Valerius frowned slightly, his expression solemn, yet his state of mind remained steady.
Only his estimation of Ethan had changed.
This human body cultivator's combat power was stronger than he had first imagined.
But only a little stronger.
Until now, he had merely used fifty to sixty percent of his strength. The previous exchanges had been nothing more than a test, a measure of Ethan's depth.
Now it was clear that this youth possessed genuine ability.
He was worthy of being treated seriously.
Valerius fixed his gaze on Ethan. Golden light flickered across his arms, and the force that had surged into his limbs was instantly erased by his own power.
Behind him, a violent roar erupted.
The Star of Great Stillness detonated completely. A towering mushroom cloud of flame surged upward, fire filling the sky.
The terrifying heat scorched everything in its path. The snow that had blanketed the mountains for years melted rapidly. Frozen soil cracked and steamed.
