The Strongest War God

The room fell silent as everyone awaited Braydon Neal’s response, a response that didn’t come immediately.

He could sense that anyone favored by Lauritz Hagan likely had an exceptional background, perhaps even possessing extraordinary abilities.

It wouldn’t be surprising if this individual had a remarkable lineage, akin to possessing ten eyes.

“I appreciate your kindness, but I’m afraid I cannot accept help from an outsider,” Braydon murmured softly, his words tinged with the pride ingrained in the people of the Northern Army, who staunchly refused aid from unfamiliar sources.

It was a pride that bordered on arrogance, reflecting the longstanding tradition of self-reliance among the people of the Northern Army.

Lauritz elaborated, shedding light on Braydon’s clandestine status within their organization. “Your information is classified at the highest level within our headquarters. Only a select few, such as those within the Hall of Souls and the ice palace, have access. Any mention of your name triggers an immediate threat assessment.”

This revelation left the room’s occupants stunned.

Who exactly was Braydon?

The fact that headquarters deemed him of such significance was astonishing.

“The Yin Yang Holy Master wishes to meet you,” Lauritz relayed, his voice carrying the weight of authority. “Should you choose to accept, I can take you to him.”

Braydon shook his head firmly. “That won’t be necessary.”

To Braydon, these strangers viewed the ancient martial arts path he and the primordial chaos banished immortal walked as forbidden, even demonic.

They failed to recognize the distinction he saw between their philosophies.

He wanted no part in their affairs, despite Lauritz’s presence.

Bowing down and submitting was not in his nature, especially to those he saw as adversaries.

Lauritz hesitated, refraining from pressing Braydon further.

He knew he had a formidable ally behind him, one who could even give pause to the Yin Yang Holy Master himself.

It was a thought that sent shivers down his spine.

Lauritz, sensing the tension, chose his words carefully.

“You’re dismissed,” he instructed the hall master with a nod.

“Yes, sir,” the old man murmured, hastening to depart.

“I need to clarify something,” Lauritz ventured cautiously. “Is the technique you practice the Hundred Tribulations Heavenly Art?”

This technique held immense significance within the cosmic community, revered as one of the most potent cultivation methods.

Its origins were shrouded in secrecy, known only to its creator and now, apparently, to Braydon.

Braydon furrowed his brow in confusion.

“Hundred Tribulations Heavenly Art? I’ve never heard of it.”

“Never heard of it?” Lauritz was taken aback, sensing a discrepancy. “But you’re not cultivating the Origin Separation Technique; you’re practicing the Hundred Tribulations Heavenly Art!”

Braydon fell silent, his thoughts racing.

He had indeed developed numerous skills in his youth, culminating in the creation of the banished immortal technique.

Since then, his abilities had surged, almost effortlessly producing banished immortals.

Everything appeared to be unfolding naturally, leaving Braydon without a hint of suspicion.

He had believed himself the sole architect of the banished immortal technique, but now doubt crept in.

Lauritz shook his head with a rueful smile.

“That’s the Hundred Tribulations Heavenly Art. It’s among the most potent techniques of the human race in the vast expanse of the cosmos. It’s a safeguard for the race, a creation unmatched for generations.”

“Who was its creator?” Braydon inquired.

Lauritz remained silent, the name of the technique’s originator evidently off-limits.

Yet, Braydon couldn’t shake a nagging doubt.

He recollected his youth, the arduous journey of crafting the eight techniques.

But it was Sadie Dudley who had been his greatest aid, her insights guiding him through pivotal moments.

Her presence seemed more than mere coincidence.

Braydon’s lips twisted into a bitter smile. “Sadie, you’ve seen through me since childhood. I’ve never hidden anything from you. But as I’ve grown, your enigma only deepens, cloaked in layers of mystery.”

With each passing year, Braydon realized Sadie harbored countless secrets.

“Sadie?” Lauritz inquired.

“A sister who’s been with me since childhood. A person unknown to you,” Braydon replied, his resolve to depart already forming.

However, as he turned, his eyes caught sight of a luminous orb advancing toward him, enclosing a youthful figure within its glow.

The young man possessed fair skin, yet his eyes held a wolfish intensity, radiating a palpable aura of violence.

It was clear he was no stranger to bloodshed.

Though it seemed his first time within the ice palace, he appeared disoriented, unsure of which entrance he had emerged from.

Hastening forward with a menacing demeanor, he brandished a bone knife, bellowing, “I’ve wandered for ages. Finally, a living soul! Are you, too, an heir to the ice palace?”

Lauritz’s brow furrowed.

He had come personally to meet Braydon, so why did the ice palace send someone else?

Given the sensitivity of Braydon’s situation, any potential leak of information was unacceptable.

The news of his lineage, as the second-generation successor of the Hundred Tribulations Heavenly Art, posed a dire threat, far surpassing the perils of claiming the mantle of Yin Yang Holy Master or being lauded as the uncrowned king.

The ramifications were grave; the demon forces would staunchly oppose the birth of a second successor, deeming it a harbinger of immense peril.

The Hundred Tribulations Heavenly Art was thought to be lost, its successor a sign of imminent catastrophe.

The hall master, bowing apologetically, acknowledged the error. “My apologies, Lord Lauritz. I’ll remove him immediately.”

“Kill him,” Lauritz ordered nonchalantly.

The hall master hesitated, unable to voice his objection. “Lord Lauritz…”

“Should you wish to share their fate, then continue to dawdle,” Lauritz replied impassively.

With a heavy heart, the old hall master swiftly escorted the menacing intruder away, knowing full well what measures were necessary.

Lauritz directed a somber gaze at Braydon before sighing heavily.

“The demons’ infiltration has escalated into a significant threat. This is the only recourse for ensuring your safety.”

“I don’t want to depend on anyone,” Braydon reiterated firmly, adamant about not relying on outsiders.

Having learned from the formidable Martial Emperor Yanagi, Braydon had inherited the Martial Emperor’s inherent skepticism toward outsiders.

Trusting them proved to be a formidable challenge.

“Braydon,” Lauritz interjected with a grave tone, “you’ve yet to experience the vast expanse of the cosmos. You’re unaware of the gravity of the situation. Seven superpowers dominate this universe, each vying for control over territories.

“Occupying the largest territory is crucial for our race’s growth and survival. Can you comprehend the repercussions if this stellar realm falls into the hands of the demon race?

“You understand all too well,” he continued. “This stellar realm belongs to the Milky Way Empire, and by extension, to the human race. The empire spans across two galaxies, with Earth, your birthplace, nestled within the Milky Way Galaxy. There exist over 100 billion uninhabited planets within our galaxy, with 3,762 planets yet to foster any form of life.

“Should the demons seize control, the inhabitants of these vital planets will become mere fodder for their insatiable hunger,” he warned. “And Earth, your home, would be a paradise for demonic beasts…”