"Don’t celebrate just yet."The voice rang out, cold and clear. Clad in white robes, the youth stepped forward—it was Kaelen Viremont. His eyes, sharp as blades, flicked toward Seraphina Valemir. “That Venomous Mad Python behind us—I only managed to destroy one of its heads in a sneak attack. It’ll be even more enraged now. We’re still deep in danger.”Startled by his tone, Seraphina’s face turned pale. She lowered her head like a child caught in the act, her voice barely a whisper. “I understand.”The two sprinted toward the canyon’s edge, feet barely touching the ground—but the serpent was far faster. In the blink of an eye, it was nearly upon them.“You’re too slow.”Kaelen didn’t wait for a reply. He swept the girl into his arms, hoisting her onto his back without hesitation.“S-Savior… be careful…” Seraphina whispered, cheeks tinged pink as her slender arms wrapped tightly around his neck. Her breath tickled his ear, but all she felt was a sudden surge of safety.Kaelen didn’t dw

Under the relentless pulse of the Creation Divine Art, Kaelen absorbed the immense demonic essence and life force of the Venomous Mad Python. In just half a day, he shattered two bottlenecks in succession, ascending directly to the pinnacle of the Ninth Heaven of the True Martial Realm.He walked alone across the canyon floor, his white robes gleaming brighter than freshly fallen snow. The setting sun bathed him in molten gold, gilding his figure until he seemed less man and more a young immortal poised to step upon the light itself. Yet beneath that effortless grace lingered something older, an unshakable, ancient solitude.From the shadowed cave behind him, Seraphina stirred. She stepped out just in time to see him framed against the fading light. Her breath caught, and for a moment she simply stood there, unwilling to disturb the vision before her.“You’re awake?” Kaelen said, sensing her presence as he turned.He approached her, a faint smile touching his lips. “These past days mu

The great canyon lay silent behind him. Kaelen tightened the strap of his pack and set off toward the mountains beyond.In the past few days, fortune had smiled on him. Amid jagged cliffs and shadowed valleys, he had stumbled upon several rare spirit herbs, the very ones listed in the bounty he had accepted back in Raven Hollow.One hundred thousand gold coins.Enough to change a man’s fate.But Kaelen’s mind was elsewhere.“True Martial Realm, Ninth Layer.”“Three Currents of Dragon-Elephant Energy.”“Art of Primordial Creation, First Layer, Bronze Battle Form.”He murmured the tally of his progress, committing each to memory. Casting one final glance at the canyon that had witnessed his growth, he stepped into the wilderness with unshakable resolve.A flicker of killing intent gleamed in his eyes.It was time to settle accounts with the Frostfang Mercenaries Corps.Vyrecrest Mountains RangeAt the mouth of the deep mountain region, the Frostfang Mercenaries Corps waited. Their capta

The Sword Sect… their power wasn’t just legendary—it practically rivaled the imperial family of the Eldravan Empire. Most people? They wouldn’t dare breathe near them.The two fighters? Easy to spot. One neat, single embroidered “Sword” on their cuffs, and bam—you knew exactly who they were. Disciples of the fabled Sword Sect. Absolute prodigies. But prodigies or not, the opposition wasn’t backing down. Not even a little.Dozens of black-clad warriors circled them like wolves, moving with deadly precision. Slowly, inch by inch, the two disciples were being cornered, battered, pushed toward desperation.“Heaven-Earth Blazing Sun Sword!”The male disciple’s roar cracked through the air, furious energy sparking from his voice. His blade flared with golden light, like a miniature sun had burst to life at its edge. A sword beam shot out—ten meters, maybe more—splitting the sky like some divine hammer of judgment.“Shield!”The black-clad warriors didn’t flinch. They moved as one, shields f

“Run away? Why would I run away?” Kaelen’s voice was calm, almost teasing. Like he was saying something silly just to annoy someone. But he could feel Aurelia Duskryn’s glare burning into him. He ignored it, talking as if nothing were wrong at all.“Oh? Aurelia, you know Kaelen? Even better,” Serenya said, her surprise fleeting, replaced by a dazzling smile that could stop hearts. “Kaelen is an unparalleled genius of House Hanwynn. And… when the time comes, I’ve decided you’ll be married to him.”“What?!”Aurelia’s shock exploded into pure rage. She almost leapt off her feet, voice shaking. “Sister! You actually want me to marry this… this stable boy? The one who feeds our horses?!”Slap!Serenya’s hand struck her sister’s cheek. Aurelia staggered back, mouth open, caught entirely off guard. Serenya’s eyes sharpened, voice cold as ice.“Aurelia… what did you just call Kaelen?”Aurelia clutched her cheek, tears threatening to spill. “Sister… has Kaelen bewitched you? He’s nothing but a