The massive explosion painted the sky red, black smoke spiraling downward. In Chang'an City, panicked citizens stared in terror at the unnatural scene above.
In the palace, Emperor Adrian Long stood by a lotus pond, his usually calm face slightly pale. His palms and back were soaked with sweat as he anxiously awaited news from outside the city walls.
"Your Majesty! Your Majesty!" The head eunuch burst into the room, falling to his knees.
"What happened outside the city?" Adrian Long asked sharply.
"Your Majesty... it's Jason Ji... he... defied the heavens!" the eunuch stammered.
"What do you mean? Explain yourself!" Adrian Long demanded, his brows furrowed.
The eunuch swallowed nervously, pointing towards the ominous black and red sky. "Jason Ji... he killed Tao Bai!"
What?! Adrian Long's shock was evident as he exclaimed, "How is that possible? Tao Bai was the deputy of the Sky Kill Pavilion, a legendary realm powerhouse... how could Jason possibly achieve that?"
"It was... the Fire Lotus!" the eunuch said, his voice filled with awe and terror.
Adrian Long raised his gaze to the swirling black and red sky, silent for a long time. At last, he muttered, "This boy has truly defied the heavens…"
On the viewing terrace of the Dong Clan estate, Livia Dong stood with her gaze fixed on the sky, now stained like a fiery sunset. The cool wind stirred her long, elaborate gown as she watched, a hint of satisfaction on her lips.
"So, Tao Bai is dead, then?" she murmured, unsurprised.
"Yes, Miss," Shadow, her aide, replied with a complex expression. She had seen the explosion firsthand, and it was hard to fathom such power coming from a Star Convergence cultivator.
Livia turned, a faint smile playing on her lips. "It seems this Jason has some talent—nearly as much as me." Shadow shivered slightly at Livia's cold smile.
"What should we do next, Miss?" Shadow asked quietly.
"Nothing," Livia replied with a raised brow. "This Jason has piqued my interest. I want to see who he really is." She motioned for Shadow to leave. "Now, let me enjoy the view."
The scene shifted to the outskirts of Chang'an City, where Ethan Ye stood a thousand meters from the blast's center, his clothes drenched in sweat. He had watched Jason obliterate Tao Bai with a single move. His confidence, once so solid, now wavered, replaced by a sense of inadequacy.
Master, he's too strong... I'm not confident I can challenge him, Ethan admitted, his voice low.
Lady Ning placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "There is always a way, Ethan. You don't need to face him alone."
"But, Master..." Ethan's voice trembled with determination. "If you step in every time, how will I ever become truly powerful?"
Lady Ning smiled, her gaze shifting toward the distant figure of Jason. "I never doubted you," she said softly. Glancing back at Jason, a spark of interest glinted in her eyes. "It's time I meet him myself."
At the center of the battlefield, Jason swayed slightly, shaking his head as fatigue washed over him. He let out a small chuckle. "I knew it... I really can't go using that move whenever I feel like it."
The Buddha's Furious Lotus had drained nearly seventy percent of his True Essence and half his spiritual energy. Still, as he looked up at the sky tinted with black and red, a faint satisfaction warmed him.
Just then, a familiar chime echoed in his mind.
Ding! Congratulations, Host, for defeating a legendary powerhouse, Tao Bai. Destiny Points +600.
Ding! Host has advanced to Star Convergence Eight-Star.
Ding! Host has advanced to Star Convergence Nine-Star.
Amid the commotion, Master Tian Xing walked up to Jason, excitement shining in his eyes. Holding up his parchment, he said, "Congratulations, Brother Jason! It's a feat only a select few in history have accomplished—defeating a legendary being."
Jason's lips twitched as he recognized the excitement of the Ten Directions Pavilion's "reporter." Like the journalists on his home planet, no reporter could resist a story that would spread across the world. And Master Tian Xing was no exception.
As Jason contemplated the increased attention this battle might draw, he shook his head. If anything, pressure would push him to grow faster.
"Let's go; we've already delayed long enough," Jason said, turning to Dong Junn, who clapped him on the shoulder, laughing heartily.
"Good son-in-law! You've given the Dong Clan a major victory today!"
Jason rubbed his nose awkwardly. "Then let's get moving—back to the city." The group began to head back to Chang'an City when Master Tian Xing suddenly called out.
"One last thing, Brother Jason! What do you call that move you used?"
Everyone, including Dragon Long and Skylar Do, perked up with curiosity.
Without looking back, Jason raised a hand and replied, "Buddha's Furious Lotus."
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