A deafening blast echoed through the air. The blood-red curved longsword wielded by the black-armored warrior had severed the silver dragon's head in half. The shockwave generated by their collision swept out in all directions like a tidal wave, blowing up debris in its path.The crowd was forced to retreat by the gusting wind, struggling to keep their eyes open.Moments later, after the chaos subsided, a transformation had already taken place on the battlefield. On the left, Vincent held his silver spear with a solemn expression, his clothes torn. His hand that was gripping his spear trembled slightly.On the right, Marco stood in silence. The eerie red glow of his Demon blade faded as he sheathed it slowly. They stood 30 feet apart, gazing at each other across the field without uttering a word. It seemed as if time had frozen. "What happened? Who won?" The crowd exchanged looks of confusion. That final blow had been too quick for ordinary martial artists to follow. The
"What just happened? How did it end up like this?"After a brief silence, the scene erupted into chaos. What happened was out of everyone's expectations. Vincent, coming from a prestigious family with exceptional spear techniques and profound cultivation, had maintained the upper hand against Marco. So, how was he defeated after just a single strike? What exactly happened?"He... lost?" Ruby was stunned. She stood with her eyes wide open, she was at a loss. From the moment Vincent made his appearance, she had been watching him. His handsome appearance, noble charisma, powerful cultivation, and unparalleled spear techniques had captivated her.She had imagined countless scenarios of Vincent winning the battle, but she never expected this outcome. "How could this be…" Miles was rendered speechless and appeared somewhat embarrassed.His earlier confident declaration that Vincent would emerge victorious and that Marco would be defeated now seemed misplaced. "Vincent is a semi
Many among the crowd were moved by Vincent's fearlessness. Despite his defeat, he still held his head high, refusing to submit to Marco. It was a commendable spirit that served as a lesson for everyone present. However, with Vincent now seriously injured, and his weapon snapped in half, he would only end up jeopardizing his life if the battle continued.A prodigy like Vincent should not just meet his end here. "Vincent Lenim! The results are clear. Stop being stubborn and withdraw immediately!" Quincy rebuked. Even though the Celestial Alliance had numerous disciples, only a few of them were truly talented, and Vincent was one of them.As a semi-grandmaster, Vincent should feel proud for holding his ground against a grandmaster for that long, and Quincy did not wish to see him endanger his life recklessly for a momentary outcome. "As long as I'm still standing, I won't admit defeat!" Vincent roared, the broken half of his spear still in hand.With that, he took a step for
"I'll ask once more, who else wishes to challenge the Kimboku warrior?" Quincy spoke up again. He truly wished for a skilled martial artist to come forward voluntarily, defeat Marco, and bring honor to the country. Otherwise, he would have to step in himself. "What's the matter? Is no one brave enough to challenge our master?" The butler sneered and continued his provocation, "It looks like the rumors are true. You Dragonmarshians are just weak and cowardly eastern scoundrels!"His statement stirred an uproar among the crowd."You fucking asshole! What did you just say? I'll fucking kill you!""You son of bitch! Don't you mess with us!""How dare you insult us! I swear to god, I'll kill all of you!" The martial artists roared in fury, clenching their teeth with simmering resentment. Several impulsive young men even made a move to charge forward, but Quincy stopped them. Even in the rare case that they were able to defeat Marco, turning the duel into a brawl would undo
"Hey! Who the hell are you? Can you not mess around here? Get out of here!" "That's right! You don't belong to a guild and yet you dare take on the challenge? What gave you the courage to do so?" "And I thought it was someone exceptionally formidable, but turns out he's just a nobody!" Dustin's declaration not only frustrated Quincy, it also invited the crowd's insults. They might have shown him respect if he were from a prestigious guild. However, Dustin was merely a wanderer without a name for himself. A nobody like him had no right to issue a challenge.Since this was the final battle and concerned the honor of the country, their defeat would be a disgrace to all martial artists in the nation. They would never place their hopes on an unknown martial artist. "Young man, this battle is not a game. If you're not fully confident, just give it up." Quincy shook his head, appearing somewhat disappointed. While having courage was admirable, it had to be accompanied by skill.
Quincy's eyes widened in astonishment. It was shocking that he wasn't able to react in time to Dustin's silver needle with his skills. If used against Marco, Dustin might just have a chance of winning. Not to mention, Quincy had sensed the faint aura of a grandmaster through the silver needle that flew by. He wondered if the unknown young man before him could actually be a martial arts grandmaster."Elder Douglas, I think I qualify for a duel now, don't you think?" Dustin asked. After a moment's hesitation, Quincy eventually nodded. "Alright, since you're this confident, I'll give you a chance. I hope you won't disappoint us."If Dustin was a grandmaster, coupled with his amazing hidden weapon techniques, there was a good chance that he might just emerge victorious. "Elder Douglas, is this a joke? You're really going to allow him to duel?""Elder Douglas, that kid is just a lone wanderer! How is he worthy of representing Dragonmarsh in a duel?" "It's such an embarrassme
"I'm dying to see just how badly he loses!" Ruby was indignant. She didn't believe that an attention seeker would manage to turn the tide when even a talented prodigy like Vincent was defeated. She was confident that the precious sword on the Renowned Treasure List was as good as hers. "Who are you? Identify yourself!" the butler demanded as Dustin approached. He had expected Quincy to take matters into his own hands, not the sudden appearance of a young man. With an unknown figure stepping forward, even if Marco emerged victorious, it wouldn't enhance his reputation. "My name is Dustin Rhys. I'm here to witness the prowess of a Kimboku warrior for myself," Dustin declared calmly."You're no match for our master. Get Quincy to duel our master," the butler replied haughtily. To Marco and his butler, the nobodies from Dragonmarsh were simply not worth the effort. Fighting them would only be a waste of time.It was only by defeating prominent figures like Quincy that woul
"What the hell? The brat may be despicable, but Dustin shouldn't underestimate him either! What the hell is he thinking?""He might not even win with a weapon. Fighting without a weapon is just foolish!"The crowd exchanged remarks among themselves. No one expected Dustin to utter such arrogant words even after two consecutive defeats. "Is this bastard crazy? Fighting with bare hands against Marco is just like suicide!" Miles was both surprised and puzzled."Hmph! He must be trying to find an excuse when he loses. This is his way of escaping the situation. He knows he can't defeat the brat and will use his lack of a weapon as an excuse for losing. "I've seen through his petty tricks!" Ruby spoke as if she had figured out Dustin's clever plan. "Is that so?" Realization hit Miles. It was a cunning move from Dustin. Despite knowing he would be defeated, he still insisted on basking in the limelight. His shameless tricks seemed to know no bounds."Dragonmarshian, if you don't
"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