Chapter 67: Chains of Devotion and Defiance

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Annalise's Fateful Choice

Annalise's fingers tightened around her sword as Lucian extended his hand toward her.

Her mind was in turmoil.

Was she truly making this choice… or had Lucian already decided for her?

Her past life's hatred screamed at her to strike him down.

Yet, her body refused to move.

The influence of Lucian's Fatebinding Grasp and Soulbinding Chains was too strong.

Her loyalty had risen to 60%.

But she wasn't completely his yet.

Not yet.

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Lucian's Calculated Patience

Lucian observed her inner struggle with cold amusement.

He knew better than to force submission too quickly.

Breaking Annalise had to be a gradual descent.

"You still hesitate," he said, his voice low. "Even after everything, you refuse to accept the truth?"

She met his gaze, eyes burning with stubborn defiance.

"You… are still the villain, Lucian."

Lucian chuckled.

"And yet, you cannot kill me."

Her grip shook.

She hated how right he was.

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The Heaven-Sealing Monarch's Final Desperation

The Monarch, barely standing after Lucian's Void Severance, summoned the last of his power.

"I won't let you take her!" he roared.

A divine sigil blazed on his forehead, channeling the ancestral power of the Celestial Clan.

"[Final Judgement: Heaven's Last Stand!]"

The skies split open as an enormous celestial spear descended toward Lucian.

But Lucian's expression remained unreadable.

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System Rewards & Ruthless Counterattack

[System Update: Opponent's Final Struggle Detected]

New Rewards Unlocked:

Celestial Devourer Physique (Absorbs divine energy upon impact)

Heaven-Slayer Palm (A technique to counter divine attacks)

Divine Fate Reversal (Temporarily shifts destiny itself)

Lucian raised his hand.

The moment the celestial spear struck—it shattered into fragments of golden dust.

The Monarch's eyes widened in horror.

"No… NO!"

Lucian stepped forward, placing a single finger on the Monarch's forehead.

"[Heaven-Slayer Palm]."

A shockwave of destruction erupted, and the Monarch's body crumbled into golden ash.

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Annalise's Breaking Point

Annalise watched in horrified awe.

Lucian had just killed one of the most powerful figures in the Middle Realm… effortlessly.

Her hands trembled.

The fear. The awe. The undeniable pull toward him.

She had no choice but to submit.

Slowly, her knees hit the ground once more.

Lucian smiled.

"Good girl."

And just like that, the strongest regressor in the tournament was now one step closer to becoming his.

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