The Pavilion Master''s expression grew darker as he observed this.


    Every symptom pointed to one conclusion - my golden core had suffered real damage.


    I wiped away the blood trickling from my mouth, showing no signs of panic on my face.


    "Your condition..." the Pavilion Master started.


    I raised my hand dismissively: "Don''t worry about me, Lord Pavilion Master. I need to head to Capital City and track down Aiden Eve."


    "What happens if Aiden Eve refuses to hand over the Stone of Heaven and Earth?" the Pavilion Master pressed.


    I spoke with cold determination: "I''ve been far too lenient, and that''s why everyone thinks they can risk everything to capture Mabel Sean."


    Though I hadn''t answered his question directly, my meaning was crystal clear.


    I said nothing more, took my leave from the Pavilion Master, and walked out of the Divine Alchemist Pavilion.


    Right now, I had no better method to shield the Pavilion Master and Mabel Sean - not unless I could locate a Mystic Realm.


    ——


    Capital City, Pavilion of Heavenly Secrets.


    The ce buzzed with activity as countless customers browsed magical artifacts and premium weapons.


    Naturally, the serious high-end clients weren''t mingling in this main hall, but conducting business in the vi tucked behind the Pavilion of Heavenly Secrets'' central building.


    Three Half-step Martial Sages currently upied the vi.


    Each gripped a magical artifact.


    All three items shared one crucial trait - they could immobilize an opponent''s physical form.


    Aiden Eve served them tea with a bright smile: "Do these artifacts meet your expectations, gentlemen?"


    "They''ll do," they agreed with nods.


    "Lord Eve, what''s the cost for these three magical artifacts?"


    Aiden Eve chuckled warmly: "Since all three artifacts are premium quality, the pricing naturally reflects that standard."


    He raised three fingers as he spoke.


    "Three billion," he stated casually.


    The steep price caused all three to grimace slightly.


    While Half-step Martial Sages weren''t exactly poor, three billion still represented a massive investment.


    "Three billion... that''s definitely steep," one muttered with creased brows.


    "Well, if we can eliminate that Mason Raymond, three billion bes a bargain," another reasoned with a nod.


    At these words, Aiden Eve shot to his feet in shock: "What was that? Eliminate Mason Raymond?"


    "Exactly. Why, do you have dealings with him, Lord Eve?" one of the Half-step Martial Sages asked.


    Rather than responding directly, Aiden Eve''s eyes narrowed thoughtfully: "Since Mason Raymond is your target, I''ll sh the price on these three artifacts - take them for one billion."


    "Really?" The trio exchanged looks before breaking into grins: "Much appreciated, Lord Eve!"


    Just then, Vivi Eve burst through the door.


    He moved close to Aiden Eve and spoke quietly: "Father, Mason Raymond has arrived. Our security can''t hold him back."


    "Mason Raymond is here?" Aiden Eve''s eyebrows shot up, a flicker of satisfaction crossing his features.


    "Don''t bother stopping him - let hime in," he instructed.


    Vivi looked stunned, seemingly ready to protest, but Aiden Eve silenced him with a gesture.


    As they spoke, I strode into the room with confident steps.


    I dropped into the seat next to Aiden Eve and helped myself to tea without ceremony.


    "Mason, what brings you by?" Aiden Eve asked with a smirk.


    I looked at him steadily: "I''m here to collect something from Lord Eve."


    "Is that so?" Aiden Eve''s eyebrow arched upward.


    "And what exactly would that be?"


    I sipped my tea calmly: "The Stone of Heaven and Earth."


    Those four words made Aiden Eve''s expression shift dramatically!


    He leaped up and snarled: "The Stone of Heaven and Earth? Mason Raymond, you must be kidding."


    "Do I look like I''m kidding? One Stone of Heaven and Earth in exchange for your family''s survival - seems like a fair trade," I replied.


    Aiden Eve''s face turned stormy as murderous thoughts toward me flooded his mind!


    "This is straight-up theft," the three Half-step Martial Sages interjected.


    I nced their way: "Mind your own damn business."


    "Ha, looks like our target just walked right into our hands," the three said as they rose.


    "Mason Raymond, we were hunting for you, but you''ve saved us the trouble by showing up here."


    I narrowed my eyes with a cold smile: "And who might you be? Which faction or family do you represent?"


    "That''s irrelevant. You''re definitely dying today," they replied coolly.


    I cocked an eyebrow andughed: "Since I''m apparently doomed anyway, what''s the harm in sharing?"


    The three looked at each other, apparently finding my reasoning sound.


    "Fine, no point in hiding it. Listen well - we represent the northwestern noble house, the Walters!" they dered loudly.


    I stroked my chin thoughtfully: "Walters... Perfect, I''ll start with you three then."


    "Start? Start what?" They seemed confused.


    I sneered: "Making an example to scare the rest."


    With that, I flung the tea from my cup!


    The liquid carried my immense spiritual energy, each droplet packing ten thousand pounds of force!


    They thrust out their palms, light shing as they detonated the tea drops!


    "Strike! Kill him!" they shouted.


    Immediately, they began powering up their magical artifacts!


    These were Divine Rank Artifacts, personally crafted by Aiden Eve and designed specifically to target physical bodies!


    Their confidence soared ordingly.


    As the artifacts activated, beams of light instantly struck my body!


    For a moment, my body felt trapped in thick mud! The zing light began eating away at my strong physique!


    "Without your physical strength, you''re worthless!" they yelled!


    I smirked: "You really think lower-grade Divine Rank artifacts can hold me?"


    The instant I finished speaking, my body trembled as Golden Light exploded outward!


    "BOOM!"


    The magical artifacts in their hands actually shatteredpletely!


    "Impossible... How can this be!" The three Half-step Martial Saints'' faces went white with shock!


    Aiden Eve''s eyes bulged even wider!


    As their creator, he knew exactly how powerful those magical artifacts were!


    "Aiden Eve! You sold us counterfeits!" The three assumed they''d been cheated and started screaming at Aiden Eve!


    Hearing this, I raised an eyebrow in mild surprise: "Those Divine Rank Artifacts were your handiwork? I''ll admit, you''ve got some talent."


    Aiden Eve stayed silent, cold sweat beading on his forehead.


    Realizing things had gone south, the three tried to make their escape.


    But I wasn''t about to let them flee. Before they could even turn around, golden light had already descended upon them!


    This was just a casual punch from me. Golden dragon shapes spiraled around my arm as devastating force erupted from my fist!


    "BOOM!"


    My fist connected solidly with all three, the horrifying prating power even punching through the vi''s walls!


    "Pfft!"


    A single punch was enough to pierce their bodies, their life force immediately fading!


    Aiden Eve witnessed this and couldn''t help but gasp!


    Before he could fully process what he''d seen, a thunderous crash echoed from outside the vi!


    Looking out, they saw a small mountain in the distance crumbling!


    Everyone''s faces filled with amazement!


    The aftershock of my punch hadn''t just demolished the walls - it had actually toppled that distant mountain!