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. "
"Sorry, Dustin, I couldn't help you." Nikki was kneeling on the ground, feeling guilty."I didn't expect things to turn out that way. You worked hard, yet you didn't get anything in return.""I don't care about any of that. On the other hand, have you ever thought of leaving the Jade Maiden Sisterhood?" Dustin asked suddenly.He was upset when Brittany hit Nikki earlier but didn't intervene. Firstly, it was because that was an internal conflict within the Jade Maiden Sisterhood. Secondly, it was to make Nikki recognize reality sooner. "Leave? Why?" Nikki frowned."The Jade Maiden Sisterhood has a bad environment. They don't set good examples, either. It's not suited for someone like you," Dustin said bluntly."Hey! I won't let you insult my guild like that!" Nikki's expression hardened, upset with Dustin."Am I wrong? A guild that distorts the truth and doesn't follow reason won't have a future," Dustin stated calmly."Madam Edith treats me well. You just haven't noticed,
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