Chapter 2231
Chapter 2232
At the Celestial Alliance's Lakeshore Villa, Alicia lay unconscious on the bed. Her breathing was growing weaker by the minute.
Aurora and Brian were pacing anxiously by her side while Kenan, drenched in sweat, worked frantically.
Kenan was using his Styx Passage technique to prolong Alicia's life, but it was barely making a difference. It could only delay her death, but it couldn't improve her condition.
If Alicia died, he knew his own life might be forfeit as well.
"How is she, Dr. Quake? How is Alicia doing?" Brian couldn't hold back his worry as he saw Kenan struggling. "I'm doing my best... I'm still trying..." Kenan replied, wiping his brow. He was so nervous that his hands trembled.
If the patient were from an ordinary household, he could just say he did his best and move on.
But Aurora had made it clear that if Alicia didn't survive, neither would he. The pressure was intense, and fear was a constant companion. All he could do was try his hardest to keep Alicia alive a little longer.
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"Martha, why aren't Faith and Dr. Rhys here yet? It's been so long!" Aurora asked impatiently, glancing at the time.
"They should be here soon. I'll call and check again," Martha said. She nervously pulled out her phone and dialed Grace's number.
Before the call was connected, two people walked into the villa.
"There's no need to call. We're already here," Grace said as she and Dustin hurried into the room.
They cas fast as they could after preparing the tablet and were relieved they made it in time.
"Dr. Rhys, you're finally here. Please check on my sister. I'm afraid she's not doing so well." Aurora skipped the pleasantries as she grabbed Dustin's hand and pulled him to the bedside.
She shoved Kenan aside in the process. He looked angry but didn't dare say anything.
Dustin took one look at Alicia and immediately frowned. "Didn't I tell you not to remove the needles? Why didn't you listen?" "It was this quack doctor's fault!" Aurora snapped.
She pointed accusingly at Kenan and continued, "He said your silver needles were trapping the poison in Alicia's body and making her condition worse.
"But after he removed them, her condition deteriorated. And now, he's unable to save her. He's nothing but a fraud!" "Why you..." Kenan's face turned from red to pale with anger. But because of Aurora's status, he didn't dare to retort and just endured the humiliation.
"Dr. Rhys, you said earlier you had a way to cure Alicia's illness. You're the only person I can turn to," Aurora pleaded and looked at Dustin hopefully.
"If you hadn't removed the needles, there might have been a chance to cure her. But now, the voodoo has spread throughout her body. I'm not confident I can bring her back from the brink," Dustin said solemnly.
At that moment, Alicia appeared to be teetering on the brink of death. Even with his exceptional medical skills, he dared not claim he could save her.
"Dr. Rhys, please think of something. Money won't be an issue. Just save my sister, please! I can pay you, no matter the price," Aurora exclaimed urgently.
"It's not about the money." He shook his head. “I can only assure you that I'll do everything within my capabilities to treat your sister. However, the outcultimately depends on her will to survive." Although Aurora appeared worried, she refrained from further questioning him. In contrast to Kenan's arrogance, Dustin's words conveyed sincerity and reliability, which reassured her.
"Everyone, please step aside." Dustin gestured for the people by the bed to move.
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As he prepared to start treatment, Brian interjected, "Wait! Are you sure you're capable of this? "Bear in mind that Alicia hails from a distinguished lineage. If you make her condition worse, there'll be serious consequences."
"If you don't trust me, then I won't treat her. You should do it ityourselves." Dustin decisively stepped back with a " your call" expression on his face. "Why you-" Brian was speechless, and his expression turned sour.
"Brian, stop talking nonsense!" Aurora snapped.
She glared and shoved him aside without any politeness. "Dr. Rhys is trying to save my sister, and you're threatening him?" "Aurora, I'm just concerned about his lack of medical expertise. What if this kid fails to treat Alicia and makes things worse?" Brian tried to explain.
He lacked confidence in Dustin's medical abilities. After all, even the even the renowned Kenan couldn't cure Alicia's illness. What could this Alicia's unknown kid possibly do? "Alicia is already teetering on the brink of death. What could be worse than that?" she retorted.
"..." ." He was momentarily speechless.
"I don't care what you think. If anyone dares to get in Dr. Rhys's way today, there will be hell to pay!" Aurora warned angrily.
Brian frowned, and his face darkened. Eventually, he said nothing and stepped aside.
Despite his doubts about Dustin, given the dire situation, he had no situation he choice but to allow him to proceed.
However, If anything went wrong, Brian wouldn't let him off easily.
Chapter 2233
After Brian stepped back, Dustin stepped forward to start treating Alicia. Because of Kenan's misdiagnosis and treatment, the voodoo had spread throughout her body.
The tablet Dustin had just crafted wasn't enough to remove the voodoo. He also needed to use silver needles to draw it out first.
However, the voodoo was like a spirit and would evade detection, making it challenging to extract with needles alone.
The best plan was for Dustin to use himself as bait. He had to absorb the voodoo from Alicia's body into his own. It was risky, but there was no other choice. To save her, he had to give it a shot.
He told Grace, "I'll use silver needles to gather the voodoo energy in one spot on Alicia's body later.
"Then, I'll use my hands to draw most of it into my own body. The whole process has to go perfectly, so I need you to watch overand make sure nobody interrupts." He looked back at Grace to stress how serious he was. Among everyone there, she was the only one he truly trusted.
The process was dangerous. While he could handle it because of his strong foundation, Alicia couldn't. If something went wrong and the voodoo turned against them, it could kill her instantly.
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She was worried and asked, "You've already used up a lot of energy crafting the tablet. Are you sure you can handle this?" She knew that he had already used up most of his mystical pure energy earlier to speed up making the tablet. Now, he was about to tire himself out even more by drawing out the voodoo, which wasn't an easy task.
"Don't worry. I know my limit. Just keep an eye out for me," he said calmly.
"Okay." Grace nodded earnestly. Anyone who dared interrupt Dustin while he was saving lives would have to deal with her.
"Ms. Marshall, help your sister up," he instructed Aurora with a glance. She quickly complied and helped the unconscious Alicia sit up.
He took a deep breath. Then, with a swift motion of his hand, a row of silver needles shot out from his sleeve. Five silver needles struck Alicia's left leg in a straight line. Then, Dustin waved his hand again, and another five needles hit her right leg.
Next, it was her left arm, right arm, and finally her chest. With each wave of his hand, he released five silver needles. Soon, her body was covered in silver needles.
The voodoo within Alicia had spread extensively, so Dustin needed to use the needles to seal off specific points and draw out the voodoo.
Once all the needles were in place, he sat cross-legged behind her and placed his palms gently on her back. A low hum filled the air as Alicia's body began to tremble slightly. Wisps of black mist slowly seeped from her skin.
Dustin kept his eyes closed and breathed steadily. Using his mystical pure energy, he was gradually absorbing the voodoo from her body.
His vital energy was much stronger than her. Hence, it made him an irresistible feast for the voodoo since he had let down his defenses.
To avoid alarming the voodoo, he drew it out slowly, using his life force as bait. He proceeded cautiously to avoid rushing things.
Tpassed, and the black mist seeping from Alicia's body grew thicker and denser. Her face turned as pale as paper, and she sweated profusely.
Her previously blank expression showed pain. She had been unconscious, but now she showed signs of reaction. On the contrary, Dustin's condition also deteriorated. He frowned as sweat dripped down his cheeks and seeped into his clothes.
He had to draw out the voodoo while also using his true energy to protect her pulse. Juggling these tasks was draining his mental and physical strength, as well as his true energy.
But for now, he could only grit his teeth and keep going.
"Dr. Quake, is this kid for real? He seems pretty mystical," Brian whispered to Kenan as they watched.
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Initially doubtful of Dustin's medical skills, Brian's skepticism began to fade when he observed the black mist seeping from Alicia's skin. He found Dustin's medical skills to be increasingly convincing. "It doesn't look good." Kenan shook his head and sighed.
He said softly, "Ms. Marshall doesn't have much tleft. That brief improvement was just a terminal lucidity. Even if I put in my best effort, it wouldn't help. There's no way that this nobody can succeed where I can't." "Is this kid just putting on an act?" Brian scratched his chin with a skeptical look.
"I've seen plenty of con artists in the martial world," Kenan said disdainfully.
He added, "Their usual trick is to bluff as much as they can. If that doesn't work, they just claim they did their best and collect smoney for their 'efforts.' "Don't be fooled by his performance now, as his true intentions will becapparent soon." He thought that if he couldn't cure the illness, why should they trust syoung man in his 20s? He believed Dustin was probably just trying to make a quick buck.
But then again, this might turn out well for Kenan. If Alicia died, he could easily shift all the blonto Dustin and avoid any repercussions.
With that realization, he sensed that this turn of events might actually work in his favor.
Chapter 2234
Aurora paced anxiously while Brian and Kenan whispered to each other. She wanted to ask questions but held back, worried it might distract Dustin and interfere with Alicia's treatment.
At that moment, Grace stood silently by Dustin's side and acted as his guardian.
As tpassed, Alicia looked visibly uncomfortable and began sweating profusely. The black mist gradually surrounded her, and it soon enveloped Dustin.
Tdragged on until he finally opened his eyes and took a deep breath. A vortex of true energy swirled in his mouth as he absorbed the surrounding black mist. His complexion shifted from pale to flushed, and he frowned deeply.
Dustin absorbed most of the voodoo from Alicia's body. Despite his strong cultivation and incredible resilience, he still felt the strain. Afterward, he placed his palms on her back.
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She suddenly raised her head and spat out a mouthful of black blood before collapsing onto the bed. "Alicia!" Brian's expression changed as he rushed to check on her, but Grace blocked him.
"Dr. Rhys is treating her. No one is allowed to interfere," she said coldly.
"Treating her? He just made her cough up blood. Move aside!" Brian shouted.
"She was expelling poisonous blood. This will speed up her recovery." "This is nonsense!" he said, seething. ' Alicia's life is invaluable. If anything goes wrong, you will face the repercussions!" "If you want her to recover, step back and let Dr. Rhys do his job." "Of course, I want her to recover. But I don't trust this kid. Who knows what he's up to?" "I'm warning you for the last time. Back off, or you'll regret it." "Hmph! Who are you to threaten me? Do you have any idea how easily I could kill you?" Brian glared at her menacingly.
"Try if you want," Grace said indifferently.
"You're asking for trouble!" Just as Brian was about to make a move, Aurora suddenly stepped between them. "What's going on? Alicia's in critical condition, and you want to fight?" she scolded.
"Aurora, those treatments aren't helping. He's already made Alicia cough up blood. If this continues, she'll die," Brian said, trying to incite her.
Aurora glanced at Dustin, and for a moment, doubt flickered in her eyes. Yet, she swiftly reaffirmed her stance. "I've brought Dr. Rhys here because I believe in his expertise. If anything goes wrong, I'll take full responsibility." She had placed all her hopes on Dustin and knew there was no turning back.
"Aurora..." Brian's expression darkened.
He was ready to protest, but Aurora silenced him. "Enough! Alicia is my sister, and I'll be the one to decide." "You must be out of your mind!" He sighed and was exasperated by her resolve. Yet, he reluctantly relented after seeing her unwavering determination.
Dustin ignored the troublesBrian and focused on suppressing the raging voodoo within him. He lifted Alicia's head with one hand and gave her the tablet he had prepared earlier.
The tablet wasn't a conventional antidote but a poison. Given the urgency, the only way to counteract the voodoo was through poison-induced therapy.
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He planned to use a risky technique involving two different poisons. By letting the poisons battle inside her body, they would neutralize each other quickly.
However, this method was dangerous, as a single mistake could be fatal. Dustin had to continuously al use his mystical pure energy to protect Alicia's pulse and prevent severe damage. Once the poisons had nearly neutralized each other, he was ready to make his final move.
An ordinary doctor couldn't manage such a complex procedure. Only someone of Dustin's ultimate grandmaster caliber could attempt such a daring treatment.
As he had predicted, the poison and the voodoo in Alicia's body clashed violently. They began to devour each other and caused her circulatory pathways and blood vessels to rupture. Consequently, Alicia's nose started to bleed.
Despite his powerful true energy, Dustin couldn't keep Alicia m completely unscathed. He could only protect her main circulatory pathways as much as possible to prevent severe injury. 1 Ultimately, Alicia's life depended on her will to survive
Chapter 2235
As the two poisons battled fiercely within Alicia, blood trickled from her nose, and her body convulsed slightly.
Dustin kept his hand on her back as he continuously channeled mystical pure energy into her. Her circulatory pathways were damaged and repaired repeatedly in this process, which lasted about half an hour.
Eventually, the poisons were neutralized. Her body calmed, her expression relaxed, and the nosebleed stopped.
1 Though still pale, her steady pulse and smooth breathing indicated she was out of danger. Only then did Dustin slowly remove his hand and end the treatment.
"The voodoo in Alicia's body has been cleared. She's stable now, but she needs to rest and avoid strenuous activity," Dustin said as he rose to his feet. He looked tired, drenched in sweat.
"Alicia... Is she really okay?" Aurora's eyes widened with a mix of nervousness and hope.
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"Why don't you check for yourself?" he said, his words brief.
Dustin slumped onto a chair and gulped down the tea. No matter how strong he was, the prolonged use of his mystical pure energy had drained him.
Yet, he found solace in knowing his efforts had paid off and Alicia was safe.
Aurora took a deep breath and cautiously approached the bed to check on Alicia. She finally smiled when she felt her sister's steady breathing and strong pulse.
"This is great! My sister has been cured." Tears of joy welled up in her eyes.
She had sought Dustin's help as a final resort but didn't hold high expectations. To her astonishment, he successfully cured Alicia. This event reminded Aurora not to judge people hastily.
"Dustin, thank you so much." Grace breathed a sigh of relief and was grateful for his efforts.
She knew the risks he took, and she wasn't oblivious to his sacrifice. His commitment, driven partly by respect for her, deeply touched her. She knew he had willingly risked his life for her sake.
"There's nothing more rewarding than saving a life, so the hard work was worth it," Dustin replied with a faint smile.
"Is she cured?" Brian was taken aback and somewhat doubtful.
He immediately stepped forward to check Alicia's pulse. His disbelief deepened as he felt her once weak pulse now strong and steady, akin to a healthy individual's.
Brian pondered how this could be possible and questioned whether Dustin was a skilled doctor.
"Dr. Rhys... You're a miracle worker!" Once Aurora confirmed that Alicia's condition was stable, she promptly said to Dustin, "Thank you for saving my sister. Your kindness won't be forgotten. We'll make sure to provide anything you require!" "I'm here because Ms. Linsor askedto help treat Alicia. You should thank her." Dustin redirected the praise toward Grace.
"Thank you so much, Faith." Aurora clasped her hands in gratitude toward Grace. Any prejudice she had with Grace before was now replaced by deep gratitude.
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"Don't mention it. Alicia is a close friend of mine. How could I stand by when she's in trouble?" Grace smiled. "Regardless, both of you are the Celestial Alliance's valued benefactor.
Should you ever require assistance in the future, count on US to be there for you," Aurora pledged sincerely.
"Wait..." Brian suddenly interjected and asked, "Alicia's vital signs a 's vital signs are stable, but why hasn't she woken up yet? What's the reason for that?"
Despite Dustin's apparent success in saving Alicia, Brian couldn't shake off his lingering doubts Hesuspected that Dustin might have employed a deceptive tactic to create a temporary improvement in her condition to fool them. "Her body is still weak. Although the voodoo has been dispelled, she still needs proper rest," Dustin explained calmly.
"Hmph! That's just your excuse. How do I know you're not lying? What if Alicia never regains consciousness?" Brian eyed him suspiciously.
"What do you mean by that? Are you trying to pick a fight?" Dustin frowned.
He found Brian like an annoying fly, buzzing incessantly since Dustin started treating Alicia. Even after her recovery, Brian persisted in causing trouble, which only fueled Dustin's frustration. "I'm merely being cautious to prevent anyone from exploiting the situation," Brian said as he feigned righteousness.
He added, "If what you claim is true and Alicia indeed wakes up today, I'll gladly recognize your abilities and compensate you generously." Then, he threatened, "But if she doesn't wake up, it will prove you're a fraud, and you'll have to deal with me!"
Chapter 2236
"Allowto clarify something. Your approval isn't necessary, nor is your gratitude," Dustin stated calmly.
He continued, "Also, in matters of healing and saving lives, your interference is unwelcome. If you don't agree, feel free to demonstrate the capabilities of the Celestial Alliance disciples." A cold glint flashed in his eyes as he spoke. He wasn't typically one to engage in conflict, but Brian's persistent provocations had tested his patience.
Dustin was confident he could handle Brian despite his waning true energy reserves.
"Oh, did I hit a nerve? Is that why you're so worked up? I knew you were a fraud!" Brian sneered.
He added, "Trying to deceive US? Well, kid, you've messed with the wrong faction. Today, you'll learn just how unforgiving we can be." With that warning, he made a sudden move and grabbed Dustin's throat.
"Stop it!" Aurora's expression paled as she attempted to step in, but it was too late. Brian's strength overwhelmed her, and his unexpected attack on Dustin caught her off guard.
"Fool!" Dustin's expression turned cold as he prepared to retaliate.
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However, before he could act, a stunning figure stepped in. She wielded a silver hairpin and jabbed at Brian's palm pressure points.
With a muffled groan, Brian recoiled from the sharp pain. He looked down to see blood seeping from where the hairpin had jabbed his palm.
"Huh?" Brian frowned and looked at Grace with a mixture of shock and disbelief.
His Adamantine Palm was renowned for its resilience against conventional assaults, so he didn't feel the need to dodge. However, he was taken aback when she shattered his energy armor and pierced his Adamantine Palm with a mere silver hairpin.
Despite being armed, he knew underestimating her strength would be a grave mistake.
"We cto heal and save Alicia. Is this how the Celestial Alliance treats us?" Grace said coldly. Her expression was icy as blood dripped from the silver hairpin she held.
"Please accept our sincerest apologies. Brian acted impulsively, and I sincerely apologize for any offense caused. Please, don't let this incident tarnish your view of US." Aurora turned to Dustin to express her regret before confronting Brian. "What were you thinking? Dr. Rhys saved Alicia's life, and instead of showing gratitude, you're planning to hurt him. Your actions have disgraced the Celestial Alliance." "Aurora! This guy is a fraud. He never cured Alicia's illness. Don't be fooled! " Brian hurriedly defended himself. "Shut up!" Aurora snapped. "If we're talking about frauds, shouldn't we mention Dr. Quake, the one you invited? "Despite treating Alicia for hours, he not only failed to cure her but nearly cost her life. If Dr. Rhys hadn't arrived in time, my sister would probably be dead by now!" Upon hearing that, Kenan, standing nearby, turned pale. He looked embarrassed and guilty.
"Aurora, you can't judge so quickly. Alicia hasn't woken up yet, so we can't say she's cured. What if her condition is just momentary? We need to be cautious,' Brian said seriously.
"What momentary? That's nonsense! I may not be a medical expert, but I'm not blind!" Aurora retorted.
Since Alicia had vomited the poisonous blood, her complexion and overall condition had stabilized significantly. This was a stark contrast to the unpredictable fluctuations during Kenan's treatment.
Moreover, it was clear to everyone that Dustin had exhausted a lot of his true energy during the treatment. There was no way he was faking it.
"Unless this kid can wake Alicia up, all this talk is meaningless. I won't trust his medical skills!" Brian insisted firmly.
"You... You're being utterly unreasonable!" Aurora was visibly frustrated.
"Well, Mr. Stern raises a valid concern. In matters of life and death, there's no margin for error. If Dr. Rhys is as competent as he claims, waking the patient shouldn't be too difficult, right?" Kenan interjected unexpectedly.
"You quack doctor! Who asked for your opinion?" Aurora glared at him.
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"Aurora, please show srespect!" Brian exclaimed. "Dr. Quake is a om reputable figure in the medical community. While he may have slipped up this time, it doesn't discredit his vast expertise." 1 He asserted, "Moreover, his priority is Alicia's well-being. We cannot afford to gamble with her safety!" Aurora's frown deepened as she hesitated.
Despite Brian's overbearing demeanor, she understood he had a genuine concern for Alicia's well-being. The uncertainty lingered until Alicia regained consciousness.
"Dr. Rhys, may I know how long it will take for Alicia to wake up?" she asked.
"Your sister is very weak right now.
It's typical for her to remain asleep for three to five days. The exact duration hinges on her physical well-being," Dustin said calmly. "Three to five days? Isn't that a bit too long?" Aurora frowned.
"Do you hear that, Aurora? This kid is just trying to buy time. He'll be long gone if we wait three to five days!" Brian incited from the sidelines.
"If you insist on waking up your sister now, there is a way. But it might 5m prolong her recovery and lead to slingering complications. The choice is yours," Dustin said, letting her decide. Alicia was still fragile, and forcing her awake would likely worsen her condition. If Aurora, as a family member, insisted on it, he wouldn't oppose it. 6 After all, he had done everything he could; his conscience was clear.
Chapter 2237
Dustin's words left Aurora feeling conflicted. While she had faith in his medical expertise, concern for Alicia's health lingered.
It was a classic dilemma of prioritizing caution over potential regret. What if Alicia remained unconscious? What would their next move be? "Aurora, I brought Dr. Rhys here, and I trusted him. Right now, Alicia needs rest. Forcing her awake won't help," Grace advised sincerely.
"Hmph! You two are obviously working together, of course, you'd say that!" Brian continued to stoke the fire.
He continued, "Aurora, don't listen to their smooth talk. Your sister waking up is the only real solution. Everything else is just empty talk!" "Exactly. A patient's condition can change suddenly. Just because things seem stable doesn't guarantee they'll stay that way. Lives are on the line, and we need to proceed cautiously," Kenan added as he echoed his support for Brian.
Kenan was a renowned doctor in the martial world. He felt his pride sting as a newcomer took over his spotlight. Given the opportunity, he vowed to reclaim his status without hesitation.
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"Dr. Rhys, could you... awaken Alicia as soon as possible?" Aurora hesitated before making the request. Despite Brian's brashness, she felt a kernel of truth in his words.
"Sure. However, letclarify that if there are any complications after your sister awakes, I can't be held accountable," Dustin stated calmly.
"Hmph! Enough with the scare tactics! I'll take full responsibility for whatever happens as long as Alicia wakes up!" Brian retorted defiantly.
"Dr. Rhys, I'm curious to see whether you're a rising star or just another pretender," Kenan quipped sarcastically. Dustin nodded and said nothing. He returned to Alicia's bedside and extracted a silver needle. Then, he swiftly jabbed it into her forehead.
The trembling silver needle transmitted wisps of mystical pure energy into her. Instantly, discomfort clouded her features, and her eyelids twitched.
Despite her weakened state, the abrupt awakening instinctively triggered resistance. This was evident in the rapid movement beneath her closed eyelids.
Three minutes later, Dustin removed the silver needle and exhaled." Almost there. In about half an hour, your sister Alicia will wake up." "Hmph! This is all just for show! I don't believe you have the skill." Brian sneered.
"Believe what you want. I've done my part. Whatever happens next, it's on you," Dustin said impassively.
He had removed the voodoo from Alicia and fulfilled Grace's request. Any aftermath was beyond his concern. "Alright, I'm tired. I'm heading back to rest. You guys keep an eye on her." Dustin yawned as he turned to leave. "Stop right there!" Brian demanded as he blocked him with a fierce expression. "Kid, who said you could leave? I told you clearly, you're not going anywhere until Alicia wakes up!" "I told you, she'll wake up within half an hour. Can't you understand plain language?" Dustin's patience was wearing thin.
"Don't givethat 'half an hour' nonsense! I won't accept it, not even for a second." "Move aside, or don't blme for what happens next." Dustin's tone turned icy.
He had been eyeing Brian with disdain for a while. If the man didn't start showing srespect, Dustin wouldn't hesitate to teach him a lesson.
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"What's the matter? Feeling guilty and thinking of running away? Well, lettell you, that's not an option!" Brian threatened. "If anything happens to Alicia, I'll make sure you pay with your life!" "My life? Do you even have the nerve?" Dustin countered.
"Hmph! You arrogant fool, today I'll show you what the Celestial Alliance is capable of!" Brian's expression turned icy as he prepared to take action.
Suddenly, Alicia, lying on the bed, moaned softly and opened her eyes.
Brian was stunned, at a loss for words, at the sight.
"Alicia's awake! She's finally awake!" Aurora exclaimed. She was brimming with joy and marveled at Dustin's ability to awaken her sister.
"She's awake? How is that possible?" Kenan was dumbfounded. 1 He had long suspected Dustin of using deceitful tactics, but Alicia waking up shattered his doubts. It becevident that Dustin possessed genuine skills—he wasn't a fraud.
The realization that Kenan, a renowned skilled doctor, paled om compared to Dustin left him surprised and deeply embarrassed. He reluctantly admitted that Dustin's skills were better than his.
"Mr. Stern, you wished for Alicia to wake up, right? Well, there you have it. Any doubts about DORhys's medical prowess now?" Grace's gaze bore into Brian. He was flustered and speechless.
Chapter 2238
Brian's face displayed confusion and embarrassment as Alicia stirred awake. Although her regaining consciousness surprised him, the bruise on his ego stung him even more.
The way Dustin and Grace eyed him only made him feel more like a fool. Now that Alicia was awake, everything he had done before seemed like a farce, and he had never felt so humiliated.
At that moment, his hatred toward Dustin and Grace reached its peak.
"Alicia, how are you feeling? Do you feel any discomfort?" Aurora asked, leaning in with concern.
"My head's throbbing..." Alicia grimaced and massaged her temples. Then, she asked, "Why am I here? What happened?" She felt disoriented. Her mind was shrouded in fog, and she had no memory of what had happened, which left her utterly bewildered.
"You were poisoned and in critical condition. Faith and Dr. Rhys cto your aid just in time, or you might not have made it," Aurora recounted the harrowing experience.
Upon hearing that, Alicia's gaze shifted to Grace, and she was surprised to see her. "Faith, what brings you here?" "I heard about your illness and brought a skilled doctor with me. Luckily, we arrived just in time. Otherwise, who knows what might have happened." Grace smiled faintly.
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"That's very thoughtful of you." Alicia returned the smile before turning her attention to Dustin. "So, you're Dr. Rhys? Thank you for saving my life. If you ever need anything, just letknow." "No need to thank me. I acted at Faith's behest," Dustin replied promptly.
"Oh? Looks like there's more going on between Dr. Rhys and Faith," Alicia teased and winked at Grace.
"Even in your state, you're cracking jokes? Just lie down and get srest," Grace responded in exasperation.
"I've been stuck in bed for days. If I don't move, I'll fall apart. I need to get up and move around," Alicia insisted with a faint smile as she rose from the bed.
However, she felt dizzy, and her whole body began to sway.
"Take it easy," Aurora said as she supported her sister.
"I'm okay," Alicia dismissed Aurora's concern, closing her eyes briefly and taking a deep breath.
After the dizziness passed, she opened her eyes with a smile. "Just stood up too fast and felt light-headed. Nothing serious." “Ms. Marshall, I need to be honest with you. The poison affecting you isn't ordinary. It's a potent form of voodoo," Dustin stated thoughtfully.
He continued, "The person behind this is a highly skilled mystic artist. While I might be able to save you once, doing it again could be dangerous. To protect yourself, we must locate this person and either make them an ally or kill them." "Alicia, have you recently offended anyone? Or perhaps had any past conflicts with someone?" Grace asked tentatively.
"Offended anyone?" Alicia frowned and pondered before shaking her head.
She added, "I don't usually go out much. But I heard about the Combat Tournament at Sacred Wrym Summit, so I decided to join in for fun. I've been sightseeing along the way and didn't cause any trouble with anyone." "That's strange," Grace remarked. She turned to Dustin, who nodded in response.
Though no words were exchanged, they both understood each other's thoughts. If it wasn't revenge, it was likely a schfrom the Hall of Gods.
They intended to use Alicia's death to incite a war between the Mystic Arts Order and the Celestial Alliance. Thereby, the Hall of Gods would benefit from the ensuing chaos.
"Wait! I remember now!" Alicia suddenly exclaimed as if recalling something.
She raised her voice and said, "A few days ago, a strangely dressed person approachedand asked for directions. I caught a whiff of a peculiar scent during the conversation.
"I didn't think much of it at the time. But shortly after, I passed out. Could it be that person used voodoo on me?" "It's possible." Dustin nodded.
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"Do you still remember that person's features?" Grace asked.
"Yes, I do. I could even sketch it." Alicia turned to Aurora and said, om "Could youfetch spaper and a pen? "Sure thing," Aurora replied and quickly left. Soon, she returned with the supplies. Alicia paused to think before drawing. Soon, a clear portrait emerged before everyone.
Dustin was impressed by the exquisite artwork.
The ability to remember someone's features after just one encounter and sketch them out so accurately was genuinely remarkable.
"Here, this is the guy." Alicia handed the sketch to Grace.
Grace glanced at it and passed it to Dustin, who then handed it to Aurora.
The sketch showed a man in his 40s with an unremarkable appearance. Without Alicia's sharp memory, recalling such an ordinary face would have been difficult.
"Hey! Get this sketch photographed and send it to all nearby members of the Celestial Alliance. We need to catch this guy within three days!" Aurora promptly ordered. Whoever dared to harm Alicia would face severe consequences, no matter who they were.
Chapter 2239
"Alicia, the person you're seeking is a highly skilled mystic artist with formidable powers and used cunning methods. You need to be careful," Grace warned.
"Don't worry. The Celestial Alliance has extensive surveillance and a team of elite fighters. Once we find his whereabouts, we'll mobilize and capture him. He won't slip away," Aurora assured confidently.
"You've already saved my life, Faith. So, you don't need to stress about capturing the perpetrator," Alicia said with a smile.
"Looks like I've been worrying too much." Grace nodded, acknowledging their abilities.
The Celestial Alliance wasn't to be underestimated. Once they gathered their elite fighters, capturing a mystic artist should be relatively easy. Even the Hall of Gods wouldn't dare to confront them head-on in Dragonmarsh.
"Dr. Rhys, you saved my life. I should properly thank you. What can I do to repay you?" Alicia asked.
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She disliked being indebted to anyone. But since Dustin had saved her, she felt obligated to repay him generously.
"You don't have to thank me. If anyone deserves gratitude, it's Faith. I don't need any reward," Dustin replied. "Okay. Since we're all friends, there's no need for formality. If you want to show your appreciation, just treat US to a meal. I'm starving," Grace said with a smile.
"Alright. Let's enjoy a meal together," Alicia agreed.
Then, she turned to Aurora. "Please tell Martha to prepare a lavish dinner and bring out the finest wine from our collection. We're hosting special guests tonight." "No problem," Aurora replied and promptly left the room.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, night descended. A luminous full moon illuminated the sky, casting a silver sheen over the lake.
Lights illuminated every corner of the villa, and the housekeepers bustled about. In less than an hour, a spread of fine wines and dishes were laid out on the table.
Dustin and Grace were offered the seats of honor, while Kenan had already departed from the villa in embarrassment.
"Here's to you, Dr. Rhys and Faith," Alicia said enthusiastically. She poured wine for everyone before standing up and raising her glass in a toast.
"You've only just recovered, and it's not wise for you to drink," Dustin stated firmly.
"Huh?" She paused and hesitantly asked, "Not even a small amount?" "No." He shook his head.
"But..." Alicia was speechless. She loved drinking, particularly with close friends, and the thought of not having a few drinks was torturous.
"Con, Alicia. Dr. Rhys is right. It's not the best tfor alcohol with your health. How about stea instead?" Aurora signaled for a pot of tea to be brought over and reached for Alicia's wine glass.
Despite Aurora's attempts, Alicia held onto her glass firmly and looked reluctant. "I won't drink it, but can't I just keep it nearby to savor the aroma? n "Why put yourself through this?" Aurora rolled her eyes. "I know how much you enjoy drinking. Just smelling it will only intensify your cravings. You'll eventually give in." "Alicia, your health should cfirst. There will be many opportunities to drink in the future," Grace chimed in with a smile as she tried to persuade her.
"Well, okay..." Alicia relented. With that, she set down her wine glass and reached for her tea cup.
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The tea had an exquisite aroma and richness that hinted at its premium quality. However, despite its apparent quality, it tasted dull to her palate. Plus, the inability to indulge in the wine before her seemed like torture.
While observing her sister, Aurora tactfully changed the topic. "Dr. Rhys, ΟΠ you possess such impressive medical skills at such a young age. Have you ever considered joining our faction?" Aurora asked. "I'm more of a free spirit and prefer to chart my own course. I don't have any intentions of joining any particular faction." Dustin shook his head and declined politely.
"But we have a lot to offer. Joining US would ensure you're well-supported. Wouldn't you reconsider?" Aurora insisted.
"Yes, Dr. Rhys. Your talents would be a valuable addition to our faction. Should you be interested, I can offer you a consulting position," Alicia proposed.
"What? A consultant?" Brian finally spoke up. "Alicia, are you serious? A consultant in the Celestial Alliance holds almost as much power as an elder. Does this kid truly warrant such a position?"
Brian had only reached the status of Sprincipal disciple. While he held sO authority, it was nothing compared to a consultant's. He couldn't accept Dustin becoming the Celestial Alliance's consultant. "Why not?" Alicia responded firmly. "You've witnessed Dr. Rhys's prowess in medicine. Even Dr. Quake acknowledges his superiority.
"Besides, Dr. Rhys is exceptionally young with boundless potential. A medical prodigy like him is precisely what our faction requires. Granting him the status of the consultant is entirely fitting." "I beg to differ," Brian argued.
He continued, "Our faction has always valued strength above all. This kid's expertise lies solely in m medicine, and he doesn't fit the criteria of a consultant. If word of this gets out, it'll be met with widespread disapproval.
Chapter 2240
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