"Hmph! He's just putting on a show! What's so impressive?" Garrett grumbled under his breath as he watched Dustin's receding figure. A man wouldn't reject the advances of a beautiful woman who approached willingly. Garrett believed that Dustin was merely putting on a noble act, presenting one side while hiding his true intentions in the shadows. However, while he was displeased, he dared not act recklessly due to the significant gap in strength between them. After muttering to himself, he departed with the members of the Black Scorpion Squad.Their expedition to the Deadlands this time had resulted in heavy losses. Fortunately, they managed to secure a considerable amount of treasure. After selling their loot, it would undoubtedly leave them with wealth enough to last a lifetime. "Seems like you got the wrong idea, Sophia. Dustin was never interested in you," a disciple from the Embersteel Order mocked. Sophia was undeniably beautiful but had a nasty character, marked by
"They… didn't make it!" Sophia choked back her tears. Filled with grief, she briefly recounted the events."So you're saying that the Fantasy Sea Alliance ambushed your group for treasure?" Bertha's expression turned cold instantly."That's right! They were greedy and heartless. They took advantage of their numbers and slaughtered everyone." Sophia burst into tears by the end of it."Those damned bastards! How dare they kill our people? I'm going to make them pay a heavy price one day!" Bertha seethed, gritting her teeth. The disciples she dispatched as their trial had been Harmony Sect elites. Naturally, she was devastated to find that almost all of them were dead. "If it weren't for Jackson and his group intervening, I would have joined them too!" Sophia sobbed."Jackson, thank you for saving my disciple. Harmony Sect is indebted to the Embersteel Order," Bertha expressed her gratitude. "You're welcome, Master Peach. Our sects have always been on good terms. Sophia is also
"What? Soul Elixir?"The Harmony Sect members were shocked. For martial artists, Soul Elixir was considered a highly coveted treasure for cultivation. With enough of it, even an ordinary martial artist could progress rapidly and break through to the realm of a grandmaster. Unfortunately, Soul Elixir was an exceedingly rare precious substance, typically only found in the most extraordinary treasures of nature. Obtaining it was also an arduous process involving intricate refinement and purification. It wasn't an exaggeration to claim that even a single drop of Soul Elixir was worth a fortune, and a small bottle of it could potentially spark a bloodbath. If Sophia's water bottles contained Soul Elixir, the disciples couldn't even begin to imagine their value. "You're right, Master Peach. These bottles are indeed filled with Soul Elixir, and it's not just one bottle either. I have eight of them!" Sophia revealed. "Eight… Eight big bottles of Soul Elixir?" Bertha was stunned t
Night soon fell, and back at the inn, Grace's team of guards returned to their rooms to rest after dinner. However, just to be safe, two groups stayed behind to patrol the area. They had been physically and mentally exhausted during their time in the Deadlands. Now that they've come out from that place, they could finally get a good night's sleep.In one of the rooms on the second floor, Dustin took a refreshing hot bath before sitting on the bed with his eyes closed to recuperate. Their mission this time was finally complete. As for the treasures, Dustin was not slightly interested in them. All he took was a bottle of Soul Elixir. He had never tried it before, and he was purely curious about the taste. At his level, he would not be able to benefit greatly from it. Not to mention, he still possessed the greatest treasure in the martial world, the Celestial Pearl, which allowed him to cultivate at an astonishing speed. That was why he wasn't particularly crazy about the Sou
As Sophia spoke, she gradually closed the distance and touched Dustin's robust chest. Her bright eyes glowed subtly, emanating an enchanting allure capable of ensnaring one's soul. For ordinary martial artists, just a mere glance was enough to succumb to its captivating influence. This was Harmony Sect's distinctive Art of Seduction, Blushing Intoxication. The reason Harmony Sect was able to prosper in the Southwest for so many years was closely tied to the practice of this seductive art. The more beautiful one was, the higher their proficiency in this art, and the more irresistibly they attracted men. Sophia had been honing Blushing Intoxication since young, perfecting it over more than a decade. Coupled with her exceptional figure and looks, few men could resist her charm. Even someone like Jackson from the Embersteel Order couldn't escape her seductive technique and fell victim to her enchantment.Sophia believed that if Dustin harbored any affection, or even the slight
Dustin had just slammed the door and was about to climb into bed to meditate when he noticed a woman in his room. The woman wore a veil and a hood, obscuring her features, leaving only her lively eyes visible. She gave off an air of graceful nobility that was hard to look away from. She was none other than Grace."Hmm? When did you come in?" Dustin was puzzled and slightly surprised. He had been preoccupied with Sophia and didn't notice when Grace entered. "Dustin, I'm lonely and scared to be left alone at night. Can you keep me company?" Grace teased, imitating Sophia's tone. "Can you be more serious? You're a princess, for god's sake…" Dustin rolled his eyes.Grace laughed. "Oh, Dustin, I didn't expect you to be so popular with the girls. Even beautiful women are willingly offering themselves to you." She added, "If it had been me, I would have taken advantage of the opportunity. After all, there's no harm in accepting, or do you prefer to have them suspect you of havin
Tranqurin was a colorless and tasteless drug. It was famous in the martial world and specifically used to restrain grandmasters.Anyone who was affected by it would become powerless. Unable to muster the slightest internal energy, they would be at the complete mercy of others. "I didn't expect you to be so well-prepared, Master Peach. This is great!" Sophia was ecstatic. "With this bottle of Tranqurin, our plan will succeed for sure!"Dustin was the greatest threat among Grace's team. As long as they dealt with him, the rest of the group would be easy prey. "Master Peach, people from the Embersteel Order are here!" a Harmony Sect disciple announced as he entered. "Hurry up and invite them in." Bertha lit up and gestured for the disciple to bring them to her. Soon, led by the Harmony Sect disciple, a group of around ten people entered briskly.At the forefront of the group was a burly, middle-aged man wielding a golden broadsword. He had a rugged appearance and an imposing
Chester wouldn't have dared to act recklessly without the Tranqurin. Now that they had this precious bottle in hand and the support of numerous highly skilled fighters from the Embersteel Order and Harmony Sect, it would be enough to take Dustin and his group down. "After we succeed, we'll split the spoils evenly between our sects. What do you think?" Bertha asked with a smile. "No problem!" Chester agreed readily. Naturally, he wouldn't refuse such a good opportunity where they would only need to take the smallest risk to gain the greatest benefit. "Wait!" Jackson, who was standing behind them, suddenly spoke up."Master Newberry, Dustin and Ms. Linsor were once our partners. We're also indebted to them. I don't think it's appropriate to plot against them."Jackson always had a clear sense of morality and gratitude. If it weren't for Dustin and Grace's protection throughout their journey in the Deadlands, they would have been long dead, let alone acquire treasure. He fo
"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
The following morning, Jovian stood at the entrance of West Lucozia Airport, wearing a sharp suit.Before the trip, he had contacted his comrade with whom he had fought side by side in the military. After earning military merit and with the Ballard family's influence, he was fortunate enough to stay in Oakvale and secure a decent position.His comrade, on the other hand, had moved to West Lucozia to carve out a life for himself. Years of hard work had paid off—he was now a third-rank general with considerable power, influence, and a strong network of connections. Jovian's meeting with the Prince of West Lucozia would depend entirely on his comrade's connections.Just then, the roar of an engine cut through the air as a military jeep pulled up beside him. The window rolled down, and the first thing that came into view was a bald head gleaming in the sunlight like a lightbulb. The glare nearly blinded him.Under that shiny dome was a face that looked ordinary at first glance. But w
"Grandfather, I understand why you sent Uncle Jonathan and Uncle Jensen to the Spanner and Fallon families to gather information," Natasha began. "But West Lucozia is thousands of miles away."She shook her head slightly. "They've always stayed out of the government's political matters. Sending Uncle Jovian there wouldn't achieve anything. He'd likely just be turned away." Oakvale and West Lucozia were worlds apart. The fight for the Oakvale throne didn't really affect the West Lucozian monarchy. Both sides had long adhered to an unspoken agreement to avoid meddling in each other's affairs."I know, but it'll be different this time. The royal throne is at stake, and every faction will do whatever it takes to secure West Lucozia's support. If the West Lucozian monarchy picks a side, the balance we've maintained for years will collapse. That's why I need to be ready for whatever happens," Simon replied.It would be best if the West Lucozian monarchy stayed out of the political strug
At the Ballard estate, Dustin was warmly welcomed to stay after dinner. This was the first time Natasha had brought her boyfriend home, so the Ballards made a big deal of it.Simon personally accompanied the young couple and invited them to the study to chat over tea. With his sharp eye, Simon could tell Dustin was no ordinary martial artist. His manners, speech, and broad knowledge set him apart from most people."Dustin, I fully support your relationship with Natasha. Your background or status doesn't matter. What matters most is that you two are happy together." Simon paused and said earnestly, "I want you to understand that she's been pampered all her life and hasn't faced much hardship. Now that she's with you, I hope you'll take good care of her.""Don't worry, Mr. Ballard. I would never let her down," Dustin replied sincerely.Though they had known each other for some time and hadn't yet taken their relationship to the next level, they had already made their feelings clear
After hearing Nathaniel's words, Tristan's expression darkened. His brow furrowed as he sank into deep thought.It seemed he had underestimated the situation. He had assumed it was just a simple rivalry between brothers; he hadn't anticipated Seamus seizing the chance to further his own agenda.Seamus already wielded considerable influence. Under the guise of supporting Matthias' ascension to the throne, he had been forming alliances and recruiting talents. His influence had grown to rival the royal family's.If Seamus really supported Matthias' ascension, he'd overshadow the king, and no one would be able to stop him. The worst-case scenario would be Seamus using Matthias as a puppet to overthrow the House of Linsor."Nathaniel, is everything you said true?" Tristan frowned."Absolutely. Every word," Nathaniel replied solemnly. "Of course, if you don't believe me, you can send someone to investigate.""I believe you. But… taking down Seamus won't be easy. Do you have a plan?" Tr
An hour later, Nathaniel quietly entered a private mansion wearing a disguise.Inside the living room, Tristan had already prepared tea and refreshments. He looked as if he had been waiting for a long time."Sorry to have kept you waiting, Tristan." Nathaniel took off his coat and walked forward with a smile."No need to apologize. I'm happy that you made the effort to arrange this. A few extra minutes are nothing, especially since it's rare for us to meet." Tristan gestured for him to sit while he poured two cups of tea and handed one to his brother.Nathaniel accepted the cup and discreetly set it aside. Whenever he was out, he was always cautious about food and drink—this wariness had become second nature."You asked to meet me on short notice. Is this about official matters or something personal?" Tristan took a sip from his cup and got straight to the point."Both," Nathaniel replied, still smiling."Oh?" Tristan raised an eyebrow. "Let's hear it, then.""Given how things
In another luxurious mansion in the Inner City, a female spy dressed in black, cloaked in a hood, was reporting the results of her investigation to Nathaniel."Your Highness, the Moseys have been particularly active recently and are rallying allies. Many of the eight great families and other influential factions have already allied with them. If left unchecked, they'll pose a serious threat to us," she said, kneeling with her head lowered slightly."So the Moseys are backing Matthias, huh?" Nathaniel sat quietly, his expression unreadable."The Moseys have grand ambitions. While they claim to support Prince Matthias, they're merely setting him up as a puppet to rise to power and expand their own influence," she revealed.She had been infiltrating the Moseys' mansion for years and had gained a deep understanding of their operations, from the smallest details to the key players.Though Seamus appeared as a benevolent philanthropist, it was all a façade. Behind closed doors, he was r
That night, two young men sat playing chess inside a secluded mansion in the Inner City. On the left was Anders, who had visited the Ballard estate earlier. Across from him sat Matthias, a broad-shouldered man dressed in richly adorned robes.The game was intense, with fast moves followed by moments of deep thought. About ten minutes later, Anders finally conceded defeat."Anders, you've really improved since we last played. You almost had me there," Matthias said, stroking his beard in mild surprise."You flatter me, Your Highness. My chess skills are nothing compared to yours. If you hadn't gone easy on me, I wouldn't have lasted half as long," Anders replied with a modest smile."You're as smooth with words as ever." Matthias let out a hearty laugh with a look of smug satisfaction. Winning was in his nature—whether in war or on the chessboard, defeat was not an option."Well, we've eaten, and we've played. Let's get to business." With a wave of his hand, he signaled his men t