Sheila was tied up and unconscious in an abandoned steel factory, her eyes covered with a black cloth.Meanwhile, Diego had a charming smile as he savored good wine and steak."Mr. Bourbon, our target hasn't shown up. Maybe he won't come," a burly red-robed warrior reported."Don't rush it. Let's wait," Diego said and put down his utensils. He continued, "I've already looked into it. Dustin has a serious relationship with Sheila. Given his personality, he'll come to rescue her.""I'm worried he won't give up the Cherusia. Should we send our guys to attack the Zephyr Lodge and take the treasure?" the red-robed warrior suggested."Fools!" Diego scolded. "Zephyr Lodge has many strong elites. Even if we succeed, we will lose many of our men.""The fighters from Dragonmarsh aren't very strong, Mr. Bourbon. You're giving them too much credit," the red-robed warrior complained. He believed their battle-tested Kimboku warriors were tougher than Dragonmarsh martial artists."Dragonma
"Bastard!" The red-robed warrior couldn't control his anger and drew his sword."Mr. Rhys, there's a saying in Dragonmarsh: 'Do something at your peril.' Hand over the Cherusia, and I'll spare both of you. Refuse, and there's only one outcome. Death!" Diego threatened Dustin."Do you think your group can take me down? Are you that brave?" Dustin taunted."Don't believe me? Give it a try," Diego snapped his fingers.The red-robed warrior dashed toward Dustin with his sword. He roared, "Folks from your Dragonmarsh are nothing but eastern scoundrels. Today, you'll learn a lesson.""What did you just call us?" Dustin's face hardened, and he looked ready for a fight. About eighty years ago, Dragonmarsh had just been through a war. The Kimboku people often looked down on Dragonmarsh and called them "eastern scoundrels". After many years, Dragonmarsh improved and became a stronger country. But the shame from that period remained etched in memory.So, when the red-robed warrior sai
Dustin's powerful punch pierced through the red-robed warrior's chest. Blood was gushing out of him. Stunned by the blow, the red-robed warrior looked at his wounded chest. He had underestimated the strength of the Dragonmarsh martial artist. Then, he collapsed to the ground and died."Fool!" Dustin's face remained expressionless. He stomped on the red-robed warrior's head so hard that it exploded.This was unlike Dustin's usual style. But the derogatory comments directed at Dragonmarsh and the teasing toward Sheila had pushed him to this point."What?" Diego could not believe his eyes. Dustin had defeated his powerful warrior with a single punch."Bastard!"In response to their comrade's death, the Kimboku warriors drew their swords in unison. "Kill him!" Diego ordered his warriors to attack. Their initial plan to capture Dustin alive was now forgotten."Charge!" The warriors brandished their swords and charged.At that moment, Dustin stomped his foot and summoned a nearby
"Is this guy a monster?" Diego muttered. "Okay. It's your turn!" Dustin glared at the scared Diego."Mr. Rhys, let's talk it out. No need for a showdown. I'll return your woman and leave, never bothering you again," Diego begged. He had over twenty warriors at his disposal, but they were no match for Dustin. He couldn't believe Dustin was this terrifying."Your fate was sealed when you kidnapped someone. Words won't save you now," Dustin declared, raising his sword."Wait!" someone shouted.Then, Jayden stormed in with soldiers, followed by Vivian and Evan."You came just in time. These Kimboku people attempted to kidnap Sheila. Arrest him and bury them," Dustin said, pointing to the lifeless bodies on the floor."Shut up! You have no say here!" Jayden retorted. He was surprised to see Diego. "Diego? Is that you?" Diego was equally surprised. He had met Jayden during their studies abroad, and they were acquainted."So, what brings you here?" Jayden asked."I ..." Diego
"Huh?"Dustin looked at the crushed phone in shock. He hadn't expected Jayden to do something like this. Jayden had boldly destroyed evidence in front of everyone to protect Diego.Even Diego seemed surprised that Jayden had intervened on his behalf."Diego, don't worry. I've got your back," Jayden said.Sheila had been kidnapped, and Jayden didn't care about that. But he saw an opportunity to gain Diego's favor. It was mainly because the Bourbon family was influential in Kimboku."With you supporting me, I'm not worried." Diego eagerly accepted Jayden's help."Jayden, are you teaming up with Diego like this?" Dustin's expression hardened. He had caught the person responsible and provided evidence. However, in an effort to cover up for Diego, Jayden lied and destroyed evidence. It was a despicable act. "Dustin, you have no evidence to accuse Diego. How bold of you!" Jayden responded. He added, "And I have reason to believe the video you showed is fake. It was probably s
Jayden sneered. "Look around you. Everyone here follows my orders. If you act recklessly, you'll be shot!""Mr. Rhys, bullets stray. Just give up," Diego bragged. He knew the folks in Dragonmarsh often fought among themselves and began to enjoy the show. "Rhys, if you want to stay alive, surrender now. Otherwise, you'll regret it!" Vivian and her group declared arrogantly."Jayden, you're playing with fire," Dustin warned. He added, "Out of respect for General Murray, I don't want violence. Leave now, and we can forget what happened. But if you keep protecting Diego, I won't show you mercy." "Mercy?" Jayden laughed and thought Dustin was a fool. "Dustin, who do you think you are to threaten me? I can kill you with just a word!"He snapped his fingers, and all the soldiers behind him pointed their guns at Dustin."Now, kneel!" Jayden ordered, pointing down confidently. "What did you say?" Dustin remained unfazed."Are you deaf? I said kneel—" Before Jayden could finish,
"Stop!"Just as Dustin was punching Jayden, a sudden cry rang out from behind them.Dustin turned to find Sheila awake and bewildered. She hadn't expected to wake up to this scene and was confused about what was happening."Dustin, what's going on?" Sheila asked, looking puzzled. "I'm teaching Jayden a lesson on behalf of General Murray," Dustin replied bluntly. "He's been helping the bad guys, and I'm trying to keep him from causing harm to others and himself.""That's nonsense!" Vivian interjected. She added, "Sheila, Dustin was the one who kidnapped you. We came to rescue you, but Jayden got caught up in this mess when Dustin attacked him. Look at Jayden; he's been badly injured.""Exactly! This guy has no shame. When we exposed him, he resorted to violence. He's truly despicable!" Evan added.Sheila, still puzzled, turned to Dustin and asked, "Is what they're saying true?""Do you think I'm the kind of person they describe?" Dustin replied with a question."No." Sheil
Diego was startled but quickly apologized, saying, "Miss Sheila, I'm sorry for earlier. The kidnapping was all planned by Dustin. If I had known your identity, I would never have kidnapped you." He showed his sincere regret.Taking the chance, Jayden added, "Sheila, did you hear that? Dustin is the real bad guy!""That's right! Dustin is responsible for everything!" Vivian said.Evan chimed in, "I agree! He's sneaky and will do anything to get what he wants!" "We can all testify! Dustin kills these warriors to cover his tracks!"Everyone started talking, and it became hard to tell the guilty from the innocent. Sheila was confused and lost. She wasn't good at making decisions and didn't know whom to trust now. "Sheila, I'm telling the truth," Dustin said. "Sheila, I'm your cousin. Would I lie to you?" Jayden pleaded. "Sheila, why would I kidnap you?""Sheila, we've known each other for years. Have I ever lied to you?""Sheila, stay calm and think. Don't let anyone fool
Glenn wasn't just skilled in swordsmanship, but his technique was also flawless. Every strike was unpredictable, relentless, and impossible to block. His attacks came in waves, and each one was stronger than the last.What made him even more terrifying were the six divine swords that obeyed his every command. They were like extensions of his will. The swords threw Dustin off balance, attacking from every direction and blocking any chance of escape. They moved in perfect sync with Glenn and left no room for counterattacks.Dustin had no choice but to dodge and parry. If not for his incredible agility and mastery of the sword, he wouldn't have lasted more than a few breaths.Even so, the pressure was overwhelming. It felt like he wasn't just facing Glenn but six or seven skilled opponents at once. Any slip in focus, or any opening, could be his last.The real challenge was that Dustin wasn't gaining any ground. While he had to stay focused on dodging and blocking, he also had to se
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