"What?"Seeing Tyler severely wounded on the ground, the Grants were stunned. It was as if they had been struck by lightning.They had thought that with Wildemor, Tyler could reverse the situation and win. Who'd have thought all it took was one punch from Dustin to defeat Tyler? And Tyler was so terribly defeated!Dustin had destroyed the sword with just a single punch and heavily wounded Tyler. The latter had been entirely crushed!"Oh no. No way … We're done for now!"Tyler's legs gave way, and he slumped to the ground lifelessly. Despair could be seen on the faces of the Grants as they lost all hope.They had thought too highly of Tyler and underestimated Dustin. The two were of entirely different levels.The genius they took so much pride in was nothing compared to Dustin, the Kirin. Even when he had given his all and fought to the death, it was only a futile attempt."Is this all you've got? You can't even go up against Adam Spanner if this is all you can do. How dare you
Tyler stood out among his peers.What others worked their ass off for years to achieve, he could easily attain it without breaking a sweat.He had always believed himself to be the chosen one, born to be king, a supreme one to rule over all humanity. It wasn't until this moment that he finally understood that there was always someone better and more talented.His talent and achievements, which he had always taken pride in, amounted to nothing in Dustin's presence."How ignorant I have been." Still reeling from the shock of defeat, a bitter smile spread out on Tyler's face. At that moment, something within him collapsed, and he lost every last bit of his fighting spirit. He was left with nothing but despair.He had led a life of constant success. This was his only defeat. But this defeat had totally crushed him."You've lost. Hand me the treasure map." Dustin walked up to him and looked down at Tyler.Tyler was silent as he lay on the ground, looking up at the vast, blue sky.
Once everything was settled, Dustin led his men back to Zephyr Lodge.Natasha and Ruth were still unconscious, and Dustin did not wake them.Now that Hector and Trent were dead, the Harmon family was in shambles. This would undoubtedly have a huge impact on Natasha, and she would have difficulty coming to terms with things.All Dustin could do now was to make proper arrangements for Hector's funeral to reduce Natasha's burden. Her father was dead, and no one could truly understand her pain. She would have to get through it herself."Do not touch any of the Harmons' businesses for now. The family has suffered a great impact and will need a thorough reorganization."As for those who changed their allegiances to benefit themselves, detain them. We'll deal with them after Natasha comes around."Also, make sure Trent's funeral is carried out according to the highest standards. Nothing should go wrong …"Dustin gave his orders in the meeting room, and the disciples of the Kirin Gang
"Is that so? Well, what if it's something to do with the upheaval in Aylka ten years ago?" Dustin asked suddenly."What?" Austin's expression froze over as he fell silent. He reflexively looked over at his mother.The upheaval in Aylka was a taboo in their family. In fact, it was a taboo in the whole of Dragonmarsh.Ever since it happened, it has been a topic that no one dared to discuss. He hadn't expected Dustin to bring it up now suddenly."Logan, what's in the past should be left in the past. What happened ten years ago is over and should not be brought up again." Eloise shook her head lightly."Over?" Dustin lifted his head slowly."I do not know why or how my mother died; my personal guards were all sacrificed. What do you mean it's over?""It hurts me to think about your mother's death, too. But the people behind it have already been executed. Everyone that deserves to be executed is already dead. "It's time to let go of your resentment," Eloise coaxed gently."They ha
"Help me?"Surprised to hear that, Dustin appeared skeptical. "With your identity, Your Highness, I reckon it'd be better if you stayed out of it."It was clear that the upheaval in Aylka a decade ago could not have happened without royalties backing the mastermind up. And Eloise was royalty herself. Dustin found it hard to believe that she'd help him."What? Do you think I'm incapable of helping you, or do you simply not trust me?" Eloise asked."I'm just afraid of troubling you," Dustin answered vaguely."I understand where your concerns are coming from, Logan. But I'm sincere in offering my help."Eloise looked at him earnestly as she said, "I am no longer the eldest princess of Dragonmarsh. I am now the Princess Consort of Theswe, your stepmother. "We are a family, and what you do affects me too. I think you understand what I'm saying.""I get it, but I'm just curious how exactly you plan on helping me?" Dustin asked."We have been secretly looking into what happened al
Though the Prince of Theswe was influential, they could not do as they wished. Besides, this was taboo to begin with, so they could not openly help Dustin with it."I understand. Thank you for your help, Eloise."Dustin stood up and bowed in gratitude.The information that Eloise had provided him with was essential. Not only to figure out the truth but, more importantly, it also meant that he now had another confidant to turn to."We're family. There's no need to be so courteous."Eloise quickly reached out to Dustin, gesturing for him to straighten up. Then, she gave him some sincere advice."Logan, I'm not stopping you from getting the revenge you seek. But I hope you understand that your thoughts define your actions, and your actions define who you are. "Do not lose yourself in your search for revenge, and do not let the people around you down.""I will keep your advice in mind, Eloise." Dustin nodded. "If there's ever anything I can help with, just let me know, Logan! I
After sending everyone off that evening, Dustin called all the guildmasters of the Kirin Gang into the meeting room for a board meeting."It's been a long day today. Thank you for your hard work." Dustin sat at the main seat as he gestured for everyone to take their seats."I have gathered everyone here this evening because I have two things to announce. "The first thing is that I have decided to appoint Cornelius as the assistant leader of Kirin Gang. He will assist me in handling affairs of the gang."All the guildmasters stood up and cheered for Cornelius when they heard that. "Congratulations, Sir Adler! "Great news for you, Sir Adler!"Cornelius was capable, and he was a senior among them. He was also loyal to the Kirin Gang and a decisive confidant of Dustin's. It only made sense for him to become the assistant leader, and nobody questioned the decision."Thank you for trusting me with the position, Sir Rhys! I promise I'll do my best!" Cornelius said earnestly.He ha
A clamor broke out in the meeting room. All the guildmasters were excited to hear that.It would be a lie to say that they weren't envious of Cornelius for receiving the Gerandium. After all, it wasn't every day that they came by such a rare and precious pill.But Dustin's promise turned their envy into surprise.So it turns out that all of them had a part in it! No one would be left behind. Dustin's fairness gained him the respect and admiration of everyone present.“Thank you, Sir Rhys!""From now on, we will do our best to serve you!"All the guildmasters bowed to Dustin respectfully."We're all brothers. There's no need to be so polite."Dustin then gestured for everyone to straighten up. "There isn't much I can offer. "But if there's one thing I can promise you, it's that in the future, we will always have each others' back. We'll share each others' joys, and help each other through tough times!"Dustin's simple declaration lifted everyone's spirits. They felt that
"Give me a moment to think," Dustin said.Grace's words sent him into deep thought.After all, carrying the fate of Dragonmarsh was no small burden. First, he had to be tough enough to handle it. Then, he needed the resolve to accept what came with it. Once he carried that burden, it meant taking on a heavyweight.He used to act on his own terms and do things as he pleased without worrying too much about the consequences. But once the nation's fate was involved, everything changed.Not that he had many options.Dustin could either hide in Sacred Wrym Summit and hope Arion would protect him, or take a risk and absorb the Dragonmarsh's fate to push through his cultivation's bottleneck. Between the two, he was leaning toward the latter."I can give your plan a shot," Dustin said suddenly. "But we're still missing a piece of the Dracan essence. If we're doing this, we need to find that last one first."Only once all five pieces of Dracan essence were united could he truly wield the
"Royal gods? And two of them?" Dustin frowned at the news.His battle with Poseidon in West Lucozia had shown him firsthand that the Hall of Gods didn't send weaklings into the field.One royal god had already pushed him to his limit. If two came at him together, winning wasn't even the question. He'd be lucky just to make it out alive."That's right," Grace said solemnly. "The royal gods, Zeus and Hera, have crossed the border. They're even stronger than Poseidon. If they ambush you together, your chances are slim."She knew Dustin was strong, but he was still young. Moreover, Zeus and Hera weren't just anyone. They were world-class powerhouses. Surviving a fight with them would be next to impossible.The Hall of Gods had probably figured out how dangerous Dustin could become. If they had given him a few more years to grow, they might not have been able to stop him."Well, that complicates things." Dustin rested his chin in one hand with a thoughtful expression.Two royal god
Soluna Hall had one rule—they wouldn't accept unfamiliar customers. They only served those they knew well or people introduced by someone they trusted. Every transaction required an appointment. Exceptions were made for urgent matters, but those came with an additional fee.When Dustin reached the entrance, two security guards stopped him. After stating his name and being verified by the guards, they let him through.Inside, a female attendant with a pleasant smile greeted him and led him across the main hall straight into the back garden. They passed a small fish pond and stopped in front of a secluded private room."This is Ms. Linsor's private reception area. Mr. Rhys, please come in," the female attendant said with a smile."She's not here?" Dustin asked curiously."She had something come up, but she'll be here soon. Please make yourself comfortable," the attendant said, still smiling."Alright then." He nodded and walked into the room.The room was spacious, with a vintag
"You're wrong, Tristan," Matthias said with a meaningful look.He continued, "Sure, I've got the Moseys to back me, but I'm still far from securing the throne. Nathaniel's got strong backing too, and this won't be an easy win. But if you were to support me, I'd say my chances shoot up to 80%."In his eyes, Tristan's support was worth more than the Ballard family.If he could win Tristan over, his odds would jump from 60% to nearly 80%. The only question now was whether Tristan would be willing to shelve his own ambitions and place his bet on Matthias."You know me, Matthias. I've never been one for ambition or glory. This kind of power struggle just isn't for me. I hope you can understand that," Tristan said.After thinking about it thoroughly, he finally turned his brother down. He knew his chances of winning were slim, yet he couldn't let go.Tristan was the eldest legitimate son, the rightful and undisputed heir to the throne. Aside from his poor health, he had no real shortco
Tristan, Matthias, and Nathaniel weren't fools. They understood the unspoken message loud and clear.Their purpose for this trip was to take advantage of the opportunity to offer their condolences and win the Ballard family's support. Should it work, all the better. If not, they'd at least make a good impression. The key was that as long as the Ballard family didn't pick a side or turn against them, there was still room to make things work. No need to rush into anything.Tristan spoke first. "You're being too kind, Duke of Lachshire. We've always admired Mr. Jovian's loyalty and courage. We're simply here to pay our respects—nothing more."Matthias added, "That's right. Your family has a lot to deal with right now. Plus, you're not as young as you used to be, so don't wear yourself out over this. We won't take up more of your time today."He gave a respectful nod, then turned to leave."Duke—"Nathaniel opened his mouth to speak, but Tristan interrupted. "That's enough, Nathani
"Oh? I didn't expect both of you to be here," Nathaniel said.He was just about to pay his respects when he spotted Tristan and Matthias inside the mourning hall. He gave a respectful nod and said, "Hello, Tristan, Matthias."Truthfully, he wasn't surprised. He had already guessed they would show up.The four ancient houses and the eight great families were all key players he needed on his side. And with the Ballard family still undecided, he wasn't about to miss the chance to make an impression."I heard you left Oakvale on official business. Funny how quickly you came back," Tristan said, his tone laced with meaning."It wasn't anything important. When I heard about Mr. Jovian's passing, I returned immediately. I wanted to pay my respects in person," Nathaniel answered smoothly, without missing a beat.He brushed off Tristan's subtle jab and used the moment to show the Ballard family he was genuinely there to pay his respects."Don't just stand there, Nathaniel. Go pay your re
"Your Royal Highness, it's an honor to have you here," Jonathan said.Upon seeing the distinguished guest arrive, he quickly pulled himself together and aside his grief. He led his family to greet Tristan, and they bowed in respect.Before they could finish the gesture, Tristan raised a hand to stop them. "No need for such formalities," he said. "The deceased deserves our respect."He turned to Jovian's portrait, which was displayed in the mourning hall, and sighed deeply.Tristan continued, "Mr. Jovian's untimely passing is truly a great loss to Dragonmarsh. May his soul rest in peace. My condolences to your family during this difficult time."Jonathan's eyes were filled with tears as he bowed his head slightly. "Thank you, Your Highness, for your kind words. My family is heartbroken over my brother's tragic death."Tristan nodded slightly. His gaze quickly swept across the hall before asking, "I've heard that Duke Lachshire fainted from grief. How is he doing now?"Jonathan
The unrest in West Lucozia finally ended with the capture of Warrick.Every official who was his accomplice was thoroughly investigated. Those who needed to be arrested were taken into custody, and those who deserved to be punished were executed.After the purge, more than 300 officials in West Lucozia were removed from their posts. Those guilty were arrested, and those whose crimes were severe were executed.Under Austin's iron-fisted reforms, West Lucozia's government underwent a complete overhaul. Corruption, bribery, and the tangled web of illegal deals were swept away like dust in the wind.The citizens quickly noticed the difference. When they visited government offices, they no longer faced delays, refusals, or demands for bribes.Long-neglected public issues began to move forward, thanks to the organized efforts of newly appointed officials. Things were improving across the board.Instead of fearing the crackdown, the citizens welcomed it. The corrupt officials who had dr
Austin's expression also turned serious as he saw the doubt in Dustin's eyes. He knew Dustin wouldn't worry over nothing.There were many strange beings in Streuqua, including vampires, werewolves, and the like. These supernatural species were notoriously hard to kill. Even after being decapitated, they weren't necessarily dead.Austin wasn't sure if Poseidon had that kind of ability. After all, the Hall of Gods and its so-called royal gods were still a mystery to most people in West Lucozia.To play it safe, they needed to recover Poisedon's head for their own peace of mind.Out on the water, Jaxon led a team of soldiers and ship crews to comb the sea in search of Poisedon's severed head.At the docks, all eyes turned to Warrick, Mulder, and the others. They had been tied up and were now being dragged before Dustin and Austin one by one.Warrick looked pale, but there was a certain defiance in his eyes. He knew his fate was sealed. After Dustin killed Poseidon, Warrick knew his