"That gem!" Dustin was full of excitement at the appearance of the red gemstone. He had resigned himself to leaving empty-handed today, but as luck would have it, he chanced upon another treasure. "Hmph, what a country bumpkin. What's so exciting about a red gemstone?" Taking in the excited look on Dustin's face, Jayla looked at him in contempt. "I've got plenty of those at home. Only a country bumpkin like you who hasn't seen the world will think it's special."Dustin ignored her and focused his gaze on the red gemstone on stage. Its surface was colored a blood-like deep crimson, and its shape was similar to a calabash. On the surface, it looked ordinary. However, its desirability lay in its size, and after some processing, it would undoubtedly turn out to be invaluable. In the eyes of a professional jeweler, this was definitely the finest red crimson. Roderick was confused. "Mr. Rhys, do you like it?" Dustin didn't seem like someone who would covet precious stones, especially wi
Roderick continued bidding."One billion." Jayla showed no signs of letting up. As she was deliberately targeting the gem, the price of the red gemstone hit the billion-dollar mark, which had far exceeded the valuation of the gemstone. It would be a great loss for the winning bidder. "It seems like they've come head-to-head with each other.""I have a bad feeling something is going to happen to Big Buck Brooks for offending Ms. Grant.""He's just wealthy. How does he have the guts to challenge such a prominent family?"The crowd pointed and gossiped fervently, clearly enjoying the farce. "1.5 billion dollars." Roderick raised his paddle again, boldly increasing the bid by 500 million dollars. "1.6 billion dollars." Jayla continued challenging him head-on. "Two billion dollars!" Roderick then told her in an impassive tone, "Ms. Grant, if you raise it again, I'll let you have it."Jayla was about to raise it when she froze. She wasn't interested in the red gemstone. It woul
Jayla finally realized she had been miserably deceived. However, she only had herself to blame for her mistake. Of course, with the power the Grant family held, she could demand a refund from the auctioneer. But if she did that, she would be badly criticized. She couldn't afford to be humiliated as such. For the sake of her reputation, she could only swallow her resentment. Roderick added insult to injury. "Ms. Grant, it seems like the item that cost you a fortune isn't that precious after all.""You can't say that. Even though it's lacking a few years, it's still considered a precious treasure." The man in the long-sleeved shirt attempted to diffuse the situation. "Did you hear that? Even if it's lacking, it's still precious!" Color returned to her expression.Dustin smiled. "I'd like to ask. What's the value of a 900-year green lotus?" He looked troubled and answered with difficulty, "Based on its effectiveness and age, it should be around three to four hundred million.""Wh
"That's right. Only people like you would foolishly spend two billion on a red gemstone like that." "I like to call them rich airheads."The crowd pointed and murmured, gossiping among themselves. It seemed to them that Dustin was a prime example of a stubborn man who couldn't accept defeat. It was clear that he had suffered a loss but was still trying to show off without merit. "Do you hear that? I'm not the only one who thinks you're an idiot. Everyone else thinks the same." Her lips curled up into a smirk. "Really?" Dustin smiled faintly. "It seems like no one has realized this is not an ordinary red gemstone. It's an extremely rare Crimson Gem.""What's a Crimson Gem? I've never heard of it." Jayla pursed her lips in disdain. "That's fine. Allow me to enlighten you today." As he said that, he smashed the gemstone with his palm. Everyone present heard two cracking noises as two visible crack lines formed on the surface. In the blink of an eye, the cracks spread across t
"Why? Just why!" Jayla burned with jealousy. If she had known the gemstone was hiding a priceless treasure, she would never have sold it. In the end, it ended up in the hands of a country bumpkin! What a loss!"What a turn of events. This is such a blessing!" Dustin held the Flower of Crimson Gem up in one hand, the corner of his lips curling up into a wide smile. From the moment he laid eyes on the gemstone, he knew it was hiding something exceptional. Just as he expected, he had discovered a true treasure. The Flower of Crimson Gem was not an ordinary flower. It was an extremely rare treasure. Typically, it could only be found in red gemstones. And it just so happened that the red gemstone on auction today was a Crimson Gem.Previously, he felt regretful thinking about the 900-year green lotus. However, the appearance of the Flower of Crimson Gem came as a blessing and a happy surprise. At least he didn't travel all the way here for nothing. "Ms. Grant, don't you think a pri
The next day, back at Swinton, a convoy of luxury cars drove into Park Palace in a grandiose display. As their procession moved through the streets, it left a lasting impression of power and splendor. By the entrance, the entire Harmon family had been waiting, with Jessica in the lead. As the vehicles came to a stop, Jayla, who was dressed in luxurious clothing, was the first to disembark with an arrogant look on her face. "Jayla, you're here! Please, come in." Jessica greeted her with a smile and a welcoming attitude. The person she was greeting was Tyler's sister. Her standing among the entire Grant family was not to be taken lightly. Jayla nodded in response. "Jessica, long time no see. Where's Natasha? Why don't I see her?""She's inside getting ready. She won't take much longer," Jessica explained with a smile."Jayla, I prepared something for you when I found out you were visiting. Have a look." At that moment, Quentin, who was standing beside them, took out a sapphire
Everyone stood in shock at her words. No one could believe Natasha dared say that. "Natasha? What nonsense are you spouting? Are you sleep talking?!" Jessica gave her a look.Natasha said calmly, "I'm fully awake, and I am well aware of what I just said. It is regrettable, but I need to express my feelings today. Tyler and I are unsuited for each other." "Natasha, what do you mean by this?" Jayla's brow knitted. A slightly uneasy feeling crept up within her. "I'm backing out of this marriage." Just like that, Natasha dropped the bomb. "You're backing out?" Jayla's expression darkened at her words. She snapped at her. "Natasha Harmon, are you insane?! How dare you break off a union with the Grants? The audacity!"Jessica warned, "Natasha, stop your nonsense. You can't say those things lightly!"The Grant family was part of the Tremendous Three. Whether it was their connections or their legacy, the Grants surpassed the Harmons in every aspect. Especially with Tyler, the excep
"Natasha Harmon! What's wrong with you? Who gave you the green light to call off the marriage?" Once Jayla left, Jessica finally unleashed her temper. The marriage concerned the fate of their family, and she would not allow Natasha to do as she wished."Natasha, do you know how lucky you are to be able to marry Tyler Grant? What are you doing? Calling off the marriage?" Quentin felt like he was staring at a fool. Tyler Grant was the cream of the crop of the Southern province and the hope of Dragonmarsh. Before he hit thirty, he had been appointed as a general who led tens of thousands of men. Young and talented, he was deemed the best bachelor, and women fell on his feet in admiration.To their dismay, Natasha had no interest in Tyler at all, which everyone thought was dumb."I will have the final say in my marriage. I have no feelings for Tyler, and I won't marry him," she replied calmly. In the past, she would have accepted an arranged marriage in the interest of the Harmon Family
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
"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