Sam never expected to lose, especially when he had the thousand-talon coffer. But fate had other plans. In the end, he lost and accepted his defeat with grace.

He had used every trick, but Caleb had countered them all. He might have been severely injured if Caleb hadn't held back on his final move.

Caleb gave him an honorable defeat, and Sam knew better than to make a fuss. Otherwise, it would only invite more scorn.

Caleb let out a long breath as Sam admitted defeat. His forehead was slick with sweat, and it was clear that his victory hadn't come easily.

He had gone all in with the Glow Incantation, Stormcraft, and Divine Talisman. He used every ultimate move in his arsenal. If not for the explosion from the Eight Trigrams of Divine Talisman that broke Sam's defenses and let him get in close, he might have lost the match.

"The Dawson Clan's hidden weapons are as formidable as rumored," Caleb said with genuine admiration.

"They're powerful, but still a lesser path," Sam respon