"A draw?"Kaden's announcement sent the crowd into an uproar. This outcome was unexpected by many.In martial arts, there was no room for a draw. Once the match started, someone had to come out on top, especially in this highly anticipated championship match. Otherwise, what was the point of fighting if no winner was declared?And more importantly, what would happen to the bets without a winner? Would the bookmaker take all the wagers?"Yes! A draw is fine," Abigail exclaimed, practically jumping with joy.She had only planned to take some handling fees to enjoy herself. Yet, she hadn't expected this outcome at all. It seemed like fate was making her rich."I wonder if the two contestants are satisfied with this arrangement." Kaden turned his gaze to Dustin and Glenn.Both men had pushed themselves to their limits. Their energy reserves were drained, and they had no strength to continue. The battle ring was destroyed, and the defense formation was shattered. There was no place
"The younger generation truly is taking the lead," Alloy said, narrowing his eyes. His expression showed a mix of surprise and delight.Even though he knew Dustin was Seth's disciple, he never believed Dustin could defeat Glenn. The outcome was completely unexpected.He lost his bet, but he wasn't upset. At the very least, the Sword Union didn't claim the title. The Celestial Alliance still had a chance to make their move.The next challenge was figuring out how to recruit Dustin into his guild. Training resources and empty promises wouldn't be enough, especially with the Sword Union and the Mystic Arts Order also having their sights set on him.Alloy knew he needed a more creative approach. Then, he thought about Dustin's close ties with his daughters. He figured a little matchmaking might just tip the scales in his favor."You've been holding back all this time, and now you're finally making waves," Penelope said, grinning. She was pleased with Dustin's performance.Since Abiga
"I'm sorry, Ancient Sage. I misspoke earlier." Dustin apologized with an awkward expression."It's okay. I'm not bothered by it." Arion laughed heartily. He then waved at Kaden. "Bring out his reward.""Of course," Kaden replied, then retrieved a jade box and placed it on the table beside Dustin."Go ahead and open it." Arion smiled and motioned for Dustin to look inside.Dustin nodded and carefully opened the box with both hands. Inside, he found three translucent orbs—one gold, one red, and one green.Each orb glowed faintly, and inside, a small snake of the same color slithered. Their movements were graceful and almost alive."Dracan essence!" Dustin's eyes widened in surprise.He had encountered Dracan essence before and immediately recognized the orbs. But what surprised him was that Sacred Wyrm Summit had not one, but three of them. It made him wonder what kind of treasure-filled land this was."Well, how do you like the reward?" Arion asked with a smile."Ancient Sage,
"Me?" Dustin froze momentarily, then quickly waved his hands to indicate his refusal. "Ancient Sage, you've got to be kidding. I'm not qualified to guard the Dracan force. You'd better find someone else."He knew taking on such a monumental responsibility was out of the question. Guarding the Dracan Force wasn't like watching over someone's garden. A single mistake could endanger not only Sacred Wyrm Summit but all of Dragonmarsh. The pressure was simply overwhelming."Don't be so quick to refuse," Arion said with a smile. He continued, "Guarding the Dracan force has its perks. For one, it's a spiritual entity. If you can connect with it, your cultivation will soar, and your lifespan will extend dramatically. With its power behind you, you'll be unbeatable. No one in the world could stand in your way."Arion wasn't exaggerating. Being recognized by the Dracan force as its guardian granted access to its vast energy and created a resonance with the natural order. It was what people
“Dustin, here is the divorce agreement prepared by Ms. Nicholson. All you need to do is sign them.”In the president’s office of the Quine Group, the secretary, Lyra Blaine, placed a piece of A4 paper on the table. A man sat opposite her, dressed in plain clothing.“Divorce? What do you mean?”Dustin Rhys was taken aback.“Do you not understand what I’m saying? Your marriage with Ms. Nicholson is over. You’re not even on the same level anymore. Your existence is nothing but a smear on the president’s reputation!”Lyra pulled no punches as she spoke.“A smear on her reputation?” Dustin frowned. “Is that how she thinks of me?”Back when they first got married, the Nicholson family was in ruinous debt. He was the one who helped them when they were at their lowest point. Now that they were rich, Dahlia Nicholson was ready to just kick him out.“Something like that.” Lyra jerked her chin toward the magazine on the table. A photo of a beautiful woman was printed on the front page. “Look at t
In the elevator, Dustin stared at the crystal necklace dejectedly. Even though he had expected it, he was still sad that his marriage had ended just like that. He had once thought that happiness was simple: meals on the table, cheerful days, and simple pleasures. Now, he found out that normalcy was a sin. It was time to awaken from this prolonged daydream.Suddenly, his phone rang, breaking him out of his trance. When he picked up the phone, a familiar voice came from the other end.“Mr. Rhys, I’m Hunter Anderson from the Swinton Group. I heard that today your wedding anniversary with Ms. Nicholson, so I’ve prepared a gift for you. I’m just wondering if you have any time today?”“Thank you for your kindness, but I’m afraid we won’t be needing the gift,” Dustin said. “Why?”Hunter was taken aback. He could sense something wrong.“Is there anything else you’d like to talk about, Mr. Anderson?”“Actually, yes, there is.” Hunter cleared his throat awkwardly. “I’ve got a friend who contrac
“Fuck off!”Those two words were enough to scare Florence motionless. She had never thought that Dustin could be so scary when he was angry. He had always been so mild-tempered around them. He now looked like he could eat her alive.When she finally got her wits back, Florence began screaming, “Help! Help! He’s murdering my son!” Soon, the Quine Group’s security guards gathered around them.“What happened, Mrs. Nicholson?” The head of the security guards recognized Florence and stood at her side immediately.“Tom! Lock this guy up at once! I want him punished for beating up my son!” Florence yelled.“Holy cow! How dare you cause trouble in front of the Quine Group? Have you lost your mind?” Tom waved his hand. All the security guards surrounded Dustin.This was their chance to kiss up to the president’s mother. If they did well now, then they might get a promotion and a raise.“What are you waiting for? Beat him up!” Just as they were about to act, a voice sounded.“What do you think
“Mom, take James to the hospital. I’ll deal with this.”After a moment’s silence, Dahlia finally made her decision.“Dahlia, you must defend your brother! Don’t let that bastard off so easily!” Florence said hatefully.“Don’t worry, I know what I should do.”Dahlia nodded, gesturing for two guards to send Florence and James to the hospital.“What do you think, Lyra?”Dahlia rubbed her temples. She felt a headache coming on.“It’s obvious, isn’t it? It was Dustin who assaulted them first. The security guards were witnesses, so that can’t be a lie,” Lyra said.“But my mother’s not exactly an honest person…” Dahlia began. She knew her mother and brother well. They were a hot-tempered and ruthless duo.“Either way, it’s still wrong for him to throw the first punch!” Lyra said righteously. “Even if there was a misunderstanding, why couldn’t he talk it out? Moreover, it was James that he beat up. Your brother! He didn’t think of how you would feel when he attacked your family. This alone is