“Elmer Blade, from the moment we revealed ourselves until now, you’ve shown no fear. Could it be because you knew Commander Gardner would come to help you?” Ned Stanley steadied his emotions and continued speaking. “I see you’re getting bolder. Do you really think that he and his few men can change the outcome?”
“I don’t know how we can change the outcome but it’s enough to kill you!” Billy responded calmly. “Not only you but the entire Sky-Quaking Daoist Sect. Within three months, I will make it history in Glavale!” Billy continued, his tone unwavering.
Ned Stanley burst into laughter. The people behind him wore mocking expressions as they stared at Billy.
“Laugh all you want. Laugh while you can. Otherwise, you won’t be laughing later!” Azure Dragon spoke calmly.
“Commander Gardner, you are indeed as arrogant as the rumors say!” Ned Stanley ignored Azure Dragon and continued speaking to Billy. “Do you know the cultivation levels of me and Vice Dean Brewer?”
“You’re just an old fool. Is a War God-Emperor in the perfection realm formidable?” Azure Dragon sneered.
Stout coughed softly–he hadn’t broken through to become a War God-Emperor yet.
“Commander Gardner, you have great courage!” Needlework Sorceress looked at Billy and spoke solemnly. “You’ve killed so many members of our Cerulean Abyss Institute, and yet you dare to show yourself before us. I admire your audacity.”
“You’ll admire me even more later!” Billy responded lightly, then looked at Light Brewer. “You should be the one in charge among the people from Cerulean Abyss Institute. What should I call you?”
He had already probed Light Brewer’s cultivation level. Like Needlework Sorceress, Light Brewer was a full-fledged War God-Emperor.
“Commander Gardner, we meet again!” Light Brewer responded.
“Hmm? It’s you?” Billy squinted.
Although they hadn’t met face to face, Billy remembered the voice of the person who had rescued Quillan Inkwell from Adam’s hands. He didn’t expect to encounter him here.
“Commander Gardner, your reputation as a once-in-a-millennium talent is well-deserved.” Light Brewer continued. “When we last met, you were just at the half-step War God-Emperor level. In just a few months, I heard you’ve reached the real God-Emperor realm. Not only have you killed many from our Cerulean Abyss Institute, but you also severed Mandy’s arm. You are truly daring!”
“So, the uncle mentioned by the young lady from Cerulean Abyss Institute is you?” Billy smiled faintly.
“Commander Gardner, you are too self-assured!” Light Brewer didn’t respond directly but continued speaking after a pause. “Not only have you offended our Cerulean Abyss Institute, but you also provoked the headquarters of Ink Pavilion. You have no idea what trouble you’ve gotten yourself into. They will make you pay the price!”
“You should worry about yourself, old man!” Stout retorted. “Think about whether you have any last words. If you do, send a message quickly, or you won’t have the chance later!”
“Rubbish! Who are you to speak here?” A man behind Light Brewer jumped out, pointing at Stout and shouting.
Before the words were finished, Azure Dragon raised his hand, slashing out with his blade.
“Huh?” Another white-haired elder from Cerulean Abyss Institute frowned, raising his hand to create a palm wind to block Azure Dragon’s attack. Then, he looked at Azure Dragon and spoke sternly, “If you dare to make a move again, I promise you’ll die…”
“Blade Lord, shall we take action?” Billy interrupted, turning to Blade Lord and smiling. “After dealing with these people, I still have to drink your birthday wine!”
“Sure! Today, I’ll drink until I’m satisfied!” Blade Lord laughed heartily.
“Alright!” Billy nodded and turned to Ned Stanley. “We’ll handle the people from Cerulean Abyss Institute. Blade Lord, you and Uncle Ronald will deal with those from Sky-Quaking Daoist Sect!”
“No problem!” Blade Lord agreed, then looked at Ned Stanley, “Old man, you’re quite eager to take action, aren’t you? Come with me and see how I can chop you down with a single stroke!”
After saying that, he walked towards an open space in the eastern part of the courtyard.
Elmer Blade didn’t worry at all about whether Billy and his team could handle the people from Cerulean Abyss Institute. A few days ago, Ian had explained everything that happened in Heartbreak Valley to him. Even Silent Annihilation Monk, with the added power of his secret technique, wasn’t Billy’s match, let alone the members of Cerulean Abyss Institute.
“Humph! Overestimating your abilities. If you seek death, I’ll grant your wish!” Ned Stanley sneered, then waved his hand toward the people behind him. “Take action. Kill anyone who resists!”
After saying that, he followed Elmer Blade, heading in their direction.
“Understood!” Everyone, including the members of Cerulean Abyss Institute, responded simultaneously, assuming their positions.
“Attack!” Elmer Blade waved his hand. “Leave no one alive!”
All members of Blade Sect simultaneously initiated their attacks, charging towards the opposing crowd. Meanwhile, Casey and Azure Dragon had already moved without waiting for Billy’s command.
“You probably want to avenge those from Cerulean Abyss Institute, right? Here’s your chance!” Billy looked at Light Brewer and then walked towards the open space on the west side.
“Since Commander Gardner is so confident, I will accompany you!” Light Brewer squinted and followed.
At the same time, Ronald Blade pointed his large blade at Needlework Sorceress. “Old woman, come on, let me play with you!”
“Uncle Ronald, leave her to me!” Casey approached with his battle blade.
“General Kimmons, are you sure?” Ronald Blade was slightly surprised. He had probed Casey’s cultivation and was worried he might not be a match.
“No problem, killing such an old woman shouldn’t be an issue!” Casey shrugged his shoulders in response.
“Good! Be careful of her embroidered needles!” Ronald didn’t insist further. He had heard from Ian that almost every trusted fellow around Billy had the strength to challenge higher realms. With Casey’s cultivation, even if he couldn’t kill Fawn Hale, retreating unharmed should be no problem.
“Got it!” Casey nodded.
Ronald Blade then turned and charged towards the members of Sky-Quaking Daoist Sect. While charging forward, he shouted to the guests who had come to celebrate the birthday, numbering about forty or fifty people.
“Everyone, step back! Don’t participate in the battle. Don’t make unnecessary sacrifices. Just watch from the side!”
“Rare chance to fight alongside Blade Lord and Commander Gardner. Die without regrets!” Master Currey shouted, raising his hand and joining the charge.
After a brief hesitation, the other people followed suit.
In the next moment, the place of Blade Sect was plunged into a fierce battle. The air above the courtyard was filled with a strong killing intent, shadows flickering, and waves of energy sweeping through.
“Old witch, make your move. Let me see how strong your embroidered needles really are!” Casey looked towards Needlework Sorceress and spoke confidently.