Natasha felt butterflies in her stomach as she basked in Dustin's domineering presence. His glare was sharp. They were intense and fiery. She felt pleased to be protected by the man she loved. "You son of bitch! It seems you won't understand how powerful we are until we teach you a lesson!"Kate erupted into anger as she yelled, "Take him away!" As soon as she spoke, a dozen Harmon family guards charged forward. Each of them exuded murderous intent as they approached with sharp gazes."The audacity!" Before Dustin could act, Cornelius had transformed into a ghostly shadow and shot across the heads of the crowd. With a graceful backflip, he landed confidently in front of the guards.A loud explosion was heard as he launched a palm strike from a distance. A powerful divine aura surged like a wave, knocking over the guards to the ground.The lingering force became a fierce gust of wind, forcing the rest of the Harmons to stagger backward. They couldn't keep their eyes open.A
As he got closer, Dylan whipped around and threw a heavy punch at Cornelius.Just as his punch was about to make contact, Cornelius raised his hand and caught his fist.A large bang sounded from the impact. The divine aura that Dylan wrapped around his punch broke on the spot. It was so fragile as if it was made of paper."What?" Dylan was shocked. He hadn't expected Cornelius to grab his aura-wrapped punch so easily."Is this all you've got?" Cornelius looked at him in contempt. With a slight twist, a cracking sound was heard, and Dylan's wrist was broken."Ahh—!" His painful shriek was cut short by a kick from Cornelius. Dylan was sent flying across the room and slammed onto the wall. He bled from both his nose and mouth.The Harmons looked at the scene in shock.Dylan's martial skills were acknowledged to be the best out of them all. He even surpassed the leader of the shadow guards. No one in the Harmon household could match him.Seeing such an expert being defeated b
Late that night in Zephyr Lodge, Dustin told Hector. "Mr. Harmon, your wounds have been treated. You'll be fine after a few days of rest."After dressing up the wounds, Dustin gave Hector a Haemoplenish to boost his health. Fortunately, the three stabs hadn't hit any vital organs. Otherwise, it would have been a pain to treat."I appreciate your help tonight, Dustin. Thank you." Hector smiled at him, looking pleased with Dustin. Somehow, he had already taken Dustin as the best candidate for his son-in-law."You're welcome. It's not a big deal at all."Dustin smiled as he asked, "Mr. Harmon, I'm just curious. You certainly can take charge of the situation and put them in their place. Why did you have to stab yourself three times?"Hector was still in command of the shadow guards. Nobody would have been able to retaliate if he had taken more drastic means to control the situation. Then, he wouldn't have to end up the way he did now—powerless and poor. "It's clear that things
The Harmons have strived for over a hundred years to get where they are now. If Natasha were to start over, it would be tough on her."Don't worry, Dad. I have confidence in succeeding when it comes to business." Natasha was sure of herself."What are your plans?" Hector asked."I don't see much potential in Millsburg. I plan to go to Oakvale. I'll make it big there with Immortunol," Natasha declared in high spirits."Oakvale?" Hector's brows pinched together. "But you don't have any connections in Oakvale. I'm afraid things will be hard for you there.""Dad, have you forgotten that Grandfather works in Oakvale? Nobody will dare mess with me with him there!" Natasha chuckled."Seems like you've already thought things through." Hector nodded with relief. "If that's the case, I wish you all the best." With Natasha's abilities and full support from Mr. Ballard Senior, it would be easier for her to set up a new company in Oakvale and succeed.The Harmon family's future would a
"Dustin Rhys?" All the disciples of the Jade Maiden Sisterhood were stunned.None of them had expected the genius miracle doctor mentioned to be Dustin. And the most important thing was that they had just had a conflict with him not too long ago. It would be awkward to go to him for help now."That Dustin guy, are his medical skills really amazing?" Letitia asked with her brows furrowed.He was barely over the age of 20. It was shocking to hear that he was an elder in the Stoneray Order."Of course he's amazing!" the disciple of the Stoneray Order nodded. "Dr. Watkins personally appointed Elder Rhys! He's also the youngest elder in the Stoneray Order. His medical skills are only second to that of Dr. Watkins'!"The scene where Dustin had cured a paralyzed patient with just a single needle was still vivid in his brain. He was still impressed to this day."Elder Rhys might be young, but there's no doubt in his medical skills. He might be able to treat Madam Parker." Elder Ferng
"Playing hard to get, are we?" Brittany looked at Dustin as though she had seen through him."Alright, if a meal isn't enough, I'll agree to a date too. I'll even let you hold my hand. Are you happy now?"From her point of view, she had made a huge sacrifice. After all, all those men who fawned over her didn't even have the chance to get close to her."Honestly, I'm really curious why you're so confident." Dustin was speechless.He had clearly rejected her. But Brittany was so full of herself and thought the world of herself. She seemed to believe that she was a goddess and that every man would fall at her feet."Why?" Brittany flipped her hair over her shoulder. "Because of my beauty, charm, perfect figure, and noble status, of course! I excel in every aspect possible!""Amazing!" Dustin gave her a thumbs up. "Since you excel in every aspect possible, why don't you cure Madam Edith's internal injury? I won't be needed then." Dustin turned and left."Stop right there!" Bri
With a crisp, loud smack, Brittany was sent flying. She spun in the air before crashing heavily to the ground.When she opened her mouth, two of her teeth fell out. Her nose was bleeding, too.For a split second, a deathly silence came over the place.All the Jade Maiden Sisterhood disciples gaped in horror. They looked like they'd just seen a ghost.Never in their dreams had they expected a man to hit Brittany so hard that she was sent flying, and not after she had kissed him!That was Brittany—the most seductive and alluring charmer among them all! She was a great beauty; countless talented young men fought for her attention.Even men from elite and prominent backgrounds admired her!She was used to men fawning and bending backward for her. None of them ever showed their temper or said anything mean to her.Dustin was unhappy after getting a kiss from Brittany, and he even slapped her!How dare he do something like that? Was he out of his mind?"You—you hit me?" Brittany sc
"Saving her is easy. But who is she to me? Why should I save her?" Dustin asked."Young man, if you save Edith, we will forget about all past grudges!" Letitia coaxed. "Besides, I will let you choose one of our disciples as your wife if you wish.""I have no interest in any of you from the Jade Maiden Sisterhood. If you want me to save Madam Parker, I have three conditions," Dustin said."What are your conditions?" Letitia squinted at him."First, I shall be paid 50 billion." Dustin raised a finger."Fifty billion? That's outrageous!" Brittany was angered."Then I guess we do not have a deal." Dustin left them no room to negotiate."Alright, alright. Fifty billion it is!" Letitia nodded.Money was not important. As long as Madam Edith was alive, they could always make more. The Jade Maiden Sisterhood lacked no rich men fawning over them."Second, Nikki Horst returns to the Jade Maiden Sisterhood." Dustin raised another finger."That wouldn't be a problem." Letitia agreed re
"Dad, what do you think?" Jonathan asked, turning to Simon."A guest has arrived, so we can't be rude. Invite them to the living room so we can discuss things properly," Simon replied calmly.Anders represented the Mosey family, and regardless of his intentions, Simon couldn't simply turn him away. As for the proposed marriage alliance, it was a matter that required thorough consideration."Understood," the butler replied promptly before leaving."Go on with your meal. I'm going to meet with Anders," Simon said, excusing himself from the table.Jonathan, Jensen, and Jovian exchanged glances and, without hesitation, followed their father. They were curious to see what the Mosey family had in mind."Alright, let them handle it. Let's focus on our meal," Gemma Letcher, Natasha's grandmother, said with a smile and signaled everyone to continue eating.…Three minutes later, in the Ballard family's living room, Simon sat at the head of the table near the entrance. Jonathan and his b
After leaving Dash Corporation, Dustin and Natasha headed to the mall, where they picked out gifts for every member of the Ballard family. From the eldest to the youngest toddlers, no one was left out. Later, they stopped by an antique shop and chose a beautiful calligraphy painting as a special gift for Simon.By evening, Dustin had everything ready for his first visit to the Ballard estate, located in the heart of Oakvale's city center. The estate was a sprawling courtyard mansion built on a large plot of land.Simon, the Duke of Lachshire, had three sons and a daughter. His eldest son, Jonathan Ballard, was a third-ranked official in the government. The second son, Jensen Ballard, was a successful entrepreneur in the pharmaceutical industry in Oakvale, with billions in assets. Meanwhile, the youngest son, Jovian Ballard, had made a name for himself in the military and was now a third-ranked general.Simon's youngest daughter, Jessica—Natasha's mother—was highly favored with
While Dustin was away, Natasha couldn't help but worry about him. She would always keep an eye out for any news about him. But no matter how much she missed him, she wouldn't call him. She didn't want to distract or cause him to lose focus on the important matters concerning the nation's affairs. Understanding how busy he was, she kept her feelings in check and buried herself in work to keep her mind occupied.But when Natasha finally saw Dustin again, all the emotions she had bottled up came rushing out. Months of longing turned into overwhelming affection, and tears streamed down her face uncontrollably.Her assistant, Tanya, watched in shock. She had no idea Natasha—typically the poised, decisive, and commanding chairwoman—was in a relationship. What surprised her even more was how different Natasha seemed around Dustin. The usually unshakable "queen" now appeared soft and tender in his presence.Tanya couldn't help but watch Dustin more closely. His looks and charisma were u
Dustin had boarded the plane back to Oakvale. His trip to Sacred Wrym Summit had been full of ups and downs. From the Combat Tournament to the invasion of the Hall of Gods, his journey had been perilous. Thankfully, the outcome was favorable. He had won the championship at the tournament, acquired three Dracan essences, and ultimately foiled the Hall of Gods' plan. In every way, the mission had been nearly flawless.After bidding farewell to his newfound allies, Dustin joined Grace on the return flight. Four of the five Dracan essences had already been gathered, leaving only one remaining. According to Grace, the last essence had been located, and the person holding it was in Oakvale. Though their identity was still unknown, she suspected it was most likely one of the three princes.With the position of heir to the throne still uncertain, the three princes were all eager to secure their power. Whoever obtained the Dracan essence would be blessed with fortune and have a higher c
The chaos of the night quickly settled.By morning, as the first light of dawn broke across the horizon, Sacred Wrym Summit had regained its usual tranquility. Yet, the bloodstains across the ground and the wreckage of buildings stood as grim reminders of the previous night's violence.The military forces summoned by Grace had already taken the Hall of Gods' prisoners into custody.Rumors spread like wildfire, fueling gossip throughout the martial world as all the major guilds watched with keen interest. After all, very few in history had ever dared to challenge Sacred Wrym Summit, and a bold invasion aimed at destroying it was nothing short of unprecedented.The outcome was clear to all who bore witness. After many years, the world had come to recognize the true terror of Arion. He was no mere mortal—he was almost a godlike figure.…Inside the Hall of Gods' headquarters in Streuqua, the core members were gathered, seated in two rows on either side of the grand hall.On the thr
After dealing with the Hall of Gods' elite fighters, Arion disappeared in a blur. When he reappeared, he was hovering above the forbidden ground of Sacred Wrym Summit.The scene at the entrance to the forbidden ground was one of utter carnage. Bodies lay strewn across the ground, and rivers of blood flowed freely. All members of the Hall of Gods, including Hank, lay motionless on the ground.Dustin and Willard, both covered in blood and exuding killing intent, had fought fiercely. After a long, grueling fight, they succeeded in defending the forbidden ground of Sacred Wrym Summit. They had thwarted the Hall of Gods' plan to destroy the Dracan force.At that instant, Dustin seemed to sense something and suddenly looked up. Through the mist and darkness, he pinpointed Arion's figure hovering above. Arion smiled faintly and nodded at Dustin before disappearing again.Crossing several mountains in mere seconds, Arion arrived above the Sacred Wrym Summit's grand hall. Below, the discipl
When the dust finally settled, Arion was the only one left standing.Bailey, Willem, Anthony, Batuul, the three elite assassins from Eskus, and several gods from the Hall of Gods were either dead or gravely injured.Willem's body had been blasted into countless pieces. Each fragment wriggled on the ground as it struggled to piece together. Batuul fared even worse. He was utterly obliterated, leaving no trace behind, not even ashes. On the contrary, Bailey and the three Eskus assassins had both their arms severed and were gravely wounded. Though Anthony's limbs were still intact, his crushed internal organs left him coughing up blood. The backlash from the demonic blade had also taken a devastating toll on his body. He now appeared decades older, his face gaunt and hollow, his hair gray. His frail frame made him look like a man standing at death's door."H-How is this possible? No… this can't be happening!" Bailey's expression was a mixture of shock and disbelief as he stared a
Arion's sudden appearance caught everyone off guard. They stared, wide-eyed and slack-jawed. What was going on? Wasn't Arion already dead? How could he be standing there in front of them? Could it be a ghost?They exchanged baffled looks, and their faces were filled with disbelief. They couldn't make sense of it. How could Arion possibly be alive? It was beyond their comprehension."You… you're not dead?" No one was more shocked than Willem. After all his effort, he had finally found the chance to bite into Arion's neck and drain every drop of his blood.He was certain Arion had died—there was no way he could have survived. But if Arion was dead, who was this person standing before them?"Everyone, calm down!" Bailey spoke up. "Arion's body is still over there. This person must be an imposter."At his words, everyone turned to look at the corpse lying nearby.Bailey was right. The body was still there, and there was no way Arion could still be alive. So, the person in front o
As the Snow Maiden attacked, Batuul's illusory Elephantine stirred into action. With a mighty roar, it charged forward and slammed into Arion. Its tusks, sharp as spears, aimed directly at his chest.Caught in the swirling snow, Arion couldn't avoid the attack and quickly invoked the Glow Incantation to shield himself. The tusks collided with the barrier in a deafening crash. The impact sent Arion flying, and the golden light surrounding him shattered like glass. Clearly, the illusory Elephantine's strength had far exceeded the Glow Incantation's limits.As Arion was tossed into the air, the three-headed, six-armed Chimera Wrath seized its moment. With six different weapons in hand, it launched a relentless assault.Arion swung his sword to block but was driven further back with each blow. With no solid footing in midair, his agility was useless against the onslaught.After several exchanges, one of the Chimera's weapons struck Arion squarely in the chest, sending him crashing to