"Despicable?" Bran shook his head as he chuckled."Jackson, you're the lead disciple of the Embersteel Order. I'm really disappointed to hear you say something like that." He was gratified to see Jackson deflated. "Bran, you know the saying—first come, first served. We've staked our claim here. You should go somewhere else." Sophia asserted.It would become increasingly disadvantageous for her if more people found out about the treasures beneath the lake. If she couldn't outcompete them or was beaten to it, then all her efforts would be in vain."Oh? It's Sophia from Harmony Sect. It's been two years since we last met, and you've grown even more beautiful." Bran grinned. "Thank you for the compliment, Bran," Sophia replied with a faint smile. "Bran, Harmony Sect discovered this place first. Can you let us have it?""Sophia, it's not that I don't want to, but this is a mission given to us by our sect. I have no choice." Bran suddenly changed the subject, "But of course, i
"Are you threatening me?" Grace asked calmly."You could consider it... a friendly advice." Bran's chuckle carried a meaningful tone. "Ms. Linsor, you're an intelligent woman. I'm sure you understand the right decision to make in this situation."In the Southwest, numerous factions existed, but only three major sects held supreme authority. Among them, the Drakes Dominion Order was universally acknowledged as the most powerful, followed by the Frostwing Sect, and then the Embersteel Order.The Frostwing Sect was already dominating the region with their influence, adding to that their alliance with the Drakes Dominion Order, their combined strength was unstoppable. Who would dare confront them head-on in the entirety of Southwest?"Sorry, but I'm afraid you'll have to be disappointed. My stance remains the same. We either share it all or there's nothing else to talk about." Grace was unfazed. "Hmm?" Bran's face darkened, and he spoke sternly, "You bitch! I'm being kind he
Everyone was shocked by the scene unfolding before their eyes. The pillar of light shooting into the sky, the enormous vortex at the center of the lake, and the receding water—all signs pointed to a major change. The tension between the two factions was forgotten as their attention shifted toward the extraordinary phenomenon in the lake, silently hoping for the revelation of treasures. The central vortex in the lake spun faster, expanding its reach as the receding water vanished into the vortex. In just half an hour, the lake had dried up significantly. Finally, a palace-like structure hidden beneath the lakebed unveiled itself. The grand building was cloaked in an eerie black hue and covered in moss. Standing in quiet majesty, it resembled a dormant ancient colossal beast, emitting an overwhelming sense of oppression."There really is treasure here! This is fantastic!" The sight of the palace excited everyone. Judging by its size, the previous owner must have been incredi
The sudden emergence of numerous forces disrupted Yonah's plans completely."It's getting more lively." Aidan raised an eyebrow and finally leaped down from the tree. It seemed like he couldn't stay aloof any longer. "Jackson, it's getting chaotic here. Let's hold back for now and let them battle it out. "We'll capitalize on the situation once they engage in their deadly struggles," Sophia whispered as she huddled next to Jackson. Given her current predicament, a direct confrontation with these forces would lead her nowhere. Unwilling to give up, she could only hope for the right opportunity to gain some of the treasures."I understand. Stand behind me later. I'll make sure to protect you!" Jackson promised. The combined forces of the Embersteel Order and Harmony Sect were merely a few people, making them relatively weak. Engaging the stronger forces head-on was clearly unwise at the moment."Brothers! There's treasure here! Let's go grab it!" Suddenly, someone shouted, brea
Before any faction could enter the palace, a massive battle had already erupted. Each group was determined not to yield to others, with everyone vying for the first entry. The logic was simple—the first one inside would naturally secure the most treasures.At that moment, over a dozen forces were clashing violently, creating a scene of intense carnage. In the face of tremendous wealth, the struggle for dominance reached a point where even strangers, let alone brothers, could turn on each other."The Drakes Dominion Order has business here. Retreat immediately!" Yonah led his group as they charged forward, announcing their identity. It was an attempt to intimidate the competitors with their sect's prestige. "To hell with the Drakes Dominion Order! We of Shadow Isle aren't afraid of you!""Hmph! The Drakes Dominion Order may be formidable, but we from the Elysian Sect are no weaklings either! Whoever dares block our path to wealth will meet their end!""Damn it! Who the hell
"Damn it! Where did these creatures come from? They're absolutely horrifying!""We're surrounded by beasts! We're in big trouble!""Stop fighting! We must deal with these creatures first!"The sudden turn of events sent a shiver down everyone's spine. The appearance of the mutated wolf pack had already posed a challenge, and now an Onyxclaw emerged. The situation would leave anyone unsettled. If they continued to fight amongst themselves, their outcome would be dire. In silent agreement, all factions ceased their fighting and united to confront the impending onslaught of the beasts. "Darkness has fallen, and this place has turned into a haven for monsters." Grace's eyes narrowed with a grave expression. The current situation had slipped beyond everyone's control. Initially, it was a clash between different factions, and now the beasts had entered the scene. With so many looming uncertainties, no one knew what could happen next. "Howl—!" At that moment, the silver wol
"Form up!"Upon seeing the various forces closing in, Grace issued a swift command. Her nearly hundred-strong guard team immediately shifted their formation, arranging themselves into a charging wedge.Unlike the ordinary martial artists of the martial world, Grace's guards were well-trained and had seamless coordination. While they might not be a match for the martial artists in one-on-one combat, they could unleash extraordinary combat strength on the battlefield. Especially in their formation, they were an unstoppable force. As the martial artists advanced, they were violently pushed back by the large formation, unable to withstand the impact. Grace's entire team resembled a gigantic wedge, slicing through the crowd and rapidly approaching the palace gates.Under normal circumstances, Grace's group wouldn't have advanced so smoothly. Fortunately, most of the factions were engaged in fierce battles with the beasts, diverting their attention away from Grace's team. As a r
"W-What is this monster? It's gigantic!" Eyes widened in disbelief as everyone took in the size of the monstrous creature that resembled both a serpent and a python. Nobody expected to find such a monstrous beast within the palace. With its enormous body, blood-red eyes, gaping, blood-filled mouth, and imposing presence, a single glance sent shivers down their spines, inducing fear.It didn't matter if they were a low-level martial artist, a divine-level martial artist, or a grandmaster like Aidan, they felt like they had come face to face with a formidable enemy. Even the mutant wolves and Onyxclaw, previously engaged in frenzied combat with humans, halted their aggression. They trembled uncontrollably, intimidated by the serpent's aura. It was a suppression rooted in bloodlines and a fear ingrained in biological instincts.The black serpent let out a thunderous roar, and a row of bone spikes suddenly shot up behind its head. In an instant, a violent gust of wind swept th
"Ledger?"Langdon's pupils contracted as he stared at the familiar red ledgers at his feet. His expression finally faltered. He had never expected the enforcement team to uncover the ledgers he had hidden in a secret compartment. Every transaction written on those pages was damning—evidence of years of collusion with officials and wealthy merchants, of bribes and embezzlement. He had kept them as leverage to ensure those officials wouldn't abandon him when things went south. But what was meant to shield him had now sealed his fate.His assets could be confiscated, and he could refuse to acknowledge his own children. But how could he possibly talk his way out of a ledger filled with his handwritten records?Langdon's frown deepened as sweat poured down his face. Before he realized it, his back was already drenched."Mr. Langdon, why are you sweating so much? Is it too hot in here? Should I have someone fan you?" Axel taunted with a sneer.The evidence they had gathered was more
"Oh? Really? Then, show them the evidence. Let everyone see for themselves." Austin said with a faint smile.Langdon swallowed hard, and a cold sweat broke out on his forehead.Had his entire past really been dug up in just half a day?"First, I investigated Mr. Langdon's assets and income sources," Axel said, pulling out a stack of documents and placing them on the table. He explained firmly, "His spending far exceeds his salary. He owns 18 luxury homes, dozens of high-end cars, and a private collection of gold, antiques, and famous paintings. "Altogether, his assets are worth tens of billions. Given his salary, it would take him several thousand years of saving every penny to afford that. So I have to ask—where did all this money come from?"The moment those words left his mouth, all eyes turned to Langdon.Everyone knew he was corrupt, but no one expected it to be on this scale. If his fixed assets alone were worth billions, his liquid assets must be even more staggering.
"And as for the rest of you, I'll be investigating each of you one by one." Austin's gaze moved past Langdon and landed on the royal advisors. He sneered and added, "You'd better keep your records clean. If I find anything on any of you, I'll handle it by the book, and there won't be any mercy."At these words, panic swept through the room. Everyone exchanged nervous glances, and their hearts pounded like war drums.As soon as they realized Austin was angry, they quickly fell silent. Langdon had always been making all the noise, but now they found themselves caught in the fire.Anyone who'd held a position like theirs usually had some skeletons in the closet. In the past, Rufus had been willing to turn a blind eye and let things slide. But now, Austin clearly wasn't following the usual rules. If he decided to investigate thoroughly, most of them would likely find their careers and reputations destroyed."Mr. Rhys, what do we do now? Lord Austin seems dead serious about this."
"Langdon, I can't tell if you're playing dumb or if you really are that stupid." Though Austin was smiling, his eyes were cold. He continued, "You asked for physical evidence, and I provided it. You asked for witnesses, and I gave you those too. Now, with both evidence and testimony laid bare, and even the criminal confessing, what else do you want?""Hmph! The government is rife with corruption. I'm simply seeking justice and preventing you from wrongfully killing the innocent." Langdon still held his righteous stance.Some of the royal advisors who had initially supported him now stayed silent. They could sense Austin's rising anger and didn't dare provoke him further. At that instant, they had lost their confidence. As Austin had pointed out, the solid evidence was right before them, and it was impossible to deny.Langdon was a member of the Rhys family and Austin's elder. He could afford to speak without a filter, but the others couldn't. If they truly angered Austin, the
"Sir Thatcher? Mr. Wentworth?" When Langdon saw their faces, his eyes went wide in disbelief. "You… How did you two end up like this?" He was genuinely stunned.Huxley and Percival were two of the most powerful figures in West Lucozia. They commanded respect wherever they went, and even Langdon himself had to show them deference.He never expected that they had fallen from their positions of prestige to become disheveled prisoners overnight."Austin! You've gone too far!" Recovering from his initial shock, Langdon's fury erupted. He didn't even bother with titles anymore. "Do you even realize what you're doing? These two men are pillars of West Lucozia and the prince's most trusted advisors. They're your elders and mentors. Yet, you tortured them like this. Are you even human?""He's right," someone chimed in. "They dedicated their lives to this country. What crime did they commit to deserve such cruelty by Your Highness?"The gathered officials erupted in outrage and condemned
"Your Highness, you mustn't speak such nonsense." Langdon put on a righteous front.He continued, "I've always prided myself on my integrity and never done anything dishonorable. I've never betrayed the prince's trust or let the people down, and I have nothing to hide.""Such lofty words," Austin scoffed. "If you have nothing to hide, why not let the enforcement team investigate?"Langdon's face tightened, and a flicker of unease crossed his eyes. After all, what official didn't have some skeletons in the closet? A full investigation would likely turn up something, no matter how small. Even if the offenses weren't serious, the damage to his reputation would be permanent.With so many officials watching, Langdon couldn't afford to back down. If he did, he would lose his standing in the political world—and his claim to integrity along with it."Go ahead and investigate." He raised his chin and said confidently, "I've lived an honest life and never engaged in anything illegal. No m
Austin sat in his chair and silently watched the royal advisors put on their pretentious act. He slowly sipped his tea as if he couldn't be bothered by their so-called accusations.His nonchalant demeanor made Langdon and the others frown. Their once-outrageous voices began to falter.They had stormed in full of righteous fury earlier, only to be met with complete apathy. What was the point of arguing when he wasn't even listening?"Are you done?" Austin finally spoke once the room had quieted down. "If not, go ahead and keep talking. Say as much as you need to until you're satisfied.""Your Highness, we're here to discuss serious matters. Your dismissive attitude is truly disappointing," Langdon said sharply."Serious matters?" Austin let out a short laugh.He went on, "You barge in here without even understanding the full picture and spewing accusations like they're facts. As far as I'm concerned, you're no different from clowns putting on a show.""You… How dare you!" Langdon
"Are you even qualified to sit while speaking to me?"Austin's words struck like the blow of a hammer. They were sharp and unrelenting, and they left no room for retort.Langdon sat frozen and was momentarily speechless. He hadn't expected a brat like Austin to have such a sharp tongue.If he admitted he had come for personal matters, he would keep his pride intact, but he would lose control of the conversation. Everything he had prepared—and all the accusations he meant to throw—would be meaningless.But if he insisted it was official business, he would have to show proper respect and offer a formal greeting. No matter how he answered, he would be conceding ground."I'll ask one more time. Are you here on official or personal matters?" Austin asked coldly."O-Official matters." Cornered, Langdon barely managed to get the words out."Well? Is this how an official conducts himself?" Austin pressed.Langdon had no choice but to rise and offer a deep bow. "Your Highness, it's an h
After a night of chaos, some of the Red Legion's members were killed, others were captured, and the entire force had been wiped out.But the fallout didn't stop there. The Prescott estate was also raided. All embezzled wealth was confiscated, and those found guilty were thrown into prison.Anyone connected to the Prescotts was placed under house arrest and subjected to rigorous investigation.And the man behind it—Warrick—had become the kingdom's most wanted fugitive.Until he was captured, Celestria remained under lockdown. Major roads were sealed off, and patrol teams scoured every corner to ensure Warrick had no way out.Austin's crackdown sparked outrage among senior officials who didn't know the full story. They voiced their dissatisfaction, with some even gathering outside the castle gates in protest. They stomped their feet in outrage, just short of openly cursing him.To them, Warrick had made great contributions to the nation. Even if he had committed crimes, he didn't d