His confession sent shockwaves through the entire meeting room. The other two elders shot to their feet in fury, while the Martial God Teacher's eyes burned with a cold, terrifying anger.
"Why?" the Martial God Teacher's voice was like freezing steel. "The Great Axe Battle Arena has treated you well. Why would you betray it?"
Sak's eyes were filled with hatred.
"Treated me well?" he laughed bitterly. "Do you even know what I've endured all these years? My ability is no weaker than Flame Emperor's, so why is all the glory his? Why does everyone only remember Flame Emperor and forget me, Sak?"
Flame Emperor shook his head.
"Sak, you're just using jealousy as an excuse."
"Jealousy?" Sak's voice turned sharp. "I refuse to accept it! I refuse to live forever in your shadow! So I decided to destroy you and take your place!"
Hearing this, the Martial God Teacher's anger reached its peak.
"Sak, you've disappointed me. You betrayed your comrades for personal desire. This is unforgivable!"
Realizing he was completely exposed, Sak threw caution to the wind.
"Hmph! So what if you figured it out? The plans of those forces have already begun. Flame Emperor's death was only the first step. Soon, the entire Great Axe Battle Arena will…"
Before he could finish, a spiritual strike from the Martial God Teacher slammed into him. Sak let out a miserable scream and collapsed unconscious onto the ground.
"Lock Sak up immediately. Await further judgment," the Martial God Teacher ordered.
Soon, guards entered and dragged Sak away. The room fell silent again, but the atmosphere remained heavy.
The Martial God Teacher turned to Flame Emperor.
"Flame Emperor, this incident fills me with deep shame. If we had discovered Sak's betrayal earlier, you would not have suffered such hardship."
Flame Emperor shook his head.
"Teacher, this is not your fault. Sak hid himself too well. Even I failed to see his true nature."
"Even so, the Battle Arena has failed you," the Martial God Teacher said solemnly. "From today onward, all your positions and authority will be fully restored. In addition, I will grant you greater power to thoroughly investigate internal corruption."
Lei Ming stood up at this moment.
"Martial God Teacher, Sak just said the forces' plan has already begun. Should we take immediate action?"
The Martial God Teacher nodded.
"Yes. Flame Emperor, you understand those forces best. I want you to lead the counterattack operation."
Flame Emperor accepted without hesitation.
"I will formulate a plan quickly and eliminate all traitors."
"And one more thing," the Martial God Teacher said, looking at Rowan. "This young man played a crucial role in uncovering everything. Without the evidence he gathered, the truth might never have come to light."
Rowan quickly responded.
"You overpraise me, Martial God Teacher. I only did what I should have done."
The Martial God Teacher's gaze softened slightly, carrying appreciation.
"Humility is a good trait, but credit must be given where it is due. According to the traditions of the Great Axe Battle Arena, anyone who makes significant contributions must be rewarded accordingly."
Lei Ming added from the side.
"Rowan, your actions not only exposed an internal traitor, but also prevented a potential catastrophe for the entire Battle Arena. By contribution standards, this qualifies as a first-class merit."
"A first-class merit?" Rowan was slightly stunned.
He hadn't expected such a high evaluation.
The Martial God Teacher nodded.
"That's right. And first-class merit comes with a reward. You may choose any three items from our treasury."
Even Flame Emperor showed a trace of surprise. The Great Axe Battle Arena treasury contained countless priceless treasures, some even coveted by undying-level experts. Choosing three items was an extremely generous reward.
"Martial God Teacher, isn't this too valuable?" Rowan said uneasily. "I only did what was necessary."
"Precisely because of your character, I am even more willing to reward you," the Martial God Teacher said with a faint smile. "Moreover, considering your current level, I will personally recommend treasures most suitable for your stage of cultivation."
Flame Emperor also said,
"Rowan, don't refuse. You deserve this. The Martial God Teacher's judgment is always accurate. The items he recommends will greatly benefit your growth."
Rowan took a deep breath and bowed deeply.
"Then I will gratefully accept. Thank you, Martial God Teacher."
"Good," the Martial God Teacher nodded. "Flame Emperor, accompany Rowan to the treasury. With your experience, you can help him make the best choices."
The Great Axe Battle Arena treasury was located on the fifth underground level of the headquarters, a heavily fortified space protected by multiple layers of security.
When Flame Emperor and Rowan arrived, the guarding elder had already received instructions.
"Flame Emperor, Mr. Rowan, please enter."
The door opened.
Rowan was immediately stunned by what he saw.
It was like stepping into a vast museum. Countless rare treasures were displayed in specially designed cases. Some were surrounded by faint glowing halos, clearly indicating even higher-tier items.
"This treasury holds tens of thousands of years of accumulation," Flame Emperor explained. "Weapons, cultivation techniques, rare materials, enhancement potions. Everything is here."
Rowan carefully observed everything, his eyes filled with awe but not greed. He was thinking about what he truly needed.
"Flame Emperor, what should I choose?" he asked sincerely.
Flame Emperor considered.
"With your current strength, focus on three things. First, cultivation techniques. Second, protective artifacts for survival. Third, spiritual power enhancement. You have strong talent in spirit cultivation."
Under Flame Emperor's guidance, Rowan began selecting carefully.
In the end, he chose three items.
The first was a spiritual cultivation technique called Void Soul Refinement Art. It was left behind by a legendary spiritual master and could greatly enhance both the strength and purity of spiritual power.
The second was a set of armor called Star Armor. It looked simple and unremarkable, but it could withstand attacks from universe-level experts.
The third was a Soul Crystal, an extremely rare natural treasure that nourished the soul and expanded spiritual potential.
"Good choices," Flame Emperor nodded in satisfaction. "Together, these will elevate your strength significantly."
After leaving the treasury, they returned to the Martial God Teacher's office.
The Martial God Teacher not only approved Rowan's selection but also granted him an additional reward.
"Rowan, I will give you one more item."
He placed a special badge on the table.
"This is the Honorary Consultant Badge of the Great Axe Battle Arena. With it, you will have access to various privileges, including priority purchase rights for rare resources."
Rowan accepted it carefully, sensing the unique energy within.
"Thank you, Martial God Teacher."
"If you ever need assistance in the future, you may contact us at any time," the Martial God Teacher said sincerely. "The Great Axe Battle Arena does not forget its allies."
Flame Emperor also said,
"Rowan, this experience has made us true friends. If you ever need help, you can come to me directly."
After parting ways, Rowan returned to the Virtual Universe Company.
On the flight back, he studied the Void Soul Refinement Art in depth, growing more impressed with its complexity.
Three days later, his ship landed at the company's private docking station.
Back on familiar ground, Rowan felt a sense of belonging. Although the Great Axe Battle Arena had been an incredible experience, the Virtual Universe Company was still his true home.
As soon as he disembarked, he received an urgent message from Hong.
"Come to the Genius Tower immediately. Important matters."
Rowan immediately headed over.
The Genius Tower was the residence and training facility for elite trainees of the Virtual Universe Company. Rowan had his own room there.
In the top-floor meeting room, he saw Hong, Thor, and Luo Feng already waiting. Their expressions were serious.
"Rowan, you're finally back," Hong said. "How was your trip?"
"Very smooth, and I gained some unexpected rewards."
Rowan briefly explained his experience, focusing on the three treasures.
Thor sighed.
"You really got lucky. The Great Axe treasury is something countless experts dream of."
Luo Feng nodded.
"Especially Void Soul Refinement Art. Just hearing the name tells you it's extraordinary."
Rowan noticed their expressions were still heavy.
"What happened? Why did you call me urgently?"
Hong and Thor exchanged glances.
Then Hong spoke.
"Rowan… there's bad news. The Universe-level Genius Challenge has ended."
"Ended?" Rowan froze. "Wasn't it still ongoing when I left?"
Thor explained.
"The pace was faster than expected. The day after you left, it entered the final stage."
Rowan's heart sank.
"My match…"
"You were disqualified for missing the deadline," Hong said apologetically. "We tried to contact you, but your communicator was blocked."
Rowan fell silent for a moment.
All his preparation, gone because of timing.
Luo Feng tried to comfort him.
"Don't be discouraged. You'll have more chances."
Thor added,
"And honestly, your gains from the Battle Arena may be even more valuable."
Rowan exhaled slowly and steadied himself.
"It's fine. What's done is done. What about you all?"
At this question, their expressions turned even more complicated.
Hong gave a wry smile.
"We didn't do much better."
Thor said helplessly,
"I lost in the semifinals. My opponent was ridiculous."
Hong continued,
"I stopped at the top eight."
Rowan looked at Luo Feng.
"And you?"
Luo Feng hesitated.
"I reached the finals."
"That's good!" Rowan said immediately.
"I lost," Luo Feng added simply.
Rowan froze.
All four of them had failed.
"What kind of opponent was it?" Rowan asked.
Luo Feng's expression darkened.
"Someone named Berlan. He controls the law of space at a terrifying level. Against him, I had no chance at all."
Hearing the name Berlan, Rowan's eyes narrowed slightly.
He remembered this name.
In the original trajectory, Berlan, the so-called "Death God Berlan," was one of the most terrifying geniuses of his era.
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