The lackeys, intimidated by David Foster's accumulated power, dared not defy him. At the same time, they felt a deep fear of Mark Brooks in their hearts. After exchanging glances, they shouted and charged together, fists flying, energy surging in all directions.

Mark Brooks was utterly unafraid. Beneath the eyes burning with fury was a face as cold as ice. With a flicker of his body, he assumed a strange stance, like a mighty, upright tree, its 'roots' firmly embedded in the earth.

His legs were as steady as gnarled roots, while his upper body swayed gently with the wind, as if he had merged with the ground itself, forming an unbreakable, seamless defense.

The Evergreen technique, performed with radiant profound energy, was now even tougher than before, its power taken to a new level.

"Pa~" "Pa~"

The flurry of fists and palms coming from all directions could not break through Mark Brooks's defense for the moment. No matter how fierce the wind and rain, how loud the thunder and lightning, he remained steadfast as a mountain, calm and unshakable, meeting all changes with the same resolve.

Mark Brooks's fists burst forth with power, as if he had transformed into a six-armed Vajra, each punch like a hammer or cannon.

The group of attackers, on the other hand, were like withered leaves caught in a whirlpool, and with a series of explosive sounds, they were flung out one by one, landing on the ground in various awkward poses.

Some were struck directly in vital spots by Mark Brooks, killed with a single punch. Others barely managed to defend themselves, but still spat blood wildly, gravely injured and crawling on the ground. Even those who could still stand no longer dared to provoke Mark Brooks, tilting their heads and simply lying on the ground, pretending to be dead.

One lackey who had just stomped on Henry Brooks's hand, a partner in crime with the sharp-mouthed, monkey-faced one, was equally treacherous.

Seeing that Mark Brooks was using the Evergreen technique to root himself firmly, he seized the chance to crouch low and sweep at Mark Brooks's thigh, hoping to break his rock-solid stance. But the moment his leg struck, it was like hitting an iron pillar; the force rebounded, and with a 'crack,' his leg bone shattered, sending him tumbling to the side.

Mark Brooks immediately stomped down on him. Instantly, his head burst open like an overripe pomegranate, revealing the bright red seeds inside.

"You stomped on my big brother, so I'll stomp on you. Even after stomping, I still feel dirty." Mark Brooks's handsome face, his gaze sharp as a blade, wiped his filthy bare foot clean on the man's body.

Those who bully the weak and fear the strong finally learned the lesson that those who step on others will themselves be stepped on.

A chill crept up from the depths of David Foster's heart, his pupils contracting sharply again and again. He never imagined that after returning from the small cave heaven, Mark Brooks's strength would have increased so dramatically.

Chapter 7: The Road to Heaven, You Refuse to Take

To transform from a useless nobody into such a master—just how much did he gain? If he could somehow transfer Mark Brooks's fortuitous encounter to himself, then he...

At this thought, David Foster's heart burned even hotter, greed filling his mind. Although Mark Brooks was formidable now, judging by his aura, he was only at the mid-stage Spirit Disciple level. With his own high-stage Spirit Disciple strength, could he not handle him?

As for the surviving lackeys, they had already been scared out of their wits, their steps hesitant as they tried to charge forward. They turned pitiful eyes toward David Foster. But with a single raised eyebrow, he made them groan inwardly. David Foster was known for his vengefulness and venomous nature. If they gave up halfway, not only would they get nothing, but they would also bring misfortune upon themselves.

Today, they had kicked a steel plate, and with no other choice, could only grit their teeth and fight. Only by risking their lives could they hope to escape danger. Though Mark Brooks was fierce, he was no three-headed, six-armed monster.

One lackey, who also practiced the Vajra Fist, had reached the mid-stage Spirit Disciple level. He had trained in the Vajra Fist for years, believing he had grasped its essence and reached the threshold of mastery. He swung his fist in the same Vajra Opening move, launching a fierce attack at Mark Brooks.

Mark Brooks's brows arched, his fighting spirit surging, and he responded with the same Vajra Opening move.

The two identical Vajra Opening moves met halfway, fists colliding.

Boom!

Both men's knuckles burst open, blood splattering.

The lackey's arm and fist were shattered, and he staggered back with a scream. Mark Brooks would not let him escape, pursuing like a shadow, his fists flying like a rapid-fire crossbow, punch after punch.

The sound of firecrackers exploded continuously—each rapid collision of fists shattering the enemy's bones, turning him into a pile of 'cotton.' In an instant, blood sprayed from his mouth, and he crashed to the ground like a dead dog.

"Who's next to die!"

Mark Brooks's sharp gaze swept the crowd, his reddened fist clenched tightly.

Such a desperate fighting style shocked the lackeys who had attached themselves to David Foster in hopes of gaining some benefit. They were here to do business, not to die...

One by one, they retreated, not daring to face Mark Brooks again.

David Foster's eyes flickered with a sinister light, his brows twitching uncontrollably as he cursed inwardly. What kind of fierce spirit did this kid eat in the small cave heaven? How could a single Vajra Opening move display such overwhelming power, turning a basic entry-level Vajra Fist into something so formidable?

No, no, even at the threshold of mastery, the power shouldn't be this great!

A single unique move can get you far, but the Vajra Fist alone can't produce endless tricks. And this series of punches rapidly consumed profound energy—how long could this kid keep it up, fighting so recklessly? Arrogant brat, let's see how you die soon!