My Mysterious Life — Volume 13 [Part-I]

Chapter 1016

“Whoa! He’s even busting out the Four Elements of God’s Technique? Does he really need to show off?”

“Fenley sure knows how to make an entrance. He’s showing off in style.”

“If I had his skills, I’d be more flashy than him.”

Fenley made a grand entrance, and the crowd couldn’t stop talking and whispering.

The Four Elements of God’s Technique was a secret art of the Celestial Alliance, learned only by the guildmasters’ successors. So, it was surprising when Fenley used it before the match began.

“Mr. Marshall, your disciple lives up to his name,” Cyrus remarked coldly.

“Ha! Young people should be bursting with energy. If he’s got the skills, why hold back?” Alloy replied indifferently.

“I just hope you don’t let your excitement get the better of you,” Cyrus warned. “Sometimes, too much joy can lead to a downfall.”

“You don’t need to worry about it, Mr. Hadley,” Alloy said with a faint smile.

Regardless of the match outcome, Fenley’s entrance had already outshined the Sword Union.

The top talents from the three major guilds-Mystic Arts Order, Sword Union, and Celestial Alliance-each made their grand entrance.

The top experts from other major guilds weren’t about to be outdone. They showcased their skills with impressive flair and style.

A genius from the Beast Master guild arrived riding a mystical crane, while a disciple from the Esoteric Sword guild flew in on a magical sword. Another ,elite used earth-shifting techniques to burst out of the battle ring’s floor.

Overall, the range of spectacular and unique entrances was breathtaking.

For many participants, this Combat Tournament was about fame and fortune. Many young talents saw it as their chance to make a name for themselves.

With so many high-profile figures present, a striking entrance could boost their reputation significantly. Even if they didn’t win, making a memorable impression would cement their status and elevate their guild’s prestige.

This tournament was a prime opportunity for them to shine, and they were eager to make the most of it.

“Dr. Rhys, you’re one of the top 32 contestants. Everyone’s flaunting their unique styles and making a name for themselves. You don’t want to be left behind, right?” Alicia teased with a grin.

“Yeah, Dr. Rhys. This is a great chance to boost your fame. Show us some impressive moves,” Aurora said expectantly.

Dustin was renowned for his dual mastery of medicine and martial arts. Alicia had witnessed his medical expertise firsthand but hadn’t seen his martial prowess.

“Well then, how about I show you my skill?” He smiled faintly.

As the Marshall sisters watched with anticipation, Dustin lightly tapped his foot and soared into the air. He flew across the arena and landed on the battle ring.

In most competitions, such effortless flight would be impressive. But with today’s arena packed with top contenders, each flaunting their unique skills, Dustin’s smooth but simple entrance felt pretty ordinary. It was almost too routine to catch anyone’s attention.

“Is that it?” Aurora pursed her lips in disappointment. She had expected something truly spectacular from him, but this was underwhelming.

“He has always been modest, so that makes sense.” Alicia smiled awkwardly. It seemed her expectations had been too high.

“Get out of my way!”

Suddenly, a booming voice cracked through the air like thunder.

A colossal black shadow streaked in from the distance, moving at blistering speed. The ground erupted beneath it, sending dust swirling and debris flying. Spectators who couldn’t react in time were sent flying.

The shadow barreled through everything, smashing its way to the battle ring and leaving a trail of wreckage. Many spectators grumbled and cursed.

As the dust finally settled, the spectators got their first clear view of the newcomer. The figure was a towering, muscular man with tanned skin, standing well over six feet tall. He wore a black tank top, and his formidable build radiated an intimidating presence.

The surrounding martial artists looked like dwarfs beside him. The newcomer was George Burroughs.

“What’s going on? A foreigner in this Combat Tournament?”

“From the looks of it, he’s not here to play nice!”

“Hmph! He’s just a brute. Let’s see how Dragonmarsh martial artists deal with him!”

George’s entrance sent the crowd into a frenzy of murmurs. They were shocked to see a foreigner in the tournament, especially among the top 32 contestants, which was a first for them.

“Hmph!” Standing in the battle ring, George scanned the martial artists with disdain.

His eyes narrowed, and a grim smile appeared when he spotted Fenley. Without a word, he raised his hand and made a throat-slashing gesture in Fenley’s direction.

Fenley glanced at him and then ignored him. He felt that this brash newcomer wasn’t worth his attention. After all, his target was Glenn.

After George’s entrance, a chilling, eerie laughter echoed through the arena. At the same time, a swirling cloud of scarlet mist rushed in from the distance.

The mist was about ten feet in radius. It radiated a dark, sinister energy, and its shape constantly shifted. One moment, it morphed into a massive skull, then twisted into a devil with bared fangs and claws.

The sight of this unnerving mist made the spectators gasp in alarm. They quickly scattered to clear the path.

The mist’s terrifying appearance signaled evil intent, and they knew that coming into contact with it could be deadly.

The scarlet mist swirled over the battle ring. It deliberately circled the contestants’ heads three times before crashing down with a thunderous bang.

A striking Streuquan man in a sharp suit emerged as the mist dissipated. His bold features, devious grin, and undeniable charm made him impossible to ignore. The man was Bill Wolfe.

“I can’t believe that narcissistic jerk actually showed up,” Aurora muttered with a scowl, her eyes flashing with disdain. “I hope Fenley teaches him a lesson.”

“With so many skilled fighters from Dragonmarsh, Fenley might not even need to step in,” Alicia said.

After last night’s fight, she realized Bill was no match for Fenley. Instead, George seemed more dangerous and was worth watching out for.

“Listen up, Dragonmarsh martial artists!” Bill turned to face the contestants.

He said arrogantly, “I’m an aristocrat with pure blood from Esmington. My goal is to win the Combat Tournament championship. If you don’t want to die, you’d better surrender now. Otherwise, I’ll make you experience terror and despair!”

The spectators were seething with anger from his words and began to shout insults.

“Dammit! This kid’s got some nerve, publicly challenging us like that. Does he have a death wish?”

“To hell with him! If it weren’t for the risk of disrupting the event, I’d kill him right now!”

“Count me in!”

His flashy entrance might have been acceptable if it was just for attention. But now, before the match had even begun, Bill was brazenly belittling Dragonmarsh martial artists. Even the spectators could no longer tolerate his disrespect.

“Ha! Does this cocky Streuquan bat think he can run wild here? He’s got a death wish!” a hulking figure on the battle ring suddenly shouted. He was wearing a hat with a long blade strapped behind his back.

His imposing figure and piercing eyes commanded respect, even without displaying any anger. He had a commanding presence that made him stand out as extraordinary.

“Who are you?” Bill snarled.

“I’m Jermaine Walsen, the chief senior disciple of the Soultech Union,” the man with the hat replied coldly.

The Soultech Union was a prestigious guild in the martial world. Although they had only a few disciples, each was an elite martial artist.

Jermaine was halfway to becoming a grandmaster but already had the strength to rival one. He was among the 12 standout participants who had fought through thousands of Group B contestants.

“Jermaine, huh? Fine! I’ll deal with you first!” Bill immediately blurred into a mysterious red blood shadow and appeared behind Jermaine. He bared his fangs and lunged, aiming to sink his teeth into Jermaine’s neck.

“You’ve got a death wish!” Jermaine’s eyes turned cold. The long blade on his back suddenly shot out of its sheath, its icy gleam slashing toward Bill’s head.

Bill tucked his chin in. His razor-sharp fangs clamped onto Jermaine’s blade with a sharp clang.

“Hmm?” Jermaine yanked at his blade, but it wouldn’t budge. He was taken aback by the sheer power of Bill’s bite.

Bill’s sinister laughter echoed as he clamped down on the blade. At the same time, his fingernails shot out like razor-sharp blades. He stabbed viciously toward Jermaine’s chest and abdomen.

Jermaine scowled. With his blade stuck, he had to retreat. Just as he took a few steps back, Bill’s figure vanished as if he had never been there.

“Look out behind you!” A warning shout echoed from the crowd.

Jermaine spun instinctively, his eyes widening as a massive, gaping mouth bore down on him. There was no escape.

Just as he braced for the deadly bite, a loud crash rocked the arena. Bill was thrown through the air like a ragdoll. He landed heavily more than 30 feet away from the ring.

His hair was scorched, his clothes ripped to shreds, and he writhed uncontrollably as though struck by a powerful electric shock. He lay there, completely immobilized.

“The match hasn’t even started yet. Personal fights between contestants are not allowed. This is just a warning. Any further violations will result in disqualification.”

On the battle ring, Oron stood impassive, and his expression was unreadable. A faint crackle of lightning flickered between his fingers.

The events had unfolded so quickly that most of the crowd was confused, with only a few witnessing it.

Just as Bill’s massive jaws were about to bite Jermaine, Oron unleashed Stormcraft, which sent Bill flying through the air. This technique, known as the Five Stormcraft Art, was used to deal with dark creatures.

Bill couldn’t withstand the powerful Stormcraft despite his remarkable recovery abilities.

“Great hit!”

“How dare you cause trouble at Sacred Wyrm Summit? You must have a death wish.”

“If the referee hadn’t held back, that Stormcraft strike would have turned him into dust.”

The spectators cheered with applause as Bill was sent flying.

A foreign contestant one who is relatively unknown here should stay low-key to avoid unnecessary trouble.

But when Bill showed up, he immediately started shouting and challenging everyone. He practically asked to be beaten. Did this puny vampire think no one in Dragonmarsh could take him down?

“Curse you, Dragonmarsh martial artists! How dare you ambush me? How cowardly and disgraceful!”

Bill staggered to his feet and gritted his teeth as he seethed in anger. He had planned to make a strong impression and showcase the vampires’ might. Instead, his plan backfired, and he was humiliated.

He didn’t think it was due to his own weakness; rather, Oron’s sudden attack had caught him off guard. Bill was sure that he wouldn’t lose in a fair fight.

“Hmph! You still dare to shout here? If Master Oron hadn’t held back, you’d already turned into ashes,” Jermaine snapped.

Bill’s teleportation move earlier had caught Jermaine off guard. But now that he was prepared, he knew things would play out differently.

“Every competition has its rules. If you can’t follow them, I’ll have to ask you to leave,” Oron said coldly.

“Why you-” Bill was about to lash out when a hand landed on his shoulder. He turned to see a smiling man in a clerical robe.

The man was Jeremiah Price, also known as The Dust of Angel.

“Mr. Wolfe, don’t forget our mission. If you get kicked out before the match even begins, you’ll have a lot of explaining to do with Mr. Bailey,” Jeremiah said.

He continued, “If you provoke the experts of Sacred Wrym Summit, I won’t be able to save you. You’ve already seen the power of Stormcraft. It’s a bane to the vampires.”

Bill’s face alternated between anger and fear. He clenched his teeth and suppressed his anger. He might be aggressive, but he wasn’t foolish.

He could take on anyone in a one-on- one brawl, but it would be different if the Dragonmarsh’s martial artists teamed up against him.

After experiencing Oron’s Stormcraft, Bill knew he had a reason to be wary. Even if it didn’t kill him outright, it would paralyze him. For an expert, even a split second of immobilization could be fatal.

“I’m sorry everyone. My friend is new to this place and unfamiliar with the rules. Please forgive him.” Jeremiah stepped forward and lowered his head apologetically to Oron and the others.

“We’ll let it slide this time, but don’t let it happen again,” Oron replied with a neutral expression.

“Understood.” Jeremiah smiled and nodded.

Bill stood behind him and said nothing. But the deadly fire in his eyes was impossible to hide. He resolved to torture whoever he faced in the ring mercilessly. It was the only way to unleash his pent-up fury.

Oron scanned the battle ring and said, Since all the 32 contestants are here, we’ll draw lots to determine the matchups.”

When he confirmed that all the contestants were present, he signaled for a black wooden box to be brought forward. The box was completely sealed except for a small opening at the top.

Oron looked around the ring and announced loudly, “This box contains 32 numbered balls. Each contestant will draw one at random.

“The contestant who draws Number 1 will face the one who draws Number 32. Number 2 will face Number 31, and so on.

“It’s all about luck. No changes are allowed, and any cheating will result in immediate disqualification. Let’s begin.

“Let me go first.”

As soon as Oron finished speaking, Jermaine stepped forward. He reached into the black box and began rummaging through the balls inside.

A few seconds later, he pulled out a transparent glass ball. Embedded in the center was a white metal disc with a “3 “etched into it.

“Looks like I’m in luck. I’m fighting in the third match,” Jermaine said, raising the glass ball so everyone could see the number.

After all, competing earlier in the round could give some contestants a crucial edge. Today’s event was a 32-to -8 showdown. The first round determined the top 16, and the second round narrowed it down to the top eight. In other words, they needed to win two rounds to get noticed.

If their match were scheduled in the early round, they would have a long recovery break before their next fight. Conversely, if their initial game started late, they might not get any rest before jumping straight into the second match.

Their physical condition often determined the outcome for martial artists at the same level. A well-rested contestant generally had a better chance of winning against a tired opponent. Thus, the draw’s order and results could significantly impact the match results.

Chapter 1017

“Next.” Oron’s voice rang out, signaling the continuation of the drawing after Jermaine finished his turn.

“I’ll go.”

At that moment, George stomped forward and aggressively shoved a martial artist away as he reached into the black box.

The martial artist who had been shoved frowned and looked up at George’s burly bear-like frame. Despite the intimidation, he suppressed his anger.

Although a martial artist’s strength couldn’t be judged by their size, George’s imposing presence was undeniable.

After rummaging inside the box for a few seconds, George pulled out a glass ball. But before anyone could see the number inside, he crushed it with his powerful grip.

The ball shattered with a sharp crack, and fragments scattered across the floor.

He looked at the fragments in his hand and burst into laughter. His eyes glinted with malice as he turned to Jermaine.

He said sinisterly, “Jermaine, huh? Unlucky bastard, you’ll have one hell of a day. Look at this.” He showed him the metal disc, which displayed “30.”

Jermaine’s number was 3, and George’s was 30. According to the pairing rules, they were set to face off in the third match.

“Hmph! We’ll see who’s the unlucky one,” Jermaine replied coldly. “I’ve killed countless brutes like you. All brawn and no brains. You’re nothing but a walking pile of trash.”

Being tall and bulky had proven useless against his blade. No matter how big or strong, it made no difference. Those brutes, who sacrificed speed and agility for sheer power, were no threat to him.

“A walking pile of trash?” Instead of getting angry, George laughed heartily, though his eyes were filled with deadly intent. “We’ll see if you’re still laughing after I turn you into a meat pie.”

“Stop yapping! Let’s settle this in the battle ring.” Jermaine scoffed and walked away from the ring.

George grinned sinisterly, like a predator sizing up its prey.

“Next,” Oron said.

As long as no rules were broken and no trouble was caused, he didn’t care if someone used a few harsh words, shouted insults, or spat at each other.

Soon, one contestant after another stepped up to draw their numbers. Some made a show of it, while others kept their draws discreet.

A few proudly flaunted their numbers, while others hid them. They were wary of giving away any tactical advantages. After all, knowing an opponent’s details in advance could provide a strategic advantage or be used against them.

Smart contestants kept their numbers hidden after the draw. Only those confident in their skills and untroubled by any tricks would reveal them.

For example, Glenn and Fenley, who ranked among the top on the Heavenly Immortals list, were almost certain to reach the top eight as long as they didn’t face each other too early.

Dustin drew the number “8”, and he would fight in the eighth match. It was in the middle of the lineup-neither advantageous nor disadvantageous- but he wasn’t concerned about that.

According to the pairing rules, his opponent would be number 25. If his memory served him right, that was Bill.

Dustin’s gaze drifted toward Bill, who was casually toying with a glass ball. The ball had a metal disc in the center with the number “25” engraved on it.

“Interesting.” Dustin smirked. Despite having fought many battles, he had never faced a vampire before.

He figured that Bill, with his aristocratic lineage, was likely to be formidable. It would be an excellent chance to test his skills against a vampire elite and understand their abilities. This way, he would be prepared for future encounters with powerful vampires.

“Hmm?” Bill seemed to sense something. He looked up and locked eyes with Dustin.

“Kid, don’t tell me you’re my opponent?” His eyes narrowed as he sized up Dustin from a distance.

He sneered and added, “Let me just say you’re as good as dead. And don’t think I’ll make it easy for you. I plan to enjoy every moment of your suffering.”

“Idiot,” Dustin responded coolly before heading back to his seat. He hated dealing with people who ran their mouths before the fight started.

Those who couldn’t gauge their opponents’ strength and only knew how to talk trash were a dime a dozen. It was a miracle that this kind of mindless chatterbox still survived.

“Kid, you better watch out!” Dustin’s dismissive attitude had Bill gritting his teeth in fury.

After getting thrashed by Fenley the night before and then blasted by Oron’s Stormcraft earlier, Bill was seething with rage. His frustration had reached a boiling point.

He was determined to vent all his anger on Dustin. Plus, he wanted every martial artist from Dragonmarsh to witness the true power of the vampires.

“The draw is over. Contestants, please return to your seat.” Once everyone had finished drawing their numbers, Oron spoke again.

He continued, “Now, I’ll explain the rules. This tournament is for martial arts sparring and skill exchange. Combat is ruthless. Once you enter the battle ring, your fate is at the mercy of destiny.

“There are no restrictions in today’s matches. Anyone who concedes or falls off the ring will lose.

“I would like to advise everyone that although winning and losing matter, your life is even more precious. If you find yourself overmatched, conceding might be the wisest choice.

“Without further ado, let’s start the first match. Contestant number one and contestant number 32, please step up to the ring.”

The spectators erupted into thunderous applause as soon as Oron finished speaking.

Under the spotlight of a thousand eager eyes, contestant number one rose from his seat and walked to the battle ring. He was a monk clad in gray robes.

The towering figure, who had a muscular build, was in his 30s. He gripped an iron staff, and his smooth, bald head gleamed brilliantly in the sunlight.

The spectators quickly recognized him. “I can’t believe the first contestant is Venerable Truce from Aureate Monastery. This is going to be a great match.”

Contestant number one was a revered monk from Aureate Monastery called Truce Heart. He was known by the moniker “Venerable Banisher”.

Despite his young age, his cultivation was beyond measure, especially his Ironfist Technique, which he had mastered to perfection.

He was said to be impervious to blades, bullets, fire, and water. Any attack launched against him barely left a mark.

But Truce wasn’t just renowned for his incredible defense. His Banisher Technique was equally deadly, and he had defeated countless experts with it. With his prowess, it was no exaggeration to say he could challenge opponents far beyond his level.

“I wonder who will be his opponent.”

Amid the curious gazes of the spectators, contestant number 32 slowly walked up to the battle ring.

The man had a Strequan face, wore a clerical robe, and a cross hung on his chest. His expression was kind, and he had a gentle smile. He was Jeremiah Price, also known as “The Dust of Angel

“Hey! A kind-looking priest?”

“No way! A Strequan priest competing in the battle ring?”

“Hmph! This priest is clearly in cahoots with that stinking bat. He may look harmless, but he’s hiding sinister intentions. Don’t let his appearance fool you.”

“Whether human or not, he doesn’t stand a chance against Venerable Truce’s Banisher staff. One strike, and he’ll become ashes.”

“Let’s just say this priest is unlucky to face off against Venerable Truce. If he doesn’t concede, he’s likely to be beaten to a pulp.”

“A foreigner who dares to challenge us in Dragonmarsh deserves whatever comes his way.”

When Jeremiah entered the ring, the spectators immediately started whispering and pointing. Their murmurs rippled through the crowd.

Many spectators had a strong sense of local pride, especially in a major event. They were united in their support for Truce.

At the Dragonmarsh-hosted event, they were determined not to let outsiders steal the spotlight. Otherwise, it would be nothing short of a disgrace in their eyes.

“I don’t wish to harm anyone, so why not surrender?” Truce eyed the slender Jeremiah and shook his head in disappointment.

He was representing the Aureate Monastery to make a name for himself. His sights were set on the top talents from the major guilds.

As for the unfamiliar priest before him, Truce had neither seen nor heard of him before. Winning against him wouldn’t hold much significance. He figured Jeremiah was just here to experience the excitement and learn something new.

“Sir, you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. How can you predict the outcome before the match begins?” Jeremiah said with a smile. His calm words masked a shrewd, strategic mind.

“I’m only saying this for your own good. Once we start, I won’t hold back, “Truce said calmly.

“Please, show me what you’ve got. I came here to witness the prowess of Dragonmarsh martial artists. I hope you won’t disappoint me,” Jeremiah said flatly.

“Fine. Since you insist, don’t blame me for what happens next.” Truce’s eyes turned icy as he raised his staff.

“The contestants are ready. Let the match begin!” Oron declared before floating down from the battle ring.

“After you,” Truce said, adopting his stance.

“Go ahead.” Jeremiah smiled faintly and didn’t make the first move.

The two locked eyes, and the tension between them thickened.

“Venerable Truce! Don’t hold back, just start the fight!”

“Anyone who dares to stir trouble in Dragonmarsh deserves a lesson they won’t forget!”

The spectators started to cheer. Some of them couldn’t wait to see Jeremiah get beaten.

“Watch out! I’m going to attack!”

Truce let out a low shout.

With a sudden burst of speed, he leaped forward like a tiger, crossing twenty yards instantly to reach Jeremiah.

Then, he thrust his staff at Jeremiah’s chest and abdomen.

Though the strikę appeared ordinary, it was packed with powerful, grandmaster -level internal energy, enough to shatter mountains and split rocks.

However, Jeremiah didn’t dodge. Instead, he calmly raised his hand and effortlessly caught the staff. The staff’s internal energy instantly dissipated, as if it was swallowed by an unseen force.

“Hmm?” Truce frowned in surprise. Although he hadn’t used all his strength, his strike was still beyond what any ordinary martial artist could withstand.

The strangest part was how his internal energy seemed to vanish into thin air upon contact with Jeremiah, like a stone sinking into the sea without a ripple. This was not normal.

Without time to ponder, Truce quickly withdrew his staff, spun around, and swung it aggressively toward Jeremiah’s waist. This strike was brimming with internal energy and powerful enough to sweep through an army.

While facing Truce’s powerful strike, Jeremiah remained calm. He didn’t even flinch and raised his arm to block the blow.

The shadowsteel staff crashed down with a resounding impact on his arm. Instead of the expected scene of broken bones and a flying body, the staff only made his sleeve flutter. He didn’t suffer any injuries.

Jeremiah stood still with a smile on his face.

“Huh?” Truce’s eyes widened in shock. If the earlier thrust had been jusť a test, this sweeping blow was delivered with full force.

He would have understood if Jeremiah had used grandmaster-level internal energy. But Truce didn’t feel any energy fluctuation from him. In other words, Jeremiah had relied purely on his physical strength to withstand the blow.

Could this seemingly frail priest be a grandmaster of body refinement? If so, a tough battle lay ahead. After all, Truce was also a grandmaster of body refinement.

“I didn’t expect that skinny priest to catch Venerable Truce’s staff barehanded. He’s got some skill.”

“But what’s the point of having great defense? He’s just a punching bag. Besides, when it comes to raw physical strength, how can any foreigner. compare to Venerable Truce, who has that legendary Adamantine Body Art?”

“Exactly. Venerable Truce was just warming up. If he went all out, he could kill that foreigner in no time.”

The brief clash on the battle ring sparked a flurry of discussions among the spectators. They knew Truce’s strength well. After all, he had a profound cultivation and immense physical power.

Jeremiah’s ability to withstand two hits unscathed proved his formidable skill. Still, it wasn’t enough to change the inevitable outcome.

“Your strength is decent, but you’re nowhere near enough to defeat me,” Jeremiah said with a smile.

He continued, “I’ll give you three minutes to show me what you’ve got. Use all your skills if you’ve got any because you won’t get another chance once the time is up.”

His calm tone was laced with arrogant disdain, as if victory was already in his grasp.

“Hmph! I don’t need three minutes to beat you. Thirty seconds will suffice!”

Truce scoffed, his expression turning serious.

He knew Jeremiah was no pushover. To defeat him, Truce would need to bring his A-game.

“Today, you’ll witness the Banisher Technique of Aureate Monastery!” he declared and leaped into the air. With both hands gripping his staff, he aimed a heavy blow at Jeremiah’s head.

Rumbling sounds echoed as the shadowsteel staff flared with a blinding golden light and unleashed a surge of terrifying power.

Jeremiah raised an eyebrow and instinctively sidestepped to avoid the crushing blow.

The shadowsteel staff, surrounded by a golden light, struck the floor with immense force. It carved a deep groove into the battle ring’s surface.

The battle ring, with a diameter of about 330 feet, was made entirely of black gold stone, which was comparable to steel in hardness. Hence, its ability to carve out such a deep groove with a single swing highlighted its immense power.

If that strike had landed on someone, it would have instantly turned them into a bloody mess.

The staff missed its target, but Truce wasted no time. He swung the staff horizontally and aimed straight for Jeremiah’s legs. The golden light enhanced his strike, making it lightning-fast and devastating.

Jeremiah quickly leaped into the air and drifted backward to evade the blow.

“Just what I was waiting for!” Truce’s eyes narrowed with cold resolve as he channeled all his internal energy into the staff. The golden light flared up and transformed into a golden dragon that lunged toward Jeremiah in the air.

This was the Drakon Banisher, one of the ultimate moves of the Banisher Technique. It was a fearsome, unstoppable attack that drove demons and gods alike to retreat. Plus, Truce’s power was magnified many times from its previous forms.

At that critical moment, Jeremiah was trapped in midair after the previous assaults. He couldn’t dodge and could only brace himself for the oncoming blow. The transformed shadowsteel staff crashed into Jeremiah with an earth-shattering impact.

He crashed into the ring with such force that it created a human-shaped crater in the black-gold stone. Dust and debris exploded around him, and the air crackled with energy.

“Excellent hit!”

“Take that, you foreign scum! Let’s see if you can survive this!”

The spectators went wild upon seeing that.

Truce’s ultimate strike was so devastating that even a tank would have been reduced to scrap in an instant. Everyone expected Jeremiah to be flattened into a puddle of flesh.

When everyone thought the match was over, a sudden clattering of falling stones caught their attention.

Then, Jeremiah walked out from the cloud of dust. He looked unscathed except for a bit of dust on his clerical robe.

“This is my favorite outfit, and you’ve ruined it. How are you going to compensate me?” He glanced down at his slightly torn robe. His smile faded into a grim glare. He was furious, and the consequences would be severe.

Chapter 1018

“What? The guy isn’t dead? How is that even possible?”

“He’s not only alive, but he’s completely unscathed. This is insane!”

“How can this be? Is he wearing some kind of armor?”

“Even if he was, there’s no way he could survive Venerable Truce’s strike without a scratch!”

The spectators stared in disbelief as Jeremiah stood there with a seemingly indifferent expression.

Truce’s previous strike was devastating, unstoppable, and could split mountains and rivers.

Under normal circumstances, given Jeremiah’s build, he should’ve been left crippled even if he survived. But he was completely unscathed. This was a sight that defied everyone’s understanding and logic.

Even Truce was left questioning this reality. The Drakon Banisher, a signature move of the Banisher Technique, was known for its unmatched power. Once unleashed, it was nearly impossible for anyone to block, and it had never failed to deliver its intended result.

Truce was certain his strike had hit Jeremiah, but he couldn’t understand how he had emerged without a scratch or blemish.

What kind of monstrous body did he have? Was Jeremiah some sort of demon in disguise?

“Tell me, how will you make up for the damage to my clothes?” Jeremiah asked again, his voice raised.

“I don’t believe you’re truly invulnerable!”

Truce’s anger flared. With a fierce growl, he swung his staff and charged forward. A radiant golden light surrounded him like a mythical dragon wrapped protectively around him.

“Since you refuse to compensate, you’ll pay with your life.” Jeremiah’s eyes turned icy, his previously gentle demeanor replaced by a fierce, menacing glare.

Dark, evil energy surged from his body and quickly enveloped him. His once- pale skin turned a deep, ominous black as black scales erupted from beneath. It covered his body from the neck down.

His slender human fingers transformed into sharp, deadly claws. Jeremiah had become a fearsome hybrid of man and beast in the blink of an eye.

“Die… human.” Jeremiah’s lips curled into a menacing grin.

In a blink, he vanished from sight and reappeared directly in front of Truce. His razor-sharp claws transformed into deadly blades as they aimed toward Truce’s chest and abdomen.

“Damn, he’s fast.” Truce’s eyes widened in shock. He barely had time to react and instinctively raised his staff to block.

A metallic crash rang out as Jeremiah’s black claws slammed into the shadowsteel staff with explosive force and unleashed a terrifying surge of power.

Truce’s body jolted from the impact, and his feet skidded backward uncontrollably. His hands, still gripping the staff, experienced a brief but debilitating numbness.

The demonic transformation had boosted Jeremiah’s speed and strength. He could turn a casual strike into a lethal threat.

“Hmm?” Truce frowned as he stared at the deep claw marks on his shadowsteel staff. His mind was a storm of thoughts.

His staff was made of shadowsteel, a material far tougher than ordinary steel. He had been with his trusty weapon for over a decade, and nothing had ever left a scratch on it.

But with a casual swipe, Jeremiah had left three claw marks, each nearly an inch deep, on his staff. Jeremiah’s claws were as sharp as the Sacred Armory.

Before Truce could react, Jeremiah lashed out again. His claws sliced through the air with a series of deadly afterimages.

Truce had no time to dodge and had to raise his staff to defend. The impact was deafening. He was thrown back several feet, and his shadowsteel staff cracked under the pressure and snapped loudly.

The spectators gasped in disbelief. A single swipe had broken the legendary shadowsteel staff, and they wondered what kind of monster Jeremiah was.

“Okay. If you’re determined to fight me hand-to-hand. I’ll take you on.” Truce’s anger ignited when he looked at the broken staff in his hands.

He tossed the shattered weapon aside and clenched his fists. Then, his body began to glow with golden light.

At the same time, he began to chant a spell. The golden light that had burst forth now converged around him to form a magnificent golden armor, The golden armor was covered in a network of intricate scriptures, which flowed around like tadpoles.

“Holy crap! This is the Aureate Monastery’s ultimate technique, the Celestial Aegis.”

“Rumor has it that the Celestial Aegis is impervious to blades and bullets, untouched by fire or water. It is the epitome of absolute defense.”

“I didn’t expect that Venerable Truce had mastered Celestial Aegis to perfection. Nobody below the level of ultimate grandmaster can hurt him now.”

“Haha! With the Celestial Aegis, Venerable Truce is unbeatable. Let’s see what that half-demon priest can do now!”

The spectators watched in awe and delight as Truce wore the Celestial Aegis.

With his already formidable Adamantine Body Art and the added protection of the Celestial Aegis, even the ultimate grandmasters would struggle to break his defenses.

Truce glared at Jeremiah and shouted, ” Surrender now, beast!” His body radiated golden light, as if he had emerged from the sun, exuding an awe- inspiring presence.

When Jeremiah looked at Truce, he burst into laughter. His eyes burned with a fierce, primal hunger, like a predator spotting the perfect prey.

He didn’t say anything. With a powerful kick, he transformed into a blur and charged toward Truce with a frightening speed.

“Bold fool! You’re sealing your own doom!” When Truce saw Jeremiah’s unyielding defiance, he roared and threw a powerful punch.

With his Celestial Aegis armor protecting him, Truce’s defense was impenetrable. His speed and strength were also enhanced.

This punch might have looked ordinary, but it packed a punch many times stronger than his previous Banisher Technique.

While charging forward with blinding speed, Jeremiah couldn’t evade and crashed straight into Truce’s fist. At the same time, his razor-sharp claws slashed across Truce’s chest.

With a thunderous explosion and the resounding clash of metal, Jeremiah was sent flying seven or eight yards by the devastating Zenith Punch. His chest caved in, and his scales shattered, leaving him looking badly battered.

In contrast, Truce was also knocked back a few steps. The golden light on his body flickered briefly but quickly returned to normal.

“Great hit!”

The spectators erupted in excitement as they watched Jeremiah get blasted away. Applause and cheers filled the venue.

The Celestial Aegis truly lived up to its name as the invincible armor. Even though Jeremiah could cut through shadowsteel with his claws, his strikes had no effect on the golden armor.

Additionally, Truce’s single punch delivered a crushing blow.

“Beast! You’d better stop being stubborn, or I won’t hold back anymore!” Truce warned again.

After the recent clash, any smart fighter would have realized the vast difference between them.

Suddenly, Jeremiah gave a low, sinister laugh as he stood up. His previously caved-in chest began to heal at a visible rate, and within moments, his wounds had fully healed.

“Huh?” Truce frowned with concern.

Jeremiah had formidable defenses, and his recovery ability was downright terrifying.

“Interesting… This is getting more exciting.” Jeremiah smiled. His expression grew increasingly deranged, and his eyes blazed with an intense, feverish fire.

He continued, “You’ve got me fired up now. I can barely hold myself back. Come on, my prey, let me tear you apart.”

Then, he spread his arms wide. With his exposed deadly claws, he charged at Truce with a near-manic fervor. At that moment, Jeremiah resembled a ravenous beast on the hunt, a stark contrast to his earlier composed demeanor.

“Stubborn fool!” Truce snorted.

He turned into a blazing streak of golden light and barreled straight into Jeremiah. If words didn’t work, Truce would use his fists to prove his point.

A thunderous boom erupted as two figures collided, one in black and one in gold. Instantly, they were locked in a fierce hand-to-hand battle. Fists and kicks flew with relentless fury as each fighter refused to give an inch.

The clangs of their combat grew louder and more frequent, like a series of firecrackers going off. Energy waves surged outward as they crashed over one another in a continuous, undulating tide.

On the battle ring, their movements were so swift that each attack seemed to create multiple afterimages. Spectators below struggled to keep up with the action.

They could only catch fleeting glimpses of the black and gold figures as they intertwined and clashed. It was impossible to tell who was gaining the upper hand.

“Whoa, that speed is insane! My eyes can barely keep up!”

“Damn! I didn’t expect that priest to hold up so well. Even with Venerable Truce’s relentless attacks, he’s still going strong.”

“Even though we can’t see their moves, the Celestial Aegis makes Venerable Truce nearly invincible. The only thing left to determine is how long it will take for him to win.”

“Exactly! Even if that priest is tough, he has to have his limit. With Venerable Truce’s strength and abilities, victory is inevitable.”

As the two flickering figures in the battle ring moved with dazzling speed, the spectators erupted into a cacophony of voices. Some were filled with doubt and concern, but the majority trusted Truce.

In their eyes, the Celestial Aegis was an impenetrable shield that only an ultimate grandmaster could breach. Hence, they couldn’t imagine Truce losing.

Another explosive crash echoed through the battle ring.

Truce, covered in golden light, punched Jeremiah, and the impact sent him reeling back several yards. The sheer force of the blow dislocated Jeremiah’s shoulder.

The next second, Jeremiah gave his shoulder a quick shake, and it miraculously slotted back in place. As if nothing had happened, he grinned maniacally and charged back in. He fought with an all-or-nothing approach.

“How the hell is this guy still standing? “Truce scowled.

He had inflicted over 100 brutal blows on Jeremiah. But no matter how severe the injuries, Jeremiah recovered quickly. His vitality was alarmingly indomitable.

Up to this point, Truce hadn’t gained the upper hand. Even though the Celestial Aegis shielded him from harm, things were bound to get worse if this continued. His stamina and internal energy were starting to deplete.

When Jeremiahi charged at him again, Truce didn’t have a moment to think and instinctively raised his fist to strike. Soon, a fierce fight broke out between the two sides again.

Both were experts in close combat, and their fight was a relentless clash of raw power. There was no dodging or blocking, just pure, unfiltered brutality.

Each punch and kick landed with a resounding crack. It was a relentless contest of power where neither expert would give an inch.

Truce, protected by the Celestial Aegis, had a clear advantage in strength and defense. Each of his powerful strikes forced Jeremiah to retreat.

In contrast, Jeremiah’s attacks were ineffective against the Celestial Aegis.

Truce couldn’t seal the win despite his apparent advantage because of Jeremiah’s strong defense. Plus, his recovery rate was shockingly fast.

No matter how severe his injuries- whether his chest caved in or his face was battered beyond recognition Jeremiah could recover almost instantly.

As a result, the two fighters were locked in a stalemate.

“The priest turned out to be tough as nails. Despite taking multiple heavy hits, he still looked fine. If they keep going, how long will this fight drag on? “Aurora narrowed his eyes and watched them intently.

Last night, she didn’t think Jeremiah was a threat, but today, she saw how tenacious he was. With Truce’s skills, he should have been a strong contender for the top eight. Yet, after fighting for so long, he couldn’t overcome Jeremiah.

“Looking at their condition, it’s hard to say who would win unless one runs out of energy.” Alicia shook her head.

Though Truce seemed to dominate the fight, Jeremiah’s recovery rate was shockingly fast. Unless it was a one-hit knockout, any attack on Jeremiah was a waste of effort.

Unfortunately, Truce couldn’t end the fight in one move, so if it dragged on, the outcome was anyone’s guess.

“While the Celestial Aegis is unmatched in defense, it comes with a significant drawback,” Grace commented.

She continued, “It consumes an immense amount of energy, so it is unsustainable for prolonged fights. If Venerable Truce can’t find a way to break through, the situation will look pretty bleak.”

Truce’s iron-fisted strikes would have instantly defeated an ordinary martial artist. But Jeremiah’s physique was far beyond that of an average human. He was more like a genetically enhanced monster, so ordinary tactics couldn’t take him down.

“If Venerable Truce can’t win within the next half-hour, it’s game over,” Fenley said regretfully. He was rooting for Truce to bring glory to Dragonmarsh and defeat Jeremiah.

As the fight dragged on, Truce exhausted every trick in his arsenal and still couldn’t secure a victory. With his energy waning, it was only a matter of time before his Celestial Aegis broke down.

In contrast, Jeremiah seemed to be growing stronger with every exchange and showed no signs of fatigue. The shift in momentum was worrying, and Truce’s situation looked increasingly grim.

The battle ring erupted with another thunderous crash.

Truce delivered a powerful punch and sent Jeremiah flying back three yards. But as he regained his stance, Truce began to breathe heavily. The Celestial Aegis on his body flickered as if struggling to keep up with the energy drain.

“Hehe… Bring it on!” Jeremiah glanced at his rapidly healing wound and sneered. Without hesitation, he raised his claws and lunged forward again.

His persistence had driven Truce to the boiling point of anger. “Beast! Do you really think I can’t do anything to you?

Today, I will let you see what supreme divine power is!”

Seeing his strength waning and realizing the gravity of the situation, Truce knew it was time to unleash his full power. Then, he brought his hands together, and a radiant golden light erupted from his body. The immense force sent Jeremiah hurtling backward.

Simultaneously, a ten-foot-tall Golden Sentinel appeared out of thin air behind Truce. This towering figure exuded a commanding presence and majesty without showing anger. It loomed like a golden mountain and sent shivers down the spine of anyone who beheld it.

“Vengeful Gaze!” Truce’s eyes snapped open. With fierce determination, he raised his hand and brought it down tremendously toward Jeremiah.

The Golden Sentinel behind him mirrored the action. It lifted its colossal hand and crashed down with equal power. Though the move seemed slow, its speed was astonishing.

Before Jeremiah could react, the colossal golden hand had already slammed into him.

A loud crash echoed through the venue.

Blinding golden light exploded outward, and a thick cloud of dust billowed up. Waves of ferocious wind surged from the point where the golden palm struck, sweeping across the ring with a terrifying force.

After the earth-shaking strike, the solid battle ring was cratered, and a bottomless pit was left where the blow landed.

Truce was drenched in sweat and panting heavily. His Celestial Aegis disappeared, leaving him on the brink of collapse, and he could barely stay on his feet.

He had been reluctant to use this ultimate move because he knew the toll it would take on him. The move drained so much energy. It would heavily impact his performance in the following matches, even if he won.

But for now, Truce couldn’t afford to worry about the future. His goal was to win this match.

Chapter 1019

“Haha… He won. Venerable Truce won!”

“At least he took that guy down. Venerable Truce is awesome!”

“Though he lost, he should feel honored for holding out against Venerable Truce for that long.”

The entire arena cheered as the spectators watched Jeremiah get slammed into the battle ring by Truce’s Vengeful Gaze. Dragonmarsh spectators jumped to their feet to give Truce a thunderous applause.

The first fight of the day was nothing short of electrifying. Both sides went all out as they traded blow for blow in a showdown that left the spectators on the edge of their seats. Their excitement reached a fever pitch.

This was what a martial artist’s duel should look like.

“Phew… Is it over?” Truce wiped the sweat from his brow and began to relax. The killing move had drained him, but it was worth it since he had defeated Jeremiah.

But just as the crowd’s cheers filled the air, the rubble in the center of the battle ring began to tremble. Small chunks of stones at the top slowly slid down and created a faint clatter.

“Hmm?” Truce frowned as a wave of unease washed over him.

In the next second, the pile of rubble exploded. A cloud of stone dust filled the air, and it rained down like a shower of ash.

Jeremiah, covered in black scales with eyes glowing red, emerged from the thick cloud of dust.

His low, sinister laugh echoed through the venue. His eyes, once human, had transformed into slitted, beast-like pupils-crimson and filled with savage fury. He looked like a demon incarnate.

With each step he took, the damaged scales and wounds on his body healed at an astonishing rate. By the time he emerged from the crater, he was fully healed. At that instant, his presence was even more ferocious than before.

“You… You’re still alive?” Truce’s eyes widened in disbelief.

He had just poured every ounce of his energy into that strike. It was his ultimate move that no one below an ultimate grandmaster could withstand. Yet, Jeremiah was still standing, unscathed.

The spectators were stunned into silence, The cheers and applause abruptly stopped as everyone stared in disbelief.

They had witnessed Truce’s final strike -a blow as unstoppable as a mountain’s descent. Even the battle ring made from Abyssal stone had been blasted into a deep crater.

A direct hit like that should have turned Jeremiah into a bloody smear. But he was unscathed. Just how terrifying was his defense?

“You’ve forced me to use my second form. Impressive. But unfortunately, it’s still not enough.” Jeremiah sneered and bared his razor-sharp teeth.

He continued, “You’ve had your chance. Now, it’s my turn.”

Before the words had even left his lips, he vanished into a blur. He moved so fast that even an ordinary martial artist could barely track him.

“Watch your back!! someone yelled from the crowd.

Truce’s eyes widened in alarm. He instinctively turned and threw a punch. But midway through, a deadly claw pierced through his chest.

The claw punctured through his back and emerged from his chest, with blood trickling down the claw’s tip. What began as a few drops quickly became a steady stream.

“Ugh…” Truce’s body trembled as he went rigid with shock.

His eyes widened in disbelief as he looked down at the claw impaling him. His mind went blank, but he could faintly see a pulsating red mass within the claw’s grip.

“Is that… my heart?” The horrifying realization struck him. He struggled to keep his eyes open and was desperate to see what was in the claw.

But in the next instant, the claw tightened and crushed the object within with brutal force.

All strength seemed to drain from Truce. His body went limp, and his vision darkened.

“The scent of blood is so intoxicating,” Jeremiah said with a wicked grin. He flicked his wrist and sent Truce’s lifeless body flying several yards before it crashed outside the battle ring.

A heavy thud echoed through the venue as Truce’s body hit the ground like a discarded sandbag. Blood spilled out and spread in a grotesque, irregular pool of red.

Silence fell over the crowd in stunned disbelief.

Everyone gaped at Truce’s lifeless form. They could hardly believe what had just happened. Just moments before, he had seemed poised for victory. Now, he lay dead.

The entire sequence had been so abrupt that no one had time to react. Truce, renowned for his Adamantine Body Art and reputedly impenetrable defense, had just been killed by a single strike?

How was this even possible?

The spectators were shocked by Truce’s death. What was expected to be a routine match ended in a shocking turn of events. It was genuinely bewildering.

“Hmm?” Oron frowned as he looked at the lifeless body under the battle ring.

He hadn’t expected the heavily injured Jeremiah could still deliver such a lethal blow. The single strike that killed Truce caught Oron off guard.

Although battles could be unpredictable and fate often decided the outcome, losing a skilled expert like Truce was a significant loss for Dragonmarsh.

“That priest has some talent. Despite being in the fight for so long, he’s still holding back his full power. Impressive. “Sitting in the front row with a clear view of the battle ring, Alloy narrowed his eyes thoughtfully.

He had watched the entire fight unfold and noticed Jeremiah had relied solely on his physical strength. Alloy could tell Jeremiah had more skills in reserve.

“Hmph! Just a half-human, half- demon freak. Not exactly a game- changer.” Cyrus sneered with a contemptuous glare.

The Streuquans were always obsessed with bizarre advancements like genetic enhancement, human modifications, and so on.

While these might offer a temporary power boost, they were shortcuts and ultimately ineffective against true strength.

“If I’m not mistaken, the three foreign contestants are from the Hall of Gods, right?” Kaden asked nonchalantly.

He continued, “Seems like they’re using this Combat Tournament as an opportunity to assert their dominance at Sacred Wyrm Summit.” His tone was even, but his eyes flashed with anger.

Jeremiah had deliberately concealed his strength and conserved his energy to strike at the critical moment.

Truce was exceptionally gifted, with extraordinary talent and perceptiveness. He was poised to break through and become an ultimate grandmaster. Hence, his death was a significant loss for Dragonmarsh.

“If the Hall of Gods dares to send their dogs on us, then let’s make sure they don’t leave today,” Penelope said grimly.

Alloy and Cyrus exchanged a look of silent agreement. They knew that any internal conflicts would need to be postponed until they had dealt with these external threats first.

After a brief silence, Oron announced, ” The first match is over. The winner is Contestant number 32.”

Only a few scattered applause was heard, while the majority of the spectators remained silent. The mood might have been different if it had been a simple matter of winning or losing.

Truce hadn’t just lost-he had lost his life. Under these grim circumstances, who could feel celebratory?

After the first match ended, Oron immediately carried Truce’s body away and summoned a team to repair the battle ring.

The battle ring made of Abyssal stone was durable and easy to repair. The damage could be fixed in under five minutes by pouring molten Abyssal stone into the cracks and pits. Once the liquid had cooled, the ring would be as good as new.

“Let’s move on to the second match. Contestants 2 and 31, please come to the ring.” After a short break, Oron’s voice rang out again.

Two women rose from the audience and walked toward the battle ring, one on the left and one on the right.

The woman on the left wore a red battle outfit. She was tall and had a cool, composed look. She carried a long spear and radiated the distinct presence of a female general. She was Veronica Campbell, one of Alloy’s direct disciples.

On the right, the woman in the sleek black gown had a striking figure and an enchanting beauty. Her radiant smile and graceful movements exuded a natural, irresistible allure.

When she appeared, she captured every man’s attention. Young, impassioned men struggled to maintain their composure. They were left breathless, and their eyes widened with fascination. To them, she was the very definition of allure.

“I recognize the woman in red on the left. She’s Veronica Campbell, a senior disciple from the Celestial Alliance. But who is the one in black?”

“No idea. With that look, she is sure to steal the show!”

The entrance of the two female martial artists quickly reignited the atmosphere, which had been a bit subdued.

While both women drew attention, the one in black was the center of focus. Her slender waist and captivating figure were simply mesmerizing.

“Is that her?” Dustin raised an eyebrow in surprise when he recognized the woman in black. He hadn’t paid much attention during the draw earlier, so encountering a familiar face was unexpected.

The woman in black was Azalea Larson, whom he had met a year ago in Balerno. Back then, she had been a disciple of the Dark Lord, a traitor to the Mystic Arts Order.

But she had turned her back on her dark past to become Abigail’s bodyguard. When Abigail awakened her Phoenix bloodline and was taken to the Mystic Arts Order, Azalea followed and became a disciple.

Azalea was skilled in face-changing and the Art of Charming, techniques that had nearly fooled Dustin on several occasions.

He was surprised that she had made remarkable progress and become a grandmaster martial artist after a year. Being around Abigail made Azalea a key focus for the Mystic Arts Order’s training.

This Combat Tournament was Azalea’s moment to shine and establish her reputation.

“Look! Veronica is stepping onto the ring.”

“Veronica has been perfecting her skills for ten years. She’s definitely going to make an impact this time!”

“Go, Veronica! Bring glory to the Celestial Alliance!”

The Celestial Alliance’s disciples cheered as they watched Veronica stride confidently onto the battle ring.

As the top guild of Dragonmarsh, its disciples took great pride in their status. To them, anyone from their guild was bound to be superior to opponents from another guild.

Aurora smiled and said confidently, ” With Veronica competing, this match should be a clear win for us.”

Given Veronica’s skills, she might struggle against a well-known genius, but her opponent was an unknown young martial artist. For someone of Veronica’s caliber, this was hardly a challenge.

“Her opponent is from the Mystic Arts Order, so we shouldn’t underestimate them.” Alicia shook her head slightly.

Veronica would have a clear advantage if it were just a matter of martial skills and cultivation. However, the Mystic Arts Order was known for its unpredictable and mysterious techniques. A lapse in vigilance could lead to a surprise attack, making the outcome of the match uncertain.

“The Mystic Arts Order disciples rarely participate in these matches, so this is a rare chance to see their true capabilities,” Fenley said with keen interest.

The Mystic Arts Order was the most mysterious of the three major guilds. Their disciples possessed profound cultivation and mastered a range of mystic arts.

It was this mystery that made them so intimidating. Generally, no faction wanted to provoke the Mystic Arts Order unless absolutely necessary.

“Are both contestants ready?” Oron glanced between them.

Once they nodded, he announced, “If there are no objections, the match starts now.” He stepped away from the ring to give them the space they needed.

“I’m Veronica Campbell from Celestial Alliance.” Veronica stood tall in her red battle gear, and her spear angled firmly toward the ground. Her expression was steely, and her voice was commanding.

“I’m Azalea Larson of the Mystic Arts Order. It’s nice to meet you,” Azalea said with a seemingly harmless smile.

“I won’t hold back in this fight. Be on your guard,” Veronica warned.

“Okay,” Azalea responded flatly with a nod.

Veronica launched her spear forward without hesitation with a swift flick of her wrist. The thrust was precise and lightning-fast.

The spear’s tip gleamed with a silver light as it cut through the air and stirred up a fierce gust of wind.

Azalea noticed that and smirked. She quickly pulled out a coiled whip from her waist and flicked it with a sharp crack. The whip shot out like a striking serpent as it aimed to wrap around Veronica’s waist.

The advantage of a longer weapon was clear. While Veronica’s spear usually dominated standard weapons, it was at a disadvantage against the more extended reach of Azalea’s whip. Before Veronica could close in, she was already within Azalea’s striking range.

Azalea’s whip was lined with barbs. If it wrapped around the target, a powerful yank would instantly tear through flesh and leave gruesome wounds.

“Hmm?” Veronica raised an eyebrow and immediately changed her approach from offense to defense. She intercepted the whip with her spear. The two weapons coiled around each other like entwined serpents.

Azalea took this opportunity to pull her whip to disarm Veronica.

“Bold move!” Veronica’s eyes sharpened as she charged forward instead of retreating.

She used the whip’s pull to her advantage while adjusting her spear mid-stride. With a powerful thrust, she aimed straight for Azalea’s throat.

Azalea’s eyes widened in surprise. She hadn’t expected Veronica to react so quickly, using the whip’s pull to break free and launch a counterattack.

Such quick thinking was beyond what many grandmaster martial artists could achieve.

But Azalea wouldn’t just stand there. She knew her whip wouldn’t be as effective up close, but she had other tricks up her sleeve.

With a flick of her wrist, a barrage of poisoned needles shot out from her sleeve and darted toward Veronica.

Veronica’s eyes narrowed as she was forced to abandon her attack. She used her spear to create a swirling vortex of internal energy before her.

The poisoned needles, caught in the swirling force, lost all momentum and were sucked into the vortex. Hence, the needles were rendered harmless.

Veronica’s spear spun faster, and the vortex grew larger. Once all the needles were trapped, Veronica redirected the vortex with a powerful sweep of her spear. She sent the needles flying back at Azalea with even greater speed.

It was the classic strategy of turning an opponent’s weapon against them.

Azalea was caught off guard and quickly formed a protective barrier of internal energy. The needles struck it with a series of sharp clangs, and the impact pushed Azalea back several steps.

Veronica’s superior combat experience gave her the upper hand in this first exchange.

“Break!”

Veronica didn’t waste a second. As Azalea stumbled back, her spear shot forward like a dragon. It was faster than the eye could follow.

Chapter 1020

The spear hummed and shimmered with silver light as it exuded a bone- chilling cold. The air began to warp wherever it passed, letting out a sharp, ear-splitting screech.

Azalea didn’t dare take it head-on. She quickly retreated, and her hands formed intricate signs as she murmured an incantation. She pointed toward Veronica, who was chasing her.

The battle ring suddenly erupted with a mass of black vines. These vines, almost as if they possessed a mind of their own, shot up with incredible speed.

It wrapped around Veronica’s feet and rapidly coiled upward. Within the blink of an eye, her legs, hips, and waist were ensnared entirely. She was immobilized.

“Huh?” Veronica frowned.

She was about to raise her spear to counterattack when two thicker vines shot up from the ground, wrapping around her arms and forcefully pulling them apart. Within seconds, the black vines had her tied up like a prisoner.

What was most alarming was the sheer strength of these vines. They were incredibly tough, and Veronica couldn’t break free. She struggled, but it was in vain.

“What kind of sorcery is this? How is it so sinister?”

“This is bad. Veronica is in danger!”

“This was a cheap shot. She ambushed her!”

The Celestial Alliance disciples grew anxious as they saw Veronica bound by the vines. They never expected Azalea to wield such a strange and unpredictable technique.

“Now!”

Azalea seized the opportunity. Her hands formed another set of hand signs and pointed at the immobilized Veronica.

With a thunderous roar, a scorching flame burst forth. It swiftly transformed into a ferocious tiger. The tiger roared silently and charged at Veronica with its body engulfed in a raging inferno.

“This is bad!”

The disciples of the Celestial Alliance turned pale, some even leaping to their feet in alarm. But they could only watch helplessly as the blazing flames consumed Veronica.

“It’s over! Veronica’s done for!”

Despair washed over the Celestial Alliance disciples as they muttered among themselves. None of them had expected Veronica, with her incredible spear mastery and formidable skills, to be defeated so quickly. It was beyond belief.

“No way! Did Veronica lose?” Aurora’s eyes widened in shock.

The match lasted less than three minutes. After only a few exchanges, Veronica, with all her strength, couldn’t have been defeated so quickly, right?

“Don’t rush to conclusions. The match has only just begun.” Fenley narrowed his eyes slightly. His expression was calm.

If Veronica couldn’t handle this level of threat, she wasn’t worthy of the Celestial Alliance’s trust.

When he finished speaking, a powerful energy suddenly erupted from within the blazing flames on the battle ring.

With a loud explosion, the black vines and flames exploded. It sent the fiery shards and thrashing tendrils flying in all directions.

Suddenly, a figure shrouded in an icy chill shot out from the exploding flames. The spear gleamed with silver light and shot toward Azalea with blinding speed.

The strike moved with the elegance of a swan in flight. It was as silent and deadly as a coiled serpent.

“Too fast!”

Azalea barely had time to react. She hastily raised her arms to block, and her grandmaster-level internal energy surged in a protective shield before her.

Veronica’s spear crashed against the energy shield with explosive force. The barrier barely held for a heartbeat before shattering into fragments.

But Veronica didn’t relent. Her spear continued its advance, aiming straight at Azalea’s chest.

However, the expected deadly strike never came. Just as the spear’s tip was about to reach Azalea’s chest, a sudden flash of golden light burst forth.

With a metallic clang, Veronica’s spear was suddenly flung away by an invisible force. The impact sent her stumbling backward, and her arm was numb from the recoil.

“Hmm?”

Veronica’s eyes narrowed as she noticed the small Astral bell floating in front of Azalea’s chest.

The bell was only the size of an egg but intricately engraved with runes. Its surface shimmered with a golden light; this was definitely not an ordinary object.

“An Elysian amulet?” Veronica frowned, and her expression darkened.

The Elysian amulet was a scarce piece of protective gear. It was far superior to any golden silk armor.

This amulet had a natural enchantment that activated automatically to form a protective shield whenever its wearer was in danger without conscious activation.

Such a prized artifact was incredibly rare; it was worth a fortune and nearly impossible to obtain. Even Veronica wasn’t privileged enough to own one.

She was astonished that someone as young as Azalea possessed such a treasure. Had the Mystic Arts Order’s disciples become so wealthy?

“That was a close call. I nearly took a hit.” Azalea lightly patted her chest as she caught her breath.

She had underestimated Veronica and thought she could handle the situation with just a couple of spells. Azalea hadn’t expected Veronica to break her defenses and launch a deadly counterattack.

She might have been severely injured if Abigail hadn’t given her the Elysian Amulet.

The Mystic Arts Order didn’t own this amulet. It was a treasure Abigail had won from a recent betting game she organized.

Azalea couldn’t help but admire Abigail’s keen judgment.

In the stands, someone clenched his fists in frustration as he watched Azalea use the Elysian amulet. It had once been his prized possession, but he had lost it in a bet.

The loss stung, and the gambler’s fate seemed richly deserved.

“Madam Penelope, your guild has impressive resources. Even one of your disciples gets to use an Elysian amulet. It’s quite enviable.” Alloy’s tone was laced with subtle probing.

“When it comes to wealth and influence, the Celestial Alliance takes the lead. We only have a bit of heritage, “Penelope said coolly.

“You’re too modest,” he responded with a knowing smile. “But if this young disciple has earned your favor, she must be extraordinary. I’m eager to see how she performs.”

“Your disciples are no pushovers either, ” she said with a faint smile.

Cyrus observed the insincere exchange with a sneer. There was no room for all this pretense in the battle ring, so just get on with the fight.

“I didn’t expect you to have an Elysian amulet?” Veronica’s face was grim as she spoke with a harsh tone.

She added, “But it won’t help you win the match even with that amulet. In the end, you’ll still lose to me.”

She knew that Elysian Amulets usually had a limited number of uses. Once the spiritual energy inside was depleted, the amulet would no longer activate.

In other words, she only needed to intensify her attack to drain the amulet’s power. It might take some effort, but it was doable.

“Heh… You wish to defeat me? Let’s see if you have what it takes,” Azalea said with a faint smile. Her long whip began to move like a serpent.

Azalea had learned from her earlier slip – up when Veronica’s aggressive assault caught her off guard. She was determined not to make the same mistake and wouldn’t give Veronica another chance.

“Watch this!”

Without hesitation, Veronica surged forward. Her spear gleamed with a cold light as she lunged at Azalea with fierce intent.

The thrust was direct, but it was swift and unpredictable. It also had the flexibility to adapt and strike.

Azalea reacted quickly. She lashed out with her whip and aimed for Veronica’s face.

Veronica twisted in midair. She gracefully dodged the whip and continued her relentless advance.

Azalea seemed to anticipate Veronica’s moves. With a sharp flick of her wrist, the empty whip changed direction abruptly and coiled around Veronica’s leg.

She quickly formed a hand seal, and a blue electric arc gathered at her fingertips.

“Now!”

Azalea’s fingers, charged with electric arcs, tapped the whip. Instantly, a fierce surge of electricity traveled up the whip and coursed through Veronica’s body.

Veronica grunted as her body convulsed uncontrollably. The electric shock left her paralyzed and immobilized her.

Even her grandmaster-level internal energy was briefly thrown into disarray, and she could not channel it.

“What the hell is this technique? Could it be Stormcraft from Sacred Wyrm Summit?”

“No, Stormcraft is more overpowering. Azalea’s technique must be a rare form of esoteric magic.”

“Isn’t the Mystic Arts Order known for their poison and witchcraft? Surprisingly, she chose to specialize in esoteric techniques instead.”

The spectators were astonished by Azalea’s combination of fire and electricity.

On the contrary, the disciples of the Celestial Alliance were visibly nervous.

Despite Veronica’s impressive strength, Azalea’s tactics were so bizarre and unpredictable that it was nearly impossible to defend against.

The unpredictability of Azalea’s next move left Veronica in a highly reactive and defensive position.

“Celestial Vortex!” Azalea raised her hand, and her internal energy surged to create a massive vortex in the air.

The next moment, the water in the spectators’ drinking glasses seemed to defy gravity. It rose as if directed by an invisible force.

The water streams converged rapidly toward the vortex above Azalea’s head. Within moments, hundreds of streams of water had merged into a gigantic water sphere.

“Ethereal Ice Sphere!” Azalea swiftly formed a hand seal and pointed at the paralyzed Veronica.

Thousands of water arrows shot out from the water sphere. Strangely, as the arrows took shape, they swiftly froze into deadly frost arrows.

These arrows rained down on Veronica from every direction. It was a relentless, all-encompassing assault.

Even if she weren’t immobilized, evading the attack would be nearly impossible, let alone with her limbs paralyzed.

“Blood Ward!”

Veronica’s expression hardened when she realized the situation was not in her favor. She bit her tongue to draw blood and spat it out in front of her.

The blood, fueled by her internal energy, formed an ethereal red shield that materialized in front of her.

Thousands of frost arrows pounded against the Blood Ward. Each impact created explosive cracks and scattering shards of ice.

After the relentless barrage, the frost arrows eventually stopped. However, the shield in front of Veronica began to crack under the strain.

Before she could even catch her breath, a second wave of frost arrows descended in a relentless onslaught.

“Not again!” Veronica’s face paled.

At that moment, the effects of her parálysis started to wear off. She didn’t have time to hesitate when she saw the frost arrows descending again.

She gripped her spear and spun it wildly, creating a blur of afterimages. Her spear spun like a helicopter rotor, whipping up strong winds that formed a protective barrier about ten feet in front of her.

The incoming frost arrows struck the wind barrier with a series of crackling sounds. The impact forced Veronica to stagger backward, and her arms were numb from the force.

The Blood Ward she had used earlier had drained her energy significantly. So, now she struggled to keep up when facing Azalea’s relentless assault.

“Void Mire!”

While Veronica was still defending against the frost arrows, Azalea performed another hand seal. She crouched and slammed her hand onto the battle ring’s surface.

Suddenly, a bizarre scene unfolded. The ground beneath Veronica’s feet turned soft and swampy, like quicksand. As she tried to retreat, she found her feet sinking deeper into the mire.

The most unsettling part was the powerful suction of the mire. It relentlessly pulled Veronica’s legs, and she had a hard time freeing herself.

With frost arrows bombarding her from above and the mire threatening to swallow her from below, Veronica was in a dire struggle and couldn’t fend off attacks from both sides.

“Despicable wench, all you can do is use underhanded tricks! If you’ve got the guts, face me head-on!” Veronica’s frustration boiled over.

She was a master of spear techniques with extensive combat experience. She was confident she could quickly take down her opponent in close quarters.

But Azalea never gave her the chance to get close. She continued to attack from a distance with her spells.

What infuriated Veronica the most was Azalea’s endless array of tactics. One moment, she was ensnared by vines, and the next second, she was under a barrage of fiery attacks.

Then came the electrical paralysis, followed by a storm of frost arrows. Now, Azalea had conjured a swamp to trap her.

Despite Veronica’s exceptional spear skills, they were rendered useless in the face of such relentless and varied assaults. It was incredibly frustrating to be so outmatched.

If it weren’t for Azalea’s Elysian amulet, Veronica would have won by now. It was maddening how close she was to victory, only to be thwarted at the last moment.

“What’s wrong with using underhanded tricks? If it leads to victory, any means are fair game,” Azalea said, tossing a Gerandium into her mouth.

She had just used up a lot of energy with her spells earlier. But luckily, she had a priceless bottle of Gerandium on hand. With this, she could attack without any reservations and unleash her full strength.

“Ready for more? Here comes another round!” After taking the pill, Azalea felt revitalized. Her internal energy quickly roared to life.

She raised her hand again, and thousands of frost arrows filled the sky. It formed a dense, overwhelming barrage that blocked out the sun.

“You… You’re despicable!” Veronica spat out in frustration.

Azalea kept using her spells without a pause. With Gerandium to boost her energy, she wasn’t worried about running out of resources. How was Veronica supposed to compete against that?

“Damn it! This woman just doesn’t know when to stop.”

“First, it’s the Elysian amulet, and now, precious Gerandium! When did the Mystic Arts Order’s disciples become so wealthy?”

The spectators couldn’t resist murmuring among themselves as they watched Azalea using various artifacts.

The Celestial Alliance’s disciples were especially vocal. Their comments were filled with frustration, jealousy, and envy, but mostly a sense of disbelief.

The match was supposed to be a test of skill, but Azalea’s use of divine artifacts and pills had given her a huge advantage.

“Fall!”

Ignoring the murmurs around her, Azalea directed a barrage of frost arrows at Veronica again.

Veronica was stuck in a quagmire and was unable to move. She could only swing her spear while channeling her internal energy to block and resist.

Each impact from the frost arrows caused her body to shiver and her arms to numb. Her movements slowed, and her internal energy drained rapidly.

Her defense began to falter, and a few arrows broke through, which left bloody wounds on her. Plus, the freezing power of the arrows made her movements increasingly stiff.

After a relentless assault of frost arrows, Veronica was disheveled and battered. She looked thoroughly defeated.

Azalea continued her assault. She popped two more precious Gerandium into her mouth to replenish her energy.

The sight made Veronica’s eyes twitch with anguish. If she had an Elysian amulet or Gerandium herself, she might have been able to turn the tide of the battle. Unfortunately, she didn’t.

“Again!” Azalea was brimming with energy and confidence. She raised her hand again, and her internal energy surged forth as if it were limitless.

At that instant, a dense cloud of frost arrows appeared above Veronica’s head again.

Veronica’s heart sank into despair upon seeing that.

With the relentless barrage of spell attacks, with the added boost from the Gerandium, who could withstand this?

Veronica cried out in fear as the frost arrows began to rain down, “Wait! I surrender! I surrender!” She was gravely injured, her internal energy depleted, and she had no strength left to continue.

If she didn’t concede now, the next wave of frost arrows could leave her either dead or severely wounded. With no hope of victory, it was better to surrender and avoid further suffering.

“Ah? You want to give up? I just took two Gerandium and was eager to keep going,” Azalea said regretfully.

If she had known Veronica was going to surrender, she wouldn’t have used the pills. They were expensive, and every bit saved counted.

Veronica’s face twitched with frustration and helplessness when she observed Azalea’s disappointed expression.

Chapter 1021

Veronica was unwilling to accept her loss in this match. In terms of raw strength, she was unquestionably stronger than Azalea, with at least an 80% chance of winning in a direct confrontation. But Azalea’s arsenal of divine artifacts, pills, and unpredictable techniques made her nearly impossible to defend against..

In the end, Veronica was worn down and had no choice but to concede. The frustration gnawed at her.

“Mr. Marshall, it seems your Celestial Alliance disciples aren’t as formidable as they’re made out to be,” Cyrus said with a smirk.

He had been at odds with Alloy for years. They were constantly competing in the open and behind the scenes.

Hence, Cyrus was happy to watch Alloy stumble.

“One unexpected loss doesn’t mean much. Besides, your Sword Union may not fare any better,” Alloy responded calmly.

Veronica was his favorite disciple, so her early defeat blew his pride.

“Really? Then, let’s see who wins in the end.” Cyrus smiled. He couldn’t wait to see Alloy’s reaction when Fenley lost to Glenn.

Aurora sighed and looked disappointed. “I didn’t expect this outcome. It’s such a shame.”

She believed that victory was almost inevitable with Veronica’s advanced cultivation and exceptional spear skills. But losing just like that was hard to accept.

“Veronica did her best. It’s just that the Mystic Arts Order disciple had too many tricks up her sleeve. She played to her strengths and happened to counter Veronica perfectly, which led to this result,” Alicia said, shaking her head.

That was the nature of competition. The tide could turn instantly, and even superior strength couldn’t guarantee victory.

“Fenley, Dr. Rhys, I’m counting on. both of you,” Aurora said, scanning the surroundings.

The remaining Celestial Alliance disciples had already been eliminated from the top eight. Now, only Fenley and Dustin were left in the tournament.

Aurora was confident that Fenley would secure a spot in the top eight, but having just one member advancing wouldn’t be enough to showcase the guild’s strength. She hoped Dustin would break into the top eight and claim a spot.

“I’ll do my best,” Dustin nodded slightly.

“Dr. Rhys, I remember you drew number 8, right?” Alicia suddenly asked.

“Yes. What’s wrong?”

“I’ve been watching closely. Your opponent is a vampire. As you might know, vampires are incredibly tough. Vampires are dark creatures, and ordinary methods can’t harm them. Without a special weapon, you could be at a disadvantage.”

Then, Alicia pulled out a dagger and quietly handed it to him. “I’ve heard vampires are vulnerable to silver. I had this silver weapon brought over for you. Keep it and use it when the time comes.

“A silver weapon?” Dustin raised an eyebrow and looked at her.

He hadn’t expected her to be so meticulous. Not only had she noticed his opponent, but she also prepared a countermeasure.

“Alicia, when did you get this silver weapon? Why didn’t I know about this? “Aurora asked, astonished.

“Such things need to be kept quiet. If the vampire knew, it would be on guard. Then, the element of surprise would be lost,” Alicia explained quietly.

“True.” Aurora nodded.

“Thanks,” Dustin said, accepting the silver dagger and stowing it away.

He had heard similar rumors that vampires were vu