Chapter 278: Grovel at My Feet

Francis was bewildered by his rejection. Countless people desired to become his disciple, some even offering hundreds of millions, but he had refused them all. Jared, however, met his invitation with disdain.

The elderly man's expression darkened. "Brat, I gave you a chance, but you threw it away. You've dug your own grave."

"Kill him!" he barked.

His three remaining disciples immediately surrounded Jared. Tommy, however, fled, not out of fear, but because he knew he couldn't help Jared and didn't want to be a burden.

Jared's expression remained blank as he surveyed the trio. They didn't concern him in the slightest.

"If you're so eager to lose a few more disciples, I'll gladly grant your wish!"

With a casual outward push of his palm—a seemingly gentle motion, yet immensely powerful—waves of spiritual energy surged from his body.

Boom!

A ripple spread through the air like a rock dropped in a lake.

Fear filled the eyes of Francis's disciples. Before they could react, their bodies were thrown backward. Unlike Carter, they lay motionless, without a single writhe.

"This" Francis paled, shocked.

Steven, hiding nearby, trembled with fear, regretting his attempt at revenge.

"Was that the pinnacle of internal energy you boasted about earlier?" Jared mocked, his gaze fixed on Francis.

Francis's face contorted in awkwardness; his heart pounded. He never imagined someone as young as Jared could be a Grandmaster. His misjudgment was clear.

"You you're strong. I admit defeat, but I won't forgive you for killing my disciples!"

Francis rose and left, abandoning his disciples' bodies. Steven hastily followed.

"Did I say you could leave?" Jared's chilling voice stopped them.

Francis stared incredulously. "A-Are you planning to kill me?"

"Why not? Would you have let me leave if you'd lost?" Jared's lips curled into a smirk.

"Brat, I'm from Iron Gate Academy! Even though I've established my own academy, my seniors will hunt you if you kill me! You'll be on their hit list!" (The sentence about FindNovel.net has been removed as it is irrelevant to the story and promotional in nature.)

Francis revealed his affiliation, hoping to deter Jared.

"I don't know any Iron Gate Academy. You're just trying to save your skin. Stop babbling and grovel at my feet. I might forgive you." Jared's disdain was palpable.

"Brat, don't be arrogant!"

Enraged by this humiliation, Francis attacked, each blow aimed to kill.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

Jared remained unmoved, absorbing Francis's blows. After three strikes, Francis's arm went numb, his fist unable to clench. Jared, however, remained unscathed, a smirk playing on his lips.

"Y-You also practice the Impenetrable Skill?" Francis was astonished.

"Impenetrable Skill is nothing!" Jared sneered, then struck.

Francis braced himself, widening his stance. His face flushed with exertion.

Boom!

A thunderous sound echoed as Francis froze, statue-like.

Elation flooded Steven. As long as Francis survived, he could escape.