Sebastian's head fell to the ground and rolled like a ball. Then, it came to a stop at the feet of the Emberson Steel's disciples.Sebastian's widened eyes were filled with shock, disbelief, and bewilderment.Until his death, Sebastian never expected he wouldn't meet his end at Ryan's hands but would instead have his head severed by Dustin.Sebastian wondered why this would happen.Sebastian was the well-known Deadly Spear and was Yannick's disciple. With such a background, Sebastian's future was bright.Sebastian had gone to Deathlands to look for treasure, improve his cultivation level and reputation,He had it all. Thus, his life was supposed to be smooth sailing and the object of envy for everyone.He couldn't understand why he would be defeated in such a small village.Sebastian wanted to scream that he couldn't accept his fate. However, he couldn't utter a word.His brilliant life flashed through his head like a revolving lamp.From a young age, Sebastian was gifted and
Aidan felt unhappy after Dustin rejected him so many times. However, Aidan was also a proud individual. Thus, Aidan wouldn't continue to pester him.Aidan was sure Dustin would give in when he was on the brink of death."Don't just stand there. You guys should go and help Jackson." Dustin looked toward the few Emberson Steel's disciples and reminded them.At this moment, Jackson was engaged in a back-and-forth battle with the frenzied Ryan.However, Jackson's speed and strength were noticeably depleting as he used his energy. On the other hand, Ryan showed no signs of fatigue and continued to fight in full force.If they continued to fight like that, Jackson would soon lose."Quick! We should go and help Jackson!" The few Emberson Steel's disciples exchanged glances. After drawing their sword, they rushed forward."Wait! Use this!" At that moment, Grace tossed a golden rope to one of the disciples.The golden rope was unusually sturdy. It looked special from how it emitted a gl
The sudden explosion caught everyone off guard.Especially when the energy wave hit, many martial artists were thrown into disarray. Instantly, moans sounded throughout.Thankfully, Jackson and the others managed to get away. Otherwise, they would be heavily injured if they were close to the explosion spot.When the dust settled, everyone found that the village head's house had been destroyed. The ground was filled with debris and wreckage.Meanwhile, Ryan had disappeared along with the tree. The only thing left was the Draken Rope lying on the ground.Plus, the ground was covered with black crystals that scattered around like cobblestones.Dustin saw that those crystals shot out of Ryan's body after he exploded.The smell of the crystals signified that it was made from blood. A normal human's blood was usually in liquid form, but Ryan's blood had become crystals before he died.It was an abnormal phenomenon.Dustin always thought he was quite knowledgeable. However, everythin
Aidan's expression was thrilled. Without a care for his image, he immediately picked it up.All of these were precious crystals worth billions of dollars! It would be a good choice no matter if the person decided to sell or keep it."Eclipse spiritstone? This is actually an eclipse spiritstone?""Guys, quick! Let's grab them!"At this moment, many people recognized the black crystal on the floor and quickly snatched it.Although some didn't know what was happening, they also joined in after seeing everyone grabbing it."I saw this eclipse spiritstone first! Give it to me!""No way! It belongs to me now that it's in my hands. Let's fight if you're not content!""Fuck off! I'll kill anyone who dares to snatch with me!"A place with interests would always create war.After knowing the eclipse spiritstone's value, everyone started to seize it. They were following the law of the jungle precisely.The capable ones could get a few more pieces, while the weaker ones could only obtai
"Ms. Linsor, did those two steal your eclipse spiritstone? I'll go and get it back for you right now!"After noticing what had happened, Jackson was prepared to make a move.If it weren't for Grace's Draken Drope, Jackson wouldn't have defeated Ryan. In fact, Jackson might even be killed by him."Jackson, there's no need to go after him! I gave them the crystals myself. I don't really need it," Grace quickly called out and explained after seeing Jackson ready to chase after them.Jackson was stunned. He stopped in his tracks, turned around, and asked in confusion, "What? Those are eclipse spiritstones. "It's extremely precious to us martial artists! It can increase your cultivation level. Even if you don't need it, you can still sell it for an exorbitant price.""I don't need money." Grace smiled faintly."Well …" Jackson didn't know what to say.Jackson had almost forgotten how rich Grace was. After all, she even had the Draken Rope.Thus, it was normal for her not to pay a
Ryan had already mutated just now. Thus, it wasn't hard to believe that the eclipse spiritstone was his flesh and blood."Even if the eclipse spiritstones were formed by Ryan's blood and flesh, what's the problem with it? Why did you say I cannot live more than three days?" Jackson asked again."The eclipse spiritstone has already been contaminated. You've seen Ryan's condition just now. He suddenly became crazy, lost his sanity, and mutated. "The eclipse spiritstones were formed by his blood and flesh when this happened. Do you think it's safe?" Dustin explained seriously."Dustin, this is your mere speculation. I'm afraid you can't convince others about something as serious as this. Do you have any evidence?" Jackson asked.The members of the Embersteel Order had picked up eight sizable eclipse spiritstones. Thus, it could be said they would have a handsome profit.If the eclipse spiritstones couldn't be used, they would be facing huge losses.Thus, Jackson couldn't accept su
"How … How could this happen?" Seeing the black mist in Dustin's hands, everyone was stunned.The eclipse spiritstone was fine just moments ago. Yet, its spiritual energy had been devoured in just a second!Everyone was stunned that a dark energy that was thinner than a hair could be so powerful."I didn't expect this thing to be so terrifying. How eye-opening!" Jackson gulped, feeling a bit scared.Thankfully, Dustin had warned them in time. Otherwise, there would be trouble if he absorbed the spiritual energy along with the dark energy in the eclipse spiritstone.Once the dark energy exploded, Jackson would probably have the same fate as Ryan."It's just as I thought. This thing is quite ferocious."As Dustin exerted more and more force, the dark energy surrounded by the energy barrier became ferocious. It surged and thrashed wildly, relentlessly slamming into the energy barrier to try and break free.They could faintly hear roars that resembled a beast's growls.It was ob
After an hour, Jackson walked into the hotel room carrying a whole sack of eclipse spiritstones and poured all of it on the table."Ms. Linsor, these are all the eclipse spiritstones that I managed to collect. This is around 70% of all the eclipse spiritstones out there. "Those who have the remaining ones are either uncontactable or they refused to sell." Jackson gave her a simple explanation of what happened.Initially, he didn't want to spend any of Grace's money. Hence, he tried to explain the gravity of the issue to those who had the eclipse spiritstones. Unfortunately, no one believed him. It was useless even when he tried to use the Embersteel Order's reputation to convince them. Most of the people he approached thought that he was a liar. They thought that he was jealous of them for having the eclipse spiritstones in their possession. As such, he was trying to steal the eclipse spiritstone from them by lying.In desperation, he could only follow Grace's idea of purc
"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