Dustin glanced at Dalen. No matter how gorgeous Dalen was, Dustin couldn't imagine himself liking another guy.Dalen coughed uncomfortably as he sipped his drink, his face contorted in discomfort. He grinned wryly and remarked, "Ms. Wesley, I can't tell if you're praising me or teasing me with that remark.""It's a compliment! Your gorgeous face could win over any man," Crystal said with a straight face."Oh, well..." Dalen was momentarily speechless. Did she have to say that to his face? Something didn't feel right."If you don't believe me, just ask Miles," Crystal said.At that moment, Miles was staring right at Dalen. When Crystal mentioned his name, he slightly tensed, swiftly shifting his gaze away with a nervous and guilty expression."W-What? Me?" Miles awkwardly responded. "Quit joking around, Crystal. What does this have to do with me?""You seem a bit off, Miles." Ruby raised an eyebrow. She looked around mischievously and smirked. "You're not bewitched by Dalen, ar
"Isn't that the case?" Ruby asked, tilting her head in confusion."Sacred Wrym Summit has been around for years without getting involved in martial world matters. "Now, they're suddenly organizing the Combat Tournament. There must be a hidden reason," Miles explained.Organizing talent recruitment to bring honor to the nation might have been fitting for the Martial Arts Union. But with the Sacred Wyrm Summit as the host, it seemed implausible."So, tell me, what's the hidden reason?" she asked."How would I know? I'm just a bystander." He shrugged, well aware of his role."Dalen, since you raised this question, you must have some insider information, right?" Crystal asked.Dalen replied, "I don't have any insider information, but I did manage to gather some news."He added cryptically, "Word is, there's a rare treasure appearing in the forbidden area behind Sacred Wrym Summit. "This treasure doesn't just impact the destiny of the martial world in the next century. It is also
In the center square of the ancient town, a crowd of onlookers, primarily martial artists, had gathered. All eyes were on a young man in warrior gear, rocking wooden sandals and a bun hairdo. He chilled on a bench with only a bottle of wine and a sword on the table.The man sipped his drink casually, not bothering about the talks around him. Behind him stood a middle-aged man in a suit and white gloves, dressed like a butler.Though the butler seemed meek around the young man, his eyes scanned the crowd with a snobby air.The butler spoke loudly to the gathering crowd, "Listen up, people from Dragonmarsh!"Meet our young master, Marco Alessandro! We're from Kimboku and came to Sacred Wyrm Summit to challenge the best fighters from Dragonmarsh."We're having a three-day tournament. If anyone can beat Mr. Alessandro, they'll get the 'Demon Sword,' one of Kimboku's top ten swords! "But if you're not up for it, you'll have to cancel the tournament and accept that you're just a bun
"I'm Quincy Douglas, the guardian of the Celestial Alliance!" declared the elderly man, standing with his hands clasped behind him."What? He's Quincy Douglas?""The Celestial Alliance is the top martial arts group in the martial world. It has ten guardians, each overseeing a specific region. Who would've thought we'd be lucky enough to meet Elder Douglas here today?""Elder Douglas has been the guardian of the Celestial Alliance for many years, holding a high-ranking position. With him here, those two Kimbokurats won't be causing much havoc!"Conversations buzzed among the crowd, with eyes showing particular reverence toward Quincy.While many hadn't seen Quincy in person before, they were familiar with his reputation. As one of the elite top ten guardians of the Celestial Alliance, Quincy was undeniably a significant presence in the martial world. Not only was he strong and experienced, but he also commanded great respect wherever he went."So, you're the elites of the Cele
"I'm the disciple of the Sword Union! Let me deal with that bastard!"Suddenly, a loud shout came from the crowd.It was Miles, who had just arrived at the scene. He had come for some fun but ended up witnessing a warrior from the Kimboku being all boastful. Being a passionate young man and a disciple of the Sword Union, he couldn't stand it anymore."Miles, that guy is pretty tough. Dealing with him won't be easy. Don't rush into things," Crystal, standing next to him, advised.Even though Miles was talented and had joined the Sword Union for a few years, he still lacked experience and finesse. While handling a Divine-level martial artist presented no issue for him, dealing with an elite would prove to be a more demanding task.He shrugged it off, saying, "Crystal, isn't he just a brat? What's so great about him? While my sword skills might not match up to yours, handling that brat is a breeze!"Miles jumped into the martial world not too long ago, full of big dreams. Now, wit
Given Glenn's exceptional track record, who would underestimate the Sword Union's disciples? So, when Miles courageously volunteered for the challenge, most people were confident."Miles, listen up! Be cautious, and don't make any hasty moves!" Crystal frowned with concern.This time, she took Miles and Ruby along to gain experience and see what talents Dragonmarsh had produced in recent years. As for attention-grabbing situations like this, Crystal personally didn't like them.As a Sword Union disciple, it was essential to focus on improving sword skills and character. Crystal knew that if they cared too much about getting famous quickly, they wouldn't get very far.Competition in the Sword Union was tough, and they didn't keep members who weren't useful. Failing the yearly assessment meant getting kicked out of the guild.Those who thought joining the Sword Union guaranteed a carefree life ended up as abandoned disciples."Crystal! I've got the arrow ready, and I gotta let it
"Damn! This brat is so full of himself, completely disrespecting the Sword Union disciple!""Son of a bitch! Blabbering away without even throwing a punch. Let's see how he handles it when he loses!""I can't take it anymore! Get me my sword!"Marco's arrogance and disrespect angered many, especially Miles, whose expression instantly turned dark. Being a Sword Union disciple meant the world to him, and usually, he earned respect wherever he went. Now, Marco had publicly embarrassed him and Miles couldn't bear it any longer.Miles declared aggressively, "Brat! I don't care who you think you are. Here, you play by my rules, whether you stand strong or surrender like a defeated warrior!"He added, "How dare you challenge us near the Sacred Wyrm Summit? Today, I'm going to teach you a lesson myself. You'll find out there's always someone stronger!"With that, he pulled out his sword, pointing it straight at Marco. His clothes rustled without wind, giving him a commanding and extrao
With a scornful look, Ruby retorted, "Hmph! Your feeble words suggest a lack of strength. Is that why you talk like that?"She added, "What's so great about that brat? Is he deserving of your admiration? I doubt Miles would lose to him!""You'll see as it unfolds." Dustin didn't bother explaining or arguing further. After all, it was all about raw strength in these stage duels. The stronger one would win."Hmph! Once Miles takes down that brat, let's see how you defend him!" Ruby exclaimed, frustrated.In a moment like this, everyone should be cheering for Miles, but Dustin not only showed no support but also made sarcastic remarks. It was truly infuriating."Look! They've started!" Dalen's words instantly grabbed everyone's attention.At that moment, Miles had already charged at Marco with his sword. With a flick of his wrist, his sword trembled, creating two blossoming flowers—one on the left and one on the right—thrusting toward Marco's arms.Marco's face remained blank as