"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
"Dustin, you shouldn't have acted impulsively earlier. "I'm afraid it'll be difficult for you to remain in South City after provoking both the Swanson and Welch families." Brooke expressed his concerns with a soft sigh. "Dr. Busch, don't worry. I have someone backing me. It won't be easy for them to mess with me," Dustin smiled faintly."Backing? From who?" Brooke perked up immediately.He wondered where Dustin got the courage to challenge powerful and influential families. It turned out that he had someone behind him. It made sense when he thought about it carefully. How could he have acted the way he did without support? "That's a secret for now. You'll find out when the time comes," Dustin teased. He never took the Swansons or Welchs seriously. His intention was just to avoid any unnecessary attention and keep his identity concealed. He wanted to avoid catching the attention of certain forces and preferred maintaining a low profile whenever possible. After a strenuou
"Ms. Camron, I have a business proposal I'd like to discuss with you, one that's sure to be absolutely profitable." Dustin got straight to the point."Oh? What kind of business?" Lana was interested. "I can't explain it over the phone. Let's meet face-to-face at Regal Court in an hour," Dustin suggested."Alright, see you there."After hanging up, Dustin got into his car and left the house. With Maximus keeping guard at home, he didn't need to worry about what the Swansons and Welchs were up to. It was noon when Dustin arrived at Regal Court. He walked through the front doors and was led straight to the second floor by a waiter. He eventually ended up in a private room.Inside, Lana was sipping her tea leisurely in her tight-fitting red dress. She had put on light makeup and had a paper fan in her hand. Her long hair was tied behind her back, and her red dress accentuated her voluptuous figure, making her exceptionally alluring. Her long, pale legs that were crossed were pa
When Dustin noticed Lana's concerned look, he was momentarily stunned, and his thoughts drifted. It was as though he saw Natasha in her. He wondered about her well-being and whether she might resent him for taking so long before getting in touch. Shaking himself back to reality, Dustin withdrew his hand. Stopping Lana from tending to his wound, he explained, "It's alright, Ms. Camron. It's just a minor cut. It'll heal soon after I apply some Dew Balm." With that, Dustin took out the Dew Balm he had prepared earlier and applied it to his wound. Unlike the previous versions, which were black in color, the Dew Balm he used this time was a clear emerald green. This was the improved, authentic version. It had no side effects and had a remarkable healing effect."Hey, handsome. Even if you wanted to test the medicine, you didn't have to harm yourself. Look at how painful it looks." Lana said with a hint of resentment. "This was the fastest and most convincing way," Dustin repl
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
"Glenn had only seven swords in the past. I didn't expect that in just one year, two more divine swords would recognize him as their master. This punk is much better than I was back then," Cyrus remarked. He stroked his chin with a look of surprise and approval. He had always believed in Glenn's potential, but Glenn's performance had still exceeded his expectations.After all, the more swords Glenn wielded, the stronger he became. He had already topped the Legendary List with just seven swords. Now, with nine, his strength had grown even more overwhelming."He truly is the Chosen One." Even Kaden couldn't help but sigh.The nine divine swords recognized their master and responded with ease. Glenn's talent and cultivation were leagues ahead of his peers.Every generation brought forth new talent, and the old had no choice but to step aside for the new generation. Compared to their time, today's youth were on another level—monsters in their own right."Now, this is going to be int