"Is there something wrong with your ears?" Zeon's voice cut through the tension, laced with casual arrogance.

"My name is Zeon, and regarding your young master and that Sixth Elder..." His smile twisted with disdain. "They're nothing but trash. Talk all the nonsense you want, but if you don't leave, I'll start a killing spree!"

His words carried an indifferent threat, ominous and clear. Then, with a wave of his hand, he signaled Ethan and the others below to retreat quickly.

"The Ashenvale family's formation is broken—they can no longer make big waves. It's time to leave," Lana said decisively.

"Let's go." Magnus re-wrapped his bandages, his gaze steady.

"Solara, let's go," Ethan shouted.

At Ethan's call, Solara instantly shed her Phoenix form, transforming back into her human shape as she descended from the sky.

The four surged upwards, joining Rain at the outskirts.

Noel Ashenvale's eyes burned with fury as he stared at the departing Ethan.

His fists clenched tight, bones cracking audibly.

Because of this seemingly unknown man, the Ashenvale family had suffered grievous losses and been denied any chance for revenge.

They had to swallow the bitter pill of defeat.

The Sixth Sister had burnt her soul and perished.

The young master was crippled and humiliated.

Returning to the Holy Land would surely mean harsh punishment.

Yet, the losses would also alert the Holy Land's higher powers—the Holy Lord would never let this slide.

Soon, Supreme Realm experts would be dispatched.

No matter the strength of Ethan or Zeon, none could escape then.

"Second Elder, our formation shattered—we have suffered grave backlash. Our forces cannot continue fighting. What's the plan?" one elder asked.

"Retreat for now and report back to the Holy Land. Before the Treasure Appraisal Conference concludes, senior officials will arrive. No one will protect Ethan after that," Noel Ashenvale commanded sternly.

"That's the best we can do now," North agreed grimly.

His gaze lingered on his sister's broken body and the unconscious young master.

Resentment and rage blazed brighter than ever.

His eyes fixed coldly on Ethan, murderous intent boiling over.

Ethan met those seething gazes, a faint smile tracing his lips—no words were needed.

"Zeon, right? Very good. I, Noel Ashenvale, have engraved your name into my memory," Noel vowed coldly.

"The Ashenvale family will remember this humiliation and repay it twofold."

"And you, Ethan!" Noel spat the three words venomously through gritted teeth.

"I advise you—you had better flee now."

"When senior experts from the Holy Land of Endless Mountains arrive, you'll be greeted only by death."

"However, if you kneel, destroy your cultivation, and return with me to face your punishment, I'll spare your life, family, and sect. Otherwise... hehe!" Noel left the threat hanging ominously.

"Are you finished?" Ethan chuckled.

"Who wouldn't speak harshly when cornered?"

"If, a supreme expert of the Holy Land of Endless Mountains, have the nerve to come, I'll be ready."

Noel Ashenvale's jaw twitched angrily.

He staggered, his back tooth socket almost shattered.

Gathering the broken body of Alissa and the unconscious Cain Ashenvale, he gritted his teeth.

"Let's go!" he commanded coldly, turning away.

"This Ethan is just unbelievably lucky!"

"How unexpected for him to find such a powerful ally," Bram gritted his teeth as he watched.

"Without this young man, Ethan would have been done for by now. Neither the Myriad Treasure Pavilion's talker nor Blood Tavern's guardian have intervened yet," Mr. Willow responded evenly.

"It really irritates me!" Bram's face darkened.

"Your Highness, time to move. The matter with Ethan will require a long-term approach," Mr. Willow advised.

Bram exchanged one last glance at Ethan before reluctantly retreating.

Edwin stared blankly, relieved in hindsight over his decisions.

As for Seraphina? Her fate was no longer his concern.

The crowd slowly dispersed, though many lingered curiously, eyes fixed on Ethan and his companions.

"The City Lord's Mansion will be held accountable for all your losses today!" Zeon's voice rang out coldly.

Hearing this, Skyler asked, "What do you mean?"

The scale of destruction would cost a fortune in spiritual stones and crystals.

Many stores would have suffered devastating losses, the total sum no small figure.

"That is the price Deputy City Lord Skyler promised for this fight," Lana said with a faint chuckle.

Zeon's expression suddenly shifted; he whispered.

"Let's go!"

Ethan and the others nodded, turning to leave.

Lana's voice followed closely.

"Go to the City Lord's Mansion, but keep away from Myriad Treasure Pavilion."

"Neither I nor the talker of Myriad Pavilion favor unnecessary disturbances."

Those words issued a chilling warning.

Everyone present understood only too well the talker's terrifying influence—the power wielded by Myriad Treasure Pavilion's enigmatic overseer.

Skyler ground his teeth but had no choice but to accept.

Unfortunately, the City Lord's Mansion would shoulder the burden.

Ethan and the others returned to the Blood Tavern.

Rain swiftly locked the doors and windows, securing the tavern.

Ethan glanced around at those gathered, then lifted his hands in gratitude.

"Thank you all for your support today."

"If you need me in the future, just ask."

Before he could finish, Zeon, eager to boast, suddenly choked on a mouthful of blood.

His eyes swam dizzily, and he nearly collapsed.

"Zeon!" his companions rushed to steady him.

"Damn it," Zeon muttered, exhausted.

"Let me take a quick nap."

He popped several high-grade pills into his mouth, closed his eyes, and slipped into a heavy sleep.

"Excessive use, but nothing serious," Ethan assessed while checking Zeon's body.

"Don't worry about him. He just loves stealing the spotlight. To face immortal formations cast by twelve Mahayana experts, he must use his trump cards. It's no wonder he's worn out."

Rain crossed her arms, pouting.

"As long as I'm handsome... neither exhaustion nor anything else matters."

Zeon's eyes popped open suddenly, denying everything with a sly grin.

"You are neither handsome nor brave!" Rain snorted.

"Brother, am I handsome?" Zeon ignored Rain and sought Ethan's approval.

"Definitely handsome!" Ethan gave a thumbs-up.

"Ha! Brother Ethan, you know who's truly handsome." Zeon raised his big thumb, then tilted his head and fell back asleep.

Lana watched Zeon carefully.

After confirming he was stable, she addressed the group.

"I have other matters to attend to, so I'll leave you now."

"Ethan, visit Myriad Treasure Pavilion more often when you have time," Lana said with a bewitching smile that bloomed unexpectedly on her face.

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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