Looking at the black sword in Dustin's hand, everyone was astonished. It was simply unbelievable.They had tried hard to pull the sword out, but none succeeded. And now, it came out by itself and flew straight into Dustin's hand.The most shocking thing was that Dustin hadn't touched it the entire time!He had simply pointed two fingers at it and made a lifting motion through the air. The sword seemed to have sensed him beckoning it, so it launched out of the ground and landed straight in his hand.But why?They had put in so much effort and thoroughly tried to get it out, all to no avail.Why did the sword come to Dustin just because he had motioned to it?Was the sword discriminating against them? Or had it simply ignored them?"No! No way! How could it have been so simple for him?" Nathan's eyes widened in disbelief.Even Master Chasey had not been able to pull the sword out! Why had it gone to Dustin of its own will? What was going on?"Oh my goodness! Am I seeing things?
This old geezer was abandoning his morals for his gain. He was greedy to make the sword his."Young man, let me make this clear. I'm not asking for your opinion," Walter said coldly. "Like they say, an innocent man will become a target if he possesses a prized possession. This sword isn't suitable for you. "Give it to me, and you can uphold your honor.""Sir Chasey, it sounds like you're threatening me." Dustin narrowed his eyes."I'm just giving you advice—a wise man understands his circumstances. You're still young, and you'll have many more opportunities. "You don't have to destroy your future over a sword, don't you think?" Walter continued.He was determined to get the sword at all costs. He would have done this long ago if he didn't care about his reputation."Master Chasey, the sword chose its wielder. Dustin is fated to have this sword. What you're doing isn't right, don't you think?" Emily frowned.She never thought her righteous master would completely turn his ba
"Go on, pull it out if you can."Dustin didn't want to waste his breath any longer. He tossed the sword back to its original spot and walked out the stone doors.There were three stone doors in the stone room. Dustin simply chose one and entered.He didn't prolong the situation for Emily's and Vanessa's sake. Instead, he chose to go his separate way.After all, it wasn't like Walter could retrieve the sword. There was no harm in leaving the sword here.The most important thing was the Shadowbloom.Once he found the Shadowbloom, he could still return and get the sword."Stop right there, punk!" As Walter watched Dustin walk away, his anger flared. He raised his hand and was about to deliver a lethal blow."Stop!" At that moment, Vanessa suddenly jumped between them.Walter jumped in fright. Afraid that he would accidentally injure his daughter, he stopped himself.Ultimately, he watched Dustin and the two others slowly walk into the darkness."Stupid girl, how dare you go a
"Sir, we're not disciples of the Jade Maiden Sisterhood. Should we pray?" Abigail asked."We should respect the dead," Dustin said, nodding.Iris was a great legend. Although she already passed, she deserved to be respected."Okay." Abigail agreed. She kneeled in front of the stone tablet and kowtowed.Suddenly, the stone tablet began rumbling. It sunk into the earth and disappeared.Then, an exquisite box emerged from the stone tablet's original spot."Sir, there's something here!" Abigail's eyes lit up, and she immediately opened the box.A golden pearl was Inside the wooden box. It was dazzling and sparkling.The golden liquid inside was spinning like a whirlpool. It was absorbing the spiritual energy from its surroundings."Oh my gosh, is this the Celestial Pearl?!" Azalea's eyes grew wide with shock.Even the ever-composed Dustin was surprised.He never thought the box would contain a legendary sacred relic of the martial world—the Celestial Pearl!"What's a Celestial
Seeing the two of them fight non-stop, Azalea couldn't stand it anymore. "If neither of you wants it, why don't you give it to me?"If she was shameless enough, they might give it to her."Don't be stupid!" Dustin glared at her. He forced the Celestial Pearl back into Abigail's pocket and said, "Take care of it. This treasure chose you. If you push it back, I'll be mad!""Oh … okay, then. I'll use it for a while, then give it to you." After hesitating, Abigail still decided to keep it close to her.She thought that once she grew stronger, she could help Dustin more.When she touched the Celestial Pearl, she could feel a cooling energy flow into her body and her core. It empowered her internal energy and strengthened her circulatory pathways.If this continued, she would have another breakthrough within three to five days.Her cultivation speed was advancing fast!"Alright, let's look around. Do you see any Shadowblooms here?"Without wasting time, Dustin began searching all
Abigail was shocked. She hid behind Azalea, trembling. She was fearless in most aspects, but supernatural stuff scared her. "Who are you?" Dustin frowned, his face hardened.He was caught off guard. But the fact that the person could push him back with a single palm strike proved their strength. The person before him was definitely an ultimate grandmaster! "This is my tomb. Who do you think I am?" The mist surrounding the figure dissipated. Soon, they saw the face of a white-haired woman with a youthful appearance appear before them. She possessed a beauty that could captivate nations. Even with white hair, her face looked like she didn't age. Her deep eyes seemed to have witnessed and seen all of life's experiences through everything. "Your tomb?" Dustin was stunned. His expression then shifted. "Are you Iris Meskill?""Iris Meskill?" Even Abigail and Azalea were stunned, their face full of disbelief. Didn't Iris die 50 years ago? Why was she alive? What was happ
At the same time Dustin broke through a new realm, Iris' killing palm strike was about to land on him. Dustin couldn't evade in time and had to face her head-on. Similarly, he extended a palm strike. The moment their palms met, an explosion rang out. Dustin flew back like a cannonball. He crashed into the wall behind him, leaving a human-shaped dent in.The entire chamber shook, causing stones to fall. Dustin felt a sharp pain in his throat and spat a mouthful of blood. His complexion turned pale. "Sir!" Abigail's expression shifted.She was about to rush up to help but was grabbed by Azalea. Azalea knew they had no place in a fight of that magnitude. Iris was already a revered figure 50 years ago. After years of seclusion, she was now invincible, a true immortal of earth! It was impressive that Dustin wasn't killed on the spot before such a terrifying figure. "You are skilled. Unfortunately, you are too young. "Leave. I don't wish to kill you," Iris said indiff
Dustin felt his chest collapse. He was thrown high into the air before crashing heavily onto the ground. He spat out a third mouthful of blood that landed in a splat far from him. It was a horrifying sight. "Sir!" Abigail screamed. Her eyes reddened, her face full of grief and anger. She wanted to rush forward, but Azalea held her tight. So, she could only watch as Dustin suffered. "One more step … just one more step … Natasha is still waiting for me. I can't fall now!" After collecting himself, Dustin clenched his teeth. Swaying unsteadily, he forced his battered body to stand upright. He was trembling and weak. He was like a flickering candle that would go out at any moment. "Sir, just give up! Let's give up the Shadowbloom. If you continue like this, you will die!" Abigail was anxious as tears started flowing. She could tell that Dustin was already at his limit. Another strike, and he would be dead. Drip, drip, drip …Dustin remained determined. He straightened
The ashen-faced Huxley was dragged away. With his crimes exposed, his fate was sealed. His entire family would be implicated, and their assets would be seized.Those guilty would be punished, and even those who had merely benefited from his corruption would be held accountable. To put it bluntly, Huxley's entire family was about to be annihilated.Austin issued his next order once the bloodstains were cleaned up. "Axel, it's time to bring in the mastermind."With Huxley dealt with, the next step was to confront Warrick. Unlike Huxley, Warrick wouldn't be easy to deal with. After all, he commanded a large number of troops. If backed into a corner, he could become a major threat."Understood!" Axel responded respectfully, then turned to his subordinates. "Gather more men and come with me."Warrick had earned his prestigious position through years of fierce battles. On the battlefield, he was a one-man army, a warrior capable of taking on thousands. His strength was beyond what mos
"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