"Stop right there!" Dahlia caught up to him and grabbed his arm. "Do you have to be like this? Can't we have a decent talk?""I don't think that's necessary. I'm wasting my breath. Not to mention, I'm busy. Let's not waste each other's time any longer," Dustin said with little interest and headed straight for the door."You're not allowed to leave!" Dahlia suddenly hugged him from behind, holding him tightly. It was an extremely bold move coming from her, especially when she was usually aloof. "I'm not letting you go!" Still maintaining her tight grip, she rested her cheek on his back.She mumbled softly, "Consider me wrong this time, okay? I know I'm difficult sometimes, but I'll do my best to change. "If you say Gavin is the bad guy, then he's the bad guy. I won't see him ever again, alright? I'm terrified of losing you. Let's get back together, please. "I won't be stubborn anymore and won't hit you again. I swear. As long as you stay, I'll do anything you tell me to. "
Early the next morning, at Zephyr Lodge, Dustin sat on the rooftop and watched the sunrise. His expression was devoid of emotion. Since bidding farewell to Dahlia last night, he had been on the rooftop since midnight till the sun rose in the sky. His emotions gradually shifted from turmoil to calmness. After a night of deep contemplation, he found a newfound sense of acceptance and detachment. He would no longer be stuck in the past."Sir Rhys …"At that moment, Cornelius leaped onto the rooftop and reported, "I've received news that the Jade Maiden Scripture you are looking for has been located.""Oh? Where is it?" Dustin raised his eyebrow."A group of foreign merchants have it. We've contacted them, but they're unwilling to sell to us directly. They insist on meeting face-to-face," Cornelius replied. "A face-to-face meeting?" Dustin nodded. "Alright, go get Nikki. We'll go and have a look together.""Yes, sir." After Cornelius replied, he jumped down the roof again.
Nikki frowned, "What do you mean? You're not selling it directly to us?""Recently, I've received many inquiries about the Jade Maiden Scripture. I was in a difficult position and was unable to make a decision. "That was why I gathered everyone here to discuss the price collectively. It would be fairer this way," Samuel explained."Fair?" Dustin shook his head with a smile. "Mr. Franklin, you have a gift for words. You're raising the price without reason yet making it sound sophisticated."Gathering all the buyers to discuss the price collectively was an obvious attempt to start a bidding war. That way, the price of the Jade Maiden Scripture would surge dramatically. It was a cunning strategy indeed."You flatter me, mister. I'm a humble merchant who hopes to earn a little extra profit." Samuel continued to smile even when his plan was exposed. He was good at maintaining his composure. "Hmph! I hate people like you the most" Nikki looked at him contemptuously.Why couldn't
"Hey! I'm warning you, don't mess with me!" Julian took a few quick steps back in fear when he saw Dustin's threatening posture. He hadn't brought any bodyguards today; only a few pretty women came with him. It would be difficult for him to handle such a reckless fellow alone."Fellow guests. Please, calm down." Samuel noticed the tension in the air.He mediated the situation with a smile. "We've gathered here today for serious business. Let's not spoil the mood. Whatever it is, we can discuss things calmly while seated."‘’Alright. Since Mr. Franklin has spoken up, I'll respect that." Dustin nodded and settled back into his seat.Since they came for the Jade Maiden Scripture, it was inappropriate to fight now. He could deal with someone like Julian anytime he wanted, anyway. "Hmph! And here I thought you had the guts. But it seems like you're all bark!" Julian sneered. He assumed Dustin was hesitant to act because of his identity. "You dress up so shabbily, and yet you dar
Everyone glanced at Nikki, sizing her up. "Hmph! Do you think one billion is impressive? I'll pay 1.5 billion!" Julian raised the bid again. The Nicholsons may not have much of anything else, but they certainly had a lot of money. Not to mention, recently, he was in luck and earned a few billions. He had so much money now that he didn't know how to spend it."Two billion!" Nikki would not let up. The Jade Maiden Sisterhood had a budget of around five billion. As long as she could get the Jade Maiden Scroll, spending it all wasn't a problem. "My, my. Are you challenging me? I'm curious to see what you're capable of. Three billion!" Julian thundered with confidence.When he raised the price, several buyers gave up and left. Although the Jade Maiden Scripture was a precious treasure, it came with a major limitation. It was only useful for women. While spending a few hundred million to please their lover wasn't an issue, a few billion wasn't worth it. "Nikki, how much can y
Nikki was livid and glowered at Julian. She clenched her fists, almost losing her cool.While Dustin remained indifferent, it was like he was staring at a fool."Kid, get lost if you don't have the money. What are you standing around for? Waiting for someone to donate it to you?" Julian mocked."Hmph! You're humiliating yourself by going up against Mr. Nicholson.""It's embarrassing that you don't have ten billion!" The haughty women spoke out, and they looked at Nikki with disdain. It was as if money was just a number to them."All of you are too much!" Nikki seethed in anger and turned to Dustin.She asked him, "Dustin, how much money do you have? Lend it all to me. I will get the Jade Maiden Scripture today no matter what! I'm going to crush this guy's arrogance thoroughly!" "Money?" Dustin patted his pockets, then shook his head. "Sorry, I didn't bring any money. How about you, Cornelius?""Me neither." Cornelius spread his hands out. He only had a few pennies to his n
Julian glared at the masked men, displeased with them. In public, everyone always addressed him as Mr. Nicholson. The audacity of these masked men to address him familiarly by his first name!"So, you're Julian Nicholson." After the masked man confirmed his target, his gaze turned cold. The next thing they knew, the masked man lunged at Julian with a knife. The sharp blade sliced into Julian's abdomen, leaving Julian in shock. His eyes widened in disbelief. What on earth was going on? The masked man must be out of his mind to attack him without a word!"Ah—!" Julian screamed in pain. He staggered back, clutching his wound. He was terrified. "W—who are you?" "Your executioner!" The masked men approached Julian murderously."I've done nothing to offend you. Why do you want to kill me?" Julian broke out in cold sweat as panic overtook him. "I was paid to kill you. It serves you right for offending Mr. Huffner!" The leader of the masked men thundered. "I don't know any Pre
Julian died a regretful death. After killing him, the masked men left without any words.Dustin, who was the reason for his death, got his revenge. Not only that, but he got the Jade Maiden Scripture that was worth ten billion. It was worth celebrating.He guessed that the masked man who left earlier was Preston. Otherwise, he wouldn't have reacted like that when he saw Dustin. "Congratulations to the three of you. Luck is on your side." Samuel clasped his hands, smiling as usual."Mr. Franklin, thanks to you, we got a great deal." Dustin returned the smile with a knowing look. Samuel had remained silent the entire time, evidently hoping Julian would meet his end so that he could reclaim the Jade Maiden Scripture. It was a pity that it ended up in their hands instead."May I ask for your name?" Samuel asked respectfully."Dustin Rhys.""Mr. Rhys, you don't seem like an ordinary person, given your manner of speech. I hope we can work together again in the future." Samuel ex
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