'H-He's a control-type soul cultivator? But how could this be?!'

Ethan could never have imagined in his wildest dreams that Evan, who had already defeated the clones resembling the younger versions of the three founders of their clan, would be a control-type cultivator. 

It really shocked him to the core, which was more than enough for him to be caught off guard by Evan's attack. 

Puchi!

The chilling arc of icy, cold energy pierced through his body, splitting him vertically from his head to his groin. Ethan's blood gushed out in torrents, splattering the arena floor in a grotesque display of violence. With a sickening thud, Ethan's two halves fell onto the ground, lifeless and defeated.

The spectators watched in horror as the scene unfolded on the holographic screen. Evan's chilling attack sliced through Ethan's body, causing blood to spray and organs to spill out onto the arena floor. The spectators' mouths hung agape, and their eyes widened in disbelief as they stared at the bloody mess before them in disbelief, struggling to comprehend what had just occurred.

"No... this can't be happening," gasped Nicholas while pulling at his hair. He was going mad. "Ancestor Ethan was considered the strongest cultivator of his generation. How could the clone modeled after his younger self have been defeated so easily?"

The second seat of the council of elders shook his head in disbelief. "His Highness Evan's power... it's unlike anything we've ever seen before. He's not just controlling his powers using his control-type skill plate; he's wielding them like a weapon. That's what allowed him to triumph over Ancestor Ethan's clone so easily."

"To control his cultivator powers like that... it's beyond anything we've ever seen!" remarked one spectator in amazement. "It seems like control-type cultivators are not as useless as we all think."

"Or maybe he's a genius among geniuses, and even awakening a control-type soul plate can't stop him from reaching glorious heights." remarked the leader of the council of elders. "I don't think anyone in the same cultivation realm can stand up to him!"

The crowd murmured in agreement, their shock and awe palpable. They knew that they were witnessing a momentous event, one that would go down in their clan's history. Evan had just cemented his place as the most formidable cultivator among his peers, the youngest generation of the clan, thanks to his unprecedented display of power and unparalleled control over his skills.

Eldrid glanced at the person next to him and voiced his opinion. "I believe that he is the strongest Soul Manifestation Realm cultivator in our galaxy. Don't you think so too?"

Keldor J. Lionheart nodded in agreement. He replied, "Old friend, I share the same sentiment as you."

Back in the arena, a small smile spread across Evan's face as he felt pleased with how his plan had played out, securing him an easy victory against his ancestor. 

The next moment, Evan's attention was captured by a flurry of notifications that materialized before him. They were issued by the spirit of the monster tower, and he quickly focused his attention on them.

"The fourth challenge of the third floor's trial has been completed!" the notifications read. "You may now proceed to the fifth and final challenge of this trial or ascend directly to the 9th floor of the tower."

Then, the same thing happened as the previous time when he defeated Ancestor Darian.

Without hesitation, Evan took advantage of the portal that appeared in the middle of the arena. He made his way into it, and it instantly transported him back to the backroom.

As Evan emerged from the portal in the backroom, he was greeted by Victor D'Angelo's warm smile.

"Congratulations, Climber Evan!" Victor exclaimed, patting him on the back. "You've completed the fourth challenge of the third floor's trial with flying colors!"

Evan grinned at the praise but was caught off guard by Victor's next words.

"I advise you not to take on the final challenge of this trial, Climber Evan," Victor said, his tone serious. "Instead, take advantage of the opportunity provided to you and ascend to the ninth floor of the Monster Tower."

Evan was puzzled. He asked, "Why?"

"Behind the black door is a monster stronger than all four of the opponents you've faced so far," Victor explained. "I fear that you may not be strong enough to defeat it and could suffer severe injuries in the process."

Actually, Evan could tell that behind the black door was the clone modeled after the teenage version of the most mysterious character amongst the five founders of the Imperial Frost clan. After all, the frost clan only had five founders. He had defeated four of them. So the last one was bound to be him.

This founder happened to be none other than Ethan Frost's adopted brother. Countless rumors and whispers surrounded him, but there was a distinct lack of information about him; no photographs or books existed that could offer a glimpse into his life.

However, as he was the Crown Prince of Frost, Evan had managed to acquire an exclusive biography of this enigmatic individual, which revealed a heart-wrenching backstory. 

It told of an orphan, lost and alone on the unforgiving streets, until he was rescued by none other than the forefather himself, Ethan.

This act of kindness was a turning point for him, for he had never experienced gentleness before.

From then on, he followed Ethan like a devoted hound, unflinchingly loyal and obedient.

The biography went on to describe him as Ethan's strongest shadow guard, a formidable protector who would stop at nothing to keep his brother and their family safe. He was a man of few words, yet his actions spoke volumes. If Ethan ordered him to take a life, he would carry out the task without a moment's hesitation. And if anyone dared to threaten the Imperial Frost clan, he would eliminate them on the spot, his deadly efficiency striking fear into the hearts of even the other founders.

"I appreciate your concern, Floor Manager Victor," Evan replied, his tone firm and resolute. His bright blue eyes locked with Victor's enigmatic ones, conveying his determination to press on despite any obstacles. "But I must press on and challenge the fifth ancestor."