Damn it! The guard's eye twitched with barely suppressed rage. Already in a foul mood, fury now surged from his chest straight to his skull."Worthless scum! I told you to get lost! Didn't you hear me? Get the hell out of here!"Stomping forward, the guard loomed over Dorian, his face twisted with malice as he raised a meaty hand-then swung it down in a vicious, open-handed strike aimed straight at Dorian's face.Whoosh!The air split with a sharp, whistling crack.Dorian's expression turned grim!He never expected the guard to be so deranged as to attack right on the streets of Ironveil City!But with things having come to this, Dorian had no choice but to fight back!A mid-level One-Star cultivator against a late-stage Three-Star opponent!"Like hell I'm scared of you!"Veins bulged on Dorian's forehead as he channeled all his Nine Solar Sovereign energy, preparing to counterattack. If he could just withstand this blow, with his past lifetime's experience as a combat grandmaster and

Hundreds of elite students from across the nation had already gathered at the center of the square. Each of them was a top-tier genius handpicked from their respective institutions, now assembled for the advanced trial — the Test of Warrior Heart. Geniuses were always proud.As their gazes met, sparks flew — each brimming with competitive fire, eager to prove themselves.Among them stood a lean, black-clad young man with an icy expression. Unlike the others, he never bothered sizing up his rivals. Instead, he remained motionless, eyes closed, silently awaiting the trial's commencement.An unshakable confidence and domineering aura radiated from him. This was Dorian Ash.The Test of Warrior Heart had nothing to do with righteousness or wickedness — it measured only a warrior's unwavering dedication to the martial path.Dorian was certain that even if his willpower were halved, passing this trial would still be effortless.Suddenly, the plaza quieted slightly.Dorian's eyes flickered op

In the side hall of Stormcrest Martial Academy, "After fifteen minutes, over thirty percent of the candidates are still holding on. This year's batch of newcomers seems quite promising," remarked a graceful middle-aged female envoy with an approving smile."Indeed, especially Dorian and Tavian — they're still sitting perfectly composed, looking completely at ease. Their willpower is exceptional; both are outstanding talents!""Haha, you flatter me too much."Garek laughed heartily, his spirits lifted by Dorian's performance. Initially he hadn't felt entirely confident after Cedric recruited a three-star genius, but now, seeing Dorian appear even slightly more relaxed than Tavian, his confidence surged.With a smirk, Garek shot a pointed glance at Cedric beside him.Damn it!Cedric's face darkened like the bottom of a scorched pot as he pretended not to notice Garek's provocation. Though he refused to admit it, the current situation suggested Tavian might be slightly inferior. But the

A dangerous glint flashed through Hadrian's eyes. With mocking amusement, he leaned closer. "Got quite the nerve, haven't you? Tell me then — if I provoke you now, are you planning to crush me too?" His voice dripped with sarcasm. "You're just a mid-level One-Star trash who supposedly defeats late-stage Two-Stars. Well? Feel like trying that stunt on me?"The atmosphere instantly turned icy!Everyone swallowed nervously, casting sympathetic glances at Dorian.This top-ranked newcomer who had just entered Stormcrest Martial Academy had already offended the strongest outer disciple on his first day — what abysmal luck!Hadrian, the undisputed champion of the outer academy, was on the verge of breaking through to Five-Star level to enter the inner academy. Even a fool could imagine how formidable he was!How could any freshman possibly stand against Hadrian?No matter how talented Dorian might be, there was no way a mid-level One-Star practitioner could defeat a peak Four-Star expert!Su

Dorian couldn't help but wonder — if he poured more enhancement points into the lottery, would the rewards get even more outrageous?Beep! Host's beginner period has ended! Lottery odds reduced. Rare item drop rates significantly lowered!Just then, the system's cold notification echoed in his mind.Dorian's lips twitched in realization.No wonder! So he'd been enjoying a beginner's grace period — that explained the top-tier cultivation techniques, celestial-grade dog food, and divine artifacts.A pang of regret flickered through him as he recalled squandering over 2,000 enhancement points elsewhere. Still, relief quickly followed — at least he'd wisely spent his remaining points on the lottery draws early.When it came to cultivation manuals and weapons, he'd probably outclassed every soul across the entire Aethermoor Continent.Sure, the lottery's drop rates were abysmal, but that didn't mean rewards were impossible.With that thought, Dorian's frustration melted away, his mood leve