The Ghost Supreme Callum stood up slowly, his pale face splitting into a strange grin.

"Hahaha… I've been hearing about Ethan's talent and ferocity ever since I arrived here," he said hoarsely.

"Yet fate never gave me the chance to meet him."

He narrowed his eyes, spiritual energy swirling faintly around him.

"I only hope… I can live long enough to see the day he returns."

The Supreme from Myriad Treasure Pavilion laughed as well, the sound relaxed and unrestrained. Whether it was genuine amusement or a calm enjoyment of impending bloodshed, no one could tell.

Then—

A cold, faint voice pierced straight through the Blood Tavern's defenses, echoing across the night like a death sentence.

"Asher. Callum. Now is your time."

"If you do not hand over Ethan and the artifact…"

"You will have no choice but to go to hell."

The atmosphere inside the tavern instantly froze.

Rain's pupils shrank. The others straightened subconsciously, their nerves tightening as if steel wires had been drawn taut.

"They're here."

"Malrik. Arza. And Enzo Vernal."

The Blood Marquis' gaze pierced through the heavy tavern doors, locking onto a distant pavilion rooftop where several terrifying auras stood like ancient mountains.

"Twenty-two Supremes," he said calmly.

"Not a single one missing."

His eyes flickered with killing intent.

"Everyone—follow me."

"We kill the enemy."

No one hesitated.

Despite the overwhelming disparity in numbers, not a trace of fear appeared on their faces. Instead, fists clenched, blood boiled, and battle intent surged.

Just as the Blood Marquis was about to step forward—

His expression suddenly changed.

The blood token at his waist flared with crimson light.

"Wait."

Everyone turned.

"It's Zeon," the Blood Marquis said slowly.

"He's sent a message."

Rain's breath hitched. "Zeon? What about Ethan? Where is Ethan?"

A smile spread across the Blood Marquis' face as he closed his eyes briefly.

"They're all out of seclusion."

"Zeon. Magnus. And Ethan."

"All three have broken through to the Supreme Realm."

"And they're bringing a helper."

"They'll arrive in—at most—half an hour."

Silence.

Then—

"Good!"

"Good!"

"Good!"

Latham slammed his palm into his fist, shouting three times in succession, his face blazing with excitement.

His thoughts mirrored the Blood Marquis'.

Ethan at the Seventh Nirvana could already kill Inferior Supremes.

Now that he had stepped into the Supreme Realm—

With divine weapons amplifying him—

His combat power was something even imagination struggled to grasp.

"If Ethan has returned," the Blood Marquis said coldly, "then none of the Pavilion of Heavenly Secrets' dogs will be leaving Noble Sun City alive tonight."

Rain finally exhaled, the tension draining from her shoulders.

"Brother Ethan is back."

"And Magnus and Zeon have also reached the Supreme Realm."

"This time, the Pavilion of Heavenly Secrets will find out who truly decides life and death."

Confidence surged through the tavern like wildfire.

They had all witnessed Ethan's methods.

They knew what kind of monster he was.

Once he returned—

The battlefield would be rewritten.

"Daddy is finally coming back!"

Solara jumped excitedly, her eyes shining.

"Yeah! ヾ(✿ﾟ▽ﾟ)ノ!"

She had waited nearly ten years.

If Rain hadn't kept reassuring her, she might have believed her father had abandoned her.

"Latham. Callum. Mira. Uga."

The Blood Marquis' voice sharpened.

"The four of you—come with me."

"The rest stay behind and maintain the formation."

"Brother, just the five of you—what if—"

"No need to worry," the Blood Marquis cut in.

"With Ethan returning, there's no need to fight to the death."

"We only need to hold them for half an hour."

"That's more than enough."

Callum stroked the ghostly beard on his chin and chuckled.

"They think we've already been bled dry."

"But in truth, we've recovered nearly seventy percent."

"Malrik. Arza. Enzo Vernal."

"None of them are a problem."

Uga nodded calmly.

"Except for those three Upper Supremes, the rest are trash."

"Senior Latham and Sister Mira can easily handle them."

Together, Latham and Uga—both Peak Intermediate Supremes—were capable of contesting even early-stage Upper Supremes.

Add Mira from the Crazy Blade Mercenary Group—

Holding back six Intermediate Supremes and a dozen Inferior Supremes was completely feasible.

Victory wasn't required.

Only time.

Boom!

A muffled explosion rocked the Blood Tavern.

The defensive formation rippled violently, light warping like water struck by a hammer.

A mocking voice rang out from the darkness.

"Blood Marquis, are you planning to hide like a turtle?"

"How long do you think that shell of yours can last?"

"Tonight, I'll smash your three-layer turtle shell to pieces!"

Malrik's laughter echoed arrogantly across the ruined city.

"Heh."

The Blood Marquis sneered and stepped out of the tavern.

Callum, Uga, Latham, and Mira followed closely behind.

Five figures rose into the sky.

Malrik looked down, eyes narrowing.

The Blood Marquis stood with his hands clasped behind his back, expression indifferent.

Callum stood beside him, spiritual energy seeping like mist.

Behind them—

Uga.

Latham.

Mira.

"Blood Marquis," Malrik said coldly, "you finally came out. At least you still have some dignity."

"I'll say it one last time."

"Hand over Ethan and the artifact."

"And we promise not to trouble you again."

"In the future, all our forces can coexist peacefully."

The Blood Marquis laughed softly.

"Little Malrik."

"Was your brain kicked by a donkey?"

"You say such grand words—do you think anyone believes you?"

"If you want to fight, then fight."

"Don't stand there whining like a dog."

The ridicule in his voice was sharp enough to cut bone.

Malrik's face darkened instantly.

"Asher."

"You really are strong."

"We may not be able to kill you."

"But you are alone."

"And without strategy, how will you protect the others?"

"I advise you one last time."

"Do not ruin the lives of everyone here because of your momentary arrogance."

"This is an opportunity given to you by the Pavilion of Heavenly Secrets."

"Don't mistake mercy for weakness."

"You should know what is good for you."

The Blood Marquis froze for a heartbeat.

Then—

He turned his head slowly and looked at Callum.

The next second—

All five of them burst into laughter.

The sound rang wildly through the night, filled with mockery and madness.

"Malrik," the Blood Marquis said, eyes icy.

"Do you really think we're three-year-old children?"

"With all due respect, the three of you."

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

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