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
After handing over the Shadowbloom, Iris turned back to stone. With her eyes closed, she stood unmoving.She seemed to be reminiscing memories. She also seemed to be in deep contemplation."Thank you, Madam Iris, for the flower. I will always remember your generosity. Goodbye."Dustin decided not to disturb her further when he saw her in her meditative state. After a deep bow, he staggered away. Dustin would have been dead if Iris hadn't held back earlier. Her skills had already surpassed that of an ultimate grandmaster, and she was unmatched in the entire world."Sir, are you alright? You lost a lot of blood." Abigail helped Dustin walk. The corner of her eyes was still stained with tears. That was too close.If it weren't because Iris took pity on him, Dustin would have died. "I'm fine. I just broke a few bones. I won't die."Dustin took out a tablet and swallowed it. He then slowly circulated his energy.It was fortunate that he had a good foundation. Not to mention,
Azure Mist didn't expect to be stopped by major sects as soon as they exited the tomb. There was no way to escape. "Sir Chasey, wouldn't it be better to share? It doesn't seem right for Azure Mist to enjoy it alone.""Walter, it would be wise to read the room. You won't be able to keep your hands on those treasures today, so why not share them with all of us? Everyone would be happy that way.""Chasey! Hand over the treasures right now, or don't blame us for using force!"The leaders of several sects shouted a variety of threats and enticements. Their eyes gleamed with greed. Iris had collected countless treasures. The sight of any of them would send people into a frenzy. "What the hell are all of you talking about? We didn't discover anything. What are we supposed to give you?" Walter denied it firmly. He couldn't bear to hand over the treasures they had acquired."Hmph! Still trying to wriggle your way out? You just came out from the tomb. You must have found something!"
As the sect leaders watched Walter's transformation, they frowned. They knew they were about to face a formidable enemy. In the past, they could defeat him easily. But now, Walter had broken through another realm and turned into a true grandmaster.The difference in skills between both sides widened. Even though they were only half a step away from becoming a grandmaster, that step was like a rift that was impossible to cross. Once they crossed over, they would soar to greater heights. If they failed, they would fall behind forever. "Guys, what should we do now?" Skycrane's leader glanced at those beside him. He wouldn't have provoked Walter if he had known he was a grandmaster. Now, they were trapped in a difficult situation. They couldn't defeat him in a fight, and they couldn't escape either. "Should we try and fight him? He achieved a breakthrough temporarily through a tablet. If we work together, we might stand a chance.""Are you joking? He's a grandmaster now. Non
Theodore had an icy expression as he rebuked his disciples. "Master, you have a point." Skycrane's leader smiled apologetically, appearing submissive. The crowd broke out in whispers when they noticed his behavior. "It can't be. Is that the legendary Venerable Crane?""The Venerable Crane has secluded himself for many years, paying no attention to worldly affairs. I didn't expect to see him here today.""Even the Venerable Crane is after Madam Iris' treasures!" Theodore's arrival shifted the dynamics of the situation. Although Walter had become a grandmaster, he was still relatively new. In contrast, Theodore was a veteran grandmaster whose reputation had spread far and wide.They weren't on the same level. "The Venerable Crane? Why did this monster show up?"Walter gulped, losing his confidence. His arrogance disappeared, and he looked at Theodore with respect."Hey, you over there. You entered Madam Iris's tomb earlier, didn't you?"Theodore's gaze swept across the
"What the hell? Is this brat crazy? How dare he challenge the Venerable Crane?" "Where did this hothead come from? He has no respect for the Venerable Crane. Is he tired of living?""He's so reckless for his age. Seems like he hasn't faced society's wrath!"The crowd discussed and pointed at Dustin. It was as if they were looking at an idiot.Theodore was Skycrane's founder. He was a revered grandmaster respected by thousands and considered a legendary figure in Balerno martial arts. Nobody would ever dare act disrespectfully against him. And yet, this little brat was challenging him publicly. He might as well turn it into a suicide mission! "You little prick, do you know what you just said?" Theodore's expression darkened. In a sinister tone, he said, "If you don't want to die, kneel immediately. Grovel at my feet and call me grandpa, and I will let you live!" "Hey, brat! What are you still standing there for? Hurry up and kneel!""Not anyone can address the Venerabl
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