The final traces of clarity faded as the Enlightenment Card expired.
For a brief moment, the world returned to normal. No heightened perception… No perfect understanding.
Tony stood at the center of the Nine Pillars chamber, his chest rising and falling as sweat traced down his skin.
He stood up again and executed the first form of the Tyrant Dragon Fist.
Then the second… But didn't dare to execute the 3rd form… The rebound is still fresh in his mind.
Without the system's guidance, the movements were no longer effortless.
But he practiced them again. And again… And again.
Each strike drained him further. Each movement consumed more life energy than his current body could sustain.
"I can't rely on this body forever…" He muttered under his breath before running forward and delivering the punch.
BOOM.
The pillar trembled again, but this time… Tony staggered slightly.
His body had reached its limit. The life energy within him was nearly exhausted, his Elite Warrior Rank cultivation unable to provide life energy demand for the technique.
"Damn… I need more life energy." He exhaled sharply.
Without hesitation, Tony dropped to the ground and sat cross-legged.
The moment he stabilized his breathing- He activated the Heaven Devouring Origin Scripture.
The response was immediate. The surrounding life energy surged toward him like a tide breaking through a dam.
It flooded into his body, raw and dense, flowing through his spine and dispersing across his internal pathways like lightning branching through a dark cloud.
The energy gathered at key points along his spine, reinforcing his body from within.
Time passed slowly…
Tony remained still, his mind focused, guiding the incoming energy, refining it, compressing it, strengthening his body further.
"knock…"
Tony's eyes snapped open.
"Who would come here at this hour?" The entire estate was occupied with the celebration. Even the servants had been reassigned for the event.
Tony stood slowly and walked toward the entrance. When he opened the door… He froze for a fraction of a second.
"Leo?! What are you doing here?" Tony asked with a confused look.
"I could ask you the same thing," Leo said with a faint grin. "I thought you'd be enjoying the party. When did you become so obsessed with martial arts?!"
Tony frowned slightly. "What happened to the Party?"
"It will probably last all night," Leo replied, stepping inside without waiting for permission. His gaze swept across the chamber, pausing briefly on the cracks and dents across the pillars.
His expression changed. "You've been practicing… seriously?"
There was genuine surprise in his tone.
Tony shrugged lightly, masking everything beneath indifference.
"I'm not the one who made those dents. I'm just trying to break through…" Tony replied plainly.
Leo didn't look convinced. But, he didn't press further. "I came because Father asked me to find you."
Tony's expression shifted slightly. "Did he say anything about the Clay family incident?"
Leo shook his head. "No. It's not about that. Father is leaving tomorrow morning on a business trip."
Tony narrowed his eyes. "And?"
"He wants you to come with him."
"What..?!" Tony was shocked as his father never takes him outside… especially business trips.
Leo laughed lightly at his reaction. "I knew you'd be surprised. If my guess is right… He's taking you to the Frost family to confirm the marriage."
Tony's expression froze. A hand slowly rose to Tony's forehead.
"This again..."He exhaled. "I heard that girl is a genius."
Leo smirked. "Not just a genius. A monster. She is one of the top 5 geniuses of Nine Lotus Pavillion. I couldn't even stand before her in a fight." Leo said as he remembered the number one beauty of the nine lotus pavilion whose face he yet to see.
Tony shook his head. "It won't happen. The difference between us is like a pebble and a mountain."
Leo didn't argue… Instead, he smiled. "Anyway, I won't be around to see it."
Tony glanced at him. "Why?"
"I'm leaving tomorrow as well," Leo said casually. "I have a duel at the Nine Lotus Academy."
Tony raised an eyebrow. "With who?"
"The 'Cold Sniper' from the Macau family." Leo replied with a loud sigh.
"Good. Don't put our family name down. Also, If anything happens to my position… You take it. If not me… you should be the next prince of this family, Understand?" Tony said while staring at his brother.
Leo frowned. "Don't say nonsense. As long as I'm here, no one will take your place."
Tony waved his hand dismissively. "Enough… Go enjoy your party." Tony pushed his brother outside and tried to close the door.
But before he could close it- Leo stopped him.
"Wait… Take these." Leo pulled out a few bottles and handed them over. "Cultivation pills.. I got them as gifts. But I don't need them anymore." Leo said casually.
Tony didn't refuse… He took them.
By the way… That ring! Where did you get it?!" Leo's voice carried genuine curiosity. "I've never seen something like that. Not even my master has one."
Tony smiled faintly. "Don't ask… Just keep it a secret."
And before Leo could respond… The door shut with a loud bang.
Silence returned inside the chamber. Tony stood still for a moment.
"…Frost family, huh…" A faint smirk appeared.
Without wasting time, he opened the bottles. A rich medicinal aroma filled the nostrils. He swallowed the pills without hesitation and returned to the center.
The moment he activated the Heaven Devouring Origin Scripture again…
Everything changed.
The energy surged violently.
The pills amplified the process, strengthening his body's ability to absorb and refine the incoming life energy.
His entire body resonated under pressure.
Hours passed... The barrier cracked and shattered.
His aura surged… From Mid Warrior Rank to Late Warrior Rank.
But it didn't stop… The energy continued to build. Tony's breathing grew deeper. Another surge!
"BOOM"
A second breakthrough. Elite Warrior Rank (Low)
Tony slowly opened his eyes. Power flowed smoothly through him.
A faint smile appeared. "I think this is how the geniuses feel…!"