All the flesh spikes were completely shot out, causing ripples to appear on the formation light screen surrounding the arena.

"Just as expected."

Ryan Lawson’s lips curled into a faint smile.

The iron-spiked water buffalo’s various abilities and weaknesses were already within his grasp.

"Bastard! You killed Aniu, I’ll make you wish you were dead!"

Outside the arena, Charles Duke roared in fury, his murderous gaze fixed on Ryan Lawson.

Chapter 010: "Condensing Star Sword Finger"

"Bastard! You killed Aniu, I’ll make you wish you were dead!"

Charles Duke was furious, roaring loudly.

This battle beast of his had a trace of ancient wild bull bloodline in its body—he had poured so much effort into it!

"Since you entered the arena, you must abide by its rules—life or death is not considered."

Ryan Lawson shook his head, repeating the words Charles Duke had said earlier.

Previously, when that man in plain clothes begged for mercy before dying, Charles Duke hadn’t shown a shred of sympathy.

"You..."

Charles Duke was so angry that his fat trembled, flames of rage blazing, murderous intent flashing in his eyes.

If not for the rules of the underground black market, he would have rushed up and torn that brat to pieces.

"Hmph!"

Charles Duke forcibly suppressed his anger, flung his sleeve, and left.

Today, he had lost all face—his once-mighty battle beast was killed by a mere first-level Open Vein cultivator.

The onlookers also sighed in amazement; this beast fight was thrilling and completely unexpected.

Some people even began to speculate about Ryan Lawson’s identity.

"Young Master Du, have you forgotten something?"

Ryan Lawson smiled broadly—he was still thinking about Charles Duke’s superior martial technique.

Charles Duke’s face turned sinister. This was the underground black market—even if the head of the Du family came, he’d have to follow the rules here.

"Hmph, superior mortal-grade martial techniques? I have plenty of those!"

In truth, superior martial techniques were extremely valuable, even to the Du family. If Charles Duke’s father found out about this, he’d definitely get a severe scolding.

Originally, Charles Duke had been certain his battle beast wouldn’t lose, which was why he’d made such a bold claim.

"Take it!"

Charles Duke glared venomously at Ryan Lawson for a long time, then pulled a booklet from his robe and tossed it over before leaving.

Swish!

Ryan Lawson leapt up and caught the manual.

""Condensing Star Sword Finger"?"

Ryan Lawson carefully flipped through it, checking the grade of the martial technique.

But those around, upon hearing "Condensing Star Sword Finger," were already sighing.

"It’s actually 'Condensing Star Sword Finger'—that Charles Duke is really devious."

"This is an incomplete martial technique, widely circulated on the market; because it’s not complete, it’s very difficult and risky to cultivate. Many who practiced it before ended up either dead or crippled!"

"Heh, 'Condensing Star Sword Finger' may be a superior mortal-grade martial technique, but it’s worth at most a few thousand taels of gold—this kid really got the short end of the stick!"

...

Ryan Lawson listened to the discussions around him.

"This Charles Duke is truly insidious and shameless!"

Ryan Lawson cursed coldly.

He had been surprised that Charles Duke was so generous, actually using a superior martial technique as a wager.

Ryan Lawson had just checked—"Condensing Star Sword Finger" only had the first three levels, and even those were incomplete, with only a few scattered words after that.

If he rashly cultivated it, the consequences would be unpredictable.

In terms of value, this technique wasn’t even as good as a mid-grade mortal martial technique.

"Hmph! Charles Duke! Did you think a mere incomplete martial technique could trip me up?"

Ryan Lawson’s lips curled into a cold smile.

The Book of Creation could deduce all things in the world—an incomplete martial technique was nothing to him.

Whoosh!

Ryan Lawson darted away, quickly leaving the underground black market. In a crowded area, he took off his black robe and mask, and slipped away.

"Where is he?"

"Gone! Did that kid sense us?"

Behind him, several pursuers looked bewildered.

With Ryan Lawson’s senses and spiritual awareness, he had long since noticed someone was following him.

Among those pursuers, most were likely Charles Duke’s people.

...

Back home.

"Xiaotian, where have you been these past few days?"

Emily Nash’s elegant brows knitted slightly, her beautiful eyes filled with worry.

By her count, Ryan Lawson hadn’t come home for three days.

"Xueyao, I’ve been out cultivating these past few days. I’ve successfully opened my veins and become a martial artist!"

Ryan Lawson said confidently.

"You broke through to the Open Vein stage?"

Emily Nash’s jade lips parted slightly, her face full of surprise.

To prove it, a faint blue layer of true qi rose from Ryan Lawson’s palm.

As she recalled, Xueyao also practiced martial arts, so she was surely familiar with the basics.

"That’s wonderful, Xiaotian—you’ve broken through and become a martial artist."

A lotus-like smile blossomed on Emily Nash’s stunning face, so beautiful it left Ryan Lawson momentarily dazed.

"I’ll go make something delicious to celebrate for you."

Ripples of light danced in Emily Nash’s eyes, her elegance otherworldly, as she gracefully walked away.

Back in his room.

Ryan Lawson’s consciousness touched the Book of Heaven in his mind.

Whoosh!

As expected, a mass of black mist appeared.

"Youth, have you forgotten our agreement? You’ve already opened your veins—hurry and let me out of the Book of Heaven."

The god of the Book of Heaven immediately spoke.

Ryan Lawson directly ignored the black mist and asked the Book of Heaven, "I have a superior mortal-grade martial technique here—can you deduce and perfect it?"