From the exterior, the Spiritual Spring appeared broader, its internal qi growing thicker.


    Spike Viktor emerged from the Mystic Realm.


    The moment he stepped outside, a sharp, metallic scent of blood hit his nostrils.


    This overwhelming smell of carnage masked the qi emanating from the Spiritual Spring.


    Countless bodies had created a disturbing dark energy that now permeated Green Moon Vi.


    The sinister energy shed with the Spiritual Spring''s power, inadvertently concealing the spring''s presence.


    "This..." Even though Spike Viktor had mentally prepared himself, horror still shed across his features as he surveyed the scene.


    The expansive Green Moon Vi had transformed into a hellishndscape for ordinary people!


    Evidence of catastrophey everywhere—exposed bones, strips of human flesh, and pools of dried blood covering the ground.


    The scattered corpses had suffered horrific deaths: yed alive, bones ripped out, burned, tortured beyond recognition.


    Spike Viktor''splexion turned ashen at the sight.


    The reality exceeded his worst expectations.


    "Green Moon Vi...pletely wiped out..." Spike Viktor whispered.


    He wanted to flee after one nce, but the horrifying scene stirred deep concern within him.


    After considerable deliberation, Spike Viktor chose to investigate more thoroughly.


    ——


    Three months had already psed.


    During this period, Pyro''s martial world had experienced dramatic changes.


    Numerous sects, empowered by Martial Saints among their ranks, had risen to be the era''s true power brokers.


    To keep them under strict control, the Capital City Martial Arts Association held countless meetings.


    This burden overwhelmed Garcia Coleman, forcing him to delegate Mason''s search to Star while he managed sect coordination.


    "Our manpower is critically low." Garcia Coleman furrowed his brow.


    "We need to recruit more people from the Second Secret Realm."


    Barret, positioned beside him, agreed, "Absolutely, and we should also employ both incentives and penalties with them to preventplications."


    Garcia studied Barret, "You''re suggesting the Capital City Martial Arts Association should distribute its advantages?"


    "Not just distribute—be generous with them." Barret inhaled deeply.


    Garcia remained quiet briefly, apparently considering the proposal.


    Eventually, Garcia agreed, "Very well, we''ll follow your rmendation, and we must also begin recruiting new members immediately."


    Mason Raymond hadpletely eliminated the purple-robed Capital City Martial Arts Association members, creating a severe personnel shortage.


    Therefore, under Garcia''s direction, the recruitment of new membersmenced.


    ——


    Meanwhile, Spike traveled to every location where problems might have emerged, including Capital City and Divine Alchemist Pavilion.


    When he discovered that seven Martial Saints were actively hunting for Mason, Spike couldn''t suppress a sharp intake of breath.


    "Seven Martial Saints... they''re certainly making a statement." Spike sighed.


    Spike dedicated two full days to researching the developments of these three months. On the third day, he intended to return to the Mystic Realm.


    When he hurried back to Green Moon Vi, he crept toward the Spiritual Spring with extreme caution.


    The spring had turned crimson, and though it contained qi, the energy was contaminated with a potent stench of blood.


    "With seven Martial Saints standing guard, Mason must stay well hidden." Spike mused.


    As he prepared to activate the Secret Realm Entrance, two figures suddenly materialized nearby.


    Both radiated powerful auras, clearly at the Military Marquis Realm''s peak level!


    They were now watching Spike, their expressions filled with suspicion.


    "Who are you and what brings you here?" They studied Spike with cold, guarded stares.


    Spike''s expression shifted slightly, but he suppressed his rm and grinned, "I heard about a ughter here, so I thought I might find some leftover treasures..."


    "Treasures?" The pair looked at each other, thenughed mockingly, "Even if any remained, they wouldn''t be yours. Young master Connor Baton imed everything."


    "Connor Baton? Which Connor Baton?" Spike inquired carefully.


    "Obviously Saumel Baton''s son! You dare hunt for treasures here without knowing who he is?" The two men mocked.


    Spike nodded with understanding.


    "If you have no purpose here, then go. We don''t allow strangers." The duo waved him away dismissively.


    Hurriedly, Spike agreed, "Of course, I''ll leave right away..."


    Under these circumstances, Spike couldn''t ess the Mystic Realm and had to depart.


    "Wait? There appears to be a qi source within." One of them suddenly detected something unusual about the Spiritual Spring.


    "This qi... it''s definitelying from over there."


    "That''s the Great Saint Sect''s Spiritual Spring, I''ve heard about it."


    "Enough staring, Lord Williams will examine this area tomorrow, we should concentrate on our responsibilities."


    The two conversed quietly, but Spike caught every word clearly.


    After days of investigation, Spike knew precisely who Lord Williams was.


    He was a renowned Mystic Realm Master! He possessed tens of thousands of mystic keys!


    Every Mystic Realm Master recognized his reputation!


    "This is terrible, if Audrey Williams arrives, he''ll certainly detect something suspicious about this location." Spike''s heart sank with realization.


    "With his abilities, breaking into this ce would be child''s y..."