There were just slightly more than a thousand people from the alliances. However, the disciples of the Kirin Gang added up to over five thousand people.Skills aside, just their numbers alone were enough to scare their opponents. Those clamoring to kill Dustin earlier on now kept their mouths shut. The people from Kirin Gang not only had knives with them. Some of the elites even had firearms. Unless one was a grandmaster, they could not hold up against those weapons."Sir Rhys, are you alright?" Cornelius and a group of elites from Kirin Gang rushed up to Dustin. They formed a circle around him, protecting him from the crowd. "I'm fine." Dustin shook his head. If he wished to leave, no one could stop him. But he might have to live with the label of a murderer and be hated by everyone for the rest of his life. "Dustin! Do you honestly think your underlings can fend off the Hill family's hidden guards?" Spring took a step forward aggressively. Though the Kirin Gang had the
"Septemortis?"Everyone looked wary of the black pill.It was an extremely poisonous substance. Once consumed, death was certain if one didn't have the antidote. No one could resist the poison's effect, regardless of their cultivation. It was something that struck fear in everyone's hearts. "Dustin! If your conscience is clear, then take the pill!" Spring shouted at him."That's right! If you don't take the pill to show you're innocent, we won't let you go!" the Hills clamored. They weren't happy to let Dustin go. But now that they had the Septemortis, things were different. No matter what tricks Dustin had up his sleeves, he couldn't escape death unless he gave them a satisfactory explanation. "Fine. I'll take it." Dustin nodded and placed the pill in his mouth."Sir Rhys! No!" Nelson immediately stopped Dustin when he saw what he had done. "This is highly poisonous! You'll die!""If he doesn't take it, he'll die too!" Autumn yelled."Damn it! I'll fight it out with yo
If Ronald hadn't calmed the crowd and bought Dustin some time to investigate, violence would've erupted. Things would be vastly different if that happened. "Dustin, I can't help you openly. But if you ever run into any problems, you may come to me in private," Ronald told him sincerely."Thank you, Sir Reeds." Dustin was thankful. "Now that things have come to this, you should watch your back." Ronald shook his head and sighed before walking away. The crowd came quickly and left just as quickly. Once they saw Dustin swallow the Septemortis, they knew he would die. It no longer mattered to them whether he was guilty. "Sir Rhys, you were too rash to take the poison! Why would you risk your life like that?" Cornelius sighed heavily. He really couldn't understand why Dustin would take the pill."All the elites from Balerno and Glenstead martial arts alliance were gathered here. Even with all of you here, you won't be able to stop them," Dustin answered calmly."Even if we ca
When Dustin finally opened his eyes again, he was in the hospital.It seems that the toxin within him had finally stabilized. But things still weren't looking up for him."You're awake, dear?" a surprised voice sounded beside him.When Dustin turned around, he found Natasha sitting by his bedside. Worry was evident on her beautiful face."Natasha, why are you here?" Dustin was shocked."I heard from Nelson that you fainted. Of course, I had to come over to check on you. What's the matter? Are you feeling uncomfortable anywhere?" Natasha asked, concerned. "I'm fine. I guess I was just exhausted, so I dozed off." Dustin pretended to be relaxed."Exhausted? Poisoned, more like," Nelson muttered."Shut up!" Dustin glared at him. "Poisoned? What happened?" Natasha asked, furrowing her brow. "It's just a little poison. It isn't serious. I'll be fine after taking some medications." Dustin chuckled."Are you sure?" Natasha was doubtful. "What? Don't you trust my medical skills?
"Yay! We're going to the theme park tomorrow!" Haley cheered excitedly when she heard Dustin's reply. She didn't forget to thank him sincerely too. "Thank you, Uncle Dustin! I wish you the best of luck and happiness and that you can rest in peace." "Rest in peace?" Natasha was first taken aback for a moment before she burst into laughter.The child was too entertaining!"What nonsense are you spouting? I think you mean to wish him a good and peaceful rest!" Nelson shot her a look and quickly corrected her."I'm so sorry, Mr. Rhys! She didn't mean what she said. Please don't take it to heart," Cecilia immediately apologized.She worried he might be offended to hear something like that when he was hospitalized."That's alright. She means no harm." Dustin smiled warmly, not offended in the least. "Uncle Dustin, it's my birthday tomorrow. Will you join us to celebrate my birthday?" Haley cocked her head and asked innocently. "Sure! I'll be there!" Dustin ruffled her hair affe
"Alright, Haley. Don't make things difficult for Uncle Dustin. Look, his forehead is already dripping with sweat." Natasha couldn't help but laugh, trying to save Dustin from embarrassment.Only he would get bullied by a child so badly."Uncle Dustin, you're sweating? Let me wipe your forehead." Haley took out a couple of tissues and began to dab at Dustin's forehead. "Haley, it's getting dark. You should head back with Mom," Nelson interjected. "But I still want to talk to Uncle Dustin." Haley seemed reluctant to go."It's your birthday tomorrow, right? We can talk more tomorrow," Dustin hurriedly added. "Really?" Haley's face lit up with joy."Of course." Dustin nodded seriously."Pinky promise," Haley said while sticking out her pinky finger."I promise." Dustin smiled and hooked his pinky with hers."Uncle Dustin, I want to tell you a secret." After linking pinkies, Haley leaned close to Dustin's ear.She whispered, "Dad keeps coughing a lot these days. He must be sic
"That night, I was too impulsive and unintentionally hit you. I should apologize." Dahlia bit her lip.Changing the topic, she continued, "Nonetheless, everything I do is for your own good. Mr. Killian comes from a prominent background. If you hit him, you'd only cause trouble for yourself." "Gavin does have some status, but that doesn't mean I fear him," Dustin said indifferently."Dustin, Mr. Killian isn't as ordinary as you think. You can't afford to offend someone as important as him!" Dahlia warned.Gavin was a successful young man from an influential family. He also has a high rank and even commanded a massive troop. With just one order, he could command the entire troop to go against someone.To offend someone like that was equivalent to digging one's own grave."You can think whatever you want. If you think I can't afford to offend him, then so be it." Dustin didn't want to explain himself. He knew that no matter what he said, Dahlia wouldn't believe him. "What? Yo
"You found him?" Dustin's expression turned grim. "Who was it?!""An assassin from Shadowslayer. He'd laid low in the Hill family for many years. Today, when Sir Paul had his guard down, he drugged and killed him!" Felix reported. "It was the Shadowslayer again?" Dustin frowned slightly. "Where's the murderer? Were you able to track him down?" "According to our investigation, he's hiding in a house at the foot of Mount Shinefield," Felix answered."Gather all the elite warriors in the gang and head to Mount Shinefield for a manhunt! We can't let him get away!" Dustin ordered."Yes, sir!" Felix said. He turned around and left. Twenty minutes later, Dustin led over a hundred elite members of the Kirin Gang. They charged their way up Mount Shinefield. In order to not spook the target, they didn't notify anyone else. This operation was kept under close wraps.When they got to Mount Shinefield, the sky was almost completely dark.Yesterday, Mount Shinefield was bustling with ex
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
"Jovian, listen to me. West Lucozia's trouble runs deep. You won't be able to handle it. You need to get out of there," Boston urged.When Jovian remained silent, Boston couldn't hide his growing concern. After all, they were comrades, and he didn't want to see his friend die on the street."You're right. I'm not afraid if they come at me head-on. What worries me is if they come at me from behind."After hesitating for a moment, Jovian nodded. "Alright, Boston. Take me back to the hotel. I'll pack my things.""Now that's more like it." Boston sighed in relief. "As they say, there's always a chance as long as you're alive. The most important thing is to stay safe.""Thanks, man. I'll buy you a drink next time." Jovian smiled.Without Boston's constant advice, Jovian might have taken a chance. But if things went south, he'd regret it too late.Back at the hotel, Jovian wasted no time. He packed quickly, then hopped into Boston's car to head to the airport. With the burden lifted,