It was human nature to prioritize one's own well-being.Kayson knew he couldn't afford to offend either side and decided that getting a scapegoat to bear the blame was for the best. That way, he could free himself from the burden of the outcome. "Hmm?" Dustin frowned when Kayson singled him out. What a shrewd old man, quick to take credit and even quicker at deflecting blame. "Hey, you, hand over that guy inside, and I will reward you handsomely." Yonah turned his attention to Dustin, his tone authoritative. "Do I know you?" Dustin replied calmly."I'm Yonah, the second disciple of the Drakes Dominion Order."He continued proudly, "As long as you cooperate and hand over the guy without a fuss, the Drakes Dominion Order will always have your back." "And if I refuse?" Dustin countered."Refuse? Hmph!" Yonah snorted. "If you don't hand him over, that would be a direct challenge against us. Can you bear the consequences?" Anyone foolish enough to challenge the Drakes Domin
"Jackson, you're mine." At the same time, Bran drew his sword, blocking Jackson's path. They were equally skilled and would be evenly matched in battle. Despite Jackson's desire to intervene, he lacked the strength to confront the united might of the two major sects. He could only stand by helplessly as the disciples of the Drakes Dominion Order launched their assault on Dustin.Just when it seemed like Dustin was at a disadvantage, something unexpected happened. Two distinct, crisp slapping sounds echoed through the air.The disciples who had approached Dustin were sent flying with just a single slap each. They landed heavily, struggling to rise to their feet. The entire sequence unfolded so quickly that no one had a chance to react."What?" Jackson was stunned, showing a look of astonishment. The disciples of the Drakes Dominion Order were considered the elite. They weren't supposed to be defeated by any ordinary martial artist. Since Dustin had subdued the two disci
Yonah's sword quivered, emitting a faint buzzing sound. Its sharp blade remained trapped between Dustin's fingers, and no matter how much Yonah forced it to move, it didn't budge. "What? He actually blocked it?" Everyone was shocked by the scene before them. No one expected Dustin to have the ability to fend off a deadly attack with his bare hands. Just how formidable was he?"How … how is this possible?" Yonah's expression underwent a dramatic shift, displaying evident unease. Even though he hadn't unleashed his full strength, he had exerted 70% of his power. Ordinary divine-level martial artists wouldn't stand a chance against his assault. He had never met anyone like Dustin who could neutralize his attack with just two fingers. "Is this the only move he has?" A ponytailed girl from the Frostwing Sect frowned, her expression grim. Earlier at the inn's dining hall, Dustin had similarly used two fingers to clamp down on her sword, dealing her a considerable blow. It was
"So, do you still want me to hand Ryan over?" Dustin walked up to Yonah and looked at him condescendingly. His expression betrayed no emotion. Coughing up blood, Yonah struggled to get up from the ground. His tone was bitter as he exclaimed, "W-Who are you? How dare you go against the Drakes Dominion Order.""You don't have the right to know." Dustin continued calmly, "Now, before I lose my temper, run as far away from me as you can. Otherwise, you won't be just coughing up blood." "You—!" Yonah gritted his teeth. With difficulty, he held himself back from attacking. Dustin was clearly stronger. It wouldn't be wise to challenge him right now. After all, it wouldn't be too late to seek revenge after their Elder arrived."You brat! I'm going to remember this! Just you wait. I'm going to make you pay a hundredfold for the humiliation I suffered today!" With that, Yonah left gloomily with the rest of his group. "What are you still standing around for? Do I need to send you o
While Dustin did not react to Aidan's invitation, Jackson suddenly became excited. "Dustin, why are you silent? Hurry up and agree! This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!" Jackson prodded Dustin eagerly. Aidan Ridge was the Sandscale. He was one of the five most powerful martial artists in the Southwest and on par with Jackson's master, reaching the level of a grandmaster. Every year, countless martial artists vie to become Aidan's disciples. However, his disdain for ordinary weaklings, due to his proud and unpredictable temperament, kept him a solitary figure. Unexpectedly, the proud Sandscale had chosen to take on a disciple of his own accord today. "Thank you, Mr. Ridge. However, I have no intention of taking on a master." Dustin declined while shaking his head."Young man, I don't just take in anyone. You should think it over." Aidan raised an eyebrow in surprise.Due to his status, there were countless people eager to become his disciples every day. He didn't expec
"No chance at surviving? Is it really that dangerous?" Jackson was shocked. Ryan was the Arcane Path Guild's prodigy, possessing strength comparable to Jackson. The monsters in the oasis must be exceptionally formidable for him to say that. "I'm not trying to scare you. It's genuinely horrifying in there. My seniors and juniors were eaten by those monsters. "If I hadn't run fast enough and been lucky, I might have suffered the same fate," Ryan said with a pained expression.He had watched helplessly as his fellow disciples were killed, and the feeling was unbearable."Seems like our mission this time is teeming with danger!" Jackson appeared pensive. Although the Arcane Path Guild wasn't a Southwest sect, their strength rivaled that of the Embersteel Order. The fact that their team of elite disciples that were sent on the exploration barely survived indicated the extreme danger within the oasis.It would be a challenge for Jackson to venture in with his current abilities.
Ryan's experience inside the oasis was like a never-ending nightmare. Just the thought of it sent shivers down his spine, and he lacked the courage to venture back inside. "What is there to fear? With me around, nothing would hurt you. No matter how dangerous it is, I can keep you completely safe," Aidan declared confidently. "Mr. Ridge, please don't take the oasis lightly," Ryan said, shaking his head. "We only roamed the outskirts for a while but already encountered various dangers that resulted in injuries and casualties. "The inner areas remain unexplored, but I can assure you that the deeper you venture, the more dangerous it becomes. The monsters also grow stronger, and even grandmasters should proceed with caution.""Kid, aren't you exaggerating a bit? You're just a divine-level martial artist and may not fully grasp the true strength of a grandmaster."Aidan continued dismissively, "Besides, I'm not your average grandmaster. I can deal with a few monsters within minu
Night quickly descended over Dusthaven Village as an increasing number of factions gathered. Among them were reputable sects, dark factions, renowned martial arts grandmasters, and infamous villains.Despite their divergent identities and viewpoints, they all shared a common objective—venture into the oasis in pursuit of treasures.As the village crowded with people, tensions flared and conflicts rose. Members of dark factions engaged in acts of murder and theft, while those from reputable sects exploited the pretext of combating evil to eliminate rival contenders. After nightfall, a gruesome scene unfolded silently within the village. Several people had met their demise even before embarking on their quest for treasures. Meanwhile, inside an inn near the village entrance, Dustin, Grace, Jackson, Aidan, Garrett, and a few others carefully examined the map Ryan had drawn. Given its somewhat sloppy nature, they had to study it closely to understand it. It was also mainly be