The two Harmony Sect's semi-grandmasters had been slashed to death by Dustin. They had died in resentment.After seeing the two elder's heads rolling on the ground, Bertha was stunned. Instantly, cold beads of sweat rolled down her forehead.Bertha thought Dustin was powerless and had fabricated everything he said. Now, she finally understood how powerful Dustin was.Dustin could kill two semi-grandmaster martial artists with just a strike. Obviously, this wasn't something a person poisoned by Tranqurin could do.Perhaps Dustin was really immune to all the poison."Fuck! Thankfully, I didn't move just now. Otherwise, I would have been dead!" Chester gulped. He looked at Dustin with a terrified expression.Chester had never met such a formidable figure before. Despite being in his 20s, Dustin was so powerful.Damien, the most powerful martial artist in the Southwest, might not be able to win against Dustin in a one-to-one fight, either."You… How could you…" Bertha was so stunne
Although Dustin managed to catch the Frost Needle, the chill emanating from it penetrated deep into his bones.Dustin's fingers and arms started to freeze at visible speed. He couldn't seem to muster a trace of true energy in the areas affected by freezing.It was no exaggeration to say that one would become an ice statue if the needle pierced into one's body. Any level of cultivation would be rendered useless at this point.Although he didn't regard Bertha and the others highly, he was quite shocked by their attacks.Bertha seemed to be using lethal moves one after another, with Tranqurin followed by Frost Needle. If it wasn't for Dustin's cultivation level, he might lose.Indeed, one should not underestimate any enemy. There was a chance that one might lose against someone weaker than them.Dustin's body shook. Then, the ice layer on his arm shattered and dropped to the ground."How could this be?" Bertha was stunned, looking terrified. It was a life-and-death situation ju
"Stop right there! If you dare to move, I'll kill this woman!" A stern voice sounded behind Dustin.When Dustin turned to look, he saw Embersteel Order and Harmony's Sect elites coming out of the hotel while holding Grace hostage.Meanwhile, Sophia was pressing the knife against Grace's neck with a fierce expression.Dustin furrowed his brow, feeling a strong urge to kill. He could tell that Embersteel Order and Harmony's Sect's sudden ambush today was all because of Sophia.Old habits die hard, that was for sure.Sophia would have long been dead if Grace hadn't saved her from Fantasy Sea Alliance.Not only was Sophia not grateful, she even pressed a knife against Grace's neck.Sophia had a death wish!"Why are you still standing there? Put down your sword!"Sophia hid behind Grace carefully while the knife in her hand pressed against Grace's neck.Sophia knew Dustin had feelings for Grace. Thus, he wouldn't stand by and watch her die.Without a single hesitation, Dustin flu
"What?" The two people gulped anxiously.They still remembered what the Harmony Sect encountered. Thus, they knew they were dead meat if they went forward."Why are you panicking? There's no way he'll object when we hold Grace hostage!" Chester encouraged.The two Embersteel Orders looked at the restrained Grace while looking at the motionless Dustin. After hesitating for a few seconds, they finally forced themselves to walk forward.They were in a sticky situation right now.If they didn't get rid of Dustin, they might lose their lives. They would never have the chance of seizing treasures anymore.They had to take a risk no matter what.If they could seal Dustin's meridians, he would be absolutely useless and no longer a threat to them."Dustin, don't worry about me. Go ahead." Grace suddenly spoke at this moment.Naturally, she didn't wish Dustin to risk his life for her. Plus, she had many ways to get away in situations like this."Shut up, you bitch! If you dare to say s
After the palm attack, Osley stood there proudly. He looked unworldly, exuding unparalleled dominance and majesty.Meanwhile, the 100 feet crater which had appeared out of thin air was just in front of him.The pit was filled with severed limbs and bloody flesh. There wasn't a single complete corpse spotted, resembling hell on earth.This was the might of Osley's single palm attack.With a single slap, a crater in the shape of a hand was created. Plus, numerous martial arts experts had been squished to death by his attack.The remaining few, despite being lucky enough to keep their lives, had been blown several feet away. They were sprawled on the ground by the force of the palm.However, they were stunned when they stood up and saw what happened.They were rendered speechless as sweat dripped down their faces when they saw the horrendous sight inside the pit.Most experts of the Harmony Sect and Embersteel Order, no matter if they were young, old, or in a high position, were k
"Yes, miss," Osley answered. His momentum immediately subsided as he obediently retreated behind Grace.His back was arched, and he lowered his head timidly. Just like that, he became an inconspicuous servant.If they hadn't seen it with their eyes, nobody would believe that this quiet old man was a capable ultimate grandmaster."Thank you, Ms. Linsor! Thank you!" Seeing that there was a chance to live, everyone thanked her happily."Don't get too happy. Although I'm not going to kill you all, I won't let you all go either. I can spare your lives, but you still have to be punished. "Osley, go and seal their meridians and tie them up. Let the Martial Arts Union deal with them," Grace said indifferently."What? Martial Arts Union?" Everyone was stunned upon hearing that.Martial Arts Union was Dragonmarsh's official institution. They managed martial artists, major martial alliances, and all of the sects. Thus, all of them had to obey their directives.Anyone involved in major cr
"Me?" Sophia was stunned when Dustin pointed at her. She asked instinctively, "Why?"The discussion earlier went well, she had no idea why things turned sour abruptly."Because I really hate people who repay goodwill with ill will. That's my reason. Happy?" Dustin replied coldly. He had never liked Sophia's behavior. However, her behavior hadn't affected him before, as such he was able to let it slide. However, it was different now.If Sophia hadn't caused subversion, they wouldn't be in this mess today. If they were any weaker, they might have been murdered for profit. Hence, he was unable to forgive Sophia for what she'd done."Dustin, please listen to my explanation. This wasn't my fault, I had no other options!" Sophia was flustered and appeared pitiful."Not your fault? You had no other options? There are only a handful of people who know that we have treasure with us. "If it wasn't you, who else could it be? Who could work with Harmony Sect and Embersteel Order simultane
In the morning, Dustin heard a loud knock on his door as soon as he woke up. When he opened the door, he saw Grace standing outside with breakfast in her hands. She bought milk, bagels, sausage, scrambled eggs, and a lot of other things."Have some breakfast. I have to talk to you." Grace smiled slightly as she put the breakfast set on the table and sat on a chair."Thanks." Dustin didn't shy away. He started wolfing down as soon as he sat down next to her. Even though it was a normal breakfast, everything tasted surprisingly good."What do you want to tell me? I'm listening," Dustin asked as he munched on the bagel."I got some news this morning. In a nutshell, there are three pieces of important news." Grace stood up and made two cups of coffee. One for herself and another for Dustin. She then continued, "First, there's been a series of strange phenomena at the Sacred Wrym Summit for the past few days. According to my informants, it could be due to Dracan essence!""Really?"
"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
Austin's words were calm and almost casual. Yet, they struck like thunder and echoed in the hearts of the three assistant generals of the Red Legion.If they answered Austin's questions, there might still be a slim chance of survival. But if they refused, death was the only outcome.After all, who would willingly choose death when they had worked so hard to achieve their wealth and status? Yet, pride and dignity held them back. They didn't want to be branded as traitors.Now, they were caught in a dilemma. Which was more important—their honor or their lives? It was an impossible choice."You have ten seconds left. If you don't speak, you'll lose your chance." Austin's voice was utterly devoid of emotion.His words seemed to pierce their souls, and the three Red Legion assistant generals broke into a cold sweat.As the countdown neared its end, Auron finally couldn't hold back. "Your Highness! I'll talk—I'll tell you everything."Dropping to his knees, he scrambled forward and wa