"This is a joke, right, sir? I—it isn't proper to promote him to an elder when he just joined the group!""He's right, Dr. Watkins. This is the first time there's been an exception like this. That's not normal!""Sir, we know you favor talented individuals, but I'm afraid others might be unhappy with your decision."The elders and many disciples of the Stoneray Order were upset when they heard that Linden would promote Dustin to elder, which was only one rank below the assistant leader.Disciples usually started as junior disciples before becoming intermediate disciples. Then, they would be promoted to senior disciples. As senior disciples, if they made any major contributions, they would be promoted to upper disciples. Upper disciples were then categorized into three classes—upper third, upper second, and upper first. Only upper first disciples had a chance of being promoted to elder.Getting promoted to a higher rank took years, so for a junior disciple to climb the ranks and
"Are we being followed?" Roderick frowned and ordered his driver, "Go faster, Gary!""Yes, sir!" The driver, Gary, immediately stepped on the accelerator, and the car shot forward.Suddenly, a black van popped out from the fork in front and stopped on the road horizontally. Gary paled and stomped on the brake, causing the tires to screech. Still, the momentum caused their car to collide with the van. There was a loud bang as the impact caused the van to flip, and Roderick's Rolls-Royce could no longer work. Thankfully, no one was hurt. However, when Dustin and the others tried to run away, the cars that were following them had already caught up to them."Grab them!" The doors opened, and several burly men carrying expandable batons jumped out and surrounded them. They looked scary and threatening. "Who are you? How dare you rob my car?" Roderick roared, pissed that someone would dare to harm him when even the Fabulous Five respected him. Miranda and Preston got out of the
"There! All done!" Abigail rested the bat on her shoulder like a thug and walked toward Dustin, smiling proudly. "How did I do?""Not bad. You've improved a lot in the last few days." Dustin nodded, pleased. Abigail was an extremely talented martial artist. Compared to regular martial artists, she only needed to practice for one day to achieve what others needed a year for. Furthermore, with Dustin's guidance, there has been huge growth in her skills.She used to struggle against ten opponents, but now, she could take them on easily. "Duh. Don't you know who I am?" Abigail lifted her chin smugly. For some reason, she woke up feeling extra strong this morning, as though she had endless bursts of energy."Are you two going to leave by yourself, or must I force you?" Dustin slowly turned toward Miranda and Preston. "I underestimated you. I didn't expect you to have a female bodyguard," Preston got over his surprise and jeered. "But do you think a girl can stop us? How foolish!"
Preston's face immediately darkened. He felt insulted by Dustin's actions. "Preston, don't you go easy on him!" Miranda demanded."I'm going to beat the crap out of you!" Preston shot toward Dustin and struck him with both palms. Shadow Dance was a move that could defend and attack simultaneously, allowing Preston to catch his opponents off guard. Although Dustin's feet didn't move an inch, he raised a hand and swung it down fiercely. True energy burst forth and broke past Preston's defense. Instantly, Dustin slammed his palm into Preston's chest brutally. Blood instantly splurted from Preston's mouth as he flew backward and landed on the car. The car dented from the impact. "Did you see that, kid? That's how you're supposed to deal with him." Dustin turned his head and gave Abigail a small smile. "Um …" Abigail forced a smile. There was no way she could learn that. He was on a completely different level!"Preston!" Shocked, Miranda rushed over and pulled Preston out of t
"Who's Julian Nicholson?" Abigail asked, watching the car drive away. "Just an asshole. You don't need to overthink it," Dustin answered nonchalantly. Abigail sighed helplessly. She couldn't help but pity Julian, who was an innocent person. Soon after the three of them reached Flame Dragon Dojo, Roderick bid them goodbye and left. Dustin safely stored the thousand-year green lotus and began teaching Abigail how to fight with a staff. Abigail had finally built a solid foundation. She was also powerful, which made her a perfect fighter. However, her attacks were too simple, so anyone with some skills could easily beat her. Fortunately, Abigail's choice of weapon was a baton, so Dustin decided to make good use of this and teach her a staff combat technique. Dustin has been practicing all sorts of combat techniques since he was a child and has read various types of martial arts books of different levels. Dustin knew them all by heart, whether it was basic or advanced techniques
"Dahlia, what happened?" Dustin frowned. "Yesterday, I went to Glenstead to visit the Nicholsons and check in on Grandpa Regulus. I was on my way home this morning when someone ambushed me. Fortunately, a general was passing by and saved us," Dahlia explained. "Why didn't you tell me you were going to Glenstead? I would have sent someone to protect you." Dustin demanded, displeased. "I brought my own bodyguards. I just didn't expect something like this to happen," Dahlia replied helplessly. If it had just been a regular fight, her bodyguards could have dealt with it easily. However, they were no match for someone who wanted her dead."Do you have any idea who's planned the attack?" Dustin asked. "Not yet." Dahlia shook her head. "You were attacked as soon as you visited Sir Regulus. It's too much of a coincidence. If my guess is right, your family must have something to do with this." Dustin narrowed his eyes. "Our family? That can't be right." Dahlia's brows furrowed.
"Stop throwing a tantrum, Dahlia." Dustin frowned. Dustin said, "I wouldn't mind giving you anything else, even if it costs millions. But I just can't give you my Panax root.""You're right. I am throwing a tantrum! If you don't want to give it to me, I'll think of something else!" Dahlia turned her head away furiously. In the past, Dustin would get it done no matter what request she made. Now, all she was asking for was a Panax root, yet he turned her down firmly. He obviously didn't care about her anymore. It seemed like she wasn't that important to him anymore after he got a new girlfriend. "Dahlia is giving you a chance to prove yourself, Rhys! You better not ignore her kindness!" Florence exclaimed. "Exactly! With Dahlia's looks and influence, many other men would be clambering to gift her Panax roots! You better appreciate this chance!" Julie jeered."If you need a Panax root, I can use my connections to help you get one. However, I can't give you the one I have becau
"I had just finished reporting back to the military base, so I decided to drop by." Gavin Killian smiled. "Greetings, Mr. Killian." Dahlia tried to stand up. "No need for formalities." Gavin placed a hand on her shoulder to keep her seated. "You need to rest, Ms. Nicholson. You're hurt.""It's nothing." Dahlia smiled. "And this is?" Dustin looked at Gavin, puzzled.He could tell from the badge on Gavin's arm that he was a major general. For someone to be a general in his thirties, he must either be from an influential family or be incredibly talented."This is Mr. Killian. He was the one who saved me this morning," Dahlia introduced.This morning's incident was still fresh in her mind. Without Gavin's help, she'd be dead by now."I see. Thank you, Mr. Killian." Dustin thanked. "It was nothing," Gavin answered with a smile. "And you are?""Oh, he's my friend, Dustin Rhys." Dahlia blurted."Friend?" Dustin frowned, unhappy with her answer. Still, he regained his composure
Moments later, the once-turbulent sea finally calmed. All that remained was a dense cloud of steam. Like a giant beast, it slowly drifted across the water, as if telling the tale of the heart-pounding battle that had just taken place.Dustin stood on the surface of the sea with the Celestial Blade in hand. His face was grim as he looked ahead. His clothes were torn, and his body was covered in cuts and bruises. Blood streamed from his wounds and dyed the water beneath him red.Suddenly, a headless corpse floated to the surface. Covered in blue scales, it had torn, ragged wings on its back. The body was riddled with gaping wounds as the dark blue blood seeping from it dissipated into the water.The body belonged to Poseidon."H-He's dead? How is that possible?"Looking at the headless corpse floating on the sea, Warrick and the others couldn't help but stare in shock. They never imagined Dustin could slay one of the world's mightiest royal gods with a single blow. If they hadn'
Poseidon slowly rose from the seawater, his wound now fully healed. A flicker of madness flashed in his eyes. The severe injury he just sustained not only failed to make him retreat but instead ignited an even stronger fighting spirit within him.He sneered. "Logan, you've surprised me. But you're still going to die today."Poseidon spun his trident wildly, and the already turbulent sea grew even more violent. The waters swirled around him and formed a massive vortex. It expanded rapidly and soon reached nearly 1,000 feet wide. The surrounding waters were sucked in with terrifying force.The suction was so powerful that even Warrick, Mulder, and the others, watching from a distance, had to brace themselves to avoid being pulled in."Hmm?"Dustin frowned as he felt an overwhelming pressure closing in. The force of the swirling vortex before him was terrifying, as if it could swallow everything in its path. But he didn't flinch. In a flash, he launched forward like a streak of
Poseidon scoffed. "You're so full of yourself." The surrounding seawater surged violently. It transformed into countless razor-sharp water spikes and whistled toward Dustin. The deadly edges glinted under the sunlight. Like a silver rainstorm, the barrage swallowed every inch of space around him.Dustin's sharp gaze locked onto the incoming strikes. With a light swing of the Celestial Blade, a streak of black sword aura shot out. Every water spike in its path shattered into mist and rained down in a cascade of droplets.However, Poseidon refused to relent. His attacks came in endless waves, an unbroken torrent.He gripped his trident with both hands and spun it, creating several blue energy rings. Each one expanded rapidly and surged toward Dustin like crashing waves.Dustin's figure flickered and vanished from his spot. The next second, he reappeared just outside the energy rings.Hovering in midair, he spun at incredible speed. The Celestial Blade in his hand turned into a b
"Logan, I have to admit that you're stronger than I thought. I never expected you'd push me this far," Poseidon said.His arms slowly spread wide, and his blue eyes glowed with murderous intent. "As a mark of respect, I will give it everything I've got. You'll witness the true extent of my power."With a flick of his hand, he made a grabbing gesture. His trident, which had fallen to the bottom of the sea, shot back up through the water and landed firmly in his grasp.Compared to his earlier arrogance, Poseidon now stood with a newfound seriousness. It wasn't just Dustin's strength that had him on edge but his terrifying potential.At only 20, Dustin already possessed this level of strength. If he continued to grow, he would become a serious threat to the Hall of Gods. Hence, Poseidon resolved to eliminate him today."Watch closely," he said.Poseidon slowly raised his trident and gripped it like a javelin. While channeling his energy into the weapon, it pulsed with an intense blu
Dustin was Dragonmarsh's elite prodigy, while Poseidon was the famous royal god of the Hall of Gods.Every move they exchanged unleashed destructive power. Within moments, the area within a 300-foot radius was reduced to wreckage.Dustin wielded his true energy-infused longsword. Each swing unleashed a blinding flare of light as if it could split the sky apart with the Celestial Blade.On the contrary, Poseidon's trident commanded the winds and rains. Each strike could summon huge rolling waves as if he were a god reigning over the forces of nature.Sword aura clashed against walls of water and plunged the entire area into chaos.Warrick and the others watched with rapt attention. Their eyes were locked on the battle ahead as they tried to make sense of the chaos.But Dustin and Poseidon were moving so fast that their actions were almost impossible to follow. Their movements blurred together, and they could only catch flashes of two figures constantly clashing. Their strikes ca
"Let me correct you," Dustin said.As his hand slowly tightened into a fist, a white longsword formed from his true energy. "In Dragonmarsh, there is no 'God. ' We only have the Lord of the Dead."The moment the words left his mouth, a tempest of sword aura exploded outward. Within a radius of several dozen yards, the winds howled, sand and stones were sent flying, and the waves along the shore grew even more violent."Such overwhelming pressure. That sword aura is insane. Is this Logan's actual strength?"Feeling the surge of energy, Warrick and the others couldn't help but turn pale. It was then they realized that Dustin hadn't been fighting seriously before. Or perhaps, with their strength, they hadn't even earned the right to make him fight for real. They figured only someone of Poseidon's caliber could force Dustin to go all out."Interesting… truly fascinating." Poseidon suddenly laughed. "I thought you were just a pup, but it turns out you're a hungry wolf. Now, this is s
Poseidon hovered in the air with his trident in one hand and radiated a commanding presence. He stood like a god, and his figure was so intimidating that it struck fear into those who beheld him.With a wave of his hand, an invisible energy struck Warrick and expelled the three silver needles from his body. Feeling sensation returned to his limbs, Warrick's face lit up. He quickly rose to his feet and clenched his fist to his chest in salute."Thank you, Lord Poseidon, for saving me. I will never forget this kindness!" he said."No need for formalities, Sir Prescott. Now that you've pledged yourself to the Hall of Gods, it's only natural that I ensure your safety," Poseidon replied with a faint smile as he descended gracefully."Your timely arrival was a blessing," Warrick said as he bowed his head slightly in deference. "Otherwise, we would have perished tonight."The Hall of Gods' royal gods were figures he could only look up to. Everything about Poseidon, from his power to hi
Mulder knew Warrick had been on the battlefield for years, and his physical strength was unmatched. On top of that, he was already halfway to becoming an ultimate grandmaster. Even if Warrick couldn't defeat the prodigious Logan, Mulder figured the difference wouldn't be too big. But he never expected Logan to take down Warrick with a single finger, leaving him severely injured and unable to stand. The difference in their strength was far beyond anything Mulder could have imagined.In other words, Logan had been toying with them from the start and didn't take the fight seriously. If he had, they would've all been dead.Warrick clutched his chest and coughed up blood as he staggered to his feet. His chest was a charred ruin, the flesh torn open and slick with blood. It was an awful, gory mess."I didn't expect you to be this strong. I underestimated you," he growled.He slowly raised his head, and his face twisted with a menacing look. "Guess I was just unlucky to fall into your
"Oh? You guessed it?" Dustin smirked. "Now that you know who I am, it's up to you to decide what to do."If Warrick chose to surrender, Dustin would simply seal his pressure points and leave him to Austin's judgment. But if he resisted, Dustin wouldn't hesitate to cripple him."Haven't you given up your title as the prince? Why did you return? Are you going to compete with Austin for the throne?" Warrick asked.Uncertainty flickered across his face before he continued, "If that's your intention, I can help you. Spare me today, and I guarantee you'll become the next Prince of West Lucozia."Power was a tempting beast. History was filled with stories of brothers turning against each other and fathers murdering their sons for it.In Warrick's mind, Logan's quiet return to West Lucozia meant one thing—he was after the throne."Guarantee?" Dustin scoffed. "What guarantee are you offering?" His voice was dripping with disdain. "You're a cornered rat now. You're barely holding on to you