"Ashira, don't be nervous, she's just teasing you," Ethan said with a warm smile, shaking his head fondly.

"Who did you learn from."

Solara turned back and glanced teasingly at the tavern.

Raze, not to be outdone, snapped retort, "You girl, don't make blind hints. I didn't teach you that. You learned it yourself."

Ethan simply smiled and let the exchange pass without comment.

"Come in," Ethan said, pulling Ashira gently by the hand and leading her into the tavern.

"Good brother, you're back! You worried me to death," Rain came forward, crossing her arms as she appraised Ethan from head to toe.

"I've been secluded for a while," Ethan replied calmly.

"Oh... as expected of the peerless monster I admire, have you advanced to the Nirvana realm?!"

Rain stepped up, standing on her tiptoes to whisper into Ethan's ear, her tone sultry and laden with temptation.

"With your power, I doubt I can block any of your moves. If you're willing, I won't resist."

Ethan smiled in amusement. "Sister Rain, you're playing with fire."

"My good brother, are you truly enlightened?"

"I just want to play with fire. Come to my room tonight and help me put out the flames, agreed?"

Rain's breath tickled Ethan's ear, her warmth causing a visible flush to rise over him.

He hastily took a step back, thinking she might be some mischievous spirit.

If this continues, the one playing with fire will be you.

Ethan turned his sharp gaze to Kai, studying him intently.

This was Kai, the Saint of Wisteria Cloud Valley.

Owner of the Pure Spirit Body—first among the ten ancient spiritual bodies—and hailed as the future pillar of the sect.

In the past, he had babbled provocations, when Ethan was in the place of inheritance, threatening to challenge him.

Now facing him in person, it was time to expose the harsh realities of this world.

Yet Kai showed no fear at Ethan's scrutiny. Instead, a pleased smile lit his face.

From what Rain had said, it was clear Ethan had just stepped into the Nirvana realm.

Even without suppressing his strength, he exuded unshakeable confidence to withstand ten moves under him.

If he suppressed his power to match Kai's realm, even fifty moves would be mere child's play.

Kai brimmed with confidence.

If he unleashed himself fully, perhaps he could defeat Ethan within ten moves.

That would shock the Blood Tavern—to make them see he was a peerless genius blessed with the pure spiritual body.

Not some trivial underling to be underestimated.

"The Blood Tavern is nothing special. It even lets cultivators who've only just entered Nirvana in?" Kai sneered with contempt.

He held his critical attitude back from before, knowing they must find their footing again.

"Kai, you're reckless!" Obsidian Howl shot him a sharp rebuke.

Kai scowled, feeling the bite of his master's words, and fell silent.

"Seniors, my disciple is young and ignorant—please forgive him," Obsidian Howl apologized earnestly.

Ethan chuckled and shook his head.

Youth was like that—reckless, vibrant, passionate.

If you suffer a setback, you must find your way back up.

But to reclaim your place, you must rely on strength, not mere words.

Suddenly, Magnus vanished from his seat, appearing beside Ethan with eager anticipation.

"Brother Ethan, now that you've entered Nirvana, it's time for our fight!" he said with urgency.

"Brother Magnus, don't rush. Let me finish this matter first," Ethan urged.

Magnus waved off his concern.

"It's just a Pure Spirit Body prodigy. Brother Ethan need not test him—just let Raze handle it."

Rain stepped forward, smiling coyly.

"Magnus, Brother Ethan just returned. Let him rest and refine his Nirvana realm."

"Alright then. I'll wait a few days." Magnus cast a glance at Kai before retreating to his spot by the window.

That kid was dealing with a fierce impatience.

Ethan's name had already captured Kai's attention.

His eyes sharpened as he asked, "You are Ethan?"

"Yes, I am," Ethan confirmed simply.

Kai laughed confidently.

"Years ago, you were a coward too afraid to face me. Today is the perfect time to learn what a true genius is."

"Second on the Heaven's prodigy list in Skyreach Territory, the Blood Tavern invitation letter holder... Let's see if your strength matches your fame!"

Kai spat the words with disdain.

"It's just a name. Nothing more," he sneered.

Around them, those gathered froze.

No one expected Ethan and Kai to have a history.

Their tense words showed a deep-seated grudge.

What surprised Magnus most was Kai's boldness.

He dared to provoke Ethan because he lacked any concept of death.

"Let's start."

Ethan ignored the provocation.

He calmly said, "No point in talking nonsense. Let's fight."

With that, everyone stepped back, giving space in the tavern's lobby for the fight to unfold.

Obsidian Howl observed Ethan carefully.

There was no trace of spiritual energy fluctuations in Ethan's body.

As a martial artist without spiritual energy manifestations, it was difficult to assess his true strength.

What was certain—Ethan had just entered the Nirvana realm.

Kai, by contrast, should easily block ten moves from one suppressing his realm.

"But Ethan is a Blood Tavern member and second on the prodigy list," Obsidian Howl mused.

His heart gnawed at ominous premonitions.

"Maybe I should have stayed in Noble Sun City a few days longer, gathered intel on Ethan, then come here."

But no one would have expected Ethan, a Blood Tavern member, to appear suddenly.

The stage was set, and the battle was imminent.

No use in overthinking it now.

Obsidian Howl could only trust his apprentice to face what was to come.

Boom!

An explosive aura burst from Ethan.

Like a tiger unveiling its might.

"I won't bully you. You make the first move," Ethan said steadily.

He suppressed his momentum to the Dharma Body realm.

Kai's grin widened.

"Hahaha, you suppress your realm and let me attack first? You asked for it!"

A/N:

Extra chapters

100 power stones - 1 Extra chapters

200 power stones - 2 Extra chapters

Capsule - 1 Extra chapters

Massage Chair - 3 Extra chapters

Luxury Car - 5 Extra Chapters

Magic Castle - 15 Extra Chapters

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