Chapter 2323 Battle of Top–Sage Levels
“Seems like being expected to perform isn’t all it’s cracked up to be,” Santiago muttered.
at 04%
Finished
He shrugged his shoulders. His stance was worlds apart from the Warlord’s. To anyone watching, he looked more like an elderly man preparing for a casual stroll rather than a battle.
Once he finished his warm–up, both locked eyes, the tension thickening the air.
The sea winds roared, and waves crashed against the boat.
The storm churned violently, splashing against the sides. The small boat rocked, the distant islands standing as silent witnesses to the impending clash between two of the world’s most powerful fighters.
Murdock, though ordered to return to Chanaea, had left behind a small team. They were positioned to keep an eye on Santiago, ready to assist once the fight concluded and their commander emerged victorious.
Murdock glanced back, his gaze lingering on the rare sight unfolding before him. Like the rest of his comrades, he couldn’t help but be struck by the spectacle.
The Warlord’s long robe whipped in the wind. He stood at the bow, hands clasped behind him.
His posture was unwavering, as if the entire world could not stir him. The wind howled, yet he stood firm, a statue made flesh.
Santiago stood opposite, his focus razor–sharp, his eyes piercing the chaos of the storm.
His feet were planted solidly, unmoved by the roaring wind.
“Ha. A once–in–a–lifetime battle is about to begin. I won’t blink. Not even for a second.”
On a distant reef, a man clad in red armor watched in silence, his eyes fixed on the approaching battle.
The Warlord had chosen this spot wisely. He didn’t want to risk his men or his fleet being caught in the crossfire.
“Bring it on, Santiago!” Helios shouted, his voice sharp with excitement.
With a flick of his sleeve, a wave of unseen force surged toward Santiago, bringing with it a scorching heat.
The force twisted into a fiery vortex, speeding toward Santiago, intent on consuming him whole.
Santiago’s face remained a mask of cold resolve, but his eyes burned with confidence.
As a martial artist, he thrived on the challenge. This was no different.
Helios, one of the Upper Three Saints of the New Seven Saints, was a force to be reckoned with. Santiago was eager to see how far the Warlord’s strength could stretch.
“Hyah!” Santiago shouted, raising his hand.
A wave of energy shot forward, cleaving through the flames as though they were nothing.
1/4
17.01 Tue, 15 Apr
Chapter 2323 Battle of Top–Sage Levels
Santiago reacted without hesitation–he blocked with both palms.
64%
Finished
When their powers collided, the force unleashed a shockwave that rippled out from the boat’s center.
The sea responded with terror, twisting into a violent whirlpool.
The whirlpool exploded, and a thunderous roar echoed across the waters.
“Good god… this battle is something else!”
The man in red armor couldn’t hide his excitement. Few martial artists ever had the chance to witness a fight like this.
Those who did were truly fortunate–such a spectacle could elevate their own martial arts to new heights.
“Impressive, as always, from the current Tocvale Commander’s uncle. Your strength is incredible!”
Santiago, still gripping Helios‘ fist, smirked. “Looks like Dragonicus and Liora can’t quite measure up to you. Too bad.”
“Too bad? What do you mean by that?”
Helios responded casually, his movements never slowing.
They exchanged strike after strike, each blow as deadly as the last, yet both moved with the poise of masters.
Their bodies danced across the boat, fluid and graceful, like cranes gliding over the sea–rising high, then swooping low.
Each blow seemed to stir the ocean itself, with waves crashing and winds howling as if nature were caught up in the fury of their battle.
“It’s a shame,” Santiago said, narrowly dodging one of Helios‘ strikes and countering with ease.
“If only the Sheffield–Grey family were united, if you all stood together to protect Chanaea… imagine what could’ve been.”
“Ha! I was just about to say the same thing!” Helios laughed.
“If only they had joined forces with me to deal with the weak factions, Artemis‘ side would’ve been wiped out by now. Especially Dragonicus. Not only did he abandon the Sheffield–Grey family, but he became the Tocvale Commander, fighting for Artemis.”
“To be fair, he’s not exactly fighting for Artemis,” Santiago said, dodging another blow with ease.
“They’re fighting for the people of Chanaea. Their vision is much bigger than you think.”
“That’s just your brainwashing. Our vision is just as big–bigger than yours!” Helios roared, unleashing a fiery punch.
Santiago braced himself, only to find the punch split into four, each wrapped in flames.
Forced into defense Santiago crossed his arms and absorbed the blow
2/4
Chapter 2323 Battle of Top–Sage Levels
“How… How is this possible?”
The man in red armor stood frozen, his eyes wide with disbelief.
He had never seen a fight so fierce.
He had never seen anyone survive a Warlord’s strike like that.
The Northern Region commander’s strength far exceeded anything a Sage should possess.
So why hadn’t he been granted the Sage title?
訊
64%
Finished
Behind him, several figures in high–tech armor watched, awe and respect in their eyes. It felt as if they were witnessing the pinnacle of martial arts in real–time.
“Santiago, it’s a real shame Lucian didn’t give you the Sage title,” Helios said, genuinely impressed.
“Your power surpasses even the Three Saints he personally named.”
“Titles are just empty words,” Santiago replied with a smirk.
“The Dawnbringer has always been my idol. But I don’t care for titles. I just want to protect Chanaea, like he did. If I die in battle, that will be my final honor.”
“You’re a man worthy of respect. I admire you,” Helios said sincerely.
“It’s a shame our beliefs don’t align. If I fall by your hand today, it will still be an honor.”
Santiago’s excitement ignited.
“Ha! Then bring it on!”
With that, Santiago stopped holding back.
Though he and Helios had shared some history, today, Helios was an enemy. Santiago wouldn’t show
mercy.
The Dragon–Breaking Palm was unleashed.
Helios barely had time to react, leaping out of the way.
The ship’s sturdy deck cracked instantly.
Water began to flood in.
“Dragon–Breaking Palm truly lives up to its reputation as the world’s strongest!” Helios thought aloud, his heart pounding in disbelief.
He reacted quickly, unleashing one of the Lannister family’s secret techniques: the Dance of the Phoenix.
The strike was so swift and graceful that Santiago couldn’t react in time. He had no choice but to counter with his own Dragon–Breaking Palm, specifically the Water of the Dragon.
3/4
17:01 Tue, 15 Apr NNA
Chapter 2323 Battle of Top–Sage Levels
“How is this possible?!”
The man in red armor stared, his eyes wide with shock.
64%
Finished
In their eyes, the Warlord’s strength was untouchable–the peak of martial prowess, something even firearms couldn’t touch. But now, here he was, struggling against another fighter. Their world had been turned upside down.
It was clear now: Chanaca’s pillar wasn’t just for show.
“Move! Everyone, attack at once!” the man in red ordered sharply. “That old fool isn’t someone who can be defeated alone!”
With a quick motion, he waved his
“des forward, signaling them to slip into the water.
Their high–tech suits were built for stealth–equipped with duck–foot extensions and gas jets, enabling them to glide swiftly and silently beneath the waves.
In the endless sea, they were nearly impossible to spot.
