Dustin's heart dropped when he saw the man smiling innocently in front of him.Nestor was already difficult to deal with. He didn't expect Cesar to pop up.After all, Cesar had been in command of the Martial Artist Union for many years. Not only was he extremely skilled, but he was ruthless.All unions needed to listen to Cesar's command. The Martial Artist Union would oppress those who didn't. In severe cases, their unions might even be eliminated."It looks like you still remember me. What an honor." Cesar had a fake smile on his face."I didn't expect the Head of Martial Arts Union to come over. It looks like Dragon Guard wants to kill me desperately!" Dustin started to gather his energy slowly.Dustin had only just become an ultimate grandmaster. Thus, he wasn't confident about going against experienced ultimate grandmasters like Cesar. Now, he could only fight back with all his might."You shouldn't have come to Oakvale alone. Without the protection of the three great gen
Nestor furrowed his eyebrows at Cesar's words. However, he soon relaxed his face and replied indifferently, "Okay. Anything you say, Mr. Fent."Although he wasn't satisfied with Cesar's indifference, dealing with Dustin and Abigail with his skills was not a problem.He would only need to use minimal effort to deal with them."Your Grace, you're doomed! Go to hell!" Before Nestor finished speaking, he transformed into a shadow and darted toward Dustin."Keep an eye on me, Abigail! I'll deal with this jerk myself!"With a Celestial Blade in his hand, Dustin faced Nestor head-on.Their battle had been arranged a year ago. Today, they would use this chance to fulfill their long-awaited battle!The two figures soon intertwined, and their fierce battle started.Dustin had excellent swordsmanship, which he inherited from the Sword Whisperer. With the Celestial Blade, his attacks were much more vicious and deadly.On the other hand, Nestor cultivated Angry Ironfist. It was a top-tier
"How could this happen?" Abigail clutched her chest and furrowed her eyebrows.The arrow was too fast for her eyes to follow. Although she managed to dodge it, she didn't expect the arrow to curve when traveling so fast.The arrow had hit her chest without any warning.If she hadn't worn the protective amulet her grandmother gifted her, she would have been dead!As number eight on the Astonishing World List, Casper was indeed powerful."Not bad. The Phoenix bloodline can actually withstand my attacks. Interesting." Casper smiled. "However, I still have two more shots. Let's see how you can block them."While saying that, Casper once again mimicked the gesture of drawing a bow.The black bow and arrow slowly materialized in his hands, entirely formed from his internal energy.It was obvious that Cesar's mastery of his internal energy had reached a profound level.He didn't need any weapon. He could use his internal energy to make all kinds of weapons as he wished."Next up, th
"Dragon Sparrow Sword?" When Cesar saw the sword hovering in the air, his eyes narrowed.The smile on his face instantly dropped as he turned serious.Dragon Sparrow Sword was the top sword in the world. The person who owned it was the most prominent swordsman, the Sword Whisperer—Seth!"Why don't you show yourself, Mr. Hughes?" Cesar looked up and scanned his surroundings. His voice was like a resounding bell, echoing far into the distance.Soon, a man in white slowly emerged from the clouds. Finally, he stood on a rock and stared at Cesar.The man who was the Sword Whisperer—Seth!When Seth appeared, it was as if an immortal had descended onto Earth. Although he didn't look harmless, everyone was immediately drawn to him.Even Dustin and Nestor, who were engaged in a fierce battle, stopped fighting."Uncle Seth?" Dustin couldn't help but feel thrilled when he saw him.Seth was the most capable out of the three great generals of the Rhys family. He was also the one who taught
Cesar roared as he gathered his strength, knowing he would lose if he did nothing.The internal energy inside of him oozed out like a tide. It kept reinforcing the protective sphere and repairing the cracks.However, the golden blade grew stronger and stronger. The repaired cracks would appear once again. Cesar felt that a mountain was weighing down on him. He would be crushed to death if he couldn't bear the weight.At this moment, he finally realized how scary Seth's ability was."Boundless Zen! Borrowing the power of earth and heaven!" Seeing that he couldn't hold on for any longer, Cesar used his energy and blood to summon a mysterious technique.A vortex suddenly appeared on the surface of the protective shield when he stomped his feet. The vortex started to absorb the golden sword's terrifying strength rapidly.When the vortex absorbed enough power, it started to radiate golden light. Cesar gritted his teeth and pushed it upward. "Break!" he yelled.The golden sword su
Although the sword was still gathering power to unleash its attack, it already emitted a destructive power.It was obvious that the power of this attack was more fierce and terrifying than the last two.Cesar was so scared that he shook like a leaf. Goosebumps started to appear on his body.Cesar was overwhelmed with the fear of death."Why are you guys still hiding? Quickly come out and help!" Cesar used all his might to scream.His voice was like thunder. It rang throughout the mountains.Just as he finished shouting, a blue figure suddenly emerged from the north. Then, he rushed toward them at an incredible speed.At the same time, a black figure jumped out from the woods in the north. He turned into a dark mist and drifted over.As the blue figure approached, everyone realized he was a handsome middle-aged man.The man held a sword with an indifferent expression, exuding a chilling aura. Wherever he went, the plants around him would freeze.Even the ground he stepped on
Seth led the three martial artists on the Astonishing World List to a life-and-death battle at the mountain peak.Meanwhile, Dustin was still the center of attention at the foot of the mountain.However, Dustin felt much more at ease than having to feel Cesar's stare."Abigail, consume this tablet quickly."Dustin took the opportunity to create some distance between him and the enemies. Then, he moved toward the injured Abigail and gave her a tablet for healing.Abigail didn't hesitate and swallowed it.Her initial pale complexion soon flushed with color. Although she was not fully recovered, the pill helped her regain some of her energy."Sir, who is that man just now? He's so capable!" Abigail was curious."He's the Sword Whisperer, Seth Hughes," Dustin explained."What? He's the Sword Whisperer, Seth?" Abigail widened her eyes in shock and joy.Although it hadn't been long since she entered the martial world, she had also heard of Seth's name.Seth was someone even her gr
Dustin flicked his wrist as he got closer. Immediately, Celestial Blade exploded into thousands of sword shadows. Then, all of them rushed toward Nestor."Angry Ironfirst!" Nestor yelled. A golden light burst out from his body. Instantly, it formed a three-feet-tall Ironfirst illusion. The Ironfist illusion was like an armor protecting Nestor inside it.The sword shadows Dustin summoned slashed on the Ironfist illusion. However, it only sent sparks flying and did not manage to break it."You can't even break my defense. How are you going to kill me?" Nestor stood there with an arrogant and imposing aura.Without a word, Dustin continued to attack.As Celestial Blade slashed faster and faster, the sword shadows increased in numbers. When it collided with Ironfist illusion, both sides produced energy shockwaves that surged outward like waves.The energy shockwaves got larger and more powerful than the last.Nestor didn't just defend but also attacked back. His attacks were bold
After making up his mind, Jovian no longer hesitated. He instructed the driver to make a U-turn and head straight to the meeting place.The meeting location was in a restaurant not far from the castle. It was only a ten-minute drive from where they had turned back.When Jovian and Boston walked inside, they found the place nearly empty. There were no guests in sight, just a few receptionists. It looked like the restaurant had been cleared out just for them."Sir, please follow me. Sir Prescott is waiting for you upstairs," the restaurant owner personally greeted them and led them to a private room on the second floor.Warrick, Huxley, and Percival were leisurely drinking tea inside the room. The three chatted and laughed, but their conversation stopped the moment Jovian and Boston entered. All three turned their attention to Jovian.They were quite curious about him. He had been privately invited by Austin and even stayed for dinner at the castle. It was a privilege none of them h
"An outsider? Who is it?" Percival asked urgently. "Could it be that assistant general who came in at noon?"Warrick frowned. "I've looked into that man. No background, no connections—just an old hand in the military. Been around forever, knows the ropes, but has no real pull.""It's not him—it's someone connected to him." Huxley lowered his voice. "Remember what Sir Austin said at noon? When he summoned that assistant general, he specifically mentioned the Ballard family.""The Ballard family?" Percival looked surprised. "You mean the Ballards from Oakvale? Are you saying they've already beaten us to it and met with the prince?""The prince hasn't met with them, but according to my intel, this man, Jovian Ballard, spent two hours chatting with Sir Austin today. They talked and laughed like old acquaintances. Sir Austin even invited him to stay for dinner at the castle." Huxley's face darkened. He continued, "Look, the Ballards sent someone at a time like this. They're obviously
After a brief discussion in the meeting room, Austin invited Jovian to tour the West Lucozia castle.The castle was enormous, equipped with imaginable facilities. Unfamiliar visitors could easily get lost in its vastness.Jovian prided himself on being well-traveled, yet as he toured the castle, even he couldn't hide his astonishment. Unlike the ostentatious displays of wealth seen in luxurious estates, this castle could only be described as grand, majestic, and awe-inspiring. Everything in his line of sight conveyed a sense of grandeur and majesty.What stunned Jovian the most was the House of Heroes inside the West Lucozia castle. The structure was nine stories high and looked like an ancient monument.The walls were lined with memorials of fallen soldiers. The place was packed with thousands of tablets, each engraved with the hero's name and a detailed account of their life stories for future generations to honor and remember.The Ballard family had a family tree that record
"Your Highness! Please mind your words," Jovian quickly cautioned. He glanced around nervously, as if afraid someone might be eavesdropping.Speculating on Valon's fate in private was an act of grave disrespect. If someone with a hidden agenda spread this information, a ruined reputation would be the least of their concerns—what came after would be far worse."Relax, Mr. Jovian. We're in West Lucozia, not Oakvale. Here, we can say whatever we want without worry." Austin smiled faintly, showing no concern.These were well-known facts, so what was the harm in saying them out loud? Keeping quiet wouldn't change a thing, anyway. What a joke."Ahem… perhaps I was overthinking it." Jovian let out an awkward chuckle. He knew Austin wasn't wrong, but his cautious nature kept him from discussing Valon's affairs too openly."Honestly, a lot of people have been showing up in West Lucozia lately. There's a whole group standing outside right now, and they're all here for the same reason as you
Austin smiled brightly as he ushered Jovian into the meeting room with surprising enthusiasm.Jovian looked confused and somewhat unprepared. Before entering, he had already imagined many possible scenarios for their meeting. He had mentally prepared for a range of reactions from Austin—whether he would be ignored, faced with cold indifference, or dealt with arrogance. He was ready for any of those. After all, the rumors about Austin painted him as a "hellraiser" who did whatever he pleased.But, to his surprise, Austin didn't give him any trouble at all. Instead, he was giving him a warm reception, which left him utterly confused.Something felt off. He couldn't make sense of Austin's sudden warmth, and he had no idea what game he was playing."Bring the tea!" After inviting Jovian to sit, Austin gestured for the attendant to serve the tea. The drink was a rare specialty from West Lucozia, a premium elixir tea not sold to the public but reserved for high-ranking officials. Its
After stepping into the castle, Boston felt a knot in his stomach. He had been here before, but only for official matters.He was always escorted by guards or attendants, but this time, Austin himself had led him inside. Boston felt both honored and somewhat overwhelmed. Since when had he earned such treatment?Austin had brushed off higher-ranking officials, so why was he showing him so much attention? Was it because his shiny bald head made him stand out? He had no answers, only a growing curiosity as he followed Austin into the meeting room. "Sit." After Austin sat at the head of the table, he raised his hand and gestured for Boston to do the same."No… no need. I'll just stand." Boston smiled awkwardly."Just sit down. Why are you so nervous? I won't bite," Austin said in a dismissive tone. "Y-Yes, Your Highness." Boston didn't dare refuse again and obediently took a seat. He was six feet three inches tall, yet he looked like a startled rabbit. He sat up straight and didn't
When the castle's gate swung open, every eye turned toward the entrance. Under the watchful gaze of the crowd, Austin strode out with his two guards. His posture exuded confidence and authority."Your Highness!"The gathered officials instantly rushed forward to greet him. Grins spread across their faces as if they couldn't wait to please him. Whether it was Huxley, Percival, or Warrick, all wore the same ingratiating expression.After all, Austin was the infamous hellraiser. Though he had reined himself over the past two years, his past reputation still loomed over them.At least Rufus could be reasoned with. But Austin? He was a wild card—utterly unpredictable, like a ticking time bomb. Every last one of them had suffered his wrath before.Percival approached with a flattering smile. "Your Highness, you finally come out. I have something important to discuss with you. If you'd be so kind as to listen—"Before he could finish his sentence, he was dismissed by Austin, who found h
"Get lost! I'm not in the mood for anything right now. If you want to eat, go on your own." Warrick snapped, looking annoyed."I'm not going either," Percival refused flatly. "I'm on a health regimen these days—only tea, no alcohol.""Fine. If you're going to wait, then keep waiting. I won't be sticking around." Huxley forced a smile and acted like he was about to leave.But as he turned, he almost bumped into Boston, who was approaching from the other direction."Sorry, Sir Thatcher! I hope I didn't startle you." Since he was surrounded by so many high-ranking officials, Boston was already on edge. He had momentarily spaced out and almost caused a mishap by running into Huxley, which left him flustered and a bit tongue-tied.Unlike the other generals, Boston didn't come from an influential background or have any powerful connections. He had worked his way up from the bottom, and the last thing he wanted was to offend Huxley and risk losing everything he had fought so hard for.
After parting ways with Boston, Jovian checked into a nearby hotel to await the good news. Boston wasted no time. After changing into a fresh set of clothes, he headed to the castle to deliver a letter of introduction. But when he arrived, he was stunned by what he saw.The gates of the West Lucozian monarchy had already gathered quite a few people, and among them were several figures he immediately recognized. These included Huxley Thatcher, the Commander of the Militia; Warrick Prescott, the Major General of the State Guard; and Percival Wentworth, the Chancellor of the National Academy.These three were first-ranking officials. In West Lucozia, they were nothing short of kingmakers who wielded immense power and influence. Warrick, in particular, was two ranks above Boston. Hence, he felt the need to be cautious in his presence and was eager not to make a bad impression.Alongside these three prominent figures, several second- and third-ranking officials also stood in line at