There was only one possibility. Nikki and her group must have arrived in the Southern province much earlier."You guessed it right. I have come to Balerno for an important matter." Nikki didn't deny it and started to glance around the area."You have a nice, spacious place here. The Jade Maiden Sisterhood needs a place to stay for the time being. Do you mind if we stay here?""We do have plenty of space. You can settle down here if you want. I'll have someone make arrangements," Dustin agreed readily. He wondered if guilt made him feel obligated to agree to all her requests. "Hmph! Smart move!" Nikki nodded in satisfaction and took out a red pill. She told him, "Here, this is Haemotrol. It not only helps you recover, but it also boosts your internal energy and cultivation. Since you got injured, it should help.""Thanks." Dustin flashed her a weak smile. He could tell Nikki wasn't a bad person. "No problem. Consider it payment for accommodations." Nikki then took out her ph
"Excuse me, miss. Please get your facts straight. This is my territory. I'm the one giving out orders here." Dustin pushed Brittany's sword away with a finger. He demanded stoically, "You can only stay if I say so. If I don't allow it, then you need to leave. Understand?""How dare you? You dare refuse us?" Brittany glared at Dustin."I'm the Jade Maiden Sisterhood's lead disciple. I'm a goddess everyone looks up to! Do you know how many outstanding men line up to impress me every day? I'm giving you a chance. Don't be ungrateful."Because of her status, men fawned over her everywhere she went. Nobody dared to go against her will. "I'm sorry, I'm not like your fanboys. I'm not interested in you at all. Please don't think so highly of yourself," Dustin responded impassively."You—!" Brittany seethed in anger. It was the first time a man was not fawning over her beauty. How dare he ignore her?"Hey, I'm warning you! Nobody has ever rejected Brittany's request! You better not m
"Please leave if you don't believe me." Dustin's patience had run thin, and he drove them out. This woman's narcissism was beyond his tolerance. "Still playing hard to get? You're so childish." Brittany scoffed, shaking her head. "Fine, I'll play with you since you want to play. Hopefully, you won't regret it. Let's go!" Brittany walked out while she spoke. "Hmph, Brittany gave you a chance, but you didn't appreciate it. She's angry now, and it's too late to do anything!""If you had any sense, you'd apologize to her immediately. She still might consider forgiving you."The Jade Maiden Sisterhood disciples observed the situation as if watching a melodrama. They were expecting Dustin to be sobbing regretfully soon. However, the more they laughed, the more they sensed something was amiss. Dustin remained unusually calm. Even when Brittany had left the meeting room, he still hadn't shown any reaction. It was as if he didn't care. "Hey! I'm really leaving!" Brittany stopped b
"What?" Dustin's words left the Jade Maiden Sisterhood disciples dumbfounded. They had expected Dustin to be begging them to stay and crying regretfully. But, goodbye? That shouldn't be a part of his script!"Dustin, what are you doing? Are you provoking Brittany on purpose?" Nikki glared at him. She had asked him to make her stay, not send her out!"Y—you're too much!" Brittany was livid after coming to her senses. Right now, she couldn't care less about maintaining her goddess-like demeanor. She took out her sword instantly, ready to kill. When has she ever been treated like this? It was humiliating!"What are you guys doing?" Just then, an authoritative voice rang out. Everyone saw a 30 to 40-year-old woman dressed like royalty walk in. An elderly woman accompanied her. The middle-aged woman had a curvy figure and exuded charm. Her gaze was sharp and full of pride. She appeared like someone who kept people at a distance. On the other hand, the elderly woman behin
Brittany snorted and followed the group inside."What a bunch of lunatics." Dustin shook his head as he mumbled to himself. He finally realized where Brittany's confidence came from. How could their disciples be any better if they had such an arrogant leader? "Well, my teacher has a cold personality. Please don't take it to heart." Brittany was feeling awkward."Forget about it. I'd rather not argue with women." Dustin waved his hand dismissively. He would have driven them out much earlier if it wasn't for Nikki. He was indebted to Nelson and could only repay him by helping his family. "Thank god." Nikki breathed a sigh of relief before changing the subject. She asked, "By the way, I want to ask you something. Since you're the boss here, have you ever heard of the Jade Maiden Scripture?""Jade Maiden Scripture? What's that?" Dustin's brows furrowed."The Jade Maiden Scripture is the Jade Maiden Sisterhood's long-lost treasure. "Madam Edith hasn't been able to break thro
It was 8:00 pm. Inside Rose Cafe, Dahlia was seated by the window. She had both hands wrapped around her cup of coffee. Her mood was heavy as she watched the rain fall outside. She looked exhausted.Since last night, she had been in a trance and felt dispirited. All she could think of was Dustin and their memories. She had tried so hard to mend their relationship. But whatever she did, it seemed to pull them further apart. She slowly realized that Dustin seemed to care less about her now. He no longer put her first and considered her feelings either. She was terrified at the thought that they had turned into enemies, especially after the decisive look he gave her last night.Just then, Dahlia heard the sound bell hanging at the door. She turned her head instinctively and saw a familiar figure enter. It was none other than Dustin."You're here." Dahlia's eyes lit up, and she appeared more animated as she stood up."What did you call me here for?" Dustin took a seat stoic
"Stop right there!" Dahlia caught up to him and grabbed his arm. "Do you have to be like this? Can't we have a decent talk?""I don't think that's necessary. I'm wasting my breath. Not to mention, I'm busy. Let's not waste each other's time any longer," Dustin said with little interest and headed straight for the door."You're not allowed to leave!" Dahlia suddenly hugged him from behind, holding him tightly. It was an extremely bold move coming from her, especially when she was usually aloof. "I'm not letting you go!" Still maintaining her tight grip, she rested her cheek on his back.She mumbled softly, "Consider me wrong this time, okay? I know I'm difficult sometimes, but I'll do my best to change. "If you say Gavin is the bad guy, then he's the bad guy. I won't see him ever again, alright? I'm terrified of losing you. Let's get back together, please. "I won't be stubborn anymore and won't hit you again. I swear. As long as you stay, I'll do anything you tell me to. "
Early the next morning, at Zephyr Lodge, Dustin sat on the rooftop and watched the sunrise. His expression was devoid of emotion. Since bidding farewell to Dahlia last night, he had been on the rooftop since midnight till the sun rose in the sky. His emotions gradually shifted from turmoil to calmness. After a night of deep contemplation, he found a newfound sense of acceptance and detachment. He would no longer be stuck in the past."Sir Rhys …"At that moment, Cornelius leaped onto the rooftop and reported, "I've received news that the Jade Maiden Scripture you are looking for has been located.""Oh? Where is it?" Dustin raised his eyebrow."A group of foreign merchants have it. We've contacted them, but they're unwilling to sell to us directly. They insist on meeting face-to-face," Cornelius replied. "A face-to-face meeting?" Dustin nodded. "Alright, go get Nikki. We'll go and have a look together.""Yes, sir." After Cornelius replied, he jumped down the roof again.