From Outcast to Overlord The Unyielding Heir (Leander Ashcroft) novel Chapter 148

Chapter 148 The Ultimate Showdown

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Yvette and the others stood frozen, overwhelmed with emotions, as Leander and Grayson locked eyes atop the stone pillars. There was a palpable tension in the air, and the winds around them seemed to be pushed away, as if an invisible force field had formed between the two men, creating an undeniable pressure.

“So, that’s Jeff Ashcroft?”

The fighters surrounding the valley all turned their eyes toward Leander, astonished. It was their first time seeing the young Martial Sovereign whose fame had risen so quickly.

“My God, he’s as young as the rumors say!”

Voices of awe echoed through the crowd. Leander had recently been the center of attention in the martial world. Almost every major event was linked to him, especially his defeats of Mason Tarlyn and Alek Peterson. His achievements were simply too dazzling to ignore.

“To be so skilled at such a young age… Young Ashcroft certainly deserves the title of Young Martial Sovereign. Compared to him, the so–called Nine Geniuses are nothing!” Roman murmured as he stood near the edge of the cliff, murmuring in awe.

Beside him, Theresa gazed at Leander’s back, recalling the day when he had effortlessly killed Alek with a single punch in Tardide Valley. Her heart stirred as she wondered, Can he really win this battle?

The one–armed elder finally calmed himself after the initial shock and looked at Leander and Grayson facing off, sighing softly. “Jeff Ashcroft is truly exceptional. His skill has likely reached Advanced–perhaps even Elite–Martial Sovereign.”

The woman in the simple dress standing next to him tilted her head and asked, “Do you really think Jeff Ashcroft will lose this battle, Grandfather?”

The elder hesitated for a moment before nodding firmly. “Young Ashcroft is powerful, but Grayson Shire is even more terrifying. When he fought Gareth Ashcroft years ago, Grayson was already at the peak of Martial Sovereign. Now, after more than a decade, his abilities have surely progressed even further. Who knows how strong he has become?”

Then, he shook his head with a sigh. “Jeff Ashcroft is simply too young. With another decade of experience, he might stand a chance against Shire, but now, there’s almost no hope. After today, the legend of the Young Martial Sovereign may very well be extinguished.”

The woman’s gaze wavered at his words, and she remained silent for a long time.

Nearby, the six Martial Sovereign experts from the Great Seven Martial Clans of Cloudveil watched with bated breath, hope flickering in their eyes. The Silverleaf in Tardide Valley had

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Chapter 148 The Ultimate Showdown

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belonged to Leander. With him alive, they hadn’t dared to make a move. But if Leander were to die at Grayson’s hands today, the Silverleaf would be up for grabs, and they could finally claim it for themselves.

“Jeff Ashcroft, you may be powerful, but with the Jade Emperor himself making his move today, let’s see how much longer you can remain arrogant!” Atlas muttered, his eyes narrowing as he had already written Leander off as a dead man.

Many fighters in the crowd shared his thoughts. Although Leander was the rising star, a newly crowned Martial Sovereign, in their eyes, Grayson Shire was the true legend. Hardly anyone believed Leander stood a chance in this fight.

Countless kingpins from Mornwick’s underworld stood at a distance, their hearts twisted with anxiety. If Leander were to lose, the underground power structure of Mornwick could be completely rewritten, and even the launch plans of Jeff Enterprises might come to a screeching

halt.

Mr. Leander! For the first time, Frankie clasped his hands together, quietly praying.

Just then, the sound of a sword hum echoed through the valley. The crowd followed the sound and saw two figures leaping toward the cliff’s edge. They landed steadily, one an elderly, frail man, the other a man in his thirties, holding a Jesundese sword and standing respectfully by the elder’s side.

“Tsaric Dubois–Briggs?!” Roman’s head turned sharply, his eyes narrowing in recognition, pupils dilating in shock. Several other older fighters also recognized Tsaric, their faces changing in alarm.

Years ago, Tsaric had swept through Astria’s martial world, leaving a trail of fallen masters in his wake–dozens had died at his hands, many of them the elders or relatives of the very people present today. Countless eyes filled with hatred were cast in his direction, yet none dared to act recklessly.

“Tsaric Dubois–Briggs? The Jesund Sword Master who nearly dominated the Astrian martial world over a decade ago?” Theresa’s voice trembled with shock as she asked the question.

Roman nodded, his expression growing solemn. “I never expected him to come out of seclusion after over a decade of hiding in Jesund. Back then, he was unstoppable in Astria, and it was only Gareth Ashcroft who managed to stop his rampage. Now that he has suddenly appeared atop Glidewing Mountain, what could be his purpose?”

After Tsaric and Lionel arrived, they merely nodded toward Grayson and Leander before sitting cross–legged at the edge of the cliff, making no further moves. Only then did the martial artists of Astria breathe a collective sigh of relief.

Grayson, however, paid no attention to Tsaric’s presence. His eyes remained locked on Leander, his long black hair whipping wildly in the wind. “This battle has been a long time

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Chapter 148 The Ultimate Showdown

coming, Ashcroft. After today, only one of us will remain.”

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Leander casually rolled his wrists and neck, the sound of his bones cracking reverberating. He replied with indifference, “Let’s decide victory and death.”

The next second, he swung his arm, and an invisible wave of energy exploded outward, shattering the stone pillar closest to him with a thunderous crash.

“Good! That’s the spirit! In all these years, only Gareth Ashcroft has ever given me a real fight. Today, you’ll be the second!” Grayson laughed, his voice booming across the valley. This man, once the strongest in the Astrian martial world, was now fully revealing his fierce aura. An intense battle was about to unfold!

Suddenly, a loud crack of thunder split the sky. What had been a clear day turned dark as countless black clouds gathered overhead. In an instant, the peak of Glidewing Mountain was cast into shadow, the atmosphere heavy with foreboding. Before either man had even made a move, the sky unleashed a torrential downpour.

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