Layla had given up hope.
Vicente Clark fell to his knees, crying out, “Godfather, my godfather!” But his grief was not for Lord Valerian Nox-it was for his own ruined future. With Lord Valerian Nox dead, who would help him rise to power?
Amidst the chaos-from the arrival of the massive warship to Master Phoenix’s descent-Flynn’s face remained expressionless. He treated the unfolding drama as if it were no more than a fly buzzing past, casually swinging his sword to behead the Greengate soldiers one by one.
“Master, save me! Master, I’ve served you for over twenty years and fought countless battles for you. Please, save me!”
“I’m your nephew! My father only has me! Please, I beg you, save me!”
The cries of the Greengate soldiers filled the air, their tears streaming uncontrollably. Despite their hardened experiences in countless conflicts, they had never faced a scene like this-each waiting with necks stretched out, anticipating the next swing of the sword. The torment and fear were unbearable; a quick death would have been kinder.
Now that Master Phoenix had arrived, hope surged within them, and they wept tears of joy.
As Petrin Wilder landed on the southern peak, the desperate cries reached his ears. His eyes swept over the scene, and fury overtook him.
One hundred and twenty soldiers were bound to a single iron chain. Thirty heads had already rolled. The remaining fighters trembled in fear.
Flynn, like an unfeeling executioner, methodically swung his sword. Heads continued to fall, rolling down the slope like stones, staining the earth red.
These men were Petrin Wilder’s personal forces, handpicked and loyal to him. They were all at least Lesser Sovereigns, with some having served him for thirty years. They were not just subordinates-they were family, brothers.
Andrea, his nephew.
Three years ago, Petrin had sent Andrea to Slatin to harden him, preparing him to take over Nature’s Path Remedies. And yet, Andrea had been captured by Lord Valerian Nox.
Only yesterday, on his way to Niarak, Petrin had ordered his men to retreat, fearing Valerian’s retaliation. How had they still fallen into his grasp?
Lord Valerian Nox was more cunning than he had thought. This was no mere slaughter-it was a challenge, an insult, a deliberate slap to his face.
The mighty Greengate, brought to its knees in such humiliation.
Petrin Wilder’s anger erupted. His dark green robes flapped violently against a wind that wasn’t there. His jet-black hair flowed like a storm.
But Flynn didn’t even glance at him. He continued to swing his sword, unmoved. In fact, when Andrea called out desperately, Flynn skipped over several others just to end Andrea’s life first.
Then, one by one, the loyal men who had served Petrin for decades fell. Heads rolled without pause.
Not once did Flynn look at Master Phoenix. His expression was as calm as still water, betraying no emotion.
This blatant disregard pushed Master Phoenix to the edge of his fury. Flynn had crossed the line. He had ignored his presence.
Petrin Wilder clenched his fists. His original plan had been to eliminate Lord Valerian Nox and depart for the outer realms. But now, he couldn’t leave. He would return to Niarak-and annihilate Flynn’s entire clan.
“You will die!” Petrin thundered.
A deep, rumbling sound emanated from the void. Invisible forces descended, scattering the heavy clouds above. It was as if an entire galaxy was pouring down from the heavens-a weight that crushed all beneath it.
The skies grew dark, and Redcloud Island trembled. A hundred miles of ocean surrounding the island were overwhelmed by the sheer pressure.
The earth groaned as if hundreds of ancient dragons were about to burst free from the depths.
The invisible force bore down on all things, compressing them into submission. The sea itself sank, forming an enormous depression over ten meters deep, as if a colossal hand had pressed down upon a balloon of water.
Thousands of yachts floating on the surface were forced several meters underwater. Waves lapped at their decks, threatening to engulf them entirely.
The air grew heavy, as if a hundred atmospheres of pressure had descended. Many felt their lungs constrict, their movements paralyzed.
This was Master Phoenix’s power-an overwhelming display of force meant to suppress Lord Valerian Nox and halt his slaughter.
It was a battle of willpower. A contest to determine who wielded the greater control over the forces of heaven and earth.
Time seemed to freeze. The world itself came to a standstill, like a painting hung on a wall.
And yet, amidst this frozen tableau, one figure moved-the master of this realm, Petrin Wilder.
The ground cracked under the weight of his spiritual energy, a sound like tectonic plates colliding. He hadn’t so much as lifted a finger, yet his immense power had summoned the energy of the heavens, cascading like a river of falling stars.
Even the Earthly Sovereigns present struggled to endure the crushing pressure, beads of sweat appearing on their foreheads.
Glass shattered across the yachts, unable to withstand the force. Layla’s gaze was fixed on the northern peak of Redcloud Island.
Could Lord Valerian Nox break free from this oppressive force? Could he defy the heavens themselves?
Then, the impossible happened.
Lord Valerian Nox remained unaffected. After beheading one more Greengate soldier, he straightened his back.
It was such a simple motion-ordinary, even-but it carried an earth-shattering weight.
The heavens trembled.
The sunken ocean surged back to its original level, and the overpowering force that Petrin Wilder had unleashed vanished like smoke in the wind.
The world fell silent.
Everyone froze in disbelief.
What had just happened?
In this first clash of titans, Petrin Wilder had failed to subdue Lord Valerian Nox. All it took was a single movement, a simple stretch, for Valerian to dispel his opponent’s power.
How could this be?
Petrin Wilder had been expected to bind Lord Valerian Nox with the power of the heavens, to stand before him and sever his head with contemptuous ease.
But none of that had happened. Instead, the unthinkable had occurred.
Even Earthly Sovereigns couldn’t withstand the pressure Petrin had unleashed. Yet Lord Valerian Nox had endured it effortlessly.
Shock. Awe. Reverence.
The crowd’s respect for Lord Valerian Nox deepened. He had not only come to avenge his disciple but had also forced Petrin Wilder-Master Phoenix himself-to suffer a humiliating setback.
Petrin Wilder stood stunned. This was the first time in his life that someone had resisted his power. And the one who had done so was the youngest opponent he had ever faced.
But this young adversary had tarnished his reputation.
Petrin’s anger boiled over. He was a legend, the idol of countless Blademasters, a figure who had dominated an era. And yet, Lord Valerian Nox had humiliated him in front of everyone, making it appear as though he couldn’t stop the slaughter.
Realizing he had underestimated his opponent, Petrin resolved to unleash his full power. This was no longer just a battle-it was a matter of pride.