Chapter 107: Chapter 107
While Ethan spoke, his gaze drifted thoughtfully over the arena—taking in the irrepressible tension and the countless faces, each one marked by anticipation, curiosity, or awe.
The roiling sea of disciples, elders, and masters faded briefly from his awareness as his attention rested, for an instant, on Lyralei. In her presence, the veiled power of the sect was palpable; she radiated an effortless authority that no one dared oppose.
He knew, deep down, that the day’s events would not end in a climatic duel with the Saint.
His words, bold and unfaltering, were meant simply to force an answer—to draw a line and expose the heart beneath the drama. But his voice stirred an immediate reaction from the crowd.
"The empress is here, and Ethan still insists on fighting?"
"Is he really determined to challenge Her Highness the Saint?"
"If he defeats her, fame is certain. If I had such a chance, I’d seize it in an instant."
"After what just happened, maybe the Saint won’t be Ethan’s match at all. If she loses, her title is gone, and Ethan ascends as Holy Son. Doesn’t matter if it’s a woman or a man—the sect’s heir is decided by strength!"
As their whispers grew, the distinction between reverence and rivalry faded; Ethan’s actions had forced everyone to question destiny, merit, and tradition itself.
Seraphina stared at Ethan, her gaze sharper and colder than before. "Ethan, do you really think you’re my equal?"
Her contempt was palpable, a high wall of pride—icy and unyielding.
From start to finish, she refused to acknowledge Ethan, clinging to the certainty of her own place above all others.
Ethan met her gaze with a calm, undisturbed smile.
"Whether I’m your equal, or not, the Saint knows the truth. What you are saying is just a mask for cowardice—plain, and nothing more."
The sting in his words was deliberate; he delivered them gently, as if discussing dust on a windowpane.
From beginning to end, Ethan’s composure never faltered. It was as if nothing—neither confrontation nor collapse—could rattle his center.
Seraphina bit her lips, frustration flickering in her eyes. Ethan’s phrasing was a blade, slicing through her pride with every syllable. All she could do was stand and endure—unable to refute, unable to retreat, trapped between pride and uncertainty.
She weighed the crowd’s expectations. Refusing the challenge might let her keep her dignity, but it would also prove Ethan right—would seal her cowardice in the eyes of hundreds.
Faced with Ethan’s unwavering confidence and the gazes of her sect, Seraphina felt her composure slipping.
Just as the tension peaked, Lyralei’s voice rang out, clean and certain.
"Enough. Today’s events are finished. If you long to challenge the Saint, there will be more chances. Right now, the martial arts competition of the four peaks should continue—and you still have battles left to fight."
Ethan’s smile deepened, an unspoken sneer hidden in his heart. Of course Lyralei would intervene—no Empress would risk her apprentice’s dignity.
In truth, the title of protector was no glory at all—just an expendable tool to clear a dangerous path for the Saint. The so-called honor was meaningless to him.
He reined himself in and replied with a smirk, "As the sect leader commands."
He turned to Edwin and Althea, gratitude in his tone. "Elder Edwin, Master Althea, thank you for today."
Edwin waved a sleeve—cool, dismissive. Althea simply nodded.
With the drama resolved, Ethan’s triumph was clear. He glanced at Seraphina, amusement curling on his lips.
"Pathetic." he whispered, loud enough for her and the disciples to hear.
Without another word, he turned, leaving the stage for the viewing platform where the Azure Sky Peak disciples watched.
Seraphina’s face flushed with humiliation—resentment and bitterness swirling in her heart.
At that moment, Lyralei called for those with no remaining business to leave, taking Seraphina and Lilith with her toward the holy peak. With the Sect Leader’s authority, she ended the show. Seraphina and Lilith followed.
A gentle voice pulled Ethan from his thoughts—Liana, her cheeks aglow with quiet admiration. "Senior Brother Ethan, are you alright?"
Ethan nodded. "A Tribulation Transcendence expert wouldn’t trouble me," he replied, his tone light as wind over water.
Liana’s eyes filled with awe. "I never imagined you’d reach such heights, Senior Brother."
Ethan’s laughter was low, sudden. "Just average, really."
Meanwhile, Kain, sitting among the Serpentwind Peak disciples in the adjacent viewing platform, watched in silence.
Realization dawned—a gulf separated him and Ethan that hard work could not breach in ten thousand lifetimes. Revenge, ambition, rivalry—all crumbled. Ethan’s world was too far.
Kain’s spirit dimmed; he rose, quietly making his way out, his figure shrinking under the weight of disappointment.
With the excitement gone, the martial arts competition continued. But no matter how many duels and contests followed, nothing roused the sect’s disciples quite like Ethan’s display of power and defiance. The main "dish" had been served; all else was but garnish.
In the subsequent rounds, fast-paced and uneventful, Ethan breezed through to the semi-finals without effort. Opponents surrendered immediately, unwilling to risk the fate of Allen and Sam. Every victory was clean, quick, and unremarkable.
At last, only the final match remained. When Dorian called the next battle, Ethan stood in place, smiling quietly.
"I’ve entered the finals. May I choose my reward?" he asked.
Dorian replied, "Of course."
Everyone knew the result already; no one from the other peaks could match Ethan. The strongest left was only in the mid-stage Soul Formation Realm—a mere stepping stone.
"My choice is beast fire," Ethan said.
"You may claim it at the end—"
"There’s no need. I withdraw from the final, as long as the beast fire is allotted," Ethan interrupted.
The outcome didn’t matter. Only the strong sought true challenges; the rest was pointless.
"You can choose two rewards after winning the tournament. You’re certain?" Dorian asked, surprised.
Ethan nodded. "Just the beast fire."
"Very well." Dorian’s announcement echoed in the now restless martial arts arena.
"Ethan forfeits the decisive battle. The winner of the final will be determined by the next match!"
Shock filled the crowd. None expected Ethan’s quiet withdrawal.
It was clear—everything he did today had been to settle scores with Allen and Sam, and to challenge the Saint.
A/N:
Extra Chapters
100 power stones - 1 Extra Chapters
200 power stones - 2 Extra Chapters
Capsule - 1 Extra Chapters
Massage Chair - 3 Extra Chapters
Luxury Car - 5 Extra Chapters
Magic Castle - 15 Extra Chapters
....
Sorry for the late update today, I will be uploading 3 more Chapters today