"Benefit people?" Dustin mused. Cody's behavior was a source of amusement to Dustin. He found it amusing that Cody was greedy yet portrayed as a noble person. While Zion may have been greedy, he was at least willing to pay for what he wanted. On the other hand, Cody was willing to take whatever he could get."Hey! Cody is talking to you. Don't you hear?" Seeing Dustin's continued silence, Harper snapped.She added, "You're part of Harmony Healers now, so you have to abide by our rules. Think of the prescription for Dew Balm as your contribution to Harmony Healers. There will be rewards in the future.""I'm going to say this one more time: the formula will not be shared," Dustin responded coldly."Hey, why are you so stubborn? Can't you be more open-minded?" Harper said, frustrated. She continued, "Cody wants it, not for personal gain. It's about helping the masses and saving patients. Isn't that a noble goal? Shouldn't we support that?""Using my resources to achieve his goa
"You asshole! You've gone too far!" Harper was so frustrated she was crying tears of grievance. She was known for her beauty and talents and had been pampered her whole life. No matter the situation, people adjusted their actions to cater to her every desire. However, this Dustin brat was the total opposite of a gentleman. He not only disrespected her, he also humiliated her publicly. It was absolutely despicable!"Alright, Harper, calm down." Cody tried to mediate."We're all working at the same place and will be running into each other often. There's no need to damage our relationship.""Please! Who's working at the same place as him? Only one of us can exist at Harmony Healers! It's either him or me!" Harper snapped back, not mincing her words."That's enough!" Brooke finally had enough and berated Harper harshly, "Harper, you're being absolutely unreasonable. The Dew Balm formula belongs to Dustin. It's up to him to decide what he wants to do with it. You have no right
"Great! It's a deal!" Cody's spirits soared.The Ostrower family was a prominent family in the medical field. They weren't as influential as the Welch family. Still, they were a significant presence in South City. With a little effort, it shouldn't be hard for them to get three top-quality medicinal herbs. "It's getting late. How about we all have a meal together? It will be a perfect opportunity to welcome Dustin," Brooke suddenly suggested. "No problem! I'll play the host today. Dustin, let me treat you to a meal at Regal Court!" Cody declared grandly."Regal Court?" Everyone at Harmony Healers grew excited at the declaration. Regal Court was the most prestigious restaurant in South City. It typically catered to senior officials and VIPs. Ordinary citizens could only dream of entering such a place. Dining there required not only wealth but also social status and influence, making it a highly exclusive establishment. Regal Court also had a widely circulated story asso
"What? Dined with the Emperor?" Harper was stunned before bursting out into mocking laughter."Hey, bumpkin, are you alright in the head? You? Dined with the Emperor? Are you even worthy? Even Cody is not qualified to dine with the Emperor. What makes you think you can?"A plainly dressed bumpkin like him dared claim acquaintance with the Emperor? How outrageous! "If you don't believe me, suit yourself." Dustin shrugged, not bothering to argue. It was pointless to argue with someone so condescending. "Hmph! I first thought you were ignorant and lacked manners. I didn't expect you to be so boastful too. I don't understand why grandpa values you," Harper sneered as she crossed her arms. As an Oakvale native, she felt a sense of superiority when dealing with country bumpkins. "We've arrived, this is it!" Cody suddenly stopped and pointed toward a piece of linen paper suspended in the air.The linen paper was of considerable size. Encased in a gold-rimmed glass frame, it was pr
"I can't believe this is Logan's calligraphy. It's no wonder he's qualified to transcribe the Emperor's verses." "The Emperor's verses and the Kirin's penmanship. It would be unbelievable if Regal Court still couldn't succeed!" "As expected of the Kirin. His calligraphy, penned in his teens, is comparable to esteemed calligraphy masters. What a treasure!" The students stared at the poem in amazement. They finally realized why Regal Court had such strict entry requirements. With such an invaluable treasure on display, it seemed perfectly justified. "I heard that the Kirin is not only exceptionally gifted but also incredibly handsome. He's also well-versed in both classical and contemporary literature. "If only I was lucky enough to meet him!" Harper sighed dreamily, her eyes brimming with admiration.Even though Cody was outstanding in his own right, Logan remained in a league of his own.Whether it was his family background, personal abilities, or physical attractiveness,
"It's been a long time since I've written anything, and I feel a little out of practice. I think I'll pass." Dustin shook his head.His handwriting could easily be recognized by those knowledgeable in the field.He wasn't exactly afraid of having his identity exposed now. But it would be a headache if certain people found out."Out of practice? Hmph! Just admit you can't!" Harper scoffed. "You clearly lack the skill, yet you insist on showing off. It's truly nauseating!""Alright. Calm down, both of you. Many people are watching. We don't want to turn into a joke." Brooke tried to diffuse the situation.While Dustin was undoubtedly skilled, criticizing the Kirin's calligraphy was a bit presumptuous."Hmph! If anyone's embarrassing themselves, it's this guy! How dare he insult the Kirin's work? Does he think us fans are a bunch of pushovers?" Harper glared at Dustin. "Alright, enough of this. It's just a piece of calligraphy. There's no need to bring down the mood for it," Cody
Even though Harper was talented, it didn't mean she could outshine everyone. After all, Oakvale was a place where elites gathered. It was a city with an abundance of talent. "Grandpa, I was renowned as a prodigy back in school. That title belongs to me, and no one can dispute it. I'm better off dead if I can't even win today's literary event," Harper said confidently."Why would you even say that?" Brooke frowned slightly."Master Busch, Harper is exceptionally talented and highly skilled in this regard. I believe she will do well," Cody said with a smile."Did you hear that? Even Cody thinks so. I'm going to be the standout performer today!" Harper added, her confidence reaching new heights. Brooke shook his head in resignation. Harper's arrogance would get her into trouble sooner or later. "It's almost time. Let's head upstairs," Cody said, leading the group to the second floor. Compared to the extravagance on the first floor, the second floor exuded an air of elegance an
"Ms. Camron, that's a bit too much," Cody finally spoke up. "Harper is my junior. It's not exactly appropriate for you to make that comment with me here, don't you think?" "Oh? Mr. Ostrower is here as well? My apologies." Lana feigned astonishment.She then continued with a sly smile, "It's no wonder Harper was able to get in. It turns out you were the one backing her. "I'm just curious, as the scion of a noble and respected family, how come you have such bad taste? You're actually attracted to this bland woman?""Hey! Who are you calling bland?" Harper was enraged at her words. She was about to act out but was quickly held back by those around her. The Camron family's influence was slightly stronger than the Ostrower family's. If Harper were to lay her hand on Lana, not even Cody would be able to get her out of trouble. "If you reacted, I guess I must be talking about you then. What about it? Do you have an issue with it?" Lana smirked, her gaze provocative. She thorou
"So what if I am? And what if I push even further?" Dustin's smile slowly faded. "If you don't like it, do something about it."There was no reasoning with tyrants like Warrick."Punk, are you really willing to risk your life against me? Have you ever considered what happens if you lose?" Warrick's face turned grim as a wave of killing intent spread from him.He had already taken a step back to avoid unnecessary trouble. If Dustin refused to back down, there was no choice but to fight."Cut the crap. You wanna fight, fight." Dustin didn't bother with more words. With a flick of his wrist, a silver needle shot out and aimed toward Warrick's forehead—silent, unassuming, but deadly."Hmm?" Warrick's brow furrowed as he instinctively raised his arm. Sparks flew as the needle deflected off his arm and buried into the ground."Oh? You've mastered the Adamantine Body Technique?" Dustin narrowed his eyes. At that instant, he saw through Warrick's technique. Not only was he halfway
Mulder's body trembled, and he suddenly coughed up a mouthful of blood. His energy drained, and his entire being seemed to collapse.Dustin's finger flick had not only shattered his sword but also injured his internal organs. With the effects of the enhanced serum wearing off, Mulder was now back to his original state and completely spent.His once-powerful frame now shrank like a punctured balloon. He looked as if he had aged ten years in an instant. Mulder could no longer fight. Even standing up was a challenge."He's finished," Dustin said coolly, then looked at Warrick. "Now it's your turn.""Hmm?" Warrick frowned, and his expression turned serious.Dustin's display of strength earlier had made him feel a sense of crisis. If they fought head-on, there was no telling who would come out on top.But Warrick was just one step away from escaping West Lucozia, bound for Artea and a life of freedom and luxury. He had no intention of risking his life in battle unless he absolutely
"This is interesting." Dustin smirked as the dense barrage of swords came slashing down at him. In the blink of an eye, his figure dissolved into a wisp of smoke and vanished.A storm of sword shadows carrying the force that could split rivers and overturn seas crashed down on the fishing boat where he had just been standing. The entire vessel broke apart in an instant—some sinking into the depths while others drifted across the water."What? He dodged it?" Warrick's eyes flickered with surprise.Mulder's attack just now had been a 360-degree attack. Once caught in its range, there was no chance to dodge—only the option to endure. He couldn't understand how Dustin had managed to avoid it. Did he just teleport?"Hiding like a coward? What kind of warrior are you? Come fight me face-to-face."Frustrated after his attack missed again, Mulder grew desperate. His enhanced serum would only last for 15 minutes. If this dragged on, he'd collapse from exhaustion before Dustin even touche
"Oh? Are we going all out now?" Dustin smirked, with a hint of amusement in his eyes.Mulder, who had advanced to become a grandmaster martial artist through drugs, had a weak foundation. Even after taking the enhanced serum, he still posed no threat to Dustin. If Mulder were a hundred times stronger, he might just barely be able to fight Dustin.As the serum's effects pushed his body to the limit, Mulder suddenly let out a furious roar. His muscles swelled rapidly, and his bones cracked as they expanded. His body grew larger at an alarming rate, and his clothes tore apart under the strain.His six-foot frame stretched to nearly seven feet in mere moments as his body swelled to monstrous proportions. His face twisted fiercely, and his skin darkened as black scales surfaced.With another guttural growl, his roar turned beastlike. He grabbed his shredded shirt and ripped it away, exposing his broad chest covered in dark scales. A faint, eerie sheen flickered across their surface."D
Dustin's words made Mulder frown.Mulder knew all too well that Warrick was the kind of man who had no sense of loyalty or honor. If Warrick could kill his own personal guards without hesitation, what would stop him from killing a stranger? Mulder was certain that the moment things went south, Warrick would be the first to flee. Given the choice, he'd never willingly risk his life as Warrick's sacrificial pawn. But now, there was no turning back.With his undercover identity exposed and him helping Warrick escape, Mulder became a sworn enemy of West Lucozia. His name was now on the most-wanted list.Tonight was their best chance to escape. If they missed it, finding another way out would be nearly impossible.There was only one path left for him—kill whoever stood in his way and make it onto that escape boat."Enough talk, punk. Let's see what you're really made of," Mulder said.After weighing his options, he gritted his teeth and finally decided to draw his longsword. His fig
"You had your chance. Don't blame me for what happens next," Dustin said.With a slight squeeze of his fingers, the steel blades clamped between them shattered with a sharp clang.Before the two Hall of Gods members could even react, Dustin waved his hand.The two men were sent flying as if they'd been hit by a truck, hurtling over 30 feet through the air. Blood sprayed from their mouths and noses before they hit the ground. They were critically injured and on the verge of death.Dustin slowly turned his head and looked at the man who had just tried to ambush him.The man glanced at the broken sword in his hand, then at Dustin, who looked utterly unfazed. He hesitated for a split second—then bolted.With a powerful leap, he dove straight for the sea. He knew Dustin's strength was on a completely different level. There was no chance of outrunning him on land, so the only hope was to disappear into the water.It might have worked—if not for what happened next.Just before he hit
"You're not a fisherman? Who the hell are you?"Mulder's guard shot up the moment he got a clear look at the young man's face.Fishermen who spent their days at sea were usually tanned from the sun, but this one had a fair complexion. It felt a little strangeNoticing something was off, the men behind Mulder drew their blades and fixed their sharp gazes on the fisherman.The so-called fisherman standing guard wasn't just anyone—it was Dustin, who had been waiting for them all along.Since his plan was set in motion, he'd been stationed there from morning until midnight. After what felt like an eternity, his targets had finally arrived."Isn't it obvious? I'm here to capture you."Dustin rose from the deck and rolled his shoulders before speaking in an even tone. "If you don't want to die, surrender now. Otherwise, it'll be too late.""Watch out! It could be an ambush." Mulder swiftly pulled out his dagger. His sharp gaze scanned the surroundings for any sign of hidden troops.
As night fell, Warrick sat motionless in his room as he tried to calm his mind through meditation. He had always been able to clear his mind with ease. But tonight, no matter how hard he tried, focus eluded him. A restless unease settled over him and refused to let him relax.Nearly two hours passed before Mulder's scouts finally returned. This time, they brought good news.The smuggling route they had scouted was completely safe, with no signs of an ambush. The West Lucozia army had yet to discover this potential escape route.Once everything was confirmed, Mulder let out a breath of relief. Warrick, too, finally felt the weight lift from his chest."Since the route is safe, we should set out immediately to avoid any unexpected complications." Warrick said. He had no intention of waiting any longer. He was a wanted man, and every moment in West Lucozia increased his chances of capture. There was no telling when the army might surround him. Only by escaping to Thaloria would he
After a hearty meal, the burly Warrick sprawled lazily onto the bed and dozed off. He slept soundly till dusk, lost in a deep dream. When the sky was painted in brilliant hues of the setting sun, only then did he wake up leisurely.The exhaustion from the previous day seemed to have melted away. He felt invigorated, refreshed, and in high spirits.At that moment, Leigh had already set the table in the hall with quiet efficiency. Compared to the first meal, this spread was far more lavish.At the center of the table sat a whole roasted pig. Its golden-brown skin glistened with a rich, crispy sheen. The mouthwatering aroma filled the room, making it impossible not to crave a bite.Warrick had never been one for formalities. The moment he saw the feast, he didn't hesitate. He strode over, took a seat, and started digging in. He ate with zero restraint without sparing a single thought for Mulder, who was still out gathering intel.After a while, half of the roast pig was gone. His fac