Without the help of artifacts or techniques such as the Map of the Eight Wonders or the Infinite Ten Thousand Beasts Technique, taming an Eight Strange and Ferocious Beast was almost impossible.

Apart from this possibility, Ethan could not think of any other reason.

"Nonsense!"

"Take the move!"

Lunara stopped thinking entirely. Frost spread across her beautiful face as she raised her sword and charged straight at Ethan, her killing intent no longer concealed.

Ethan extended his palm calmly. Gray-blue flames surged, condensing into a flaming sword in his hand.

Clang

The two collided once again.

In an instant, sword intent erupted wildly, tearing apart the clouds above. Sword shadows overlapped and crossed, dazzling rays of light flashing in all directions as large sparks fell like burning meteors.

Every clash carried terrifying power.

Every vibration shook the sky.

"Saintess," Ethan said calmly as he parried her blade, "don't deceive yourself. You know your own physical condition better than anyone else."

Lunara's expression darkened.

"There are several auras of Ultimate Supremes approaching already," Ethan continued, his voice steady.

"I won't play with you anymore."

"I'll remind you one last time. If you want to get rid of the trouble of the Blood Contract, come find me in Blue-Wave City with this token in three days."

As his words fell, Ethan slashed out decisively, forcing Lunara back several steps.

His mind moved. The gray-blue flaming sword dissipated instantly, and at the same time, a jade token flew from his hand.

Lunara reached out and caught it.

Her fingers tightened unconsciously.

"…Can you remove the Blood Contract from me?" she asked quietly.

"The Blood Contract Technique is an ancient and evil secret art," Ethan replied calmly.

"I can't guarantee success one hundred percent. But I'm seventy to eighty percent certain."

He had already consulted Alicia. The difficulty was high, but it was not beyond his ability.

Lunara stared at him, her eyes sharp.

"Who are you?" she asked.

"You would never help me without reason. Tell me—what do you want?"

"The Eight Strange and Ferocious Beasts," Ethan said lightly, "especially the Black Phoenix, are rare existences in this world. I simply don't want such a powerful monster to be restrained by others. That would be a waste of nature."

"As for the price the Saintess must pay…"

A faint smile appeared beneath his mask.

"You'll find out when you come to see me in three days."

"Whether you come or not is entirely up to you. I, Aether, never force anyone."

As he finished speaking, Ethan glanced behind him. The pressure of approaching Ultimate Supremes was growing heavier by the second.

"Farewell."

Boom

White lightning exploded in the sky.

Ethan transformed into a streak of thunder and vanished at an unimaginably terrifying speed, leaving Lunara alone amid the turbulent clouds.

Lunara stood still, staring at the lightning disappearing into the distance, her heart surging violently.

That power…

Divine power.

It was unmistakable.

This roe deer had held back against her from beginning to end. His true strength was clearly at the level of an Ultimate Supreme.

"Where did this man come from…?" Lunara murmured, her expression solemn.

The Blood Contract Technique was an ancient technique. Once branded, the victim could never save themselves—only seek help from others.

For countless years, she had searched in secret, traveling whenever she could, trying to find someone capable of removing the contract.

But bound by the Palace of the Four Cycles, she had never been allowed to leave the Demon Territory freely.

The demon race excelled in slaughter and combat, but was weak in medicine, formations, and soul techniques. Humans were far superior in those domains.

That was why, after so many years, she had gained nothing.

This training trial was no exception.

The task assigned to her by the Palace of the Four Cycles was to seize treasures and inheritances from the Emperor Sage's secret realm.

But deep in her heart, there was only one true goal—

To find a way to remove the Blood Contract.

"Can he really help me remove it?" Lunara wondered, uncertainty flickering in her eyes.

Yet the fact that Aether could see through her condition at a glance meant his understanding of the Blood Contract was terrifyingly deep.

That alone was enough to make her hesitate.

As her thoughts churned, she looked eastward.

Three golden rays of light tore through the sky and landed before her.

Two men and one woman.

The tall man at the center had blond hair and an overwhelming aura of fire. Every breath he took distorted the surrounding air.

The woman beside him was plump and enchanting, her every movement filled with charm. Her long golden hair curled slightly, and her tight-fitting dress outlined her proud figure perfectly.

The third was a burly man, his presence heavy and oppressive.

These three were the core powerhouses of the Golden Phoenix Clan.

The Palace Master, Dante. The Grand Commander, Knox. The Ninth Commander, Grace.

They were the strongest figures of the Golden Phoenix Clan beneath the Chief Palace Master.

"Palace Master. Grand Commander. Ninth Commander."

Lunara cupped her hands in salute.

"What happened?" Dante asked coldly.

"I heard you fought someone in Blue-Wave City. Where is he?"

"The person escaped," Lunara replied calmly.

"It was my incompetence."

"Someone who can escape from the Saintess…" Dante narrowed his eyes. "Not ordinary."

"Which force is he from?" Grace asked lazily, playing with her long golden nails.

"I don't know," Lunara said.

"He didn't reveal his background. He seemed to come from the east… Netherfall Pass."

"Impossible," Knox said immediately.

"Let alone an Upper Demon Lord, the strongest person in Netherfall Pass hasn't even reached the tenth level."

"Did he show any racial characteristics?" Dante asked.

"He looked like a roe deer," Lunara replied.

"…Roe deer?"

All three frowned.

Roe deer were among the weakest demon bloodlines. Reaching the ninth level already required heaven-defying luck.

A tenth-level Upper Demon Lord?

Absurd.

"His appearance must be fake," Grace said lightly.

"Probably a human or another demon clan in disguise."

"It's a pity I couldn't keep him," Lunara sighed.

"He fought you back and forth," Dante said slowly.

"He's clearly no ordinary existence. I'm afraid he even has combat power comparable to an Ultimate Supreme."

"If such a strong man is determined to leave."

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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