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
"Dustin, if you found any treasure, just hand them over. Your life is more important," Emily couldn't help but worry. "That's right, Dustin! Treasures are all material possessions. It's far less important than your life!" Vanessa was worried, too. "Rhys! A wise person knows when to surrender. The Venerable Crane is not someone you can go against. "Just admit to your mistakes and hand over the treasures. Everyone would be happy that way," Nathan warned him as well. He wasn't sure if Dustin had the Celestial Pearl with him, but Dustin had other valuable items. There was only one way out for him: to give up the treasures to save his life. "I don't have any treasure. But even if I did, I would never hand them over," Dustin gave his final answer. "The fuck? Did he talk back? This kid has nerves of steel!""Hmph! Driven by greed, he doesn't even care about his life! He deserves to die!" Dustin's response sparked discontent among the martial artists. It also angered Theodore.
The crowd was stunned as they looked at Dustin. Nobody expected the frail young man before them to be the legendary young grandmaster.These days, everyone in Balerno was talking about the young grandmaster. Countless people admired and idolized him.Now that he was standing before them, they still could not believe their eyes."A young grandmaster? H—h—he's a young grandmaster?" Walter widened his eyes in disbelief.He had initially thought Dustin was only a bit more talented than usual. He hadn't realized the extent of his background. It was even more absurd that he wanted to take Dustin in as his disciple. It was a laughable misjudgment! After all, everyone knew Dustin was the monster who had slain Augustus Kline.Walter hadn't even truly broken through yet. Even if he did become a grandmaster, he would only be scratching the surface. He was not even worth mentioning next to a veteran grandmaster like Augustus, not to mention someone as extraordinary as Dustin. "Damn i
The next morning, Nathaniel was inside a lavish mansion. He was in his study, flipping through an ancient manuscript. One of his most trusted aides hurried in and lowered his voice, "Your Royal Highness, word just came in. Another trace of Dracan essence has been found."Nathaniel raised an eyebrow and closed the manuscript. "Where?""Our investigation shows it ended up in the hands of Logan Rhys," the aide replied."Logan Rhys?" Nathaniel narrowed his eyes slightly and was surprised by the name.He had tried to win Logan over before and spared no expense, but never received a response. Later, he discovered that Tristan and Matthias had done the same.Fortunately, Logan still hadn't picked a side. He might be holding out for the best offer, but at least he hadn't shut the door on Nathaniel.With the Dracan essence in his hands, Logan had become an even more valuable target. In addition to the West Lucozian monarchy, Logan was an ultimate grandmaster, which made him worth recrui
"Give me a moment to think," Dustin said.Grace's words sent him into deep thought.After all, carrying the fate of Dragonmarsh was no small burden. First, he had to be tough enough to handle it. Then, he needed the resolve to accept what came with it. Once he carried that burden, it meant taking on a heavyweight.He used to act on his own terms and do things as he pleased without worrying too much about the consequences. But once the nation's fate was involved, everything changed.Not that he had many options.Dustin could either hide in Sacred Wrym Summit and hope Arion would protect him, or take a risk and absorb the Dragonmarsh's fate to push through his cultivation's bottleneck. Between the two, he was leaning toward the latter."I can give your plan a shot," Dustin said suddenly. "But we're still missing a piece of the Dracan essence. If we're doing this, we need to find that last one first."Only once all five pieces of Dracan essence were united could he truly wield the
"Royal gods? And two of them?" Dustin frowned at the news.His battle with Poseidon in West Lucozia had shown him firsthand that the Hall of Gods didn't send weaklings into the field.One royal god had already pushed him to his limit. If two came at him together, winning wasn't even the question. He'd be lucky just to make it out alive."That's right," Grace said solemnly. "The royal gods, Zeus and Hera, have crossed the border. They're even stronger than Poseidon. If they ambush you together, your chances are slim."She knew Dustin was strong, but he was still young. Moreover, Zeus and Hera weren't just anyone. They were world-class powerhouses. Surviving a fight with them would be next to impossible.The Hall of Gods had probably figured out how dangerous Dustin could become. If they had given him a few more years to grow, they might not have been able to stop him."Well, that complicates things." Dustin rested his chin in one hand with a thoughtful expression.Two royal god
Soluna Hall had one rule—they wouldn't accept unfamiliar customers. They only served those they knew well or people introduced by someone they trusted. Every transaction required an appointment. Exceptions were made for urgent matters, but those came with an additional fee.When Dustin reached the entrance, two security guards stopped him. After stating his name and being verified by the guards, they let him through.Inside, a female attendant with a pleasant smile greeted him and led him across the main hall straight into the back garden. They passed a small fish pond and stopped in front of a secluded private room."This is Ms. Linsor's private reception area. Mr. Rhys, please come in," the female attendant said with a smile."She's not here?" Dustin asked curiously."She had something come up, but she'll be here soon. Please make yourself comfortable," the attendant said, still smiling."Alright then." He nodded and walked into the room.The room was spacious, with a vintag
"You're wrong, Tristan," Matthias said with a meaningful look.He continued, "Sure, I've got the Moseys to back me, but I'm still far from securing the throne. Nathaniel's got strong backing too, and this won't be an easy win. But if you were to support me, I'd say my chances shoot up to 80%."In his eyes, Tristan's support was worth more than the Ballard family.If he could win Tristan over, his odds would jump from 60% to nearly 80%. The only question now was whether Tristan would be willing to shelve his own ambitions and place his bet on Matthias."You know me, Matthias. I've never been one for ambition or glory. This kind of power struggle just isn't for me. I hope you can understand that," Tristan said.After thinking about it thoroughly, he finally turned his brother down. He knew his chances of winning were slim, yet he couldn't let go.Tristan was the eldest legitimate son, the rightful and undisputed heir to the throne. Aside from his poor health, he had no real shortco
Tristan, Matthias, and Nathaniel weren't fools. They understood the unspoken message loud and clear.Their purpose for this trip was to take advantage of the opportunity to offer their condolences and win the Ballard family's support. Should it work, all the better. If not, they'd at least make a good impression. The key was that as long as the Ballard family didn't pick a side or turn against them, there was still room to make things work. No need to rush into anything.Tristan spoke first. "You're being too kind, Duke of Lachshire. We've always admired Mr. Jovian's loyalty and courage. We're simply here to pay our respects—nothing more."Matthias added, "That's right. Your family has a lot to deal with right now. Plus, you're not as young as you used to be, so don't wear yourself out over this. We won't take up more of your time today."He gave a respectful nod, then turned to leave."Duke—"Nathaniel opened his mouth to speak, but Tristan interrupted. "That's enough, Nathani
"Oh? I didn't expect both of you to be here," Nathaniel said.He was just about to pay his respects when he spotted Tristan and Matthias inside the mourning hall. He gave a respectful nod and said, "Hello, Tristan, Matthias."Truthfully, he wasn't surprised. He had already guessed they would show up.The four ancient houses and the eight great families were all key players he needed on his side. And with the Ballard family still undecided, he wasn't about to miss the chance to make an impression."I heard you left Oakvale on official business. Funny how quickly you came back," Tristan said, his tone laced with meaning."It wasn't anything important. When I heard about Mr. Jovian's passing, I returned immediately. I wanted to pay my respects in person," Nathaniel answered smoothly, without missing a beat.He brushed off Tristan's subtle jab and used the moment to show the Ballard family he was genuinely there to pay his respects."Don't just stand there, Nathaniel. Go pay your re
"Your Royal Highness, it's an honor to have you here," Jonathan said.Upon seeing the distinguished guest arrive, he quickly pulled himself together and aside his grief. He led his family to greet Tristan, and they bowed in respect.Before they could finish the gesture, Tristan raised a hand to stop them. "No need for such formalities," he said. "The deceased deserves our respect."He turned to Jovian's portrait, which was displayed in the mourning hall, and sighed deeply.Tristan continued, "Mr. Jovian's untimely passing is truly a great loss to Dragonmarsh. May his soul rest in peace. My condolences to your family during this difficult time."Jonathan's eyes were filled with tears as he bowed his head slightly. "Thank you, Your Highness, for your kind words. My family is heartbroken over my brother's tragic death."Tristan nodded slightly. His gaze quickly swept across the hall before asking, "I've heard that Duke Lachshire fainted from grief. How is he doing now?"Jonathan
The unrest in West Lucozia finally ended with the capture of Warrick.Every official who was his accomplice was thoroughly investigated. Those who needed to be arrested were taken into custody, and those who deserved to be punished were executed.After the purge, more than 300 officials in West Lucozia were removed from their posts. Those guilty were arrested, and those whose crimes were severe were executed.Under Austin's iron-fisted reforms, West Lucozia's government underwent a complete overhaul. Corruption, bribery, and the tangled web of illegal deals were swept away like dust in the wind.The citizens quickly noticed the difference. When they visited government offices, they no longer faced delays, refusals, or demands for bribes.Long-neglected public issues began to move forward, thanks to the organized efforts of newly appointed officials. Things were improving across the board.Instead of fearing the crackdown, the citizens welcomed it. The corrupt officials who had dr