A Saint-level Expert Appears

The night was deep and dark.

Steller stood amid the ruins of the battlefield, his gaze sweeping over the area like a hawk's. Under the moonlight, the bloodstains on the ground had dried to a dark brown. The signs of battle were clear: the earth was cracked, rubble was scattered everywhere, and several thick trees had been snapped in half, their broken ends still bearing scorch marks.

"They left not long ago." He rose to his feet, a glint flashing in his eyes.

He looked northwest. A range of mountains stretched in that direction, its terrain steep and rugged. Clouds and mist shrouded it year-round, and few people ever ventured there. In his years of tracking fugitives, he had learned that they often chose places like this to hide—easy to defend and hard to attack, convenient for staying concealed, but also easy to get trapped in.

A cold smile tugged at Steller's lips.

As a Saint-level expert of the Radiant Church, he had hunted down dozens upon dozens of fugitives. No matter how cunning the prey, it could never escape his grasp. Those people should never have rescued the Church's prisoners, much less killed its people. They would pay for what they had done.

He flashed away, vanishing into the night.

The night wind howled. Clouds blotted out the moon, plunging the land into darkness.

Yunfeng Town.

The night passed without incident.

Early the next morning, as the sky began to lighten, Akes was already stretching his muscles in the courtyard. He had kept up the habit since childhood, and even now, when he was a Ninth Rank Peak expert who held a lofty position in the eyes of ordinary people, he had never abandoned it. After completing a set of punches, his breathing was steady and his body relaxed. He felt much more refreshed.

The five Barker brothers had risen even earlier. When Akes stepped out of his room, they were already huddled in a corner of the courtyard, crouching by the wall and murmuring among themselves. From a distance, their five bald heads looked like five enormous mushrooms.

Seeing Akes come out, Barker quickly stood up and greeted him. "Good morning, brother Akes!"

The other four stood up as well, wearing simple, honest smiles. After two days of rest, they looked much better, and most of their wounds had healed. Akes glanced over them and silently nodded. He had to admit, these five were incredibly tough, with astonishing powers of recovery. An ordinary person would have been bedridden for ten days or half a month after suffering the injuries they had, but these brothers were already bouncing around after just three days.

"Where's Linley?" Akes asked.

"Brother Linley's still in his room." Barker pointed to Linley's door and lowered his voice. "He kept watch until the middle of the night, so he's probably still resting. We offered to take over, but he said it wasn't necessary."

Akes nodded. That kid Linley looked young, but he was steady and experienced. No wonder old Doehring valued him so much.

As soon as he finished speaking, Linley's door opened.

Linley walked out, his face calm and showing no sign of fatigue. Bebe was crouched on his shoulder, its little eyes darting around as it studied the people in the courtyard. Every so often, its tiny paws tugged at Linley's ear.

"You're all up?" Linley walked over and rolled his wrists. "What's the plan for today?"

Sessler happened to come out of the house. Hearing this, he stroked his grizzled beard and said, "This old man thinks we should stay here for a while." He walked into the courtyard and surveyed the surroundings. "The Church's people are surely searching everywhere. Going out now would be more dangerous. Yunfeng Town is remote, and they won't find this place right away. We should lie low until the search dies down, then figure out what to do."

Linley looked at Akes.

Akes pondered for a moment, then nodded. "All right. We can use the time to recover. I also need to consolidate my new level." He was telling the truth. Ever since breaking through to the Ninth Rank, he hadn't had a chance to properly settle into it.

"Then that's settled," Linley said. He turned to the five Barker brothers. "Barker, you five should focus on healing too. We can talk about what comes next later."

Barker hurriedly agreed. "We'll do as you say, brother Linley! We're tough as nails. Give us a few more days, and we'll be bouncing around again!"

Gates grinned beside him. "When the time comes, just tell us what you need, brother Linley. We may not be good for much else, but we've got strength to spare!"

Just then, Haeru, who had been dozing in a corner, suddenly raised its head and let out a low growl. Its fur stood on end as it bared its teeth, staring fixedly toward the entrance to town. Its front paws scraped at the ground, as if it were facing a powerful enemy.

Linley's expression changed. "Someone's coming!"

Almost at the same moment, a figure dropped from the sky and landed outside the courtyard.

He was a tall, powerfully built middle-aged man with short, spiky blond hair and a face as sharply chiseled as a blade. He wore a dark robe embroidered with golden patterns along the hem, and the Radiant Church's emblem was stitched over his chest. Most frightening of all, he was a warrior who could fly through the air—a clear sign that he was Saint-level.

A Saint-level expert.

Steller's gaze swept over the people in the courtyard like a tangible force, then settled on Linley. He narrowed his eyes slightly, a cold curve forming at the corner of his mouth.

"Linley Baruch." His voice wasn't loud, but each word struck the hearts of those present like a heavy hammer. "You killed my Church's people and rescued its prisoners. You've got some nerve."

Linley said nothing.

The dragon blood in his body boiled rapidly. Blue-black dragon scales emerged from beneath his skin and quickly covered his entire body. Two short horns sprouted from his forehead, and his hands became sharp dragon claws. His aura surged from the Eighth Rank all the way to the Ninth Rank Peak.

Akes had already gathered the Fallen Heart Flame in his palm, where it leapt like a living fire. At the same time, he activated his protective True Essence, and a golden shield appeared around him. He narrowed his eyes as he studied Steller.

Sessler was chanting a spell as well, his aged voice low and urgent. The temperature around them plummeted, frost spread across the ground, and deathly energy began to gather from every direction. Necromancers were at a disadvantage in direct combat, but given enough time to summon an army of undead, Sessler might still stand a chance.

The five Barker brothers didn't know what was happening, but they could tell the situation was dire. Instinctively, they formed a circle and clenched their fists, their muscles bulging as they prepared to fight. Though their strength was low, they had never been the sort to abandon their companions and run.

Steller watched their reactions and gave a scornful smile.

"A bunch of ants."

He raised his hand. Holy light gathered in his palm, forming a dazzling beam that was too bright to look at. He casually swung his arm, and the beam swept toward them. The ground exploded wherever it passed, sending rubble flying and leaving scorched marks in the air.

Linley charged first.

His transformed body burst forward with astonishing speed, and he swung his dragon claws into the beam. With a thunderous boom, Linley was sent flying backward. He crashed into the courtyard wall, which collapsed around him, burying him beneath bricks and stones. The next moment, he climbed out of the rubble. Blood trickled from his mouth, and his arm trembled slightly, but his gaze remained firm.

"Is that all you've got?" he gritted out.

Akes's spears of fire shot forward.

Three spears of Fallen Heart Flame flew toward Steller in a triangular formation, moving so fast they arrived in the blink of an eye. The flames tore through the air with a piercing whistle. Steller raised an eyebrow and lifted his hand, forming a shield of holy light.

The fiery spears struck the shield with a sizzling sound, scattering sparks everywhere. The shield shuddered violently, and countless fine cracks appeared across its surface, but it held.

A look of surprise flashed in Steller's eyes. "Not bad."

He looked at Akes with greater interest. A Ninth Rank attack had shaken his shield. This man was no ordinary opponent.

He raised his hand again. Holy light gathered into a gigantic palm and came crashing down toward Akes. The enormous hand blotted out the sky, covering an area several yards wide and leaving nowhere to escape.

Akes immediately cast Teleportation. His figure flashed, and he reappeared ten yards away. The palm struck the ground and exploded with a crash, leaving a pit several feet deep. Dirt surged upward, and rubble flew in every direction.

Sessler's army of undead was finally ready.

Countless skeletons and zombies surged out of the earth, packed together and rushing toward Steller like a tide. The skeletons wielded rusty swords and knives, while the zombies dragged their rotting bodies forward, charging without fear of death. Steller gave a cold snort and unleashed a burst of holy light. Wherever it passed, the undead melted away like snow, turning to ash in an instant.

"A necromancer?" Steller looked at Sessler, revulsion in his eyes. "Defiling the dead and sullying the dignity of life. I may as well deal with you too."

He took a single step and appeared in front of Sessler, then brought his palm down.

Sessler's face changed drastically. He had no time to dodge.

Just then, Linley charged forward again. His transformed body unleashed every ounce of its strength as he punched toward Steller's back. The wind howled around his fist, distorting the very air. Steller had no choice but to turn and block. Their fists collided, and Linley was sent flying again, but Sessler seized the chance to escape. He staggered backward, gasping for breath.

Bebe pounced from the side, its little claws reaching for Steller's eyes. It moved like lightning, leaving a string of afterimages in the air. Steller tilted his head slightly. Bebe's claws raked across his face, but even its sharp talons left nothing more than a few faint white lines.

"Looking to die?"

Steller struck back with his hand. Bebe went flying and slammed into a tree, snapping the trunk in two. It hit the ground, rolled over, then scrambled back to its feet with a snarl.

Haeru roared and pounced, jaws opening to bite Steller's leg. Without even looking, Steller kicked it away. Haeru's massive body flew straight through the courtyard wall and crashed into the ruins, where it writhed on the ground.

The five Barker brothers wanted to rush in and help, but they weren't strong enough even to get close. The shockwaves from a Saint-level battle could kill them. All they could do was stand at the edge, anxiously milling about with their fists clenched so tightly their knuckles turned white.

Akes gritted his teeth and poured all his strength into the Fallen Heart Flame.

This time, he held nothing back. All his magical power poured into the fire. The Fallen Heart Flame leapt violently in his palm, changing from scarlet to golden red, then from golden red to a blinding white. He formed it into an enormous spear of fire.

Go!

The spear shot through the air, leaving a molten trench in the ground as it passed. It went straight for Steller, moving too fast for the naked eye to follow.

Steller finally took the fight seriously.

He brought his hands together, and holy light gathered in front of him, forming a thick shield. Complex patterns appeared across its surface—the hardened defense that only Saint-level experts could wield. The spear of fire struck the shield, erupting in a blinding flash, as though a miniature sun had exploded in the courtyard. The shield shuddered violently, groaning as if it could no longer bear the strain. Countless fine cracks appeared across its surface, but in the end, it held.

Steller's expression shifted slightly.

The power of that attack had already exceeded the Ninth Rank and touched the threshold of the Saint-level.

But it had only made his expression shift slightly.

He raised his hand, and holy light gathered once more. This time, it formed countless swords of light, densely packed and suspended in midair, their points aimed at everyone present. Light shimmered along their blades, radiating an aura of destruction.

"It's over."

He waved his hand, and the swords of light rained down.

Linley gritted his teeth and moved to the front. Dragon scales covered his body. He crossed his arms over his vital points, preparing to take the blow head-on. Akes raised his True Essence shield as magical power surged through him, ready to cast Ice Block at any moment. That was his last resort for survival, but he had no idea whether it could stop the swords. Sessler's face was deathly pale. His magical power was spent, and he could no longer fight. The five Barker brothers closed their eyes and waited for death.

Just then.

A shadow dropped from the sky and landed in front of them.

He was a lean man dressed in a simple gray robe, with long black hair hanging loosely over his shoulders.

Steller's pupils contracted sharply.

"Who are you?"

The man turned around, revealing a slightly pale face. His features were ordinary, yet he had an indescribable air about him. He looked at Steller with a faint, enigmatic smile. It held mockery and disdain, as well as the amusement of someone watching a show.

"The Radiant Church is getting more and more arrogant." His voice was casual, as though he were commenting on the weather.

Steller's expression changed drastically.

He recognized this man—the King of Assassins, Cesar. A Deity-level expert, and one of the most powerful beings on the entire Yulan Continent. What was he doing here?

Cesar paid no attention to Steller's expression. Instead, he turned to Linley and gave a slight nod. "Linley, it's been a long time."

Linley ended his dragonform and clasped his hands in greeting. "Mr. Cesar." His tone was respectful.

Cesar waved a hand, then looked at the five Barker brothers. His gaze traveled up and down them, and a complicated look flashed in his eyes.

"What are your names?"

Barker blinked, unsure why such an important figure was interested in them. He answered honestly. "My name is Barker. These are my brothers—Gates, Ankh, Bullen, and Welin."

Cesar fell silent for a moment, then sighed softly.

"To think Amanda's descendants have fallen to such a state."

Barker looked completely bewildered. "Amanda? Who's that?"

Cesar didn't answer. He turned to Steller instead. His voice was still calm, but carried an unquestionable authority. "Go back and tell your pope that I'm protecting these five. From now on, no one from the Radiant Church is to lay a finger on them."

Steller's face turned livid. "Cesar, you'd best stay out of the Radiant Church's business. This is official Church business, and you're an outsider—"

"What if I insist on getting involved?" Cesar cut him off with a laugh. It was casual, as if he'd just heard a joke.

He lifted his hand and gave a light wave.

Without any warning, Steller was struck by an invisible mountain. He flew backward, smashing through several walls before tumbling through the ruins for dozens of yards. At last, he landed in an open space several dozen yards away. He struggled to his feet and spat blood, his face as pale as paper. His robe had torn across the chest, exposing the armor beneath. The armor was caved in and covered with cracks.

Steller gritted his teeth and looked at Cesar, then at Linley and the others. In the end, he turned and staggered off into the night.

He knew that with Cesar here, he couldn't kill anyone today. If he didn't leave, he would be the one to die.

Cesar didn't pursue him.

He turned to the five Barker brothers.

"You five, come with me."

The brothers were at a loss. They looked to Linley, who nodded to show they should go. The five exchanged glances, then obediently followed Cesar.

Cesar led the brothers to the other side of the courtyard and set up a soundproof barrier. The barrier rippled like water, enclosing all six of them. Those outside could see them talking, but couldn't hear what they were saying.

Sessler struggled to his feet. Watching Cesar's back, he was filled with awe.

After a long while, the soundproof barrier faded.

The five Barker brothers returned, complicated expressions on their faces—shock, confusion, excitement, and another emotion they couldn't quite name. Barker's eyes were even slightly red, but he fought to hold back his tears. Gates bowed his head, Ankh pressed his lips together, Bullen clenched his fists, and Welin looked up at the sky.

Cesar followed behind them and looked at Linley. "These five lads are descendants of the Undying Warriors, one of the Four Ultimate Warriors. Their ancestor, Amanda, was my sworn brother."

Linley was slightly taken aback, but quickly regained his composure. No wonder they recovered so quickly. No wonder they had such strong bodies without cultivating Dou Qi. They were descendants of the Undying Warriors.

Cesar continued, "The Undying Warriors are special. They can only cultivate their clan's Dou Qi manual, the Necropolis of the Gods Manual. Other techniques are useless to them. Without the Necropolis of the Gods Manual, they can't cultivate Dou Qi and will have to rely on brute strength their entire lives." He paused. "The Necropolis of the Gods Manual is at Saber headquarters. I'll retrieve it tomorrow and bring it to them."

At those words, all five Barker brothers dropped to their knees, pressing their foreheads to the ground.

"Thank you, senior!"

Cesar waved a hand, a rare note of emotion entering his voice. "You don't need to thank me. Thank your ancestor, Amanda." He paused, his voice dropping. "He saved my life back then. Without him, I wouldn't be where I am today. Looking after his descendants now is only right."

He looked at Linley. "These five lads will stay with you for now. Keep an eye on them for me and don't let them die."

Linley nodded. "Don't worry, Mr. Cesar. I will."

Cesar grunted in acknowledgment, glanced at everyone present, then flashed away and disappeared.

The night wind swept through the courtyard, leaving it in ruins.

Akes stood where he was, looking in the direction Cesar had vanished. He couldn't help but marvel inwardly.

He turned to look at the five Barker brothers.

They were still kneeling on the ground. Barker's shoulders trembled slightly, and it was hard to tell whether he was excited or feeling something else.

Akes looked away and turned his gaze toward the distant night sky.

After tonight, none of their lives would be the same.