Dark clouds churned violently above, and a bitter wind whipped through the air, carrying a chill that set teeth on edge.Everyone froze, their eyes snapping skyward. A vast mass of purple-black clouds swirled overhead, twisting like a living thing.Ordinary people might have shrugged, unaware of the danger. But any martial cultivator could see it instantly.Thunder Tribulation.“Thunder Tribulation!”Even Arnold Vance, despite every instinct screaming caution, could not hide his shock. His steps faltered, then he stepped back, unwilling to linger.The Thunder Tribulation was one of the deadliest forces in existence. Once a Unity Realm Warrior triggered it, survival was everything—or else total annihilation awaited. One false move, and nothing remained.It was one of heaven and earth’s supreme powers.Each cultivator had their own tribulation. No one could intrude on another’s domain—no matter how strong—or pay the price of instant destruction.So when Arnold Vance saw Kael Draven trig

One man. One blade.Kael Draven’s body thrummed with a new, untamed power. The Nine-Turn Reincarnation Art had reforged him completely, purifying him down to the very bones. He wasn’t the same boy who had faced the Thunder Tribulation moments ago—he was reborn, sharper, faster, alive in every fiber of his being.To the people watching? He looked like a lunatic. Pure, unmitigated madness. A fool walking straight into death.But Kael Draven didn’t hesitate. He strode forward, unflinching, toward the swirling storm above Starcloud City. The clouds churned like angry seas, and the thunder roared as if the heavens themselves were beating war drums.“You want to destroy me? Then I’ll destroy you first!”A wild laugh tore from his lips. He raised the Blood-Drinking Mad Blade, feeling every ounce of his power gather in his hands. With a roar that echoed across the city, he swung. Crimson blade light shot from the tip, splitting the sky.Boom! Boom!The slash collided with the storm, and for a

“Brother Draven, it’s better that the Veyne and Duskbane families leave. At least now, we can see their true colors.”Ardyn Draven glanced at Halvor Stormveil and let out a quiet, wry smile.Of the four great families of Emberfall Town, only the Stormveil family had stayed loyal, standing shoulder to shoulder with the Dravens.Even though Kael Draven and Aria Stormveil were a couple, his fate hung in the balance. Yet the Stormveil family had not wavered for a moment. That alone spoke volumes—honor, loyalty, and courage.Nodding, Ardyn Draven chuckled softly. “With the Stormveil family backing us, the Dravens are more than strong enough.”Meanwhile, the Veyne and Duskbane families had abandoned Emberfall Town and approached the Starcloud royal warrior, eager to pledge their allegiance. But when their heads tried to meet Sebastian Vance, they were flatly dismissed.Shock froze the two families in place. They had thought their defection would win favor with the royals and that they’d bec

Sebastian Vance stood frozen, utterly stunned.He had brought a warrior—a massive force meant to crush Emberfall Town. He had expected to walk away a victor, maybe even watch Kael Draven fall beneath his banners. He had been certain. Absolutely certain.And then… everything fell apart.“Sebastian Vance,” Kael Draven said quietly, but with steel in his voice, “no matter what you tell yourself, I always considered you a brother. I don’t blame you. Being part of the royal family… sometimes you have no choice.”Those words hit Sebastian Vance like a winter wind slicing through layers of armor. He shivered. His eyes stayed locked on Kael Draven. For a long moment, there was no pride left—just a messy mix of shame, relief, and a faint trace of grief. He had never guessed that Kael Draven had truly seen him as a friend. As a brother.Royal life didn’t allow for that. In the palace, even blood could sour into enmity. That was the harsh truth Sebastian Vance had lived with all his life.“Leave

After Kael Draven spoke, the Fire Qilin’s demeanor twisted, turning completely on a dime—like a calm sea suddenly whipped into a roaring storm.If this had happened before, the Fire Qilin would never have dared speak like that.Kael Draven frowned. Who could be coming? Arnold Vance? Could it really be him?He wasn’t naive. Anyone the Fire Qilin called a master was not someone to underestimate. That thought alone made his senses sharpen.And he wasn’t alone. His family stood behind him, ready to support him. One wrong step now could bring disaster.“Uncle Thane.”Just as Kael Draven had stepped out of the Draven Family grounds, Arden Thane appeared, as if from thin air. Kael Draven blinked. He hadn’t expected him—what could he possibly want this time?“Kael, I need to speak with you.”Kael Draven nodded and followed Arden Thane to a secluded pavilion tucked within the family grounds.Arden Thane picked up a tea-cup, sipped gently, and asked, “Kael… do you hate Kiera Thane?”Kael Draven