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
"Thank you for the offer, Mr. Killian, but I can't accept such a precious gift." Dahlia got over her surprise and became upset again. She hadn't even repaid Gavin for his earlier kindness, so how could she accept his Panax root?"Ms. Nicholson, a Panax root is meant to cure sickness anyway. I don't need it for now. So you might as well use it to save someone's life. Think of it as an act of kindness." Gavin smiled. "But—" Florence cut Dahlia off before she could refuse again. "Dahlia, you should accept it. You can always repay the favor later."Florence kept looking at Gavin eagerly. "She's right, Dahlia. Saving a life is much more important. Without this Panax root, what are we going to do about Sir Regulus?" Julie advised. "But …" Dahlia was at a loss for words. It would be difficult to repay the favor, but she had no choice but to accept the gift since Regulus' life was at stake. "Ms. Nicholson, if you want to thank me, I do have a favor to ask," Gavin suddenly said. "
"I'm just stating the truth. It's always better to be careful," Dustin replied calmly."Dustin, Mr. Killian isn't that kind of person," Dahlia retorted firmly, unhappy to hear Dustin talking bad about her savior. "Do you really know him well enough? Besides his name, what else do you know about him?" Dustin asked back. "I—" Dahlia was taken aback. When she came to her senses, she immediately declared. "Anyway, Mr. Killian isn't a bad person. You better not judge him with a petty mindset!""Petty?" Dustin chuckled unhumorously. "You're right. I am petty. And since you seem to believe him so much, this petty man will take his leave now. Goodbye." Dustin turned around."Dustin, stop right—" He left before Dahlia could stop him. "Let him leave! What the hell is wrong with him? We just said a few words!" Florence scoffed."Yeah. Mr. Killian is a thousand times better than a petty man like him!" Julie snorted. "That's enough! He's gone now, so stop talking about this!" Dahlia
Dustin didn't resist as he was dragged into the car. He was blindfolded, and a hood was placed over his head to ensure he couldn't see anything. That was the start of a long, shaky drive. Dustin could tell that they had driven out of the city, so these enforcers were definitely not from the investigation bureau. After some time, when Dustin began to feel sleepy, the car finally stopped. The doors opened, and the metallic stench of blood pierced his nose. He could also smell the disgusting scent of rotting flesh."Where are we, sir?" Dustin asked curiously. "Shut your mouth and get in!" The man beside him snapped as he dragged Dustin forward. They passed through several checkpoints and heavy iron gates before riding an elevator that kept going deeper underground. After a while, the elevator came to a halt with a clang. Different noises instantly surrounded Dustin—cries, wails, shouts, and laughter. There was also a nasty, damp stench. The man took the hood off Dustin's he
"This is interesting." Dustin smirked as the dense barrage of swords came slashing down at him. In the blink of an eye, his figure dissolved into a wisp of smoke and vanished.A storm of sword shadows carrying the force that could split rivers and overturn seas crashed down on the fishing boat where he had just been standing. The entire vessel broke apart in an instant—some sinking into the depths while others drifted across the water."What? He dodged it?" Warrick's eyes flickered with surprise.Mulder's attack just now had been a 360-degree attack. Once caught in its range, there was no chance to dodge—only the option to endure. He couldn't understand how Dustin had managed to avoid it. Did he just teleport?"Hiding like a coward? What kind of warrior are you? Come fight me face-to-face."Frustrated after his attack missed again, Mulder grew desperate. His enhanced serum would only last for 15 minutes. If this dragged on, he'd collapse from exhaustion before Dustin even touche
"Oh? Are we going all out now?" Dustin smirked, with a hint of amusement in his eyes.Mulder, who had advanced to become a grandmaster martial artist through drugs, had a weak foundation. Even after taking the enhanced serum, he still posed no threat to Dustin. If Mulder were a hundred times stronger, he might just barely be able to fight Dustin.As the serum's effects pushed his body to the limit, Mulder suddenly let out a furious roar. His muscles swelled rapidly, and his bones cracked as they expanded. His body grew larger at an alarming rate, and his clothes tore apart under the strain.His six-foot frame stretched to nearly seven feet in mere moments as his body swelled to monstrous proportions. His face twisted fiercely, and his skin darkened as black scales surfaced.With another guttural growl, his roar turned beastlike. He grabbed his shredded shirt and ripped it away, exposing his broad chest covered in dark scales. A faint, eerie sheen flickered across their surface."D
Dustin's words made Mulder frown.Mulder knew all too well that Warrick was the kind of man who had no sense of loyalty or honor. If Warrick could kill his own personal guards without hesitation, what would stop him from killing a stranger? Mulder was certain that the moment things went south, Warrick would be the first to flee. Given the choice, he'd never willingly risk his life as Warrick's sacrificial pawn. But now, there was no turning back.With his undercover identity exposed and him helping Warrick escape, Mulder became a sworn enemy of West Lucozia. His name was now on the most-wanted list.Tonight was their best chance to escape. If they missed it, finding another way out would be nearly impossible.There was only one path left for him—kill whoever stood in his way and make it onto that escape boat."Enough talk, punk. Let's see what you're really made of," Mulder said.After weighing his options, he gritted his teeth and finally decided to draw his longsword. His fig
"You had your chance. Don't blame me for what happens next," Dustin said.With a slight squeeze of his fingers, the steel blades clamped between them shattered with a sharp clang.Before the two Hall of Gods members could even react, Dustin waved his hand.The two men were sent flying as if they'd been hit by a truck, hurtling over 30 feet through the air. Blood sprayed from their mouths and noses before they hit the ground. They were critically injured and on the verge of death.Dustin slowly turned his head and looked at the man who had just tried to ambush him.The man glanced at the broken sword in his hand, then at Dustin, who looked utterly unfazed. He hesitated for a split second—then bolted.With a powerful leap, he dove straight for the sea. He knew Dustin's strength was on a completely different level. There was no chance of outrunning him on land, so the only hope was to disappear into the water.It might have worked—if not for what happened next.Just before he hit
"You're not a fisherman? Who the hell are you?"Mulder's guard shot up the moment he got a clear look at the young man's face.Fishermen who spent their days at sea were usually tanned from the sun, but this one had a fair complexion. It felt a little strangeNoticing something was off, the men behind Mulder drew their blades and fixed their sharp gazes on the fisherman.The so-called fisherman standing guard wasn't just anyone—it was Dustin, who had been waiting for them all along.Since his plan was set in motion, he'd been stationed there from morning until midnight. After what felt like an eternity, his targets had finally arrived."Isn't it obvious? I'm here to capture you."Dustin rose from the deck and rolled his shoulders before speaking in an even tone. "If you don't want to die, surrender now. Otherwise, it'll be too late.""Watch out! It could be an ambush." Mulder swiftly pulled out his dagger. His sharp gaze scanned the surroundings for any sign of hidden troops.
As night fell, Warrick sat motionless in his room as he tried to calm his mind through meditation. He had always been able to clear his mind with ease. But tonight, no matter how hard he tried, focus eluded him. A restless unease settled over him and refused to let him relax.Nearly two hours passed before Mulder's scouts finally returned. This time, they brought good news.The smuggling route they had scouted was completely safe, with no signs of an ambush. The West Lucozia army had yet to discover this potential escape route.Once everything was confirmed, Mulder let out a breath of relief. Warrick, too, finally felt the weight lift from his chest."Since the route is safe, we should set out immediately to avoid any unexpected complications." Warrick said. He had no intention of waiting any longer. He was a wanted man, and every moment in West Lucozia increased his chances of capture. There was no telling when the army might surround him. Only by escaping to Thaloria would he
After a hearty meal, the burly Warrick sprawled lazily onto the bed and dozed off. He slept soundly till dusk, lost in a deep dream. When the sky was painted in brilliant hues of the setting sun, only then did he wake up leisurely.The exhaustion from the previous day seemed to have melted away. He felt invigorated, refreshed, and in high spirits.At that moment, Leigh had already set the table in the hall with quiet efficiency. Compared to the first meal, this spread was far more lavish.At the center of the table sat a whole roasted pig. Its golden-brown skin glistened with a rich, crispy sheen. The mouthwatering aroma filled the room, making it impossible not to crave a bite.Warrick had never been one for formalities. The moment he saw the feast, he didn't hesitate. He strode over, took a seat, and started digging in. He ate with zero restraint without sparing a single thought for Mulder, who was still out gathering intel.After a while, half of the roast pig was gone. His fac
"Who is it?" Warrick's grip tightened around the hilt of his steel blade. His eyes, sharp and alert, were like those of a startled predator—full of caution and menace.For the past few days, he had been on edge, like a cornered animal. He barely slept and was constantly on high alert, fearing danger would strike at any moment.The door slowly creaked open. An elderly man with gray hair stepped inside with a tray of fruit and pastries in both hands.Before he could even register what was happening, a flash of cold steel appeared, and Warrick's blade was at the elderly man's throat.The elderly man trembled with fear. The tray slipped from his grasp, and fruit and pastries scattered on the floor."Easy, Sir Prescott. He's one of us." Mulder stepped forward and pressed down on the flat of Warrick's blade with a finger. He smiled and explained, "His name's Leigh Houston. He's mute and has served the Hall of Gods for years. He keeps watch over this tunnel entrance and has never slipp
"Here's the problem—even if we know Warrick's intentions, how do we stop him?" Austin asked.Right now, Warrick had already disappeared without a trace. Austin's team hadn't even come close enough to get a hold of him, so there was no way to track him down.West Lucozia's vast territory and resources made it impossible to seal off every exit route completely. While it might be manageable in the short term, prolonging such an operation would significantly impact West Lucozia's economy. Wasting resources on a single fugitive wasn't a wise move."Warrick is a wanted man across the entire city. There's no way he's leaving through official channels. He'll have to sneak his way out," Dustin analyzed. He continued, "According to the maritime charts, if he's traveling from West Lucozia to Artea, he'll have to go through Thaloria. That's our lead. Get someone on it immediately—find out how many smuggling routes there are from West Lucozia to Thaloria.""Got it. I'll get it done right away