"Listen here, troublemaker! Don't you dare get cocky! Do you think you can look down on us? Well, mark my words, this time next year, people will gather to remember your death!""Hmph! We've been around the block in this martial world for years. Naturally, we've seen it all. Yet, a mere troublemaker like you strut around like you own the place. You've got no clue what you're up against!""If you know what's good for you, drop to your knees and beg for mercy, or else… we'll kill you!"The Greenfield Gang was shouting and yelling at her. They were all filled with righteous anger. Abigail's contemptuous words had enraged them. Though the title of Grand Sorceress of the Mystic Arts Order might sound imposing, the Greenfield Gang was ruthless. They had stared death in the face and lived to tell the tale, so they were fearless in the face of danger.But their confidence mainly stemmed from her young age. They doubted that someone barely 18 or 19 could have reached such a high level of
"You're overestimating your abilities!"Abigail sneered as she watched Luke and his group charging at her. Without a second thought, she whipped out a fist-sized iron orb and hurled it their way.The orb belonged to the Dawson Clan's collection of eight hidden weapons, known as the Phantom Blooms.There were 888 poisoned needles packed inside the iron orb. Each needle could penetrate an energy armor.Should any martial artist below the grandmaster level be struck by these poisoned needles, they would instantly be immobilized.When the Dawson Clan lost their bet, Abigail acquired this weapon. Finally, she had the opportunity to put it to use.The moment the Phantom Blooms orb was thrown, it emitted a faint hum. It signaled the activation of its mechanisms.In an instant, the 888 poisoned needles were primed and poised for release."Hah! Do you think a puny hidden weapon can harm us? Dream on!"When Abigail threw the iron orb, Luke didn't hesitate and raised his sword to jab it.
Outside the tavern, the martial arts experts led by Luke lay sprawled on the ground. Many were either dead or wounded.Amidst the aftermath, only Abigail stood unscathed.The effectiveness of the Phantom Blooms had surpassed her expectations. She even contemplated further trades with the Dawson Clan for additional hidden weapons.After all, traded weapons often held unexpected surprises.Luke, sprawling on the ground, struggled to speak. "Troublemaker! You… you're despicable!"His resilience was remarkable despite being pierced by countless poisoned needles."You're still alive?" Abigail raised an eyebrow and was surprised that he survived.He was just three feet away when the Phantom Blooms unleashed its barrage of poisoned needles. At that range, he should have been gravely injured.For anyone else, it would have likely been a fatal blow. Yet, despite his severe injuries and immobility, Luke displayed astonishing resilience."Without your cowardly ambush with hidden weapons,
"I…" Abigail's words left Ruby speechless, and she blushed. Ruby suddenly realized she was too naive.Grudges and alliances often defied reason in the martial world—either kill or be killed.If Luke intended to kill Abigail, then it was only natural for her to defend herself by retaliating against him. Her actions were justified.Furthermore, as Abigail pointed out, those who acted solely for profit were hardly virtuous. Therefore, it was not worthwhile to advocate for justice on their behalf."Ruby, judging by your demeanor, you're likely new to the martial world," Abigail began. "Holding onto your good intentions is commendable, but you must choose your allies wisely. Blindly playing the role of a saint will only bring harm to yourself and others."She offered a knowing smile. "Let's let bygones be bygones. There's no need to let tension brew between us over strangers' affairs. Come, let's continue with our drinks."Then, she lifted her glass and nodded toward Ruby. Ruby he
"Huh?" Dustin was taken aback by the sudden outburst and felt a bit bewildered.He glanced around the living room and noticed the intense glare from the burly man, Donny Zedd. Then, he asked tentatively, "Are you talking to me?""Who else would I be talking to?" Donny shot back.He glared at Dustin and shouted, "Don't you have any manners? You waltz in here without so much as a 'hello' and plop yourself down like you own the place. Do you have no respect for us?""Manners?" Dustin arched an eyebrow skeptically.He replied icily, "Do we even know each other? Why should I bother with pleasantries? And even if I don't hold you in high regard, what's it to you?""Hey! Are you looking for trouble, kid?" Donny bristled with anger, ready to throw a punch, but was intercepted by a man in white, Lucian Whitman, with a sly grin."Easy there, don't get all worked up. This kid just seems clueless about etiquette. Let's show him the ropes. No need for violence, especially with the host aroun
"Elder Mason, you think an apology will cut it? Aren't you letting this punk off too easy?""Yeah, just look at Donny. He's coughing up blood. If we let this slide, what'll happen to our reputation?""Elder Mason, this punk deserves punishment. Even if we spare his life, he shouldn't escape justice. In my opinion, we should break his legs first!"Everyone voiced their anger. Their eyes burned with hostility as they glared at Dustin."What's wrong? Don't my words mean anything to you?" The elder raised his head and glanced at everyone. His expression was calm yet commanding.That single glance had the power to silence everyone present. It instilled fear in them that prevented anyone from expressing discontent.After all, the elder was Garrett Mason, the infamous Cosmos Demons. He was a grandmaster martial artist, feared and renowned throughout the land. He was known to be merciless, as he would wipe out entire families at the slightest provocation.Just mentioning his name was
"Kid, you've certainly surprised me with your skills," Garrett admitted as he stood up slowly.He continued, "But that doesn't justify your boldness in my presence with your limited skills." As he spoke, an imposing energy surged from within him. The martial artists felt the air grow heavy, and each breath became a struggle."This grandmaster's strength is no laughing matter! Is this what Elder Mason is capable of?"They couldn't help feeling a mix of awe and apprehension. Just a mere display of power had them rooted in place. After all, that was the might of a grandmaster martial artist.Despite the tension in the air, Dustin stayed composed. His eyes locked on Garrett's with unwavering resolve."You've got talent, kid." Garrett stood with his hands clasped behind his back. He added arrogantly, "I'm willing to offer you another chance. I'll let this incident slide if you swallow your pride and apologize. I might even make an exception and take you under my wing.""What? Take
Garrett struck his palm toward Dustin. A thunderous crash echoed through the room, changing the surrounding area.A white shadow palm surged forward with the force of lightning and pressed on Dustin. Accompanied by the fierce howling wind, everything seemed to warp as it tore through the air.Everyone in the room turned pale with fear. They scattered in all directions to avoid being caught in the chaos. After all, the sheer power of a grandmaster martial artist was enough to kill them with a single blow.Despite Garrett's attack, Dustin didn't flinch. His expression remained composed. But as he prepared to retaliate, a commanding shout interrupted."Stop!"Suddenly, another burst of internal energy materialized into a shadow palm as it shot from the doorway. It narrowly missed Dustin before colliding with Garrett's shadow palm.The impact echoed with a loud crash, unleashing a torrent of terrifying energy. The living room quaked violently as the furniture splintered and drinks sp