Few martial artists in Lovellia dared to defy the Martial League. Dustin had never heard of Victor Cain. “Who is Victor Cain?” he asked the members of the West family. Lucius’s face grew solemn. “Mr. Cain is no ordinary man. He’s revered as the strongest martial artist in all of Lannopolis—a legendary sovereign grade fighter. He earned the title of National Hero for his exceptional contributions to Lovellia. He once served as the head of the Lannopolis branch of the Martial League. Though he has since retired, his influence and prestige remain unparalleled and command immense respect from martial artists across Lannopolis...” Dustin raised an eyebrow as his interest was piqued. A National Hero—the nation’s pride, bestowed with privileges few could imagine. Yet, what drew Dustin’s attention was the claim that this man was the strongest in Lannopolis. “Master Fox, Mr. Cain has sent the Martial League to arrest you. The situation is dire! You mustn’t resist them. Any violen
The crowd erupted in an uproar as soon as Dustin spoke. “Such arrogance!” “Shameless fool!” “Who do you think you are? Reckless brat!” … The elite martial artists sprang to their feet and berated Dustin furiously. The Lannopolis martial arts community had judged its fair share of notorious martial artists who had committed crimes before, but none had been as cheeky as Dustin. With so many powerful elites present, the Martial League keeping order, and Lannopolis’s strongest fighters presiding over the proceedings, most would struggle to hold themselves upright, let alone speak. “Dustin Fox, do you even know where you are? Do you think you’re still in Rivenesco? It’s one thing to dismiss these elite martial artists, but Mr. Cain? You’re not just arrogant. You’re laughable.” Bianca sneered mockingly. Dustin remained nonchalant and unfazed by the commotion around him. “National Hero, huh? Lannopolis’s so-called strongest fighter? Well, I’m unimpressed,” he said d
Dustin ignored the noise and strode forward. The eight fighters abandoned all notions of honor and ethics and charged at him altogether. Each had their own signature martial arts technique that targeted different parts of his body. Some aimed for his arms, and others went for his legs. In the blink of an eye, they closed in. Their moves were coordinated and deadly. “F*ck off!” Dustin cursed. Boom! In an instant, a force erupted from him like a nuclear blast. Dust and debris swirled violently and howled like a raging beast. Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! All eight elite martial artists were blasted away as if they were no more than leaves in a hurricane. They were flung into the air and blood spurted out of their mouths as they crashed to the ground. “What?!” The crowd was stunned. Their faces were frozen in disbelief. These eight were Lannopolis’s renowned martial artists. When they joined forces, their combined strength was said to be insurmountable. But
Dustin had just issued a direct challenge to Victor, Lannopolis’s strongest fighter. None of the elite martial artists present could match Dustin’s strength. Only Victor stood a chance. “Mr. Cain, please step forward to teach him a lesson!” Bianca said and bowed deeply in respect. With all the other fighters defeated, Victor was the only one left who could bring Dustin to justice. Bianca held an unwavering faith in this towering figure of Lannopolis’s martial arts world and was confident he could beat Dustin. “Mr. Cain, we are no match for him! You are Lannopolis’s last hope! Step forward and show this b*stard the true strength of Lannopolis’s legend!” said the elite martial artists sprawled on the ground. Victor could no longer sit idle under such circumstances. The strongest fighter in Lannopolis rose slowly to his feet like a slumbering lion roused from its rest. His imposing aura surged outward and commanded reverence from all who beheld him. “So young, and so
Dustin was surprised, and Metal Mask’s expression shifted drastically. This man was not just anyone. He was the Master of the Order of the Divine Hall! The two locked eyes. The air between them was heavy with unspoken tension. “Beyond sovereign grade,” Metal Mask uttered coldly. “Likewise,” Dustin said in an equally indifferent tone. Metal Mask frowned, and his mind reeled in disbelief. As the Master of the Order, he surpassed the sovereign grade. It was a realm others could only dream of. When he first learned that Lucas’s only student had reached the sovereign grade, he was startled enough to take action personally. But the reality before him was far more terrifying. Dustin had not just caught up to the sovereign grade… he had surpassed it! ‘This level at this age… this has never happened in three centuries of martial arts history in Lovellia!’ thought Metal Mask. His chest surged with a killing intent so intense it felt suffocating. Lucas’s only stude
The Cain family villa fell into complete silence. Dustin and Metal Mask’s combat was brutal and intense. It shook the very foundation of everyone present. When Metal Mask was sent flying by Dustin’s ferocious strike, the crowd could not help but shudder. If that punch had landed on one of them, they would have been torn apart on the spot. Metal Mask lay motionless after being hurled into the rubble. Dustin’s face was cold as he sprinted out of the Cain family villa. He swept his palm across the debris that buried Metal Mask and scattered them with ease, only to find the space underneath empty. “I just lifted the suppression and didn’t manage to control my strength… I let him escape,” he muttered in displeasure. Metal Mask was clearly connected to the assassins who had slaughtered the Aquila family, and this particular assassin was above sovereign grade. He was undoubtedly a key figure. If he had been captured and interrogated, Dustin could have uncovered some valuable i
Victor’s hesitation was painfully obvious. He did not dare fight Dustin. The thought of tarnishing his hard-earned reputation or, even worse, losing his life to Dustin, was enough to sap any courage he might have had. He was leaving himself an easy way out. All Dustin needed to do was offer a plausible explanation, and Victor would latch onto it as an excuse. “Why did I kill the Aquila family?” Dustin sneered with a cold face. “The Aquila family was once an underling of the Fox family. They betrayed us and colluded with traitors. They were involved in the slaughter of my entire family. Now, I’ve returned for revenge. An eye for an eye… Does anyone have a problem with that?” At Dustin’s words, the crowd exchanged surprised glances. The Fox family… Was he referring to the Fox family from Grayvale over twenty years ago? No one had expected that there was a survivor from that family… Victor’s face grew serious. The massacre of the Fox family was a complicated affair. An
There was an underground domain in Lannopolis, which was also a secret stronghold of the Divine Hall. It was fortified with impenetrable security. Metal Mask entered with a steady pace. Everywhere he passed, the people bowed deeply and greeted him. “Sir, you’ve returned! Did you capture Lucas’s only student?” asked the elite assassin of the Divine Hall, codenamed Ace, who stepped forward and bowed. In his mind, the Master of the Order was unmatched in strength, which meant he would absolutely succeed in subduing the Fox family’s heir. Metal Mask glanced at him. He then suddenly coughed up blood and swayed unsteadily. Ace was shocked. He rushed to support him and helped him to his seat. “Sir, what happened? How were you injured?” he asked in disbelief. He had never seen Metal Mask this hurt before. No one in Honora was capable of wounding him. “I underestimated him,” Metal Mask said gravely. “The Fox family’s heir has surpassed the sovereign grade. He’s already a Martial S
She only began resenting Irene after that incident and targeted her relentlessly ever since.Little did she expect that, at the graduation ball, Aaron would propose to Irene in front of everyone with the Verdigris Emerald ring. This was madness!Irene’s face reflected discomfort as she was surrounded by chanting students. “Aaron, I’m sorry, but I can’t say yes,” she said helplessly. “Why not? Irene, I’ve liked you for four years! Isn’t that enough to prove my sincerity? I’m willing to sacrifice so much for you. Why won’t you say yes?” Aaron lifted his head, and his voice grew agitated. So many people were watching them. He had spent a fortune on the Verdigris Emerald from the Central Harbor Auction House. Irene’s rejection felt like a public humiliation to him. “Aaron, stop fixating on this. I simply don’t like you!” Irene had no choice but to be honest. Irene’s words struck Aaron like lightning. “Why? What’s wrong with me? Did you fall for someone else?” he asked an
The dance battle ended without any debate. The difference between the two sides was clearly visible to all. As Dustin and Irene finished their stunning performance, many in the crowd turned their attention toward Phoebe. Irene had won, so it was her turn to fulfill the bet. She had to get on the floor and oink like a big. “Phoebe is the daughter of the most prestigious family in Lannopolis. For her to kneel on the ground and squeal like a pig? It’ll be the headline in the local paper tomorrow, and the Chandler family’s reputation will be in ruins!” someone muttered. “The heiress of the Chandler family forced to squeal like a pig after losing in a dance-off? By noon, Lannopolis Elite College will be abuzz with gossip. How will Phoebe ever show her face here again?” Amid the murmurs, Phoebe’s face soured, as if she had just swallowed a fly. How could she possibly stoop so low? “You’ve won. What happens next is up to you,” Dustin said to Irene. Irene looked at Phoe
The contrast between the two pairs on the dance floor could not be more striking. On Phoebe’s side, their dance was lively and graceful, and each movement showed elegance and versatility, which earned enthusiastic applause from the surrounding students. In stark comparison, Dustin and Irene’s performance was stiff and riddled with mistakes. Irene nearly twisted her ankle several times. “Is there even a comparison? This is just pathetic!” said Phoebe with a scoff. Her confidence soared as she saw victory within reach. Irene’s frustration grew with every misstep, and her anxiety was evident in her increasingly unsteady movements. “Let me lead,” Dustin suddenly said in a calm yet firm voice. Before Irene could respond, he had taken the lead. He tightened his grip ever so slightly and took control of their movements. In that instant, everything changed. Their dance transformed, like a machine that had just been oiled. It was seamless, breathtaking, and utterly mesmeri
“Drape a stone in silk and jewels, and it still won’t become a gem,” Dustin said indifferently. As soon as he said that, Phoebe’s face darkened. Everyone could tell the remark was a jab at her. “Who do you think you are? How dare you show up here? This isn’t a place for the likes of you. Someone, get him out of here!” she ordered coldly. Her lackeys leaped into action and stormed toward Dustin in menace. Dustin remained unfazed but waved his hand abruptly. “Ah—!” Thud! Thud! Thud! The lackeys were thrown back like rag dolls and rolled across the ground in a heap. Their faces were bruised and battered. The spectacle stunned the students at the ball. “Looks like Irene’s date is quite something,” someone murmured. “A bunch of fools!” Phoebe spat angrily. Dustin turned to Irene. “Sorry for the delay. I had something urgent to take care of.” “It’s okay. You’re here now. That’s all that matters,” Irene said and shook her head. She turned to look at Pho
“Still acting tough? Refusing to admit defeat until you hit rock bottom, huh?” Phoebe sneered. “Don’t forget our little bet—if your so-called ‘perfect date’ doesn’t show up or fails to impress, you’ll have to get on the floor and squeal like a pig!” Irene’s face turned ashen. She regretted her impulsiveness and bitterly cursed herself for agreeing to such an absurd and humiliating wager. If Dustin did not come, she would be forced to crawl on the ground and oink in front of everyone... That would be utterly disgraceful. Her reputation would be ruined forever. “He will come!” Irene said firmly. “Alright then. Let’s wait until 7:30 p.m. Get ready to become a sow,” said Phoebe in disdain and smirked. Time ticked away at an agonizing pace. Irene’s heart was racing, and anxiety gnawed at her insides. Still, she maintained a facade of composure and refused to let her unease show. Phoebe and her friends, on the other hand, continued their relentless stream of taunts a
“Keep an eye on her every move and report back to me immediately,” Dustin ordered one of the Hell Guards as they exited the alley. Although he had given Bianca three days, he was not going to wait around. Someone as arrogant as Bianca would only grow more insolent under direct threats. His ultimatum was a deliberate trap. It was paired with round-the-clock surveillance to ensure she led them straight to his father’s remains. After issuing his orders, Dustin returned to the West family villa. Recently, the West family had been rising to prominence with his support. Most members were now preoccupied with various affairs, and the villa was quieter during the day. “Master Fox…” Irene stood by a pillar and called out to him softly. She was still struggling to address him like that. The young man she had once recruited from a bar had now become “Master Fox” to the West family. Lucius wanted everyone in the family to show Dustin the utmost respect. This left Irene feeling awkwa
There was the Zimmer family and the Panther Gang... “He must have some secrets. Dig up everything there is about him!” Bianca said coldly. “I want all his secrets exposed. Every last one of them! Only then will I be able to deal with him!” “Yes, understood,” Michael said and nodded. “Off you go.” Bianca waved him off impatiently. She was ready to return to her hotel and rest. Her trip to the Cain family villa today had been a waste of time. It left her exhausted both mentally and physically. “Leaving so soon, Miss Bianca?” A languid voice suddenly echoed from the alley’s entrance. Bianca stiffened and turned in the direction of the voice. The dim light at the entrance made it hard to see who it really was. “Who are you?” Michael shouted. When the person stepped closer, Bianca finally saw who it was. “Dustin!” she spat the name out in disgust as her face darkened. It was none other than Dustin, who she thought had left. Michael immediately stepped forward to s
There was an underground domain in Lannopolis, which was also a secret stronghold of the Divine Hall. It was fortified with impenetrable security. Metal Mask entered with a steady pace. Everywhere he passed, the people bowed deeply and greeted him. “Sir, you’ve returned! Did you capture Lucas’s only student?” asked the elite assassin of the Divine Hall, codenamed Ace, who stepped forward and bowed. In his mind, the Master of the Order was unmatched in strength, which meant he would absolutely succeed in subduing the Fox family’s heir. Metal Mask glanced at him. He then suddenly coughed up blood and swayed unsteadily. Ace was shocked. He rushed to support him and helped him to his seat. “Sir, what happened? How were you injured?” he asked in disbelief. He had never seen Metal Mask this hurt before. No one in Honora was capable of wounding him. “I underestimated him,” Metal Mask said gravely. “The Fox family’s heir has surpassed the sovereign grade. He’s already a Martial S
Victor’s hesitation was painfully obvious. He did not dare fight Dustin. The thought of tarnishing his hard-earned reputation or, even worse, losing his life to Dustin, was enough to sap any courage he might have had. He was leaving himself an easy way out. All Dustin needed to do was offer a plausible explanation, and Victor would latch onto it as an excuse. “Why did I kill the Aquila family?” Dustin sneered with a cold face. “The Aquila family was once an underling of the Fox family. They betrayed us and colluded with traitors. They were involved in the slaughter of my entire family. Now, I’ve returned for revenge. An eye for an eye… Does anyone have a problem with that?” At Dustin’s words, the crowd exchanged surprised glances. The Fox family… Was he referring to the Fox family from Grayvale over twenty years ago? No one had expected that there was a survivor from that family… Victor’s face grew serious. The massacre of the Fox family was a complicated affair. An