Lana was in awe, her mouth agape. "Wow, did a miracle happen?" What she'd mentioned in passing had magically come true, leaving her shocked.As everyone was still processing this, an even more unbelievable scene played out.Not long after Dustin had walked out, Maximus followed closely, carrying two people. On his left was Pablo, with broken limbs and in agonizing pain. On the right was Hugo, who was so battered and bruised that he was almost unrecognizable. They were like rag dolls, clutched by their collars, as Maximus dragged them out of the Golden Balcony, leaving a trail of blood in their wake.It became clear that it wasn't Hugo who spared Dustin and Maximus. Instead, Dustin and Maximus had fought their way out of an intense situation.Earlier, Hugo had brought the elite martial artists from the Langford family, each capable of taking on a hundred enemies. Yet, in just a few minutes, all the elite martial artists were defeated, and Hugo himself had been captured. Th
"Stop! Who's there?"As Dustin and Maximus stepped out of the car, the two guards at the entrance of the Langford residence immediately tensed up."I'm here to see Mr. Ethan. Can you let him know?" Dustin asked calmly."You can't just barge in to see Mr. Ethan. You'll have to send a request in writing tomorrow and wait for a response," the left guard replied curtly.Without further ado, Dustin made a simple hand gesture.Maximus understood the cue and quickly pulled Hugo out of the car, positioning him in front of the residence's gate."Mr. Hugo?"The guards scrutinized the battered Hugo closely. Their expressions quickly shifted from suspicion to concern. "Who are you? You've got some guts to attack a member of the Langford family!""Tell Mr. Ethan that an old friend has come to visit," Dustin said impassively."Hurry... Please let Uncle Ethan know ..." Hugo, lying on the ground, gasped weakly.The two guards exchanged a glance and didn't hesitate. One stayed on guard whil
Ethan had reached his breaking point and slapped Hugo in frustration.The force of the slap sent Hugo sprawling to the ground, leaving everyone in the crowd bewildered. They exchanged incredulous looks, struggling to process what had just transpired."What on earth is happening here? Shouldn't Ethan be dealing with the troublemaker who barged in?" Some in the crowd whispered. "Why did Hugo get slapped? Is this some kind of mix-up?""Uncle Ethan?" Hugo held his cheek, looking confused. "Wh-why'd you hit me?"Ethan's anger flared, and he threatened, "You blind fool! I'm gonna slap you again!" He stormed over, landing a series of punches and kicks while yelling, "You laze around all day, bully people, and stir up trouble everywhere. "Our family is ashamed to have a good-for-nothing like you! Today, I'm giving you a lesson on behalf of your father, you worthless scoundrel!""Ouch! Please, stop! Uncle Ethan. I know I messed up ..." Hugo winced from the relentless blows and be
In the living hall inside the Langford residence.Ethan took charge, commanding, "Everyone, step outside. Only enter when I say so." With a gesture, he dismissed his subordinates and servants.Dustin signaled to Maximus. "Why don't you take a breather in the adjacent hall for a while? I need a word with Mr. Ethan.""Sure thing." Maximus nodded and quickly exited.As the doors closed, the grand living hall was left with only two people—Ethan and Dustin.Now more at ease, Ethan couldn't resist shedding his formal facade. "Your Grace, what brings you here?"Dustin's presence was a sensitive issue, given his role as the heir to the West Lucozian monarchy. As the imperial court minister, Ethan knew that having a private meeting with Dustin could stir up controversy and accusations of treachery or conspiracy."What's the deal, Mr. Ethan? You're not about to tell me you're unhappy to see me?" Dustin asked with a sly grin.Internally, Ethan rolled his eyes. "Oh, don't give me that!
"Two will do, no need for two hundred," Dustin said with a grin."I'm not sure which two medicinal herbs you're after, Your Grace. But I'll have someone start searching right away," Ethan replied, taking a sip from his teacup."It's pretty simple. I'd like an Iceheart Lotus and an Emerald Corolla," Dustin said casually.Ethan, who had just taken a sip of tea, couldn't help but spit it out when he heard that. His face contorted in shock. "Your Grace, did I hear you right? You're asking for an Iceheart Lotus and an Emerald Corolla?""Exactly." Dustin nodded.He had brought this up because he was worried about the Welch family's slow progress in finding these herbs. Cinna's health was on the line, and there was no time to waste. He hoped that with the Langford family's help, it could speed things up."Do you realize how rare and precious those herbs are?" Ethan asked, his voice quivering."Yes, they're precious, but I trust you could handle this task," Dustin said with a smile.
"What?!"Dustin's request hit Ethan like a bolt of lightning, instantly draining the color from his face. Ethan knew the Purple City rebellion from ten years ago was taboo. The death of the Princess Consort of West Lucozia, still a mystery, wasn't because of its unsolvability but the collective reluctance to investigate it. Even the once-mighty Prince of West Lucozia had to shut down any inquiries, leaving the truth buried. Who, in their right mind, would dare to address it?Despite the royal family's assurance to uncover those responsible for the Purple City rebellion, the issue gradually receded from the public eye. This silence suggested that the elusive masterminds behind the rebellion held significant influence. Also, this matter involved the highest imperial authority.The Langford family might be wealthy and influential but not on the same level as the top royal relatives. So, when Ethan heard Dustin's request, it rattled him. He was uneasy and downright scared.Dust
Dustin had a plan that involved not just the Langford family but also some powerful allies. He knew he needed enough support to take on the mastermind behind the Purple City rebellion.Meanwhile, two cars were parked outside the Langford residence, one behind the other. Lana, looking exhausted, lounged in the back seat. A cigarette in hand, lit but untouched. She let the breeze extinguish it slowly, her mind wandering. Dustin had been inside the Langford residence for almost two hours, and there was no sign of activity. Did something go wrong?Ethan's earlier actions were surprising, but it might have been all a show for outsiders. Once inside the Langford residence, with no witnesses, he could easily deal with anyone.As Lana contemplated this, she couldn't shake an unsettling feeling of unease. She couldn't understand why she was so concerned about Dustin, someone she had just met. Was it merely because of his striking appearance and unique personality?Suddenly, a car pu
Harper and Cody exchanged bewildered glances, completely thrown off by Ethan's strange behavior. They silently questioned, "Is it really wise to respond to hostility with kindness? Are those high-society types really willing to risk their honor?"Dustin smiled faintly. "I've patched things up with the Langford family. Let's put our issues on the table." Harper and Cody couldn't help but notice that Dustin's smile seemed rather insincere.Cody tried to lighten the mood. "Dustin, this mess isn't my doing. I'm a victim here, too. I've been waiting by the door, worried about your safety." But deep down, he couldn't help but think, "This guy's nuts! He even dared to face off with Hugo. I'd be in for trouble if I crossed him."Dustin added, "We can deal with our stuff later. Right now, I need to talk to her." He pointed toward Harper through the car window.Growing anxious, Harper urged, "Cody, let's get out of here, now!""You want to run?" Maximus snorted. He punched through t
"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