"I, Ethan, accept your challenge to a duel!"

Ethan's expression was calm, his tone understated as he delivered the acceptance, as if dueling to the death with Cain Ashenvale was merely an everyday affair.

A shocked murmur swept through the crowd. Many were stunned by Ethan's boldness.

Most still rooted for Cain Ashenvale—the veteran genius known across the territory.

Ethan was a rising unknown, whose true strength remained a mystery to many.

Though Ethan had the advantage earlier, Cain had clearly held back, not yet fighting sincerely.

If Cain unleashed his full power, victory would not be guaranteed for either side.

Rain could no longer hold her composure.

"This guy is too reckless!" She shook her head and skipped down to stand beside Ethan.

"Quick, it's not too late to retreat!" Rain gripped Ethan's shoulders tightly, urgency flashing in her eyes.

"Why would I regret it?" Ethan asked calmly.

If Cain had delayed starting the duel, Ethan could still have escaped, relying on his powerful allies to cover him.

But to start a duel outright—it was akin to placing a noose around one's neck, waiting for the execution.

Why turn down the chance?

"I know you are strong, and I believe in you. But Cain Ashenvale is the young master of the Ashenvale family in the Holy Land of Endless Mountains. He has many hidden tricks up his sleeve," Rain warned gravely.

"Once the duel begins, it is life or death. Knowing your spirit, you will fight to the bitter end."

"I won't watch you die in vain, even if you are 60 or 70 percent sure of winning!" Her voice was fierce with concern.

Ethan met Rain's gaze and felt a warmth bloom in his chest.

It had only been a few days since joining the Blood Tavern, and just as many since meeting Rain.

Yet her sincere worry was genuine and heartfelt.

"Shop Manager Rain," Ethan teased, "what if I'm 80% sure?"

"Eighty percent...?" Rain frowned, considering.

"If it's 80%, maybe you can think about it."

"I'm lying. There's no 80% chance of winning," Ethan chuckled, shaking his head.

Rain pursed her lips, unable to hide a small smile.

"Ethan, make up your mind now!"

"An 80% chance isn't much different from death."

"But I am 100% certain!"

Ethan raised his palm, forming a ten with his fingers.

"A hundred percent?"

"Stop teasing me!"

"Hahaha, of course not. Shopkeeper Rain, please stand aside. Cain Ashenvale is looking for death today, so I must help him get it!" Ethan declared, stepping in front of Rain.

"Sister, come here quickly, trust daddy. Daddy's really powerful."

"I remember when I was just an egg, my dad and an eighth-turn Mahayana realm cultivator fought."

"That Ashenvale fellow is no match for dad!" Solara puffed out her tiny fist with childlike confidence.

"Have you fought an Eighth-turn Mahayana realm before?" Rain asked skeptically.

Before Rain could respond further, a clear voice commanded attention.

"Both parties agree to duel. The 25,251st duel in Noble Sun City begins now."

"Everyone retreat!"

The speaker was Skyler, a middle-aged man clad in a white robe—the deputy city lord of Noble Sun City.

Skyler's cultivation was at the peak of the Ninth-turn Mahayana Realm, half step into the Supreme realm.

On hearing this, the crowd slowly dispersed.

Skyler had been observing from nearby, waiting patiently for Cain Ashenvale and Ethan to begin.

He keenly anticipated the showdown between two prodigies ranked third and sixth on the Skyreach Territory Prodigy List.

His eyes flicked briefly to Noel Ashenvale and Rain.

Both inclined their heads in acknowledgment.

The factions behind each contender had raised no objections.

Skyler raised his hand, summoning a golden barrier that shimmered to envelop Ethan and Cain.

"You two must know the rules."

"This duel is to the death—either surrender or perish!"

Both Ethan and Cain nodded silently upon hearing this.

"Alright, if you are ready, the duel officially begins!"

Skyler's voice rang out as he leapt back to the nearby rooftop.

Cain Ashenvale's expression darkened instantly.

A powerful aura burst from his body, swelling rapidly like a raging tempest.

The shockwaves rolled through the air, far stronger than anything shown before.

Witnessing this, the crowd gasped in awe.

This was Cain Ashenvale's true strength.

Ethan narrowed his eyes, channeling essence and blood to the fullest.

His blood pulsed, glowing with a rich crimson, tinged faintly with golden radiance.

"Ethan, today I take your life!"

"Remember—the one who will take your life is Cain Ashenvale!"

Cain roared, vanishing like a shadow as he charged at Ethan.

The battle was on.

"You must have the ability to take my life!"

Ethan's muscles rippled with power; every cell in his body roared for battle.

Cain's shadow blurred closer, a sword gleaming fiercely in his grasp.

Ethan leapt upward, arms wide open, and shouted with roaring breath.

His aura soared to a terrifying levels in moments.

"The Abyssal Sixteen Arts!"

Ethan unleashed his power, aiming to finish the duel swiftly.

Bang!

A crisp clash echoed as Ethan's fist collided with Cain's charging sword.

The intent in Ethan's fist surged explosively, spreading out into a domain that engulfed Cain.

"You still have something left in that fist intent domain!"

Cain shouted in response.

"Sword Intent Domain, open!"

His sharp sword intent condensed rapidly, wrapping around him in a glowing shield.

Dang... Dang... Dang!

The sounds of unyielding blows rang repeatedly.

Onlookers watched in horror as fist met sword in fierce contest.

"The Sixth Art!"

Ethan pivoted and delivered a sweeping kick—the power inflamed, and space itself tore open.

"Netherworld Sword Technique, Dance of Frost!"

Cain spun his long sword, unleashing a graceful, icy ripple of sword energy.

The chilling breath swept in like a tide, freezing vapor into sharp ice.

Ethan's movements slowed under the frost's majestic chill.

Suddenly, his eyes blazed with a fiery light.

"Spiritual flame, come!"

The Profound Purifying Flame burst forth, instantly melting the encroaching chill.

Cain's face flickered with shock—and then twisted in delight.

"Wonderful! Ethan, you are my lucky star!"

"I shall take your original spiritual fire—and your Phoenix pet with it!"

Cain laughed uproariously and swung his sword to block Ethan's whipping leg.

Bang!

The impact sounded muted, but the force bent Cain's long sword into a terrifying arc.

Blood and essence erupted, shattering the sword intent around 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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