Five decades ago, Linden had barely started gaining fame while Iris was already a household name. He had the honor of meeting that impressive woman once."Iris Meskill? Jade Maiden Sisterhood?" Surprised, Dustin asked, "Dr. Watkins, do you know where her tomb is?""That's why I said this is impossible," Linden sighed. "Since her death, many have searched for her tomb, yet no one has succeeded. It basically doesn't exist!""Just because no one could find it doesn't mean it doesn't exist," Dustin answered firmly. "I'll find a way to find the Shadowbloom. If I fail, I'll have no choice but to break into the Mystic Arts Order!""Are you crazy? You'd be walking into the lion's den!" Linden paled. "That's nothing compared to Natasha sacrificing her life to save mine." Dustin had a determined gaze."But …" Linden was at a loss for words. "Dr. Watkins, how much longer can Natasha hold on for?" Dustin asked."That's hard to tell. I'd say anywhere from three days to half a month.
Two copper basins were soon brought as Edith ordered. One contained water, while the other had burning charcoal."Let's try it out." Edith took a deep breath before tossing the scripture into the water. Everyone observed the scripture, waiting for something to happen, but nothing did.Apprehensively, Edith fished the scripture out. Still, nothing seemed to have changed."See, Madam Edith. I told you it wouldn't work!" Brittany complained. "Let's try again!" Edith gritted her teeth and raised the scripture again. "Madam Edith!" Brittany quickly stopped Edith. "We can let it dry if it's wet. But if we burn it, we'll never get it back. Please think this through!""I've memorized all its contents anyway, so there's no need to keep it!"Edith brushed Brittany's hand away and threw the scripture into the fire.A puff of green smoke swirled around the basin as the scripture erupted in flames. It quickly turned into a pile of ash. "Madam Edith, I see something inside!" Nikki'
Taken aback, Nikki forced a smile. "Madam Edith, I've got good eyes. I might be useful.""No thanks!" Edith frowned in annoyance. "Having Brittany around will be enough. Leave.""But—" Nikki stopped talking when Edith glared at her. The older woman snapped, "What? Are you going to defy me?""Of course not." Nikki lowered her head and bit her lower lip. "Get out!" Nikki was irritated."I'll take my leave." With a nod, Nikki left reluctantly. Her gaze showed her discontent and resentfulness. She couldn't believe that despite all her contributions, Edith still didn't trust her. It was as if Nikki was an outsider. Yet, without her, Edith wouldn't have obtained the scripture and discovered its secrets.Nikki couldn't understand why Edith would not acknowledge her hard work and favor her.Worst, instead of receiving Edith's thanks, all Nikki got was Edith's anger thrown at her. Nikki gritted her teeth and clenched her fists, displeased. Once she left the villa, she grab
"Iris Meskill's tomb? Are you sure?" Dustin grabbed Nikki's wrist. Nikki winced as Dustin's strong grip numbed her arm. "I saw it with my own eyes," Nikki ignored the pain and answered firmly. "Where's the tomb? Tell me!" Dustin demanded frantically. Although he intended to find out about Iris' tomb through the Jade Maiden Sisterhood, he didn't expect to get a lead so soon. "You're hurting me!" Nikki pulled herself free with a frown. "I don't know its exact location since Madam Edith chased me out before I could study the map. I only remember vaguely seeing the 'Black Forest'.""The Black Forest?" Dustin frowned. "Where's that?""From what I found, the Black Forest is located in Lester. It's a primitive forest filled with dangerous swamps. "Due to its treacherous terrain, people rarely go there, and it's never been developed," Nikki explained. "That's not what I want to know. I just need its location," Dustin retorted icily. The forest was huge. Searching for a hi
Apparently, the location of Iris Meskill's tomb had finally been found. It was rumored to be in the Black Forest. When the news got out, many martial artists rushed to Lester to try their luck. After all, such opportunities were rare.Meanwhile, in a sedan heading toward Lester, Dustin stared out the window, lost in thought. Abigail sat beside him, chatting nonstop. "Dr. Watkins told you to take care of yourself and take your medicine on time. Remember not to use your true energy, or it could mess you up inside," she said. "Also, I have no idea who leaked news about Iris Meskill's tomb, but many people are going after the treasure now. So, the competition's going to be tough."Oh, and one more thing. Last night, some skilled person broke into the alliance's prison and rescued Spring Hill. "The alliance sent people to catch him, but no luck so far," Abigail reported as she scrolled through her messages.Dustin, who had been zoning out, finally responded, "Spring Hill escaped?
"Bastard?" The sudden voice startled the scar-faced man. He whirled around to find a plainly dressed man quietly observing him."Where the hell did you come from? You better stay out of this!" Scarface's face darkened. "Please help me!" The woman thrashed around and cried out hopefully, looking terrified. She had almost given up, thinking she would be violated. But now, someone was going to help her. "I never said I was going to get involved. You guys can carry on," Dustin said with his arms crossed, looking unbothered. "What?" Dustin's response took Scarface aback. Even the woman was confused. Wasn't Dustin supposed to be a hero who would rescue her? So, why wasn't he doing anything?Was he just going to watch?"Tch, I thought you were going to help her. Turns out you're just a coward!" Scarface sneered. "If you aren't going to stand up for her, get lost and stop bothering me!""Exactly! Scram, or we'll break your legs!" Several of Scarface's lackeys chimed in."You
But Dustin's attitude only stirred Vanessa's competitive spirit. "Hey, can't you be a little friendlier?" Vanessa pouted teasingly. "It's polite to return kind gestures. I'll lose sleep if I don't repay you.""You'll be fine with a couple of sleeping pills. Goodbye," Dustin replied curtly before walking away. "Wait, mister!" Vanessa tried to catch up to him but stumbled after a few steps. As she fell, her torn clothing revealed her voluptuous figure. Dustin paused briefly to remove his coat and tossed it to her. "Thanks!" Vanessa quickly covered herself with the coat, feeling genuinely grateful. "Vanessa!"A man and woman approached. Their elegant fashion tastes made it easy to tell that they held a higher status than ordinary citizens. "I'm here!" Vanessa waved at them, her spirits lifting. "Where did you go, Vanessa? "Why didn't you inform us? We were so worried!" The woman in red feigned annoyance. "What happened to you, Vanessa? And why are you dressed like
At 7:00 pm, Dustin, Abigail, and Azalea arrived as planned at the resort's restaurant. The restaurant was spacious enough to accommodate hundreds of people. Dustin noticed that there were already groups of people sitting together, chatting lively. While there were a few tourists, most of the guests were martial artists who came for the treasure. "Over here!" Vanessa called out as she waved at them energetically. Dustin nodded in acknowledgment and led the others to her table. "I'm glad you could make it. Please take a seat," Emily greeted warmly. Nathan, who had appeared aloof earlier, perked up upon seeing Abigail and Azalea. He straightened up and tried to strike a handsome pose. "Allow me to introduce my friends, Abigail Robinson and Azalea Larson. "I hope you also don't mind having them, Ms. Hoyles." Dustin made a brief introduction. "Of course not. The more, the merrier. Please, have a seat." Emily smiled and gestured for them to sit."Thank you." Dustin nodde