"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
Linden sighed, "Right now, only the Shadowbloom and Phoenixwort can save her. "If Mr. Rhys can bring back those herbs in time, there is a greater chance for survival. But if he takes too long, I'm afraid that glimmer of hope would die out.""Oh, Dustin! Where have you gone? Why aren't you back yet?" Ruth was crying as she muttered to herself. She hadn't told her parents about Natasha yet. She was afraid they wouldn't be able to handle the shock. Suddenly, the door burst open with a loud bang.Following that, a bloodied Dustin staggered in with quick steps. He appeared quite disheveled. "Dr. Watkins! I found it! I found the herb!"Dustin lifted his shirt and carefully took out a black flower that was emitting a strange glow. "You found it?"Linden took a closer look and grew elated. "It really is the Shadowbloom! Excellent … This is wonderful!""Dr. Watkins, Natasha can now be saved with this Shadowbloom, right?" Dustin looked hopeful. He had traded this precious herb
Under the watchful eyes of the audience, Dustin and Glenn stepped onto the battle ring. They stood about 30 feet apart, and their eyes locked across the distance. Their gazes met like sparks, and they could feel the weight of the other's stare."Are you Logan?" Glenn asked, breaking the silence.He had heard the rumors about this dark horse before stepping into the ring, but now that he was facing him, he wasn't sure."Who I am doesn't matter. What matters is who wins this fight." Dustin didn't confirm or deny it, but his words left Glenn with no doubt.Both men were at the top of the Legendary List and held equal rank on the Champ-Tier List. Until they fought, no one could say who was the stronger of the two."I heard you're Seth's disciple, so I'm really looking forward to this." Glenn's gaze sharpened.Many years ago, his mentor, Cyrus, was defeated by Seth. That loss had always haunted Cyrus ever since. Now, with the disciples of both men about to face off, Glenn was determin
"Since Madam Penelope has spoken, I’ll follow her lead," Alloy said with a smile. "What about Mr. Hadley and Sage Foyer?""I'm in if you want to make a bet," Cyrus replied coolly."It's not every day we get an opportunity like this. Let me stir things up a bit." Kaden nodded with a grin.Once the three had agreed, Penelope waved for Abigail to come over.Soon, Abigail approached them with a wide grin. "Esteemed guests, I hear you want to bet. The current odds are—bet on Dustin to win, and you'll get 1.6 times your stake. Bet on Glenn, and it's only 0.4."She continued, "And no worries—if you win, I'll exchange your winnings for celestial stones." Abigail smiled brightly, and the other parties' eyes gleamed with the unmistakable shine of greed.Many had already placed their bets with her. Though she couldn't control the match's outcome, she knew how to adjust the odds to her advantage. Over time, that could turn into a huge fortune."I'm betting on Glenn to win." Cyrus quickly
"We're ready for the ultimate showdown of this tournament. The winner will be crowned the Combat Tournament Champion. Now, let's welcome both contestants to the ring." Oron's voice thundered as he stepped onto the battle ring.There was thunderous applause and cheers from the audience.The long-awaited showdown was finally at hand. Today's outcome wasn't just about personal glory, but it would also decide the future of the martial world.If Glenn triumphed and claimed the crown, the Sword Union would rise as the undisputed guild. The Celestial Alliance and the Mystic Arts Order would have no choice but to bow to their supremacy.But if Dustin won, it would be even more sensational. A dark horse, without any guild affiliation, defeating the elite disciples of the major guild—such a story would send shockwaves through the martial world.Once that happened, every major guild would fight tooth and nail to claim him. It would spark a fierce battle for dominance."Dr. Rhys! Good luck!"
"H-Hold on! I-I surrender!" Abigail said urgently. With the sword inches away from her throat, she decisively raised both hands in a gesture of surrender.She didn't expect herself to win the match. Her goal was simply to take this opportunity to test Dustin's strength and also gauge her own progress. But now, it was clear that there was still a sizable gap between them."You've done well. In a few more years, I might not even be able to keep up with you." Dustin smiled and lowered his Celestial Blade. His words weren't flattery; he genuinely saw potential in Abigail.The dark Phoenix flames carried a corrosive power that even his mystical pure energy couldn't resist. In other words, Abigail's black flames were the bane of any martial artist.Her journey in the martial world was still short—barely two years. She hadn't unlocked the full potential of her Phoenix bloodline yet. But with more training and experience, the sky was the limit for her."Don't try to console me, Sir. I'm n
With a resounding bang, the golden light erupted with a burst of terrifying energy wave. In an instant, the earth trembled, and fierce winds whipped through the air.Dustin and his sword were sent flying several yards. After landing, he stumbled back several steps before finally steadying himself.He looked up and saw that Abigail's body was now covered in a layer of golden armor, though he couldn't tell when it had happened. The armor glowed brightly, and it made her look imposing and striking.It was clearly a divine artifact.The Mystic Arts Order had been around for centuries, with deep roots and countless treasures. As the Grand Sorceress, Abigail would obviously have several divine artifacts for protection.Dustin wasn't surprised, but the armor's counterforce caught him off guard. Not only did it protect her, but it also had offensive capabilities.When his sword struck the armor earlier, the blow didn't leave a scratch. Instead, the armor absorbed the hit and sent the for
Dustin raised his hand as the black feathers rained down on him. A white energy shield flared into existence to form a wall before him.The feathers slammed into the shield and sent ripples across its surface but failed to break through. However, the black flames on the feathers spread across the shield and burned through its energy at a visible pace. In the blink of an eye, the once impenetrable barrier cracked open and left a gaping hole.Dustin couldn't hide his surprise. His mystical pure energy was far stronger than the average grandmaster's internal energy in offense and defense. It was meant to be impenetrable. He hadn't anticipated it couldn't hold up against Abigail's phoenix flame.Seeing the raw strength of her bloodline, he knew he couldn't afford to take any chances. As the black flames spread, he swiftly waved his hand to summon a furious gust of wind that sent the feathers and flames flying."Glaring Wings!" Abigail wasn't done yet. She quickly formed hand seals and
Abigail moved with lightning speed, and her figure weaved in and out like a shadow. Her swift movements left a blur of afterimages that was hard for anyone watching to keep up.On the contrary, Dustin stood still without making any movement."Fallen Fist!"After closing in, she unleashed a flurry of strikes—dozens of black palm shadows slamming toward his body, and each one was like a bullet aimed at its target.Abigail practiced a unique martial art, and it was imbued with voodoo-like properties that could kill anyone who made contact with her. But Dustin's body was immune to all poisons, so it was a perfect counter to her deadly attack.As the shadow palms closed in, he remained unshaken and thrust his palm forward.A fierce gust of wind surged and ripped through the air with unrelenting force. It collided with the black palm shadows.Abigail's black palm shadows exploded on impact and disintegrated into thick clouds of dark mist that quickly spread. Within moments, the mist e
The whole arena suddenly fell dead silent. Everyone stared blankly, and not a soul dared to breathe. Alloy shot to his feet in the main spectator seats, and his face was tense with worry. Yet, he didn't dare make a sound. He feared it might startle Glenn into making a mistake that could cost Fenley's life.After all, Fenley represented the future of the Celestial Alliance. Alloy had invested all his effort into Fenley, and he provided him with endless resources. If Fenley were to die in the match, it would deal a devastating blow to the entire guild.While Alloy was gripped with worry, Cyrus and Penelope cheered silently. They secretly hoped Glenn's sword would strike Fenley. If that happened, the Celestial Alliance would take at least a decade to regain its former glory.Fenley's body stiffened as he stared at the Fang Master hovering inches from him. A shiver ran through his spine as goosebumps prickled his skin. Sweat trickled down his face, and each drop hit the ground with a
"Glenn had only seven swords in the past. I didn't expect that in just one year, two more divine swords would recognize him as their master. This punk is much better than I was back then," Cyrus remarked. He stroked his chin with a look of surprise and approval. He had always believed in Glenn's potential, but Glenn's performance had still exceeded his expectations.After all, the more swords Glenn wielded, the stronger he became. He had already topped the Legendary List with just seven swords. Now, with nine, his strength had grown even more overwhelming."He truly is the Chosen One." Even Kaden couldn't help but sigh.The nine divine swords recognized their master and responded with ease. Glenn's talent and cultivation were leagues ahead of his peers.Every generation brought forth new talent, and the old had no choice but to step aside for the new generation. Compared to their time, today's youth were on another level—monsters in their own right."Now, this is going to be int