Andrew unleashed a rapid succession of three strikes, each palm descending with the full might of the Inferno Strike. The blows landed with blinding speed and overwhelming force, targeting Wilder’s head relentlessly. Yet, despite the ferocity, Andrew’s attacks failed to connect properly—he was always just a hair’s breadth away from making solid contact with Wilder’s body.
In that instant, Wilder’s true power as a martial emperor surged forth in full force. The energy enveloping his form solidified into a radiant shield, shimmering like an impenetrable wall of light. No matter how fiercely Andrew pressed his assault, that seemingly fragile barrier refused to fracture or falter.
It was as unyielding as forged iron.
“I once faced your father, Reginald,” Wilder said coldly, his gaze lifting with a detached calmness that betrayed no emotion. “He landed a single strike on me, and I was already coughing blood, utterly defeated. Back then, I was a Martial Saint—not particularly exceptional in Chetvine, perhaps—but among the Northern Martial Union, I was a legend.”
He fixed his eyes on Andrew, who hovered in midair, his palm glowing with lethal energy. “That was the moment I understood just how far apart Reginald and I truly were. No matter how long I lived, I could never close that gap. But there’s one thing you still don’t get, Andrew. Reginald may be your father, but you are not him. Taking you down will be far easier.”
With a fierce roar, Wilder lunged forward, thrusting his hand ahead. A massive wave of chaotic energy exploded from his chest, hurtling directly toward Andrew.
Caught off guard, Andrew spun violently through the air before crashing heavily onto the ground. His face drained of color as Wilder’s cold, savage energy invaded his meridians, tearing through his veins and eating away at his flesh from within.
But then, a fierce heat ignited deep within Andrew’s energy core. In mere moments, the invading energy was consumed by this burning inferno, completely neutralized and expelled.
“You’re right,” Andrew admitted, his voice low yet unwavering. “I’m not my father.”
He shifted his stance, summoning the Dragon-Slaying Palm with practiced ease. A faint, wild grin tugged at the corners of his mouth. “But we Lloyds don’t raise cowards. So, Mr. Murphy Senior, maybe your son spared you once, but I won’t be so merciful. I’ll personally send you to join him.”
Wilder’s expression darkened, his eyes narrowing. “Still full of bravado even as you’re about to die, huh? Fine. No more talk. I’ll end you first, then we’ll see.”
Suddenly, the heavy iron doors at the arena’s entrance shook violently under a powerful blow. A voice, sharp and icy enough to cut through steel, echoed through the chamber.
“Wilder,” Sheena’s voice rang out clearly, “if you even think about laying a finger on Andrew, I swear I’ll hunt down every one of you Murphys— all ninety-six of you—and kill you one by one.”
Wilder froze mid-strike, his face twisting into a scowl of fury. “Sheena! The Lloyds are crossing the line now!”
Sheena’s tone was calm but deadly. “We? Crossing the line? Don’t make me laugh, Mr. Murphy Senior. You’re the one who stepped over it first. Who gave you the right to challenge Andrew to a one-on-one fight? If his energy core weren’t sealed, you wouldn’t even be worth his attention. You old mutt! Did you really think the Lloyds were pushovers?”
She continued, her voice cold and resolute, “If Andrew so much as gets scratched, I promise you, I will personally wipe out your entire family.”
Wilder’s anger flared. “Sheena, if your family dares attack someone from the martial world, the Northern Martial Union won’t just stand by and watch!”
From beyond the door, Sheena laughed—a chilling, humorless sound. “The Northern Martial Union? Please. You think I care? You think that frightens me? If things get ugly, I won’t hesitate to take down Mr. Vazquez or even the military’s top brass. So don’t waste your breath threatening me with your little alliances or your pathetic Murphy family.”
Wilder bellowed in rage. “You’re going too far! Andrew killed Benny! How can we just let that slide?”
Sheena’s voice turned cold and flat, completely devoid of emotion. “The fact that he killed your son and I did nothing only means your Murphy family was unlucky. But if you so much as touch Andrew, you’ll see exactly how I intend to settle the score.”
After her words, silence fell beyond the door.
Andrew furrowed his brow slightly, puzzled. He wondered how Sheena had arrived at precisely this moment—and what had driven her to intervene so decisively.