Chapter 686: A Sudden Change
"The winner of this battle is Max and with that, it is our Great Ruler Empire who will own the mana pool now," Elder Drew finally announced, his voice ringing with satisfaction as a proud smile spread across his face. He couldn’t help but glance sideways at Elder Bras from the Thunder Monarch Hall, as if silently asking—What now?
The defeat of the Thunder Monarch Hall’s chosen genius had sealed the outcome of the competition in their first game and Elder Drew made no effort to hide the satisfaction gleaming in his eyes.
Elder Bras, however, responded with only a cold snort. "Hmph," he grunted, clearly suppressing the storm brewing in his chest. His pride had taken a hit today, and it showed in every sharp line of his expression. "It seems your force has found itself a new genius. Nurture him well," he said in a flat tone, but the coldness couldn’t be masked.
Without sparing another glance, he turned and shot into the sky, disappearing into the distance with a trail of lightning behind him, leaving behind only the sting of his defeat.
Not long after, Travis stepped forward, his expression an awkward mix of defeat and forced politeness. He bowed slightly toward the elders of both sides and said with a tight, embarrassed smile, "Elders, we will also take our leave."
Without waiting for a reply, he took out his void shuttle, helping the unconscious Kai into it. Moments later, the shuttle flickered with light and ascended into the sky, vanishing from sight like a defeated shadow retreating from the battlefield.
With that, the Thunder Monarch Hall’s presence had completely vanished—leaving behind only the silent proof of their crushing defeat and the undeniable rise of a new name: Max.
"What is the ability you used just now?" A calm but ancient-sounding voice rang out suddenly, startling Max. In the blink of an eye, Elder Heng from the Bright Buddha Palace appeared directly in front of him, as if he had simply materialized from thin air.
Max instinctively took a step back, his heart skipping a beat. He hadn’t even sensed the elder’s approach—and that alone spoke volumes of the man’s terrifying strength. But what truly sent a chill down Max’s spine was the immense pressure that descended upon him the moment Elder Heng arrived.