The two figures clashed in an instant, their battle erupting with a ferocity beyond imagination. Nicolas moved at an astonishing speed, leaving behind nothing but afterimages in his wake.
Seeing this, Chris’s expression grew increasingly grim.
“Dragon Slayer!”
With a loud shout, Chris summoned Dragon Slayer from his storage ring. The weapon shot into his hand with a flash of light.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Chris gripped Dragon Slayer tightly, charging at Nicolas once again. In mere minutes, they exchanged hundreds of blows.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
The intensity of the battle escalated. Nicolas struck the ground with a palm, creating a massive crater. His terrifying strength was undeniable-Nicolas truly lived up to his reputation as the youngest prodigy of the Blood Clan.
If not for Chris’s formidable power, he wouldn’t have lasted this long.
After countless exchanges, Chris was battered and bloodied, his body covered in wounds. Yet Nicolas hadn’t emerged unscathed either; a massive gash marred his back.
Nicolas sneered at Chris, his grin twisted and unsettling. “Interesting… very interesting. Chris, your strength is impressive. No wonder you wrecked Lord Blackthorn’s plans back then. But you’re no match for me. Killing you is merely a matter of time.”
Chris spat out a mouthful of blood, his face pale and strained. He now fully understood the overwhelming power of a Blood Clan Sovereign. His soul energy was depleting rapidly after the prolonged fight. At this rate, the battle would only end in disaster for him.
Though Chris hadn’t yet used his trump card, Iced Flame, he knew Nicolas was also holding back, likely saving his own ultimate move.
But Chris was not one to admit defeat easily. No matter how powerful his opponent, he refused to give up.
“Chris, die for me!” Nicolas roared, his speed increasing further.
Dark energy swirled in Nicolas’s hands, forming dense, black Demon Spirits. The terrifying aura radiating from him made it clear he had unleashed his full strength.
Chris’s soul power, however, was nearly exhausted. He gritted his teeth as the forces of ice and fire within him began to merge.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
A destructive, earth-shattering power erupted from Chris’s body.
Nicolas’s expression changed drastically as he felt the sheer terror of this energy. Chris knew full well the consequences of using this power-last time, it had left both his arms crippled. This time, it might cost him his life.
But he had no other choice.
Nicolas took a deep breath and called out, “Chris, don’t do anything reckless! Let’s talk this through!”
He was fully aware that if Chris unleashed this terrifying power, he wouldn’t survive. For the sake of self-preservation, Nicolas had no choice but to lower his pride.
Chris let out a cold snort, gradually reining in the overwhelming energy.
Nicolas forced a smile. “Chris, your strength is undeniable. Why not join the Blood Clan? I promise, your status would be second only to mine.”
Chris sneered, his disdain evident. “Get lost. I have no interest in becoming something as monstrous as you.”
Nicolas’s smile twisted into a cold smirk. “Foolish human. You have no idea. Joining the Blood Clan would grant you unimaginable power. You could ascend to the rank of Blood Clan Sovereign, maybe even become a Blood Demon, second only to the Blood Lord.”
Chris’s tone was icy. “I’d rather live as an ordinary man than become some Blood Demon.”
“Fine!” Nicolas snapped. “I’ll let you go this time, but mark my words-one day, you’ll fall into my hands.”
Although Nicolas was seething with frustration, he had no choice but to retreat. The power Chris had unleashed was too terrifying, and continuing the fight would only lead to his death.
Despite having lived for centuries, Nicolas wasn’t ready to throw his life away for a single battle. With a cold snort, he turned and disappeared into the distance.
Watching Nicolas retreat, Chris finally exhaled in relief. The Iced Flame was a last resort-its immense power came with equally devastating backlash. Chris had yet to fully master its power, and using it recklessly could spell disaster.
“I didn’t expect Nicolas to grow this strong,” Chris muttered to himself.
Out of nowhere, Serendipity appeared behind him.
Chris turned, his gaze icy. Without saying a word, he began to walk away.
Seeing Chris leave, Serendipity hurried after him, calling out, “Chris, are you angry because I didn’t step in earlier? I had my reasons-”
Before she could finish, Chris cut her off. “Don’t worry. I’ve never relied on anyone else.”
With that, he walked away without looking back.
Serendipity quickened her pace, catching up to him. In truth, she hadn’t intervened because her presence would’ve exposed her identity to Nicolas. Instead, she had chosen to remain hidden.
Seeing her following him, Chris stopped abruptly and snapped, “Can you stop following me? Just go home, will you?”
With a sudden burst of speed, Chris disappeared into the distance.
He had no desire to be associated with Serendipity. His instincts told him she was far from simple, and he wanted no part of whatever she was involved in.
No matter what, Chris and Serendipity were not on the same path.
As she watched him leave, a sly smile crossed Serendipity’s face.
“You think you can escape me that easily?” she murmured to herself, her expression turning cunning.
—
Luminara, home to the Radiant Faith Chapel, stood as the stronghold of the Light Church.
A man with pitch-black hands entered the grand halls of the Light Church. This man was none other than Chris.
After leaving the Martin family, he had come straight to the Radiant Faith Chapel’s headquarters.
As for Susan, after being rescued by Chris, she had set off on her own, continuing her travels. For Susan, nothing brought greater joy than exploring the world.