From Outcast to Overlord The Unyielding Heir (Leander Ashcroft) novel Chapter 468

With a single sentence, Leander stunned every powerhouse in the International Combat Units. They etched his words deep into their hearts, not daring to ever forget them.

Back when the Dragon Emperor had dominated over Astria, he shook the whole world with his strength alone. His achievements forced countless geniuses and prodigies to bow their heads. Even veteran experts trembled before him, not daring to challenge his authority.

There was only one rule.

He declared that no powerhouse was ever permitted to rampage or wreak havoc in Astria. Though many acknowledged the rule, many others did not. After all, his legend was forged through innumerable battles before he finally reached the peak; it had not been built overnight.

But on this day, Leander crushed the two strongest martial experts at the top of the International Combat Units with astonishing speed and single-handedly slew fifteen Chief Arbitrators with overwhelming strength. It was a shocking display of his absolute power.

Among those present, not one person dared to defy him or show even a hint of disrespect.

His words were the ironclad rules of the world. Who would dare disobey them?

A chorus of sonic booms echoed across the sky as the martial experts who had come to fight over the treasure retreated in quick succession. Their once-eager expressions had turned solemn, not a trace of greed remaining in their eyes. None of them dared to harbor even the slightest thought of coveting the relic now.

Evelyn's fiery-red dress fluttered in the wind, exposing a flash of her fair and delicate skin.

More daring than the rest, she approached Leander with a seductive smile that could drive any man wild.

"I've finally witnessed what it means to be a true man of the world, Sovereign Ashcroft. Rest assured, from this day onward, I will never act presumptuously within Astria! But… I will remember you."

Her smile lingered, tempting men to their downfall. After she finished speaking, she transformed into a whirl of flames and vanished into the sky.

Out of the twenty-odd Transcendent Realm martial experts present, most had quickly retreated, gone in the blink of an eye. Only Seth, Keith, and Kenneth remained, standing there in stunned disbelief.

A long time passed before they recovered from their shock and gave Leander a respectful bow.

"Thank you for your aid, Sovereign!"

Previously, they felt only a measure of fear and vigilance toward him. They honestly believed that he was nothing more than a Transcendent Realm martial expert who might one day pose a threat. But now, in their eyes, he had become an undefeated god of war, worthy of praise and worship.

Ignoring their heartfelt gratitude, Leander swept his gaze over them. Then, he lifted his hand. The surface of the hot spring erupted again. A column of water shot into the sky, splitting into four separate golden beams that surged endlessly.

"What's that?"

They stared, mouths agape in astonishment.

Leander flickered a finger at the three men. One of the golden beams instantly shot toward them and hovered above their heads.

Startled, they tried to dodge.

In the next instant, a warm current poured over their heads and penetrated their skulls. Flowing through their limbs and bones, the warmth flooded their entire bodies. It felt as though they had been reborn. Every cell thrummed with endless energy as the innate vitality in their bodies grew stronger and more refined.

While they were reeling in bewilderment, Leander's calm voice entered their ears.

"I've already taken the relic that appeared on the Aorinth Peaks. Even if the Shadow Division demands it, I will not hand it over.

"But aside from the relic I need, there is another priceless natural treasure there—the Verdant Dew produced by the Bloodjadea.

"The Shadow Division is a special division within the government. Though I have claimed the relic, I won't send you back empty-handed.

"These three water columns hidden at the bottom of the hot spring are the core of the Verdant Dew! Take them with you—they'll strengthen your body and boost your cultivation. They could even unlock the latent potential of an ordinary man, allowing them to step onto the path of ancient martial techniques and cultivate their inner strength."

The three men inhaled sharply. At his level, they knew he would not lie about such things.

"Legend has it that a King Phase master can even manipulate the power of heaven and earth with a flick of their finger—causing floods and tsunamis, crushing mountains and rivers, and even sealing space itself."

"Oh?" Leander murmured. "Controlling nature and even sealing space itself?"

Those words were short and concise, but they vividly painted the might of a King Phase master.

Starting from the Ember Transcendent, one could begin to vaguely manipulate the forces of the world on a small scale. They could channel their innate vitality to draw the primordial energy of the world into themselves, shaping the energy into either a shield or a blade.

But it was crude—rudimentary at best. True control over the forces of the world was far beyond their reach.

Yet according to Seth, a true King Phase master could freely wield the forces of the world as if they were his own.

Borrowing the power of nature to empower oneself and the authority of heaven and earth itself to reign over others—that was the most primitive form of power, strength at its purest.

The "Devourer's Ninefold Path" that Leander wielded was powerful for the very same reason: Everything eventually returned to nature. It was formless, intangible, and elusive—possessing unfathomable potential.

It was obvious King Phase masters held power that even he could not afford to ignore.

Hands clasped behind his back, he gazed across the mountain ravine.

"Have you ever seen a true King Phase master?"

The three men exchanged looks, then simultaneously shook their heads.

Seth's voice was solemn and grim. "Nearly a hundred years have passed since the last appearance of a true King Phase master."