Ian slowly stood up, his steps unhurried, and walked to the lead knight before gently pushing him.
Bang!
The knight flew back like a puppet with its strings cut, crashing heavily into the wall, spewing blood from his mouth, and fainting instantly.
The remaining knights also fell to their knees, as if under an irresistible pressure.
"Is this what you call divine martial force?" Ian said calmly, "In my eyes, you're merely a bunch of dogs raised by divine will."
He looked around, his voice deep but clearly audible to everyone: "You're confronting a true Legendary Wizard. Is this all you can muster, to dare attack me?"
Ian planned to make an example of them; it was an attitude meant for the Gods to see, hence he had to be precise and ruthless with no trace of mercy, as this was the only way to truly intimidate the Gods.
He believed the Gods were definitely watching.
"Damn!"
The temple knights got up, covered in blood, their bodies radiant with the power bestowed by the Gods, having undergone transformations due to consuming some Treasures of Heaven and Earth.
Their faith in the Divine Spirit was certainly unwavering.
Seeing Ian's blatant blasphemy, the severely wounded temple knights were furious, once again swinging their weapons with the magical reinforcement from the priest at Ian.
"Intransigent."
Before the voice finished.
An invisible storm of Magic Power suddenly erupted!
The air in the barn seemed to be gripped tightly by an unseen hand, the silver armor on the temple knights twisted and deformed instantly, emitting a piercing metallic wail! Their bodies felt like they were hit by an invisible giant hammer, flying backward and crashing heavily into the wall, even embedding directly into the wooden panels!
"Ah—!"
Screams ensued, knights spewed blood, unable to hold their swords, collapsing to the ground, and looked in terror at the man in the black robe standing there, without lifting a single finger.
He didn't even mutter an incantation!
He didn't even move!
With just a word, he annihilated the elite knights of the Divine Hall!
The Wild Wizards widened their eyes, some instinctively stepping back, as if the being standing before them wasn't human but an ancient beast clothed in human skin.
The surrounding wizards were all utterly shocked. Never had they seen anyone dare to confront temple knights head-on, let alone resist an entire priestly army single-handedly!
"This... this can't be..." the young witch murmured, "Who exactly is he?"
"Is he insane?" another wizard exclaimed in disbelief, "He dares to provoke the Divine Hall directly and claims to be a 'Legendary Wizard'?!"
"But... but he indeed did it, such towering magical power."
The elder wizard looked at the trembling knights, eyes flickering with complex emotions, "He's not posturing; he genuinely possesses that kind of power."
"He's truly a legendary wizard... ? How could a Legendary Wizard attend our little gathering?" someone whispered, trembling. The priests turned extremely pale. One stared intently at Ian, the divine patterns on his scepter frantically flashing, trying to resist the invisible magical suppression.
Ian wasn't much concerned about this.
He clenched his palm.
Numerous tiny golden symbols appeared in the air, swirling and leaping like stars. They danced around the wizards, lightly touching them to break the chains binding them with a snap.
"Now."
Ian said calmly.
"You have two options—either leave or... disappear." After rescuing the wizards, he turned to face the people of the Divine Hall, who now had little arrogance left.
The knights exchanged glances, some already instinctively backing away.
But the priest gritted his teeth and shouted furiously.
"Arrogant!" he roared, his voice carrying the majesty of divine art, "A Legendary Wizard is nothing before the Gods! Do you think you can defy Athena's will?!"
"Is that so?"
Ian chuckled lightly.
Finally raised his hand—merely snapping his fingers.
Snap!
The priest's scepter instantly shattered, the golden symbols breaking like fragile glass!
"Ah—!"
The priest screamed, his hand exploded into bloody flesh, staggering backward, almost kneeling on the ground.
"Run!" an elderly Wild Wizard suddenly shouted, his voice filled with fear, "Young legend, you've provoked great misfortune! The Divine Hall won't spare you!"
"Athena's wrath will descend upon this city! You will kill everyone!"
The other wizards also showed fear on their faces. Although they were grateful Ian had rescued them, they understood—provoking the Divine Hall's consequences were far worse than death!
"You still have time to escape!" another female witch trembled as she advised, "Before Athena notices, leave quickly! Otherwise—"
"Otherwise?" Ian tilted his head slightly, a hint of mockery flashing in his silvery-gray eyes, "What will she do?"
The priest clutched his bleeding hand, grinning viciously.
"Otherwise... you'll witness true divine retribution!"
He roared, voice filled with mad devotion. The priest, saying this, suddenly knelt, raising his scepter high, beginning to pray in whispers.
"Great goddess Athena, please hear your servant's prayer, grant me strength, punish these blasphemers! Let them know the cost of mortal challenge against you!"
The priest prayed frantically.
Then other priests spoke to Ian cruelly.
"Do you think you've won? Foolish! I've already prayed to Athena! Her gaze is about to descend! You will regret your arrogance! You will—"