Engulfed in flames, Dustin leaped high into the air before landing heavily on the ground. The resounding impact left several deep cracks under his feet. A gust of wind swept over him, extinguishing the flames that had clocked his body. They could see white mist rising from his skin; it looked straight out of a movie. "What in the world?" The crowd stood in utter shock at the incredible scene they had just witnessed. Even the firefighters were rendered speechless. No one had expected a person to emerge unscathed from the raging fire, especially not after jumping from the third floor. His crazy and daring actions left everyone astonished. "Am I seeing things? The guy that went in actually made it out alive?""Not only did he survive, he even rescued someone!" "Oh my God! Who the hell is this guy? Even fire can't harm him. This is out of this world!"After a brief moment of silence, the crowd commented excitedly over the scene. Everyone looked at Dustin as if he were some sort
Brooke never even charged a penny for treating the poor. He believed he had a clear conscience before God and his patients. He could never have imagined that the good deeds he had done all his life would lead to this. It was disheartening to think how half of his life's work had been reduced to nothing but ashes by someone."Dr. Busch, even though I can't be completely certain, I do have a suspect in mind," Dustin suddenly said. "Who is it? Which evil person did such a thing?" Brooke's blood boiled. "The Swansons," Dustin spat out coldly."The Swansons?" Brooke was taken aback, appearing deep in thought. Although they had no proof, Dustin's accusation was not baseless. In order to gain control of Harmony Healers, they employed various means, including coercion and bribery, to achieve their goal. Even Ziggy, who caused a scene at Harmony Healers two days ago, was sent by the Swansons. The Swansons was the prime suspect in setting the fire. "They destroyed Harmony Healers
"What?" Eleanor's expression turned ugly as she watched the check burn. It was one thing to reject her offer, but setting the check ablaze was just an act of disrespect and humiliation toward her."Hey, Rhys! What's the meaning of this?" Ezra was upset by Dustin's actions. He yelled, "Eleanor was generous enough to give you money. Don't be ungrateful!""So just because you gave me money, I should accept it? What do you take me for? A beggar?" Dustin scoffed. His opinion of the Welch family had taken a nosedive. From the way Eleanor used him yesterday to the way the Welchs tried to kill him today, he finally realized the true nature of these people. "Hmph! Just look at your behavior; it's no different than a beggar." Ezra looked at him in disdain. "Another derogatory word from that mouth of yours, and I'll beat you up." Dustin's gaze grew colder. "You—!" Ezra was about to rip him a new one when Eleanor raised her hand to stop him.She stared at Dustin in silence; her eye
"Dr. Busch, selling Harmony Healers would be the wisest decision. Besides, aside from us, nobody else will buy it," Eleanor advised in a gentle tone. The Welchs and the Swansons controlled the entire South City. Who would dare take over Harmony Healers without their permission? "I'm not selling! Not over my dead body! Don't even think about taking Harmony Healers away from me!" Brooke yelled in frustration.He had dedicated more than half of his life to building Harmony Healers into what it was today. How could he bear to sell it, especially to these power-hungry individuals?He could tell that Harmony Healers would become nothing more than a money-making machine if it fell into their hands. That would completely tarnish its reputation!"You're not selling?" Ezra scoffed."Dr. Busch, it would be best for you to reconsider before answering. It wouldn't be wise to reject us.""I've lived long enough! My life is worthless anyway. I'm not afraid of you people!" Brooke screamed ag
"30 million?" Everyone present was stunned. They only realized it was Dustin who spoke out when they looked up at the source of the voice. "Bastard, what did you just say?" Ezra tilted his head, thinking his hearing had failed him.Eleanor was also frowning, looking extremely upset. "Dr. Busch, I'm willing to purchase Harmony Healers for 30 million."Not only that, I'll make sure that Harmony Healers will be rebuilt as is. You will continue to be the head doctor and oversee the management."Brook was stunned into silence, understanding the implications behind Dustin's words. This proposition allowed Harmony Healers to maintain its current glory while he continued its benevolent mission.Though he would forfeit any claim to its profits, that sum of money was insignificant in comparison to preserving the clinic's reputation and his own peace of mind. "D-Dustin, are you being serious?" Brooke was doubtful. "Absolutely." Dustin nodded firmly. "Harmony Healers exists to help
Dustin shook his head as he chuckled. Instead of explaining, he took out a red card. The front side of the red card featured a golden dragon that appeared powerful and intimidating. On the back of the card were two words in gold: Royal Empire. "This is the Royal Empire Card from Langford Bank. Only those with assets exceeding a billion are worthy of this card. "With this card alone, I can withdraw 50 million of cash from any bank in Dragonmarsh. So why don't you tell me? Am I able to afford Harmony Healers? Am I able to produce 30 million?"Dustin displayed the red card in his hands clearly, looking at them mockingly. "What? The Royal Empire Card from Langford Bank?" Everyone widened their eyes in disbelief. Langford Bank was Dragonmarsh's largest bank backed by the national treasury. It had multiple tiers of clients. They had executive-tiered clients, gold-tiered clients, platinum-tiered clients, black-tiered clients, diamond-tiered clients, and the highest-tiered, royal
"What? Prisoned for life?" Brooke's face paled, and he broke out in a cold sweat.Eleanor's threat had made him panic since he also doubted the card's authenticity. He didn't want Dustin to get into trouble because of him!"Dustin, you need to put that away before it gets you into trouble!" Brooke said in a hushed voice as he tugged at his sleeve. Destroying the fake card in time should help avoid any potential problems. "Rhys! You've got some nerve! You must be tired of living if you dared forge a Royal Empire Card!" Ezra's hostile gaze was fixed on Dustin. "Dustin, I'm giving you a chance to make amends. As long as you admit to your mistake, destroy that card, and leave this place, I'll pretend like nothing ever happened." Eleanor held her head high, and her tone was condescending."Why should I admit to a mistake? You're the ones too blind to recognize an authentic card. If you don't believe me, we can always take a trip to Langford Bank." Dustin was unfazed. Austin had giv
"Eleanor, don't think too highly of yourself. I couldn't care less about your so-called opportunity," Dustin responded coldly. From the moment Eleanor took advantage of him, and when Alistair and Joanne repaid his kindness with hostility, the relationship between the two sides had become irreconcilable. "Fine, since you're so stubborn, don't blame me for moving on from our past friendship!" Elearnor's expression darkened. "The same goes for you. If both your families continue harboring ill intentions, you'll bear the consequences!" Dustin retorted. "How stupid!" With a disdainful snort, Eleanor turned around and walked away. She was about to get into her car when a thought struck her. She turned back to jeer, "Oh, I forgot to mention. The Welch family and the Swanson family will be collaborating on the development and production of Dew Balm. "It won't be long before Dew Balm gains fame in Oakvale and the rest of the world, bringing us a continuous stream of wealth! "Of
"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