She was simply irresistible to some perverts.Bridget yelled, "You're not worthy of being friends with Madam Scarlet. Get lost!""Hey, are you looking down on me?" Bridget had made the man upset. "Do you know who I am? Do you know who my father is? I'm Daniel Grint, son of Zen Order's guildmaster!" The expressions of the people in the restaurant changed after he said that. "The Zen Order? Isn't that one of the eight major sects in Glenstead?" "I heard they have thousands of disciples, and they have a huge influence. As a leader in the martial arts world, not many dare provoke them.""That's weird. What's the Zen Order doing in Balerno?""They must be here for the Knighthood Society tournament. It's held in Balerno this time, at Shinefield Lake. That's not far from Millsburg. Many martial artists are visiting for the same reason." As they spoke, they inexplicably distanced themselves. They were afraid of being caught up in the commotion. "I've never heard of any Zen Or
"Ah!" Daniel let out another terrifying scream. Both of his legs were now broken. His expression twisted in agony. He just wanted a woman to sleep with. He didn't expect to meet a bunch of lunatics instead. They showed zero respect for the Zen Order, daring to harm others without hesitation or warning. "Shit! Who are these people? How dare they harm disciples from the Zen Order?""She's pretty, but her methods are absolutely ruthless." The onlookers were stunned as they watched Daniel squirmed in pain."That's enough. You're disturbing our meal. Just drag him out." Scarlet waved dismissively.Even as Scarlet gestured for Georgia and Bridget to drag Daniel out, she never looked up throughout the entire situation. Insignificant gangsters like them were not worth her time."Madam Scarlet is in a good mood today, so I'll let you go. Reflect on your actions when you get back," Georgia said. She then kicked Daniel stomach, sending him flying. He landed heavily by the doo
Georgia and Bridget were furious. They were about to launch another attack when Scarlet raised a hand to stop them."You're no match for him. Let me handle it." Scarlet stood up slowly. She swept a cold gaze across the room. A chill was sent down the laughing crowd's spine, and they turned silent. For some reason, they felt like death was staring them in the eye. "Oh, I didn't expect to see such a gorgeous woman here. I'm in luck." Joel's eyes lit up in delight upon seeing Scarlet. His lips curled up into a sly smile. "It seems like you people look down on women." Scarlet said impassively, "I'll give you a chance. If you can defend against three moves of mine, I'll let you go alive.""You'll let us go alive?" The group was momentarily stunned. Then, they howled in laughter. "Hey, girl, I think you haven't realized the situation yet. You're at our mercy, not the other way around!""You're pretty but pretty dumb.""Hey, beautiful. If I manage to defend against three of yo
"Let him go, or die!" Seeing Dustin held hostage made Scarlet see red. The temperature seemed to drop a few degrees. Even the lights started flickering. The Zen Order disciples who were on the ground shivered in fear.Scarlet had only intended to teach them a lesson, but she was now filled with murderous intent. Dustin was her boundary, and anyone who dared to cross that line would face her wrath, no matter where they might try to hide in the world. "I'm warning you! Don't make any sudden movements, or I'll kill him!" Joel threatened. He never expected Scarlet to be so strong. He knew he wasn't a match for her. His only chance was to use the hostage in front of him to turn the situation around."If you release him now, I won't kill you. But if you lay a finger on him, I'll destroy your entire guild!" Scarlet threatened coldly."Cut the crap! We're in control now!" Joel glared at her. "I order you to step back!"Scarlet took a deep breath, trying to suppress her anger, b
"Y-You … How dare you humiliate me?" Joel erupted in fury. "I might not be stronger than her, but I'm surely stronger than you!" He shouted, "I'm going to show you the Heavenly Immortals' terrifying power! Die!" Joel aimed his palm at Dustin's back. "No!" The three women's expressions shifted, but they couldn't stop Joel in time. They could only watch helplessly as the forceful strike hit Dustin's back. A resounding explosion echoed through the room. However, Dustin remained seated, completely unaffected. Instead, Joel was sent flying backward like a rocket. He crashed through the windows and plummeted from the second floor, landing right by Daniel's feet. "Joel?" The group was shocked to see him fall and quickly helped him to his feet. Didn't he say he was going to hold them off? Why did he end up sprawled at their feet?"Are you okay?" Daniel asked.Joel spat out a mouthful of blood on Daniel's face, as if mocking him for even asking. He then pointed a trembling f
Meanwhile, back at Full Moon, Joel flying away had everyone looking dumbstruck. Joel was a senior in the Zen Order. He was also a strong fighter on the Heavenly Immortals. Someone like him could split rocks open with just a palm of his hand. Under normal circumstances, Dustin would have been seriously injured or even killed by his attack. However, the situation was reversed instead. What exactly happened? "Dustin, are you alright?" Scarlet rushed forward after a momentary daze. She took a good look at him."I told you, that childish brat can't hurt me. There was no need to worry." Dustin smiled."You scared me. I thought …" Scarlet didn't continue. She seemed afraid of offending him.Georgia stared at him in disbelief. "How are you so strong?" She was aware of Joel's skills. She and Bridget weren't his match. If Scarlet didn't get involved, they wouldn't have been able to take him down. They were certain that Dustin was as good as dead earlier. They didn't expect such a
"As long as you have time, you can join." Dustin smiled and nodded."That's great!" Scarlet's face lit up with joy.Obviously, she wanted to join, not to watch the tournament, but to spend more time with Dustin. She didn't know how much longer she could stay with him. … The following day, Dustin met up with Scarlet and the others. Together, they went to the martial arts alliance branch. It was located on the edge of the city. A single large building was its base, boasting modernized facilities. The martial arts alliance had two major sources of income. One was charging new students high tuition fees. The other was to put up commissions and take a percentage of the rewards. In this world, wealthy and high-ranking officials frequently needed protection from martial artists. The alliance became the top place to seek protection. They had a lot of expert fighters available. The rewards were also generous. So, plenty of martial artists were eager to accept the tasks. After
"Hey! Where are your manners? How can you all just cut in line like that?" A young martial artist who was pushed aside immediately expressed his dissatisfaction. He had waited in line for a long time. Naturally, he was unhappy to be just cut in line like that. "Why not?" With a cold smirk, a chubby woman slapped the young martial artist. She declared, "I can because I'm capable!" Her arrogant and overbearing attitude would make anyone furious. "You … How dare you slap me?" The young martial artist was stunned. Then, his anger flared. "You bitch! Take this!" He raised a fist, ready to attack. But before he could hit the woman, a muscular man quickly stood in front of her. He blocked his attack. With a loud thud, the forceful punch from the young martial artist landed solidly on the muscular man's chest. The muscular man remained completely unfazed. However, the force of that punch sent the young martial artist stumbling back. His arm hurt from the impact. He felt as
Night had fallen. Austin sat in the meeting room, quietly reading a book as he waited for the results of the investigation.After successfully turning Percival against his allies, it was only a matter of time before they uncovered solid evidence of Warrick and Huxley's crimes.For years, the castle had turned a blind eye to their shady dealings. After all, corruption among officials was nothing new.But this time was different. The two had secretly orchestrated Jovian's murder, a direct challenge to the authority and dignity of the royal family. Such defiance couldn't be ignored. If Austin didn't set an example, others would surely follow."Your Highness!"Axel burst into the meeting room, panting heavily. He had clearly run the whole way to avoid any delay.Austin set his book aside and asked calmly, "Well? How did it go?""Your Highness, we've completely shut down all of Warrick and Huxley's illicit operations. Every hidden network they had built over the years has also been d
At that moment, Percival truly panicked. Earlier, he had only worried about being implicated. But now, faced with such a serious accusation, he was completely caught off guard."Hmph! The evidence is irrefutable, and you still dare deny it? Do you want me to torture the truth out of you?" Austin barked."Your Highness, I'm innocent!" Percival was so terrified he was on the verge of tears. He raised his hand and swore, "If I had anything to do with Jovian's death, may I be damned for eternity.""If swearing oaths proved innocence, we wouldn't need an enforcement team," Austin said coldly. "Out of respect for your years of service to West Lucozia, I'll give you a chance to come clean and receive a lighter sentence. Tell the truth now, or I'll throw you into Grimhold Keep."At the mention of Grimhold Keep, Percival began to shake uncontrollably. Tears and snot ran down his face as he wailed, "Your Highness, I swear I didn't do anything. Who's the bastard making up these accusations?
Ten minutes later, Warrick was escorted out of Room A1 again.Axel's demeanor had completely changed since their first meeting, and he had become unusually warm."Sir Prescott, Lord Austin has concluded the investigation. It turns out this matter has nothing to do with you. We made a mistake earlier, and I apologize for any offense caused." He smiled apologetically and spoke with a humble tone."Hm?" Seeing the fawning expression on Axel's face, Warrick raised an eyebrow and looked surprised. Just moments ago, the two sides had been at each other's throats. What had caused such a sudden change?"Did you really investigate it thoroughly?" Warrick asked tentatively."Of course! According to our findings, Jovian's disappearance was the result of a personal vendetta from his enemies in Oakvale," Axel said with a straight face.He continued, "He was a tyrant and always stirring up trouble everywhere he went. He got what was coming to him. Lord Austin only launched the investigation
"After you, Sir Prescott." With one hand resting on the hilt of his sword, Axel's other hand gestured toward the door."Hmph!" Warrick shot a cold glance at Axel's subtle movement and then turned to leave the meeting room.Even if Austin had his suspicions, Warrick knew he couldn't do anything to him without concrete evidence.Axel escorted Warrick back to Room A1. After closing the door, he went to Room A2 and led Huxley to the meeting room."Your Highness, it is my privilege to stand before you." Huxley entered the meeting room with a respectful salute."Mr. Thatcher, please take a seat." Austin's face remained neutral as he gestured for Huxley to sit, then motioned for Axel to pour him a cup of tea."Do you know why I've summoned you here today?" Austin spoke calmly, and his words carried the same probing tone as earlier."Is it about Jovian's disappearance?" Huxley asked in return."Oh? It seems you're quick on the uptake." Austin raised an eyebrow. "In that case, g
The enforcement team worked with remarkable efficiency. Within an hour, Huxley, Warrick, and Percival had been brought back to the castle.Per Austin's instructions, Axel made sure the three met briefly upon arrival, though they were given no opportunity to speak to one another. Afterward, they were taken to separate rooms and were guarded individually.Due to their status, the enforcement team treated them with respect, offering them tea and wine. However, they weren't allowed to leave their rooms and had to wait for Austin to summon them.Warrick was confined to Room A1, Huxley to Room A2, and Percival to Room A3. Their rooms were right next to each other, separated only by thin walls. If they stepped out, they would see one another, but none of them knew how close they were.This, of course, was all part of Austin's plan. He knew that extracting the truth from these three cunning foxes would require unconventional tactics.…Inside Room A1, Warrick sat calmly, sipping his te
"Hm?"Even Warrick frowned at the news.The royal enforcement team was rarely mobilized. When they did, it was always for something monumental. The question was, did a minor figure like Jovian Ballard really warrant such attention from Austin?"Mr. Thatcher, are you sure the royal enforcement team has been mobilized? And it's because of Jovian?" Warrick asked skeptically."Of course I'm sure," Huxley replied with a grave expression. "I've just received orders from above. The enforcement team captain will be taking over my duties temporarily. From now on, they'll have full control over the city's defense and investigative operations.""That's strange. Why would Lord Austin go to such lengths for someone so insignificant?" Warrick was confused, his brow furrowing.According to his intel, this was the first time Jovian and Austin had even met. Even if they had crossed paths before, it shouldn't have been enough to justify deploying the enforcement team.It seemed Warrick had undere
The next morning, after breakfast at the West Lucozian castle, Austin tried calling Jovian. However, his calls went unanswered. After several attempts, he still couldn't get through."Huh?" Austin was puzzled. They had made plans the previous day to head to Oakvale that day. Why was Jovian suddenly unreachable? Had he stood Austin up?After thinking it over, he found that unlikely. He and Jovian had gotten along well and even called each other brothers. On top of that, they had promised to travel together and watch out for one another.If Jovian had an urgent matter that required him to leave West Lucozia, he would have at least given Austin a heads-up. Jovian wouldn't just disappear without a word."Could something have happened to him?" Austin's unease grew. He quickly summoned his trusted aide. "Go find out where Jovian is. Report back to me as soon as you have any information.""Yes, Your Highness," the aide replied before hurrying off.Austin poured himself a cup of tea
A dull sound echoed through the air.Jovian's body shuddered. Blood streamed from his eyes, ears, and nose as he crumpled to the ground, lifeless. He was dead. After fighting to his last breath, he had chosen the only honorable way out.The scene had left even the assassins, who were no strangers to bloodshed, momentarily stunned. Taking one's own life so decisively wasn't something just anyone could do. Even the lowest of creatures had the instinct to cling to life, let alone a human being."This guy… He's ruthless," Ronan muttered, and his face darkened.Warrick had given strict orders to capture Jovian alive, but now he was dead. Now, Ronan had no way to deliver. If he had known it would come to this, he would have personally intervened to kill Jovian first."What now, boss?" one of the assassins asked."Clean up the scene," Ronan ordered. "I'll take the body back myself." With that, he hoisted Jovian's body onto his shoulder, tossed it into the vehicle, and drove off.…W
The sounds of battle echoed under the streetlights. Shouts of pain mixed with the clash of weapons could be heard. Five figures were locked in a deadly struggle, and blood splattered across the ground.The fight raged for nearly half an hour until the noise gradually subsided. The five figures lay motionless in pools of blood.Under the dim glow of the streetlights, three of the black-clad assassins were confirmed dead. One's neck was snapped, another's chest pierced, and the last had bled out from a fatal wound.Jovian and Boston were in no better condition.Boston was soaked in blood. His body was riddled with deep cuts, some so severe they exposed the bone beneath.Jovian wasn't much better. His abdomen and shoulder were slashed. His right arm had been severed, and he was left in a pitiful state.Boston coughed. After taking down the last assassin, he collapsed to the ground. He gasped for air as blood poured from his mouth. His chest and abdomen were torn open, and his orga