"Considering that this is Natasha's first offense, and she has shown timely remorse, we can spare her from physical punishment."However, Trent suddenly added, "But the family has suffered significant losses, and you must make amends. "Here's the deal: if you hand over the formula to Immortunol, I'll forget today ever happened.""The formula to Immortunol?"Natasha furrowed her brows and refused immediately, "Never!"She hadn't committed any crime. They had only given in to alleviate the situation. She couldn't believe they were pushing their luck and targeting the formula to Immortunol. Their greed knew no limits!They knew that the formula was an invaluable treasure. Even if Natasha gave up all her assets, she could still make a fresh start as long as she possessed the formula."Natasha Harmon! Uncle Trent is giving you a chance. Don't be ungrateful!" Dylan shouted."Hmph! You'll face our house law if you don't hand over the formula. Let's see how you fare then!" Kate look
Natasha felt butterflies in her stomach as she basked in Dustin's domineering presence. His glare was sharp. They were intense and fiery. She felt pleased to be protected by the man she loved. "You son of bitch! It seems you won't understand how powerful we are until we teach you a lesson!"Kate erupted into anger as she yelled, "Take him away!" As soon as she spoke, a dozen Harmon family guards charged forward. Each of them exuded murderous intent as they approached with sharp gazes."The audacity!" Before Dustin could act, Cornelius had transformed into a ghostly shadow and shot across the heads of the crowd. With a graceful backflip, he landed confidently in front of the guards.A loud explosion was heard as he launched a palm strike from a distance. A powerful divine aura surged like a wave, knocking over the guards to the ground.The lingering force became a fierce gust of wind, forcing the rest of the Harmons to stagger backward. They couldn't keep their eyes open.A
As he got closer, Dylan whipped around and threw a heavy punch at Cornelius.Just as his punch was about to make contact, Cornelius raised his hand and caught his fist.A large bang sounded from the impact. The divine aura that Dylan wrapped around his punch broke on the spot. It was so fragile as if it was made of paper."What?" Dylan was shocked. He hadn't expected Cornelius to grab his aura-wrapped punch so easily."Is this all you've got?" Cornelius looked at him in contempt. With a slight twist, a cracking sound was heard, and Dylan's wrist was broken."Ahh—!" His painful shriek was cut short by a kick from Cornelius. Dylan was sent flying across the room and slammed onto the wall. He bled from both his nose and mouth.The Harmons looked at the scene in shock.Dylan's martial skills were acknowledged to be the best out of them all. He even surpassed the leader of the shadow guards. No one in the Harmon household could match him.Seeing such an expert being defeated b
Late that night in Zephyr Lodge, Dustin told Hector. "Mr. Harmon, your wounds have been treated. You'll be fine after a few days of rest."After dressing up the wounds, Dustin gave Hector a Haemoplenish to boost his health. Fortunately, the three stabs hadn't hit any vital organs. Otherwise, it would have been a pain to treat."I appreciate your help tonight, Dustin. Thank you." Hector smiled at him, looking pleased with Dustin. Somehow, he had already taken Dustin as the best candidate for his son-in-law."You're welcome. It's not a big deal at all."Dustin smiled as he asked, "Mr. Harmon, I'm just curious. You certainly can take charge of the situation and put them in their place. Why did you have to stab yourself three times?"Hector was still in command of the shadow guards. Nobody would have been able to retaliate if he had taken more drastic means to control the situation. Then, he wouldn't have to end up the way he did now—powerless and poor. "It's clear that things
The Harmons have strived for over a hundred years to get where they are now. If Natasha were to start over, it would be tough on her."Don't worry, Dad. I have confidence in succeeding when it comes to business." Natasha was sure of herself."What are your plans?" Hector asked."I don't see much potential in Millsburg. I plan to go to Oakvale. I'll make it big there with Immortunol," Natasha declared in high spirits."Oakvale?" Hector's brows pinched together. "But you don't have any connections in Oakvale. I'm afraid things will be hard for you there.""Dad, have you forgotten that Grandfather works in Oakvale? Nobody will dare mess with me with him there!" Natasha chuckled."Seems like you've already thought things through." Hector nodded with relief. "If that's the case, I wish you all the best." With Natasha's abilities and full support from Mr. Ballard Senior, it would be easier for her to set up a new company in Oakvale and succeed.The Harmon family's future would a
"Dustin Rhys?" All the disciples of the Jade Maiden Sisterhood were stunned.None of them had expected the genius miracle doctor mentioned to be Dustin. And the most important thing was that they had just had a conflict with him not too long ago. It would be awkward to go to him for help now."That Dustin guy, are his medical skills really amazing?" Letitia asked with her brows furrowed.He was barely over the age of 20. It was shocking to hear that he was an elder in the Stoneray Order."Of course he's amazing!" the disciple of the Stoneray Order nodded. "Dr. Watkins personally appointed Elder Rhys! He's also the youngest elder in the Stoneray Order. His medical skills are only second to that of Dr. Watkins'!"The scene where Dustin had cured a paralyzed patient with just a single needle was still vivid in his brain. He was still impressed to this day."Elder Rhys might be young, but there's no doubt in his medical skills. He might be able to treat Madam Parker." Elder Ferng
"Playing hard to get, are we?" Brittany looked at Dustin as though she had seen through him."Alright, if a meal isn't enough, I'll agree to a date too. I'll even let you hold my hand. Are you happy now?"From her point of view, she had made a huge sacrifice. After all, all those men who fawned over her didn't even have the chance to get close to her."Honestly, I'm really curious why you're so confident." Dustin was speechless.He had clearly rejected her. But Brittany was so full of herself and thought the world of herself. She seemed to believe that she was a goddess and that every man would fall at her feet."Why?" Brittany flipped her hair over her shoulder. "Because of my beauty, charm, perfect figure, and noble status, of course! I excel in every aspect possible!""Amazing!" Dustin gave her a thumbs up. "Since you excel in every aspect possible, why don't you cure Madam Edith's internal injury? I won't be needed then." Dustin turned and left."Stop right there!" Bri
With a crisp, loud smack, Brittany was sent flying. She spun in the air before crashing heavily to the ground.When she opened her mouth, two of her teeth fell out. Her nose was bleeding, too.For a split second, a deathly silence came over the place.All the Jade Maiden Sisterhood disciples gaped in horror. They looked like they'd just seen a ghost.Never in their dreams had they expected a man to hit Brittany so hard that she was sent flying, and not after she had kissed him!That was Brittany—the most seductive and alluring charmer among them all! She was a great beauty; countless talented young men fought for her attention.Even men from elite and prominent backgrounds admired her!She was used to men fawning and bending backward for her. None of them ever showed their temper or said anything mean to her.Dustin was unhappy after getting a kiss from Brittany, and he even slapped her!How dare he do something like that? Was he out of his mind?"You—you hit me?" Brittany sc
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
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