his equal and had been missing for years.
At present, his focus was on the elites of the Champ-Tier List, the ultimate benchmark of power in the martial
world. 1
He had to take down one top competitor after another and push through every obstacle until he reached the
pinnacle of success. The past was irrelevant since he was laser-focused on the road ahead, with no intention of
looking back.
Caleb, dressed in tattered robes, suddenly stood up with a yawn and stretched lazily. He accidentally blocked the
line of sight between Glenn and Fenley.
Glenn averted his gaze and settled beside Cyrus. He closed his eyes to center his focus and block out the
distractions around him.
Fenley quickly regained his composure. With Glenn in the tournament, Fenley knew their paths would cross
eventually, so there was no need to rush things.
He aimed to defeat Glenn in the finals and claim the championship title. A win would secure him the highest
honor and boost the Celestial Alliance’s reputation. This would silence any lingering doubts about his strength.
“Man, these guys are tough. | really shouldn't have entered this tournament.” Caleb eyed Glenn and Fenley,
shook his head, and let out a resigned sigh.
He wasn’t cut out for competition and only wanted a quiet life without . But after being pressured into
participating by Humminghill, he had no choice. With high expectations on his shoulders, he knew he couldn't
just take it easy.
He needed to finish in the top three at the very least and secure a spot in the top eight to avoid letting Kaden
down. If not, Caleb would face punishment when he returned.
His only hope was to avoid drawing Glenn or Fenley in the early rounds. Facing either of them would be the worst
luck imaginable.
“Look! It's Mr. Marshall from the Celestial Alliance!”
The crowd erupted in excitement.
In the southeast direction, a distinguished middle-aged man in white robes approached with a commanding
presence, his features sharp. He entered with several elders.
The man in white walked through the crowd with a warm smile and an air of nobility. He nodded and greeted
familiar faces with genuine friendliness.
This was Alloy, the guildmaster of the Celestial Alliance, and several elders accompanied him.
Unlike Cyrus, who was aloof and stern, Alloy was the definition of approachability. He radiated warmth and
friendliness, greeting everyone with a genuine smile and never showing any trace of arrogance.
“Greetings, Mr. Marshall.”
“Greetings, Mr. Marshall.”
At that moment, leaders and disciples from various guilds stood up in deference. The Celestial Alliance had
disciples across the land, and its influence greatly exceeded that of every other guild.
To others, the Celestial Alliance was the undisputed top guild in Dragonmarsh. Even though the Sword Union was
gaining ground, the Celestial Alliance eclipsed its reputation and influence.
Unlike the reclusive Sword Union, the Celestial Alliance was well-connected with many guilds and frequently
played the role of mediator for smaller factions. So, it wasn’t surprising that nearly half of the martial world
forces were associated with them.
When Alloy entered, the respect from the gathered guilds was unmistakable. This was a sharp contrast to their
reaction toward Cyrus.
“Mr. Marshall, it’s been a while. How have you been?” When Alloy approached, Kaden stood up immediately to
greet him. His face lit up with a welcoming smile as if reuniting with an old friend.
“Thank you for asking, Sage Foyer. I've been enjoying a leisurely life-mostly feeding fish and playing with the
birds, “Alloy replied with a smile.
He continued, “If you're free, I'd love for you to drop by. I've recently added sinteresting artworks and
classic manuscripts to my collection, but I'm having trouble understanding them due to my limited knowledge. It
would be a pleasure to have you over and hear your thoughts.”
“It would be my pleasure,” Kaden replied with a smile.
The two continued their friendly exchange. After a while, they finally took their seats.
“Oh? Mr. Hadley? | heard you were in seclusion training. | didn’t expect you to attend today.” Alloy finally noticed
Cyrus on the other side and greeted him with a smile.
“We never miss an event like this,” Cyrus replied indifferently.
He added, “Seems you're always looking for ways to further your agenda. Don’t tellyou're using this
opportunity to recruit new disciples for the Celestial Alliance?”
“A wise bird chooses the best tree to perch on,” Alloy said with a knowing smile. “If any young talents are eager
to join my guild, they're more than welcome.”
“You're still as picky as ever.” Cyrus sneered.
“I can’t compare myself to you, who picks only the finest. Unfortunately, your resources are too limited to
nurture such talent. | remember several of your disciples joined our guild this year due to the unfair treatment.
What's your take on this?” Alloy asked impassively.
“Hmph! They're nothing but rejects. Letting them go doesn’t bother me. We don’t need dead weight,” Cyrus
retorted.
The tension between them quickly escalated, with their disciples exchanging hostile glares. It was clear a
confrontation could break out at any moment.
Chapter 2299
“That's true. With your lofty ambitions, why would you care about a few underperforming disciples?” Alloy said
sarcastically.
He added, “Yet, those very disciples have shown impressive growth since joining the Celestial Alliance. Perhaps...
they're simply struggling to adjust to the Sword Union’s treatment?”
“Mr. Marshall, you talk a big game, but it doesn’t amount to much when it comes to real skill,” Cyrus said coldly.
He continued, “Since this is a Combat Tournament, why don’t we take it to the stage? Are you up for showing
these young ones what true skill really looks like?”
“If you're so eager, I'd be happy to oblige,” Alloy replied with an indifferent smile. “I'd also like to see if your
swordsmanship lives up to the rumors.”
One was ranked second on the Champ- Tier List, and the other was third. Their strength differences weren't big.
If they faced off, it was anyone's guess who would win.
“Please calm down.” Seeing the situation heating up, Kaden, sitting between them, quickly intervened with a
smile to mediate.
He added, “Today's tournament is meant for the younger generation. As guild leaders, it wouldn't be right for us
to steal their spotlight. Let's take a moment to think this through and avoid any rash decisions.”
“You're right,” Alloy nodded. “Let's put our old rivalries aside for today. If Mr. Hadley is eager for a challenge, let
our disciples settle it.”
“Fine,” Cyrus said coldly. “But if we're going to compete, let's raise the stakes.
“Oh? What did you have in mind?” Alloy raised an eyebrow.
“It's simple,” Cyrus said. “If we win, all the swords in your armory will becours.”
“Deal,” Alloy replied with a smirk. “But if we win, you'll need to hand over the Phantom Sword Technique.”
The Phantom Sword Technique was the Sword Union’s most guarded secret, known only to a select few top
disciples. It was the foundation of their guild.
If the Celestial Alliance could acquire it, they could use their vast resources to train a new generation of elite
swordmasters.
“Hmph! You've got snerve trying to lay claim to our Phantom Sword Technique!” Cyrus's eyes narrowed.
“What's wrong? Scared you'll lose, Mr. Hadley?” Alloy grinned.
He continued, “If you're too chicken to place a bet, just admit it. We wouldn't want anyone thinking the Celestial
Alliance is just throwing its weight around.”
“Don’t try to provoke me,” Cyrus retorted coldly. “I'm willing to make a deal, but | won't agree to anything that
putsat a disadvantage. If you want my Phantom Sword Technique, you'll need to trade it for your Four
Elements of God's Technique.”
He knew Alloy was trying to goad him, but he didn’t care. He was confident he would win. After all, his top
disciple, Glenn, was even better than he had been in his prime.
At such a young age, Glenn had already achieved the rank of ultimate grandmaster. Cyrus figured dealing with
someone like Fenley was child’s play for Glenn.
“Deal!” Alloy said firmly.
He felt that trading a few prized swords and the Four Elements of God's Technique for the Phantom Sword
Technique was a bargain too good to pass up.
“Okay, it's settled then!” Cyrus glanced at Glenn, who merely nodded without speaking.
Though Glenn found the bet trivial, he was willing to participate if it brought glory to the Sword Union. It was a
convenient opportunity to dampen the Celestial Alliance's pride.
As these two major guilds competed secretly, a commotion arose from the southwest direction.
The crowd turned to see a group of mysterious figures in white robes and masks. They walked slowly while
carrying a black sedan chair.
These robed and masked figures exuded an imposing presence. Each one was a Grandmaster, walking as if
gliding above the ground.
“It’s the leader of the Mystic Arts Order! Everyone, clear the way!”
The sight of the sedan chair marked with the Mystic Arts Order's emblem sent a wave of terror through the
crowd. People scrambled to clear the area and avoided it like a plague.
Among the three major guilds, the Celestial Alliance wielded the most influence, the Sword Union boasted the
greatest combat prowess, and the Mystic Arts Order was the most mysterious and feared.
The Mystic Arts Order was notorious for its ambiguous nature and often straddled the line between good and
evil.
While it might be acceptable to ally with them, offending them could mean death-or worse, the complete
annihilation of one’s entire family. Swere subjected to endless torment by poisonous insects, and their
suffering was so extrthat it was worse than death.
The Mystic Arts Order's fearsreputation for cruelty had instilled a deep, abiding terror. So, when their leader
appeared, the entire area fell into an uneasy silence.
The once-crowded path had becdeserted. Everyone scattered in every direction, desperate to avoid
crossing paths with them. They knew the Mystic Arts Order's methods were cloaked in mystery and dread.
Their reputation for killing without a trace was infamous. The thought of falling victim to their poisons was
enough to make anyone wary.
“It's surprising to see the old witch, who's been in seclusion for years, make an appearance,” Cyrus said,
narrowing his eyes.
“Mr. Hadley, I'd advise you to lower your voice,” Alloy said with a sly smile. “If Madam Penelope hears you calling
her an old witch, you might find yourself in serious trouble.”
Though his tone sounded like a friendly warning, he deliberately raised his voice as if he wanted Penelope to
hear every word.
Chapter 2300
“Hmph! Stop adding fuel to the fire!” Cyrus glared at Alloy. “The Celestial Alliance has had its fair share of run-
ins with the Mystic Arts Order over the years. If we're talking enemies, your guild is the real thorn in their side.”
“It’s nothing but minor skirmishes. I'm sure Madam Penelope sees the bigger picture and isn’t bothered by it,”
Alloy said with a subtle grin.
Cyrus might outmatch Alloy in brute strength, but when it cto quick- witted retorts, Alloy was the clear
victor.
“Mr. Hadley, Mr. Marshall, you two seem to be in high spirits.”
The black sedan cto a stop in front of them. An elderly woman with silver hair and a slightly hunched back
emerged slowly while leaning on a serpent-headed cane.
This was Penelope Solace, the leader of the Mystic Arts Order. She had risen to flong before Alloy and Cyrus,
earning her place as a revered senior figure.
Despite her years of seclusion and rare public appearances, her reputation was as fearsand commanding as
Alloy and Cyrus’. Her nevoked both awe and trepidation.
“Madam Penelope.” As the host, Kaden stood first and gave a respectful nod to her.
“It seems the Ancient Sage has passed the mantle to you. Good,” she acknowledged with a neutral expression.
“Madam Penelope, it’s been a while. How have you been?” Alloy stood, nodded in greeting, and smiled warmly.
“Thank you for your concern, Mr. Marshall. I'm still in good health and plan to stick around for a few more years,”
she replied calmly.
“That's great,” Alloy said with a smile.
Penelope glanced at Cyrus, who remained impassive and made no move to greet her.
“Madam Penelope, please take a seat.” Kaden gestured politely while guiding her to the viewing seats.
With that, the leaders of the three major guilds were now assembled.
“Grandma!” Upon seeing Penelope, Abigail, who had been busy, immediately went to greet her.
Her betting ring was operating quietly in the corner. She kept a low profile because she was competing in the
matches.
She didn’t want to attract too much attention since so many high-profile figures were in attendance. After all,
being too conspicuous could lead to losses she couldn't afford.
“Abigail, | heard you've been quite busy at Sacred Wrym Summit lately. You must have raked in quite a bit of
money, right?” Penelope cracked a rare smile.
“Not much. It’s just a bit,” Abigail replied with a grin.
“Making money is great, but don’t let that distract you from today’s matches. We need to make sure the Mystic
Arts Order shines,” Penelope said, still smiling.
“Don’t worry. I've trained hard, and I'm confident I'll be in the top three,” Abigail said.
As long as she didn’t face Dustin in the early rounds, she knew the other minor challengers were no match for
her.
“Great. I'll be looking forward to it.” Penelope nodded with a smile.
Abigail had awakened the Phoenix bloodline and was now a rare Dark Phoenix. Combined with the Mystic Arts
Order's legacy, her combat strength was far superior to her peers.
So, Penelope expected Abigail to secure a top-three finish and had high hopes for her to win first place.
“Sage Foyer, now that everyone's here, let's not waste any more time. The sooner we get this over with, the
sooner we can wrap up,” Cyrus said abruptly.
“Since everyone's pumped up, let's start the match,” Kaden said with a smile. After seeing Alloy and Penelope
nod in agreement, he signaled to Oron.
Oron understood the cue and walked to the center of the battle ring. “Today, 32 contestants will compete for a
spot in the top 8. To keep things fair, we'll draw lots right here. All contestants, please cup to the battle
ring!”
As soon as he finished, the crowd erupted in raucous applause.
Amidst the roaring cheers, the top elites from various guilds took the stage. Most of the 32 finalists were
grandmasters, with a few still halfway to becoming grandmasters. Each had been through intense screening and
possessed extraordinary talent.
Simply put, any of these contestants would be a prized asset in any guild.
“Grandma, I'll go up first,” Abigail said before leaping into the air. She soared gracefully over a hundred feet and
landed lightly in the center of the battle ring.
The spectators erupted in applause at her graceful entrance.
She was stunning, but with her flowing white hair, she seemed almost otherworldly. Her appearance captivated
many. If not for her identity as the Grand Sorceress of the Mystic Arts Order, she would have likely driven
countless admirers crazy.
“Glenn, you're up.” Cyrus glanced at him.
Glenn, who had been meditating, nodded. In an instant, he launched himself a hundred feet into the air. Then, he
landed in the battle ring with a thunderous impact, kicking up a huge cloud of dust.
The shockwave from his landing sent spectators struggling to keep their balance. The sheer force of his entrance
was so overwhelming that the crowd scattered in fear. They were too stunned to voice their outrage.
“What a show-off!” Fenley sneered.
He shook his body, and a towering, thirty-foot-tall god-like figure appeared behind him. The figure was a blazing
red, surrounded by a fiery, intense presence that radiated heat and fury.
The breathtaking sight instantly captured the attention of every spectator.
Fenley strode toward the ring with the Fire God figure looming behind him. His entrance was far more impressive
than Glenn's.
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