"Um …" Those from Jade Maiden Sisterhood were astonished as they stared at Edith. They couldn't believe that Edith, who was the head of the Jade Maiden Sisterhood, a semi-grandmaster, and one of the best sword arts martial artists, had been defeated by Dustin with a single move. There was no way this was real. "Madam Edith lost? H—how is that possible?""M—my eyes must be playing tricks on me. There's no way she would lose!""Why? How did things turn out this way?"There was an uproar as the disciples struggled to accept that their invincible leader had lost."Who … who are you?" Letitia was aghast.Although Edith had been injured, she was still much stronger than most. "You caused a ruckus in my territory, yet you ask who I am?" Dustin's expression was murderous. "That's impossible! You're no match for Madam Edith! You must have used one of your tricks!""How dare that shameless bastard use tricks on Madam Edith! He's disgusting!"Edith's disciples began yelling.
"This is for looking down on others."This is for breaking your promise."This is for being a shitty mentor."This is for being an ungrateful wench."A crisp slap accompanied each of Dustin's remarks.Edith's face was swollen beyond recognition when he was done. "Um …" The Jade Maiden Sisterhood disciples had been rendered silent. Fear was written all over their faces.They initially assumed Dustin must have used a dirty trick to defeat Edith. However, the sight before them made them realize how wrong they'd been. Although Dustin continued smacking Edith, none of her disciples tried to stop him since they knew they were no match for him. "Stop!"Edith was on the brink of death when Nikki ran forward and threw herself over Edith.With a determined look, she said, "You can hit me, but not Madam Edith!""What?" Dustin frowned and raised his hand. Suddenly, Nelson's face appeared in his mind. Dustin could only lower his hand. "I know I betrayed you, Dustin. But she's m
"Unreasonable? Oh, Nikki. You're more biased than I expected!" Dustin laughed out loud. "Why didn't you try to reason with Edith when she broke her word? Or when she stabbed me in the back or ordered you to drug us? "And why didn't you tell her to be reasonable when she tried to kill me earlier?"Dustin sneered, "You're only telling me to be reasonable because you're going to lose. Don't you think the way you're acting is repulsive?"Nikki kept quiet when he was in danger. However, now that Edith was in trouble, Nikki jumped out and tried to guilt him into letting Edith go. How disgusting."I …" Dustin's rapid-fire questioning rendered Nikki speechless. She ran out of excuses and could only put on a tough front. "I'm doing this for you, Dustin! Madam Edith is well-known in the martial world. Being on her bad side would mean that you have more enemies. "That'll just be dangerous for you.""I've already become enemies with most of them anyway. What's one more?" Dustin sho
Ever since Dustin defeated him, Terry had been steadily recovering, biding his time. And now, it was finally time for revenge."You're weaker than you were last time. How are you going to fight me?" Dustin sized up Terry. Although Terry's core had been restored, his cultivation was nowhere near what it was before. Now, he was merely a low-level martial artist."I never said I would fight you. The one who's going to fight you is my mentor!" Terry humphed. "And who's that?" Dustin asked. "Listen well. My mentor is the famous Augustus Kline!" Terry declared proudly.Everyone was shocked. "What? Augustus Kline? Isn't he a grandmaster?""That's right! Augustus Kline is well-known in the martial world. He's one of the five ultimate grandmasters of Balerno!""Holy shit! Who the hell is this guy? How did he become Augustus Kline's disciple?"The Jade Maiden Sisterhood disciples were shocked. They saw grandmasters as beings that resembled God. The martial world also believed tha
The next day, the news had spread far and wide. Dustin, the genius martial artist, had challenged Augustus, the grandmaster. The battle was set to happen at the battle ring in Shinefield Lake. Many people were excited to hear about the duel. Ever since Dustin won the Knighthood Society Tournament, all eyes were on him. The attention only became more intense as he became the prime suspect in Paul's death. People from both alliances caught wind of the duel. And now, everyone was eager to watch the battle unfold. By dawn, many martial artists had arrived at Shinefield Lake. Most of them came because of Augustus. Augustus was a well-known grandmaster. His name was familiar to the people in Balerno. He had been laying low for the past few years. But it didn't diminish his fame. After all, grandmasters were extremely rare. Most martial artists could only dream of meeting one. Inside the gazebo by the lake, many important figures had gathered together. That included Ronald
Conrad never left after Paul passed away. After all, he was curious to see how Balerno would handle this issue. "Since you seem so interested, why don't you take a seat?" Ronald smiled and invited everyone to sit. Conrad headed straight to the seat next to Ronald and sat down. "What do you think will happen during today's battle, Sir Reeds?" "A fight, of course," Ronald replied. "You're a funny man, Sir Reeds." Conrad smirked. Then, he said, "From what I heard, Sir Augustus is doing this to avenge his disciple. I bet that genius you like will have a hard time today.""That's how life is. He'll have to decide his own fate." Ronald was calm. "Balerno rarely finds a genius like him. Are you sure you can bear to let him go?" Conrad smiled slyly. "He may be a genius, but if he's a terrible person, he's nothing more than a nuisance," Ronald answered swiftly. "He's right! That man killed my father. He deserves to die!" Autumn spat. "Well, we'll see what happens." Conrad's s
When Dustin appeared, everyone's glares shot toward him like arrows. The crowd's eyes were filled with anger, resentment, shock, and scorn. Because of Paul's death, Dustin became public enemy number one. So, everyone was eagerly waiting to see Augustus tear him apart. "I didn't expect so many people to turn up." Cornelius surveyed the crowded lakeside and saw the hostile gazes. "They're probably here to watch me make a fool of myself." Dustin was unfazed. He already knew that this wasn't going to be any ordinary duel. "Sir, why don't we give up? A duel against a grandmaster is no joke."Your life is more important than your pride," Cornelius warned in a low voice.He knew that Dustin was powerful. However, Augustus was one of Balerno's renowned grandmasters. The gap between the two of them was just too big. So far, no one has ever escaped the fate of being crushed by grandmasters. "Why would we run away when we're already here?" Dustin replied calmly. "Sir, grandmasters
"The scripture?" Dustin was surprised. Then, he burst out laughing. "That's what you were after this entire time, wasn't it?" He thought Nikki had finally come around and was trying to advise him for fear of his safety. It turned out that she was just putting on a show. Her goal was the Jade Maiden Scripture. "Dustin, the scripture is very important to me. Please return it." Nikki's expression was awkward, but there was a determined look in her eyes. "I've already given it to you. Why are you asking me again?" Dustin's expression turned stormy. "Stop acting. I know you stole it. We can still be friends if you hand it over," Nikki said expressionlessly. "First of all, I never stole that scripture of yours. It's your problem if you lose it. Secondly, I don't think I want to be friends with you," Dustin jeered. "Are you going to keep acting like this, Dustin? The scripture is useless to you! Just return it to me, and we can be friends again!" Nikki frowned. She thought D
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