“l usually keep such matters to myself.” Simon lifted his head to look at Jonathan and said, “However, | don't mind sharing them with you today since only one of us will live past tonight. If you die, this secret will be carried with me to the grave. If | die, nothing else will matter anymore.” After a quick pause, he continued, “So, when the morning comes, | won't show mercy. The reason | live is to avenge Ms. Lambert by destroying the Heavenly Rebirth Alliance someday.” Jonathan said, “Although you've had a tragic experience, | won't be merciful to you.” With a faint voice, Simon replied, “That's good to hear.” The night was still young, yet there was nothing more Jonathan and Simon could say to each other.
The two sat cross-legged, closed their eyes, and rested.
Currently, they were well aware that awaiting them in the morning was an intense battle.
When the time came, whether they lived or died, depended
wholly on their personal abilities.
Gradually, the sky became brighter. A gleam of light slowly appeared from the horizon, revealing the crack of dawn.
As the sea breeze gently blew, a thick fog formed, making the view seem like the mythical paradise of Pillere.
Rising above the sea of fog was the sun. It resembled a golden ball of fire, indicating that a new day had come.
It was a day that fate would be decided.
Standing on the beach, Jonathan and Simon exchanged stares.
Simon said, “If it wasn't for this situation, I'd perhaps regard you as my only friend.” Smiling, Jonathan said, “Let's do our best and leave the rest in God's hands.” He seemed very confident and carefree.
Simon had already thrown away his golden brass knuckles.
With just an “okay”, he went on an made his move. He zoomed past, leaving only his after-image behind. He was nimble and forceful like a speeding whirlwind, appearing right in front of Jonathan in the blink of an eye.
Starting the fight off by swinging fatal punches, Simon was here to kill. Like gods of the underworld, he was exploding with murderous intent. His opponent, Jonathan, was shrouded in the vengeful spirit of Hades.
Jonathan's movements were slowed down as he was surrounded by the chilly aura.
At that moment, however, he did not step back. “Great Emperor Seal!” The Seal could declutter his heart.
In his heart, he felt like the Great Emperor crushing the world, treating Simon's attacks like a raging storm. On the other hand, Jonathan himself was like the coastal rocks that remained steadfast despite being hit by the furious waves.
At that moment, Simon's bloodlust aura was suddenly as if roaring waves crashing against the coastal rock that was Jonathan. Strangely enough, however, Jonathan was not affected in the slightest.
His state of mind had surpassed that of regular human beings.
It was as if the mundane fantasies of everyday life were already unable to waver him.
Bang! Jonathan stepped forward and went into Simon's centerline. Raising his fist, he aimed to throw a deadly Rolling Thunder Punch as forceful as fifteen hundred kilograms at Simon's chest.
Jonathan's reaction was extremely intimidating this time.
Being conquered by Simon's overpowering aura, not only did Jonathan not back down, he moved forward instead.
Moreover, the steps he took were ingenious. In the midst of chaos and danger, he threw out an unexpected punch that was swift and sharp, stopping all of Simon's attacks.
Simon had a small shift in expression.
Not everyone could make use of Jonathan's Great Emperor Seal. For the Seal to achieve its desired effect, it required an exceptionally clear state of mind and enormous courage in the face of danger. One needed to remain as calm as the Great Emperor under overwhelming pressure while dealing a lethal blow to their opponent.
Yet, Simon was also a shrewd opponent. He reached out with both hands at the same time, attempting to wrap them around Jonathan's neck like a millstone. This action alone brought infinite transformation to Jonathan's movements. Nonetheless, there was no use for Jonathan to pull his head away or shrink back entirely as his transformation was already enveloped by Simon's force.
Seeing that Jonathan could successfully strike Simon if the latter managed to wrap his hands around the former's head, the former would be killed.
Simon's transformation was out of this world, extremely menacing.
Just then, as Jonathan rotated his wrists, his closed fists turned into open hands. Pushing them upward, he tried to make Simon loosen his grip.
Although their transformations were full of surprises, the results were terrifying in their own ways.
Simon's hands formed a seal as he stamped his feet, while Jonathan escaped the former's attacks. When their arms were tangled together in the fight, a loud cracking sound rang out. However, Simon's strength was greater than that of Jonathan's. This was the best time for the former to triumph over the latter.
Little did Simon know, Jonathan was faster. With one step ahead of the former, the latter demonstrated his Satin Palm.
A mighty force came out of Jonathan's index and middle fingers as he pointed them at Simon.
Simon had no choice but to take a step back. Jonathan panted lightly and stepped back as well. The brief fight showed that the two were evenly matched. Yet, the thrill of it was indescribable.
Wearing grim expressions, both already knew that they were each other's ultimate rivals. Neither of them knew what the outcome of this fight would be. It all depended on their own transformation during the process.
After a short pause, Jonathan and Simon continued with the battle. This time, Simon refused to attack fervently and aggressively. Rather, he chose to play vicious tricks. All of a sudden, Simon gave Jonathan a knife-hand strike on his face. The latter tilted his head before he could get hit.
Instantly, Simon closed his outstretched hand. Only stretching out his index and middle fingers, he pointed them at Jonathan's ear. When Jonathan dodged Simon's attacks, the latter changed his hand gestures, intending to rip the former's sideburns.
Managing to grab Jonathan's sideburns, Simon immediately tore a large piece off his scalp. The ruthless tactics that were relentlessly adopted by Simon were truly difficult to guard against.
Nevertheless, Jonathan was not an easy opponent. As he
pulled his head away, his shoulders made him seem as if he was wielding a huge spear. Then, he jumped. The bulging muscles on his shoulders were like lump ores, slamming right into Simon's fingers.
Simon had little choice but to pull back from attacking. A cold glint flashed across his eyes abruptly as Haemocore was bursting out of his body.
It was a tremendous force of two thousand five hundred kilograms.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtOut of nowhere, Jonathan unleashed his Haemocore.
It could last for only five seconds.
If he failed to defeat Simon in time, it would be a catastrophe for Jonathan.
Following a loud noise, Jonathan immediately stepped forward with a Blasting Fist, aiming it at Simon's jaw.
From a delicate movement to a ferocious punch, Jonathan's transformation was smooth and natural.
Simon turned pale upon seeing that. He did not dare to
take the punch heads on. Crossing his arms, he turned Jonathan's Blasting Fist upward. At that moment, Jonathan unleashed his Mongrel Attack. His kick was obscure yet fierce.
These killing tactics were savage and violent, yet it was as smooth as butter for Jonathan to utilize them.
This was the best strategy anyone could ever adopt. Once again, Simon could not help taking a step back. The moment he did so, Jonathan's eyes gleamed with a dazzling light as bright as the sun.
The power of the Great Sage Force Field was released.
Roar! Out of the blue, Jonathan's eyes were bloodshot. His shirt was rustling loudly as if the wind was blowing through.
If the heavens want to quash me, | will bring them down; If the earth chains me down, | will break them apart! It was an unstoppable force.
Together with the force, Jonathan's pent-up frustrations
were let out all at once.
Seeing the power that was emitting from Jonathan's body, Elijah and Lesley who stood aside were left flabbergasted.
They thought that it was terrifying for a warm and gentle person like Jonathan to hide such immense power within his thin and delicate body.
His power could obliterate everything.
All of his vitality and will as a spiritual fighter were contained within the Great Sage Seal.
Bang! Simon's face instantly drained of color. He only felt that all his fatal attacks were vanquished by Jonathan's force. Just as Simon was shaken to the core, with a sense of foreboding, he could feel the Great Sage Seal coming at him with Irresistible Force.
Simon's vision suddenly turned black. The Seal unleashed by his opponent was godlike and indomitable. Simon could only face it directly.
He quickly took a step back and crossed his fists, turning them into a breastplate to block the attack. In an instant, when Jonathan's Great Sage Seal hit Simon's breastplate, a wild force burst out. The terrifying force was akin to a giant snake rattling its tail like a spinning top, piercing through Simon's breastplate.
Taking a few steps back, Simon's face went pale. His steps had also become erratic. Jonathan then rushed forward, throwing another Rolling Thunder Punch at Simon. The force that Simon had been blocking with his breastplate earlier dissipated straight away when he took the punch.
Eventually, Jonathan's fist landed on Simon's chest. The punch sent Simon flying. He then coughed up a mouthful of blood.
Upon demonstrating the Great Sage Seal, Jonathan unleashed a Rolling Thunder Punch again. These two strikes left him utterly exhausted. He sank down and sat cross-legged on the ground, shutting his eyes.
Jonathan went all-in this time because Simon was very skilled in terms of combat and cultivation.
If they were to combat using regular methods, Jonathan would surely lose.
Thus, he went beyond the conventional methods by unleashing his Haemocore right away.
Jonathan was totally drained of energy despite merely using two tactics - the Great Sage Seal and the Rolling Thunder Punch.
At that moment, Jonathan could only feel that every inch of his body was hurting. He even struggled to move.
Meanwhile, Simon was more critically wounded. His face was white, while his internal organs were severely injured.
Like Jonathan, Simon sat crossed-legged. There was no sadness and discontent on his face. Instead, he looked unusually calm.
What he felt at that moment was relief.
“Jonathan, you won,” said Simon. With a hint of strain in his voice, Simon added, “Tell your wife to come over and kill me now.”
Jonathan put on a rather strange look and said, “I can't ‘even move now. Do you want me to let her end your life, then Elijah and Lesley's, and finally her own, so that | can become the ultimate winner?” Simon had a strange look in his eyes as well. After all, he knew what kind of person Jonathan was. The latter would not do such a thing. Furthermore, Catherine was not a fool.
It would not make sense for her to follow Jonathan's instructions when it came to matters concerning life and death.
“What are you going to do then?” asked Simon.
Elijah and Lesley also turned to Jonathan because it seemed to them that Jonathan was needed to determine the fate of others.
Just then, the fog above the surface of the sea was completely dispelled by the golden rays of sunlight.
Today is a new day that's filled with vibrancy and hope. Or is it?
Jonathan did not give Simon a reply. The former turned to Catherine.
Catherine sat cross-legged next to Jonathan, holding his gaze. The look in her eyes remained indifferent like a still lake.
Jonathan called out to her, “Catherine.” “Yes?” answered Catherine.
Jonathan said in a serious manner, “You're also clear about the rules of the competition. Even though | think that Divine Realm may have ulterior motives, it's just a guess. Now, we no longer stand a chance against them.” Suddenly, Catherine said, “| won't Kill you.” Jonathan's heart skipped a beat. He felt joy upon hearing those words. It was not that he did not have to die, but because Catherine was his wife. He disliked the idea of getting brutally murdered by Catherine.
After a short moment of silence, Jonathan said, “Catherine, aren't you indifferent toward everyone? If you want to survive, you'll have to kill us all.”
Catherine looked at Jonathan and said unexpectedly, “If | kill them all, then end my own life, you won't have to die, right?” Jonathan felt a jolt in his heart.
After she finished speaking, Catherine stood up and walked toward Simon.
Jonathan was startled. He knew that Catherine, as a peculiar person, would mean what she said.
“Catherine...” Jonathan warned her hurriedly.
Catherine turned and looked at Jonathan in confusion.
“Come here,” he said hastily.
She obediently approached and squatted in front of him, her gaze fixed firmly on him.
“Aren't you afraid of dying?” Jonathan asked.
Catherine shook her head. “I don't know what fear feels like.” Jonathan fell silent for a moment before smiling at her gently. “All right. Since you're not afraid of death as well, let's try to survive together. We're husband and wife, after all. Whatever happens, no matter if we live or die, let's stay together, okay?” Catherine's eyes lit up. She nodded fervently and replied without hesitation, “Okay!” Jonathan let out a long sigh of relief.
Elijah and Lesley sighed in relief as well.
However, Simon still sat there with his eyes closed,
concentrating on healing his injuries.
Meanwhile, Catherine sat cross-legged next to Jonathan quietly and obediently.
Jonathan's heart was at peace.
He did not think that Catherine lacked emotions. She was just a little colder and slower than others. However, it did not mean that she did not have feelings.
Choosing Simon as her first target earlier was proof of that.
It clearly showed that she had a better relationship with Elijah and Lesley.
If | survive this, | swear | will be better to Catherine. | will treat her like my actual wife.
Time slowly ticked away.
Everyone had fallen into a rare silence, and ten days passed in the blink of an eye.
On the morning of the tenth day, rays of sunlight pierced through the layers of clouds in the sky.
Soon after, a military aircraft emerged from the clouds.
Jonathan had recovered all of his vital energy. He and Catherine were completely fine. Simon, Elijah, and Lesley, on the other hand, were still heavily injured.
All of them felt a mixture of emotions when they saw the arrival of the military aircraft.
While they were excited, they could not help feeling anxious at the same time because this would determine who got to keep their lives.
The military aircraft quickly descended on the beach, sand swirling along with the wind.
The cabin door of the military aircraft opened, and Lailah, dressed in a crisp military uniform, stepped through it.
She approached the group with two people in tow.
Lailah gave them a sweeping glance before turning to Jonathan. “Where are the rest?” “They're dead,” he answered in a low voice.
Lailah did not even flinch at his words. “All right, then. The
five of you have officially passed this test. Get into the military aircraft. In three days, we will hold the Admission Ceremony, where you will officially become external disciples of the Divine Realm. Congratulations!” Everyone stared at her, momentarily stunned. When the shock wore off, they celebrated inwardly.
We're okay! And we got selected! They had been worried that someone would come to get rid of them.
The group helped each other up the ramp and into the military aircraft.
Soon after, the military aircraft took off.
All of them sat there in silence but had some burning questions they wanted to ask. However, Jonathan pressed his lips together, forcing himself to keep quiet.
Lailah's eyes swept over them. “You guys must be wondering why all of you have been selected even though we said that we would only allow one person to pass.”
Jonathan nodded. “Yes, we are.” “It's simple. Divine Realm needs intelligent and powerful people in its ranks. The rules will never change, but that doesn't mean the people won't. We need you guys to figure out the hidden meaning and then break the rules.” Jonathan had been pondering over that for a while, but he was still unsure. He could not hold back his comment. “But you guys were the ones who implemented the rules. Even if we could figure out the hidden meaning, none of us would be willing to risk our lives for that. It's safest to act according to your rules.” “You're right.” Lailah paused before continuing, “The battle took place on Ophidian Island because it has dense jungles and is surrounded by the ocean. If you can't beat your opponent, you could choose to hide in the forest or the ocean. If you die, then it's because you have bad luck. No matter how intelligent a person is, nothing matters if luck isn't on their side. The actual rule of this competition was to allow all who survived to pass.” After hearing her words, Jonathan had a clearer picture of
what the Divine Realm was.
Everyone's doubts had been cleared as well.
Three hours later, the military aircraft landed at Yaleview military base.
They each threw on a jacket for warmth and got off the military aircraft.
“You may explore Yaleview freely for the next three days.
On the day of the ceremony, we will meet in Jadeborough Hotel Room 408. Be there at eight in the morning. Don't be late,” Lailah instructed.
Two hours later, Jonathan and Catherine returned to the Harrington residence.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmThe golden silkworms had been removed from their bodies by the female golden silkworm.
After experiencing a close brush with death, Jonathan and Catherine yearned to return home.
Before they set out, Jonathan called Yareth to have him charter a car to pick them up at the spot they had met
earlier. Then, both of them boarded the military aircraft and went back.
As for the remaining three, they decided to stay in the base to recover from their injuries as their homes were not in Yaleview.
Harrington mansion's courtyard was covered in a thick layer of snow. The mountains and trees were also covered in fallen snow.
Jonathan held Catherine's hand as they walked through the gates of the mansion, both clad in their military jackets.
It was already one in the afternoon when they arrived.
When the couple entered the living room, they saw Yareth sitting in the main seat. His complexion was ruddy, and he smiled at them warmly.
“Grandpa!” Jonathan greeted him excitedly and announced, “Catherine and | have been selected!” Yareth did not seem to be surprised. He smiled faintly and said, “Come and sit. | already told Bruce to prepare lunch
for us. Let's have a drink while we chat.” At the mention of food, Jonathan realized that he was starving. He had not been able to eat delicious food while he was on the island.
Ten minutes later, Bruce had laid out a lavish feast on the dining table.
YYareth poured himself and Jonathan a glass of wine. He raised it toward Jonathan and said, “Congratulations, Jonathan.” “Thank you, Grandpa,” he immediately replied.
Catherine merely sat there and ate her food in silence.
“Was the test easy? Did you run into any difficulties?” Yareth asked.
Jonathan chuckled bitterly. “To tell you the truth, Grandpa, | thought | wouldn't be afraid of Divine Realm's tests, no matter how difficult they were. However, | suffered quite a lot in this test. | almost couldn't make it back.” Yareth's interest had been piqued. “Oh? Let's hear it.”
Jonathan described everything that had happened in detail to Yareth.
Once he was done, Yareth looked at him in shock. “I didn't expect Divine Realm to make the test this dangerous. Both of you were very lucky to have survived.” Jonathan gave him a small smile. “I guess you can say it was a blessing in disguise. | did gain some things from it.” YYareth returned his smile. “Yes, that's good to hear.” He fell silent afterward.
Jonathan enjoyed the lunch very much.
After the meal was over, Jonathan and Catherine returned to their room.
He let Catherine take a shower first.
Once she was done, he went in for his shower.
When he exited the bathroom, he saw Catherine sitting on the bed. Her hair was still wet, droplets of water dripping off the ends.
She just sat there quietly, lost in her thoughts.
Jonathan no longer treated Catherine like a stranger. His actions were more intimate and affectionate, despite himself being unaware of it.
He strode over to the bed and pinned her down.
They were very close to each other, to the point where they could feel each other's warm breaths.
Catherine gazed up at Jonathan, her eyes shining brightly.
Jonathan could not take it anymore. He bent down and kissed her soft lips. Gently stroking her cheek, he whispered, “You silly girl. What are you thinking about?” She shook her head and replied, “Nothing.” She was not being coy; she was telling the truth.
Jonathan was not annoyed by her answer as he was already used to her unique personality.
He sat up, got off the bed, and brought a hairdryer over.
“Let me blow-dry your hair for you.” Catherine nodded in response. “Sure!”
After Jonathan was done drying her hair, she turned to him and asked, “Can | go to sleep now?” There was a warm and fuzzy feeling in his heart. She would never have asked me this in the past.
“Of course, but only if you give me a goodnight kiss.” Catherine immediately leaned over and pressed her lips to his. With that, she quickly burrowed herself under the thick blanket.
Jonathan chuckled to himself. Oh my. Is she shy? Well, it doesn't matter. She has changed quite a bit, but I'm pretty happy about it.
He suddenly felt very energetic.
Jonathan pulled a white sweater over his head and left the room. He got into one of the Lexus cars and drove out of the courtyard.
As he drove, Jonathan tapped on the touchscreen monitor in the car and called Yasmin.
He was concerned about Yasmin, and she was elated to receive his call.
The two of them chatted on the phone for a long time.
After that, Jonathan asked Yasmin to send his regards to Jessica and Jennifer, to which she agreed.
After ending the call with Yasmin, Jonathan dialed Amber's number.
‘When Amber saw Jonathan's incoming call, she was very excited. As soon as the call was connected, he told her about the things that had happened recently and the fact that he had passed the test.
Amber was overjoyed when she heard the news. “When will you be available? Let's meet up for a meal to celebrate! It'll be my treat.” Jonathan chuckled. “Tomorrow night is fine.” “Deal” After she hung up, Jonathan called Mabel.
She was also elated that he had called her. “You've gone missing for so many days! This phone call means that you passed the test, right?” The joy in her voice was evident.
Jonathan let out a light laugh and replied, “It looks like | can't keep anything from you.” He paused for a moment before continuing, “Where are you right now? Can we meet up?” “We can if you have something important to talk about. If you don't, I'm afraid I'm a little too busy for you at the moment.” “Yes, it's important,” Jonathan said flatly.
“All right. Where are we meeting?” She paused, thinking for a moment. “You rascal, if it turns out to be something unimportant, you're going to get it.”