When Dustin thought about it carefully, he could guess Valon's intentions. With the Dragon Guard eliminated, the royal family would gain true control of the nation. However, due to the Dragon Guard's influence over the years, the royal family found itself in a precarious position and needed substantial support. It was clear that Valon had considered the West Lucozian monarchy the best choice to provide this support. On one hand, the West Lucozian monarchy boasted formidable military strength and wielded influence in the court. On the other hand, since they considered the Dragon Guard their sworn enemy, collaborating with them seemed like the logical move. As long as the royal family had the backing of the West Lucozian monarchy, their position would be fortified. This was the reason Valon had sought out an audience with Dustin. Although it sounded absurd for Dustin to decide the next in line for the throne, it underscored Valon's sincerity. He was indeed a strategist with a
"Your Majesty, forgive me for being direct, but I don't agree with you," Dustin said.He continued seriously, "While it might be normal for you to have multiple wives, in my view, a monogamous marriage is the only way to go. "Not to mention, a loveless marriage is a dead marriage. I don't wish to put myself or another person in that situation." Grace was surprised at Dustin's words and seemed to look at him in a different light after that. Most powerful and influential men in Oakvale had multiple women. The remaining minority either had wives from influential backgrounds, making it unwise to cheat publicly, or struggled with impotence.It was rare to find men like Dustin who had self-control and refrained from engaging in improper relationships. "Logan, do you not like Grace? Or do you think that she is not worthy of you?" Valon probed. His daughter dominated the Beauty Ranking. She was at the top, whether in terms of looks or talents. Countless young talents across the lan
Dustin frowned slightly. "Then, who do you think is most suitable to be the next ruler among your brothers?"Trying to get me to talk now, huh?" Grace chuckled lightly. "Since Father presented this question to you, you should find the answer yourself. I won't be able to help.""You're pretty incompetent as a Regal Observatory disciple!" Dustin shook his head helplessly.The nation's fate was going to be impacted by choosing a successor. Dustin never expected such a heavy responsibility to fall on his shoulders. The key matter was that no matter who he chose, he would inevitably offend the other powerful princes. He would land himself in trouble if that were to happen. "There's no need to be so anxious. Father gave you time to think about it. You can observe them carefully before deciding which prince has better potential or perhaps aligns better with the West Lucozian monarchy," Grace said meaningfully. "What a bother." Dustin sighed. He could feel a headache coming on."Oh
"Mr. Dyer, may I know why Prince Tristan has invited me at this hour?" Dustin feigned ignorance. "His Royal Highness heard you'd returned to Oakvale and is eager to catch up. Today is a beautiful night to have a conversation over drinks," Milton said with his head lowered. "Mr. Dyer, can we do this another day? I'm truly exhausted tonight and only wish to get back home and get some rest. I promise to visit another day," Dustin responded respectfully. This statement was not a lie. He had several intense battles that day and was still nursing significant injuries. He was genuinely longing for a good night's sleep. However, it seemed like fate had other plans. First, it was Grace, then the King, and now even Tristan's men were inviting him over. They were not allowing him even a moment's rest."Your Highness, Prince Tristan has prepared some food and is waiting in the mansion. If you feel tired, why not meet Prince Tristan first before resting there? I will make the necessary a
Right then, Grace and Dustin walked in together. "Tristan …" Grace said. Tristan stood up to greet them with a smile. "Long time no see, Grace."He then turned to Dustin and said, "I'm guessing this must be Logan. It's been ten years. You've changed so much. I almost couldn't recognize you.""Greetings, Your Royal Highness." Dustin bowed."There's no need for such formalities. We're cousins, after all." Tristan immediately went and straightened Dustin's back. "Come, have a seat. Just make yourself at home.""Thank you, Your Royal Highness.""Thank you, Tristan."Dustin and Grace took a seat after thanking him."Logan, I'm sorry for ushering you here at this hour, but some things just cannot be delayed. I hope you understand," Tristan took the initiative to apologize, showing great courtesy. "There's no need to apologize, Prince Tristan." Dustin smiled faintly. "It's an honor to be a guest at your residence."Tristan was about to say something when he saw Grace beside
The Celestial Eye was one of the three greatest sacred relics of the martial world. It shared a similar reputation with the Celestial Pearl and was a priceless treasure countless individuals dreamed of possessing. The Celestial Eye was an extraordinarily mystical item with infinite uses. It could not only see through all kinds of illusions, but it could also break through numerous intricate spells. For example, one could immediately tell if they were trapped in an illusion or ensnared by a spell. Not only that, it was also useful during battles. It could discern all of the enemy's attacks. Not only that, it could also see through their weaknesses and lethal moves. Plus, it was an advantageous item to have during treasure hunting. It could tell if something was a treasure, its exact value, and its precise location. The Celestial Eye would reveal them all.Dustin never expected Tristan to possess such a treasure."You have a good eye, Logan!" Tristan exclaimed. He continued with a s
"I've been frail and ailing since childhood and can't deal with taxing work, not to mention trekking through mountains or waters, " Tristan explained. "Besides, I'm just a scholar. Why would I need the Dracan essence to enhance my cultivation? "Stop hesitating and just take it. You're the future King of West Lucozia and a pillar of our nation. The stronger you become, the more prosperous our country will be. "If I get the chance to inherit the throne, I will share the world with you, and together, we will create glory!"Tristan patted Dustin's shoulder with a smile, his last sentence implying a clear message. Since Dustin had accepted his treasure, he should support Tristan's ascension to the throne, and it would be a mutually advantageous situation."Prince Tristan, I appreciate your generosity. Thank you," Dustin said. Since Tristan had already put it that way, Dustin couldn't find another reason to decline. But the main reason was because the Celestial Eye would help him g
"What happened?" Dustin was in a daze and only felt a gentle fragrance envelop him. When he finally came to his senses, he realized he was lying in Grace's arms. Grace was dressed in loose attire, so he didn't notice it at first. But the intimacy of their close proximity finally made him realize the true meaning of firmness and suppleness. "What are you doing?" Grace frowned in anger and embarrassment. "Sorry, it wasn't on purpose. The car suddenly stopped, and I lost my balance, so …" Dustin felt awkward. "How long are you going to touch me? Get your hands off me!" Grace yelled."I'm sorry, I'm sorry." Dustin was so shocked he retracted his hands immediately. Sure enough, being too tired would only lead to delayed reactions. "What's going on outside?" Grace asked in a slightly louder voice. "Your Royal Highness, someone has blocked the way," the driver replied. "Blocking the road at this late hour? Is it an assassin?" Grace was the first to get out of the car. Dus
"Mr. Rhys, you're so generous," Felicia said. "I don't know how to repay you."She lightly ran her fingers over the smooth surface of the ornate box. Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears as she looked up at Dustin gratefully."It was nothing, Ms. Thorns. Don't mention it," he replied with an indifferent smile. "Besides, this Dracan essence was always destined for Prince Nathaniel. I'm merely delivering it."Felicia smiled earnestly. "What do you want in return? If it's within my power, I'll gladly help."Dustin replied, "I'm not asking for anything. I only hope that if I ever find myself in trouble, Prince Nathaniel will be willing to help me.""I get it now." Felicia nodded.Dustin wasn't asking for treasure, but rather seeking a favor from Nathaniel. With Nathaniel's current status, his favor was more valuable than any treasure.If he ascended the throne and became king, the value of that favor would increase exponentially. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that, even if D
When Dustin heard Felicia's word, his hand briefly hesitated before he placed the chess piece. He smiled and said, "I thought you came to learn chess, but I didn't expect you to be here as a messenger."Felicia gave a light, teasing laugh. "With a mind like yours, how could you not know why I'm here?"She added candidly, "Prince Nathaniel saved my life and welcomed me as an honored guest. It's only right that I repay the favor by helping solve his troubles. I hope that it doesn't bother you.""You're frank and gracious, Ms. Thorns. Why would I take offense?" Dustin replied with a faint smile.He had expected her to start with pleasantries or try to butter him up. So, her bluntness actually caught him off guard."To be honest, Prince Nathaniel has never taken this kind of interest in anyone before," Felicia said as she placed another chess piece on the board. She smiled and continued, "I can tell he truly wants you on his side. And as someone close to him, I'd like to help make
Nathaniel's mansion was huge. It was more like a maze than a home. Even with a detailed layout, Dustin had to stay sharp as he moved through the grounds. After all, blueprints never quite captured the twists and turns of the actual place.Led by a maid, he followed a winding path through the corridors for nearly ten minutes before finally arriving at a guesthouse with a garden.The place was spacious and quiet, filled with birdsong and blooming flowers. It was a secluded spot that was ideal for privacy."Mr. Rhys, you can stay here. If you need anything, just let me know," the maid said. Her gaze was warm with a hint of admiration. She had watched Dustin's performance in the training ground earlier and knew he was an important guest brought in by Nathaniel. If she could catch his attention, it could completely turn her life around.He waved her off and said, "Okay. You can go now. I don't need anyone to attend to me." "Uh… but…" The maid hesitated."Don't worry. I'll explain
The crowd murmured among themselves as they looked at the broken broadsword and the stunned expression on Lycas' face."That strike was insanely fast and dead-on too," someone commented."I never expected General Derin's secret move to be defeated like that. It's unbelievable," another said."I thought General Derin could turn things around for us, but he still lost," a third added.Everyone knew how strong Lycas was. As a fully developed grandmaster with a broadsword, he was supposed to be unstoppable. However, at the critical moment, Dustin's strike shattered his broadsword.Lycas' loss was sudden and almost unbelievable. Some blamed bad luck and thought he could have won if things had gone differently. But those who truly understood what happened knew better.Even with Dustin's movement restricted and Lycas unleashing his strongest technique, he still pierced through the opening with near-impossible timing. That strike wasn't just lucky but masterful. It was a brutal display
Lycas gripped his broadsword with both hands and roared. The sound cracked through the air like a thunderclap.He sidestepped sharply and charged straight at Dustin like a raging bull.The heavy broadsword moved like it weighed nothing in his hands. He swung it with brutal speed. Each arc cut through the air with a sharp, whistling howl, as if it could slice through anything in its path.The broadsword came crashing down on Dustin with bone-crushing force, like a mountain falling from the sky.Lycas threw his full weight into the swing. As the sword descended, the force of the strike stirred up dust from the ground. It sent plumes of dirt in every direction.He knew Dustin was no ordinary opponent. If he wanted a chance to win, he had to make the first move and seize the initiative."Nice form," Dustin said.As Lycas launched a powerful, aggressive attack, Dustin remained calm and unruffled. With effortless grace, he sidestepped without the slightest rush. The broadsword whizz
Bryce knew Dustin was strong, but this was beyond anything he anticipated. Though he had gained the upper hand early on, Bryce still believed his skills matched Dustin's.From his observation, Dustin relied on martial arts techniques and hit-and-run tactics. Plus, he didn't dare to confront Bryce head-on.He had assumed that as long as he found an opening, he could exploit Dustin's weaknesses and defeat him. But when Dustin finally stopped holding back, Bryce realized how wrong he'd been.It turned out Dustin wasn't just playing hit-and-run tactics. Instead, he'd held back the entire time to spare Bryce from an embarrassing defeat.The moment Dustin stopped holding back, Bryce didn't stand a chance. Even without special techniques, Dustin's raw power, speed, and reflexes were enough to crush him.The difference in their abilities was staggering, so much so that no amount of skill could close the gap.And it wasn't just Bryce who was shocked. Except for Nathaniel, who had already
Bryce's request for a fight heated up the atmosphere.Soldiers around the training ground started murmuring among themselves."Lieutenant General Gantz is a legend in our ranks. His combat skills are no joke—he's taken down countless enemies on the battlefield. I haven't seen him in action in years," one young soldier said with awe."Yeah," a veteran agreed. "Lieutenant General Gantz has been through countless battles, and his strength is unmatched. If he steps in, Mr. Rhys might be in for a rough time."After the fight earlier, the soldiers knew firsthand that Dustin was no slouch. Otherwise, he wouldn't have easily defeated the five elite soldiers.But in their minds, no matter how skilled Dustin was, he stood no chance against Bryce.Bryce was a grandmaster not just in rank but in skill, physical strength, and battlefield experience. He was stronger than any expert from the martial world.Nathaniel had once recruited several grandmaster martial artists to spar with them, but
"Your Highness, the soldiers under me are trained solely in killing techniques. If they hurt your guest, things could get ugly," Lycas said.He didn't say it outright, but the message was clear. If Dustin wasn't strong enough, he'd better stay out of the way, or he was just asking for trouble.Bryce didn't say anything, but the look he gave Dustin was full of contempt. How could a pampered young man like Dustin measure up to soldiers who've been through the grind? He figured Dustin was probably some heir from a prominent family who knew Nathaniel and was trying to assert his relevance."You guys are blind to greatness when it's standing right in front of you." Nathaniel chuckled and shook his head. He added, "If any of you manage to land a hit on Mr. Rhys, I'll pay out a thousand gold. But honestly, I doubt any of you have what it takes."At the mention of rewards, the soldiers perked up. Their eyes lit up with excitement. They were practically itching to charge at Dustin and g
During the meal, Nathaniel arranged for two women to accompany Dustin.Throughout history, even the greatest heroes couldn't resist the allure of beautiful women. Sometimes, a woman of extraordinary beauty could be far more enticing than rare treasures or high status.Dustin remained composed. He neither showed any enthusiasm nor did he deliberately reject it.As for the women seated on either side of him, he treated them with polite respect. He enjoyed a drink and the easy conversation with them, but nothing beyond that.However, Nathaniel saw it differently. To him, it seemed that Dustin was unimpressed by the women at his side.Considering Dustin's background, it made sense. A woman of ordinary beauty would never catch his attention. Nathaniel realized he would need to pull out all the stops. Perhaps, it was time to bring out his most prized companion and see how Dustin responded.After the meal, he led Dustin to his mansion's training ground.The midday sun blazed overhead