Chapter 501 - 500: The Power of the Lasso of Truth!

In the blink of an eye, half a month had passed.

During that time, many things had changed.

Fenric had officially joined the Martial Arts Association, and in just two weeks his name had spread across the entire country. Even overseas, people had heard of him as the newly promoted Martial Sage.

Of course, those abroad were still arrogant. Many scoffed at the news, unwilling to believe it even when shown the evidence.

Meanwhile, videos of Fenric’s matches were circulating wildly on the internet.

At first, many had insisted Fenric’s fights were staged. But now, everyone agreed on one thing—Big Brother Ric was the real deal.

Such was the effect of fame.

Just two days ago, even the head of state of the country had arranged a personal meeting with Fenric.

—---

Late at night.

Fenric rested in a room within a luxurious villa—one gifted to him by the Martial Arts Association in an effort to win him over.

Suddenly, the phone on his desk buzzed.

The call was from overseas.

Fenric answered, and Tang Zichen’s voice came through the receiver.

"Mr. Fenric, I hope I’m not disturbing you."

Fenric sat up slightly. "It doesn’t matter. I’ve been waiting for your call. Did you find anything?"

Tang Zichen’s tone grew serious. "Yes. We discovered that the people behind your father’s death belong to a very sinister organization. They call themselves Dharma.

"Though not widely known to the public, their power runs deep. No one knows who their true leaders are, but even under threat of death, their members remain absolutely loyal. They would rather die than betray the organization."

"Oh?"

Fenric’s eyes gleamed with sharp light.

He knew the original plot, and he knew exactly what Dharma really was.

The name sounded like "Bodhidharma," hinting at Buddhism, but in truth it was not.

The word "Dharma" in this case was actually a homophone—it really meant Great Demon.

Its followers worshipped a great demon, an evil god. In short, Dharma was nothing less than a cult of darkness.

According to the original story, their influence had spread widely—reaching senior officials of the Martial Arts Association, multinational conglomerate heads, even senators of the Union Assembly.

And their leader? None other than the strongest man short of divinity: the Vice President of the Martial Arts Association, a half-step Martial God.

In the original plot, Dharma was eventually destroyed by the protagonist.

But now, Fenric had run into them far earlier than expected.

"So, it really was Dharma..." he muttered with a frown. Then, into the phone: "Where is the man who killed my father?"

Tang Zichen replied, "Our people have already captured him. Do you wish to handle it yourself, or should we dispose of him?"

Fenric’s expression hardened. He had a task, and this was something he had to see through personally.

"I’ll do it. Give me the address."

—---

Two days later.

Fenric arrived at the capital airport of a small Middle Eastern country.

As soon as he disembarked, Tang Zichen was waiting with several subordinates to greet him.

"Mr. Fenric, welcome to Robin City," she said warmly.

Fenric accepted her reception without pretense. With his current status, it was only natural she would come in person.

"What? Is your Tang Sect headquartered here?" he asked curiously.

Tang Zichen shook her head with a smile. "The headquarters is in Culture City. This is only a branch—but I’m in charge here."

"I see," Fenric said. No wonder she had invited him to come.

"This isn’t the place to talk," Tang Zichen added, gesturing toward the exit. "Please, Mr. Fenric, this way."

Together, they left the airport’s VIP lounge.

Outside, a convoy of luxury cars was already waiting. In the center was a discreet but opulent business car.

Fenric entered with Tang Zichen, and they sat face to face. Her subordinates rode in other vehicles.

"Mr. Fenric, do you want to rest first, or go directly to see the murderer?" Tang Zichen asked.

"Take me to him immediately," Fenric replied firmly.

Tang Zichen nodded, picked up her walkie-talkie, and issued a command. The convoy rolled out.

"Mr. Fenric," she continued, "we tried many methods, but the prisoner refused to reveal the mastermind. All we know is that he was ordered to Peace Dawn City specifically to target your father. But who gave the order—we still don’t know."

She glanced at Fenric carefully, as if weighing his reaction. Seeing his calm expression, she finally relaxed.

Fenric inclined his head slightly. "You’ve worked hard."

Half an hour later, the convoy arrived at a sprawling manor.

The estate was massive—at least the size of a football field. The lawn was meticulously groomed, fountains sparkled under the lights, and the main building gleamed with luxury. Clearly, its owner was not only wealthy but highly influential.

"This place is impressive," Fenric admitted.

Tang Zichen smiled. "You flatter me. Mr. Fenric, this way please."

She led him inside.

Beneath the resplendent house was a hidden prison.

The contrast was stark—heaven above, hell below.

Fenric wondered how the people living comfortably upstairs could sleep peacefully, knowing what lay beneath their feet.

In a dark, damp chamber, Fenric finally saw the prisoner—a middle-aged man, battered and bloody, with wounds that still bled fresh.

Clearly, he had endured severe torture.

As Fenric regarded the man, Tang Zichen spoke softly beside him.

"We identified him as Wu Wenhui. He was once from our country but later emigrated abroad. Beyond that, we know little—just that he was a low-level member of Dharma."

She added, "Another clue: after your father’s death, his assets were seized under orders from an official in Peace Dawn City. We suspect that the official may also belong to Dharma, working with this man."

Fenric nodded, his eyes sharp. He turned to Tang Zichen and said gravely, "Thank you. For everything."

Tang Zichen met his gaze. "Don’t worry. I keep my promises. If there’s ever someone you cannot deal with alone, you can always turn to me."

Tang Zichen’s eyes flickered as she suddenly asked, "What if the other party is a Martial Sage?"

Fenric already knew the plot and had long been aware of Tang Zichen’s enemies. He was mentally prepared. With a calm smile, he replied, "A Martial Sage won’t be a problem."

It wasn’t arrogance.

While Martial Sages were indeed formidable, Fenric was stronger.

With his current power, he was at least seventy percent confident he could kill a Martial Sage in this world—even without unleashing his "Demon Body."

Fenric originally thought Tang Zichen would seize the opportunity to state her own request, something he was ready to agree to.

Unexpectedly, she did not.

"Mr. Fenric, your favor is far too valuable. I intend to keep it for the right time," Tang Zichen said evenly.

Fenric was slightly surprised but chose not to press further.

Instead, he took out a golden rope with a flick of his hand, as if performing a magic trick, and walked toward the middle-aged man before him.

Tang Zichen assumed Fenric intended to strangle Wu Wenhui to death and remained calm. Someone like her had long grown accustomed to witnessing bloodshed.

But soon, she realized she was wrong.

Fenric didn’t kill Wu Wenhui. Instead, he wrapped the golden rope tightly around him.

Such a strange action.

When the rope was secured, Fenric began the interrogation.

"Speak. Who ordered you to kill my father?" His tone was calm, almost casual.

Tang Zichen nearly spoke up to remind him—Wu Wenhui would never betray the Dharma Sect. But before she could, something strange happened.

Wu Wenhui’s face twisted with inner struggle, and suddenly, the rope around him began to glow.

A brilliant golden light.

Then, words poured from Wu Wenhui’s mouth as if spilling uncontrollably.

"It was Lord Baru Zimbu!"

"Baru Zimbu?" Fenric’s eyes narrowed. "Who is he?"

"On the surface, he is an officer of the World Health Organization. In reality, he is my commander."

"Then tell me—why did he order my father’s death?"

"I... I don’t know..."

Fenric exchanged a glance with Tang Zichen. Both of them were momentarily stunned.

Tang Zichen quickly pieced it together. Wu Wenhui was a fanatic who wasn’t even afraid of death. There was no way he would betray his sect so easily. Which meant the golden rope was the true reason he confessed.

But what kind of rope could force someone to tell the truth? Some advanced mind-control technology?

Tang Zichen couldn’t possibly guess.

In reality, Fenric had used an artifact from another world—Wonder Woman’s Lasso of Truth. Anyone bound by it could only speak the truth.

After questioning, Fenric withdrew the lasso.

Wu Wenhui’s face changed instantly, his expression twisting with rage and confusion. "What did you do to me?!" he roared.

Fenric’s voice remained light. "Thank you for your cooperation. Now, I’ll send you on your way."

Wu Wenhui burst into maniacal laughter. "Hahaha! Even if you kill me, the Great Demon will resurrect me! When our god descends upon this world, it will mark your extinction!"

His eyes gleamed with madness—an utterly broken fanatic.

Fenric only watched coldly.

He knew the truth. These Dharma cultists worshipped their evil god day and night, their very souls long corrupted. Their loyalty to the sect was absolute. Even if ordered to die, they would commit suicide without hesitation.

Crack!

With one swift kick, Fenric broke Wu Wenhui’s neck.

The system’s prompt immediately chimed:

"Congratulations! You have completed Task Two: Avenge your father’s death."

"All tasks completed. You may now choose to return immediately, or remain in this world to continue further objectives."

"Reminder: the higher the task completion, the greater your mission evaluation."

Fenric remained calm, turning to Tang Zichen.

"I’ll have to trouble you, Miss Tang. Help me find this Baru Zimbu."

Faced with a Martial Sage’s request, Tang Zichen answered without hesitation.

"No problem. Give me three days."

—---

Another half-month passed.

The day of the Martial Arts Conference—the Global Championship—finally arrived.

In the first-class cabin of a plane, Fenric reclined in his seat, eyes closed in rest. Beside him, Xiao Ling’er sat with excitement shimmering across her face.

This time, Fenric and Xiao Ling’er were representing their country in the Global Championship!

The tournament venue was set on a deserted island.

Unlike their previous low-profile flight, this time they drew immense attention. Everywhere Fenric went, countless eyes followed with reverence. Xiao Ling’er, on the other hand, attracted looks full of envy.

But Xiao Ling’er wasn’t the type to let it go to her head. She was excited for a different reason—she was about to witness history, the birth of a martial arts world champion.

"Mr. Fenric...?"

A beautiful stewardess with a perfect figure walked over shyly, holding out a notepad and pen, clearly hoping for an autograph.

But Fenric didn’t open his eyes. Xiao Ling’er stepped in quickly, fulfilling her role as assistant.

"Apologies," she said politely, "Mr. Fenric is resting and not accepting autographs right now."

The stewardess could only retreat with disappointment.

Fenric smiled faintly at the corners of his lips, but kept his eyes closed, silently contemplating his next task.

Half a month ago, he had eliminated the man behind his father’s murder. But the Dharma Sect still remained.

The true reason for his father’s death was because he had stumbled upon one of their secrets.

Fenric didn’t yet know the system’s criteria for the highest mission evaluation.

But one thing was certain—it was tied to the Dharma Sect.

And the sect’s true leader... was none other than a half-step Martial God.

"To achieve the highest evaluation," Fenric thought, "I’ll have to gamble everything."

"Besides, this will also raise my reputation."

His fists clenched unconsciously, a smile playing on his lips.

In this world, only a half-step Martial God could threaten him.

And that’s his target this time.

—---

The venue for the Global Championship was prepared on the deserted island.

An empty field had been transformed into an arena, complete with a massive temporary broadcasting station.

Because of the location and limited accessibility, no public seating was provided—only a few exclusive positions for special guests. The rest of the world would watch through live broadcasts.

The Martial Arts Conference had invited major global TV networks to stream the event.

For months, martial arts enthusiasts worldwide had been waiting for this very day.

And now, the tournament was finally about to begin.

----

(Translator’s Note: Regular updates will be 2–3 Chapters per day, but if you want me to continue uploading 5 Chapters daily, please leave some Power Stones. Reaching the Top 3 in the Power Stone rankings isn’t impossible, but for now, let’s aim for the Top 5. If we reach it, I’ll update 5 Chapters every day.)