Dustin felt his chest collapse. He was thrown high into the air before crashing heavily onto the ground. He spat out a third mouthful of blood that landed in a splat far from him. It was a horrifying sight. "Sir!" Abigail screamed. Her eyes reddened, her face full of grief and anger. She wanted to rush forward, but Azalea held her tight. So, she could only watch as Dustin suffered. "One more step … just one more step … Natasha is still waiting for me. I can't fall now!" After collecting himself, Dustin clenched his teeth. Swaying unsteadily, he forced his battered body to stand upright. He was trembling and weak. He was like a flickering candle that would go out at any moment. "Sir, just give up! Let's give up the Shadowbloom. If you continue like this, you will die!" Abigail was anxious as tears started flowing. She could tell that Dustin was already at his limit. Another strike, and he would be dead. Drip, drip, drip …Dustin remained determined. He straightened
After handing over the Shadowbloom, Iris turned back to stone. With her eyes closed, she stood unmoving.She seemed to be reminiscing memories. She also seemed to be in deep contemplation."Thank you, Madam Iris, for the flower. I will always remember your generosity. Goodbye."Dustin decided not to disturb her further when he saw her in her meditative state. After a deep bow, he staggered away. Dustin would have been dead if Iris hadn't held back earlier. Her skills had already surpassed that of an ultimate grandmaster, and she was unmatched in the entire world."Sir, are you alright? You lost a lot of blood." Abigail helped Dustin walk. The corner of her eyes was still stained with tears. That was too close.If it weren't because Iris took pity on him, Dustin would have died. "I'm fine. I just broke a few bones. I won't die."Dustin took out a tablet and swallowed it. He then slowly circulated his energy.It was fortunate that he had a good foundation. Not to mention,
Azure Mist didn't expect to be stopped by major sects as soon as they exited the tomb. There was no way to escape. "Sir Chasey, wouldn't it be better to share? It doesn't seem right for Azure Mist to enjoy it alone.""Walter, it would be wise to read the room. You won't be able to keep your hands on those treasures today, so why not share them with all of us? Everyone would be happy that way.""Chasey! Hand over the treasures right now, or don't blame us for using force!"The leaders of several sects shouted a variety of threats and enticements. Their eyes gleamed with greed. Iris had collected countless treasures. The sight of any of them would send people into a frenzy. "What the hell are all of you talking about? We didn't discover anything. What are we supposed to give you?" Walter denied it firmly. He couldn't bear to hand over the treasures they had acquired."Hmph! Still trying to wriggle your way out? You just came out from the tomb. You must have found something!"
As the sect leaders watched Walter's transformation, they frowned. They knew they were about to face a formidable enemy. In the past, they could defeat him easily. But now, Walter had broken through another realm and turned into a true grandmaster.The difference in skills between both sides widened. Even though they were only half a step away from becoming a grandmaster, that step was like a rift that was impossible to cross. Once they crossed over, they would soar to greater heights. If they failed, they would fall behind forever. "Guys, what should we do now?" Skycrane's leader glanced at those beside him. He wouldn't have provoked Walter if he had known he was a grandmaster. Now, they were trapped in a difficult situation. They couldn't defeat him in a fight, and they couldn't escape either. "Should we try and fight him? He achieved a breakthrough temporarily through a tablet. If we work together, we might stand a chance.""Are you joking? He's a grandmaster now. Non
Theodore had an icy expression as he rebuked his disciples. "Master, you have a point." Skycrane's leader smiled apologetically, appearing submissive. The crowd broke out in whispers when they noticed his behavior. "It can't be. Is that the legendary Venerable Crane?""The Venerable Crane has secluded himself for many years, paying no attention to worldly affairs. I didn't expect to see him here today.""Even the Venerable Crane is after Madam Iris' treasures!" Theodore's arrival shifted the dynamics of the situation. Although Walter had become a grandmaster, he was still relatively new. In contrast, Theodore was a veteran grandmaster whose reputation had spread far and wide.They weren't on the same level. "The Venerable Crane? Why did this monster show up?"Walter gulped, losing his confidence. His arrogance disappeared, and he looked at Theodore with respect."Hey, you over there. You entered Madam Iris's tomb earlier, didn't you?"Theodore's gaze swept across the
"What the hell? Is this brat crazy? How dare he challenge the Venerable Crane?" "Where did this hothead come from? He has no respect for the Venerable Crane. Is he tired of living?""He's so reckless for his age. Seems like he hasn't faced society's wrath!"The crowd discussed and pointed at Dustin. It was as if they were looking at an idiot.Theodore was Skycrane's founder. He was a revered grandmaster respected by thousands and considered a legendary figure in Balerno martial arts. Nobody would ever dare act disrespectfully against him. And yet, this little brat was challenging him publicly. He might as well turn it into a suicide mission! "You little prick, do you know what you just said?" Theodore's expression darkened. In a sinister tone, he said, "If you don't want to die, kneel immediately. Grovel at my feet and call me grandpa, and I will let you live!" "Hey, brat! What are you still standing there for? Hurry up and kneel!""Not anyone can address the Venerabl
"Dustin, if you found any treasure, just hand them over. Your life is more important," Emily couldn't help but worry. "That's right, Dustin! Treasures are all material possessions. It's far less important than your life!" Vanessa was worried, too. "Rhys! A wise person knows when to surrender. The Venerable Crane is not someone you can go against. "Just admit to your mistakes and hand over the treasures. Everyone would be happy that way," Nathan warned him as well. He wasn't sure if Dustin had the Celestial Pearl with him, but Dustin had other valuable items. There was only one way out for him: to give up the treasures to save his life. "I don't have any treasure. But even if I did, I would never hand them over," Dustin gave his final answer. "The fuck? Did he talk back? This kid has nerves of steel!""Hmph! Driven by greed, he doesn't even care about his life! He deserves to die!" Dustin's response sparked discontent among the martial artists. It also angered Theodore.
The crowd was stunned as they looked at Dustin. Nobody expected the frail young man before them to be the legendary young grandmaster.These days, everyone in Balerno was talking about the young grandmaster. Countless people admired and idolized him.Now that he was standing before them, they still could not believe their eyes."A young grandmaster? H—h—he's a young grandmaster?" Walter widened his eyes in disbelief.He had initially thought Dustin was only a bit more talented than usual. He hadn't realized the extent of his background. It was even more absurd that he wanted to take Dustin in as his disciple. It was a laughable misjudgment! After all, everyone knew Dustin was the monster who had slain Augustus Kline.Walter hadn't even truly broken through yet. Even if he did become a grandmaster, he would only be scratching the surface. He was not even worth mentioning next to a veteran grandmaster like Augustus, not to mention someone as extraordinary as Dustin. "Damn i