Formidable Enemy

The four young men immediately prepared themselves to face the incoming attack swiftly heading their way. As if given a command, they swiftly formed a defensive shield as they had been taught by Julius. The defensive shield was a combined seal utilized by all four of them. And indeed, the combination proved to be powerful, effectively repelling the attacks of the masked individuals who held a far superior realm than theirs.

Blasssshh!

The attack launched by the masked individuals suddenly disappeared upon touching the shield created by the four young men from the Dragon Earth Tower. Even though the one obstructing the attack was a cultivator in the ninth level of the heavenly spiritual realm, it wasn't guaranteed they could withstand such a formidable attack. Yet, now those who were merely at the fifth level or below of the heavenly spiritual realm could dampen attacks from their opponents.

"Hmmm... How could they block my attack with a combined seal like that? Although it's the signature seal of the Tower of the Gods Academy, with the level of cultivation they possess, it seems impossible to have such strength. Is there someone else assisting them in this vicinity?" muttered the masked man who had launched the attack, somewhat surprised by the turn of events before him.

"Second brother, attack with the power of the seal of the Sword of the Devastating God!" commanded the other masked man, seemingly the more senior of the two attackers.

"Got it!"

The men wearing the dragon masks then prepared another formation. This time, instead of a direct attack, they utilized a sealing technique. The masked man used the sword in his hand to create a seal. Instantly, a sword-shaped light of immense size appeared in the area.

"Destruction Sword Technique!"

A loud shout echoed from the mouth of the masked man, presumably the youngest among the two attackers. Simultaneously, the giant crimson-colored sword of light surged towards Galen Blackthorn and the three other disciples. The four disciples from the Tower of the Gods Academy in the Dragon Earth Tower prepared themselves. They were not willing to accept defeat without a fight, even though the strength of the current attack might prove to be overwhelming.

Blamm!

True to form, the defense held by Galen Blackthorn and the three disciples from other Dragon Earth Tower was shattered by the attack launched by their opponent. Instantly, the four disciples were thrown back several spear-lengths. They immediately spewed fresh blood due to the sheer force of the attack, causing them significant injuries. However, not a hint of fear was visible on their faces. They immediately rose, even though they had to do so with great difficulty.

"It seems you're still stubbornly trying to protect that kid named Julius. In the previous attack, I held back some of my power to avoid killing you. But if you're still stubborn and refuse to surrender, and disclose the whereabouts of the boy we're looking for, then don't blame me if the next attack sends you straight to hell!" threatened the masked man, visibly angered by the stubbornness displayed by Galen Blackthorn and his three companions.

"Do you think with that threat, we would cower and surrender to a coward hiding his face behind a useless mask? It's unthinkable for us to submit to cowards like you!" retorted Galen Blackthorn fiercely, showing no signs of fear whatsoever.

Of course, Galen Blackthorn's fierce demeanor and resistance truly angered their enemies. With a fierce attitude, the masked man once again summoned his deadly attack. This time, he truly exerted more than half of his strength, preparing to use his seal technique, the Devastating God Sword Technique. A massive sword formed from crimson light reappeared and was poised to strike towards Galen Blackthorn and his three companions.

"Go to hell! Hiyaaatt!"

With a loud shout, the man in the all-red masked attire launched the giant sword formed from the seal of the Devastating God Sword Technique towards Galen Blackthorn and his three companions. This time, there was no way for them to fight back given their already weakened state. Death was now looming over the four disciples from the Tower of the Gods Academy.

"Demon Submersion Seal Technique!"

Blassshhh!

Suddenly, a shout was heard simultaneously with the appearance of a shield stretching out in front of the three helpless disciples from the Dragon Earth Tower. Behind the seal stood someone who executed the technique. The sealing technique successfully thwarted the attack of the masked individual.

"Li-Julius! So, he managed to cultivate to the third level of the heavenly spiritual realm. Thank goodness!" sighed Galen Blackthorn after surviving the opponent's deadly attack and seeing who had emerged to save the four of them.

Indeed, as Galen Blackthorn said, Julius had successfully advanced his spiritual realm by three levels from before. Julius was now in the third level of the heavenly spiritual realm. The young man had to reluctantly consume the pill given by Master Kaelen Frostfire to break through to the next level. The situation was dire, forcing him to resort to taking the valuable pill. If he didn't, surely his four friends would perish at the hands of the enemy, and then it would be his turn.

After consuming the pill given by Master Kaelen Frostfire, Julius's rough body resilience increased. He immediately utilized it to break through to the next realm. Julius only managed to break through three realms, as the situation was urgent. At that moment, the enemy had already launched their deadly attack on Galen Blackthorn and his three other companions. Whether he liked it or not, Julius had to emerge to help.

On the enemy's side, the masked individuals were once again surprised by what had occurred. They were truly puzzled by someone who could block the attack of one of them while still in the heavenly spiritual realm. They were still far behind those at the second level of the semi-fairy spiritual realm. Something that had never happened before in any battle.

"Why are you looking for me? It seems we haven't met before. I've never seen you, let alone had dealings with both of you," Julius said sarcastically to the two individuals dressed in all red with dragon masks.

"Hahaha... so, you're the one named Julius. Turns out the information we have about you is very different. Rumor has it that you're a worthless youth with no ability. Yet, you were able to block my attack. But don't be happy just yet; next, you and your four friends will be sent to hell!" replied the masked individual who had launched the attack earlier.