"Don't kill me! I'll talk!" The leader of the assassins was scared out of his wits. He divulged every detail, not daring to leave any stone unturned. He revealed the person who hired him and even their whereabouts. He spilled everything.Dustin nodded after he was done listening and dealt with the assassins, before leaving the building once again. While others often took their time seeking revenge, Dustin sought his revenge the very same day. Otherwise, he would lose sleep over it. …In the meantime, in the bathtub of a luxurious hotel, the white-haired young man, Wilson White, was speaking to Luis on the phone. "Don't worry, Mr. Langford, my men are skilled. They won't leave a trace. From tomorrow onwards, you will never see that punk again.""That'll be best. I don't wish for any surprises tomorrow.""Of course, I assure you everything will go smoothly, and you'll be bringing that beauty home without a hitch." He grinned."Alright, that's all. That woman won't let me touc
Dustin kept dialing and making calls while he drove. However, no matter how many times he dialed, Dahlia never answered. For some reason, Dustin was anxious. It felt as if something important was slowly slipping out of his grasp. He stepped on the accelerator and headed straight for Nicholson Villa. Ever since they got divorced, he'd never set foot in that place again. But at that moment, he couldn't care less. After he arrived, he rushed to the entrance, ringing the doorbell and pounding on the door persistently."How rude! Can't you knock gently?" Following the annoyed voice, the door opened."Dustin? What are you doing here?" Florence frowned, looking upset.Dustin went straight to the point. "Where's Dahlia? I need to see her!" "Hmph! What makes you think you can just barge in here to see her? Get lost!" Florence responded harshly. She was about to close the door as she spoke when the door was blocked by a foot. With a solemn expression, Dustin said, "I know Dahlia is in
"Some things are better discussed in person." Dahlia shook her head."Fine. I'll give you three minutes. Break it off cleanly." Without another word, Florence went to stand by one side. After all, tomorrow, their family would move to Stonia and live the life of the wealthy. By then, a lowlife like Dustin would never have the chance to see her daughter again."Didn't you say we'd never have anything to do with each other? Why are you here?" Dahlia looked Dustin straight in the eye. Dustin responded seriously, "I've found out the truth. I know Luis forced you into this, but you don't need to get married to him. I can solve all your problems!" Dahlia was momentarily stumped before she put up a polite smile. "I don't know where you heard that, but I'm getting married to Luis on my own accord. I wasn't forced, but thank you for your concern."So what if he knew? It wouldn't solve anything. Her marriage to Luis was a strategic union between the Langfords and the Nicholsons. Anyone w
The next morning, at Empire Hotel. A grand wedding was in full swing.The union of the two prominent families had caused a sensation throughout Swinton. Countless businessmen, wealthy individuals, and high-ranking officials arrived with great anticipation. Hundreds of luxury wedding cars were parked at the hotel square, occupying almost every available space. The entire street had also been cordoned off specially for today's wedding ceremony. Dressed in his groom's attire, Luis personally welcomed the guests at the entrance of the lobby. Of course, he only greeted those who held status and influence, while the ordinary guests were attended to by his men."Mr. Langford …" At that moment, Wilson walked up to him and said in a hushed voice, "There's a turn of events. Dustin's not dead yet, and the assassins I sent out are all missing.""What did you say? What's the point of me hiring you if you can't handle a small matter like this?" Luis frowned."I'm sorry. I underestimated that p
"Here comes the bride!" The officiant announced.Amidst enthusiastic applause, Dahlia walked in. She looked gorgeous in a beautiful white gown and took her place at the altar on stage. "Oh, my God! The bride is so pretty. She looks like an angel!""They look so good together. They are truly a match made in heaven!"Following her appearance, the atmosphere grew increasingly lively as the crowd looked on in admiration.The ceremony officially began with Dahlia's parents, John and Florence, seated in the front row alongside Luis' fourth uncle. Seeing the both of them standing at the altar together, Florence couldn't hide the smile on her face. All her hopes and prayers for her daughter to marry into a wealthy family were finally materializing. While John wore a smile, his eyes betrayed a complexity of emotions. Despite his prolonged absences, he had a basic understanding of what went on at home. As for Luis' uncle, he had an impassive expression right from the start, not showing m
"I'm here to … steal the bride!" Dustin's every step resounded through the entire hall like a loud bell; his footsteps could be heard over the quiet hall.The crowd had their eyes wide open, and their expressions were filled with shock. Nobody could have imagined that someone dared object to the union between the Langford family and the Nicholson family."Oh my goodness! Who is this punk? He dares disrupt the wedding? Does he have a death wish?""You have to give him credit for being so brave. He actually dared to provoke the two powerful families!""Interesting. This is definitely interesting. Seems like a good show is about to start!"After a momentary silence, the crowd erupted in frenzied discussion, pointing and gossiping incessantly. "Dustin?" Staring at the familiar face, Dahlia’s expression revealed how happy she was. However, that happiness was quickly replaced with worry.Although she was grateful and touched, she knew his actions would bring about a disaster. By d
It was humiliating not only to him but to the entire Langford family!"Dahlia Nicholson! If you dare elope with him, you'll be the Nicholson family's enemy!" Jane and Dakota stood up in fury, screaming at the top of their lungs."Dahlia, please don't act recklessly! Once you leave with that trash, our family is done for!" Florence screamed in panic. Once they humiliated the Langfords, they weren't just losing out on wealth, their whole family would be annihilated!"Mom, I …" Dahlia wasn't able to continue."Don't worry. I'm here." Dustin tightened his grip on her hand and scanned his surroundings. He declared in a loud voice, "Nobody is stopping me from taking the bride away today! Anyone who is dissatisfied can come for me!" The moment Dustin said that, the crowd erupted in an uproar."Oh, my God! This guy is so cool! He'd fight the world for the woman he loves.""If only a guy loved me that much, I'd be happy my whole life!""He's cool, all right. But too bad he'll be paying a heav
Because of Maximus' appearance, the situation turned against the Langford family. While a few highly-skilled martial artists from the Langford family were eager to take action, they were cautious, afraid of hurting Luis. "Both of you should leave first. Leave this place to me, Dustin," Maximus said confidently. After the battle at Mount Halgue, he'd finally achieved divinity, and his skills improved tremendously."Leave?" Luis sneered. "Where do you think you can hide? Even if you survive today, you will never escape our wrath!" Dustin was about to leave when he heard Luis and stopped in his tracks. Turning around, he asked coldly, "Are you threatening me?""So what if I am?" Luis laughed diabolically. He had no qualms about confronting Dustin. "I don't know how you met this friend of yours, but if you think he can go up against me single-handedly, then you're too naive for your own good.""Do you really think you're that powerful?" Dustin questioned him."Against you? Abso
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
"This…" Dustin began.He hesitated on purpose and didn't give an immediate answer.Upon seeing him deep in thought, Nathaniel was convinced that Dustin was weighing the pros and cons. He leaned in slightly, his smile widening with anticipation. "You should know how much the Dracan essence means to me," he said. "If I can gather all the essences, it’d be like fate is on my side. My path to the throne would be unstoppable—and when that time comes, your reward will be waiting."As he spoke, his gaze stayed on Dustin as he searched for any sign of hesitation in his expression.Dustin looked up and met his eyes. For a moment, something unreadable flickered in his gaze.He pressed his lips together and spoke slowly. "You're right, Your Highness. But it wasn't easy to find the Dracan essence. I went through quite a few twists and turns. Besides, if I give it to you, it might put me at odds with the other two princes."He paused deliberately and left the rest unsaid. Still, the concern
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