In Healers Valley, a group of elders watched the satellite broadcast in solemn silence. Though Healers Valley and Xayne had long been at odds, the man's courage and integrity throughout his life earned their grudging respect. "What a tragedy! The King of the North had such a short life. If he'd only had ten more years, things might have been different. Maybe then, he wouldn't have vanished without a trace," one elder sighed."At those temperatures, who wouldn't turn to vapor? But being honored with a memorial at Mount Imperial Mausoleum? That's no small privilege!" another elder muttered.The elders murmured among themselves, exchanging their thoughts, until the Fifth Elder broke the conversation with his sharp, cutting tone. His gaze never wavered from the screen as he said, "Mark my words. It won't be long before Wyncock comes looking for trouble. Healers Valley tied its fate to Xayne, and now that he's gone, don't you think it's time we reconsider our position?" His words ca

Compared to the brewing chaos in Folksworth, the atmosphere in Drakonix was much calmer. Inside the Drakonian Council, the Emperor paced back and forth on the top floor of the Emperor Pavillion, hands clasped behind his back. With Xayne gone, Drakonia needed someone new to fill the void he left behind. It was obvious that Elias wasn't up to the task. Neither his skills nor his presence were enough to command respect across rival nations. A figure materialized out of nowhere, descending like a shadow. "Who's there?" The Emperor spun around, his hand instinctively gripping the sword at his waist."Your Majesty, it's me!" The voice rang out, freezing him in his tracks. It was unmistakable. It was Xayne, and it sent a chill crawling down the Emperor's spine. "Are you human or a ghost?" The Emperor took several cautious steps back, staring at the figure. Sure enough, it was Xayne. But something about him had changed. The old Xayne exuded authority, a commanding presence that deman

"Madam, we're in big trouble! There are dozens of elders outside, and many of our disciples from the Heaven Sword Circle have been seriously injured. They're demanding that you come out within ten minutes, or they'll storm in!" A disciple of the Heaven Sword Circle rushed in, panting heavily, his voice trembling as he reported to Serena.Serena had long suspected that the recent events were orchestrated by an unseen force, but she never imagined it would involve the Kickboxing Association directly.With Xayne absent and Esmond's whereabouts unknown, Serena was left without the strength to face so many powerful foes. But some battles could not be avoided. Even knowing she was outmatched, Serena had no choice but to confront them head-on."You may leave. I'll go meet them myself!" After giving the order, Serena quickly tidied herself, donned a sword robe, and stepped out of the villa."Gentlemen, I am unaware of how I've offended you to warrant such a show of force," she said calmly.

Marin's white brows twitched slightly as he fixed a cold, penetrating gaze on Onyx. "Rebellion against Drakonia? Leader Onyx, you truly have some nerve!" His voice dripped with disdain, and as he spoke, the aura of a Quad-Divine Commander expert enveloped him, locking firmly onto Onyx.The Kickboxing Association’s Grand Elder tightened his grip on his cane, his sharp, unblinking eyes trained on Onyx. To even mention “rebellion against Drakonia” was treasonous—an unforgivable crime. Regardless of Onyx’s status, his words had branded him a traitor, and traitors, in the eyes of all, deserved only one fate: execution."Hmph! A mere Quad-Divine Commander dares to challenge me?" Onyx sneered, his indifference to Marin palpable.Despite the temple elders’ revered positions, in the realm of the Kickboxing Association, their authority held little weight before someone of Onyx's stature. Here, strength ruled above all. Power determined reason.As Onyx spoke, a fierce wind whipped through the fla

As soon as Onyx finished speaking, dozens of Divine Commanders unsheathed their swords and blades in unison.Led by Onyx, the group wasted no more words with Serena. Their actions spoke louder than any threat— the Xavier family’s fate was sealed."You… aren't you afraid my master will return and settle this debt with you?!" A disciple of the Heaven Sword Circle rushed forward, placing himself protectively in front of Serena. His face was pale, but his voice rang with defiance.Esmond was the only one who could possibly deter Onyx and his forces. Yet, to Onyx, without Xayne’s protection, Esmond was hardly worth a second glance."You mean Esmond?" Onyx sneered, his voice dripping with disdain. "Even if he were standing before me, would he dare utter a single word of defiance?"The moment his words left his mouth, Onyx blurred into motion, streaking toward Serena with lightning speed."Stop!" Just as Onyx was within mere steps of her, a thunderous voice echoed through the air.The crow