On the Star Moon, a curtain of light conjured from mental energy projected a clear image. If Zhang Wen and his companions had seen it, they would have been utterly astonished, for the scene displayed was precisely the crater where their final match was taking place.
“Everything has been done as you commanded,” said Hassan, the wealthy merchant, standing respectfully to one side. He stole a glance at the powerful figure seated on the broad chair, watching the image with interest, and quietly wiped a cold sweat from his forehead.
Hassan had heard that this powerful figure was one of the few top-ranking authorities in the Empire, but he couldn’t fathom why such a person would take an interest in him. However, one thing was certain—if he didn’t cooperate fully with this individual, he would have no future left in the Empire.
Originally, his plan had been to send his own men to compete in the Southland’s Dominance Tournament to seize control of the underground forces in the Southlands. But with this powerful figure involved, his plans were dashed. Still, if he handled this matter well, the Empire might offer him some form of compensation, right?
Hassan glanced at the image on the mental energy wall. When he saw that Anthony had defeated both Batenping and Batuli, two high-level experts, his face paled.
“That bastard! I told him to follow the plan, yet he dared to disobey me and kill so many people!!”
He anxiously lowered his head toward the powerful figure seated above and stammered, “My lord, Anthony is… he’s…” He couldn’t find the words to finish his sentence, despite his usual smooth tongue. After all, so many high-level and saint-level experts had perished at Anthony’s hands. Even for the sake of the plan, it had gone too far.
“It’s fine. Everything is under control… Otherwise, I wouldn’t have entrusted you with the newly developed ‘Zero—Ancient Formula.'” The powerful figure waved his hand casually. Hassan nodded eagerly like a chick pecking rice, while his mind churned with confusion. Why had the Empire’s upper echelons orchestrated this scheme? Was sacrificing so many of the Empire’s elite truly worth it?
But that was no longer his concern. Although he was a billionaire merchant who had thrived across the Empire, he was still insignificant before the might of the state. The powerful figure would certainly not reveal the entire plan to him.
Hassan stole another glance at the figure before him and noticed, to his surprise, a burning intensity in the man’s eyes. Following the direction of his gaze, the mental energy curtain displayed Zhang Wen’s face.
…
A sudden, delighted smile curved the silent Lei Miu’s lips as his eyes narrowed slightly, gazing toward a certain direction.
“I’ve finally waited for you!”
The blue battle energy around his body surged outward once again, transforming from the previous cocoon-like shape into a massive, writhing vortex of electric serpents. It resembled a storm’s eye, terrifying and awe-inspiring.
Even Gao Long, who had quietly risen behind Zhang Wen, couldn’t help but be momentarily drawn to the spectacle.
Lei Miu, that madman, was truly formidable.
Who was he targeting?
“Come out! Captain, I know you’ve arrived,” came Lei Miu’s muffled voice from within the storm of crackling energy.
As Lei Miu’s voice, tinged with excitement, echoed out, a mist gradually thickened and spread through the air like ink diffusing in water. At the same time, a powerful aura emerged.
A High Saint!
With silver hair tied back, clad in a form-fitting silver combat suit, a blue cape bearing the Empire’s insignia flowing behind him, and a long sword hanging at his waist, his face was partially obscured by a sleek, silver mask.
The Northland Champion of the Empire, the inheritor of the legendary sword art, Misa!
The tight combat suit accentuated her alluring curves, the youthful vitality and boundless energy hidden within her slender frame. Yet the aura she exuded was one of immense authority, unfathomable like a sleeping lion.
Zhang Wen exchanged a glance with Asura without prior agreement.
“A female swordsman!”
It really was her. At this point, there was almost no doubt—the woman before them was indeed the female swordsman who had appeared that night at the underground arena in Casares!
Never had he imagined her identity to be the Northland Champion of the Empire! How could such a renowned figure end up in a place like that? Moreover, she had clearly concealed her true strength. The female swordsman—no, she should now be addressed as Northland Champion Misa—had only unleashed her battle energy once during their previous encounter at the arena, and even then, it was only at the Saint level.
Yet now, the energy radiating from her was among the peak of the High Saint tier. Could anyone who held the title of a realm’s champion possibly be weak?
Precisely because of this, her actions left Zhang Wen and Asura puzzled.
Just as Zhang Wen, Asura, and Xia Xi were fully focused on the newly arrived Northland Champion Misa, Gao Long, standing dozens of meters behind Zhang Wen, finally moved. Ever since Misa’s appearance, he had sensed something amiss. The Black Viscount’s plan had never included the Northland Champion. This unexpected variable might disrupt the entire scheme.
Therefore, eliminating Zhang Wen before she could react would at least remove an obstacle for the Black Viscount.
On the Star Moon, a curtain of light, conjured by psychic energy, projected a clear image. If Zhang Wen and his companions had seen it, they would have been utterly shocked. The scene depicted was none other than the volcanic crater where their finals were taking place.
“Sir, everything has been carried out as you instructed,” Hassan, the wealthy merchant, stood respectfully to the side, stealing glances at the “big figure” seated in a broad chair, intently watching the projection. He discreetly wiped the cold sweat from his forehead.
Rumors had it that this big figure was one of the few powerful individuals in the empire’s upper echelons. Why he had taken an interest in Hassan was beyond his comprehension. However, one thing was certain: if he didn’t cooperate well with this man, his future in the empire would be bleak.
Originally, Hassan had planned to send his own people to participate in the Southern Realm Dominator Tournament to vie for the underground forces of the South. But with the big figure’s involvement, his plans were now out of the question. Nevertheless, if this matter was handled well, the empire might compensate him in some way.
Hassan glanced at the image on the psychic wall. When he saw Anthony taking down both Baten Ping and Batu Li, two super-tier fighters, his face immediately changed color.
“That bastard! I told him to follow the plan, and he dares to disobey my orders, killing so many people!!”
He nervously bowed his head to the big figure on the throne and stammered, “Sir, Anthony, this kid, he’s really… really…” He couldn’t find the words to continue. After all, so many super-tier and saint-tier fighters had fallen at Anthony’s hands. Even for the sake of the plan, it was too much.
“It’s fine, everything is under control… Otherwise, I wouldn’t have entrusted you with the newly developed ‘Zero—Ancient Elixir,'” the big figure waved his hand dismissively. Hassan nodded like a chicken pecking at rice, though he couldn’t help but wonder why the empire’s higher-ups had set up this scheme. Was it really worth sacrificing so many of the empire’s strongest?
But this was no longer his concern. Although he was a billionaire merchant who had made his fortune across the empire, he was still insignificant in the face of the state machinery. The big figure would never reveal the entire plan to him.
Hassan stole another glance at the man and noticed that his eyes were unusually intense. Following his gaze to the psychic screen, he saw Zhang Wen’s face clearly displayed.
…
In the silence, a faint smile of delight appeared on Lei Miao’s lips. His eyes narrowed slightly as he looked in a certain direction.
“Finally, I’ve found you!”
The blue battle energy around him suddenly expanded once more, transforming from a giant cocoon into a massive, swirling electric serpent. It looked like the eye of a storm, both terrifying and awe-inspiring.
Even Gao Long, who had quietly stood up behind Zhang Wen, couldn’t help but be drawn to the sight.
Lei Miao, this madman, truly lived up to his reputation.
Who was he targeting?
“Come out! Commander, I know you’re already here,” Lei Miao’s voice, muffled by the surging electric storm, echoed out.
As the voice of Lei Miao, the empire’s venomous fang, filled with excitement, a mist began to boil and spread in the air, like ink diffusing in water. At the same time, a powerful presence gradually emerged.
Super-tier!
With silver hair tied back, wearing a tight silver combat suit, a blue cape with the empire’s emblem on her back, and a sword hanging at her waist, her face was adorned with a streamlined silver mask.
The Northern Realm Dominator of the empire, the inheritor of sword arts, Messiah!
The tight combat suit accentuated her alluring figure, a youthful body brimming with endless vitality and life force. In contrast, the aura she exuded was one of immense authority, as deep and unfathomable as a sleeping lion.
Zhang Wen and Asura exchanged a glance.
“The female swordsman!”
It was indeed her. At this point, it was almost certain that the woman before them was the same female swordsman who had appeared at the underground arena in Casares that night!
Who would have thought her identity was the empire’s Northern Realm Dominator! Such a renowned figure, why would she go to such a place? Moreover, she had clearly concealed her strength. The female swordsman—no, she should be called the Northern Realm Dominator Messiah—had only unleashed her battle energy once during her encounter with Zhang Wen at the arena, and even then, it was only at the saint-tier level.
But judging by the energy she was radiating now, she was at the pinnacle of the super-tier. Those who could become realm dominators were no weaklings.
This made her actions even more perplexing to Zhang Wen and Asura.
Just as Zhang Wen, Asura, and Xiao Xi focused all their attention on the newly appeared Northern Realm Dominator Messiah, Gao Long, who was dozens of meters behind Zhang Wen, finally made his move. Since Messiah’s appearance, he had sensed something was amiss. In Black Baron’s plan, the Northern Realm Dominator shouldn’t have been involved. This unexpected turn of events could disrupt the entire plan.
So, before she could react, he would kill Zhang Wen, thus eliminating an obstacle for Black Baron.
“Roar! Blood Prison Massacre!”
In an instant, Gao Long charged like a wild beast, taking a huge step toward Zhang Wen’s back. At the same time, a viscous, blood-like battle energy erupted from his body.
Time and space seemed to freeze.
Everything happened too quickly. Asura, Marian, Luo Fulei, and Xiao Xi only had time to glance back before Gao Long’s bloody, sinister battle energy came crashing down.
The destructive energy gathered like a meteor, aimed at Zhang Wen’s vulnerable neck.
A killing blow from the slaughter machine, Gao Long!
“Zhang Wen!!”
Asura’s face flushed with rage as he unleashed his battle energy, desperately throwing a punch to intercept. At the same time, Luo Fulei and Xiao Xi also released their psychic energy, trying to save Zhang Wen. Even Marian hesitated for only a moment before releasing her battle energy, drawing her silver whip to assist.
But it was all too late. Gao Long was called the slaughter machine because of his battle energy—his attacks were terrifyingly destructive. Even fighters of the same tier would be obliterated upon contact. These ordinary saint-tier fighters were no match for him; they couldn’t even hope to stop him. They were simply outclassed!
In the blink of an eye, as the crimson battle energy was about to strike Zhang Wen’s vulnerable neck, Zhang Wen’s body suddenly vanished from the spot.
Ghost Step! Super speed!!
A cold sweat broke out on his back. If he hadn’t sensed Gao Long’s killing intent beforehand and reacted instinctively, Zhang Wen would have already fallen victim to Gao Long’s sneak attack.
Even so, his crisis was far from over.
The bloody battle energy around Gao Long suddenly erupted, forming a massive crimson web. Asura and the other three, who had tried to intercept him, were caught in the web and then violently blasted away by Gao Long’s psychic energy. They were sent flying through the air, spitting blood, clearly severely injured.
Gao Long didn’t stop. His right foot stomped the ground with a thunderous “boom,” causing the ground to crack and shatter. Using the recoil, Gao Long’s right hand transformed into a bloody claw, and he lunged forward, aiming for Zhang Wen’s back.
Zhang Wen’s heart sank. He had known that Black Baron would have something planned for the finals, but he hadn’t expected Gao Long to be lying in wait among the dead. Wait, he must have replaced a member of one of the competing teams. Given Black Baron’s ambitions, he wouldn’t have only planted Gao Long, nor would he have targeted Zhang Wen alone.
He didn’t have time to think further. A cold, numbing sensation crawled up his back, like a venomous snake. The tingling pain reminded him that Gao Long’s killing move was imminent. Just as Zhang Wen prepared to burst into full speed to evade, he suddenly felt his entire body grow heavy, as if trapped in a sluggish quagmire. It was Gao Long’s psychic restraint!
Not good!!
Zhang Wen didn’t have time for anything else. With both swords in hand, the Spring Water Art surged forth in a frenzy!
“Boom! Boom! Boom!!!”
A dazzling sea of silver light erupted, overwhelming and surging. This was Zhang Wen’s ultimate trump card. Through recent training and the stimulation of Gao Long’s assassination attempt three days ago, coupled with intimate moments with his woman, the Spring Water Art had undergone a qualitative leap, reaching new heights.
Beyond the saint-tier, infinitely close to the super-tier!
The silver light fell like rain. Zhang Wen spun instantly, his left sword tracing an arc to deflect Gao Long’s bloody battle energy, while his right sword flashed like lightning, unleashing a thousand points of silver light that streaked toward Gao Long’s vital points like shattered jade meteors. This strike was aimed at forcing Gao Long to defend, hoping to slightly divert his attack.
Because Zhang Wen knew his left sword couldn’t neutralize Gao Long’s battle energy. Gao Long, the slaughter machine, had once annihilated several small planets. The empire and the federation had sent countless experts to hunt him down, but he had always fought his way out, tearing all his pursuers to shreds.
The strength of the slaughter machine, Gao Long, might not reach the level of a king, but it was at least close to the destructive power of Lei Miao and a realm dominator!
Even if Zhang Wen wanted to use a lever to move the Earth, he would need the strength to lift the lever. The disparity in power was too great, and the only possible outcome was—
Annihilation!
With a terrifying shriek, the silver battle energy on Zhang Wen’s sword was instantly devoured by Gao Long’s bloody energy, and his left sword shattered.
At the same time, Gao Long shielded his face with his left hand, ignoring the sword light from Zhang Wen’s right sword. His right hand’s bloody claws grew wildly, forming a massive vortex that crashed down toward Zhang Wen.
The space roared and exploded, as if the entire area was being crushed by Gao Long’s overwhelming battle energy. The scorching heat and pungent smell of blood assaulted Zhang Wen’s senses like a scene from hell.
In the face of absolute strength, all techniques were futile. This wasn’t like in Casares, where Iron Mask and Agat had been there to help him.
The shadow of death loomed over Zhang Wen’s eyes.
Fight!
No matter what, he couldn’t just give up and let himself be killed. Even if he couldn’t win, he wouldn’t give up!
The sword in Zhang Wen’s hand suddenly erupted with a dazzling silver light, spinning densely and transforming into a silver dragon that lunged toward Gao Long’s heart. No thoughts, no distractions—only the unceasing flow of a great river, all his life force condensed into a single, stunning strike!
In that moment, Zhang Wen’s Spring Water Art, sword technique, psychic energy, and battle energy all surged beyond their limits. His power had even briefly touched the super-tier!
But in the face of Gao Long, the supreme powerhouse, all of it was nothing but a fleeting cloud.
Shatter!
Amid the bloody light, the silver rain of light was extinguished!
Zhang Wen felt himself being blasted away by a tremendous force, his body tumbling uncontrollably through the air. The only thing he could do was cling tightly to his sword—it was his last anchor, his final resolve.
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Gao Long’s figure leaping up like a bird of prey, ready to deliver the final blow!
He truly had no strength left!
Zhang Wen smiled bitterly in his heart as his body crashed heavily to the ground, rolling several times. He struggled to his knees, his back and arms scraped and bleeding from the friction with the ground. He wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and tried to raise his sword.
The massive shadow of Gao Long loomed over him.
Though it seemed slow in the telling, everything had happened in the blink of an eye.
Just as Zhang Wen was about to be killed by Gao Long, suddenly—
Boom!!
A fiery dragon of flames blasted toward Gao Long’s back from behind.
Agat, the Flame Demon! He had finally arrived!
“Hmph!!” Gao Long’s fierce brows twitched. His right hand continued to drive the bloody battle energy toward Zhang Wen, while his left hand reached back without even turning his head, intending to catch Agat’s attack with one hand while killing Zhang Wen.
Zhang Wen’s vision blurred as he watched Gao Long’s unstoppable bloody battle energy. In his mind, scenes from his journey to this world flashed by like a movie.
Was this the feeling of death?
All sound and sight vanished, as if all his senses had disappeared. The only thing Zhang Wen could feel was the Spring Water Art within him, surging wildly under the threat of death, roaring like a flood in his body.
Threads of silver energy crisscrossed within him, and his acupoints lit up like stars, connected by the silver energy, forming a mysterious pattern within his body.
What did this mean?
Zhang Wen didn’t have time to ponder further. A strange, sharp sound nearby pulled his consciousness back to reality.
The sharp tip of a sword pierced the palm of the slaughter machine, Gao Long, halting his surging bloody battle energy in its tracks.
The Northern Realm Dominator, Messiah!
At this moment, Messiah’s graceful figure stood before Zhang Wen, steady as a mountain. Within her slender frame lay an incredible power, and with just a single rapier, she held back Gao Long’s attack. The faint battle energy radiating from her body suggested she still had strength to spare.
“Northern Realm Dominator!” Gao Long’s scarred face twisted grotesquely as he slowly spat out the words. With a clench of his left hand, the bloody claw shredded the fiery dragon behind him.
Facing the murderous Gao Long, Messiah stood her ground. Her gaze swept over Zhang Wen, who was kneeling on the ground, and she said calmly, “Zhang Wen is very important to me. If you don’t stop now, you’ll regret it.”
“Hahaha!” Gao Long laughed as if he had heard the funniest joke in the world. He had slaughtered entire small planets, taken countless lives with his own hands. And now, a woman was telling him he couldn’t kill Zhang Wen?
No one could save those marked for death by the slaughter machine!
Amid his maniacal laughter, a pillar of bloody light erupted from Gao Long’s body. He was ready to fight without restraint.
“Important to her?”
Zhang Wen looked at Messiah’s graceful figure from behind, his heart stirring. Shifting his gaze, he saw that Agat, the Flame Demon, had already reached the crater. Further behind him stood Thor Omega and his disciple, Gero. That they were still alive was nothing short of a miracle.
In an instant, Gao Long lunged forward like a charging beast, closing the distance behind Zhang Wen in a single bound. At the same time, a viscous, blood-like battle energy erupted from his body.
Time, space—everything seemed to fall silent.
It happened too quickly. Asura, Maryan, Rofelle, and Xia Xi had barely turned their heads when Gao Long’s bloody, sinister battle energy struck.
Destructive battle energy converged like a falling meteor, targeting Zhang Wen’s vulnerable neck.
The killing machine, Gao Long, delivering a fatal blow!
“Zhang Wen!!”
Asura’s face flushed with rage as his battle energy erupted, desperately throwing a punch to intercept. At the same time, Rofelle and Xia Xi unleashed their mental energy in a desperate attempt to save Zhang Wen. Even Maryan hesitated only briefly before releasing her battle energy and drawing her silver whip to intervene.
But it was all too late. Gao Long was known as a killing machine precisely because of his battle energy—his attacks carried terrifying, devastating power. Even fellow High Saints caught in his assault would be reduced to dust. These ordinary Saint-level fighters were barely more than cannon fodder in his eyes. How could they possibly hope to stop him?
In the blink of an eye, as the crimson battle energy was about to strike Zhang Wen’s vulnerable neck, his body suddenly vanished from the spot.
Ghost Step! Super speed!!
He broke into a cold sweat behind him. If he hadn’t instinctively sensed Gao Long’s killing intent and reacted on pure reflex, Zhang Wen would have already been struck down by the ambush.
Even so, his danger was far from over.
Gao Long’s blood-red battle energy erupted violently, spreading out like a massive blood-red spiderweb. The four who had attempted to stop him—Asura, Maryan, Rofelle, and Xia Xi—were simultaneously ensnared by the web and then blasted away by Gao Long’s mental energy. They soared through the air, spitting blood, clearly gravely wounded.
Gao Long didn’t stop. His right foot slammed into the ground with a thunderous boom, causing the earth to crack and shatter. Using the recoil, he propelled himself forward, his right hand transforming into a blood-red claw, rushing toward Zhang Wen’s back.
Zhang Wen’s heart sank. He had always suspected that the Black Viscount had plans for the final match, but he hadn’t expected Gao Long to have been lying in wait among the corpses. Wait—Gao Long must have replaced one of the competitors. Given the Black Viscount’s ambition, he wouldn’t have only hidden Gao Long here, nor would his scheme be solely aimed at Zhang Wen alone.
He had no time to think further. A cold, chilling sensation crawled up his back, like an icy serpent slithering toward him. The prickling numbness warned him that Gao Long’s killing strike was approaching. Just as Zhang Wen prepared to unleash his full speed to evade, he suddenly felt his entire body grow heavy, as if sinking into a sluggish swamp. It was Gao Long’s mental energy binding him!
Not good!!
Zhang Wen had no time to spare. Twin swords appeared in his hands as the Spring Water Technique surged forth violently.
“Boom! Boom! Boom!!”
Blinding starlight transformed into a vast sea of silver radiance, surging forth. This was Zhang Wen’s final trump card. Through recent training and the stimulation from Gao Long’s previous assassination attempt, coupled with the continuous intimate moments with his woman three days ago, the Spring Water Technique had undergone a qualitative leap, advancing further.
Approaching the threshold of High Saint!
The silver curtain of light rained down like a storm. Zhang Wen spun around instantly, his left sword slicing an arc to deflect Gao Long’s blood-red battle energy, while his right sword flashed like lightning, exploding into countless silver points, like shattered jade and shooting stars, targeting Gao Long’s vital points. This was an attack meant to force Gao Long to defend, hoping to divert his assault slightly.
Because Zhang Wen knew his left sword alone couldn’t withstand Gao Long’s battle energy. Gao Long, the butcher known as the Killing Machine, had a history of annihilating entire minor planets. The Empire and the Federation had repeatedly sent experts to hunt him down, but he had always carved a blood-soaked path, tearing apart every pursuer.
Even if Gao Long hadn’t reached the level of a King-tier warrior, his destructive power was at least on par with Lei Miu and the Realm Champion!
Even if Zhang Wen wanted to move the Earth with a lever, he needed the strength to lift the lever. When the gap in power was too great, there was only one possible outcome—
Annihilation!
A terrifying shriek rang out as the silver battle energy on Zhang Wen’s sword was instantly devoured by Gao Long’s blood-red energy. His left sword shattered.
At the same moment, Gao Long’s left hand instinctively protected his face and eyes, not even glancing at the swordlight from Zhang Wen’s right hand. His right hand extended, five blood-red claws growing wildly, forming a massive vortex aimed directly at Zhang Wen.
The space roared and exploded, as if the entire realm was being torn apart by Gao Long’s overwhelming battle energy. The searing heat and nauseating stench of blood surged forward like a hellish battlefield, assaulting Zhang Wen’s senses—his sight, his hearing, everything.
Before absolute power, all techniques were futile. This time, unlike in Casares, there was no Iron Mask or Agate to aid him.
Death’s shadow loomed over Zhang Wen’s eyes.
I’ll fight to the end!
No matter what, he refused to surrender without a struggle. Even if he couldn’t win, he wouldn’t give up!
Suddenly, the sword in Zhang Wen’s hand erupted with dazzling silver light. The blade spun rapidly, transforming into a silver dragon spiraling toward Gao Long’s heart. No thoughts, no hesitation—only an endless river, all his life force condensed into a breathtaking strike!
In that instant, Zhang Wen’s Spring Water Technique, swordsmanship, mental energy, and battle energy all erupted beyond their limits, momentarily brushing the threshold of High Saint!
Yet before Gao Long, the ultimate powerhouse, it was all in vain.
Shatter!
In a burst of bloodlight, the silver radiance was annihilated!
Zhang Wen felt himself struck by an immense force, his body hurtling through the air like a train had hit him, tumbling uncontrollably. The only thing he could do was cling desperately to his sword, his last anchor and obsession.
From the corner of his eye, he saw Gao Long’s figure soaring like a bird—his final strike!
He truly had no strength left!
A bitter smile formed in Zhang Wen’s mind as his body crashed heavily to the ground, rolling several times. He struggled to kneel halfway up, his back and arms scraping against the ground, leaving trails of blood. He wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, forcing himself to raise his sword once more.
A massive shadow fell over him as Gao Long descended.
Though it seemed slow in telling, in reality, all of this had happened in the blink of an eye.
Just as Zhang Wen was about to be killed by Gao Long, suddenly—
Boom!!
A blazing dragon of flame roared toward Gao Long’s back.
It was Flame Demon Agate! He had finally arrived!
“Hmph!!” Gao Long’s fierce brow twitched. His right hand continued its blood-red strike toward Zhang Wen, while his left hand, without turning his head, lashed backward, attempting to block Agate’s attack with one hand while finishing off Zhang Wen.
Zhang Wen’s vision blurred. As he stared at Gao Long’s unstoppable blood-red battle energy, scenes from his arrival in this world suddenly flashed through his mind, like a movie playing in fast motion.
Was this what death felt like?
Silence enveloped him, cutting off all sight and sound, as if every sense had vanished. The only thing Zhang Wen could feel was the Spring Water Technique within him, which, under the threat of death, raged wildly, surging through his body like a flood, roaring with thunderous intensity.
Silver threads of energy crisscrossed within him, each acupoint lighting up like stars, connected by the silver energy to form mysterious patterns inside his body.
What did this signify?
Zhang Wen had no time to continue observing. A strange, piercing shriek from close range snapped his consciousness back to reality.
A sharp sword tip pierced the palm of the Killing Machine, Gao Long, halting the surge of his blood-red battle energy.
Northland Champion Misa!
At this moment, Misa’s graceful figure stood firm before Zhang Wen, her slender body radiating an incredible force. With only a slender rapier in her hand, she had blocked Gao Long’s attack. The faint glow of her battle energy suggested she still had reserves left.
“Northland Champion!” Gao Long’s scarred face twisted grotesquely as he slowly spat out the words between clenched teeth. His left hand clenched, and the blood-red claw shredded the flame dragon behind him.
Facing Gao Long’s murderous intent, Misa did not yield an inch. Her gaze swept briefly over Zhang Wen, who knelt on one knee, and her voice was calm: “Zhang Wen is an important person to me. Step back now, or you will regret it.”
“Ha ha ha!” Gao Long laughed as if he had heard the funniest joke in the world. He had slaughtered entire planets without hesitation, ending thousands of lives. Now, a woman dared to tell him not to kill Zhang Wen?
No one could save someone marked for death by the Killing Machine!
On the Starship Moonlight, a luminous screen conjured by psychic energy projected a clear image. If Zhang Wen and his companions had seen it, they would have been utterly shocked. The scene on the screen was none other than the volcanic crater where their final match was taking place.
“Master, everything is proceeding as you commanded,” Hassan, the wealthy merchant, stood respectfully to the side, stealing glances at the “great figure” seated in a grand chair, intently watching the screen. He discreetly wiped the cold sweat from his forehead.
Rumors had it that this great figure was one of the few powerful individuals in the Empire’s upper echelons. Why he had taken an interest in Hassan was beyond comprehension. However, one thing was certain: if Hassan didn’t cooperate fully, his future in the Empire would be bleak.
Originally, Hassan had planned to send his own men to the Southern Dominance Tournament to vie for the underground power in the South. But with this great figure’s involvement, his plans were now moot. However, if he executed this task well, perhaps the Empire would compensate him in some way.
Hassan glanced at the psychic screen again. When he saw Anthony eliminate both Baten Ping and Batu Li, two super-tier warriors, his face turned pale.
“That scoundrel! I ordered him to follow the plan, yet he dared to defy my commands and kill so many!” he muttered in a panic, bowing his head to the great figure seated above him. “Master, Anthony, he’s really… really…” Hassan’s usually slick tongue failed him. After all, the loss of so many super-tier and saint-tier warriors at Anthony’s hands was excessive, even for the sake of the plan.
“No matter, everything is under control… Otherwise, I wouldn’t have entrusted you with the newly developed ‘Zero—Ancient Elixir,'” the great figure waved his hand dismissively. Hassan nodded like a chicken pecking at rice, though he couldn’t help but wonder why the Empire’s higher-ups had set up this elaborate scheme. Was sacrificing so many of the Empire’s strongest warriors truly worth it?
But this was no longer his concern. Though he was a billionaire merchant who thrived across the Empire, he was still insignificant before the state machinery. This great figure would never reveal the entire plan to him.
Hassan stole another glance at the great figure, noticing an unusually intense look in his eyes. Following his gaze to the psychic screen, Hassan saw Zhang Wen’s face clearly displayed.
…
In the silence, a faint smile of delight appeared on Lei Miao’s lips. His eyes narrowed slightly as he looked in a certain direction.
“Finally, you’ve arrived!”
The blue battle energy around him suddenly expanded once more, transforming from a giant cocoon into a massive, writhing vortex of electric serpents. It looked like the eye of a storm, both terrifying and awe-inspiring.
Even Gao Long, who had quietly risen behind Zhang Wen, couldn’t help but be drawn to the sight.
Lei Miao, this madman, truly lived up to his reputation.
Who was he targeting?
“Come out, Captain! I know you’re here,” Lei Miao’s voice, muffled by the swirling storm of electric battle energy, echoed through the air.
As the voice of the Empire’s Venom Fang, Lei Miao, filled with excitement, a mist began to boil and spread in the air, like ink diffusing in water. At the same time, a powerful presence gradually emerged.
Super-tier!
With silver hair tied back, clad in a sleek silver combat suit, a blue cape bearing the Empire’s emblem on her back, and a longsword hanging at her waist, her face was adorned with a streamlined silver mask.
The Northern Dominance of the Empire, the inheritor of the sword arts, Messiah!
The tight combat suit accentuated her alluring figure, a youthful body brimming with vitality and life force. Yet, her demeanor exuded an air of immense authority, as deep and unfathomable as a slumbering lion.
Zhang Wen and Xiu Luo exchanged a glance without speaking.
“The female swordsman!”
It was indeed her. At this point, it was almost certain that the woman before them was the same female swordsman who had appeared at the underground arena in Casares that night.
Who would have thought her true identity was the Empire’s Northern Dominance? Such a renowned figure, why would she venture to such a place? Moreover, she had clearly concealed her true strength. The female swordsman—no, she should be called the Northern Dominance, Messiah—had only unleashed her battle energy once during her encounter with Zhang Wen at the arena, and even then, it was only at the saint-tier level.
But judging by the energy she was radiating now, she was at the pinnacle of the super-tier. Those who could become a Dominance were no weaklings.
This only deepened the mystery for Zhang Wen and Xiu Luo.
Just as Zhang Wen, Xiu Luo, and Xiao Xi focused all their attention on the newly appeared Northern Dominance, Messiah, Gao Long, who had been standing dozens of meters behind Zhang Wen, finally made his move. Ever since Messiah’s appearance, he had sensed something was amiss. In Black Baron’s plan, the Northern Dominance wasn’t supposed to be involved. This unexpected turn could jeopardize the entire scheme.
Thus, before Messiah could react, Gao Long decided to eliminate Zhang Wen, thereby removing an obstacle for Black Baron.
“Roar! Bloodbath Slaughter!”
In an instant, Gao Long charged like a ferocious beast, taking a massive stride toward Zhang Wen’s back. Simultaneously, a viscous, blood-like battle energy erupted from his body.
Time and space seemed to freeze.
Everything happened too quickly. Xiu Luo, Marian, Luo Fulei, and Xiao Xi only had time to glance back before Gao Long’s dark, bloody battle energy came crashing down.
The destructive energy gathered like a meteor, aimed directly at Zhang Wen’s vulnerable neck.
A killing blow from the slaughter machine, Gao Long!
“Zhang Wen!!”
Xiu Luo’s face flushed with rage as he unleashed his battle energy, desperately throwing a punch to intercept. At the same time, Luo Fulei and Xiao Xi also released their psychic energy, attempting to save Zhang Wen. Even Marian hesitated for only a moment before unleashing her battle energy, drawing her silver whip to aid in the rescue.
But it was all too late. Gao Long was known as the slaughter machine for a reason—his battle energy was terrifyingly destructive. Even warriors of the same tier would be obliterated upon contact. These mere saint-tier warriors were no match for him; they couldn’t even hope to delay him.
In the blink of an eye, as the crimson battle energy was about to strike Zhang Wen’s neck, Zhang Wen’s body suddenly vanished from the spot.
Ghost Step! Super Speed!!
A cold sweat broke out on Zhang Wen’s back. If he hadn’t sensed Gao Long’s killing intent beforehand and reacted instinctively, he would have already fallen victim to Gao Long’s sneak attack.
Even so, his danger was far from over.
The bloody battle energy around Gao Long erupted like a massive crimson web. Xiu Luo and the other three, who had tried to intercept him, were caught in the web and violently flung away by Gao Long’s psychic energy. They spat blood mid-air, clearly severely injured.
Gao Long didn’t stop. His right foot stomped the ground with a thunderous crash, causing the earth to crack and shatter. Using the recoil, Gao Long’s right hand transformed into a bloody claw, swiftly lunging toward Zhang Wen’s back.
Zhang Wen’s heart sank. He had anticipated that Black Baron would have arrangements in the finals, but he hadn’t expected Gao Long to be lying in wait among the dead. Wait, he must have replaced a member of one of the competing teams. Given Black Baron’s ambitions, it was unlikely that Gao Long was the only one lying in wait, nor was it solely to deal with Zhang Wen.
Before he could think further, a cold, creeping sensation ran down his spine, as if a venomous snake had slithered up his back. The tingling pain reminded him that Gao Long’s killing move was imminent. Just as Zhang Wen prepared to burst into full speed to evade, he suddenly felt his entire body grow heavy, as if trapped in a sluggish quagmire. It was Gao Long’s psychic restraint!
Not good!!
Zhang Wen didn’t have time to think. With both swords in hand, he unleashed the Spring Water Technique at full force!
“Boom! Boom! Boom!!!”
A dazzling sea of silver light surged forth. This was Zhang Wen’s ultimate trump card. Through recent training and the stimulation from Gao Long’s assassination attempt three days ago, coupled with continuous intimacy with his woman, the Spring Water Technique had undergone a qualitative leap, reaching new heights.
Beyond saint-tier, infinitely close to super-tier!
The silver light fell like rain. Zhang Wen spun instantly, his left sword drawing an arc to deflect Gao Long’s bloody battle energy, while his right sword flashed like lightning, unleashing a thousand points of silver light that streaked toward Gao Long’s vital points like shattered jade meteors. This strike was aimed at forcing Gao Long to defend, hoping to slightly divert his attack.
Because Zhang Wen knew his left sword couldn’t neutralize Gao Long’s battle energy. Gao Long, as a slaughter-level butcher, had once annihilated several small planets. The Empire and the Federation had sent countless experts to hunt him down, but he had always fought his way out, tearing all his pursuers to shreds.
The strength of the slaughter machine, Gao Long, if not at the king level, was at least close to the destructive power of Lei Miao and a Dominance!
Even if Zhang Wen wanted to use a lever to move the Earth, he would need the strength to lift the lever. The disparity in power was too great, and the outcome was inevitable—
Annihilation!
A terrifying shriek echoed as the silver battle energy on Zhang Wen’s sword was instantly devoured by Gao Long’s bloody energy, and his left sword shattered.
At the same time, Gao Long shielded his face with his left hand, ignoring the sword light from Zhang Wen’s right sword. His right hand’s bloody claws grew wildly, forming a massive vortex aimed at Zhang Wen.
The space roared and exploded, as if the entire area was being crushed by Gao Long’s overwhelming battle energy. The scorching heat and pungent smell of blood assaulted Zhang Wen’s senses like a scene from hell.
In the face of absolute power, all techniques were futile. This wasn’t like in Casares, where Iron Mask and Agate had his back.
The shadow of death loomed over Zhang Wen’s eyes.
Fight!
No matter what, he couldn’t just give up. Even if he couldn’t win, he wouldn’t surrender!
The sword in Zhang Wen’s hand suddenly erupted with a dazzling silver light, spinning densely to form a silver dragon that lunged toward Gao Long’s heart. No thoughts, no distractions—only the unceasing flow of a great river, all his life force condensed into a single, stunning strike!
In this moment, Zhang Wen’s Spring Water Technique, swordplay, psychic energy, and battle energy all erupted beyond their limits. The instantaneous power even brushed against the super-tier realm!
But before Gao Long, the supreme warrior, all of this was but a fleeting cloud.
Shatter!
Amid the bloody light, the silver light rain vanished!
Zhang Wen felt a tremendous force blast him away, his body tumbling uncontrollably through the air. The only thing he could do was cling tightly to his sword—his last anchor and resolve.
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Gao Long’s figure leap up like a bird of prey, delivering the final blow!
He truly had no strength left!
Zhang Wen laughed bitterly in his heart as his body crashed heavily to the ground, rolling several times. He struggled to his knees, his back and arms scraped and bleeding from the friction with the ground. He wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, trying desperately to raise his sword.
The massive shadow of Gao Long loomed over him.
Though it seemed slow in the telling, all of this happened in the blink of an eye.
Just as Zhang Wen was about to be killed by Gao Long, suddenly—
Boom!!
A fiery dragon of flames blasted toward Gao Long’s back from behind.
Agate, the Flame Demon! He had finally arrived!
“Hmph!” Gao Long’s fierce brows twitched. His right hand continued to drive the bloody battle energy toward Zhang Wen, while his left hand reached back without turning, intending to block Agate’s attack with one hand while killing Zhang Wen.
Zhang Wen’s vision blurred as he watched Gao Long’s unstoppable bloody battle energy. In his mind, scenes from his arrival in this world flashed like a movie.
Was this the feeling of death?
All was silent, neither seen nor heard, as if all perception had vanished. The only thing Zhang Wen could feel was the Spring Water Technique within him, surging wildly under the threat of death, roaring like a flood in his body.
Streaks of silver energy crisscrossed within him, and acupoints lit up like stars, connected by the silver energy, forming a mysterious pattern within his body.
What did this signify?
Zhang Wen didn’t have time to ponder further. A strange, sharp shriek close by pulled his consciousness back to reality.
The sharp tip of a sword pierced the palm of the slaughter machine, Gao Long, halting his surging bloody battle energy in its tracks.
The Northern Dominance, Messiah!
At this moment, Messiah’s graceful figure stood firmly before Zhang Wen like a mountain. Within her slender frame lay an unimaginable power, as she held Gao Long’s attack at bay with a single rapier. The faint battle energy radiating from her suggested she still had strength to spare.
“Northern Dominance!” Gao Long’s scarred face twisted grotesquely as he slowly spat out the words. With a clench of his left hand, the bloody claw shredded the fiery dragon behind him.
Facing the murderous Gao Long, Messiah stood her ground. Her gaze swept over Zhang Wen, who was kneeling on the ground, as she spoke calmly, “Zhang Wen is very important to me. If you don’t stop now, you will regret it.”
“Hahaha!” Gao Long laughed as if he had heard the funniest joke in the world. He had slaughtered entire planets, taken countless lives. And now, a woman was telling him he couldn’t kill Zhang Wen?
No one could save those marked for death by the slaughter machine!
Amid his maniacal laughter, a pillar of bloody light erupted from Gao Long’s body. He was ready to go all out in this fight to the death.
“Someone important to her?”
Zhang Wen looked at Messiah’s graceful silhouette, his heart stirring. Shifting his gaze, he saw that Agate, the Flame Demon, had already reached the crater. Further behind stood Thor Omega and his disciple Gero, who had somehow survived until now.
“She’s an important person to him?”
Zhang Wen gazed at Misa’s graceful silhouette and felt a stir in his heart. He turned his eyes away and saw Flame Demon Agate charging up the crater. Further behind him stood Thunder God Omega and his disciple Gro, their survival until now already an anomaly.
Agate charged forward first, rushing to the side of the injured Xiaoxi and the others. After confirming their injuries were not life-threatening, her fury instantly shifted toward Gaolong. She stealthily approached him from behind, forming an encirclement with Missaya.
Even if Gaolong was powerful, how could he possibly face both the Flame Demon Agate and the Northern Territories’ ruler at the same time?
Zhang Wen took several deep breaths, suppressing his internal injuries as he stood up. He had been heavily struck earlier, and the crimson battle energy had seeped into his body. Fortunately, having already experienced a similar injury from Gaolong’s previous ambush, the Spring Water Technique successfully contained the foreign battle energy, keeping him temporarily safe.
Zhang Wen planned to use the moment when Gaolong was occupied by Missaya and Agate to circle around and check on Xiaoxi and Xuluo’s condition. At that moment, his eyes suddenly caught movement from the previously fallen crowd—seven figures rising from different spots.
Each of them radiated intense killing intent, bearing the mark of the Black Viscount on their left chest.
This was Gaolong’s true trump card. The Black Viscount had long ago embedded operatives within the competing teams, who had feigned death from the beginning, only revealing themselves at this crucial moment.
Their purpose was singular—to kill all enemies alongside Gaolong!
All enemies of the Black Viscount!
Gaolong laughed maniacally, clenching both fists as blood-red battle aura thickly enveloped them like crimson gloves. “Missaya, I have three Overlords and four Saint-class warriors under me… Who do you think will regret this?”
“Definitely—you!” Missaya’s voice sharpened on the final word. Suddenly, her floral sword erupted with dazzling multi-colored battle energy, dazzling Gaolong like a peacock spreading its tail.
What was this…?
Zhang Wen’s eyes narrowed instantly, astonished. Missaya was still using that same sword technique from that night, but combined with the seven-colored battle energy, its power had doubled!
As soon as Agate rushed forward, he immediately went to the side of the injured Xiao Xi and her companions. After confirming that their injuries were not fatal, his rage instantly turned towards Gao Long. He approached Gao Long from behind, subtly forming an encirclement with Messiah around Gao Long. Even if Gao Long was powerful, what confidence did he have to face both the Flame Demon Agate and the Northern Realm Overlord simultaneously?
Zhang Wen took several deep breaths, suppressing his internal injuries as he stood up. Just moments ago, he had been struck heavily by Gao Long, and the crimson battle energy had invaded his body. Fortunately, he had experienced a similar injury when Gao Long had ambushed him a few days prior. The Spring Water Technique managed to suppress the foreign battle energy within him, keeping him temporarily safe. Zhang Wen planned to take advantage of the moment when Gao Long was being held off by Messiah and Agate to check on the injuries of Xiao Xi and Xiu Luo. Just then, his eyes flickered as he suddenly noticed seven individuals rising from different spots among the previously fallen crowd.
Each of them exuded a fierce killing intent, and on their left chests was the emblem of the Black Viscount. This was Gao Long’s true trump card. The Black Viscount had long ago arranged for his men to infiltrate the competing teams, and they had feigned death from the very beginning, only revealing themselves at this critical moment. Their sole purpose was to join Gao Long in killing all their enemies—all the enemies of the Black Viscount!
Gao Long laughed maniacally, his fists clenched, the crimson battle energy enveloping his hands like a pair of blood-soaked gloves. “Messiah, I have three super-tier and four saint-tier warriors under my command… Who do you think will regret this?”
“Of course—it will be you!” As Messiah uttered the last word, her rapier suddenly erupted with a dazzling array of battle energy, like a peacock spreading its feathers, momentarily blinding Gao Long.
What is this…?
Zhang Wen’s eyes narrowed in an instant, feeling utterly incredulous. Messiah was still using the same sword technique from that night, but when combined with the rainbow-colored battle energy, its power had nearly doubled! Amidst the blinding, multicolored light, her rapier moved like the most agile bee’s stinger, an invisible venomous thorn aimed straight at Gao Long’s heart. Silent, swift, precise, and deadly—these complex traits were seamlessly integrated into Messiah’s rapier.
At the same time, the Flame Demon Agate’s eyes turned blood-red, and his body erupted with blazing flames of battle energy, even turning the sky red. He swung his greatsword with reckless abandon, aiming to strike Gao Long from behind. Even if it meant being torn to pieces, he would avenge his father’s death!
“Boom!!!”
The three streams of battle energy collided, and Gao Long was clearly at a disadvantage. He grunted and retreated swiftly. Simultaneously, the seven elite warriors planted by the Black Viscount scattered like lightning. One super-tier warrior charged towards the previously injured Xiu Luo and his companions, while three others targeted the Empire’s Venom Fang, Lei Miao, and the remaining three went after Zhang Wen.
From the very beginning, the Black Viscount had known that this Southern Realm Overlord Tournament would not be as simple as it seemed. To seize the position of Southern Realm Overlord and control the underground forces of the South under the Empire’s watchful eyes? It sounded appealing, but the Empire’s massive machinery would never tolerate any discordant voices. Moreover, the Black Viscount had already had several covert clashes with the Empire’s higher-ups, and those powerful figures would never allow the Black Viscount to extend his influence into the Empire.
There was also the fact that the Black Viscount had nearly been captured by the Empire during a previous incident, which had made him sense the danger—someone in the upper echelons of the Empire wanted his head!
No matter how brilliant or cunning a person might be, they could never resist the will of a vast empire. If seizing the Empire’s Southern Realm underground forces was impossible, how could he maximize his gains from this situation? The Black Viscount eventually turned his thoughts to the Federation. As the only entity capable of rivaling the Empire, the Federation had irreconcilable conflicts with the Empire. Although the two sides had not openly broken ties, there were numerous covert confrontations.
The Black Viscount secretly lobbied the Federation’s higher-ups, piquing their interest in his plans and gaining their full support for his actions. His plan was to use this Southern Realm Overlord Tournament to eliminate the Empire’s strongest warriors and weaken its power. It was a mad plan, and precisely because of its madness, no one would expect it. At the same time, this was the Black Viscount’s way of showing his sincerity to the Federation, a sort of “pledge of allegiance.” After all, under the Empire’s deliberate suppression, the Black Viscount’s forces were finding it increasingly difficult to operate. He might as well take this opportunity to make a big move and then defect to the Federation.
The Federation’s higher-ups had also reached a consensus, promising the Black Viscount that if he could successfully execute this plan, he would at least be granted the position of a planetary governor.
The final stage of the battle had arrived.
One super-tier warrior and two saint-tier warriors—this level of power was more than enough to kill Zhang Wen. But just as they charged forward, Zhang Wen’s figure blurred and vanished in a strange manner.
An afterimage!
In the blink of an eye, Zhang Wen activated his Ghost Step, moving at an otherworldly speed towards Xiu Luo. He covered dozens of meters in an instant, and the only sword left in his hand erupted with silver battle energy. He intercepted the super-tier warrior who was trying to kill Xiu Luo and his companions, arriving before the attacker.
“Looking for death!”
The man’s face was missing an organ—he had only one eye, and half of his face bore the scars of burns, making him look terrifying and grotesque.
Tyrant Galil! An equally notorious murderer, a butcher and scoundrel among the super-tier warriors. Twenty years ago, he had been pursued by the Empire’s Eagle Guards and had fallen into a starry abyss, disappearing without a trace. In reality, he had been rescued by the Black Viscount and had become one of his killing tools.
The battle energy emanating from Zhang Wen was perhaps slightly stronger than that of an ordinary saint-tier warrior, but only marginally so. Seeing such a “small fry” daring to stand in his way, Galil laughed in extreme anger.
Amidst his cold laughter, the tips of his ten fingers extended several inches, each glowing with condensed battle energy, a dark purple hue resembling ten sharp daggers.
“Berserk Technique—Cross Slash!”
With a horizontal and vertical motion of his hands, he drew a massive purple cross made of battle energy—an inverted cross—and launched it towards Zhang Wen at the speed of sound.
Galil had once used this move to instantly kill three saint-tier warriors. He had also used it to sever the right arm of the former Eagle Guard squad leader, Kasar, who had been pursuing him, forcing Kasar into early retirement.
Kasar had been Lei Miao’s predecessor, ranked among the top five Eagle Guards of his generation. If even such a strong warrior had fallen to the Tyrant, how could Zhang Wen possibly withstand it?
Missaya had fused these complex traits into a single, seamless strike.
At the same time, Flame Demon Agate’s eyes turned blood-red as torrents of blazing battle energy erupted from his body, even staining the sky crimson. Without hesitation, he swung his massive sword toward Gaolong’s back with unrelenting force.
Even if it meant shattering his own body, he would avenge his father’s death!
“Boom!!!”
The collision of three battle energies left Gaolong clearly at a disadvantage. He grunted in pain and hastily retreated. At the same moment, the seven hidden experts from the Black Viscount’s faction swiftly scattered. One Overlord-class assassin lunged toward the previously wounded Xuluo and others, while three of the remaining six targeted the Empire’s Thunder Fang, Leimiu, and the final trio sped toward Zhang Wen.
From the very beginning, the Black Viscount had known that this Southern Territories’ Champion contest wouldn’t be as simple as it seemed. Seizing control of the underground forces in the South under the Empire’s watchful eye? It sounded tempting, but the Empire, as a massive machine, would never tolerate any discordant voices. Moreover, the Black Viscount had already had several covert clashes with the Empire’s upper echelons, and those high-ranking officials would certainly never allow the Black Viscount’s influence to spread into the Empire.
Additionally, from the previous near-capture by the Empire, the Black Viscount had sensed danger—
Was someone in the Empire’s upper ranks after his head?!
No matter how brilliant one’s strategies or how extraordinary one’s talents, no individual could resist the will of an entire empire.
If seizing control of the Empire’s southern underground forces proved impossible, how could he maximize his gains from this event? The Black Viscount ultimately turned to the Federation. As the only entity capable of rivaling the Empire, the Federation harbored irreconcilable contradictions with the Empire. Although the two had not openly broken relations, their covert clashes were numerous.
The Black Viscount secretly lobbied the Federation’s leadership, generating interest in his plan and securing their full support.
His plan was to use this Southern Territories’ Champion final to eliminate the Empire’s strongest warriors, weakening their forces. It was a mad plan—precisely because of its madness, no one would ever expect it.
It was also the Black Viscount’s gesture of sincerity toward the Federation—a “letter of introduction,” so to speak. After all, under the Empire’s deliberate suppression, the Black Viscount’s forces had become increasingly strained. He might as well seize this opportunity for a major strike before defecting to the Federation’s side.
The Federation’s leadership had reached a consensus, promising the Black Viscount at least the position of planetary governor if he successfully executed this plan.
The final confrontation had arrived.
One Overlord and two Saint-class warriors—this force alone was enough to kill Zhang Wen. But the moment they charged, Zhang Wen’s figure strangely blurred and vanished.
An afterimage!
In an instant, Zhang Wen activated his Ghost Step, moving at supernatural speed toward Xuluo. Covering dozens of meters in a flash, the longsword in his hand erupted with silver battle energy, intercepting the Overlord who sought to kill Xuluo and the others.
“Dare to die!”
The attacker’s face was missing an organ—only one eye remained, and half his face bore the scarred, burned remnants of old wounds, making him look terrifyingly grotesque.
Tyrant Ghalil! A notoriously infamous killer, a butcher and disgrace among Overlords. Twenty years ago, he had supposedly fallen into the interstellar abyss during an Empire Falcon Guards pursuit, but in reality, the Black Viscount had rescued him long ago, turning him into a killing tool.
Zhang Wen’s battle energy was slightly stronger than an ordinary Saint-class warrior’s, but only marginally so. Seeing such a “minor figure” daring to recklessly block his path, Ghalil laughed in fury.
With a cold sneer, his ten fingers extended sharp, inches-long battle energy blades from each fingertip, glowing a sinister purple like ten tiny daggers.
“Violent Battle Art—Cross Kill!”
With a sweeping motion, his hands slashed horizontally and vertically, forming a massive purple-cross of battle energy—an inverted cross—launched at Zhang Wen at sonic speed.
Ghalil had used this very strike to instantly kill three Saint-class warriors. He had also used it to sever the right arm of his former pursuer, the ex-Empire Falcon Guards captain Khasa, forcing Khasa into early retirement.
Khasa was Leimiu’s predecessor, hailed as one of the top five experts in his Falcon Guards cohort. If even such a formidable opponent had fallen to the Tyrant, how could Zhang Wen possibly withstand this attack?
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage