The blood and essence surged with devastating power, forming a solid barrier that shattered the space around them. The barrier tore open swiftly, lifting the tiles off the surrounding roofs like tiny shields caught in a violent storm. Before the debris hit the ground, they were crushed into powder by the overwhelming force.

Harnessing the full strength within, Ethan seized Cain Ashenvale's arm and thrust him violently into the air.

"The Abyssal Sixteen Art, First Art!"

With a roar, Ethan slammed Cain down hard. Cain Ashenvale instinctively unleashed his spiritual energy to shield his back, but the impact sent him crashing heavily against the roof.

Ethan showed no sign of relenting. Gathering the roaring fist energy, he punched outward again with brutal intensity.

This punch was thunderous. Blood and essence blossomed on his fist like a crimson flame, and space around the strike fractured with violent cracks.

Boom!

Cain Ashenvale crossed his arms to summon his spiritual armor, trying to block the monstrous blow.

Despite this, the force poured relentlessly into his body, causing him to spit a mouthful of blood as the roof beneath him shattered into fragments.

Ethan's fist struck again and again, pounding Cain relentlessly. The pavilion attic shattered piece by piece beneath the barrage of blows.

Bang, bang, bang!

The roof collapsed like a thunderclap. Dust and mist engulfed the area, swirling in a thick haze.

The gathered spectators watched in stunned silence.

What began as a seemingly even fight had turned swiftly.

Cain Ashenvale, who had first launched the attack, was now on the backfoot.

He had failed to gain the advantage and found himself overwhelmed by Ethan's ferocity.

"Why is his energy so strong?"

Noel Ashenvale, standing on the nearby teahouse balcony, was shocked.

Speaking purely of physicality, not even a seventh-turn Mahayana cultivator could compare to Ethan.

A beautiful middle-aged woman beside Noel, her eyes filled with worry, asked, "Second Elder, do you want me to intervene?"

"No need, not yet. This is merely the beginning. The young master has yet to unleash his full strength. The real battle is about to start," Noel replied grimly.

From beneath the ruins of the pavilion, Solara and Edwin leapt out and landed on nearby rooftops.

Edwin's expression was one of disbelief.

He had known Ethan was strong, but witnessing this display surpassed all expectations.

Against Cain Ashenvale—the third-ranked prodigy in Skyreach Territory and a genius from the Holy Land—Ethan held a remarkable advantage.

And Ethan had yet to step into the Nirvana Realm.

If he ascended, would he not become an invincible presence, second only to the Supreme?

Edwin gasped softly, the thought too staggering.

"Is this all thanks to physical cultivation?"

"Could there be untold secrets hidden within physical cultivation? Should I return to practice it?"

Edwin pondered silently.

At that moment, the Blood Tavern group arrived just in time to see Ethan hurl Cain Ashenvale from the rooftop down to the ground.

Rain stood confidently on the eaves, folding her arms as she observed the spread of dust and mist below.

She could clearly sense Ethan's undisturbed breath and unscathed presence.

"My good brother, I really do value you. I didn't expect a super genius like Cain Ashenvale to be humbled so quickly. Impressive."

Rain smiled with satisfaction.

"Rain, your judgment is excellent. Ethan truly surpasses Cain Ashenvale, who ranks third on the Heaven's prodigy list," Lana said as she flew in from the horizon, landing beside Rain gracefully.

Lana wore a purple slit skirt and crystal high heels that emphasized her tall figure, smooth feet, and slender thighs. Her mature charm radiated effortlessly.

Standing next to Rain, Lana studied the battlefield below with sharp eyes.

"Though Ethan holds the upper hand, Cain Ashenvale is not one to underestimate. The Holy Land's prodigies are formidable for good reason. This battle may have just begun," Lana warned.

"I'm confident Ethan will hold strong," Rain declared.

"Don't forget—you underestimated Ethan before. If he wins today, you owe me an immortal spiritual weapon," Rain teased.

"A lion with its mouth open, huh?"

"Is it your brother Ethan who needs it?" Lana replied with a smirk.

"I'm just asking if you can gift it to me."

"That's an impossible request. Heaven-tier spiritual weapons are treasures, How can i gift a Immortal grade weapon lightly," Rain scoffed.

"Cheapskate," Rain teased as Lana grinned knowingly.

She was content with a Heaven-level spiritual weapon for now; if she desired more later, she could trade with Lana for elixirs or other worldly treasures.

Suddenly Lana's gaze shifted sharply.

"Look over there. Who's approaching?" she said sharply.

Rain turned her eyes in the indicated direction.

Three figures stood on a distant roof.

At the front stood a young man in somber red brocade robes, emblazoned with the red bird symbol of the Vernal Dawn royal family—a family whose two totems were the red bird and a golden three-headed lion.

"It's Bram, a lord of the Vernal Dawn family. He and Ethan have a long-standing conflict dating back years," Rain frowned.

"Their enmity runs deep," Lana added.

"Haha! Now Ethan is with my Blood Tavern. Who dares attack him?"

"It's hard to say. He was challenged in the Myriad Treasure Pavilion but they were obviously wary of the Blood Tavern."

"I heard Bram is spiteful and will seek revenge. Ethan once publicly shamed him. He'll find a way to settle scores."

"There's no anger, no strength though, so no need to fear," Rain snorted dismissively.

"You're right—Bram isn't very strong, but the two men at his side are experts: one is eighth-turn Mahayana, the other ninth-turn."

"The ninth-turn Mahayana in black is the Vernal Dawn's imperial assassin. His murderous intent is legendary—capable of killing thousands of powerful cultivators."

"Even I hesitate to say I'd be sure to win against him," Lana admitted.

"Ninth turn Mahayana, realm of murderous intent... intriguing, but overrated."

"If they truly dare to act against Ethan, I'll summon the guardian to intervene."

Rain's gaze withdrew from Bram and his companions.

"For Ethan, you even bring out the guardian. It's clear you want him to succeed and become a core member of the Blood Tavern."

"Otherwise, why would I tell you to be serious about him?"

A/N:

Extra chapters

100 power stones - 1 Extra chapters

200 power stones - 2 Extra chapters

Capsule - 1 Extra chapters

Massage Chair - 3 Extra chapters

Luxury Car - 5 Extra Chapters

Magic Castle - 15 Extra Chapters

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