Theodore glared at him. "We are doing this for the greater good. If you insist on protecting her, you'll end up going against the entire martial world!" "That's right! Hand her over now, or you'll be our enemy!" Graham shouted. "Cease your harmful actions, and you may achieve instant enlightenment," Orson said. He looked compassionate again. "For the greater good? Your enemy?" Dustin snorted. He continued, "If the martial world is full of selfish, immoral people like you, I don't mind being your enemy. Didn't you say that I'm a demon? I'll just be one, then!"Whoever hurts my disciple will die! Go ahead. Try me! Let's see if I can kill you with my evil powers! Bring it on!" Dustin suddenly took a step forward. He gave off a strong wave of lethal hostility. For a moment, even Theodore, Graham, and Orson were stunned. They wondered if Dustin had gone insane. How could he go against the entire martial world? "Don't panic, everyone!" Right then, Ronald stepped forward.He s
"What a powerful sword!" Seeing the Celestial Blade, Ronald sensed danger. He immediately moved hundreds of meters away from the scene. Fortunately, he reacted fast. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been any better than the three grandmasters. "My goodness! Look at the number of people he injured with just a move! Is he even a human?""Monster! He is a monster!"Some of the neutral martial artists were stunned upon seeing the horrific scene in front of them. Their eyes widened with fear. Luckily, they hadn't joined the fight, or they would have also been dead."Amazing! As expected of a young grandmaster!" Emily stared at the imposing figure. She felt a sense of inexplicable excitement. Dustin had single-handedly defeated multiple sects. It was truly astonishing! "If someone is willing to go against the martial world for me, I'll die with no regrets," Vanessa muttered. There was a glint in her eyes. Which woman wouldn't be attracted to such a strong and protective man? "Ser
The crowd exchanged glances, filled with anger and resentment. However, Ronald was too powerful. They dared not go against him. "Both of you, go and finish off that guy. I'll reward you generously once you're done." Ronald casually pointed at two martial artists."Huh?" Shocked, the martial artists immediately waved their hands. "Sir Reeds, we aren't his match at all! We are too weak!""Cut the crap! Do as I say or die!" Ronald shouted. Upon hearing that, the two martial artists turned pale and nearly collapsed. Either fight against Dustin or be executed by Ronald. There was no third option. "Why don't you fight with me instead of using them as your scapegoats, Ronald?" Dustin shouted. "Hmph! Stop putting on an act. Your internal injuries have resurfaced. I doubt you can even stand properly now." Ronald sneered. "Oh? Since you're so sure about it, bring it on." Dustin beckoned for him to come over. "I don't need to deal with a small fry like you. These two are more th
Looking at Abigail, who was consumed with sorrow in his arms, Dustin sighed and reached out to pat her back. "Mr. Robinson is gone now. Don't worry, I'm here. From now on, I'll be your family. I promise I'll never let anyone bully you," he comforted. "Why? What did I do wrong?" Abigail kept wailing in pain. "My mom has left me, and now even my dad is gone! I don't understand! Why is this happening to me? Why?"Michael had been righteous throughout his entire lifetime. He had never done anything bad. Even if someone had set him up, he wouldn't harbor any resentment, let alone seek revenge. Abigail just couldn't figure out why such a person would end up dying so miserably. Weren't good people supposed to be rewarded? If that were the case, she would rather be a villain!"Kid, you'll have to depend on yourself for everything," Penelope Solace said faintly. Then, she added, "Remember, in order to survive, you must be strong. You have to be powerful to the point that you can
"I want to slaughter all these hypocrites and kill everyone that deserves to die! I will overturn this fake, wretched world of the martial arts for good!" Abigail looked determined as she stressed every word. The menacing air she exuded left the others shuddering in fear. Dustin couldn't help but sigh when he heard her. He knew Abigail had changed. She was no longer the kind, innocent woman she was before. Yet, he couldn't blame her. Her father had risked his life to save everyone. But he was driven to death by the very people he saved.Who exactly was to blame? She had been pushed to this point!Since there was no reward for kindness, it was only right for kindness to be forsaken. Since justice wasn't served, it was only right for evil to spread. "Abigail, whatever you decide, I will support you." Dustin stroked Abigail's head. He told her gently, "Remember, I'll always stand by your side. If you ever feel mistreated, just come back. Even if everyone is against you, I'll
Dustin patted Abigail's shoulder.He picked up the Shadowbloom and turned around to leave. He wasn't able to stop her since she already made a choice. He could only wish her the best."Goodbye, sir. "As Abigail watched him leave, she bit her lips, tears streaming down her face. After today, she wasn't sure when she would ever see him again."Abigail, do you want me to kill these scum for you?" Penelope swept a glance across the various sects. A red glint flashed in her eyes. It unnerved everyone present. They broke out in cold sweat, trembling from fear. Yet, they didn't dare move. They were like a group of lambs waiting to be slaughtered. "No need! I will take revenge myself!" Abigail declined immediately. With a chilling gaze, she took a good look around, remembering everyone's faces."Listen up, you scum! I'm letting you go today, but this is not out of kindness. Because one day, I will kill every one of you!"Don't you ever forget! One day, I will make you pay back
Abigail left, carrying Michael's body. But the words she left behind had sent shivers down the spines of those who heard her. Even though they escaped death, they couldn't find it in themselves to be happy. Who would have thought an ordinary woman was the Mystic Arts Order's Grand Sorceress?The Mystic Arts Order's name alone sent fear into the hearts of people. The dread that had deeply ingrained itself was impossible to erase.Nothing good will ever come from offending the Grand Sorceress. What was more, they had forced her father to his death. Since it involved the death of her loved one, the grievance she held would know no bounds.From today onward, they would have to live in constant fear and anxiety. With no other way out, they could only await death. "Sir Reeds, what do we do now? It seems like we have landed ourselves in huge trouble!"A pale Graham stumbled his way toward Ronald. He still hadn't recovered from the injury Dustin's sword had inflicted. Theodore an
Meanwhile, within Azure Mist's camp, Emily was shaking her head as she looked at Vanessa. "Vanessa, stop looking. We're mere ants in the eyes of Dustin. We're worlds apart."Her eyes followed the path Dustin had taken, and she let out a deep sigh."As the chosen one, he's a force capable of overwhelming the grandmasters. We can never hope to reach his level in our lifetime."She shared the same admiration toward Dustin, who was a young grandmaster. But she was well aware that they were not in the same league. It would be best to only admire him from afar. Getting closer would only lead to nothing but frustration. "If only he wasn't so remarkable," Vanessa muttered. She looked conflicted.She had finally found someone she liked. But he was so outstanding that she felt inferior. Perhaps it was better to part ways and forget each other in the martial world. Perhaps this was the best outcome they could hope for. Yet, why was she reluctant to see him go? Could she genuinely
"Honestly, we shouldn't waste time debating who's better suited to be king. We just need to figure out who's most likely to take the throne," Jensen said matter-of-factly.As a businessman, he only cared about maximizing profit. To him, it didn't matter who sat on the throne but who had the best odds. He felt that backing that person would be the wisest choice."Who's most likely depends on who has the strongest backing," Jonathan said thoughtfully."Oh, right! I forgot to ask—who are the Moseys supporting?" Jovian asked, smacking his forehead. They'd been discussing this for so long but still hadn't figured out where the Moseys stood."My guess is Prince Nathaniel." Jensen narrowed his eyes as he analyzed the situation. "He's close to Anders. With his immense potential and the king's favor, the Moseys might see him as their best bet.""Anders' personal ties can't speak for the entire Mosey family," Jovian countered, shaking his head. "Family interests outweigh personal relationsh
Even without the king's involvement, the ambitious individuals would tear the Ballard family apart and leave nothing behind.If Simon chose the right side and it prevailed, his family could enjoy a century of stability and prosperity. But if he backed the wrong prince, everything could fall apart in a single night.At that moment, he didn't know what to choose. This was a critical decision—one mistake and the entire family could be ruined."Regarding this matter, I need to think it over carefully. I can't give you an answer just yet," Simon said. He knew the stakes were too high. A single misstep could lead to disaster, so he had to be cautious."I understand," Anders replied with a faint smile. "This isn't an easy decision. Still, I hope Your Lordship can decide soon.""Your Lordship, the forces seeking a marriage alliance with the Mosey family aren't limited to your family alone," Zack added coolly. "Don't think you can afford to wait for the highest bidder. Time is running out,
"In response to Your Lordship's question, this marriage alliance between our two families isn't my decision alone—it's also my godfather's and the entire Mosey family's," Anders said with a smile."According to the established rules, marriages between royal bloodlines are forbidden. Have you forgotten?" Simon replied coolly. "Sticking to outdated rules only holds us back," Anders said, shaking his head with a smile.He continued, "Right now, Dragonmarsh is going through a turbulent time—internally and externally. I've also heard the king's health is deteriorating. There are rumors he plans to name a successor and step down soon."With that, Oakvale will likely be in turmoil. When that happens, all the powerful families—the four ancient houses, the eight great families, and other factions—will be dragged into the chaos."That's why I'm hoping our families can form a marriage alliance to navigate the coming crisis together."Simon remained calm and said, "It's natural for the king
"Dad, what do you think?" Jonathan asked, turning to Simon."A guest has arrived, so we can't be rude. Invite them to the living room so we can discuss things properly," Simon replied calmly.Anders represented the Mosey family, and regardless of his intentions, Simon couldn't simply turn him away. As for the proposed marriage alliance, it was a matter that required thorough consideration."Understood," the butler replied promptly before leaving."Go on with your meal. I'm going to meet with Anders," Simon said, excusing himself from the table.Jonathan, Jensen, and Jovian exchanged glances and, without hesitation, followed their father. They were curious to see what the Mosey family had in mind."Alright, let them handle it. Let's focus on our meal," Gemma Letcher, Natasha's grandmother, said with a smile and signaled everyone to continue eating.…Three minutes later, in the Ballard family's living room, Simon sat at the head of the table near the entrance. Jonathan and his b
After leaving Dash Corporation, Dustin and Natasha headed to the mall, where they picked out gifts for every member of the Ballard family. From the eldest to the youngest toddlers, no one was left out. Later, they stopped by an antique shop and chose a beautiful calligraphy painting as a special gift for Simon.By evening, Dustin had everything ready for his first visit to the Ballard estate, located in the heart of Oakvale's city center. The estate was a sprawling courtyard mansion built on a large plot of land.Simon, the Duke of Lachshire, had three sons and a daughter. His eldest son, Jonathan Ballard, was a third-ranked official in the government. The second son, Jensen Ballard, was a successful entrepreneur in the pharmaceutical industry in Oakvale, with billions in assets. Meanwhile, the youngest son, Jovian Ballard, had made a name for himself in the military and was now a third-ranked general.Simon's youngest daughter, Jessica—Natasha's mother—was highly favored with
While Dustin was away, Natasha couldn't help but worry about him. She would always keep an eye out for any news about him. But no matter how much she missed him, she wouldn't call him. She didn't want to distract or cause him to lose focus on the important matters concerning the nation's affairs. Understanding how busy he was, she kept her feelings in check and buried herself in work to keep her mind occupied.But when Natasha finally saw Dustin again, all the emotions she had bottled up came rushing out. Months of longing turned into overwhelming affection, and tears streamed down her face uncontrollably.Her assistant, Tanya, watched in shock. She had no idea Natasha—typically the poised, decisive, and commanding chairwoman—was in a relationship. What surprised her even more was how different Natasha seemed around Dustin. The usually unshakable "queen" now appeared soft and tender in his presence.Tanya couldn't help but watch Dustin more closely. His looks and charisma were u
Dustin had boarded the plane back to Oakvale. His trip to Sacred Wrym Summit had been full of ups and downs. From the Combat Tournament to the invasion of the Hall of Gods, his journey had been perilous. Thankfully, the outcome was favorable. He had won the championship at the tournament, acquired three Dracan essences, and ultimately foiled the Hall of Gods' plan. In every way, the mission had been nearly flawless.After bidding farewell to his newfound allies, Dustin joined Grace on the return flight. Four of the five Dracan essences had already been gathered, leaving only one remaining. According to Grace, the last essence had been located, and the person holding it was in Oakvale. Though their identity was still unknown, she suspected it was most likely one of the three princes.With the position of heir to the throne still uncertain, the three princes were all eager to secure their power. Whoever obtained the Dracan essence would be blessed with fortune and have a higher c
The chaos of the night quickly settled.By morning, as the first light of dawn broke across the horizon, Sacred Wrym Summit had regained its usual tranquility. Yet, the bloodstains across the ground and the wreckage of buildings stood as grim reminders of the previous night's violence.The military forces summoned by Grace had already taken the Hall of Gods' prisoners into custody.Rumors spread like wildfire, fueling gossip throughout the martial world as all the major guilds watched with keen interest. After all, very few in history had ever dared to challenge Sacred Wrym Summit, and a bold invasion aimed at destroying it was nothing short of unprecedented.The outcome was clear to all who bore witness. After many years, the world had come to recognize the true terror of Arion. He was no mere mortal—he was almost a godlike figure.…Inside the Hall of Gods' headquarters in Streuqua, the core members were gathered, seated in two rows on either side of the grand hall.On the thr
After dealing with the Hall of Gods' elite fighters, Arion disappeared in a blur. When he reappeared, he was hovering above the forbidden ground of Sacred Wrym Summit.The scene at the entrance to the forbidden ground was one of utter carnage. Bodies lay strewn across the ground, and rivers of blood flowed freely. All members of the Hall of Gods, including Hank, lay motionless on the ground.Dustin and Willard, both covered in blood and exuding killing intent, had fought fiercely. After a long, grueling fight, they succeeded in defending the forbidden ground of Sacred Wrym Summit. They had thwarted the Hall of Gods' plan to destroy the Dracan force.At that instant, Dustin seemed to sense something and suddenly looked up. Through the mist and darkness, he pinpointed Arion's figure hovering above. Arion smiled faintly and nodded at Dustin before disappearing again.Crossing several mountains in mere seconds, Arion arrived above the Sacred Wrym Summit's grand hall. Below, the discipl