Chapter 63 - Battle at Heavenly Jade Castle: Outcome

The air had grown thick with an intense, almost tangible malice, as Bai Huolong touched down on the ground, his intent to kill them all clear in his menacing gaze. The once taunting smirk had settled into a look of cold, unshakable resolve, his aura oppressive, suffocating. Every breath felt heavier, every heartbeat more pronounced, as if the atmosphere itself were pressing down on the Alliance members, reminding them of the enormity of the power they now faced.

A few paces away, in the crater left by his brutal fall, Jianfeng stirred. Slowly, he rose, dust and fragments of earth tumbling off his frame as he stood tall, seemingly unscathed by the impact, yet a thin line of blood traced its way down from the corner of his mouth, a stark reminder that even he, an immortal warrior, had been wounded. It was rare, almost unheard of, for him to sustain damage, and the last time he had tasted his own blood in battle had been five centuries ago, when he’d fought three of the traitorous Council members alone. And now, here he was, confronting a foe capable of inflicting harm upon him once again.

Adam, Drake, Kazue, Li, Gregor, and Shen positioned themselves around Jianfeng, forming a united front. At the same time, the fifteen Mutated Jiang Shi bolstered their ranks under Adam’s command, their grotesque forms bristling with predatory energy as they awaited his mental orders. They now had the numerical advantage, an army against a single man, yet Bai Huolong’s expression showed not even a slight hint of worry. He only watched them, waiting, the faintest hint of a smirk twitching at the corners of his mouth as if he knew something they did not.

“Ready?”

Shen’s voice was calm but laced with a tension they all felt. His eyes were locked on Bai Huolong, his stance solid, prepared for whatever might come.

Drake and Kazue exchanged a look, their resolve hardening. They could feel it—the awakening of their title, ‘Outstanding Rookie’. The surge in strength was unmistakable, coursing through their muscles and sharpening their senses, they felt lighter, faster, and more capable than ever before, as if some hidden potential had been unleashed within them, enabling them to face this overwhelming enemy with newfound vigor, but also meaning that the opponent in front of them was vastly superior to them.

Adam’s eyes glinted as he concentrated, giving a mental command to his monstrous Mutated Jiang Shi soldiers to attack with everything they had. The creatures sprang forward with terrifying speed, limbs elongated and segmented, their jaws snapping hungrily as they hurled themselves at the Don in a frenzy. At the same time, the boy activated one of his new skills, [Light of the Six Sins].

[Skill: Light of the Six Sins Lv 1] [A legendary compendium of six potent debuff curses originating from the ancient and enigmatic ‘Golden Pavilion’, this technique grants its wielder the power to cast any combination of these curses onto one or multiple targets, seeping into the soul and weakening them through carefully crafted afflictions. The curses are insidious yet selective, sparing allies while mercilessly targeting foes.] [Current Curses:]

Azure Hex of Pride

Crimson Hex of Wrath

Viridian Hex of Greed

Amaranth Hex of Lust

Indigo Hex of Gluttony

Golden Hex of Sloth

He layered his debuffs, focusing on weakening Bai Huolong’s physical strength and reaction speed. He watched through his ‘Cursed Eyes’, expecting to see a change in the Don’s status, a sign that the debuffs were taking effect, but there was nothing. Bai Huolong’s aura remained undisturbed, as powerful and impenetrable as ever.

As Bai Huolong deflected a Jiang Shi’s lunging claws casually, his gaze shifted to Adam, a glint of recognition sparking in his eyes and a smirk tugged at his lips.

“You’re trying to weaken me? Admirable effort.”

He spoke with cold amusement, as if he were indulging a child’s attempt at magic tricks.

Before Adam could react, Bai Huolong lunged, his movements blindingly fast. The boy’s heart seized as he saw Bai’s figure blur in his direction, and with an extreme effort, he managed to dodge the first strike by a hair’s breadth, his pulse hammering with the realization of how close he’d come to death. But the Don was relentless; a second strike followed almost immediately, cutting through the air with brutal precision. Desperately, Adam activated [Ghost Phasing], making his body intangible, hoping to evade the incoming blow, yet even in this state, Bai’s fist slammed into his stomach with crushing force. Adam choked, doubling over as the impact sent him staggering; pain radiated through his torso, sharp and unforgiving. Only by ordering his parasite to suppress the sensation was he able to push through the agony, staying on his feet by sheer will alone.

“Everyone, be careful!”

Adam gasped, clutching his side as he attempted to warn the others.

“His skills… They turn the numbers against us!”

But Bai Huolong had anticipated their every move. Adam’s eyes registered two new abilities activating simultaneously

[Title: Slaughter Proclamation] [The title awakens when the user steps onto a chaotic battlefield, intent on leaving none alive. Fueled by bloodlust and defiance, this skill amplifies the user’s physical and spiritual stats with each enemy in sight. The more foes there are, the stronger the Proclamation’s effect.]

[Title: Invincible Against a Thousand] [It grants its wielder an impenetrable aura of defiance. When surrounded and outnumbered, this title channels the user's will to survive and endure, exponentially increasing both defense and strength with every foe that joins the fray. The effect grows more intense the greater the numerical disadvantage.]

The titles radiated an aura of dominance and brutality that he could hardly comprehend. His words barely left his mouth when Bai Huolong launched into a counterattack, moving through their ranks with swift, calculated violence.

Kazue rushed in with her newfound speed, her eyes blazing with determination as she punched toward him, yet the Don deflected her attack with a flick of his wrist, the force enough to make her arm go numb as she stumbled back. Before she could recover, he struck her in the side with a backhanded blow, sending her sprawling to the ground, gasping for breath.

“Pathetic.”

Bai Huolong sneered, barely glancing her way as he shifted his stance to intercept Drake. The blond came at him from the other side, fists clenched, his physical abilities bolstered by his own title effect. He aimed a powerful punch at Bai’s chest, but the man caught his fist mid-swing, twisting his arm and delivering a knee to his ribs that made Drake feel as though his bones had shattered, making him crumpled, coughing up a bit of blood, struggling to stand as the Don cast him aside like a discarded doll.

Gregor also charged, his movements more cautious but no less fierce. He aimed for the enemy’s exposed side, his fist glinting in the dim light, but Bai Huolong sidestepped effortlessly, bringing an elbow down on Gregor’s shoulder with bone-crushing force. Gregor staggered, vision blurring from the impact, but he forced himself to stay upright, refusing to give in to the pain.

Li and Shen moved in tandem, attempting to corner him from opposite directions. Shen struck low, aiming for the Don’s legs, while Li aimed a series of rapid punches at his torso. Bai Huolong parried both attacks with ease, delivering a spinning kick that sent Shen sprawling and a brutal jab to Li’s chest, knocking the breath out of him that passed through even his atomica armor. They fell back, clutching at their injuries, the pain radiating through their bodies as they struggled to rise.

The only one left standing with any semblance of resilience was Jianfeng. He stepped forward, his face calm, unwavering despite the blood on his lips, his gaze was steady as he faced Bai Huolong, the only one unfazed by the onslaught. The Don’s smirk faded, his expression hardening as he regarded Jianfeng with something close to uneasiness.

At that moment, Jianfeng was feeling the weight of his responsibility as leader of the Alliance. They had severely underestimated the true power of Lord Varek’s servants, a grave miscalculation that now seemed to threaten the survival of the group that had trusted him at face value, something that had already cost the lives of nine of his very close friends… A flicker of frustration darkened his gaze as he considered their predicament, but amidst this grievance, a steely resolve crystallized within him. He had no choice but to unleash his hidden card, the one that he had reserved solely for his destined encounter with Lord Varek.

“This was meant for your traitor of a boss.”

Jianfeng murmured to himself, his voice low but resolute. Then he raised his voice, his tone unwavering.

“But if I don’t use it now, there’s a chance none of us will leave here alive.”

He closed his eyes for a brief second, summoning the depths of his Ki reserves, honed and stored over five centuries. With a calm, deliberate exhale, he activated his secret technique, ‘Celestial Ascension Flame’. Instantly, a radiant aura burst forth around him, blazing with a divine intensity that scorched the very air. His figure shone with a fiery white light, casting a sacred, almost otherworldly glow that emanated pure power. The energy enveloping him was immense; just standing in his presence caused the ground beneath him to char and crack. Every inch of his form, every muscle, pulsed with an unrestrained force that could tear through mortal defenses a hundredfold, something that Adam managed to get a glimpse of.

[Skill: Celestial Ascension Flame Lv 10] [Drawing upon stored Ki, the legendary immortal martial artist surrounds himself with a radiant, celestial aura that blazes like a divine fire. Merely standing in its presence scorches foes, while every punch, kick, and Ki strike is amplified beyond mortal limits, tearing through opponents with over a hundred times his normal strength. This aura embodies the power of ascension, making him seem more deity than human.] [Cursed Vision Knowledge] [Notice: The duration and effectiveness of the skill depends on the amount of stored Ki released at once.] [Notice: The duration and effectiveness of the skill depends on the amount of stored Ki released at once.] [Notice: The amount of energy released for this technique is calculated as [500 years] worth of Ki.] [Warning: The skill cannot be stopped upon exhausting all the stored Ki or the user dies.]

For the first time, Bai Huolong’s confident grin faded, his eyes narrowing as he assessed this new transformation.

Without hesitation, Jianfeng moved in, charging the Don with a speed that defied the human eye. Their fists collided, striking at each other with unimaginable force, the impact resonating like thunder across the battlefield, Bai Huolong retaliated, his own blows fierce and deadly, but Jianfeng countered each one, his movements fluid and powerful, striking with precision honed by centuries of battle. Their attacks became a blur, a violent symphony of strikes too fast for anyone else to follow and so powerful that the shockwave generated pushed back almost every other member of the group.

In this intense exchange, Jianfeng’s relentless assault finally began to overpower his opponent, and with a ferocious punch, he landed a solid hit to Bai Huolong’s face, sending him a couple of feet away. Before the Don could recover, Jianfeng followed up with a devastating strike to his stomach, then another, and another… Bai’s body recoiled with each impact, unable to defend against the onslaught of punches that rained down upon him. A sharp cry of pain tore from the man’s throat as he was forced back, his once impenetrable composure shattered and his face painted in red.

Seizing the moment, Jianfeng stepped forward, his aura blazing brighter than ever as he stared down at his former ally, now his mortal enemy’s lackey. His voice was steady, resolute, with no trace of regret.

“This is the end for you. I never thought it would be me to end your life, but you’ve made your choices, and I won’t hesitate.”

But as Jianfeng prepared to deliver the finishing blow, Bai Huolong’s lips curled into a twisted smile. He laughed, a harsh, mocking sound that echoed through the air, chilling and strange, and before Jianfeng could react, a dark, spherical object—the same black sphere that had been containing Sebastian and Katya—flew into the Don’s hand, its energy crackling ominously. Holding it aloft, Bai Huolong’s laughter deepened, his eyes flashing with dark amusement.

“The effect of the ‘Plot Hole’ is still active”

Bai Huolong taunted, his gaze fixed on Jianfeng, who looked on with a hint of confusion, but the Alliance leader, determined not to be swayed, surged forward to end the fight once and for all.

In a swift motion, Bai Huolong lifted his gaze skyward, his voice ringing out in a fervent, almost fanatical tone.

“Lord Varek, heed your servant’s plea! Grant your strength to this worthless pawn!”

The battlefield fell silent as a glitched, robotic voice resounded from the heavens.

⌠No■tic■e: UR-■cla■ss P■lot De■vic■e: ‘Transformation■Is■a■Free■Action’ h■as be■en us■ed.⌡

In an instant, the entire Alliance group froze. Adam, Drake, Kazue, Li, Gregor, Shen, Jianfeng, and even the fifteen Mutated Jiang Shi were all paralyzed, their bodies locked in place, their eyes wide as they watched the scene unfold. They could think and perceive, yet they could do nothing to intervene.

Bai Huolong began to chant in a low, guttural tone, a strange mantra filled with dark, unintelligible words.

“Om nama… terra nobis… in ignem…”

His voice echoed with a twisted resonance, filling the air with a malevolent energy. As he chanted, a torrent of dark energy erupted from the sphere, swirling around him in a vortex of sinister power. Symbols of an ancient, forbidden language appeared, glowing with an unholy light as they wrapped around his form, merging with him in a dark pact.

The energy spread, coating his body in a black flame that seemed to burn with the intensity of malice itself. Unlike Jianfeng’s celestial Ki, Bai Huolong’s aura radiated an infernal darkness, exuding an oppressive heat that felt like the embodiment of hellfire. Floating symbols of blasphemous mantras circled around him, their presence an affront to all that was sacred.

[Skill: Infernal Karma Manifestation Lv 10] [The technique summons forth the martial artist’s dark history, drawing power from the immeasurable bad karma accumulated over a life of bloodshed. By chanting an ominous mantra, the user awakens the dormant wrath of every spirit he has wronged, binding their hatred into a volatile, blackened aura around him. This aura pulses with sinister energy, amplifying the user’s attacks with the essence of the souls he has condemned, each strike imbued with their despair and vengeance.] [Cursed Vision Knowledge] [Notice: The duration and effectiveness of the skill depend on the amount of stored innocent souls the user has killed in his life.] [Notice: The amount of souls condemned for this technique is calculated as [1548 souls] worth of vengeance and dread turned into energy.] [Warning: At the end of the skill's use, the user will experience a reduction in their physical and spiritual abilities equal to the increase they received, as they are struck by the accumulated karma of all the souls utilized.]

Adam, with his special eyes, could see it clearly—a technique fueled not by the disciplined Ki that Jianfeng wielded, but by the souls of the over one thousand lives Bai Huolong had taken, each one amplifying his power to unimaginable heights. This was no ascension; it was a descent into pure demonic malevolence.

Jianfeng, still frozen, could only watch, his mind racing with the realization of just how dark a path Bai Huolong had chosen. The difference between them now was stark: where Jianfeng represented the discipline and power of a centuries-old warrior’s ascension, the Don embodied the wrath and corruption of stolen lives.

As the last symbol merged into his skin, Bai Huolong grinned, his newly transformed figure exuding an aura of absolute darkness, his power finally matching—if not surpassing—that of Jianfeng’s. The flames around him crackled with an insidious force, awaiting the moment to be unleashed.

The instant Bai Huolong’s transformation was complete, the members of the Alliance felt control return to their limbs. Their bodies, frozen in place until now, could once again respond to their desperate thoughts, and so Jianfeng wasted no time; his next attack surged forward with the force of his ‘Celestial Ascension Flame’, colliding his fist directly with Bai Huolong’s, both combatants meeting in a clash of godlike might. The impact was a cataclysm, an explosion of raw power so intense that it hurled everyone backward again with more force than before, their forms cast through the air like leaves in a storm. Only Shen remained steady, grounded by his own immense energy, yet even he staggered under the pressure.

The ground shook with each exchange; every punch and kick was an act of brutal precision, a symphony of violence where both warriors danced on the edge of mortal limits, their abilities brushing against the divine.

Jianfeng’s movements were swift and deadly, every punch cracking through the air, leaving trails of fiery white Ki. His aura illuminated the battlefield in radiant brilliance, blinding yet awe-inspiring, each blow meant to obliterate Bai Huolong’s defenses. But Bai Huolong was equally relentless, his dark, tainted energy swirling around him like a hurricane. They clashed repeatedly, fists, feet, and elbows meeting in violent exchanges, blocking, dodging, and countering with unparalleled speed. For every attack Jianfeng landed, Bai Huolong retaliated with ferocity, his laughter echoing as if mocking the very concept of defeat.

Gradually, however, the tides of battle shifted, and Bai Huolong’s strikes began finding their marks more frequently, each landing with enough power to chip away at Jianfeng’s resolve. The Don’s tainted Ki surged stronger, a creeping darkness that seemed to overwhelm the light of Jianfeng’s celestial aura. Every exchange saw Bai Huolong gaining just a fraction more ground, forcing his opponent onto the defensive, leaving him with precious instants to react.

Then came a fleeting opening, barely more than a glint in Bai Huolong’s eye. In a swift movement, he raised his hand, invoking the cursed pentagram above him. This time, not just a skeletal hand but the entire figure of a towering skeletal beast summoned onto the battlefield.

[ Gasha-Dokuro - Rank A ] ⌠Additional Information⌡ ⌠A colossal skeletal giant pieced together from the bones of countless warriors who perished in agony. Despite its massive size, it possesses a terrifying speed, able to close distances with shocking swiftness, leaving enemies little chance to escape its grasp. Its hollow eye sockets burn with an eerie blue flame, and it roams the battlefield with an insatiable hunger, driven by the restless spirits that bind it.⌡ [Cursed Vision Knowledge] [Hint: As part of the undead race, the Gasha-Dokuro is vulnerable to the [Divine] and [Fire] attributes.]

The monster materialized, its enormous and elongated skeletal form looming over them with a menacing aura. The creature’s hollow eyes glowed a sickly blue, broken Taoist seals hanging from its limbs, symbols of power now corrupted. Adam, observing from the sidelines, recognized its nature with his ‘Cursed Eyes’ again, noting that it most probably bore the raw strength of a Demon-Type entity, his most powerful summon, had he been able to call them forth fully at least.

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The Alliance members, wounded and exhausted, could do nothing but look on, powerless, and even Shen clenched his fists, his face twisted in frustration, watching his father struggle and cursing his own inability to intervene… Despite his fearsome strength, Jianfeng was clearly being overwhelmed.

The Gasha-Dokuro attacked with blinding speed, defying its massive size, and moving with an agility that seemed impossible. Jianfeng dodged, twisted, and countered with all his might, but each maneuver grew slower, each blow weaker while Bai Huolong’s laughter grew louder, his face contorted with cruel glee as he taunted his opponent with every strike, his movements an unending torrent of relentless power. Jianfeng staggered, his timing slipping, his once-flawless defense breaking down piece by piece under the combined onslaught of Bai Huolong and the giant skeletal beast.

Finally, with a brutal uppercut, the Don sent Jianfeng crashing to the ground, his body slamming into the earth with a force that shook the battlefield. Even as he struggled to rise, his ‘Celestial Ascension Flame’ flickering, it was evident that the battle was slipping from his grasp. Bai Huolong stood above him, the towering Gasha-Dokuro looming behind, its gaping maw fixed on Jianfeng as if hungry for the kill. The Don sneered, his voice dripping with contempt.

“Well, is this all your five centuries of resentment and desire for vengeance have to offer?”

He mocked, stepping closer, his gaze full of dark satisfaction. Jianfeng clenched his fists, struggling to push himself to his feet, his vision blurred, and his breathing labored. Those precious seconds it took him to stand left him vulnerable, and as he rose, Bai Huolong and the Gasha-Dokuro were already upon him, both poised to deliver the final blow.

But just as they prepared to strike, a sudden sound pulsed through the air, halting them in their tracks for an instant… Out of nowhere, a massive mechanical arm shot forward like a speeding bullet, slamming into the Gasha-Dokuro with such force that the giant skeletal creature was thrown backward, tumbling across the battlefield and leaving a deep trench in the ground, its vicious, deathly attack on Jianfeng was abruptly interrupted, the skeletal beast’s towering form crashing down with a resounding thud. Even Bai Huolong froze mid-strike, his eyes narrowing in shock as he pulled back, his attention snapping to the source of this sudden interference.

From the dust and debris, a colossal spherical robot emerged, its limbs crafted from sturdy steel and intricately designed gears. Mechanical arms and legs extended from its body, powered by an impressive array of pistons and steam vents that hissed as it moved. The machine loomed like a behemoth, steam curling around it as it took its first steps into the fray, each step resonating with a heavy, mechanical thud that shook the ground.

Adam, Drake, and Kazue’s eyes widened in unison, immediately recognizing the imposing figure before them. It was a ‘Steamtread Goliath’, the same battle armor that had once cornered them near the factories in the previous scenario. The sight brought back tense memories of their desperate fight for survival against this relentless machine, and yet…What was it doing here?

In response to their confusion, Falk’s voice echoed from somewhere nearby, carrying a blend of pride and a bit of arrogance as he introduced the unexpected arrival.

“Behold, the newly constructed Goliath, under the direct command of none other than yours truly, Sebastian himself.”

Falk announced, his tone dripping with smug satisfaction.

The members of the Alliance exchanged looks of surprise, realization dawning on them. Back in the lobby, and thanks to Isaac’s recommendation, Sebastian had chosen to use ‘Thaddeus’s Promised Reward’ not for a mere item from the store but for something far more strategic—a blueprint. Instead of opting for one of the readily available pieces of armor or robots, which would have required impractical nuclear energy to function, he had selected a blueprint for an older model, a piece of technology developed for officers of the Ironclad Armada before the revolution. It was a masterpiece of engineering, one that Falk and Sebastian had meticulously been working on for days, pouring their combined expertise into bringing it back to life.

As the mechanical bird continued his proud commentary, Adam noticed a faint but unmistakable aura surrounding the Goliath, as though it was radiating with a strange, almost mystical energy. His gaze shifted slightly, landing on Li, who stood a short distance away, his spellbook open and aglow with a vibrant light. The pages shone with fierce intensity, the magical energy rippling out from the book in visible waves.

Li muttered under his breath, his eyes fixed on the Goliath as he controlled his spell’s effect. He had acquired a powerful but highly specific spell as a bonus from the last mission—a spell he’d originally thought he would never have a use for called [Robo Bleek Lv2], it was a rare enchantment that enhanced vehicles and machinery, bolstering their capabilities far beyond their ordinary limits. But now, the spell had proven to be an ideal asset, casting a powerful buff over the Steamtread Goliath, amplifying its resilience and power for the battle ahead.

Sebastian’s voice, clear and steady, came over the Goliath’s external speaker system, his tone one of calm confidence as he guided the machine forward.

“Jianfeng.”

He called, his voice cutting through the silence that had fallen over the battlefield with an uncharacteristic angry tone, and it was understandable, since Sebastian was forced to watch the demise of Elder Yuntai whom he had befriended.

“Let me take over from here.”

Adam couldn’t see it due to the old man being inside the cockpit, but Sebastian was very different from who he was during the previous story, at least combat-wise, he now had two titles taking effect right now, his [Novice Antiquarian] had been upgraded to [Advanced Antiquarian] due to certain bonuses, letting him piloting something like the Goliath without much difficulty, and the most important one, a new title called [Voices of the Mechanum] which he had obtained as a special prize after having "performed an impossible feat" in the previous scenario and which allowed him to hear the soul of the machines.

Bai Huolong’s gaze locked onto the Steamtread Goliath, his eyes narrowing with disdain as he gauged the machine’s power. His lips twisted into a sneer, and he raised his hand, ready to unleash his immense strength and obliterate the mechanical titan in a single blow. Energy crackled around his fist, the sheer force radiating outward, and with a predatory glint in his eye, he lunged forward to strike.

But before his fist could connect, Shen surged forward, throwing himself into Bai Huolong’s path. The force of the Don’s attack collided with the young martial artist, who braced himself, gritting his teeth as the impact sent a jarring shockwave through his entire body. Pain tore through him, his muscles straining and joints creaking under the overwhelming pressure, but Shen held his ground, refusing to yield even as his body trembled from the force. Bruises and cuts blossomed along his arms as he absorbed the damage, blood trickling down his skin, but he remained unbroken, resolute in his determination to protect Sebastian and the Goliath.

Meanwhile, the Gasha-Dokuro, pushed back but far from defeated, rose once more, its skeletal form looming menacingly. Hollow eyes burned with unholy light as it set its gaze upon the robot, and with a screech that reverberated through the air, the monstrous skeleton charged. Sebastian tightened his grip on the controls, guiding the Goliath forward with mechanical precision to meet the skeletal monster head-on. The two giants collided, iron against bone, with a deafening crash that rattled the earth beneath them.

Sebastian’s Goliath swung a massive fist at the creature, gears whirring and steam hissing as the punch landed with crushing force. The Gasha-Dokuro staggered back, its skeletal frame rattling, but it retaliated just as swiftly, clawing at the Goliath with sharpened, skeletal fingers that scraped across the metal with a piercing screech. Despite their immense size, both moved with an unnatural speed, trading blows at a relentless pace. Metal clashed against the supernatural bones, each strike sending shockwaves rippling outward, creating cracks in the ground with the force of their collision.

Meanwhile, Jianfeng, who had been recovering his strength, clenched his fists and forced himself back to his feet. His breathing was labored, muscles aching, but determination blazed in his eyes. This fleeting moment of distraction was all he needed. With a burst of energy, he propelled himself toward Bai Huolong, closing the distance in the blink of an eye. Bai’s eyes widened, caught off guard by Jianfeng’s sudden resurgence, and the two exchanged a flurry of rapid blows.

Their fists connected, each strike powerful enough to send tremors through the air. Jianfeng’s fists blazed with stored energy, every punch carrying the weight of his accumulated strength, meanwhile, Bai Huolong countered each strike, his own movements precise and controlled, but Jianfeng’s tenacity forced him to stay on the defensive, and for a brief, exhilarating moment, the two warriors seemed evenly matched, locked in a fierce dance of power and will.

But they weren’t alone for long. Adam, Drake, Kazue, Gregor, and the Mutated Jiang Shi surged forward, rallying themselves despite their exhaustion and injuries, motivated by the situation. They knew they had no choice but to attack the Don in close combat—the only option they had left.

Kazue launched herself forward, channeling her energy into a fierce strike aimed at Bai’s side, while Drake attempted to land a blow from behind. Gregor’s fists blazed with energy as he joined the assault, delivering punishing strikes wherever he could find an opening. The Mutated Jiang Shi, relentless and ferocious, lunged at Bai from multiple angles, their eyes glowing with a fierce, unnatural hunger. Yet, even as they attacked in unison, Bai Huolong met each of them with calculated ease, countering, dodging, and retaliating with brutal efficiency.

Adam gritted his teeth, summoning his strength as he tried to activate the skill on his golden dragon-ornamented shield, aiming to seal Bai Huolong’s abilities. He held the shield high, the dragon engraving glinting, but as the golden light flared, the Don seemed unfazed even as he was still locked in a fight with everyone, the sheer difference in their power making Adam’s skill ineffective.

[Target has resisted]

With a scowl, Bai Huolong took note of the boy’s efforts to activate another sealing skill.

“Pathetic.”

He muttered, an aura of disdain flickering in his eyes. Without hesitation, he unleashed a technique that resounded with an ominous power. His lips parted, and he intoned the ‘Mantra of Heaven’s Piety’. A golden light emanated from his mouth, pure and radiant, as the air filled with a reverberating hum. At first, it seemed harmless, a holy resonance that bathed the battlefield in serene light. But the effect was far from benign.

[Skill: Mantra of Heaven’s Piety Lv 8] [A powerful mantra chanted to summon purifying celestial energy of [Divine] attribute, this technique unleashes waves of radiant Ki imbued with heavenly essence. As the user recites the mantra, divine light gathers around them, pulsing in waves that scour the darkness. The energy pierces through the cursed flesh of undead beings, burning away their malice and severing any dark bonds holding them together.]

The Mutated Jiang Shi let out piercing, unnatural screams, their bodies igniting as the sacred energy seared their undead flesh. Flames erupted along their limbs, their shrieks echoing through the battlefield as they writhed in agony. Adam felt a jolt of intense pain lance through him, a sensation that transcended his disabled pain receptors and tore at his very soul. He cried out, his voice filled with a torment he couldn’t suppress, feeling the sacred energy resonate deep within him, targeting his essence as a demi-lich. His knees buckled, and he collapsed to the ground, struggling to hold onto his strength as his vision blurred.

However, even in such a dire situation, two decisive events unfolded in that critical moment, changing the tide of the battle in ways none of them had foreseen.

First, Bai Huolong's ‘Mantra of Heaven’s Piety’, intended to cripple the group, inadvertently struck the Gasha-Dokuro as well. The sacred energy did not discriminate in its wrath, searing through the skeletal colossus with holy fire. A tortured groan echoed from the monster’s hollow form as cracks began to splinter across its bones, forcing it to stagger back, momentarily weakened. Sebastian seized this opportunity, his eyes narrowed with fierce determination, and he directed the Goliath forward with precision, activating the machine’s powerful mechanical pincers.

The robot’s arms shot forward, claws clamping onto the Gasha-Dokuro with relentless force. With each mechanical twist and steam-geared grind, Sebastian commanded the Goliath to pound its opponent with devastating blows. The machine’s fists came down in brutal succession, each strike sending tremors through the mansion’s floor, cracking and shattering the stonework beneath. The Gasha-Dokuro’s skeletal form splintered under the assault, bits of bone breaking off and scattering with each impact until the accumulated damage was too much. The massive skeleton finally gave way, collapsing into a pile of fractured remains and dissipating into nothingness, the dark energy that had animated it dissolving into the air.

Sebastian let out a breath, his hands steady on the controls, his mind still racing from the intensity of the fight.

“One down…”

He murmured to himself, his voice filled with quiet satisfaction.

But just as a brief calm settled over the room, the second unexpected twist occurred, one that none of them could have predicted.

Gregor, who had taken severe damage from Bai Huolong’s relentless attacks, was struggling to stay conscious. Blood trickled down his face, and his breathing was ragged, each inhale a painful reminder of his battered state, but despite the overwhelming strength of Bai’s attacks and his own lack of supernatural abilities, something deep within him refused to yield. As his vision blurred, he forced himself forward, focusing solely on one thing: closing the distance to Bai Huolong.

With every ounce of strength left in his body, Gregor reached up and grabbed a fold of the Don’s robe, holding on with white-knuckled determination. The man’s eyes flicked down to him, an expression of disdain crossing his face.

“You’re nothing but an insect.”

He spat, his voice dripping with contempt. Without a moment’s hesitation, he kicked Gregor with brutal force, sending him flying across the room. Gregor’s body hurtled through the air, his back slamming into one of the barriers with a sickening crack. Pain exploded through his body, his vision going black as he felt consciousness slipping away, the impact so severe that he was sure he was about to die.

Yet, just as his body braced for the fatal end, something utterly unexpected happened.

Out of nowhere, Bai Huolong’s ominous black sphere which had been an extension of his very essence, tore itself from his grasp. It hovered for a brief second, suspended in the air, then shot across the room toward Gregor’s crumpled form. In a blur, the sphere reached him and, as if responding to some hidden force, generated a protective barrier around Gregor, slowing his momentum, absorbing the final impact of his fall, and even starting to slowly heal him.

The man blinked, barely comprehending what had just happened. Before he could even process the shock, a notification from the system materialized before his eyes, glowing with an ethereal light.

[Notice: The ‘Karma Devil Ball’ has recognized you as its new master.]

Gregor’s eyes widened in astonishment as he read the message.

“What…?”

He whispered, his voice shaky. He reached out instinctively, his fingers brushing against the surface of the ‘Karma Devil Ball’, which now pulsed faintly in his presence, as though it had truly accepted him.

In the distance, Bai Huolong’s expression twisted into a mixture of rage and disbelief. His aura flared violently, dark energy surging around him as he took in the scene, his connection to the Karma Devil Ball severed without warning.

"You miserable wretch!”

Bai Huolong’s eyes widened in disbelief, his gaze fixed on the Karma Devil Ball hovering by Gregor’s side. His mind raced, trying to comprehend what had just occurred. The sphere was supposed to choose the individual with the most accursed karma as its master—something he had long assumed was solely his burden to bear aside from the other Dons. He had accumulated the karma of over 1500 lives, each soul absorbed and weighed within that dark sphere. How could this mere human possess a darker karma than his own?

But he had no time to dwell on it. The moment his connection to the Karma Devil Ball was severed, the powerful state of ‘Infernal Karma Manifestation’ faded away, unraveling his enhancements. His physical and spiritual attributes began plummeting, and a sickening sensation swept over him as the adverse effects of the skill’s withdrawal took hold.

Adam, watching with keen eyes, saw the system notification appear, signaling Bai Huolong’s sudden vulnerability. He raised his voice, shouting at the top of his lungs.

“Everyone! He’s weakening!”

Those words ignited a spark of hope in the battered group. Despite the agony coursing through their bodies, Drake and Kazue drew on the last reserves of strength granted by their ‘Outstanding Rookie’ titles. Tears mingled with the sweat on their faces, both from the physical pain and the exhaustion that threatened to overwhelm them. But they could not let this opportunity slip away. Together, they rose to their feet, rallying around Adam’s call.

Bai Huolong’s eyes flicked between them, sensing their renewed determination. Even with his strength diminished, his pride flared defiantly. He sneered, his voice laced with contempt.

“Weak as I may be… I’m more than enough to crush worms like you!”

Yet, just as he spat out those words, a sudden, sharp agony ripped across his back. He gasped, feeling the burning sensation of three deep cuts tearing through his flesh. His blood sprayed into the air, staining the ground beneath him as a guttural scream escaped his lips. He whirled around, eyes wild with pain and confusion. But there was no one there—at least, no one that he could see with normal vision.

Then his ‘Cursed Eyes’ flared to life, revealing a shadowy, indistinct figure that no one else could perceive. His gaze twisted with confusion, as though he could scarcely believe what he was seeing. But that brief moment of distraction and pain opened him up to his enemies.

Drake moved first, using every last ounce of his remaining energy. He dashed forward, clenching his fist and channeling his ki until it felt as heavy as solid steel. With a shout, he brought his fist down onto Bai Huolong’s chest, the force of 700 kilograms / 1500 pounds behind the blow. The Don’s body buckled, slamming into the floor with a resounding crash, the impact sending shockwaves through the room.

Kazue followed close behind, ignoring the searing pain from her own wounds and gritting her teeth, focusing all of her power on her right gauntlet. Sparks crackled around her fist as she formed an electric drill of pure electric energy. With a fierce cry, she drove her fist into Bai Huolong’s shoulder, the electric drill piercing his flesh and sending violent jolts through his body. The smell of burnt skin filled the air as her attack left a gaping, charred wound.

Shen, bloodied but resolute, advanced next. He steadied himself, his breaths ragged, and drew upon the last of his strength, whirling his staff as he closed in, a masterful display of martial prowess, and with one swift, powerful motion, he struck Bai Huolong with an upward blow. The impact lifted Bai’s body from the ground, sending him soaring into the air, several meters above them.

At that moment, Li, who had been maintaining his previous spell, saw his chance. With a deep breath, he released the enchantment on the Goliath and poured every ounce of his remaining energy into his spellbook. The pages glowed with an intense, blinding light as he chanted the incantation for his most devastating spell.

[Shin Kuria Draak]

The book erupted in green plasma, taking the form of a colossal, winged serpent that coiled above them, a beast of pure energy crackling with deadly intent.

Bai Huolong, still airborne and severely weakened, looked up in horror as the serpentine creature lunged toward him. He raised his arms in a desperate attempt to defend himself, but it was useless, the plasma dragon slammed into him with an explosion of energy, engulfing him entirely. Flames and green plasma consumed his body, reducing his clothes to ash and scorching his skin until it was blackened and raw. His charred form plummeted from the sky, crashing to the ground with a sickening thud. He lay there, barely conscious, his body wracked with pain, soft groans of agony escaping his lips.

Jianfeng stepped forward, his transformation still active, his gaze somber as he looked down at his once-powerful adversary. He spoke, his voice filled with a quiet sorrow.

“Goodbye… Old friend.”

Gathering the last of his own energy, Jianfeng clenched his fist and drove it straight into Bai Huolong’s abdomen. His fist tore through flesh and bone, piercing the man’s core with merciless finality. The Don’s eyes widened in shock, a final gasp escaping his lips before his body went limp, life fading from him at last.

As Bai Huolong’s body lay lifeless, a cold silence settled over the room. Moments later, a system notification appeared before each of them, glowing with a victorious golden hue that read:

[Victory granted to the Alliance + users group.] [Barrier from “I’m not locked up in here with you. You’re locked up in here with me” Plot Device has been lifted.]

With the message displayed, the green barrier that had trapped them in that cursed place shimmered and dissolved, releasing them from its oppressive confines. As the barrier faded, each fighter’s body finally gave in to the overwhelming exhaustion and pain they had been holding back. One by one, they dropped to the floor, unable to stand any longer.

Drake’s breath came in short, ragged gasps, his knuckles bruised and bleeding. Kazue lay nearby, eyes half-closed, her body shivering as the residual effects of her electrical attack continued to tingle across her skin. Even Shen, ever resilient, was slumped against the wall, his staff lying beside him as he tried to steady his breaths.

Jianfeng, under the last few seconds of the ‘Celestial Ascension Flame’ effect, knelt on one knee, his face pale. His eyes were distant, a lingering shadow of sorrow crossing his features as he reflected on the price he’d paid. Five hundred years of ki… Gone in a single moment, he didn’t know how they’d manage to face what was coming next.

Adam, panting heavily, understood Jianfeng’s thoughts and clenched his teeth, forcing himself to sit up. His arms trembled as he tried to rise, muscles screaming in protest, but he pushed through the pain.

“Now’s not the time for regrets.”

He managed to say, his voice shaky yet resolute.

“We can think about the future later. Right now, we just need to get out of here.”

His gaze flicked around the room, assessing his companions. Noticing Katya standing nearby, untouched and unscathed, he called out to her.

“Katya, help anyone who can’t move, please.”

Without hesitation, Katya moved to Kazue’s side, gently kneeling down, reaching out to support her friend’s weakened body. Kazue gave a faint nod, her lips pressed into a tight line as she winced at the movement, but she managed a small, weary smile.

“Thanks…”

She whispered, her voice barely audible. Adam turned to the others, who were in varying states of disrepair.

“The rest of you, gather up. Let’s see if Sebastian’s Goliath can carry us. We need to leave this place as soon as possible.”

Just as he finished speaking, he felt a sudden weight settle onto his shoulder. He tensed, but before he could react, a voice sounded right next to his ear, calm yet taunting.

“Aha, and then what?”

Adam froze, his blood running cold as he registered the familiar voice. Turning slowly, he found himself face-to-face with Don Park Zhen, the city’s regent. The man was standing casually beside him, a relaxed smile on his lips as if he hadn’t just appeared out of nowhere.

The rest of the group, barely able to lift their heads, glanced over, their exhaustion temporarily forgotten as they stared at the man in shock.