Evan Chu frowned slightly. As expected, the domain of a Third-Layer Venerable Martial expert is completely different from a Second-Layer’s—it can fuse elemental power within it. Maybe there are also Water Domains, Wood Domains, or even Metal Domains and the like.
With a thought, Evan immediately spoke to Jade Chu inside his storage ring: “Qing’er, someone’s about to attack your big brother. What should I do?”
Evan thought Jade Chu was still asleep and was just testing her, but unexpectedly, as soon as he finished speaking, Jade Chu’s voice rang out: “Big brother, I already knew! I was just about to come out when you called me. Don’t worry, this guy isn’t even worth my attention.”
Evan knew all too well how terrifying Jade Chu’s azure barrier was—its defensive power could probably withstand attacks from even a Fifth-Layer Venerable Martial expert, and it was even stronger than his own Starforge Body.
Actually, Evan was totally mistaken in thinking this way. Even though he’d now broken through to the Seventh Layer of the Starforge Body and his defenses were formidable, he could still get hurt. That’s mainly because of the gap in cultivation realms—if Evan were also at the Third-Layer Venerable Martial Realm, then even standing still, the enemy wouldn’t be able to harm him at all.
The Starforge Body is an absolutely terrifying body-refinement technique—hardly anyone can truly master it. The suffering it demands is beyond what most people could ever endure; just look at what Evan went through to break into the Seventh Layer.
The stronger you get, the greater the Starforge Body’s defense becomes. None of the sword spirits ever told him this—he’ll just have to figure it out for himself over time.
“Qing’er, you’re really working hard for me. I honestly don’t know how to thank you!” Evan said to Jade Chu.
Jade Chu replied right away, “Hehe, big brother, why are you saying all that? I’m your little sister!” Hearing this, Evan was deeply moved.
“Father, that Grand Elder is so shameless—he’s actually using his Fire Domain against Evan! He’s obviously bullying him for not having reached the Venerable Martial Realm yet!” Princess Ivy, seeing the sky ablaze with fire, shouted angrily.
Just then, a thick killing intent flashed across the Grand Elder's face. "Boy, how do you like the taste of my domain? Today, I'll show you what death really means!"
Evan couldn't move, but the Chaos Dragon Force inside him surged wildly. With his current cultivation, if he used Star-Cleave and the Unicorn Arm, he was certain he could kill this old bastard. But doing that might spark fierce backlash from the Shade Clan below.
Even if the Shade Lord wanted to protect him, he'd be powerless. Evan couldn't afford to make everyone hate him—going against his own clan for the sake of a human would be too much.
He'd already prepared to use Star-Cleave, but decided to keep the Unicorn Arm hidden as his trump card. Now he wanted to see if his Fourth-Layer Saint Martial Realm attack power could match the Star-Cleave plus Unicorn Arm combo he had back at Second-Layer.
The Grand Elder's longsword suddenly erupted in flames, slashing out a blinding blaze. In an instant, the fire transformed into a phantom fire dragon, which let out a sky-shaking roar as it lunged for Evan.
When the fire dragon was just two meters from Evan, his body could move again. He simply smiled at the phantom beast—if he revealed his Golden Dragon Body now, he was sure the fire dragon would freeze instantly. Even though it was just a phantom, the difference in rank was obvious.
Being able to unleash this attack meant the Grand Elder clearly had some connection to fire dragons. In this world, certain martial techniques are powerful precisely because they borrow external forces. For this fire dragon phantom, he was tapping into the energy of the ancient Dragon God.
Of course, there were also the Vermilion Bird, Black Tortoise, White Tiger, Unicorn, Golden-Winged Roc, and so on. But few could truly grasp their essence. Evan didn't hesitate—he quickly pulled out the Frostbane Sword from his storage ring.
At that moment, Jade Chu manifested an azure barrier, shielding Evan. The fire dragon's attack slammed into the barrier, but Evan only felt a slight tremor in front of him.
Still, the martial arts of a Third-Layer Venerable were nothing to scoff at. The fire dragon was blocked, but instantly split into countless flames that surrounded Evan, trying to burn him alive. At the same time, the Grand Elder launched a second attack...
Others might not understand, but the Shade Lord knew very well: a domain might be powerful, but the cost is enormous. In truth, it's a kind of martial technique—just a very special one. The stronger the domain, the greater the drain on one's internal energy. For the Grand Elder to unleash his domain now, it meant he'd realized how terrifying this youth was and had no choice but to go all out.
"How could I be wrong? I've told you already, he's a rare genius, but you didn't believe me. He's only at Fourth-Layer Saint Martial Realm right now, that's the absolute truth! That's why I'm so worried about him. But he promised me he could handle it, so I didn't stop the Grand Elder. Otherwise, no matter how strong the Grand Elder is, I'd have stepped in." Princess Ivy said honestly.
Hearing Princess Ivy say this, the Shade Lord was so shaken he nearly lost his balance. The news was just too shocking—even someone at his level could barely process it. "Are you serious, Princess Ivy? Fourth-Layer Saint Martial Realm? My god, just who is this human youth? For you to encounter him... it looks like the Shade Clan really has hope for greatness now. We must do everything we can to keep him in the Shade Clan!"
"Haha, I told you you'd be satisfied once you met him, didn't I? Was I wrong? Who am I, after all—is just anyone good enough to catch my eye?" Princess Ivy said happily. Getting her father's approval was the best thing ever; she was already daydreaming about holding a wedding with Evan.
After glancing at Evan floating in the air, Princess Ivy still couldn't help but worry. "Father, I'm really scared Evan won't be able to withstand the Grand Elder's attack. Please, help him! What if he gets killed?"
"I don't think so. Trust your father! He knows that Venerable Martial experts use domains, but if Evan promised you he could withstand it, that means he has the strength. Let's just watch for now. If he really is in danger, I won't stand by and do nothing." the Shade Lord replied.
Princess Ivy relaxed a little after hearing the Shade Lord's answer. "Thank you, Father! I'll thank you on Evan's behalf too!"
"Haha, daughters really do grow up and can't be kept home, huh? You haven't even married him yet and you're already speaking up for him." The Shade Lord chuckled.
Right now, everyone was watching the two figures in the sky, not even knowing how to describe Evan's ability to go toe-to-toe with the Grand Elder.
Just then, a thick killing intent flashed across the Grand Elder's face. "Boy, how do you like the taste of my domain? Today, I'll show you what death really means!"