Chapter 139
Chapter 139 An Early Battle?
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“Jeff Ashcroft?” Tsaric’s words caused the members of the Dixon family to exchange bewildered glances. They found it unbelievable.
Jeff Ashcroft, the young Martial Sovereign who rose from Mornwick, had made quite the name for himself. First, he defeated Mason Tarlyn, the second–in–command of the Tarlyn Clan, and later killed Alek Peterson. Now, he was even invited to duel with Grayson Shire. His achievements were already remarkable and impressive enough to shock everyone. But now, the nearly invincible Sword Master of Jesund, Tsaric Dubois–Briggs, had traveled all the way to Astria to find him p>
Even Grayson’s expression flickered with curiosity at this moment. “You crossed the sea from Jesund to Astria just to find Jeff Ashcroft p>
Tsaric nodded in response. “That’s right! Young Ashcroft reached the Martial Sovereign level before the age of twenty. Such talent and potential—even Gareth Ashcroft can’t compare. Naturally, I wanted to meet such a genius. Moreover, my disciple was killed in Ravenridge, and the sword I gifted him, the Hellbringer II, was shattered into pieces. It is highly likely that Jeff Ashcroft was responsible. Based on that alone, I need to get answers from him p>
Hearing Tsaric’s words, Wade and the other Dixon family leaders felt chills down their spines. Whether it was Grayson or Tsaric, both were top–tier Martial Sovereigns–the absolute peak of the martial world. Most people could barely handle offending one of them, yet Jeff had managed to cross both their paths!
Grayson remained silent, smiling slightly. He had already thought Leander’s conflict with Raymond was audacious enough, yet now it seemed that Leander’s troubles had extended even to Jesund.
Grayson gazed up at the stars and spoke softly, “Regardless of whether Jeff Ashcroft killed your disciple, I don’t think you’ll have a chance to settle that score p>
Tsaric stared at Grayson for a long time before letting out a deep sigh. “It’s a shame, indeed! With your current strength and mastery, by tomorrow, young Ashcroft will no longer exist in
this world p>
Tsaric was no ordinary figure. Over ten years ago, he had already reached the pinnacle of swordsmanship, standing at the top of the Martial Sovereign realm, virtually unmatched. However, he lacked the time to consolidate all his knowledge and experience. After his defeat at the hands of Gareth, he retreated to Jesund and spent the next decade perfecting his swordsmanship. His power had grown immeasurably during that time.
As soon as he arrived here, Tsaric could feel the vast, ocean–like power radiating from Grayson. Grayson had already surpassed the Martial Sovereign realm and entered an entirely new level. Even Tsaric, with all his years of cultivation, didn’t dare claim victory over him–let alone a
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young fighter like Jeff.
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Grayson gave no response. He knew this battle was already won. For decades, he had ruled the martial world of Astria as one of the Four Extremes. His reputation was no mere exaggeration. Many young prodigies had fallen at his hands, yet he still stood tall, reigning supreme as the Jade Emperor.
“We should head back. There’s no reason to linger at the peak of Glidewing Mountain any longer,” Wade murmured, his gaze distant as he finally turned to lead the Dixon family back down the mountain. With two martial legends exchanging words and discussing the fate of the world’s heroes, there was no room for them to speak.
“Patriarch, should we return for tomorrow’s battle?” one of the elders asked quietly.
Wade looked up at the sky and sighed. “Whether we come or not, the result won’t change. The moment this battle was announced, the outcome was already decided. Do you really think Ashcroft can defeat Shire p>
Everyone fell silent at his words. If even Tsaric had declared that Jeff would lose, how could they doubt it?
Lionel stood at the edge of the valley, listening intently like a student absorbing the wisdom of his elders. Though he had also reached the level of Martial Sovereign, he had only just entered that realm. These two, on the other hand, had been Martial Sovereigns for over two decades, and
every word they spoke would benefit him greatly.
“Grayson, with your current cultivation, you’ve already got one foot in the door of ‘that realm.‘ You just need the right opportunity to break through. It’s truly enviable!” Tsaric remarked, a hint of admiration crossing his aged face.
Grayson’s expression remained calm and unmoved as he replied, “You are just as close to that step p>
Tsaric neither confirmed nor denied it but then asked, “What I’m most curious about is Gareth Ashcroft’s level now. After all, he is the only one who has defeated both of us p>
Grayson’s eyes gleamed with a spark of respect, a rare acknowledgment for a powerful rival. “Gareth is truly a martial arts genius, self–taught in many ways. In terms of pure talent, apart from the newly rising young Ashcroft, no one else can compare to him. When I lost to him back then, I accepted it wholeheartedly. He’s also the most likely to step into that realm before
either of us p>
Both Grayson and Tsaric fell silent, each recalling their past duels with Gareth. For both of them, those encounters were the first time they had tasted defeat.
“What a pity,” Tsaric said with a sigh, “Jeff Ashcroft, another genius with boundless potential, has emerged out of nowhere. But after tomorrow, Astria will have one less extraordinary talent p>
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Grayson nodded. “Jeff Ashcroft is too brash, too eager to stand out. If he could have endured another decade in silence, there would be no one capable of stopping him in the future. But the world doesn’t work that way. I’ve already challenged him, and tomorrow, I will do everything I can to kill him in the cradle p>
Grayson’s eyes flashed with dominance, exuding the aura of a true emperor. Though he had lived in seclusion at Star Peak for over a decade, he was still the undefeated Jade Emperor, his reputation as one of the Four Extremes well–earned.
Tsaric’s gaze shifted slightly. At their level, concepts like honor and sentiment were faint, mere shadows of concern. What they sought was the ultimate control over life and death, and they would show no mercy to anyone. It was clear to Tsaric that Grayson intended to fight ruthlessly
tomorrow.
Just as Grayson finished speaking, a sudden whoosh broke the silence. The sound wasn’t the typical rush of wind from a martial artist’s movement but rather the roar of a storm, a powerful gust cutting through the air and shaking the heavens.
Both Tsaric and Grayson narrowed their eyes and looked north. The whirlwind dissipated to reveal a tall, slender figure standing at the edge of the cliff. A clear, youthful voice followed, filled with confidence.
“Grayson Shire, judging by your tone, you seem confident of victory p>
As the voice echoed through the valley, the figure suddenly dropped into the seemingly bottomless chasm below, only to rise again mid–air, crossing over ten yards in a single leap before landing gracefully on one of the stone pillars. Official source is
The mist cleared, revealing a strikingly handsome young man with deep, penetrating eyes, staring directly at Grayson.
“Hmm?” Lionel’s eyes narrowed. The young man had arrived so swiftly and smoothly that even Lionel, with his martial prowess, hadn’t sensed his approach. Grayson and Tsaric’s shifted
gazes as well, their expressions changing as if they had just witnessed something incredible.
After a few moments of contemplation, Grayson finally spoke, his voice filled with admiration and surprise.
“What a remarkable young Martial Sovereign! We finally meet, Jeff Ashcroft p>
The young man was none other than Leander. After finishing his meal with Madeline and the others, he immediately rushed from the city center, feeling an inexplicable pull, a connection that only the top martial artists could sense. Leander knew that Grayson would be here, and Grayson, too, recognized him at first sight.
Sensing the immense power radiating from Grayson, far surpassing that of Alek Peterson,
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Leander’s eyes shone with excitement. This was, without a doubt, the strongest opponent he had ever encountered since mastering his martial skills–worthy of being called one of the Four Extremes.
Tsaric studied Leander in silence while Lionel was already paralyzed with shock. The official duel was set for New Year’s Day, but both Leander and Grayson had already arrived. Could this battle, destined to shake Astria, be starting early that night?
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