Chapter 301
If Luis was going to rape her, she’d rather die than suffer and be humiliated that way. “So what? How dare a secondhand good like you act innocent. Take off your clothes right now!” Luis shouted.
“No!” Gritting her teeth, Dahlia ignored her weak body and staggered to the door.
“Do you think you can escape?” With a sneer, the man ran after her. Just as Dahlia was about to reach the lift, he sped up and made a lunge for her, dragging her to the floor. He immediately began to tug at her clothes.
Just then, the lift doors opened with a ding. The two of them lifted their heads and froze when they saw Dustin emerging from the lift with a dark face.
“What are you two doing?” Dustin seethed, a murderous air surrounding him. He realized that something was wrong when he heard Dahlia’s earlier reply, so he quickly told someone to track her car, and this was the first thing he saw.
“So, it’s you.” Luis leisurely pulled himself to his feet and lifted his pants, grinning tauntingly. ” Are you here to peek at me and my girlfriend making love?”
“Girlfriend?” Dustin frowned and stared at Dahlia. “What is going on?” “I-it’s not what you think it is.” Dahlia frantically shook her head, but she didn’t know how to explain this to him.
“Why are you hiding this from him, Dahlia? Weren’t you drinking with me so that we could do this? Since he’s caught us, we might as well let him know.” Luis smiled.
“Dahlia Nicholson! Is this what you meant when you said you were meeting a client?” Dustin’s face had contorted with rage. He thought that she was in trouble, but it turned out that she was on a date.
“I …” Dahlia was at a loss for what to say. It was true that she had lied to him, but it was only because she didn’t want him to misunderstand. However, things had still turned out this way. “Nothing to say?” Dustin sneered at himself. “So, you’ve been lying to me this entire time?”
“N-no. I didn’t mean to.” Dahlia’s eyes were red. “Then what?” Dustin’s expression contorted with agony. “You promised to have dinner with me, yet you abandoned me to visit someone else in a hotel room. Are you still going to tell me you weren’t lying to me?”
“I’m sorry, Dustin. I’m sorry! I didn’t do it on purpose. I didn’t think things would turn out this way.” “Right. You didn’t expect me to ruin your fun, or you could’ve continued treating me like a fool.” Dustin shook his head and sneered. “I was an idiot to think that you changed and even tried to accept you.
It took me so long to realize that you’ve been toying with me this entire time I don’t get it. What did I ever do to you? Why would you do something like this to get even with me? Why won’t you let me go even though we’re divorced? Was it fun toying with my emotions? Will you never stop until you’ve completely humiliated me?”
“Listen to me, Dustin. I really like you. I never wanted to hurt you. Please believe me!” Dahlia sobbed.
“You like me? Then what about him?” Dustin pointed at Luis. “I saw everything just now. Did you think that I’m blind?”
“N-no. That was a misunderstanding.” Dahlia bit her lip “A misunderstanding? Are you telling me that he was about to rape you?” Dustin’s face darkened instantly. “If you say yes, I’ll make sure to get rid of him!”
Hearing that, Dahlia immediately fell silent. She wanted to admit everything, but she couldn’t. Luis was not someone she could cross, and definitely not someone Dustin could cross. Things would become disastrous should Dustin try to harm Luis. After all, the Stonia Langfords were not someone they could win against.
Chapter 302
“Why aren’t you saying anything? Do you agree with what I said?” Dustin’s final glimmer of hope disappeared along with Dahlia’s silence. He’d given her a chance to explain herself, but she didn’t give him the answer he wanted.
“I’m sorry. I have my reasons.” Dahlia felt her heart bleeding, and breathing became difficult.
“Reasons?” Dustin sneered. “What could make you sell your body? What could stop you from explaining things to me?” “I’m sorry… I’m sorry…” Dahlia sobbed, anguished.
“Don’t apologize to me. We’re already divorced, sol have no right to control anything you do, and you didn’t betray me.” Dustin’s face gradually turned hard. “However, please don’t ever bother me again. I’m still human. I can’t keep being hurt by you. So, won’t you please let me go?”
“I …” Dahlia didn’t know what to say. Perhaps the best thing for her to do now was to completely cut ties with him since she had no choice but to yield to Luis for her brother, her family, and Dustin. Still, she’d already made up her mind. The day of her union with Luis would be the day she died.
“Alright. That’s enough. You’ve said everything you needed to say.” Luis grinned tauntingly. “Wait for me in the room, Dahlia. We’ll have some fun later.”
Dahlia didn’t move. However, Dustin’s breathing began to quicken.
“What are you waiting for? A show?” Luis gave Dustin a disdainful look over.
“Though I must admit. You’ve got good taste in women. Her smooth, supple skin sure is lovely! I’ll have lots of fun later. Well, you can watch from the side if you don’t mind.” Luis chuckled, grinning wickedly.
“You’re dead meat!” Enraged, Dustin planted his foot into Luis’ abdomen and, with a bang, the latter crashed into the wall, passing out on the spot “Are you crazy, Dustin? Do you have any idea what you’ve done?” Dahlia immediately paled. Luis was an aristocrat in Stonia. Offending someone like him was like asking for someone to kill you.
“What? Are you worried about him?” Dustin sniggered. “For you to fall for a pervert like him, I can’t help wondering if there’s something wrong with your eyes.
||
“That has nothing to do with you. Get out! I never want to see you again!”
Dahlia bit her lip, trying to control her emotions. Injuring Luis was no small matter. Dustin would be in trouble if Luis’ bodyguards were to arrive now. “Are you finally showing your true colors? Have you decided to stop pretending?” Dustin chuckled coolly
“So what? I don’t mind letting you know I’m not just dating him. We’re engaged, and our wedding is in three days!” Dahlia revealed the shocking news.
“What? Engaged?” Dustin’s expression immediately darkened. “What’s wrong with you? How could you marry someone like him?”
“Who I marry is none of your business! And you’re right. I was toying with your feelings, but so what? You were the one who was stupid enough to listen to me. Why don’t you look in the f*cking mirror? Do you think a broke loser like you can stand beside me? Luis is different. With his family background and power, I’ll live a luxurious life once I marry him! Compared to him, you’re nothing! There you go. This is the truth you wanted! Are you happy now!”
Dahlia roared. “You’re shameless!” Unable to stop himself, Dustin slapped her, and clear marks appeared on her face instantly.
Dustin was shocked. Never once in their three years of marriage had he ever struck her, so he never expected himself to lose control of his emotions. Still, anger quickly took over his dismay.
She deserved it! “I was an idiot to believe you. Please don’t ever appear before me ever again!” Dustin spat before leaving.
“Dustin-” Dahlia reached out a hand to stop him but managed to stop herself. She knew that this was the end for them. However, this was still a good ending.
So, why? Why did her heart ache so much? Her chest was throbbing so much she couldn’t breathe. “Dahlia! What happened?” Just then, Florence had arrived. When she spotted Luis unconscious on the floor, she paled. “Did you do this?”
“Mom, Dustin dropped by just now. He knows everything now. We’re never getting back together.” Dahlia wailed, throwing herself into her mother’s embrace.
“Shh… Mom’s here.” Florence patted her daughter’s back. “Your status has changed. Dustin isn’t good enough for you anymore.
“B-but I love him! I really want to be with him! Why is God doing this to me? I don’t want to accept this!” Dahlia wailed tormentedly.
“Life isn’t always smooth sailing, Dahlia. You should look on the bright side instead. I’m sure you’ll be happier in the future.” Florence sighed.
“Mom, do you know how much it hurt when I said those hurtful things to him? It was like a knife was twisting inside me! I wanted to tell him the truth and that I loved him, but I couldn’t. I’m worried he might get arrested again. Mom, it hurts. It hurts so much!” Dahlia howled, thumping her heart furiously like it would make her feel better.
While she was weeping, her vision suddenly turned black, and she lost consciousness.
Chapter 303
Even after returning to the medical center, Dustin still felt restless after the heavy blow Dahlia had given him. He never thought that she was the kind of person who would toy with his emotions for revenge.
They could have ended their relationship on a good note, yet she decided to make them enemies. Dustin just couldn’t understand why. No matter how hard he thought back, he was sure he had never once done anything bad to her.
“Dustin, are you in trouble?” Maximus emerged from the living room and asked. “Let me know if you need my help.”
The past few days of treatment have healed his core. He might not be as strong as before, but he was satisfied with just this.
“Won’t you drink with me?” Dustin fumbled around the cabinets for two bottles of wine. With Gregory around, there was never a shortage of alcohol.
“Sure.” Maximus sat down without a second thought.
The two men began to drink, but no one spoke, so the tension in the air increased. After a few glasses, Dustin eventually spoke. “How’s your injury?” “It’s healing great. I’ll be fine in another two days.” Maximus was filled with gratitude. “It’s all thanks to your skills. I’d be doomed if it weren’t for you.”
“You can stop being so formal. It sounds weird. Just talk to me casually.” Dustin topped up their glasses.
“I-I can’t do that. I’ll just keep talking like this.” Maximus grinned sheepishly. “Do it your way.” Dustin tipped his head back and downed his glass.
“Did you run into relationship problems?” Maximus asked, finishing his glass as well.
“How did you know?” Dustin raised an eyebrow.
“It’s easy to realize once you’re in the same boat.” Maximus smiled sadly. What could be worse than someone’s fiancée sleeping with their mentor? “That’s true.” Dustin calmed slightly when he thought of the things the other man had gone through, and he began spilling everything to Maximus, everything since he needed someone to confide in.
“Say, did I marry the wrong person to end up this way?” Dustin smiled sadly. “I have a different opinion, Dustin.” Maximus paused. “Did you ever think that Ms. Nicholson had no choice?”
“Couldn’t she have told me why?” Dustin shook his head.
She probably would if she could.” Maximus sighed, “You were married to her for three years. You should know her best. Do you think she’s that kind of person?”
Dustin stilled for a second before recovering. “Everyone can change. Just because she wasn’t before doesn’t mean she won’t be in the future. No one can truly tell what’s going through a woman’s mind.”
“Take it easy, Dustin. Time will prove everything.” Maximus consoled him. “Let’s stop talking about this. Let’s drink!” Dustin pulled out another two bottles of wine, fully intending to enjoy himself that night.
Just then, a black car pulled up at the entrance, and a man in a suit trudged into the building. “Who is Dustin Rhys?”
Chapter 304
The man’s arrogant gaze swept the room. “I’m Dustin. May I know why you’re here?” Dustin glanced at the man before continuing to drink. “I’m a messenger of Boulderthorn’s Royal Valor. We want to challenge you to a duel. You killed Joshua Hummer, our seventh disciple, so something has to be done. My senior will be visiting Swinton to challenge you to a duel to the death!” the man declared haughtily, throwing them a piece of paper.
As a well-known guild, they had to do things publicly, including exacting revenge. They were also going to use this opportunity to show off their power.
“You can take that back. I’m not interested.” Dustin refused without even looking at the paper. “Are you scared?” The other man sneered. “Weren’t you brave when you killed Joshua? Why are you shying away after hearing that my senior is your opponent?”
“As if. I don’t even know who your senior is,” Dustin replied calmly.
“I’ll tell you right now. His name is Tatum Thunders, and his name can be found on The Heavenly Immortals. He’s also one of the eight geniuses of Boulderthorn. His nickname is Fanatic Blade!” The man humphed proudly.
“The Fanatic Blade, Tatum Thunders?” Maximus exclaimed, his expression paled.
As a Boulderthorn disciple himself, he has heard of Tatum before.
Boulderthorn has eight subsidiary guilds-Royal Valor, Quickshields,
Forsakenstriders, Shadowfall, Thundersong, Frostlanders, Boneguard, and Killingbane.
Each guild had its respective principal disciple, who were expert martial artists ranking only below the guildmaster. In terms of power and strength, they were even stronger than the second- in-commands of Boulderthorn, and Tatum happened to be the principal disciple of Royal Valor. Only in his early thirties, the genius has already made his way onto the Heavenly Immortals.
“Fanatic Blade? Never heard of him. He better stay away if he doesn’t want to die.” Dustin couldn’t care less.
“Arrogant fool!” The man humphed. “No one has ever dared to refuse our challenge, you brat. If you refuse to accept the duel, everyone around you will suffer, not just you, so you better think this through.”
“Are you threatening me?” Dustin narrowed his eyes dangerously.
“That’s right! We’ll be waiting for you at Mount Halgue in two days’ time. You’d better be prepared for the consequences if you don’t show up. And don’t even think about running away. We’re watching you. Rather than hiding like a mouse, why don’t you die honorably in a fight instead? At least your pride will be intact, and no innocent people will be hurt. Well, you should think carefully
before making your decision. Goodbye.” With that, the man spun around and left.
The man wasn’t worried that Dustin might not accept their challenge since no one had ever gotten away from Boulderthorn.
“We’re in trouble now, Dustin!” Maximus’ expression was grave. “Tatum is no ordinary fighter. He’s a legendary figure who already achieved divinity five years ago. He’s leagues above Joshua Hummer!” “Really? He sounds strong,” Dustin responded calmly.
“I think you should bring your loved ones and run as far as you can right now, or you’re doomed!” Maximus warned
“Run?” Dustin smiled softly. “He isn’t enough to scare me.”“Do you have another plan?” Maximus asked curiously.
“There’s always a solution to a problem. Since they’re challenging me first, I should give them a response too.” Dustin smiled coldly.
His mood was already terrible, but now that Tatum was stupid enough to poke an angry bear, Dustin might as well use that man to relieve some anger.
Chapter 305
Time flew by, and two days passed. News about Tatum challenging Dustin to a duel had spread far and wide, and all the martial artists who caught wind of the challenge came in droves to watch the duel
The challenger was the principal disciple of Royal Valor, Fanatic Blade of the Heavenly Immortals -Tatum Thunders, while the challengee was Dustin Rhys, a dark horse.
Eager to watch their challenge, many people woke up before dawn to get to Mount Halgue, so now, people crowded at the foot of the mountain “I didn’t know there would be this many people.” Thanking that this was just an ordinary duel, Dustin was surprised by the size of the crowd “That’s just how Boulderthorn is Anytime a famous disciple challenges someone to a duel, their guild makes sure to promote themselves and showoff their strength. It’s an unspoken rule among guilds Maximus was used tothe sight
“Really?” Dustin smiled. “In that case, wouldn’t they be embarrassed if they lose?”
“Lose?” The corner of Maximus’ lips twitched This was Tatum Thunders they were talking about. Even among his peers in Boulderthorn, the man rarely had any opponents, so how could he lose? The only reason the guild would make such a bigtuss about this was because they were certain they would win Therefore, they invited multiple witnesses, including the disciples of other
guilds, to show off their power “Dustin, it’s not too late to turn back right now. Are you sure you want to do it?” Maximus asked tentatively.
“Why would we turn back when we’re already halfway there? Let’s go. I want to meet that guy.” Dustin stretched and began to climb the stairs. Halfway up the mountain, they suddenly heard a fierce battle going on. Dustin turned and saw a group of people fighting in the dense forest next to the path. More accurately, a bunch of burly men were attacking an old man simultaneously. Despite his white. hair and frail body, the old man was surprisingly agile, his strikes catching his opponents by surprise, so the group of men was having a hard time fighting him.
A young girl stood behind the elderly man “How dare they attack an old man! I’ll go help them” Maximus rushed forward righteously. Dustin shook his head and followed suit. “Hey! What are you guys doing?” The young girl immediately stopped them as they approached. The old man is in danger. I’ll help him!” Maximus told her. It’s fine. Those vermin won’t be able to hurt my grandpa,” the girl refused.
“He’s your grandfather?” Maximus was surprised. “Aren’t you worried he might get hurt?” The little girl immediately humphed proudly “My grandfather’s Ralph Dunn, the leader of the Steel Legion! There’s no way those vermin are a match for him
lust watchi”
Hearing that, Maximus stood back and watched the battle silently.
After exchanging a few more blows, Ralph finally put in more effort and began raining down strikes from his palms on the men. Unable to withstand the attack, the men soon became severely injured and threw up blood.
“Damn it! He’s a beast! Retreat!” the leader hollered, and everyone else immediately rushed after him, not wanting to stay another second.
“Humph! How dare those losers dare to take advantage of me with their pathetic skills!”
Chapter 306
The old man patted the dust off his body in a poised manner.
“That was a wonderful fight!” The young girl excitedly clapped after Ralph won. She turned to Dustin and Maximus. “See? Isn’t my grandpa amazing?”
“Abby, did you see my palm strikes just now? Those are our guild’s signature moves. You’ll amaze the world when you finally learn it,” Ralph said loudly.
“I’ll work hard to meet your expectations, Grandpa Abby nodded fervently. “Oh, and they are?” Ralph turned his attention to Dustin and Maximus. “They’re passersby who were being nosy, but I stopped them in time. With their abilities, they’ll only be a bother,” Abby explained.
“I see.” Ralph gave them a look over. “Treacherous bandits and ferocious beasts always roam this mountain. You two shouldn’t run around carelessly.
“Thanks for the advice. We’ll make a move since you’re safe.” Dustin thanked them and spun around to leave.
“Hold on!” Abby suddenly called out. “You’re here to watch the fight between Tatum and, er, Dustin, right?”
“Yes. Are you guys here for that too?” Dustin asked “Of course!” Abby lifted her head proudly. “To tell you the truth, Boulderthorn
invited many witnesses for today’s duel. My grandpa’s one of them!”
“Witnesses?” Dustin was amused. “Is that really necessary?”
“Of course it is!” Abby rolled her eyes. “I can tell that you’re clueless. Well, any fight between famous martial artists always needs witnesses to ensure the competition’s fairness.”
“I see.” Dustin nodded. It was true that he had no idea about death match rules.
“Both of you young men seem like fine people with strong bodies. I’ll give you a chance to become Steel Legion disciples,” Ralph suddenly said.
“Disciples?” Dustin was caught off guard. “You two should thank your lucky stars. Being my grandpa’s disciple is a dream many people have. What are you waiting for? Hurry up and thank him!”
Abby ordered arrogantly. “Sorry, but no thanks,” Dustin refused, shaking his head. “What?” Abby immediately turned angry. “Hey, you should be grateful that Grandpa’s willing to take you in.”
“Young man, you won’t come across this opportunity twice. You should think about it carefully!” Ralph stood proudly with his hands behind his back. “It’s an honor to be my disciple. All I have to do is teach you a few moves, and you’llbecome famous.”
Dustin couldn’t help but find their confidence amusing. To think that someone who hasn’t reached divinity yet was trying to take him in as a disciple. Had the requirements for becoming mentors fallen so low?
“Thank you for your offer, but I’m not interested.” Dustin shook his head once more.
“Insolent fool!” Abby humphed before turning to Maximus. “What about you?” “I’m not interested either.” He shrugged.
“You’ll regret your decision one day!” Abby fumed. Her grandfather, the leader of Steel Legion, a well-known martial expert, was gracious enough to offer to take them in, yet they foolishly refused.
Chapter 307
“Forget it I was just repaying your kindness earlier Since you don’t want to, forget it.” Ralph shook his head pretentiously, giving them a you’ll regret-it-one-day look
Dustin and Maximus exchanged amused glances silently “Let’s go. Since we’ve run into each other, I might as well escort you two up in
case there’s danger again.” Ralph said, walking ahead with his hands clasped behind his back.
“You guys are lucky to be able to walk with my grandpa!” With a humph, Abby glared at them and hurried after Ralph.
Dustin smiled and followed behind them without protest. After all, there was only one way up the mountain
Moving at a brisk pace, the group soon made it to the top At the center of the hilltop was a platform, which was where Dustin and Tatum’s fight was supposed to take place. Many people had already gathered around the platform, most of them martial artists, making things much. livelier “Mr. Dunn? Nice to meet you.
“I’ve heard so much about you, Mr. Dunn It’s an honor to meet you”
As soon as Ralph appeared, many people came unto greet him. It was clear to see that the Steel Legion was quite famous
“Do you know how powerful my grandpa is now?” Abby goaded. “I bet you regret your decision now Ha, but it’s too late!”
Dustin pretended not to hear her, while Maximus ignored her by turning his head away. “I heard you’re the witness for today’s match, Mr. Dunn Who do you think will win?” someone asked
“Isn’t it obvious? Fanatic Blade, of course!” Abby chimed in “Tatum is the principal disciple of Royal Valor and someone on the Heavenly Immortals.
He’s never lost a fight before.”
“It’s true that he’s strong, but I heard that Dustin Rhys is not someone to underestimate either. Even Joshua Hummer, who had just reached divinity,
lost to him,” another person responded. “Why would you compare Tatum to Joshua?” Abby humphed. “One hasn’t even fully reached divinity yet, while the other already did that five years ago. With Tatum’s skills today, how hard can it be for him to defeat a country bumpkin?”
“She’s right. No matter how I look at it, Tatum has a higher winning chance,” Ralph opined, and everyone instantly nodded in agreement.
Ralph was a revered senior martial artist and the witness for today’s duel, so naturally, everyone believed him.
Glancing at the people around him, Dustin shook his head with a smile. “What are you laughing at? Did Grandpa say anything wrong?” Abby demanded, annoyed.
“Aren’t you guys being too hasty? The battle hasn’t even begun yet.” Dustin smiled.
“Why? Do you think that Dustin might win?” Abby pursed her lips.
“We’ll only know once the batter starts,” Dustin answered.
Chapter 308
Abby humphed. “Stop pretending when you don’t know anything ” She rolled her eyes. “We’ll know who’s better soon enough!”
“Even if Dustin doesn’t win against Tatum, he’s still a rare genius, so we should still respect him,” the man from earlier said.
“You’re right. Just getting Tatum to challenge him to a duel is a feat of its own. Otherwise, Boulderthorn wouldn’t have wasted so much energy on this.”
“I heard that he’s only around twenty. It’s extremely rare to see someone that age reach divinity. He’s practically a genius!”
“Even if he doesn’t win against Tatum, it will be an honorable defeat.”
Everyone began to chip in their opinions. Although they were sure Dustin would lose to Tatum, they still acknowledged the former’s talents and skills “I heard that Dustin doesn’t have a quild and is self-taught He’s bound to shine if he enters Ironshade!” one said
Another chuckled. “Ironshade only has around a hundred disciples. A talent like him would be wasted there”
Someone else agreed, “In terms of size and growth, Highfield is definitely better. I’m sure Dustin. wouldn’t refuse my offer.”
“Hey, are you guys forgetting about Steel Legion?” Abby shouted unhappily. “My guild is obviously the best If Dustin actually wants to pick a guild, he’d clearly choose us!”
Dustin was puzzled. He couldn’t figure out where Abby got her confidence from How could she be so sure when she didn’t even know who he was yet? Worse, Ralph seemed to think the same, judging from his smug expression.
Just as they were talking, a group of Boulderthorn disciples approached them. Leading them were Brody and Oliver Williams.
“My, my. If it isn’t Max.” Brody sneered when he spotted Maximus. “What’s a useless man like you. doing here?”
“That’s none of your business” Maximus retorted coldly.
“We’re peers, Max. Even though you’ve lost all your powers, I won’t push you
away. For Caitlyn’s sake, I can help you return to being my father’s disciple if
you beg me.” Brody sniggered, wrapping an arm around the delicate woman beside him.
Maximus’ face immediately darkened when he saw who it was. Caitlyn Lawler, his fiancée!
Previously, she had been with his mentor, yet here she was, in Brody’s embrace.
“Oh, right. I forgot to tell you that Caitlyn has agreed to marry me. She’s mine from now on. I hope you don’t mind.” Brody mocked.
“What? Maximus’ eyes widened, his hands clenched into fists. “Is that true, Caitlyn?”
“Don’t blame me, Max. I’m just a weak woman. I need someone to protect me. Now that you’ve lost all your powers, I can only rely on Brody,” Caitlyn answered frankly.
“Why? WHY?” Maximus’ eyes had turned bloodshot. “You said you’d wait for me, and we’d be together forever, so why would you marry him?” “Are you an idiot, Max?” Caitlyn rolled her eyes. “You don’t think that I truly like you, do you? What I like is power. Power to control others. I only agreed to marry you back then because you were the most talented disciple of us all.
Look at you now. Besides getting kicked out, you’ve also lost all your powers. Without any power, what makes you think that you’re worthy of being with me? Was I supposed to suffer with you? Don’t be foolish!”
Chapter 309
“Brody!” The crowd jumped in shock and anger when Brody was sent flying by Maximus’ punch. Never had they imagined Maximus to wield such power after his core was destroyed.
“H-how dare you hit me?” Brody said spitefully, pressing against his chest, which was throbbing with excruciating pain. The audacity of someone excommunicated, a good-for-nothing to lay a finger on him!
“So what? You should thank the heavens that I didn’t take your life.” Maximus went up and took the hand of the lady in white. He soothed her affectionately,
“Caitlyn, don’t you worry. I won’t let anyone bully you when I’m around. I’ll protect you even if I have to risk my life!”
“M-Max, what are you doing?” Her expression fell as she slowly stumbled away from him.
“Caitlyn, I know you’ve been through a lot. I’ll be good to you. Let’s run away, shall we? We can leave Balerno for a place where no one knows us. How does that sound?” He looked at her with anticipation. Although he was no match for Luther, he could elope to a place far from danger and trouble with his lover.
“Max, are you crazy? I’m Luther’s woman now.” Caitlyn frowned at his words. “I know you were forced into it. You don’t like him at all, do you? Just give me a nod, and I’ll immediately take you with me!” His gentle gaze caressed her face.
“No, I won’t!” She gave her an adamant shake of the head.
“Caitlyn, are you in a difficult situation? Fret not. I will do my best to get you out of any trouble!” Maximus was earnest.
“Let go of me!” She shook off his grip and scolded him, “Max, do you still not get it? I have never loved you at all! Don’t be delusional!” That caught him by surprise, and his eyes widened in disbelief. “W-what did you say?”
“Max, at this point, I’ll just tell you the truth.” She inhaled deeply and explained without much emotion, “I had only agreed to the engagement because of your status. I need someone to protect me as a defenseless woman in the martial arts field You were my best choice back then.”
“That’s… That’s impossible! You told me you loved me and you’d marry me! Were you lying to me all along when you made those eternal vows?” A hint of resentment and rage crept into his reddened eyes. “Max, you’re cute.” She shook her head with a scoff. “Haven’t you realized I was only into you because of your influence and potential? You were Maximus Kane, a fighter with great prowess and the most remarkable disciple of our generation.
That was why I took a liking to you. But look at you now. You have been excommunicated and even had your powers destroyed by Luther. You’re no different than a pauper, so why do you think you’re a match for me? Did you really believe I’d put up with a life of suffering with you?
Dream on!”
That was a huge blow for Maximus, whose face was grim when he heard her cruel confession. He did not expect those remarks from his lover, not even in his wildest dreams. At first, he thought Caitlyn was forced to be with Luther, but it turned out that she willingly went along with it. At the end of the day, he made a joke out of himself. All his life, he had been focused on achieving excellence in swordsmanship and lived a life free of other desires. The only time he fell for a woman, he ended up in such misery.
What a joke! He slumped on the floor in a daze. In that instance, he seemed to have lost his faith and hope, turning into an empty shell of himself. Faith was the main reason he could rejuvenate his core in record time. And he held on fast to the faith that he would rescue Caitlyn. Now that he had lost it, he appeared disoriented and helpless.
“Fuck you! How dare you punch me? I’ll slash you! Brody cackled when he saw the soulless Maximus and swung his sword at the man.
Chapter 310
The sword clanked as it moved. Right when it was about to cut Maximus’ neck, a hand reached out and caught it.
“Hm?” Brody lifted his gaze, and his eyes immediately shook in fear. “I-it’s you!” He had been too focused on Maximus to notice the legend standing behind the man. “Is it worth grieving over a woman who doesn’t deserve it?” Dustin ignored Brody and stared straight at Maximus “If what you want is death, I can grant your wish. I shall forget ever having saved a useless thing as you. But, if you
have any bit of ego left in you, as a man, you should stand up straight. You don’t look a bit like a swordsman right now, even though you once said you wanted to be the best swordsman in the world! Wake up!” Then, he gave Maximus a hard slap, sending the latter trembling from the impact. He seemed to have slapped some sense into Maximus, whose eyes had a new sparkle in them.
He noticed Brody’s mean and murderous look, and he took in the look of disgust in Caitlyn’s eyes. Finally, he flashed a rueful smile. “Dustin, you’re right. I shouldn’t grieve and wail over a woman who doesn’t love me. Thank you for that.”
Then, he slowly rose from the ground. He had a determined look after he let go of his obsession. Hid depression and misery had gone, while the internal energy stirred and whirred in the core with signs of a breakthrough.
“Hm?” Dustin raised a brow with surprise. His sharp instinct told him that Maximus would achieve divinity soon!
“What happened?” A few men showed up at that moment, with a middle-aged, clean-shaven man in the lead. The leader seemed harmless and friendly, but his eyes betrayed a wicked quality. The man was, in fact, the second-in-
command of Boulderthorn-Luther Williams. “Dad! You came at the right time!” Brody’s eyes lit up, and he immediately complained to his father. “I met Maximus just now, and he punched me because he was jealous! I’m badly injured- his punch messed up my blood
circulation and energy.” “Oh?” The man squinted and turned his attention to Maximus. “It’s you, the traitor. Why? Did you not learn a lesson from before? Do I have to take your
life?”
“And you must be Mr. Williams.” Dustin examined the man and remarked, “You’re well-dressed, but too bad you’re just a filthy animal within.”
“What did you just say?” Luther scrunched up his face, a murderous look in his eyes.
“No, that’s wrong. I’d be too kind to compare you to an animal. A man who sullies the fiancée of his -mentee is worse than an animal.” Dustin did not hold back.
“You jerk! Where did you come from? The audacity to talk to me in that manner!” Luther’s eyes gleamed with evilness. He was never reckless in his moves. Even before a killing, he’d need to look into the background of his victim to avoid future troubles.
Dad! This is Dustin Rhys! He’s ruined our plans many times!” Oliver, who was standing behind his father, finally spoke. He and his sibling, Brody, had been defeated by Dustin multiple times.
“Oh, that was you?” Luther smirked. “I’m amazed by your courage, especially when you are soon to be a dying man.”
“It’s too early to come to a conclusion about that.” Dustin smiled calmly and stared at Maximus. ” Maximus, this is a good chance to take your revenge.
Get into the ring and fight this sub-animal being. Beat him and free yourself from your demons!”
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