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"What an impressive Divine Punishment Thunderbolt, even a mere remnant of its might is so powerful. No wonder the Twelve Sages swept across the world, yet were all slain. Is this the difference between mortals and gods?" I watched from afar, unable to help but marvel.

As everyone was still reeling from the sheer power, several figures suddenly darted out from the ranks of the Sovereign Dragon Empire. One charged straight for the fallen divine sword, while the others split into two groups, positioning themselves between the other two factions and the sword. It was clear they were preparing to seize the sword. After all, such a divine weapon, even if not used with ease, must be kept firmly in their grasp.

However, the other two factions seemed utterly unresponsive to this blatant act of robbery. A few individuals in the front row even took a few steps back, their faces bearing expressions of malicious glee. Just as the people of the Sovereign Dragon Empire were bewildered, a thunderous explosion erupted in front of the Magic Tower. A dazzling white-gold lightning bolt burst forth from the "Divine Punishment," instantly reducing the sword-snatching Sovereign Dragon master to dust, leaving no trace of armor behind. The few masters closest to him, tasked with blocking the enemy, were also struck by the divine lightning, exploding into several clouds of blood mist.

"After each forced unsealing of the 'Divine Punishment,' there will be a period of seven days during which it is in a state of frenzy. Anyone who comes into contact with it will suffer a backlash, and even those around will be affected. It is truly dangerous. Please, everyone must be extremely cautious." A voice, tinged with schadenfreude, drifted lazily from the ranks of the 16 Kingdoms Alliance, causing the Sovereign Dragon's people to grit their teeth. "Of course, if one is in harmony with the divine weapon, not only will they not suffer a backlash, but they will also, due to the complete unfolding of the divine sword's soul, be exempt from the various trials of recognition, and directly become the master of the divine sword. If anyone has confidence in their strength, they might as well give it a try. Who knows, they might become the first master of the divine sword in ten thousand years."

"Unthinkable that the two major Alliances of the south have long been plotting against our Sovereign Dragon; then let's settle the ownership of the Magic Tower right here." The already pale-faced Sovereign Dragon commander, upon hearing this provocation, immediately issued a challenge.

"Hmph, you fool, you wanted to rob but lacked the ability, and now you're going to make a fool of yourself here?" The other two parties immediately burst into a chorus of curses, further fueling the Sovereign Dragon's side's rage.

However, at that very moment, a sound comparable to thunder echoed from an unknown distance.

Listen up, all you little ones, your job is done. Now get as far away from here as you can. This Magic Tower belongs to the Mercenary Empire. Anyone who dares to interfere, let them face my 'Ten Realms Crimson Lotus', Levis.

"I'm burning up!" was my first reaction to the voice of "Flame Saint" Levis. With the thunderous soundwave, it felt as if two streams of molten iron were pouring into my body through my ears. Had it not been for the automatic response of the Nine Yin energy, expelling the intrusive force from my body, I would have been injured for sure. As soon as I snapped back to my senses, I immediately looked at Jin Luosha in my arms. However, I saw that the mysterious hairband on her head, whose origin was unknown, was emitting a faint white halo that enveloped the little girl's entire body. Sensing my gaze, she looked up at me with an innocent smile and planted a kiss on my cheek, seemingly unaffected. Looking up again, I saw the arena filled with the gleam of combat energy and magical light, as everyone displayed their unique abilities to fend off the sonic assault. Many individuals with insufficient power had already collapsed, spewing flames. Fortunately, the higher-ups with less prowess had been using protective magic to shield themselves, preventing any significant casualties.

"Unthinkable, a human swordsaint could possess such immense power. Recalling the day when I sat shoulder to shoulder with the old man of Leimen, even arguing while pointing fingers at each other's noses, I truly didn't know how to spell 'death.' However, should we meet again, I fear I still won't bow to him, at most, I'll be a little more cautious." I was inwardly alarmed, yet I kept a composed demeanor.

In the martial world of the past life, there indeed existed skills that could harm others with sound, such as the Lion's Roar from the Shaolin Temple and the Rising Tide of the Azure Sea from my master, both of which were exceptional arts. However, these were merely techniques to confuse one's mind with sound; they would have no effect on someone who was unconscious. The sound at this moment, however, was different, as it infused combat energy into the sound waves, causing direct harm. Regardless of whether one was awake or unconscious, there was no escape, and it seemed that he had not yet exerted his full strength. The attack range had already covered several miles around, a lethal capability that could rival a ninth-level spell. On the day I paid homage to "War Saint" Leimen, I had personally experienced the might of a Saint-level expert. However, at that time, Leimen only used his mental power to test my will, and his combat energy cultivation was not revealed at all. Although, in terms of realm, Leimen's ability to freely launch mental attacks represented a level far superior to that of the "Flame Saint" at this moment, it was only after facing this ferocious creature that I deeply realized how I had once underestimated such a terrifying beast that had hidden its claws.

How is my side? The three families in the field were in a state of panic. Unlike me, who comes from the Orc Alliance and fears neither heaven nor earth, those who grow up in the human world have worshipped the Sword Saint masters as beings more formidable than dragons since childhood. Even those who may question the legends as they grow up, upon witnessing the "Flame Saint's" unique skill, realize that they have absolutely no ability to contend with their opponent today. However, another voice soon echoed.

"Since the Flame Saint has spoken thus, I shall inquire, the Ten Realms Crimson Lotus of the Annihilating Sword, this Magic Tower was established before the Mercenary Empire, and theoretically does not belong to any nation. Everyone present today has contributed, so may I suggest that we all be allowed to enter the tower to explore its secrets? If Brother Crimson Lotus does not speak, I shall take that as your consent, how about that?" The voice was layered upon layers, endless and boundless, as if a hundred thousand towering mountains, imposing and grand, not at all inferior to the thunderous roar of the "Fiery Saint."

"Lord Dao Saint, it is the 'Heaven-Rending Blade Saint' Master Ashu who has arrived." The people of the 16 Kingdoms Alliance, who were once pale as death, suddenly burst into cheers. After all, having a mythic figure on par with the adversary as their backing, their hardships along the way and their hopes for the future now had a place to rest.

"Mr. Yashu's inquiry is precisely what I wished to pose, I wonder what plans the Flame Saint has?" Another ethereal voice interjected, swiftly transforming the situation into a tripartite balance of power.

"Greetings to His Highness Prince Ice Pure and Astringent!" Upon hearing this voice, the followers of the Sovereign Dragon immediately bowed in unison to pay their respects, for the third arrival was none other than the guardian deity of the Emperor's realm, one of the seven great sword saints, Prince Ice Pure and Astringent, also known as the 'Sovereign Dragon'.