"Go on, pull it out if you can."Dustin didn't want to waste his breath any longer. He tossed the sword back to its original spot and walked out the stone doors.There were three stone doors in the stone room. Dustin simply chose one and entered.He didn't prolong the situation for Emily's and Vanessa's sake. Instead, he chose to go his separate way.After all, it wasn't like Walter could retrieve the sword. There was no harm in leaving the sword here.The most important thing was the Shadowbloom.Once he found the Shadowbloom, he could still return and get the sword."Stop right there, punk!" As Walter watched Dustin walk away, his anger flared. He raised his hand and was about to deliver a lethal blow."Stop!" At that moment, Vanessa suddenly jumped between them.Walter jumped in fright. Afraid that he would accidentally injure his daughter, he stopped himself.Ultimately, he watched Dustin and the two others slowly walk into the darkness."Stupid girl, how dare you go a
"Sir, we're not disciples of the Jade Maiden Sisterhood. Should we pray?" Abigail asked."We should respect the dead," Dustin said, nodding.Iris was a great legend. Although she already passed, she deserved to be respected."Okay." Abigail agreed. She kneeled in front of the stone tablet and kowtowed.Suddenly, the stone tablet began rumbling. It sunk into the earth and disappeared.Then, an exquisite box emerged from the stone tablet's original spot."Sir, there's something here!" Abigail's eyes lit up, and she immediately opened the box.A golden pearl was Inside the wooden box. It was dazzling and sparkling.The golden liquid inside was spinning like a whirlpool. It was absorbing the spiritual energy from its surroundings."Oh my gosh, is this the Celestial Pearl?!" Azalea's eyes grew wide with shock.Even the ever-composed Dustin was surprised.He never thought the box would contain a legendary sacred relic of the martial world—the Celestial Pearl!"What's a Celestial
Seeing the two of them fight non-stop, Azalea couldn't stand it anymore. "If neither of you wants it, why don't you give it to me?"If she was shameless enough, they might give it to her."Don't be stupid!" Dustin glared at her. He forced the Celestial Pearl back into Abigail's pocket and said, "Take care of it. This treasure chose you. If you push it back, I'll be mad!""Oh … okay, then. I'll use it for a while, then give it to you." After hesitating, Abigail still decided to keep it close to her.She thought that once she grew stronger, she could help Dustin more.When she touched the Celestial Pearl, she could feel a cooling energy flow into her body and her core. It empowered her internal energy and strengthened her circulatory pathways.If this continued, she would have another breakthrough within three to five days.Her cultivation speed was advancing fast!"Alright, let's look around. Do you see any Shadowblooms here?"Without wasting time, Dustin began searching all
Abigail was shocked. She hid behind Azalea, trembling. She was fearless in most aspects, but supernatural stuff scared her. "Who are you?" Dustin frowned, his face hardened.He was caught off guard. But the fact that the person could push him back with a single palm strike proved their strength. The person before him was definitely an ultimate grandmaster! "This is my tomb. Who do you think I am?" The mist surrounding the figure dissipated. Soon, they saw the face of a white-haired woman with a youthful appearance appear before them. She possessed a beauty that could captivate nations. Even with white hair, her face looked like she didn't age. Her deep eyes seemed to have witnessed and seen all of life's experiences through everything. "Your tomb?" Dustin was stunned. His expression then shifted. "Are you Iris Meskill?""Iris Meskill?" Even Abigail and Azalea were stunned, their face full of disbelief. Didn't Iris die 50 years ago? Why was she alive? What was happ
At the same time Dustin broke through a new realm, Iris' killing palm strike was about to land on him. Dustin couldn't evade in time and had to face her head-on. Similarly, he extended a palm strike. The moment their palms met, an explosion rang out. Dustin flew back like a cannonball. He crashed into the wall behind him, leaving a human-shaped dent in.The entire chamber shook, causing stones to fall. Dustin felt a sharp pain in his throat and spat a mouthful of blood. His complexion turned pale. "Sir!" Abigail's expression shifted.She was about to rush up to help but was grabbed by Azalea. Azalea knew they had no place in a fight of that magnitude. Iris was already a revered figure 50 years ago. After years of seclusion, she was now invincible, a true immortal of earth! It was impressive that Dustin wasn't killed on the spot before such a terrifying figure. "You are skilled. Unfortunately, you are too young. "Leave. I don't wish to kill you," Iris said indiff
Dustin felt his chest collapse. He was thrown high into the air before crashing heavily onto the ground. He spat out a third mouthful of blood that landed in a splat far from him. It was a horrifying sight. "Sir!" Abigail screamed. Her eyes reddened, her face full of grief and anger. She wanted to rush forward, but Azalea held her tight. So, she could only watch as Dustin suffered. "One more step … just one more step … Natasha is still waiting for me. I can't fall now!" After collecting himself, Dustin clenched his teeth. Swaying unsteadily, he forced his battered body to stand upright. He was trembling and weak. He was like a flickering candle that would go out at any moment. "Sir, just give up! Let's give up the Shadowbloom. If you continue like this, you will die!" Abigail was anxious as tears started flowing. She could tell that Dustin was already at his limit. Another strike, and he would be dead. Drip, drip, drip …Dustin remained determined. He straightened
After handing over the Shadowbloom, Iris turned back to stone. With her eyes closed, she stood unmoving.She seemed to be reminiscing memories. She also seemed to be in deep contemplation."Thank you, Madam Iris, for the flower. I will always remember your generosity. Goodbye."Dustin decided not to disturb her further when he saw her in her meditative state. After a deep bow, he staggered away. Dustin would have been dead if Iris hadn't held back earlier. Her skills had already surpassed that of an ultimate grandmaster, and she was unmatched in the entire world."Sir, are you alright? You lost a lot of blood." Abigail helped Dustin walk. The corner of her eyes was still stained with tears. That was too close.If it weren't because Iris took pity on him, Dustin would have died. "I'm fine. I just broke a few bones. I won't die."Dustin took out a tablet and swallowed it. He then slowly circulated his energy.It was fortunate that he had a good foundation. Not to mention,
Azure Mist didn't expect to be stopped by major sects as soon as they exited the tomb. There was no way to escape. "Sir Chasey, wouldn't it be better to share? It doesn't seem right for Azure Mist to enjoy it alone.""Walter, it would be wise to read the room. You won't be able to keep your hands on those treasures today, so why not share them with all of us? Everyone would be happy that way.""Chasey! Hand over the treasures right now, or don't blame us for using force!"The leaders of several sects shouted a variety of threats and enticements. Their eyes gleamed with greed. Iris had collected countless treasures. The sight of any of them would send people into a frenzy. "What the hell are all of you talking about? We didn't discover anything. What are we supposed to give you?" Walter denied it firmly. He couldn't bear to hand over the treasures they had acquired."Hmph! Still trying to wriggle your way out? You just came out from the tomb. You must have found something!"
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