"Shadowrealm Sect?" Daphne whispered, her eyes slightly trembling."Shadowrealm Sect? Daphne, what are you referring to?" Aria turned to her,confusion evident on her face.Fixating on the blood-red handprint etched on the young man's chest and she spoke gently, "The Shadowrealm Sect is an ancient lineage!"According to legend, its founder was an imperial bodyguard of the kingdom of Orenthall over a century ago. He traversed the martial world, wielding a lethal Bloody Palm technique, which garnered the Sovereign's attention, leading to his appointment as head of the imperial guards."However, during the invasion of Stanton Academy, that bodyguard betrayed his homeland. Not only did he fail to defend his country, but he also assisted the invaders. He feared retribution from the kingdom of Orenthall, so he fabricated his own disappearance and escaped overseas."He adopted the Bloody Palm technique, as the name of the sect. He then established a sect, which became known as the Bloody Palm Sect. Its disciples terrorized the borderlands, engaging in murder, looting, and committing unspeakable atrocities. Their followers became notorious for their wickedness and lust. They inflicted so much harm that people began to regard them as monsters, earning the Bloody Palm Sect the title of Shadowrealm Sect," she explained.Only then did Aria and Grant grasp the situation, and she gasped in surprise, "So, you're implying that that fan-wielding individual is essentially a top-tier scoundrel?"Daphne nodded slightly, but her concern for Elara intensified.It was said that the founder of the Dual Meridian Sect hailed from the royal lineage of the overseas Kingdom of the Shimmering Isle. When the Bloody Palm Sect ascended to power abroad, they ultimately eradicated the Shimmering Isle. It was only after that that the royal survivor fled to Astria and established the Dual Meridian Sect.The Dual Meridian Sect and the Bloody Palm Sect were fundamentally opposed— like fire and water, sworn enemies to the death. Now that a disciple of the Bloody Palm Sect had unexpectedly shown up at the Dual Meridian Sect, it was clear he didn't arrive with good intentions.It was clear that his cultivation was from the thunderous roar earlier, at least on par with Elara's cultivation. The Bloody Palm Sect's vicious and peculiar martial technique; a confrontation between them could lead to unpredictable results."So it's truly someone from the Shadowrealm Sect... What are they doing here?" someone asked.Kian's expression grew tense as he began to sense the heavy, murderous intent.The other talented youths on the platform also felt the atmosphere darkening. Their gazes sharpened and their pupils narrowed.On the stage, Darius's eyes were frigid. Next to him, his wife, Lyra Clarke, wore a chilling expression and was devoid of any warmth.Dressed in a simple white gown, Elara spoke with deep disdain in her voice. "Since when do individuals from the Bloody Palm Sect have the audacity to come to our Dual Meridian Sect and act as if they belong here? Leave!"She had been brought up on tales from a young age of the animosity between the Dual Meridian Sect and the Bloody Palm Sect. Her loathing for the Bloody Palm Sect was ingrained deep within her. Now that one of their disciples had arrived at her doorstep, there was no chance she would show even a trace of politeness. "Young mistress, you possess quite the fiery temperament," the young man replied. His expression remained unchanged. Instead, he offered a slight smirk. "The suitor- selection ceremony of the Dual Meridian Sect has always been accessible to the entire Astria martial world. Although my Bloody Palm Sect operates overseas, our founder was an Astrian."By that reasoning, the Bloody Palm Sect qualifies as a legitimate Astria Sect. Since other sects' young elites can participate here, why shouldn't I?" he inquired.Elara's expression was as frigid as ice as she let out a scoff. "A traitor who betrayed his own people still has the audacity to call himself a child of Astria?"She advanced, her inner strength surging. The entire platform shook beneath her, the boards rattling as if they might break apart at any moment. "Your life ends here if you stay!"In that instant, the young mistress of the Dual Meridian Sect fully unleashed the commanding presence deserving of her position, killing intent flashing in her eyes.The young man erupted into hearty laughter, completely unbothered. "Such grandiose claims from the Dual Meridian Sect's young mistress. You are this generation's successor of the sect, and I am the most gifted prodigy of the Bloody Palm Sect. Allow me, Felix Donovan, to experience your sect's renowned techniques."As they completed their declarations, their auras surged. The platform beneath them actually lowered by half a foot, and a confrontation loomed on the horizon."Stop right there!" Just when they were about to engage, a voice suddenly emerged from the VIP seating area.Their amassed strength dissipated as they turned in puzzlement. Everyone else also directed their attention toward the VIP section.There, the foremost prodigy of the Mount Sect, Kian, stood up. He stepped forth from his seat with a longsword in hand.He landed on the platform with a light and effortless leap. Then cupped his fists toward Elara. "Young mistress, I am Kian from Mount Sect. If it pleases you, may I take this fight?"His voice held a captivating calm and a sense of righteousness. "We are all gathered here today for one purpose-to vie for the opportunity to become your husband. If we aspire to be the son-in-law of the Dual Meridian Sect, then it is our responsibility to act between you and a genius from the Bloody Palm Sect, not yours.noveldrama"I won't profess to be the strongest of our generation in Astria, but I am confident that I can handle this battle on your behalf. I hope you will grant me that privilege," he declared.His unexpected move onto the stage was far from impulsive.He thought, The Bloody Palm Sect and the Dual Meridian Sect are sworn enemies. Now, a prodigy of the Blood Palm Sect has intruded into the Dual Meridian Sect's territory. If I can step up, fight Felix, and win in Elara's stead, I earn significant favor from the Dual Meridian Sect. When it comes time to select a son-in-law, my odds dramatically improve, giving me a considerable advantage over the competition.Ever since he had been defeated onthe Southern Shore by four followersof the War God Sanctum, heretreated to Mount Sect for deep reflection. Eventually he discovered an ancient internal cultivation technique and a supreme sword technique left on a sheer cliff by an esteemed master. His power increased significantly, and he officially ascended to the ranks of Martial Sovereign. His confidence was now at an unprecedented high. He aimed to use this upcoming battle to establish his reputation throughout the Astria martial world. Even though Felix hailed from the Shadowrealm Sect, Kian was completely confident he could confront—and defeat—him.Elara's sparkling eyes glimmered slightly at the sight of him stepping forward. She looked at Darius standing beside her, and upon noticing his slight nod, she took a step back. "In that case, I'll express my gratitude to Kian in advance."A surge of joy filled his heart. He advanced, taking the place where she had just stood, now directly facing Felix.Felix narrowed his gaze, the corners of his mouth turning up into a subtle, mocking smirk. "I've heard that in the younger generation of the Astia martial world, there are 'Three Heroes and Four Beauties.' So, you are one of the three heroes-Kian of Mount Sect?""That's correct," he responded coolly with a nod. "I've often heard that the Bloody Palm Sect wreaks havoc overseas, creating chaos and fear wherever they go. Today, wish to see firsthand just how impressive the so-called fearsome techniques of the Bloody Palm Sect truly are." As he concluded his words, his sword moved. A sharp, resonating note filled the hallas his blade was unsheathed, casting a streak of white sword light that illuminated the stone walls.All around the hall, the other prodigies watched with heightened anticipation. To be fair, Kian's cultivation level was definitely among the elite of their generation. This battle essentially represented a clash between Astria's finest and a prodigy from beyond its borders."Hmph." Felix still remained largely unmoved. One hand was clasped behind his back while the other held a folded fan, his posture relaxed to the point of appearing arrogant. This nonchalant stance shifted the expressions of many bystanders. One of the prodigies thought, Felix appears completely unfazed, facing Kian-he's even using only one hand?"How arrogant!" Fury ignited in Kian's heart. His longsword lunged forward with a fierce shout.As he thrust, his inner strength erupted like a dragon rising from the depths, flooding into the blade. A flash of white sword light cut through the air like a rainbow piercing the midday sun.In an instant, it was a blur, like a horse sprinting through a narrow passage.A sharp, resonant clang echoed through the hall, reminiscent of a flood dragon soaring through the sky. Many of the young elite stood in disbelief, secretly amazed by Kian's might.The sword light aimed at Felix-a strike powerful enough to slice a car in two-yethe made no attempt to evade or retreat. Instead, he stepped directly into it, a folding fan in hand, and casually tapped the air.At that moment, Kian's expression shifted dramatically. He could tangibly feel his sword's momentum severed right in half, his force split cleanly by Felix's touch.In that brief moment, a sharp ache erupted in his chest. A tremendous force propelled him backward over ten feet, landing him at the edge of the platform. After delivering just that single strike, Felix merely retracted his hand, as if uninterested in launching a second attack.Except for Elara, Daphne, and the couple Darius and Lyra, nearly everyone else in the hall couldn't comprehend what had just unfolded.All eyes turned to Kian, who stood at the platform's very edge, his face pale and his eyes empty, like a person whose spirit had been dislodged.On his chest, right above where his heart lay, his clothing had been pierced, leavinga perfectly round hole that exposed the skin beneath—but his flesh was not brokeneven half an inch.A wave of gasps rippled through the hall. Expressions shifted everywhere. Everyone grasped it-Kian had lost. Completely lost.Someone thought, He loses with just one move. The renowned swordsman of Mount Sect has his heart directly targeted. If Felix doesn't hold back at the last moment, that single strike pierces his heart, ending his life instantly.Both are Martial Sovereigns. How can the disparity be so vast?The prodigies of the Astria martial world bore solemn expressions. Who in their generation can possibly contend with him, given Felix's cultivation?Even Elara's gaze tightened. She was confident she could defeat Kian-but to do itin one move? That was something she knew she couldn't achieve.Felix stood tall on the stage, the corner of his mouth curling into a sneer."This is one of Astria's so-called Nine Geniuses? What a farce. It appears that aftera century, the Central Realm of Martial World has exhausted its supply of truefighters!"His words were a slap to the face of the entire Astria martial world, belittling every young elite present-yet no one dared to respond.Truly, Kian was already at the Martial Sovereign and had been taken out in a singlemove. Who could possibly claim the authority to step forward and vindicate theirhonor?At that moment, Leander, from a reclining chair in the back-who had been lying there the entire time-finally opened his eyes!