"Save your breath. None of you will be leaving with any treasures from here!" The taunting words echoed, followed by laughter. A horde of martial artists streamed in, swiftly sealing off the exit. Among these martial artists, two distinct factions emerged—the elites of the Drakes Dominion Order and the Frostwing Sect. Notably, familiar faces like Yonah and Bran stood out in the crowd.The combined forces of the Drakes Dominion Order and the Frostwing Sect not only boasted increased numbers but also featured a substantial influx of skilled elites. Virtually every official, guardian, and elder from both sects was in attendance.It wouldn't be an overstatement to say that more than 80% of the total strength of both factions had been assembled."Ms. Linsor, we meet again!" Bran sneered, and his eyes filled with greed. Upon entering the palace, the floor sparkled with gold and silver treasures. The tomb, in particular, held precious items, like the tempting pool of soul elixir. The
In the Drakes Dominion Order sect, Tobias Blackwell, a senior in a green robe, snorted disdainfully. As an elder within the sect, he was halfway to becoming a grandmaster. With a formidable background and impressive combat prowess, he could even match with a grandmaster martial artist."Mr. Blackwell is right. None of you even deserve to negotiate with us," Yonah declared coldly.They were resolute in their determination to succeed. Hence, surrendering their precious treasures was out of the question."We're not to be underestimated despite the challenges posed by the Drakes Dominion Order and the Frostwing Sect. The outcome of a showdown is still uncertain," Grace stated coldly.She didn't desire an all-out war, but if the opposing side persisted, she wouldn't hesitate to unleash her full force."Hmph! You're giving yourselves too much credit! What makes your ragtag team think you can match up to us?" Tobias sneered.He believed a team of inexperienced newcomers had no right t
"Even Master Howler is here. It looks like we'll be leaving empty-handed.""Plans don't always unfold the way we want.""I thought we could forge ahead, but now it appears surrendering is our only option."Everyone shook their heads and let out collective sighs.Damien's reputation preceded him as one of the top elite in the southwest, and his status seemed unmatched. Despite Dustin being a young grandmaster, everyone thought he would be powerless in the presence of such top-tier individuals, considering the significant gap that exists between grandmasters.Dustin raised an eyebrow. "The master of the Drakes Dominion Order, right? You're the top elite in the southwest, often referred to as the peak level of martial arts?"While observing Damien's presence, Dustin sensed that he was likely in the late stages of being a grandmaster. Undoubtedly, Damien's strength positioned him as a regional overlord.With his hands casually tucked behind his back, Damien downplayed his skills. "I
Judging by the expressions on the faces of the members of the Drakes Dominion Order, they were dissatisfied with the decision.Damien turned, fixing his gaze on Dustin. "Young man, what do you think?"Contrary to the majority, Damien had granted Dustin the position of deputy master, a gesture of significant respect.Dustin bluntly rejected the offer, stating, "I'm not interested in being a deputy master. I definitely don't want to be involved with the Drakes Dominion Order."Damien's smile froze. His words carried a deeper meaning as he responded, "Hmm? Young man, opportunities come only once. Are you certain you want to decline my invitation?"Dustin nodded confidently. "Yeah."Damien's expression turned cold. "If that's the case, then I have nothing more to say." He felt a bit embarrassed, having extended an olive branch only to be rejected."Tch! Shameless!" Tobias sneered, his expression fierce. "Master Howler extended an invitation to you, and this is how you repay it? I or
Tobias hung on the wall in a precarious life-or-death situation, and Elder Greene of the Drakes Dominion Order spat blood due to severe injuries. Everyone stood frozen in shock, their attention fixed on the distressing scene. The elites from the Drakes Dominion Order and the Frostwing Sect were left dumbfounded. They struggled to come to terms with the unbelievable sight before them.Tobias and Elder Greene had long been acknowledged for their formidable strength. While not officially recognized as grandmaster martial artists, their prowess was on par with those who held such prestigious titles. Years of dedicated refinement and experience had bestowed upon them a distinctive advantage. Even when confronted by ordinary grandmasters, they possessed the capability to put up a formidable fight. Their collaborative efforts had yielded a remarkable track record of overcoming grandmasters together.Tobias and Elder Greene weren't expecting victory, but at the very least, they could
As Alexander took on the role of the challenger, Damien felt at ease. However, Dustin's skill surpassed that of a mere grandmaster, more akin to the mid-level of a grandmaster."Don't worry, Mr. Howler," Alexander reassured confidently. He added, "This kid's got talent, but I'm no pushover. In the southwest, you're the only one who might outclass me. The rest aren't even worth considering."Damien was the top dog in the southwest. Alexander had lost three sparring matches and felt he couldn't measure up to Damien. As for the other contenders, Alexander dismissed them without a second thought. Despite Dustin's impressive talent and strength, Alexander considered him too young to pose a real threat. Unlike Dustin, Alexander had been honing his skills for over a decade, firmly standing at the grandmaster level. He was not someone a young buck like Dustin could easily shake."Sure thing! Since Mr. Forge is ready to jump in, go ahead and have some fun with this kid." Damien nodded.
"Huh?"The sudden change threw everyone off guard. Everything happened in a split second, and they barely had any time to react. Dustin took Alexander down in a blink of an eye. In an instant, Alexander was already seriously wounded. To most of the martial artists, Alexander, the leader of Frostwing Sect, was flung toward a wall in a heartbeat. The entire situation happened too rapidly."H-How is this possible?" Bran was dumbfounded when he saw how badly injured Alexander was. His eyes widened in disbelief. He had never imagined that Alexander would be defeated tragically, let alone lose in a fight. After all, Alexander was one of the five strongest people in the Southwest. He was a grandmaster martial artist with excellent abilities.Aside from Damien, the master of Drakes Dominion Order, no one could rival him in the entire southwest. Bran thought it was a sure victory for Alexander in this battle. However, things seemed to have taken an entirely different turn. Not
If word got out, everyone would be stunned. "Awesome! That was a great fight!" Sophia squealed in delight. Her eyes lit up as she realized not only was Dustin handsome, but he was also incredibly powerful. He had a bright future awaiting him. Sophia had to seize her chance and do whatever she could to make him fall in love with her, even if it meant breaking her engagement with Jackson. "Fuck! He's at it again!" Garrett snarled, wariness evident in his eyes although he wore a surly expression. The chances of him getting his revenge were becoming slimmer once Dustin showcased how strong he really was. At this point, he had given up on the idea of revenge. He just hoped that Dustin wouldn't come after him. "And he said he was going to let me strike him thrice first before he made a move. But he can't even endure a single blow. Well, it seems like the leader of Frostwing Sect isn't exactly that great either," Dustin said nonchalantly. There was a hint of sarcasm in his ton
"Hm?"Even Warrick frowned at the news.The royal enforcement team was rarely mobilized. When they did, it was always for something monumental. The question was, did a minor figure like Jovian Ballard really warrant such attention from Austin?"Mr. Thatcher, are you sure the royal enforcement team has been mobilized? And it's because of Jovian?" Warrick asked skeptically."Of course I'm sure," Huxley replied with a grave expression. "I've just received orders from above. The enforcement team captain will be taking over my duties temporarily. From now on, they'll have full control over the city's defense and investigative operations.""That's strange. Why would Lord Austin go to such lengths for someone so insignificant?" Warrick was confused, his brow furrowing.According to his intel, this was the first time Jovian and Austin had even met. Even if they had crossed paths before, it shouldn't have been enough to justify deploying the enforcement team.It seemed Warrick had undere
The next morning, after breakfast at the West Lucozian castle, Austin tried calling Jovian. However, his calls went unanswered. After several attempts, he still couldn't get through."Huh?" Austin was puzzled. They had made plans the previous day to head to Oakvale that day. Why was Jovian suddenly unreachable? Had he stood Austin up?After thinking it over, he found that unlikely. He and Jovian had gotten along well and even called each other brothers. On top of that, they had promised to travel together and watch out for one another.If Jovian had an urgent matter that required him to leave West Lucozia, he would have at least given Austin a heads-up. Jovian wouldn't just disappear without a word."Could something have happened to him?" Austin's unease grew. He quickly summoned his trusted aide. "Go find out where Jovian is. Report back to me as soon as you have any information.""Yes, Your Highness," the aide replied before hurrying off.Austin poured himself a cup of tea
A dull sound echoed through the air.Jovian's body shuddered. Blood streamed from his eyes, ears, and nose as he crumpled to the ground, lifeless. He was dead. After fighting to his last breath, he had chosen the only honorable way out.The scene had left even the assassins, who were no strangers to bloodshed, momentarily stunned. Taking one's own life so decisively wasn't something just anyone could do. Even the lowest of creatures had the instinct to cling to life, let alone a human being."This guy… He's ruthless," Ronan muttered, and his face darkened.Warrick had given strict orders to capture Jovian alive, but now he was dead. Now, Ronan had no way to deliver. If he had known it would come to this, he would have personally intervened to kill Jovian first."What now, boss?" one of the assassins asked."Clean up the scene," Ronan ordered. "I'll take the body back myself." With that, he hoisted Jovian's body onto his shoulder, tossed it into the vehicle, and drove off.…W
The sounds of battle echoed under the streetlights. Shouts of pain mixed with the clash of weapons could be heard. Five figures were locked in a deadly struggle, and blood splattered across the ground.The fight raged for nearly half an hour until the noise gradually subsided. The five figures lay motionless in pools of blood.Under the dim glow of the streetlights, three of the black-clad assassins were confirmed dead. One's neck was snapped, another's chest pierced, and the last had bled out from a fatal wound.Jovian and Boston were in no better condition.Boston was soaked in blood. His body was riddled with deep cuts, some so severe they exposed the bone beneath.Jovian wasn't much better. His abdomen and shoulder were slashed. His right arm had been severed, and he was left in a pitiful state.Boston coughed. After taking down the last assassin, he collapsed to the ground. He gasped for air as blood poured from his mouth. His chest and abdomen were torn open, and his orga
"Jovian, listen to me. West Lucozia's trouble runs deep. You won't be able to handle it. You need to get out of there," Boston urged.When Jovian remained silent, Boston couldn't hide his growing concern. After all, they were comrades, and he didn't want to see his friend die on the street."You're right. I'm not afraid if they come at me head-on. What worries me is if they come at me from behind."After hesitating for a moment, Jovian nodded. "Alright, Boston. Take me back to the hotel. I'll pack my things.""Now that's more like it." Boston sighed in relief. "As they say, there's always a chance as long as you're alive. The most important thing is to stay safe.""Thanks, man. I'll buy you a drink next time." Jovian smiled.Without Boston's constant advice, Jovian might have taken a chance. But if things went south, he'd regret it too late.Back at the hotel, Jovian wasted no time. He packed quickly, then hopped into Boston's car to head to the airport. With the burden lifted,
"Gentlemen, I've done my part and had my tea already. I still have things to take care of, so I'll leave now. Farewell!" Jovian said.When no one responded, he didn't say another word. He nodded respectfully, stood up, and exited the room.When the door opened, Warrick's face darkened, and his hand instinctively moved toward the hilt of his sword. But before he could act, Huxley gently touched his arm and shook his head.Jovian noticed something was off and paused at the doorway before stepping out.Boston, who was standing by the door, let out a quiet sigh of relief as he watched Jovian leave without a scratch. His relief was short-lived, though, when he saw the grim expressions on the faces of the three men inside.It was clear that the meeting hadn't gone well. Fortunately, nothing too serious had happened. Otherwise, Boston would have much explaining to do to both sides."Why did you stop me? That arrogant brat clearly doesn't respect us. He'll think we're pushovers if we don
"Gentlemen, you certainly have a refined sense of humor." Jovian took another sip of tea. "But I'm not exactly a brave man. I startle easily, so I'd appreciate it if you kept the jokes to a minimum.""Of course." Huxley smiled and nodded. "Just some lighthearted banter to break the ice. If we've offended you, I apologize on behalf of Mr. Prescott. Please don't take it to heart."Jovian's expression eased slightly at that.Since he had the nerve to attend this trap-laden dinner, he wasn't afraid of a few threats. He wouldn't mind sharing information with them if they were willing to have a proper conversation.But they had tried to strong-arm him. Their words were laced with veiled threats and demands as if he were someone they could push around.Naturally, that didn't sit well with him. He just didn't let it show—for now."There's no need for an apology. If there's nothing else, I'll be on my way," Jovian said flatly. He stood to leave and felt that continuing this conversation w
"Well… some things are better left unsaid, but I believe you understand what I'm getting at," Percival said gravely."I'm afraid I don't, Mr. Wentworth. You'll have to forgive my ignorance." Jovian's tone was measured and composed."You…" Percival's expression darkened.Judging by Jovian's demeanor when he first arrived, Percival had assumed that he was someone who knew how to read between the lines. Yet now, he was feigning ignorance, making it clear that he wasn't taking Percival seriously."Enough, Mr. Wentworth. Let me handle this."Warrick took over the conversation and got straight to the point. "Jovian, right? Let's not waste time. We know why you're here. The only question is—what have you found out?""And what kind of information are you referring to, Sir Prescott?" Jovian asked.Warrick slammed a palm onto the table, and his face darkened. "Don't play dumb with me, brat. I don't have time for games. If you don't start talking, don't blame me if I stop showing the Balla
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