Everyone was stunned.

For Valerius to lower his posture so thoroughly, for his tone to be so respectful—there was no longer any doubt.

An Emperor Realm powerhouse.

A being who stood above all Supremes, overlooking the rise and fall of sects.

One by one, the Ultimate Supremes present recovered from their shock and hurriedly raised their hands in salute.

"We meet the Emperor!"

The voices overlapped, echoing across the Heavenly Water Mountains like thunder rolling through clouds.

Ethan did not dare to delay.

Standing atop the ancient tree, he cupped his fists toward the white-robed phantom, his posture neither servile nor arrogant, but perfectly measured.

An Emperor.

In the entire Demon Territory, there was only one such existence known to all.

The ruler of White Emperor City.

The Lord of the Demon Territory.

The White Emperor.

The white-robed figure stood calmly in the void, his form indistinct, as if made of mist and moonlight. His presence alone caused heaven and earth to bow, yet his expression carried no hostility.

"There is no need for formalities," the White Emperor said slowly.

"These young people are the geniuses of White Emperor City. After entering the Training Trial Secret Realm, I hope you will look after them."

His tone was gentle, almost casual, as if he were speaking of trivial matters.

Yet the meaning behind his words was heavy.

Valerius immediately smiled, the sharp arrogance he usually carried vanishing without a trace.

"Your Excellency is too polite. With you here, it is we who should be taken care of."

The contrast was striking.

Moments ago, Valerius had been commanding the opening of the secret realm like an absolute ruler. Now, before the White Emperor, he was no different from a junior paying respect to an elder.

Ethan exhaled slowly.

The oppressive pressure that had frozen the circulation of divine power within his body had not fully disappeared, but it was easing.

He could move again.

Barely.

Just the lingering aura of an Emperor's phantom was enough to suppress countless Ultimate Supremes. If the true body were to descend, this entire mountain range might not survive intact.

"Hm?"

The White Emperor's gaze shifted slightly.

His eyes landed on Ethan.

Though it was only a phantom, that single glance felt like the weight of the heavens descending.

"Boy," the White Emperor asked calmly, "what is your name?"

For a brief moment, the surroundings fell eerily silent.

Ethan's heart tightened.

He had expected many things—but not this.

He did not answer.

Not because he could not, but because he would not.

After a short pause, the White Emperor smiled faintly.

"Not willing to say?"

"It doesn't matter. Everyone has their secrets."

The Emperor did not pursue the matter further.

Instead, he turned his attention to the group he had brought.

"The Training Trial Secret Realm opens once every hundred years. This is a rare opportunity for tempering and growth. Seize it well."

"Understood," the young experts replied in unison.

The White Emperor nodded slightly.

"Very well. I will take my leave. When you have time, you are welcome to visit White Emperor City."

With those words, his shadow gradually dissolved into the void.

The terrifying pressure vanished as if it had never existed.

The heavens breathed again.

The mountains stood still.

Only then did the people present realize that their backs were soaked in cold sweat.

Ethan's eyes narrowed slightly.

So this was the power of an Emperor.

Even without intent to kill, even without action—mere presence was enough to command awe.

"Alina, pay attention to that kid we just saw—he's not simple."

Among the group from White Emperor City, a young woman in golden robes slowly turned her head.

She was tall and graceful, wearing crystalline golden heels, her aura sharp and dignified.

Alina.

The White Emperor's direct disciple.

Her gaze fixed on the place where Ethan had been standing.

"Master wants me to pay attention to him…"

Her eyes flickered.

"I can't see through his realm."

Alina frowned slightly.

She activated her own probing technique, golden light flashing briefly within her pupils as a subtle wave of mental energy surged outward.

Ethan sensed it instantly.

A smile curved faintly at the corner of his lips.

So they were testing him now.

He did not resist directly.

Instead, his mental energy flowed silently, forming an invisible wall—soft yet unyielding.

Alina's probing force struck it and stopped.

Not shattered.

Not reflected.

Simply… blocked.

Like water hitting a mountain.

Her expression changed.

Such mental defense was absurdly strong.

"This person…" Alina thought, her heart stirring.

"He's dangerous."

Beside her, a tall man laughed casually.

"Junior Sister Alina, what's wrong? That fox demon?"

"He doesn't look special. At most a Supreme who knows how to hide his aura."

"If he dares cause trouble, I can handle him alone."

His confidence was overflowing.

Alina glanced at him calmly.

"You should worry about yourself, Senior Brother Faron."

The smile on Faron's face stiffened slightly.

Nearby, others also cast glances toward Ethan, curiosity mixed with disdain.

"A fox demon noticed by the White Emperor?"

"Perhaps just coincidence."

"Whether he even has a Sage Token is another matter."

Their voices were low, but not hidden.

Valerius, too, looked toward that direction.

"A fox demon…"

His brows knit faintly.

He could not sense anything special—but the White Emperor's attention alone made the matter worth noting.

Unfortunately, Tyler was not present.

Otherwise, this so-called fox demon would have been exposed long ago.

Ethan did not enjoy being the center of attention.

The moment the pressure fully dissipated, he moved.

His figure flickered, stepping off the ancient tree and vanishing into the mountains like a shadow swallowed by mist.

Clean.

Decisive.

No trace left behind.

From afar, Max and Bella exchanged a glance.

For a fleeting instant, excitement flashed through their eyes.

They had underestimated Ethan.

To be noticed by the White Emperor himself—even briefly—was no small matter.

This meant that behind that calm demeanor, there were still layers of strength and secrets they had yet to glimpse.

Whatever awaited inside the Training Trial Secret Realm, it was becoming increasingly clear that Ethan would not merely be a participant.

He would be a variable.

A dangerous one.

This made the two of them look forward to the training trial even more, and they felt a strong premonition.

A/N:

Extra chapters

100 power stones - 1 Extra chapters

200 power stones - 2 Extra chapters

Massage Chair - 1 Extra chapters

Luxury Car - 2 Extra Chapters

Dragon - 5 Extra Chapters

Magic Castle - 15 Extra Chapters

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