Dustin just replied with a single word."Thanks." The girl in the blue dress smiled and motioned for her friends to sit. She thought, "This seems to be the only place with many empty seats. He looks friendly, so sitting with him shouldn't be an issue." "Hey, I'm Livia, and these are my friends, Leah and Quinton. What's yours?""We just met, so there's no need for names," Dustin replied bluntly. He was on a mission, not here to socialize.His rudeness caught Livia off guard.But Leah couldn't hold back and confronted him. "Hey, watch your tone. We're just asking for your name! "What's the big deal about that? You're not even dressed like a rich man. What makes you think you can act so high and mighty?"Quinton chimed in, "Yeah, you're not exactly dressed to impress. It's an honor for you to meet us.""It's ok, let's all forget about it." Livia tried to defuse the situation.But Leah couldn't let it go and snapped. "You can't give in to a loser like him, Liv. It's clear he d
Dustin's remark caught Livia, Leah, and Quinton off guard, leaving them puzzled."Hey, what are you babbling about? Who's going to die?" Leah raised an eyebrow and wondered if he had lost his mind."Are you jealous of Dylan, dude? You're saying nonsense now because you know he's better than you," Quinton remarked."Hmph, you know you're worthless, yet you badmouth someone you're jealous of. You're just a petty bastard!" Leah could not stand petty people like Dustin."Hey, if you've got something to say, say it to Dylan's face. What's the point of talking behind someone's back?" Quinton taunted."Yeah, be upfront and confront Dylan like a real man, not a coward," Leah added.While Livia remained silent, she shook her head in frustration. She found Dustin's behavior irritating.Ignoring their remarks, Dustin picked up a wine bottle and weighed it in his hand. Then, he shouted, "Dylan Harmon!"Dylan turned to locate the source of the voice. Suddenly, a wine bottle crashed onto his
"Unbelievable!""This is outrageous!""You have the nerve to mess with the Harmon family. You must have a death wish!"The startled guests shouted and protested.The commotion drew the guards' attention, who surrounded the area.Dylan sneered at Dustin. "You've got some nerve attacking me. If your bodyguard was here, you might have a chance. But going up against me alone is just asking for death!"Despite his previous loss to Cornelius, Dylan remained confident in defeating Dustin. Among his peers, he believed only Tyler could pose a challenge."Kid, today marks my ascent as the Patriarch. I don't want bloodshed, so surrender now," Trent shouted at Dustin. He knew Dustin's skills and gangs, but it was nothing compared to the Harmon family's forces. Besides, he had the support of the Grants."Dylan's life ends today, and anyone who intervenes will die too!" Dustin proclaimed."How dare you!" Trent barked at his guards, "Grab him!""Wait!" Dylan stepped forward. "Uncle Tr
"What happened?" The sight of the unconscious Dylan shocked everyone. Nobody expected the high-ranking commander of the Dark Panther Cavalry to lose. Everyone expected him to win, but the outcome was unexpected."Is this a dream? Did Dylan actually lose?" Quinton struggled to accept reality. He had anticipated Dustin's defeat, not him winning."How can this be? It's unbelievable." Leah stared in disbelief. She couldn't understand how someone as insignificant as Dustin could defeat Dylan."Wow! Is he that strong?" Livia's eyes widened in amazement. At first, she underestimated Dustin, but now she acknowledged his skills.Trent's eyebrows furrowed in surprise, "I didn't expect this kid to be a master level." While he had seen Dustin's amazing medical abilities, he was unaware of his martial arts skills.Jacob was shocked by the sudden turn of events. "My son lost?" He could accept if Dylan lost to Tyler but not to Dustin.Amid the stunned onlookers, Dustin strode forwar
Upon receiving Trent's orders, the Harmon family guards and the elite shadow guards took action."Quick! Seal off all exits and ensure this kid doesn't get away!""Acting so boldly on the Harmon family's grounds? He must have a death wish!"The guards quickly blocked all escape routes and surrounded Dustin.As Dustin exited the reception hall, he could feel the hostile stares of the guards on him. He guessed there were around two hundred of them, including Dylan's Dark Panther Cavalry soldiers. "Rhys! Release my son now, or you'll pay with your life!" Jacob yelled angrily."You're trapped, there's no escape. Release Dylan, and maybe I'll spare you," Trent warned."I only want Dylan. The rest of you can step back!" Dustin stated firmly."You're standing at death's door and don't even realize it. Look around and see who's in charge!" Trent threatened. Trent knew Dustin could not win against so many armed guards, no matter how skilled he was."Even though this kid managed to t
Dylan was stunned and muttered, "Again?"He was worried about Trent's impulsive decisions since the previous shots had missed Dustin completely.Jacob urged. "Trent, you've got to stay calm! Dyl's life is on the line here!" He wanted to prevent Trent from losing his temper and accidentally shooting Dylan."I'm concerned about Dyl's safety too. But have you considered our family's reputation if we let this kid escape?" Trent argued."This kid isn't a pushover. We should consider bringing in the aces," Jacob whispered."Aces? Where can we find them on such short notice? I say we take him down now." Trent insisted.Then, Jacob proposed a different approach. "But before we resort to that, let me try talking to him first. It's best if we can resolve this without violence."Trent took a deep breath and yielded. "You've got three minutes.""Okay." Jacob nodded and turned to Dustin. "Listen, you need to stop right now. There's no way you'll make it out of here alive today. But if y
These gangsters wore black with red headbands. They had a mythical beast emblem on their chest, representing the disciples of the Kirin Gang. "Secure the area!" Cornelius ordered as he led them into the Harmon family residence.Just like that, the Kirin Gang had outnumbered the Harmon family's guards. When the Kiring Gang arrived at the Harmon residence, the crowd scattered to avoid getting caught up in the mess."Who the hell are you? How dare you enter the Harmon family residence!" Trent yelled as they were surrounded."They're from the Kirin Gang!" someone from the Harmon family exclaimed."The Kirin Gang?!" The mention of the Kirin Gang caused various reactions among the crowd.The Kirin Gang had earned a terrifying reputation in Millsburg, surpassing even the famous Fabulous Five in power and influence."Who dares disrespect Sir Rhys?"With the guild leaders and disciples, Cornelius stood by Dustin's side. Their intimidating presence was proof of Dustin's influence."W
"Rhys, don't be too cocky!" Jacob snapped at Dustin, "You think being the leader of the Kirin Gang means you're all that? Don't forget, my son is a high-ranking commander of the Dark Panther Cavalry!"Dylan chimed in defiantly, "That's right! Dark Panther Cavalry supports me, and I am the subordinate of Scarlet Warrior. Your actions will have consequences.""Stop it right there, punk. If you let Dylan go, we can put this matter behind us. But if you insist on fighting, the Harmon family won't yield," Trent stated solemnly.While the Kirin Gang held power, the Harmon family was no pushover. They had a long history and many allies. They would receive help if they asked."I don't care about your allies or your family's influence. Dylan must die today!" Dustin grabbed Dylan by the neck and lifted him, thinking, "If I can't get him out, I'll have to kill him right here.""Ugh!" Dylan's face turned red as he struggled to catch his breath. The fear of death began to consume him.S
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