The Rise of a Master: It Starts With Rejection

Felix was stunned. His casual conversation with Dickson had proven true. The person emerging from Corpse Town was none other than Dean.

Back then, Dickson had joked that with such a high bounty and no trace of the Maximus family, there were only two possibilities. Either they had gone to the capital, or they had hidden in one of the Three Forbidden Lands.

But how likely was the latter? Everyone in Martial City knew the Three Forbidden Lands were places of no return. Why would the entire Maximus family hide there?

Yet, here was proof. Their elder—and only master of the Transcendence Realm— had appeared. What more evidence was needed?

Seeing his enemy made Dean's blood boil. Once, he, the Grand Elder, and two masters of Transcendent Realm had worked together. But not only had they failed to capture Felix, but they also watched him survive the Echo Cavern-a place that should have meant certain death.

Though hiding in Corpse Town, Dean occasionally ventured out in disguise. That was why he kept informed of certain news. This meeting seemed fated.

After his brief shock, Felix panicked. Though Dean couldn't kill him alone, any delay would let the other four catch up. The outcome then would be obvious.

But thinking quickly, Felix managed a contemptuous smile. "Dean! I've been waiting for you."

Huh? Dean's brows furrowed as he prepared to strike. Felix seemed to have expected him, which was very strange.

Then, Dean sensed the four Transcendent Realm masters rapidly approaching from behind. Cold sweat broke out as he abandoned thoughts of attacking Felix and retreated into Corpse Town.

He thought that Felix must have set such a trap for him outside. Good

ghe had been wise enoughnoveldrama

notice. A moment's delay could have meant death.

"Someone's in Corpse Town?"

The four pursuers stopped, having sensed Dean's appearance. But it was too

brief to make out his face. Felix had already entered.

"Who knows? Let's go back. We can't pursue Felix into Corpse Town."

"Why bother? That bastard is dead anyway."

"True. Mission accomplished. Forcing him into Corpse Town is as good as killing him ourselves."

Inside Corpse Town, Felix materialized. It felt like when he had first entered Martial City and was randomly transported to some location.

As he looked around, he only saw dilapidated stone houses. The streets and alleys were deathly quiet, as if no living soul existed here.

With people about and a gentle rain, it might have had the tranquil beauty of a small village. Instead, it only felt bone-chilling

and scary. Coty

Though fleeing earlier, Felix had noticed the bodies around Corpse Town's entrance-some recently dead, while others weathered to bone. The place lived up to its fame. Anyone who entered would have

their corpse thrown out by some force before long, making it far more sinister than Echo Cavern.

"The Maximus family is here, too. Better avoid conflict until I know if they can track me."