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
The ashen-faced Huxley was dragged away. With his crimes exposed, his fate was sealed. His entire family would be implicated, and their assets would be seized.Those guilty would be punished, and even those who had merely benefited from his corruption would be held accountable. To put it bluntly, Huxley's entire family was about to be annihilated.Austin issued his next order once the bloodstains were cleaned up. "Axel, it's time to bring in the mastermind."With Huxley dealt with, the next step was to confront Warrick. Unlike Huxley, Warrick wouldn't be easy to deal with. After all, he commanded a large number of troops. If backed into a corner, he could become a major threat."Understood!" Axel responded respectfully, then turned to his subordinates. "Gather more men and come with me."Warrick had earned his prestigious position through years of fierce battles. On the battlefield, he was a one-man army, a warrior capable of taking on thousands. His strength was beyond what mos
"You bastard! With all this evidence in front of you, what do you have to say for yourself?" Austin barked."Your Highness, please let me explain…" Huxley broke out in a cold sweat, his voice trembling with panic."This is a lie. Someone's trying to frame me! I've always followed the law—how could I possibly be involved in something so vile?""The evidence is right in front of you, and you're still trying to weasel out of it?" Austin shot back. "Looks like you won't confess until death is knocking at your door."He raised his hand and ordered, "Guards, throw him into Grimhold Keep. Use whatever means necessary—let's see how long he keeps up this act.""Yes, Your Highness."A squad of enforcement team members rushed in and surrounded Huxley.Cornered, Huxley finally lost his nerve. He dropped to his knees with a thud and begged, "Your Highness, I admit I made a grave mistake."His voice cracked as he continued, "I wasn't thinking clearly at the time. Please, for the sake of my y
Night had fallen. Austin sat in the meeting room, quietly reading a book as he waited for the results of the investigation.After successfully turning Percival against his allies, it was only a matter of time before they uncovered solid evidence of Warrick and Huxley's crimes.For years, the castle had turned a blind eye to their shady dealings. After all, corruption among officials was nothing new.But this time was different. The two had secretly orchestrated Jovian's murder, a direct challenge to the authority and dignity of the royal family. Such defiance couldn't be ignored. If Austin didn't set an example, others would surely follow."Your Highness!"Axel burst into the meeting room, panting heavily. He had clearly run the whole way to avoid any delay.Austin set his book aside and asked calmly, "Well? How did it go?""Your Highness, we've completely shut down all of Warrick and Huxley's illicit operations. Every hidden network they had built over the years has also been d
At that moment, Percival truly panicked. Earlier, he had only worried about being implicated. But now, faced with such a serious accusation, he was completely caught off guard."Hmph! The evidence is irrefutable, and you still dare deny it? Do you want me to torture the truth out of you?" Austin barked."Your Highness, I'm innocent!" Percival was so terrified he was on the verge of tears. He raised his hand and swore, "If I had anything to do with Jovian's death, may I be damned for eternity.""If swearing oaths proved innocence, we wouldn't need an enforcement team," Austin said coldly. "Out of respect for your years of service to West Lucozia, I'll give you a chance to come clean and receive a lighter sentence. Tell the truth now, or I'll throw you into Grimhold Keep."At the mention of Grimhold Keep, Percival began to shake uncontrollably. Tears and snot ran down his face as he wailed, "Your Highness, I swear I didn't do anything. Who's the bastard making up these accusations?
Ten minutes later, Warrick was escorted out of Room A1 again.Axel's demeanor had completely changed since their first meeting, and he had become unusually warm."Sir Prescott, Lord Austin has concluded the investigation. It turns out this matter has nothing to do with you. We made a mistake earlier, and I apologize for any offense caused." He smiled apologetically and spoke with a humble tone."Hm?" Seeing the fawning expression on Axel's face, Warrick raised an eyebrow and looked surprised. Just moments ago, the two sides had been at each other's throats. What had caused such a sudden change?"Did you really investigate it thoroughly?" Warrick asked tentatively."Of course! According to our findings, Jovian's disappearance was the result of a personal vendetta from his enemies in Oakvale," Axel said with a straight face.He continued, "He was a tyrant and always stirring up trouble everywhere he went. He got what was coming to him. Lord Austin only launched the investigation
"After you, Sir Prescott." With one hand resting on the hilt of his sword, Axel's other hand gestured toward the door."Hmph!" Warrick shot a cold glance at Axel's subtle movement and then turned to leave the meeting room.Even if Austin had his suspicions, Warrick knew he couldn't do anything to him without concrete evidence.Axel escorted Warrick back to Room A1. After closing the door, he went to Room A2 and led Huxley to the meeting room."Your Highness, it is my privilege to stand before you." Huxley entered the meeting room with a respectful salute."Mr. Thatcher, please take a seat." Austin's face remained neutral as he gestured for Huxley to sit, then motioned for Axel to pour him a cup of tea."Do you know why I've summoned you here today?" Austin spoke calmly, and his words carried the same probing tone as earlier."Is it about Jovian's disappearance?" Huxley asked in return."Oh? It seems you're quick on the uptake." Austin raised an eyebrow. "In that case, g
The enforcement team worked with remarkable efficiency. Within an hour, Huxley, Warrick, and Percival had been brought back to the castle.Per Austin's instructions, Axel made sure the three met briefly upon arrival, though they were given no opportunity to speak to one another. Afterward, they were taken to separate rooms and were guarded individually.Due to their status, the enforcement team treated them with respect, offering them tea and wine. However, they weren't allowed to leave their rooms and had to wait for Austin to summon them.Warrick was confined to Room A1, Huxley to Room A2, and Percival to Room A3. Their rooms were right next to each other, separated only by thin walls. If they stepped out, they would see one another, but none of them knew how close they were.This, of course, was all part of Austin's plan. He knew that extracting the truth from these three cunning foxes would require unconventional tactics.…Inside Room A1, Warrick sat calmly, sipping his te
"Hm?"Even Warrick frowned at the news.The royal enforcement team was rarely mobilized. When they did, it was always for something monumental. The question was, did a minor figure like Jovian Ballard really warrant such attention from Austin?"Mr. Thatcher, are you sure the royal enforcement team has been mobilized? And it's because of Jovian?" Warrick asked skeptically."Of course I'm sure," Huxley replied with a grave expression. "I've just received orders from above. The enforcement team captain will be taking over my duties temporarily. From now on, they'll have full control over the city's defense and investigative operations.""That's strange. Why would Lord Austin go to such lengths for someone so insignificant?" Warrick was confused, his brow furrowing.According to his intel, this was the first time Jovian and Austin had even met. Even if they had crossed paths before, it shouldn't have been enough to justify deploying the enforcement team.It seemed Warrick had undere
The next morning, after breakfast at the West Lucozian castle, Austin tried calling Jovian. However, his calls went unanswered. After several attempts, he still couldn't get through."Huh?" Austin was puzzled. They had made plans the previous day to head to Oakvale that day. Why was Jovian suddenly unreachable? Had he stood Austin up?After thinking it over, he found that unlikely. He and Jovian had gotten along well and even called each other brothers. On top of that, they had promised to travel together and watch out for one another.If Jovian had an urgent matter that required him to leave West Lucozia, he would have at least given Austin a heads-up. Jovian wouldn't just disappear without a word."Could something have happened to him?" Austin's unease grew. He quickly summoned his trusted aide. "Go find out where Jovian is. Report back to me as soon as you have any information.""Yes, Your Highness," the aide replied before hurrying off.Austin poured himself a cup of tea