"You—!" While Vivian seethed in anger, there was nothing she could do. She could only endure in silence. She could only pray that Dustin would work faster. She sensed that she was losing blood, and her body was growing weaker. Three minutes later, Dustin finally finished treating the second man. As long as the bleeding was stopped, he wouldn't die immediately. "It should be my turn now, right? Hurry up and start treating me!" Vivian was getting impatient. She rushed Dustin repeatedly. Yet Dustin appeared completely at ease. He didn't feel any sense of urgency. He wiped his hands and stretched lazily before leisurely sipping on a cup of tea. "Hey! What are you doing? Help me stop the bleeding!" "Vivian was on the verge of losing her temper. She was nearly drained of blood. How could he be in the mood to enjoy his tea? "Why the rush? It's not like you're dying." Dustin glanced at her, still unmoved. "What do you mean I'm not dying? Don't you see that I was shot? Where's
The night grew deeper. It was particularly quiet at Auspicious Restaurant. The place wasn't as lively as in the morning. One reason was its secluded location, and the other was because it didn't operate at night. Suddenly, a muscular figure jumped over the walls. He skillfully went through the restaurant. The figure was headed to a private room on the second floor. When he arrived at the door, he gave it a light knock. "Come in." A dignified voice came from inside the pitch-black room. The figure opened the door cautiously. He immediately dropped to his knees when he got inside. Speaking toward a folding screen, he announced his arrival. "I'm here, sir.""You got injured?" The voice spoke again from behind the folding screen."I failed my mission. I encountered a powerful opponent and almost lost my life." Simba lowered his head. His expression was filled with fear and respect. Blood was dripping from his wounded arm onto the ground. It sounded jarring in the sil
"Mr. Rhys?""Mr. Franklin?" Dustin was surprised to see the chubby man before him. He realized that Simba's envoy was Samuel Franklin. He was the person who sold the Jade Maiden Scripture. "Mr. Rhys, I didn't expect fate to lead us to meet under these circumstances," Samuel said with a smile. His previous cold and chilling demeanor returned to one of gentleness. He appeared harmless and friendly."Mr. Franklin, you have quite the identity." Dustin narrowed his eyes. "I've heard that the Bounty Killers have three chief envoys. Each of them is known for their incredible power and abilities. I didn't expect you to be one of them.""I'm just making a living. It's nothing worth mentioning." Samuel smiled and made a gesture. "Mr. Rhys, please have a seat."Dustin didn't hesitate and took a seat. "Mr. Rhys, I'm impressed by your victory over Augustus Kline. Your reputation as a young grandmaster has shaken the world." Samuel brewed a pot of tea and poured it into two cups.
"This traitor has been very good at hiding himself. There haven't been any slip-ups so far." Samuel shook his head. He continued, "One thing for sure, they hold significant influence within the Hill family. They're either one of the Hill brethren or someone from the main family."The Hill brethren consisted of Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. They were also Paul Hill's four sons. Each one held substantial resources and had ambitious goals. They were also smart in politics. "You might as well not have said anything." Dustin frowned. "There are so many people in the Hill family. How could I find a traitor in such a short time?"He had his suspicions before. But he couldn't find any concrete evidence."Relax, Mr. Rhys. It isn't exactly hard to find out who the traitor is. However, you would have to take a little risk." Samuel smiled meaningfully. "Oh? Do you have a plan, Mr. Franklin?" Dustin was interested."It isn't exactly a brilliant plan. It's just a matter of using
"What? There are no activities on their end?"Autumn listened to reports from one of his men in one of the courtyards of the Hill family residence. He couldn't help but wonder aloud, "Are you sure?""I'm very sure!"The man said seriously, "We kept watch on them for the whole of yesterday. All of them from the Kirin Gang had stayed in Zephyr Lodge. Not even one of them set foot outside." "What is the rascal up to?" Autumn mused.Dustin had been doing everything he could to gather information and investigate the issue for the past few days. It was truly suspicious now that he suddenly stopped all activities. "Keep your eyes on them at all times. Report back immediately once you have any information," Autumn instructed. "Yes, sir!" With that, the man turned and left.By the third day, there was still no activity from the Kirin Gang.They continued indulging themselves. They spent all their days either training or having fun. The atmosphere inside Zephyr Lodge was live
That night, most of the disciples from the Kirin Gang got themselves drunk in Zephyr Lodge—all except the patrol team.A group of ten people in spy suits snuck their way in. They quickly searched everywhere in Zephyr Lodge.The group of ten people moved around like ghosts. They made no sound when they landed, and their movements were quick and agile. They were hidden from plain sight. The Kirin Gang's patrol team noticed nothing amiss at all.The group of ten was made up of the Hill family's strongest force, the Hidden guards. Each one of them was extremely talented. All of them had also gone through rigorous training. They excelled in everything: assassination, undercover work, gathering information, and spying on enemies.There were two reasons why the Hill family was one of the Tremendous Three. Besides Paul Hill's identity as a grandmaster, another reason was due to the Hidden guards.They had greatly contributed to eliminating all the Hill family's enemies."Here it is."
"There's evidence on the corpse? It was left on his body before he died?"Autumn's brows furrowed as he thought about it.He had checked the corpse thoroughly when he handled it. He hadn't noticed anything out of the ordinary.Could he have missed something?"Gather a few of our men. We're going to the hill behind the Hill family residence. "I'll open the coffin to check on the corpse tonight!"After thinking for a moment, Autumn quickly decided on his next action.He could not afford to take the risk. If he'd missed something, he'd be in huge trouble.He had to destroy any evidence before anyone found out!Thirty minutes later, Autumn and his trusted men secretly went to the hill behind the Hill family residence.This was where all the members of the Hill family were buried after they'd passed away. Paul was buried there, too.When they got to Paul's grave, Autumn bowed deeply and muttered to himself, "I'm sorry, Father. Please don't mind me."Then, he straightened up and
"Stand right there! I'm warning you! "You better not come any closer! I'm part of the Hill family!" Autumn backed up as he shouted at Dustin."How dare you say something like that when you killed your own father?"Dustin looked at him disdainfully. "If I tell the public what happened today, what do you think will happen to you?""Hidden guards! Kill him!" Autumn suddenly yelled.He wanted to kill Dustin to keep things a secret. But there was only silence around him. Only the occasional sound of the wind howling could be heard."Hidden guards? Hidden guards!"Autumn panicked and looked around in distress."Your trusted men are here." Cornelius held two bloody heads in his hands. He appeared from the shadows and walked into the moonlight.Then, with a toss, the heads rolled to Autumn's feet—the blood drained from Autumn's face."There's no escaping for you, Autumn. What else have you got to say now?" Dustin said icily."Wait a minute!"Seeing how the situation was turn
"You bastard! With all this evidence in front of you, what do you have to say for yourself?" Austin barked."Your Highness, please let me explain…" Huxley broke out in a cold sweat, his voice trembling with panic."This is a lie. Someone's trying to frame me! I've always followed the law—how could I possibly be involved in something so vile?""The evidence is right in front of you, and you're still trying to weasel out of it?" Austin shot back. "Looks like you won't confess until death is knocking at your door."He raised his hand and ordered, "Guards, throw him into Grimhold Keep. Use whatever means necessary—let's see how long he keeps up this act.""Yes, Your Highness."A squad of enforcement team members rushed in and surrounded Huxley.Cornered, Huxley finally lost his nerve. He dropped to his knees with a thud and begged, "Your Highness, I admit I made a grave mistake."His voice cracked as he continued, "I wasn't thinking clearly at the time. Please, for the sake of my y
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