Chapter 404
“Master Branson?” Gareth’s eyes trembled slightly, his voice heavy with awe.
In the ancient martial world of Astria, Silvermoon Sect, the Ancient Lingster, and Wanda Sect were recognized as the three sacred grounds of martial cultivation.
Over thousands of years, the prestige of the Silvermoon Sect and Wanda Sect had gradually waned, but the reputation of Ancient Lingster never declined.
Even when the legendary Laughing Monk of West Ridge single-handedly assaulted Ancient Lingster and killed the abbot, he could not diminish the sect’s renown by even a fraction.
All of this was due to the countless masters and abundant talent within Ancient Lingster, making it a true powerhouse in Astria’s martial world.
It was a foundation as solid as the mountains themselves.
David was the current abbot of the Ancient Lingster Sanctum, the presiding instructor and transmitter of the sect’s teachings.
He was over a hundred years old. Six decades ago, he had traversed the entire Astrian martial world, defeating many foreign adversaries.
He was a supreme master of the Ancient Lingster path, highly respected and celebrated across the martial world.
Particularly, he had been a contemporary of the Dragon Emperor of Astria, representing the pinnacle of supreme martial strength.
Yet, after the great battles between East and West, in which the East prevailed, David had retreated into seclusion within the Ancient Lingster, disappearing for decades.
Gareth could never have imagined that such an unparalleled master would suddenly appear here, and seemingly for Leander.
“Master Branson p>
Hearing this somewhat unfamiliar name, Leander lifted his gaze. “You’re from the Ancient Lingster p>
Although he had never faced an Ancient Lingster directly, over the years of traveling and fighting across the land, he had encountered a few.
Their internal cultivation methods bore remarkable similarity to those of David, though none could compare in mastery.
This man’s cultivation had reached a level of purity and refinement beyond
measure, and a unique force radiated from his entire being.
He seemed like a benevolent divine being who could at any moment transform into a wrathful deity.
“Mercy. Sovereign Ashcroft, your vision is most discerning p>
David nodded slightly at Leander, then turned to point at Galen behind him.
“This is Galen, sect master from Wanda. His late master and I go back a long way. I do not know what grievances exist between you and him, Sovereign Ashcroft, but allow me to request a favor. I ask that you exercise restraint and let this matter end here p>
He smiled gently, his gaze fixed on Leander.
Leander gave a faint smile, neither confirming nor denying.
He had never intended to kill Galen. Rather, it was the man who had pressed the issue repeatedly.
“Master Branson p>
Galen regained his composure, a dark shadow flickering in his eyes.
“Jeff killed my junior, tarnished the Wanda Sect’s reputation, and this I must settle! I ask that you do not interfere p>
Though fury surged in his chest, he did not dare act rashly.
Even as the sect master of Wanda, David was a contemporary of his late master, Atticus Cohen, and his cultivation had long surpassed an Infernal Crown Transcendent.
What level he had reached now was beyond reckoning.
“Mr. Pierce,” David said, his tone calm but firm, “if you wish to seek vengeance, I will
not stop you. But allow me to be frank-you cannot harm him.
“Even your attempt of becoming one with your sword to seek mutual destruction would’ve been impossible! He has not yet unleashed his full strength, do you understand? If he did, you’d be dead by now p>
David turned slowly, his expression stern, and Galen felt his body tremble.
“What p>
Galen’s mind raced. He had intended to sacrifice himself with his sword, wielding the power of an Infernal Crown Transcendent.
He was confident he could die alongside Leander, but now, this unparalleled Ancient Lingster expert was saying he couldn’t do so.
Though his heart seethed with unwillingness, he had no choice but to remain silent. David’s cultivation, perception, and insight far exceeded his own.
If even he could not harm Leander, then Leander’s strength was far more profound than anyone could imagine.
Leander, meanwhile, regarded David with mild amusement as he smirked.
Indeed, he had not used his full power against Galen, yet the latter hadn’t realized it.
Meanwhile, David had discerned it in a single glance, sensing Leander’s true combat potential. This level of insight alone was astonishing.
In Leander’s perception, a dangerously potent aura radiated from David, one that even posed a slight threat.
The master’s cultivation had clearly reached an unimaginable pinnacle.
He grinned, finding it all rather intriguing. “The land of Astria truly harbors hidden dragons and crouching tigers. I have never before encountered someone like you!” David no longer regarded Galen and turned to Leander, smiling slightly. “Sovereign Ashcroft, a talent like yours is rare even in my lifetime. Had you been born in our era, you would surely have stood unmatched among the world’s elites p>
He stepped forward, the light of his wheel shining beneath his feet. “To be frank, I came specifically to seek you out, Sovereign Ashcroft p>
“Oh?” Leander looked up slightly.
David joined his hands and smiled. “In recent years, you have risen to unprecedented heights, your name reverberating across the world. At less than twenty, you have already reached the fifth spot on the International Combat Units. Su achievements have piqued my
curiosity p>
He continued, “Though I have secluded myself for decades, I could not resist seeing
you for myself, to determine if the rumors of your invincibility are true.
“By my count, it has been 18,245 days since I last engaged in combat. Today, I wish
to exchange a few moves with you. What do you say, Sovereign Ashcroft p>
At these words, Gareth and the others froze in shock.
Even Galen hung in the sky, stunned.
Was David, a living legend of the martial world, proposing to spar with Leander?
Daphne’s eyes widened in alarm.
She had thought Leander’s victory over Galen sufficient, but now, this unparalleled
master of the age was about to challenge him!
Leander clasped one hand behind his back and smiled.
“You are in high spirits! I’ve long wished to witness the supreme techniques of the sect that’s been dominating Astria’s martial world!” Leander said, mis voice calm but edged with excitement.
“Let’s do it,” he added, extending a single palm toward David in a polite, inviting
gesture.
“Very well. You’re truly worthy of being the Iron Sovereign p>
David’s eyes flared with brilliant energy, and the light wheel beneath his feet spun
with precision.
He extended his hand, curling his
fingers into a precise formation the index and middle fingers together, the ring and pinky fingers together, forming a three-claw dragon shape.
“A Dragonclaw?” Leander narrowed his eyes.
With a single sweep, David unleashed the technique.
Whoosh!
Three slashing imprints tore through the void.
A roar like a dragon’s echoed across the heavens, shaking the surroundings
violently.
A colossal dragon-shaped claw surged toward Leander, and in a heartbeat, it sealed
off the entire space around him.
One claw engulfed nearly a thousand feet wide. It was an ironclad seal of power!