Silence poured over the martial arts arena. Imperial Guards who had been laughing minutes earlier stood frozen, smiles fossilized on their faces.

A mere Earthly Immortal Realm Level One had dismantled an Earthly Immortal Realm Level Seven captain as though swatting a housefly. Everything they thought they knew about strength lay in shambles.

A faint smile touched Yuliana’s lips. She turned to Rylan and asked, “Commander Drake, do you still believe Jared unworthy of a proper match?”

Color drained from Rylan’s face. He fixed Jared with a hard stare. “It doesn’t count,” he growled. “Martin went easy—he feared killing you outright. Had he struck in earnest, you’d have had no chance.”

Even Martin, sprawled on the ground, nearly spoke in protest—he had poured every drop of fury into those blows and still never brushed Jared’s clothes.

However, he couldn’t possibly defy Rylan, so he had no choice but to agree.

Jared’s mouth curled in thin contempt. “So, according to you, my victory is somehow dishonorable?”