"Otherwise, don't blame us for being rude!"

Seth Vernal's cold snort shook the rafters.

A terrifying surge of spiritual pressure burst from him, colliding with Carlos Vernal's rising aura. The two Supreme Realm powers merged, forming a massive invisible hand that crushed downward onto the Blood Tavern's formation.

Boom—boom—boom!

The barrier rippled violently, blood-red light flickering uncontrollably.

From inside, Rain and the others felt the weight of a collapsing world pressing on their shoulders.

Rain's nails dug into her palm as she forced spiritual energy into the formation. Even with everyone inside pouring in their strength, the power gap between them and two Supreme Realm experts was too vast.

Outside, Seth Vernal frowned slightly and sent a sound transmission.

"Carlos Vernal, how is it? Do you sense anything?"

Carlos slowly shook his head.

"There's nothing here except these small fries. The Pavilion of Heavenly Secrets was correct—every living powerhouse in the Blood Tavern was indeed taken away by the Blood Marquis."

"That's good," Seth muttered, "but not enough."

They weren't simple-minded brutes. This trip wasn't only about Ethan. This was reconnaissance—testing both the Blood Tavern's hidden strength and the alliances surrounding it.

"Supreme Drake said it himself," Seth continued.

"Myriad Treasure Pavilion has always been close to the Blood Tavern. If we move openly, the Pavilion won't stay silent."

"Mm." Carlos nodded.

"The shopkeeper of the Blood Tavern doesn't seem like a fool. He should already be trying to call for reinforcements."

The two exchanged a knowing look.

Their real objective was simple—

Test the waters.

See who would appear.

See who would interfere.

If the Blood Tavern was isolated, their plan—capture Ethan, betray the Pavilion of Heavenly Secrets, and seize every treasure—would proceed naturally.

If assistance arrived in overwhelming force?

Then they would retreat without hesitation.

Even if the Blood Marquis himself lurked in the shadows, they were confident in escaping with their lives.

For now, they simply pressed down harder.

Boom!

The formation shuddered.

Inside, Rain bit her lip, brow glistening with sweat.

"Sister Lana… where are you…?"

No answer.

Rain's face sank.

No, I must call Uga!

But before she could send a message, Seth's voice boomed again from outside.

"Although your formation is strong, your people are not strong enough to draw out its true potential."

His mocking tone carried disdain.

"Let me say this one last time—our Vernal clan does not wish to become the enemy of the Blood Tavern. We only want to avenge our fallen clan members."

"Protecting a junior like Ethan is meaningless. It's not worth it for both sides to fall into mutual destruction."

Rain sneered despite the mounting pressure.

"Haha, if you two know it isn't worth it, why still bark here?" she mocked.

"Why not go home, stop seeking revenge, and let the matter end?"

She added sharply, "Bram died because of his own stupidity. And your Vernal clan daring to offend my Blood Tavern over such a little brat—that is what's unworthy."

Seth's face twisted.

"You damn girl… still pretending to be tough. Understand the situation clearly!" His voice thundered.

"I'll give you one last chance. Hand over Ethan!"

Rain waved her hand dismissively.

"Haha, I told you—Ethan is not here. I don't know where he is. If you want to find him, turn right when you leave and go straight. Ask Pavilion of Heavenly Secrets to sell you the information."

Seth Vernal's expression turned pitch black.

"Good. Very good."

Carlos nodded subtly.

"It's time," his look implied.

"Since you insist on doing this," Seth growled,

"none of you will escape today!"

In the same instant—

Boom!!!

Both Supremes formed seals simultaneously.

Spiritual energy surged like erupting volcanoes, flooding the entire tavern with murderous intensity.

Rain's eyes turned fierce.

"Everyone, use all your strength!"

Roan and the rest gritted their teeth and pressed their palms forward, injecting everything into the trembling barrier.

Solara also stepped out, her young face filled with determination. With a shout, she pushed a burst of scorching flame spiritual energy into the formation.

"Well done, Solara!" Rain praised, eyes softening for just a breath before turning icy once more.

"Hold on!"

But—

Carlos Vernal moved.

He leapt lightly into the air, palms glowing icy blue. Frost swept outward. The temperature plummeted. Snowflakes formed midair, drifting through the tavern's shattered calm.

The roof iced over; icy mist curled across the floor.

Then—

Crack!

Icy spiritual energy condensed instantly into enormous spears, sharp enough to pierce mountains.

"Break."

Carlos thrust downward.

Boom!!! Boom!!! Boom!!!

Countless ice spears rained from the sky, smashing mercilessly against the barrier. The blood formation quaked violently, cracks spiderwebbing across its surface.

Rain's heart clenched.

"It can't hold much longer!" she shouted.

"If the formation breaks forcefully, the backlash will heavily injure all of you!"

The others understood instantly.

Roan gritted his teeth. "Everyone, withdraw your spiritual energy!"

All the Mahayana realm experts pulled back at once, swallowing pills to stabilize their spiritual energy.

Rain drew a cold breath.

"Formation—stop!"

Her palm traced a circle, and the blood formation dissolved abruptly into mist.

At the same moment—

Pfft!!

Rain coughed a mouthful of blood, her complexion pale as paper. Her body trembled violently.

"Aunt Rain!" Solara rushed forward, catching her as she staggered.

"Are you okay!?"

"I'm fine… Just the backlash…" Rain forced a smile but could barely stay upright.

Roan's fists clenched in fury.

The shopkeeper had borne the entire backlash alone to spare them.

"Everyone, defend the shopkeeper!" he roared.

"Fight to the death!"

The nine of them lined up, forming a living barricade before Rain and Solara.

Seth floated in the air, smirking.

"As expected of the Blood Tavern. You have backbone."

He pointed lazily at the group.

"That reckless girl doesn't understand the situation, but perhaps you do."

His voice dipped into icy cruelty.

"Hand over Ethan or tell us where he is. I will spare your lives."

Roan spat coldly, "Wishful thinking."

Carlos sneered, eyes flashing murderously.

"Still hard-boned? Then I'll break your bones one by one and see how long that arrogance lasts."

Before anyone could blink—

Carlos Vernal vanished.

A gust of wind.

A flicker of icy light.

The next instant—

He was standing directly in front of Roan and the others.

A/N:

Extra chapters

100 power stones - 1 Extra chapters

200 power stones - 2 Extra chapters

Massage Chair - 1 Extra chapters

Luxury Car - 2 Extra Chapters

Dragon - 5 Extra Chapters

Magic Castle - 15 Extra Chapters

...

Thanks for the Magic Castle: @DaoistKryQyc

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