Chapter 409: Sakuman’s “Pizza Hut”

The Holy City...

Thirty-meter-tall, ten-meter-thick walls encircled the entire Holy City, looming like mountain ranges amidst the flat plains.

Stretching dozens of miles, these uniformly constructed walls—thirty meters tall and ten meters deep—were a colossal engineering feat. While other cities built walls mainly to fend off roaming beast tides, with heights rarely exceeding seven or eight meters, the Holy City's fortifications earned their place among the "Eight Wonders of the Nine Heavens."

Some described it as a walled citadel, gathering the most elite talents of the League of Blades. Though exaggerated, there was truth to it.

The Holy City was more than a city—it was an institution, a sect devoted to the Holy Light. The so-called branch Holy Sanctuaries, established across various duchies, cities, and ports to train talents for the League, were merely one of its many endeavors.

It housed the Holy Sanctuary's Vocational Center, overseeing and controlling master practitioners like alchemists and forgemasters within the League. It also operated the Holy Light Tribunal, empowered to judge and execute criminals who defied the Holy City or the League's interests with sufficient evidence. Additionally, its Hunter Association posted bounties across the realms for high-value targets...

Elites from all factions of the League, whether scholars or warriors, often held positions in the Hunter Association or the Vocational Center. Figures like the Ice Spirit Kingdom's Five Tigers or the Duchy of Demacia's Sword Prince were no exception. While holding key roles in their respective duchies or factions, they were also bounty hunters under the Holy City's banner.

Here, any elite warrior could find challenges suited to their skills—gaining experience, resources, and hefty rewards in the process. Cultivation demanded resources, so the claim that the Holy City gathered all the League's heroes was no exaggeration.

Western Sanctuary Avenue in the city's west was such a hub of elites. Stretching over two kilometers, its streets were lined with inns catering exclusively to renowned heroes from across the League—requiring a Hero's Badge for entry, not mere wealth.

At this moment, in a courtyard along Western Sanctuary Avenue, Karida sat in meditation.

The first light of dawn was breaking, the courtyard alive with the chirping of crickets and distant rooster crows. The pale light on the horizon gave her a rare moment of peace.

She cherished the tranquility before sunrise—the morning dew, the crisp air—allowing her mind to settle and unravel previously tangled thoughts. For two years, she had tirelessly worked on reforming and developing the Rose Holy Sanctuary, leaving little room for relaxation. Were it not for her current predicament, she might have considered this enforced stay a welcome respite.

Since being "invited" to the Holy City, she had remained here for over three months. Admittedly, the living conditions were excellent—gourmet meals, personal attendants, and regular updates on League affairs, including the Holy Sanctuary's Light and the Blade's Sacred Path. The only restriction was her confinement to this courtyard.

Initially, the Holy City's elders posted two ghost-level experts to monitor her, but they had since been withdrawn. Despite the Holy City's abundance of experts, their duties were numerous, and manpower was scarce. Besides, Karida had shown no signs of defiance, making their continued presence unnecessary.

A cool breeze rustled. Without opening her eyes, Karida smiled. "So early today?"

The visitor brushed aside the pleasantry, placing a copy of the Holy Sanctuary's Light on the table. "The Xifeng battle has concluded."

Karida kept her eyes closed, maintaining her morning calm. "Go on."

"Rose won, three to one." Blue Sky's words were always succinct. "Xifeng lost one, two severely injured—including Zhao Ziyue."

"And our side?"

"Wu Di and Fantasi were wounded, but not critically." A trace of satisfaction colored Blue Sky's voice. Embedded in the Holy City by Karida's side, he understood the significance of this victory for Rose. "You were right, my lady. Wang Feng's slacker act hides real capability. Our turning point has arrived."

Karida allowed herself a small smile.

When Wang Feng first declared his challenge against the Eight Holy Sanctuaries, few took him seriously—even Blue Sky, who had worked closely with him, doubted it, suspecting a diversion tactic alongside Thunder Dragon's schemes.

But Karida saw differently. From their first meeting in the basement, Wang Feng's sharp wit, unyielding ambition, and unconventional speech marked him as an outlier. The more she observed, the more certain she became. Two mavericks like them were bound to spark something extraordinary.

"It's too soon to call it a turning point. Three hurdles remain, each tougher than the last." Her tone lightened. "You needn't stay here. Head to Sakuman—keep tabs on Wang Feng's team discreetly. Watch for dirty tricks."

Blue Sky frowned. "You mean..."

"The Xifeng defeat will alarm the Holy City's elders. If Wang Feng keeps winning, they'll grow desperate..." Karida paused, finally opening her eyes—a glint of steel in their depths. "If they resort to foul play, I won't hold back."

"Understood." Blue Sky nodded. Karida was among the Holy Sanctuary's top experts. Restraining her against her will was no simple task.

...

Rose's three-to-one victory over the Xifeng Holy Sanctuary was a rare feat, even in the annals of the Heroic Championships among the Ten Great Sanctuaries.

The Light of the Holy Sanctuary bypassed various approval procedures at an unprecedented speed to report this incident immediately, which alone demonstrates the magnitude of the shock this event has brought to the Holy Sanctuary and the Blade Alliance.

Before the match, countless predictions favored Xifeng Holy Sanctuary, most likely with a 3-1 score, or possibly a grind-it-out 3-2... Rose was indeed strong, but everyone believed that their strength had been thoroughly dissected through previous battles. Their consecutive four 3-0 victories still seemed coincidental to most, with the biggest factor being "the enemy in the dark while we're in the light."

Past Heroic Championships had seen similar dark horses, but these so-called dark horses rarely won through sheer strength. Most succeeded due to unique tactics or bizarre abilities, catching opponents off guard temporarily. However, once their strategies and peculiar skills were exposed, countermeasures quickly emerged, swiftly knocking them back to reality. In past Heroic Championships, this phenomenon had a professional term—the "rookie wall" for dark horses.

Clearly, with Old Wang's unique bombing tactics and the sudden transformation of the beastmen, Rose was seen as such a novel dark horse, catching earlier Holy Sanctuaries off guard. But against Xifeng Holy Sanctuary, a Top Ten Holy Sanctuary with unparalleled combat experience and heritage, defeat was considered inevitable. Yet, no one expected...

Winnie's cunning, Fante Xi's rage transformation, and Mapeier's rise—along with Xifeng Holy Sanctuary's fall—made many suddenly realize that this dark horse's "rookie wall" seemed to exceed expectations. Indeed, Rose now appeared unlikely to have any more hidden trump cards, but the cards they had already revealed were already strong enough to surpass the limits of any rookie wall—unbelievably strong!

Dossiers about Rose's six members began circulating wildly in the Light of the Holy Sanctuary and various tabloids.

Fante Xi, a spoiled rich kid who only entered the Holy Sanctuary through Rose's expanded enrollment policy... Frankly, calling him a "rich second-generation" was already flattering! Compared to the super-rich merchants and financial families who paid to get their disciples into major Holy Sanctuaries, Fante Xi's family was, at best, just a merchant selling alcohol. As for Fante Xi himself, all previous records from Rose indicated he was a talentless slacker, the bottom-ranked trash of the Martial Arts Academy! But look at him now—the berserk Rage Tai Chi Tiger, with unimaginable close-combat skills, not only instantly defeating Xifeng Holy Sanctuary's renowned expert Ma Suo but even exchanging a blow with Xifeng's ghost-level Combat Dean without injury!

Kela, a southern beastwoman whose family situation was barely passable among southern beast tribes—a warrior maiden of a small clan. But honestly, such small southern beast tribes were, at best, minor factions, or more bluntly, just a rundown village... Forget being a warrior maiden; even their chieftain was nothing more than a village head. If not for joining Rose Holy Sanctuary, a beastwoman like Kela would have been destined to sell goods and bear children after turning twenty, never even brushing shoulders with true strength. But after coming to Rose, she first awakened her bloodline, then slew three of Nine Gods' experts in the Dragon City ruins, making a stunning comeback as one of the victorious heroes!

Wu Di, another southern beastman, but even worse off than Kela—rumored to be a wandering beastman. A beastman? A *wandering* beastman? Let's be real, that's just a garbage-picking beggar, the kind you could find under any bridge in the world! Yet after coming to Rose, he awakened his bloodline—Golden Behemoth lineage! Word has it that the southern beast tribes' royal family is now scouring their genealogy, trying to pin some "lost prince" or "royal bastard" title on Wu Di, so they can formally recruit him into the royal ranks after his Holy Sanctuary graduation!

Winnie Lee—no need for much introduction. The Lees are legendary in the upper echelons of the Blade Alliance, known far and wide! With an overwhelmingly powerful background—a father feared by countless as the Godslayer, and *eight* ghost-level elder brothers... Hell, not even rabbits breed that fast, and each one is top-tier, making the family a true powerhouse! Such background and strength are undoubtedly first-class even within the entire Blade Alliance. But before joining Rose, Winnie was notorious for her unruly, domineering behavior. Her strength was passable, but she only hovered around the 60s-70s in Holy Sanctuary rankings, branded as the sole defective product of her Godslayer father's spoiling. Now? Advanced blue flames, an evolved Spirit Beast—she's hailed as one of the most qualified young experts to challenge the Holy Sanctuary Top Ten, a true pillar of strength. Considering her age, she's even more formidable than her brothers!

Mapeier had already caused a stir when she announced her transfer to Rose, but at the time, deep investigations revealed her as merely an auxiliary exorcist and alchemist from Judgment—excellent in her field, but not a combatant, purely a pretty face fooled by Wang Feng. Yet after just one trip to Dragon City, after just meeting Wang Feng... damn, her life trajectory went wild. Calling it an underdog's rise might not be accurate, but it's absolutely a *carp leaping over the dragon's gate*!

Her invincible golden wheels, which made her famous in a single battle, forced Holy Sanctuary Top Ten expert Zhao Ziyue to flee in disarray—if not for his heart-protecting soul mirror, he might have died on the spot! Holy hell... this is no joke! Winnie is merely "qualified to challenge the Top Ten," but Mapeier? She's *already* Top Ten material!

And all of this is because of their captain—Wang Feng, once labeled as shameless and the "Hustle King"!

Everyone's rise and transformation seems to have been achieved through knowing him. What kind of magic does this guy possess? What kind of monster is he?! Before, his detractors could still call him cowardly and shameless, surviving by clinging to his teammates. But now, he's even revealed a broken ice-bee bombing strat that leaves Holy Sanctuary disciples helpless...

The entire team of six—one Top Ten, two near-Top Ten, two beastmen likely ranking in the 20s-30s, plus a hax-tier bombing captain—what kind of dark horse is this? This is a goddamn straight-up cosmic dreadnought! Even Zenith Holy Sanctuary couldn't field such a luxurious lineup!

This version of Rose is undoubtedly S-tier, with the qualifications to challenge any Holy Sanctuary. Who could imagine that just a year ago, it was a garbage Holy Sanctuary that got eliminated in the first round of the Heroic Championships every year?

And what does all this prove?

Death Rose spots diamonds in the rough!

Public opinion is boiling over, shifting just as fiercely.

The Blade's Path needs no mention—it has always remained neutral. Now, even without Hawkland pulling strings, it's reporting with full force. Even the Light of the Holy Sanctuary, controlled by conservatives, can no longer in good conscience slander Rose—such reports, even if written, would no longer be believed, only earning scorn.

Public opinion is changing. The accusations once hurled at Rose are no longer mentioned. But the matches must go on—the Holy Sanctuary honors its promises.

Rose undoubtedly now possesses a lineup as dazzling as any top-tier Holy Sanctuary. But let's be real—Xifeng was the gatekeeper of the Top Ten. With three more matches in the challenge, every subsequent Holy Sanctuary will be stronger than Xifeng. Casualties will be the key to whether this challenge succeeds. And will those powerful figures who have been targeting Rose really sit back and let them proceed so smoothly?

Three more wins? Yeah right!

But somehow, many are starting to look forward to it, eager to see if this miracle can continue, if it can reach Zenith Holy Sanctuary. It seems this is also the kindling inspiration of countless Holy Sanctuary disciples itching for their own chance.

…………

Western Blade Alliance, Hegvis Plateau.

This is the highest-altitude region within the Blade Alliance, with a dry climate and vast growths of so-called Ironwood—straight-trunked trees with sparse branches, rich in iron, incredibly hard yet highly flexible, making them perfect forging materials. The dense forests stand like iron needles across the plateau, both Hegvis' wealth and its most iconic feature.

Deep in the Iron Wastes' heart, the Ironwood grows even denser, forming what's called the "Iron Sea." Towering Ironwood groves act like lightning rods, drawing constant lightning strikes. At the center of this Iron Sea stands a renowned city of the Nine Heavens—Hegvis City, also known as Thunder Capital.

Now, in a mansion deep within Thunder Capital, a Hegvis hawk swooped down onto a windowsill. It had a hooked beak, feathers hard as iron plates, eerie blue eyes, and a letter clutched in its beak.

*Bang! Bang!*

It spread its massive iron-plated wings, slamming them against the window with such force that the glass rattled violently, nearly shattering outright.

"Easy! Damn beast!" A blue-skinned bald man with hawklike eyes, a hooked nose, deep-set sockets, and a lightning mark on his forehead quickly opened the window from inside, cursing irritably. "How many times a month must I replace this glass? Keep it up, and I'll fry you alive!"

Hagwey, however, seemed unbothered by his threats. With a haughty flick of its wings, it casually tossed the letter it carried into his arms before darting into the room, making a beeline for the kitchen with practiced ease.

"Stay away from my dinner!" the bald man shouted, but the clatter of pots, pans, and jars being rummaged through soon followed. Sighing, he shook his head and glanced down at the envelope, its wax seal stamped with a dragon's head.

This was the Dragon Faction's seal. The blue man's expression grew solemn as he tore open the letter.

*'Fourth Brother, the battle between Sakuman and Rose carries immense stakes. Do not act rashly. Since the Elder has issued strict orders, we must comply. I know your heart is noble, eager for a fair fight with Rose, but we bear the honor of our Holy Sanctuary. Third Brother is a cautionary tale—his situation is dire. Compared to enduring slander, victory is the true glory. Defying Elder Fu's will is tantamount to sabotaging your own future—utterly unthinkable! Fourth Brother, give it your all. Follow the Elder's strategy and halt Rose at Sakuman. I await news of your triumph at the Holy City!'*

His acquaintance with Ye Dun began four years ago, at the Holy City's prodigy training program. Alongside Ye Dun were Zhao Ziyue, Jiaoxi, and Maxwell—forming the so-called "Five Titans of the Holy Sanctuary," a group that had dominated the major Holy Sanctuaries for four years. Their brotherhood was forged in that training program.

Ye Dun was the eldest, Maxwell the second, Zhao Ziyue the third, Gule the fourth, and Jiaoxi the youngest, their little fifth sister.

As chosen prodigies of the Holy City, they had entered the training program together, taken the Holy Sanctuary trials together, and then been sent—with top honors—to five of the strongest and most closely allied Holy Sanctuaries. Their fellowship had endured till now, their camaraderie deep and genuine.

Back then, the five of them had endless conversations, dreaming of becoming heroes who would change the world, vanquish evil, and share every joy and sorrow. But as they grew older, Gule sensed a shift. Their bonds no longer felt as pure, tainted by interests and ambitions, morphing them into the very kind of people they once despised.

Maxwell had remade himself into something neither man nor demon, his temperament growing increasingly extreme, bloodthirsty and ruthless. They still crossed blades when they met, as before, but the heart had gone out of it.

Zhao Ziyue had shed some of his family's second-generation arrogance, but their relationship was no longer untainted—he curried favor with Ye Dun, prioritizing gain over principle.

As for Jiaoxi, her infatuation with Ye Dun had reached blind devotion. Yet everyone knew Ye Dun would choose someone who could further his ambitions.

Closing the letter, Gule couldn't help but sigh softly. The reply was not the answer he had hoped for.

The matter traced back to three days prior, when news of Rose's victory over Xifeng Holy Sanctuary had just reached Thunder City. Faced with a team that had fought its way through every challenge, even securing a 3-1 victory against Xifeng, Gule had felt nothing but respect—and a burning desire for battle. He'd analyzed every Rose fighter, trained his own team rigorously, eager for an honorable showdown with Rose in Thunder City.

Yet to his dismay, Sakuman's higher-ups had dismissed his fervor outright, issuing orders that sidestepped a direct confrontation—a tactic so brazenly underhanded that it left Gule deeply dissatisfied.

He'd wanted to challenge his superiors, argue for a fair fight against Rose, but he stood alone. Even his own teammates refused to back him. So he had written to Ye Dun, hoping for support. He was genuinely intrigued by Rose's rise, seeing in them a reflection of his younger self.

The answer hadn't been entirely unexpected. Ye Dun had always valued power and position—Gule knew that well. Given his nature, he would never lightly defy orders from above. Still... Gule had hoped his heartfelt plea might sway Ye Dun, just this once, to stand by him for old times' sake. A public endorsement could have turned the tide. But the reply left him gutted.

Without Ye Dun's support, without his family's backing, Gule stood no chance of defying direct orders. He couldn't even convince his own teammates.

Lost in thought by the window, Gule wrestled with his conscience. After a weighty pause, he finally let out a mirthless, resigned laugh.

He didn't blame Ye Dun. Ye Dun had chosen the pragmatic path—one that safeguarded Gule's future, even warning him that disobedience could mean "self-sabotage." The counsel came from concern for Gule's future. But victory through deceit? It seemed this reputation would haunt him for life.