"Hey! I'm warning you, don't mess with me!" Julian took a few quick steps back in fear when he saw Dustin's threatening posture. He hadn't brought any bodyguards today; only a few pretty women came with him. It would be difficult for him to handle such a reckless fellow alone."Fellow guests. Please, calm down." Samuel noticed the tension in the air.He mediated the situation with a smile. "We've gathered here today for serious business. Let's not spoil the mood. Whatever it is, we can discuss things calmly while seated."‘’Alright. Since Mr. Franklin has spoken up, I'll respect that." Dustin nodded and settled back into his seat.Since they came for the Jade Maiden Scripture, it was inappropriate to fight now. He could deal with someone like Julian anytime he wanted, anyway. "Hmph! And here I thought you had the guts. But it seems like you're all bark!" Julian sneered. He assumed Dustin was hesitant to act because of his identity. "You dress up so shabbily, and yet you dar
Everyone glanced at Nikki, sizing her up. "Hmph! Do you think one billion is impressive? I'll pay 1.5 billion!" Julian raised the bid again. The Nicholsons may not have much of anything else, but they certainly had a lot of money. Not to mention, recently, he was in luck and earned a few billions. He had so much money now that he didn't know how to spend it."Two billion!" Nikki would not let up. The Jade Maiden Sisterhood had a budget of around five billion. As long as she could get the Jade Maiden Scroll, spending it all wasn't a problem. "My, my. Are you challenging me? I'm curious to see what you're capable of. Three billion!" Julian thundered with confidence.When he raised the price, several buyers gave up and left. Although the Jade Maiden Scripture was a precious treasure, it came with a major limitation. It was only useful for women. While spending a few hundred million to please their lover wasn't an issue, a few billion wasn't worth it. "Nikki, how much can y
Nikki was livid and glowered at Julian. She clenched her fists, almost losing her cool.While Dustin remained indifferent, it was like he was staring at a fool."Kid, get lost if you don't have the money. What are you standing around for? Waiting for someone to donate it to you?" Julian mocked."Hmph! You're humiliating yourself by going up against Mr. Nicholson.""It's embarrassing that you don't have ten billion!" The haughty women spoke out, and they looked at Nikki with disdain. It was as if money was just a number to them."All of you are too much!" Nikki seethed in anger and turned to Dustin.She asked him, "Dustin, how much money do you have? Lend it all to me. I will get the Jade Maiden Scripture today no matter what! I'm going to crush this guy's arrogance thoroughly!" "Money?" Dustin patted his pockets, then shook his head. "Sorry, I didn't bring any money. How about you, Cornelius?""Me neither." Cornelius spread his hands out. He only had a few pennies to his n
Julian glared at the masked men, displeased with them. In public, everyone always addressed him as Mr. Nicholson. The audacity of these masked men to address him familiarly by his first name!"So, you're Julian Nicholson." After the masked man confirmed his target, his gaze turned cold. The next thing they knew, the masked man lunged at Julian with a knife. The sharp blade sliced into Julian's abdomen, leaving Julian in shock. His eyes widened in disbelief. What on earth was going on? The masked man must be out of his mind to attack him without a word!"Ah—!" Julian screamed in pain. He staggered back, clutching his wound. He was terrified. "W—who are you?" "Your executioner!" The masked men approached Julian murderously."I've done nothing to offend you. Why do you want to kill me?" Julian broke out in cold sweat as panic overtook him. "I was paid to kill you. It serves you right for offending Mr. Huffner!" The leader of the masked men thundered. "I don't know any Pre
Julian died a regretful death. After killing him, the masked men left without any words.Dustin, who was the reason for his death, got his revenge. Not only that, but he got the Jade Maiden Scripture that was worth ten billion. It was worth celebrating.He guessed that the masked man who left earlier was Preston. Otherwise, he wouldn't have reacted like that when he saw Dustin. "Congratulations to the three of you. Luck is on your side." Samuel clasped his hands, smiling as usual."Mr. Franklin, thanks to you, we got a great deal." Dustin returned the smile with a knowing look. Samuel had remained silent the entire time, evidently hoping Julian would meet his end so that he could reclaim the Jade Maiden Scripture. It was a pity that it ended up in their hands instead."May I ask for your name?" Samuel asked respectfully."Dustin Rhys.""Mr. Rhys, you don't seem like an ordinary person, given your manner of speech. I hope we can work together again in the future." Samuel ex
"I was just saying. You don't have to open it if you don't want to." Dustin shrugged.Although the Jade Maiden Scripture was impressive, it was only suitable for women. It had no use for him. He was only interested to see it because of his curiosity. "Hmph! Smart move!" Nikki breathed a sigh of relief. It was embarrassing to admit, but it was thanks to Dustin that she could get her hands on the Jade Maiden Scripture. When they returned, she would put in a good word for him with Madam Edith and ensure he was rewarded accordingly. Twenty minutes later, the car stopped at the entrance of Zephyr Lodge. They had just exited the car when Brittany and a few disciples rushed up to them excitedly."Nikki, I heard you found the Jade Maiden Scripture. Where is it? Let me see!" Brittany was unable to hide the excitement on her face."It's right here, have a look." Nikki passed the box containing the Jade Maiden Scripture to her.Brittany's excitement grew as she studied the scripture.
"Brittany?" Nikki looked at her in disbelief. She couldn't believe Brittany would say something like that. All she did was greet them by the door, yet she had taken all the credit for herself. It was unfair, especially when Brittany didn't mention a word about their efforts. "What?" Dustin frowned slightly. Although he wasn't expecting to be acknowledged, it still annoyed him to be put in such a situation. "You did great, Brittany. I knew you wouldn't disappoint." Edith nodded in gratitude. "I'll remember your achievement. Once I've mastered the Jade Maiden Scripture's teachings, I'll pass them on to you!""Thank you, Madam Edith!" Brittany lit up in joy. This was what she had been waiting for. There was nothing more valuable than being taught personally by her mentor."Brittany, I believe there's something you forgot to mention," Nikki reminded her. As a fellow disciple, she didn't mind not being rewarded. After all, they were all working for Madam Edith. However, Du
"Madam Edith, I can testify that Brittany was the one who got the Jade Maiden Scripture!""That's right. It was all thanks to Brittany. That rotten bastard had nothing to do with it!""Nikki, you must have been mistaken."The disciples spoke out one after the other, choosing to side with Brittany."Y—you all!" Nikki was annoyed. She couldn't believe all of them were exactly like Brittany. They didn't hesitate to change the truth. It was outrageous!"Did you hear that, Nikki? Everyone here saw it. Are you still going to argue with me?" Brittany smirked triumphantly. She looked at Nikki as if she were a fool. In the Jade Maiden Sisterhood, other than Madam Edith and a few elders, nobody dared to go against Brittany. She could distort the truth as she liked. "Madam Edith, please believe me. I'm not lying!" Nikki didn't give up and tried to get Madam Edith's support. "Many of them are saying you're wrong; how am I supposed to believe you?" Edith's expression was frosty. "
Mulder's body trembled, and he suddenly coughed up a mouthful of blood. His energy drained, and his entire being seemed to collapse.Dustin's finger flick had not only shattered his sword but also injured his internal organs. With the effects of the enhanced serum wearing off, Mulder was now back to his original state and completely spent.His once-powerful frame now shrank like a punctured balloon. He looked as if he had aged ten years in an instant. Mulder could no longer fight. Even standing up was a challenge."He's finished," Dustin said coolly, then looked at Warrick. "Now it's your turn.""Hmm?" Warrick frowned, and his expression turned serious.Dustin's display of strength earlier had made him feel a sense of crisis. If they fought head-on, there was no telling who would come out on top.But Warrick was just one step away from escaping West Lucozia, bound for Artea and a life of freedom and luxury. He had no intention of risking his life in battle unless he absolutely
"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