Chapter 961
“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 this?
Did something bad happen?” The man in black was puzzled.
“I encountered some thugs earlier. But thankfully, this young man
saved me!” Vanessa recounted,
fear still in her voice.
“I see.” The man in black studied Dustin doubtfully.
“Thank you for saving Vanessa,” said the woman in red.
She nodded respectfully before continuing, “I’m Emily Hoyles, and I
belong to Azure Mist.
“This is my senior, Nathan Hoyles. Mind if I ask for your name?”
“My surname’s Rhys.” Dustin nodded politely in return.
“Nice to meet you, Mr. Rhys.” Emily smiled.
“Judging from your accent, you’re not from around here, right? Are
you here to search for Iris
Meskill’s tomb?”
“Hmm?” Dustin raised an eyebrow, surprised.
“How did you know?”
“Just a hunch.” Emily smiled.
“Lester’s been lively today, and even Azure Mist received news about
it, too. So, other than tourists,
“Good intuition. I’m impressed,” Dustin complimented.
“Since we’re all after the treasure, why don’t we team up for safety?
What do you think?” Emily offered.
Most adventurers who came today were capable, so working together
would benefit everyone.
“I’m used to traveling alone, so I might slow you guys down,” Dustin
declined politely.
“You saved Vanessa, so it’s only fair we repay the favor.
“You’ll even get a share of the treasure once we find it.” Emily
insisted.
When she saw Dustin hesitate, she added, “The Black Forest is
dangerous and filled with poisonous mist.
“People who don’t know their way around that place will get lost
easily. However, we’re locals, so it’ll be safer for you to travel with
us.”
“Emily/let’s not force someone.” Nathan’s tone held some annoyance.
Others would have jumped at the chance to travel with them, yet
Dustin was still hesitating
What a fool!
“The Black Forest is dangerous. It’ll be safer if you travel with
us,” Vanessa said.
She was grateful for what he’d done for her, so she didn’t want him
risking his life in vain.
Dustin gave it some thought and agreed. “I’ll accept your offer since
you insist.”
He wasn’t familiar with the Black Forest, so having a guide would
save a lot of trouble.
“Alright. Let’s meet at the hotel’s restaurant tonight.” Emily and
the two walked away. Before leaving, Vanessa glanced at Dustin.
Chapter 962
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 nodded before settling into his seat.
He noticed several unfamiliar faces besides Emily and her friends.
Judging from their clothes, they were also most likely from Azure Mist.
Even the weakest fighter among them was a low–level martial artist.
They were stronger than ordinary martial artists.
But they were still no match for major guilds who would also be
competing for the treasure.
“Mr. Rhys, have you prepared to enter the Black Forest?” Emily
started the conversation.
“What preparations?” Dustin asked curiously.
“The forest is full of poisonous creatures and ferocious beasts, so
it’s dangerous. You should carry antidotes, antivenoms, and other
medicines before entering ” Emily explained.
“Things like insect repellents, compasses, and specially designed
tents are also needed. They could be life–saving during emergencies.”
Abigail was bewildered. “Do we need all of that? We didn’t bring
any.”
They had rushed over, so they only had a few personal belongings.
“It’s more like you’re here for a vacation, not a treasure hunt.”
Emily teased.
Then she added, “But don’t worry. I’ve prepared all that for you. We
won’t run out of supplies.”
“Really? That’s great! Thank you so much!” Abigail lit up, touched by
the considerate gesture.
“However, these supplies are just a small part of the trip since the
Black Forest won’t be our main
concern.
nale, we need to be cautious of our compenois. Cy stone grew serious.
She glanced at a group nearby. “See those people on the left? They’re
from Ironfists and are known for their defense.
“All of them are powerful and claim to be immune to external
injuries. We’ll be in trouble if we have to fight them.”
“Ironfists?” Dustin, Abigail, and Azalea turned to look at the
muscular men enjoying their meal. The light reflected off their metal–
like skin.
“Now, look to your left. That’s Skycrane, a major guild from Yuston.
“They often win battles with their clever tactics. So they’re also
formidable opponents,” Emily explained.
“Behind me, you should see a bald man with tattoos on his head.
“He’s a ruthless killer known as the Skullsplitter. Few dare to
provoke him.
“And do you see the blind elderly man in front of us? Don’t
underestimate him just because he’s blind
“He’s far stronger than he seems. All of them are our competitors, so
we must avoid fighting them until we locate the treasure.”
Emily provided detailed insight into the major guilds and powerful
fighters. This helped Dustin and his friends avoid potential danger.
Dustin couldn’t help feeling impressed by her extensive knowledge.
Chapter 963
“Of course, even though these folks seem tough, we aren’t afraid of
them,” Emily continued.
“But the real concerns are Boulderthorn, the Combat Priests, the Zen
Order, and the Soul Reapers. Oh, there’s another person we must be
careful of!”
“Who?” Abigail asked curiously.
“The young genius who recently gained fame after winning against Sir
Augustus Kline!” Emily gushed.
“What?” Abigail blinked in surprise.
Emily was referring to Dustin, right?
Abigail looked at Dustin subtly. He replied by shaking his head
discreetly.
They needed to lie low during their journey to avoid being targeted.
“Ms. Hoyles, have you ever met him?” Azalea smiled mischievously.
“Of course not. But I’ve heard plenty of stories,” Emily replied
dreamily.
“Rumors say he’s handsome and has a strong sense of justice. More
importantly, he’s only in his early twenties but is already a
grandmaster.
“He’s one of Balerno’s rare talents and desired by many female
martial artists!”
Emily’s eyes glimmered with admiration. It was hard for any woman to
resist the young genius with a good body and extraordinary looks.
“You admire that man greatly, Ms. Hoyles.” Azalea chucked, a knowing
smile on her lips.
She glanced at Dustin subtly, who was unfazed by her words.
“Who wouldn’t admire such a genius?” Emily replied nonchalantly.
Since she wouldn’t have a chance of meeting that man, she didn’t mind
telling the truth to her new friends.
“Hmph, he might be impressive, but I’m not that far behind either!
“Give me another ten years, and I’ll surpass him!” Nathan interjected
confidently, irritated after hearing his sister praise another man.
“You? Are you sure?” Abigail studied Nathan skeptically.
“Believe it or not, Ms. Robinson, I’m quite well–known in Yuston.
“Ask anyone, and they’ll tell you who the Little Dragon is.”
“That’s right Nathan is an incredible person!” Vanessa chimed in
proudly.
“He’s one of the top martial artists in Lester and ranks third in
Lester’s Supreme Ten. He’s also a genius because he’s already a divine–
level martial artist!”
“Nathan could handle ten martial artists in this restaurant by
himself with one hand!”
Several Azure mist disciples joined шe praise. Na was nearly grow in
men excessive compliments.
But Emily smiled and stayed quiet. Her brother might be talented, but
he was nowhere near the young prodigy’s level.
Still, she wasn’t foolish enough to pop his bubble of pride.,
“Is that so? You sound quite talented.” Abigail nodded innocently.
Still new to the martial world, she wasn’t familiar with how things
worked yet. She could only judge that Nathan was an impressive individual
based on his popularity and nickname.
“Both of you should stay close to me when we enter the forest
tomorrow. I’ll protect you!” Nathan promised, patting his chest
confidently
Suddenly, a wine bottle crashed into his forehead.
Wine splattered everywhere, and blood flowed down the side of his
head.
Chapter 964
“What?” Nathan was caught off guard by the sudden attack.
He touched his forehead, and blood coated his fingers. Without his
energy armor, his body was slightly stronger than average.
“Who the F*** did this?” Nathan spun around and shouted angrily.
“Damn it! How dare someone hurt Nathan!” Azure Mist’s disciple stood
up furiously.
“Me.” A man wearing flashy sunglasses arrived with two martial
artists in tow.
His calm demeanor suggested he didn’t care about anyone else.
“Do you know who I am? How dare you attack me!” Nathan snapped.
“Well, I have no idea. Who are you?” The other man smiled, seeming
amused.
“Listen up! I’m Nathan Hoyles, one of Lester’s Supreme Ten! I’m also
known as the Little Dragon!” Nathan stated confidently.
“Lester’s Supreme Ten? The Little Dragon?” The man in sunglasses
blinked before chuckling.
“Big reputation you have there. I’m terrified.‘
trified.
The two martial artists with him laughed simultaneously.
“How dare you!” Angry, Azure Mist’s disciples drew their swords.
“How dare you mock me! I challenge you to a duel!” Nathan seethed.
He had to set things straight after being mocked in front of
everyone. He would never live down
the embarrassment.
“A duel? Pfft! Do you even know who I am?” the other man sneered.
“I don’t F***ing care who you are. Not even God can save you after
you hurt me!” Nathan roared, raising his sword.
“I’m Ken Shonde, son of the leader of Regalswords!” the man in
sunglasses declared.
Nathan immediately stopped. The sword stopped right above Ken’s head.
“Regalswords? Ken Shonde?” Nathan paled in fear.
He wasn’t afraid of his opponent’s strength. It was his identity that
scared Nathan.
Ken wasn’t a strong fighter, but he had an influential father named
Ian Shonde, the leader of
Regalswords.
Ian was also the strongest martial artist in Lester.
Not only was lan strong, but he also had connections for being an
elder of the martial arts alliance.
Even Nathan’s mentor would be wary of Ian, so Nathan had no choice
but to stop his attacks.
If he hit Ken, he’d cause trouble for himself and his entire guild!
whats une matt
you were
“Come on, then! I’ll stand still for you, so let’s see it you’ve got
the nerve,” Ken taunted, taking a step forward
Nathan gritted his teeth, pissed. He was strong enough to take on ten
Kens in combat, but he simply couldn’t do it due to who Ken was.
“Go on! What are you waiting for? Are you scared or something?” Ken
sneered.
“You talked about being the Little Dragon and taking on ten opponents
earlier.
“Yet, you can’t even hold your sword steady. Are you a man?”
“You-” Nathan trembled in anger but couldn’t fight back.
“How could cowards like you boast about being in Lester’s Supreme
Ten? How embarrassing!” Ken reached out and gently patted Nathan’s cheek.
It didn’t hurt Nathan physically, but it was extremely humiliating,
especially in front of many people.
Nathan’s eyes turned red, and his breathing ragged. He had a strong
urge to kill Ken now.
“Nathan!” Emily’s soft cry snapped Nathan back to reality.
Emily sprung up, forced a smile, and approached Ken. She apologized,
“I’m so sorry, Mr. Shonde
“My brother had too many drinks and got carried away. I hope you’ll
forgive him.”
“Well, well! I didn’t expect that loser to have such a beautiful
sister.” Ken shamelessly ogled Emily.
“You must be joking, Mr. Shonde. We’re all from Lester.
“Our mentor and your father are acquaintances, so how about we
resolve this incident quietly?” Emily forced a smile.
Chapter 965
“Sure, but I’ve got a condition,” Ken answered, raising an eyebrow.
“What is it?” Emily asked with a smile.
“I want you and the two other girls to come and drink with me. I’ll
let this slide if you make me happy.” Ken smirked.
Girls like them weren’t ordinary, much less three. There was no way
Ken would miss this chance.
“But…” Emily’s smile froze.
She knew what he wanted. It would be hard for them to get away after
drinking with him.
“Why? Are you going to refuse?”
Ken’s face turned hard as he warned, “I don’t like being rejected, so
you’d better think carefully.”
“It’s an honor to drink with Mr. Shonde, so you’d better not refuse!”
one of Ken’s lackeys warned.
“I’ll join you, Mr. Shonde, but the other two ladies should sit this
out.” Emily bargained, wanting to avoid getting others involved.
“Are you telling me what to do?” Ken snapped in annoyance.
“I said all three. You better serve me tonight!”
“Hey, don’t push it!” Abigail was unable to hold herself back and
stood.
“So what? Can’t handle it?” Ken smirked, getting closer to her.
“Hey, pretty lady. You seem newer than the other two, so let’s start
with you.
“It’s been a while since I’ve done a chick like you. I bet you’re
going to be tight. Oh, I can’t wait!”
Ken licked his lips hungrily.
“You’re shameless!” Abigail grabbed her glass and splashed wine all
over Ken’s face.
“You F***ing brat, I’ll F*** you up tonight!” Infuriated, Ken tried
to grab Abigail, but a firm grip stopped him.
“You have three seconds to leave,” Dustin said coldly.
“What?” Ken’s face tightened.
“Do you have any idea who you’re talking to?”
No one in Lester would dare to defy him.
“I don’t care. If you’re still here after three seconds, I’ll break
your legs,” Dustin retorted.
People began whispering.
“Who the hell is this guy? How dare he challenge Mr. Shonde?”
“He’s clueless about Regalswords if he’s trying to be the knight in
shining armor!”
The audience shot Dusum mocking gazes.
Regalswords was the largest guild in Lester. Their leader, Ian, was a
semi–grandmaster. Only a suicidal idiot would challenge them.
“Three… Dustin began counting down, and a chill engulfed the room.
“Don’t be rash, Mr. Rhys! You mustn’t cross him!” Emily warned.
Things would get messy if Dustin attacked Ken.
“Hey, don’t drag us down with you!” Nathan shouted with a frown.
“You better let go, or you’re dead!” the two other Regarswords
disciples threatened.
“Two…” Dustin ignored them and continued counting.
“Hmph, quit acting!” Ken sneered.
“Do you even have the balls to hit the son of Regalswords‘ leader? I
dare you to hit me. I won’t even fight back. I-”
A loud slap echoed as Dustin slapped across Ken’s face before he
could finish his words.
Ken flew back and crashed into the wall, stunning everyone.
Chapter 966
Everyone was astonished to see Ken being thrown back. Nobody expected
Dustin to be so bold.
After all, this was Ken Shonde, the son of Régalswords‘ leader, and
hitting Ian Shonde’s son was risky.
“Are you crazy? How could you hit Mr. Shonde?” Nathan sprung up,
shocked.
He had endured all the humiliation just now, yet Dustin slapped Ken
without care. This would bring trouble to all of them.
“Shit! This is bad!” Emily paled.
She’d warned Dustin, hoping he would hold himself back, but he
didn’t. They’d be in trouble if Regalswords retaliated.
“How dare you hit Mr. Shonde! We’ll kill you!” The two furious
Regalswords martial artists began attacking Dustin.
“Let me handle this!” Abigail grabbed her metal club and fought them.
Her natural talent and Dustin’s training made her far stronger than
her opponents,
especially when she used the staff combat technique.
Soon, the two men, who had climbed the ranks through flattery instead
of actual skill, fell to the ground. They were no match for Abigail.
“What gave you the guts to challenge us when you’re weak? You deserve
it!” Abigail rested her club on her shoulder and rubbed the tip of her
nose with her thumb.
There was a proud expression on her cute face
“Are these guys insane? How could they hurt people from Regalswords?”
“When–Han Shonde shows up, they’ll be done for!”
The surrounding martial artists whispered among themselves. No one
could believe that Dustin and Abigail were stupid enough to challenge
Regalswords in their territory.
“H–how dare you hit me!” Ken staggered, his face a mess.
“Did you F***ing hit me? You’re dead!
“All of you are dead! I’ll tear you apart!” Ken roared after
returning to his senses.
Just then, Dustin leaped forward and gave Ken another round of slaps.
A comment followed each slap.
“That’s for being a stubborn idiot.
“That’s for being a bully.
“That’s for your arrogance.
“Since your father doesn’t discipline you, I’ll do it for him
instead!”
Dustin continued hitting Ken repeatedly in the face.
Blood splurted out of Ken’s nose as his head spun and his eyes rolled
back.
Everyone was shocked by the sight of his swollen head. They’ve never
seen Ken, known for being a huge bully, beaten up so badly.
Usually, people wouldn’t even dare to touch a hair on his head. Yet,
Dustin was slapping the man as hard as he could.
Chapter 967
The slaps disfigured Ken’s face, leaving him unrecognizable.
There was a bigger issue now. Ken was highly regarded as the son of
Regalswords‘ guildmaster and was well–feared.
So, how could Dustin hit him? Was Dustin out of his mind?
“Stop right now!” Emily finally stepped in.
At this point, Ken had already been reduced to a bloody, unconscious
mess.
“You’ve gotten us into trouble now, Mr. Rhys!” Emily exclaimed,
helping Ken up.
She began administering medication and other techniques to wake him
up.
It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that if anything were to happen
to Ken, Azure Mist would also be doomed.
“Damn it, we shouldn’t have sat with you! You only bring disaster!”
Nathan shouted anxiously.
Why the F*** did they have to cross paths with a maniac like Dustin,
who didn’t give a shit about Ken’s status or Regalswords‘ authority?
Dustin must be crazy!
“You’ll be in trouble now that you beat Ken up, so you need to run
away.
“Hurry, or it’ll be too late!” Vanessa was visibly distraught as she
tugged at Dustin, who wouldn’t budge.
“Who dares hit my son!” A furious voice came from the entrance.
An intimidating middle–aged man stormed in with a group of martial
artists following behind.
The man was Ian Shonde, the guildmaster of Regalswords and the
strongest martial artist in Lester!
“Shit! Ian Shonde is here!”
“No one is capable of bearing his fury.”
“Hmph, it’s time to suffer the consequences for hurting his son!”
The martial artists surrounding Dustin and his group took a step back
to avoid being collateral damage.
Many seemed delighted as they waited for Dustin to meet his doom.
“You’re done for! There’s nowhere for you to run anymore either…”
Vanessa was devastated.
She wanted to help Dustin escape, but it seemed like it wouldn’t
happen.
“It’s too late now.” Emily sighed regretfully.
There was no way Dustin would escape unscathed now that Ian was here.
“What a jinx!” Nathan shook his head bitterly.
Not only did Dustin bring trouble to himself, but those from Azure
Mist were also dragged into this mess.
“Dad, you’re finally here!” Ken cried out desperately and stumbled
over to his father.
He grabbed Ian’s thigh and wailed, “I would have died if you came any
later! Just look at what he did to my face! Please avenge me!”
“Who did this?” Ian demanded, furious by how his son’s face looked.
No one dared to harm his son after knowing who he was. After all, he
was the strongest martial artist in Lester and one of the martial arts
alliance’s elders.
No one would dare to challenge his authority!
“That’s the guy who hit me, Dad! He even insulted you and said
horrible things about you!”
“What? How dare he!” Furious, Ian swept a menacing glance over the
room.
His body shuddered involuntarily when he spotted Dustin, and his
knees nearly went weak.
Ian couldn’t believe the other party was Dustin.
As one of the alliance elders, he vividly remembered how terrifying
Dustin was during the recent battle between the two grandmasters.
Why, Ian wouldn’t even dare to protest if Dustin slapped him, much
less insulted him!
Chapter 968
“I’m in trouble now!” A wave of unease washed over Ian, the strongest
martial artist in Lester, as he met Dustin’s cold gaze.
Ian couldn’t help being worried about getting beaten up.
“What are you waiting for, Dad? Tear him to pieces!
“You have to teach him a lesson!” Ken seethed.
“Shut up!” Ian slapped his son angrily.
Ken staggered backward, his remaining teeth flying away as well.
His eyes widened in disbelief as he asked, “W–why did you hit me,
Dad?”
He couldn’t understand why he’d been smacked.
His father usually wouldn’t speak harshly to him, so what was
happening? How could Ian slap him in public?
“Don’t you deserve to be disciplined after ruining Regalswords‘
reputation by bullying others?
“I should teach you a lesson for embarrassing me!” Ian snapped,
delivering another two slaps.
“Pissed, he began kicking his son as well.
Ken’s pained screams filled the air under Ian’s relentless attack.
Ian was so violent that outsiders might have mistaken the two of them for
enemies.
Everyone was stunned by the sudden twist of events.
They expected Ian to attack Dustin. They couldn’t understand why Ian
was attacking his son instead.
“What’s going on? Has Mr. Shonde lost his mind?”
“Who knows? He’s known for constantly defending his son, yet he’s
acting odd today.” “How brutal! It looks more like he’s settling a score
than disciplining his son.”
The bystanders whispered among themselves, shocked. They pitied Ken
for receiving
Ian usually spoiled his son, and anyone who tried to harm Ken would
face serious consequences. So, Ian puzzled everyone by treating Ken like
an enemy.
“Um…” Vanessa, Emily, and Nathan were stunned.
They didn’t understand what was going on.
They thought Ian would get revenge, yet he beat his son. What
happened to the selfish lan Shonde they knew?
“Please stop, Sir! He’ll die!” Regalswords‘ disciples returned to
their senses and quickly intervened to save Ken’s life.
“Hmph, that asshole deserves to be taught a lesson!” Ian spoke like
he was getting rid of the devil.
Still, he stopped when he realized he might have taken things too
far.
“Everyone, today’s incident is due to my lack of discipline.
“I would like to apologize to everyone.” Ian turned around and nodded
politely at Dustin
and his group.
Dustin calmly accepted the apology, unbothered.
Chapter 969
“I’m in trouble now!” A wave of unease washed over Ian, the strongest
martial artist in Lester, as he met Dustin’s cold gaze.
Ian couldn’t help being worried about getting beaten up.
“What are you waiting for, Dad? Tear him to pieces!
“You have to teach him a lesson!” Ken seethed.
“Shut up!” Ian slapped his son angrily.
Ken staggered backward, his remaining teeth flying away as well.
His eyes widened in disbelief as he asked, “W–why did you hit me,
Dad?”
He couldn’t understand why he’d been smacked.
His father usually wouldn’t speak harshly to him, so what was
happening? How could Ian slap him in public?
“Don’t you deserve to be disciplined after ruining Regalswords‘
reputation by bullying others?
“I should teach you a lesson for embarrassing me!” Ian snapped,
delivering another two slaps.
“Pissed, he began kicking his son as well.
Ken’s pained screams filled the air under Ian’s relentless attack.
Ian was so violent that outsiders might have mistaken the two of them for
enemies.
Everyone was stunned by the sudden twist of events.
They expected Ian to attack Dustin. They couldn’t understand why Ian
was attacking his son instead.
“What’s going on? Has Mr. Shonde lost his mind?”
“Who knows? He’s known for constantly defending his son, yet he’s
acting odd today.” “How brutal! It looks more like he’s settling a score
than disciplining his son.”
The bystanders whispered among themselves, shocked. They pitied Ken
for receiving
Ian usually spoiled his son, and anyone who tried to harm Ken would
face serious consequences. So, Ian puzzled everyone by treating Ken like
an enemy.
“Um…” Vanessa, Emily, and Nathan were stunned.
They didn’t understand what was going on.
They thought Ian would get revenge, yet he beat his son. What
happened to the selfish lan Shonde they knew?
“Please stop, Sir! He’ll die!” Regalswords‘ disciples returned to
their senses and quickly intervened to save Ken’s life.
“Hmph, that asshole deserves to be taught a lesson!” Ian spoke like
he was getting rid of the devil.
Still, he stopped when he realized he might have taken things too
far.
“Everyone, today’s incident is due to my lack of discipline.
“I would like to apologize to everyone.” Ian turned around and nodded
politely at Dustin
and his group.
Dustin calmly accepted the apology, unbothered.
Chapter 970
Dustin and the rest of them set out for the Black Forest early the
next morning.
Due to the terrible road conditions, driving was not an option. They
could only walk there.
Many martial artists had entered the forest since the day before.
They were there to try
their luck.
However, the Black Forest was so huge that they lost all sense of
direction when they
entered. Most of them just walked around aimlessly, so it was
difficult for them to find the
treasure.
About half an hour later, Dustin and the group finally got to the
entrance of the Black Forest. They could see many people making their way
in, one after another.
“Ms. Hoyles, do you know where the tomb is located?” Dustin asked.
“Well, I have no information about that yet.”
Emily continued dejectedly, “Everyone is just trying their luck now.
Whoever finds the treasure first is the lucky one.”
Though it was a wild goose chase, they had no other choice.
Their only advantage was that they were locals. Hence, they were more
familiar with the
Black Forest, and it would save them more time.
“The Black Forest is huge. How will anyone ever find anything just
based on luck?” Dustin
shook his head.
“Do you have any better ideas?” Emily asked tentatively.
“Honestly, I have an inside man in the Jade Maiden Sisterhood. If you
trust me, Ms. Hoyles,
let me lead the way,” Dustin said.
“You have an inside man? That’s amazing!” Emily was delighted.
What a surprise! It turned out that Dustin was their lucky star!
“Hey, are you bragging?” Nathan looked at him skeptically.
“It’s up to you whether or not to trust me.” Dustin didn’t explain
further and walked to the
front to lead the rest.
1/3
The Jade Maiden Sisterhood had entered the Black Forest an hour
before they did.
As agreed upon, Nikki would leave some special markings along the
way. All they had to do was follow the markings, and they could find the
tomb.
“Come on, everyone, follow tight.”
Emily gestured to those behind her to keep up.
“Damn it! What’s so great about him?
“Ultimately, they’d still rely on me for protection once they entered
the Black Forest!”
Nathan spat angrily on the ground as he watched Dustin walking in
front.
He was the boss of the group. He should have been the one leading
them.
How dare an outsider steal his spotlight? How annoying!
Their surroundings instantly became dark as they entered the Black
Forest. The temperature dropped drastically, too.
At a glance, it seemed like the entire forest was covered in a white
mist.
As it was dim, they could not see well. At best, an average person
could only see slightly
more than 150 feet ahead.
Dustin walked at the forefront. The mud beneath his feet was wet, and
the trees above him
blocked most of the sunlight.
He could even spot venomous bugs and snakes skittering out of their
way at times.
The Black Forest gave off a sinister, damp, eerie, and dangerous
feeling.
As they made their way forward, they were attacked by a couple of
insects and bugs. It was good that they were all well–trained and
constantly on the watch, so none of them were
harmed.
“The swamp gas is getting thicker. Take the medicine first, everyone.
Inhaling too much of the swamp gas will cause intoxication. It might
even cause.
hallucination.
Emily reminded them to take their medications first. Everyone
followed her order.
One reason the Black Forest was dangerous was the swamp gas. Ordinary
men could not
“Quick, look! There’s a corpse here!” someone exclaimed as they
walked.
Everyone looked over in the direction pointed, just to see the corpse
of a man lying right.
behind a huge tree.
His head had been severed, and insects were devouring the corpse. It
was a dreadful sight.
Two women were squeamish and threw up on the spot.
“He was stabbed right at his vital point. It must have been an
ambush.
“Keep your eyes open, everyone!”
Emily unsheathed her knife and looked around warily.
The Black Forest was daunting, but men’s greed was even scarier.
Men seemed unbound by morals and rules in the forest that saw no
light of day. It was
normal for people to kill others and steal their belongings.
“It should be right ahead. Let’s go over and take a look.”
Dustin heard faint voices ahead.
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