"But I didn't promise you that others wouldn't kill you."

Dame said it with a smile.

The words had barely fallen when the man who had been cursing him stiffened violently. His abdomen bulged outward as if something savage were swelling inside, veins crawling across his skin.

His eyes filled with terror.

The next instant—

Boom.

Flesh, blood, and bone exploded midair, turning into a crimson mist that scattered across the Holy Peak before dissipating completely.

No corpse.

No remnant.

Nothing left behind.

At this moment, the cruel law of the cultivation world was revealed with merciless clarity.

The weak were ants.

Life and death were toys.

Promises were lies meant to amuse the strong.

"Is she the only one?" Dame asked leisurely, fingers still resting on Liana's neck.

His gaze swept across the crowd like a butcher inspecting livestock.

"Is there anyone else?"

No one answered.

Fear crushed every voice into silence.

"Let me go!" Liana struggled desperately, but her strength was like a child's before a mountain.

"Noisy."

Dame frowned slightly.

Smack!

A sharp slap echoed across the peak.

Liana's head snapped to the side. Blood trickled from the corner of her mouth, and half her face instantly swelled, red and bruised.

Her vision blurred, yet she forced herself not to scream.

Dame leaned closer, his tone light, playful—almost gentle.

"Your chances of survival are very slim."

"Call out everyone who has a good relationship with Ethan," he continued softly, "or let Ethan himself return, kneel, bare his neck, and hand over the artifact."

"Otherwise…"

His smile widened.

"I will kill ten of you every minute."

"How about that?"

The words sounded like a joke.

But they struck heavier than thunder.

Around them, fists clenched. Nails dug into palms until blood flowed.

In the entire Azure Origin Dao Sect, there were very few people who truly had a close relationship with Ethan.

Liana.

Althea.

A handful of juniors.

But Althea had already left the sect long ago, vanishing without a trace.

Even if she were still here—

They would not hand her over.

They couldn't.

Anyone capable of doing such a thing had already turned into blood mist.

Time passed.

Dame glanced at the sky again, his smile deepening.

"One minute has almost passed," he said lazily.

"Are you all ready?"

He raised his palm.

Terrifying spiritual pressure surged, ready to descend and reap lives at random.

Then—

"STOP!"

A furious shout tore through the air.

Dame paused and looked down.

On the stone stairs leading to the Holy Peak, a young man in blue walked upward step by step.

He had a sturdy frame, wheat-colored skin, clearly defined muscles beneath his robes. A red headband bound his hair, fluttering in the wind.

There was no spiritual fluctuation around him.

None.

"A pure physical cultivator?" Dame narrowed his eyes slightly.

"I hope you bring me good news," he chuckled.

"Otherwise, I'll cut out your head and serve it as a banquet."

The young man stopped.

"You let Senior Sister Liana go," he said firmly, "and I will be your hostage."

A ripple of shock spread through the crowd.

Dame burst into laughter.

"You?" His gaze was filled with disdain.

"A shabby body cultivator? I doubt you even possess the combat strength of the Tribulation Transcendence Realm. You think you're qualified to negotiate with me?"

The young man clenched his fists.

"Senior Ethan is my master," he said without hesitation.

"If you want someone connected to him, I am the most suitable."

"Senior Sister Liana and Master are not especially close. Naturally, the person closest to Master in the entire Azure Origin Dao Sect—"

He drew a breath.

"—is me."

Whether it was true or not, he didn't know.

But if he didn't stand up—

Ten people would die every minute and Senior Liana will be in danger.

If he could delay even a little—

That was enough.

"Oh?" Dame's eyes lit up with interest.

"Ethan's disciple… interesting."

He stretched out his palm.

A terrifying suction force locked onto the young man instantly.

In that moment, Elias felt as though Mount Tai had crashed down on him. His essence and blood froze solid, his body locking up completely.

He couldn't move.

He was dragged into the air.

"Boy," Dame said, pinching Elias's neck, "you are brave."

Then he casually waved his hand and flung Liana aside.

"I admire courage," Dame continued.

"So I'll fulfill your wish."

Edwin shot forward and caught his daughter.

"Liana!" His voice trembled.

"Are you alright?"

"I'm fine," Liana said hoarsely.

"Don't disturb Ashira. She's in seclusion—breaking through."

Her gaze lifted toward the sky.

"Elias…"

High above, Elias did not beg.

Instead, he roared.

"Heavenly Overlord Physique!"

Golden light erupted from his body. A colossal golden phantom manifested behind him, radiating violent strength.

Power surged.

But reality was cruel.

Elias was only at the Soul Refining Realm of physical cultivation—ten soul towers condensed, still one step away from Divine Fire.

Dame snorted.

With a casual wave, spiritual energy swept out.

The golden phantom shattered instantly.

Elias spat blood.

"A special physique," Dame mused.

"Innate strength. Perfect for body cultivation. Interesting."

His smile turned cold.

"But boy—"

"You are just an ant. How dare you attack me?"

"If you weren't still useful," he said calmly, "I would have torn you into pieces long ago."

With a flick of his wrist, Elias was hurled into the sky.

"Now," Dame said lightly, "I will cut off your legs as a warning."

He didn't even draw a sword.

Black sword energy condensed at his fingertips.

Whoosh!

The sword energy slashed toward Elias's legs.

His essence and blood were completely suppressed.

He watched death approach calmly.

"Master," he thought, "your disciple has not embarrassed you."

Then—

A silver streak tore through the night sky.

So fast that space screamed.

Phew!

A faint crack echoed.

A figure appeared behind Elias.

A hand grabbed his back and pulled him away. Another hand flicked casually.

The black sword energy shattered.

"You did very well."

The familiar voice rang out.

"Master!" Elias cried, tears surging uncontrollably.

Below—

"Senior Brother Ethan!" Liana clutched the jade slip at her chest, staring in disbelief.

Ethan turned his head slightly and smiled at her.

A gentle smile.

Liana broke down completely.

Ten years.

Exactly ten years.

Every night of waiting—worth it.

"Who are you?" Dame asked slowly.

Ethan looked at him and smiled faintly.

"I am the Ethan you think about day and night."

"Ethan?!" Dame froze, then lifted his hood.

An angular face was revealed.

Black satin wrapped around his eyes.

He seemed to be Blind.

"Hahahahaha—!"

Dame threw his head back and laughed.

"You're here."

"It seems that Arza is right. If we threaten the lives of people from Azure Origin Dao Sect."

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: @Zunsin

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.