Chapter 2501
Glenn wasn't just skilled in swordsmanship, but his technique was also flawless. Every strike was unpredictable, relentless, and impossible to block. His attacks cin waves, and each one was stronger than the last.
What made him even more terrifying were the six divine swords that obeyed his every command. They were like extensions of his will.
The swords threw Dustin off balance, attacking from every direction and blocking any chance of escape. They moved in perfect sync with Glenn and left no room for counterattacks.
Dustin had no choice but to dodge and parry. If not for his incredible agility and mastery of the sword, he wouldn't have lasted more than a few breaths.
Even so, the pressure was overwhelming. It felt like he wasn't just facing Glenn but six or seven skilled opponents at once. Any slip in focus, or any opening, could be his last.
The real challenge was that Dustin wasn't gaining any ground. While he had to stay focused on dodging and blocking, he also had to search for an opening to strike back, which made everything even more difficult.
"This is exciting! Their speed and swordsmanship are just on another level. For any sword enthusiast, this is an absolute feast!" "I have to admit, Dustin's skill is impressive. Even with Glenn's seven swords coming at him, he's still holding his ground." "This match is full of suspense. It's hard to say who'll cout on top." While watching Dustin and Glenn fight in the ring, the audience buzzed with excited chatter.
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Sgamblers, especially those with money on the line, couldn't hide their tension. On the surface, Glenn seemed to have the upper hand, and he pressed his attack steadily. However, he had yet to land a decisive blow. With the unpredictable nature of the fight, no one could say how it would end.
Most had bet on Glenn, thinking he was the safer choice-high chance of winning, low odds, small profit, but it was still a win nonetheless. If he didn't win, those gamblers would take a big hit.
"Glenn's already got Dustin on the ropes with seven swords. Looks like the outchas been decided." Alloy narrowed his eyes and watched the fight thoughtfully.
Fenley didn't stand a chance against Glenn's seventh sword earlier, yet Dustin had managed to hold his ground until now.
Still, Glenn had two swords left-the strongest ones. Once those cinto play, Alloy was sure Dustin wouldn't last much longer.
"The two are evenly matched. It's too early to call a winner, right?" Penelope's raspy voice cut in.
"Madam Penelope, we both know that once Glenn uses his final two swords, Dustin won't stand a chance. Why bother holding onto false hope?" He shook his head with a knowing smile.
Despite his differences with the Sword Union, he had his bet placed and naturally wanted Glenn to win.
"True. Glenn does have two more swords, but how do you know Dustin doesn't have something up his sleeve?" She chuckled darkly. “These young martial artists are beyond what we old ones can predict. Give them a few years, and they'll eventually take our place." Alloy's smile faltered, and he fell silent. He wasn't entirely convinced by Penelope's words, but a nagging feeling wouldn't leave him. If Dustin had a trick up his sleeve, the match could take an unexpected turn.
On the battle ring, Glenn pressed the attack without pause. With each swing of his Fang Master, afterimages blurred in its wake and struck Dustin.
In contrast, the six other divine swords darted back and forth as they relentlessly pressed in on Dustin. For a moment, he seemed like a lone boat caught in a violent storm, battered by the relentless barrage of strikes yet refusing to be capsized. "Elderflame! Go!" Frustrated by his inability to break Dustin's defenses, Glenn called upon his eighth divine sword, Elderflame.
A streak of gold light shot into the air and spun before descending like a meteor toward Dustin with unstoppable force.
"ArcMor!" Dustin's body tensed as his mystical pure energy surged outward. A giant illusory tortoise materialized and wrapped around him to form a protective barrier. With no room to move and nowhere to dodge, he had no choice but to take the blow head-on.
The golden sword descended and crashed into his protection armor energy.
A deafening explosion shook the ground. The impact sent shockwaves through the protective barrier of the battle ring and caused the blue shield to tremble and flicker like a candle in the wind.
"Hold on, everyone!" Oron shouted.
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He and the other three Sacred Wyrm Summit masters channeled their internal energy into the formation to stabilize it.
In the center of the battle ring, Glenn's Elderflsword above Dustin, its hard hovered tip pressed hard against the protection armor energy around him. The illusory tortoise surrounding Dustin began to crack, and the fractures spread rapidly across its surface. At this rate, it was clear his defenses wouldn't hold much longer.
"Voidreaver!" Glenn quickly pressed his advantage and summoned his ninth divine sword.
It was the Voidreaver, ranked eighth on the Divine Weapon List-stronger even than Dustin's Celestial Blade, ranked ninth.
The sword flew out of the case and rapidly grew as it ascended. Within moments, it expanded into a massive weapon, over 30 feet long and six feet wide.
It was pitch-black and radiated a menacing energy, as if it had risen from the depths of the underworld. Just a glance was enough to send a chill down anyone's spine. "Strike him!" Glenn raised his sword finger and flicked it down with force.
The enormous Voidreaver soared higher before plummeting with an thunderous crash. It cat Dustin like a falling building and was ready to crush him into dust.
Chapter 2502
"Glenn has unleashed all nine of his divine swords. He's unstoppable now!" "The pressure's overwhelming, and those strikes are deadly!" "It's over for Dustin. There's no way he can survive this!" As the Voidreaver ccrashing down, the spectators held their breath. No one had anticipated the ninth divine sword to pack such devastating power. It was as if it could tear the world apart.
"Dragon Sparrow!" Seeing the tide turn against him, Dustin shouted sharply.
Next, a brilliant purple light shot down from the sky and slammed into the enormous Voidreaver with lightning speed.
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The impact was deafening, and the purple light erupted outward. The Voidreaver shattered instantly and revealed its true form beneath. It was sent flying more than 30 feet away.
After sending the Voidreaver tumbling, the purple light kept its momentum. It struck and knocked away several flying swords in its path before hovering in front of Dustin.
It was a divine sword, purple with golden accents.
"Oh my gosh! Is that the Dragon Sparrow sword, ranked second on the Divine Weapon List? Am I seeing this right?" "It really is the Dragon Sparrow. But wasn't that the Sword Whisperer Seth's sword? How the hell is it in Dustin's hands? Could he be connected to Seth?" "Seth is dead, and the divine sword needs a worthy master. For Dustin to have earned the sword's recognition, he's definitely a natural-born swordsman." When the Dragon Sparrow sword made its appearance, the audience went wild. Just moments ago, they had all thought Dustin was a goner, but now they realized he had been holding back a deadly weapon the whole time.
The sword called "Dragon Sparrow" was known to everyone in the audience.
Seth had used it a year ago to break through the Dragon Guard's defenses with a single strike. The force of that blow had rattled the entire city of Oakvale. 1 Now, with the sword in Dustin's hands and facing off against Glenn, this match was about to beclegendary. "So, this punk is really Seth's disciple.” Alloy narrowed his eyes, and his expression turned serious.
If Dustin had truly inherited Seth's techniques, and with the Dragon Sparrow in his hands, Alloy knew this match was definitely going to be full of suspense.
"Defeat him, and you'll have no one left to challenge you," Cyrus muttered under his breath.
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He had already figured out Dustin's true identity and knew he wouldn't be easy to beat. But he still had confidence in Glenn. Once Glenn defeated Dustin, the entire martial world would be his for the next century.
"Con, kid. You've got this!" Penelope's eyes glimmered. For both personal and professional reasons, she was hoping Dustin would win.
"This just keeps getting more interesting." Kaden chuckled. The younger generation had certainly surprised them.
On the battle ring, the usually cold and detached Glenn stared at the Dragon Sparrow hovering in front of Dustin with a rare fanaticism flashing in his eyes.
"So, you still have a trick up your sleeve. Dragon Sparrow... such a fine blade." He "He couldn't take his eyes off the sword and hide the admiration on his face.
As a sword enthusiast, Glenn's obsession was collecting the world's greatest blades The more famous Swords he owned, the stronger he became.
Chapter 2503
Glenn now wielded nine legendary swords, but they still paled in comparison to the Dragon Sparrow, a true treasure. If he could get his hands on it, he would consider half his life's goals accomplished.
"I didn't want to bring out the Dragon Sparrow. But at this point, I can't win without it." Dustin raised his hand and gripped the Dragon Sparrow firmly. It was the legacy Seth had left him.
Dustin had sworn never to use it unless absolutely necessary, but the pressure Glenn was putting on him was overwhelming. So, he had no choice but to call upon the sword.
"If you care so much about winning this match, how about we make a deal? "Glenn said eagerly. "I can put you on the champion's throne, but in return, you'll have to givethe Dragon Sparrow. What do you say?" Compared to the fof winning the tournament, the sword was priceless. Giving up the championship meant nothing to him. He wouldn't hesitate to betray the Sword Union if it meant getting the sword.
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"Are you insulting me?" Dustin raised an eyebrow and said coldly, "As fellow swordsmen, what makes you think that a title is worth more than this sword?" Glenn faltered for a moment, and his gaze sharpened. After a beat, he nodded. “You're right. I misspoke. Then, letexperience the power of the Dragon Sparrow sword for myself!" Dustin glanced at the setting sun, and its fiery red glow sank slowly on the horizon. He said lightly, "It's getting late. Let's end this with one move." "That's exactly what I had in mind!" Glenn's expression turned serious.
What had been a warm-up before was now a real life-and-death battle since both sides had revealed their trump cards.
"This strike is called the Draconic Edge. Be careful." Dustin's grip tightened around the Dragon Sparrow as he slowly raised it.
In his mind, he replayed the image of Seth's final swing.
With that strike, the world trembled. The sun and moon lost their light. Mountains were cleaved in two, and rivers were cut asunder. Ultimately, Seth wiped out the entire Dragon Guard and changed the course of history.
And today, Dustin's strike wasn't just about deciding the outcome. It was also a tribute to Seth and a continuation of the Sword Whisperer's legacy.
"Ninëfold Convergence!" Seeing the change in Dustin's momentum, Glenn wasted no time.
With a quick flick of his sword finger, nine divine swords shot into the sky and spun rapidly. The beams of light from each sword collided and merged into a massive, shimmering, nine- colored sword.
The sword glowed with swirling light, and waves of lethal energy surged from it like an unstoppable force. The scattered sword energies were so deadly that even the slightest touch would bring certain death.
"Dawnbreaker!" With a thunderous shout, Glenn commanded the nine- colored divine sword to strike Dustin.
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In an instant, the sky darkened, and fierce winds began to whip around. The battle ring trembled, and it forced Oron and the other masters to channel their internal energy into the formation to keep it stable.
"Draconic Edge!"
Seeing the massive nine-colored sword descending toward him, m Dustin raised his hand and delivered a simple slash. There were no flashy moves-just raw intent-but the effort drained him.
Sweat poured down his face while his hands and legs were trembling. His true energy was drained, and he had no strength left in his body. A purple sword aura shot forward, moving with calm precision yet unstoppable force as it aimed for the nine- colored sword.
What started as a three-foot-long blade of light grew with every inch it traveled and expanded by three m el inches. In the blink of an eye, the purple aura stretched over 30 feet and easily outpaced the nine-colored divine sword. Under everyone's gaze, the two forces finally collided and filled the air with a deafening crash.
Chapter 2504
A thunderous boom shook the ground like an earthquake. When the purple sword aura clashed with the nine- colored divine swords, a terrifying energy wave suddenly erupted like a volcanic eruption.
Wherever the waves of energy swept through, the air thundered with an ear- splitting roar, and the space around them seemed to warp.
The once-solid battle ring cracked like brittle glass and shattered into rubble.
Above it, the massive blue protective shield expanded to its limit and trembled violently under the strain.
Cracks spread like spider webs across its surface. It weaved together into a web-like pattern that spread across the entire shield.
"Hold it together!" Oron shouted. He and several other Sacred Wyrm Summit masters frantically channeled their internal energy into the formation.
But no matter how hard they tried, the cracks continued to spread. A moment later, the barrier shattered with a deafening crash.
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Oron and several other masters from Sacred Wyrm Summit were blasted back more than ten yards by the shockwave. Before they even hit the ground, they were severely injured, with blood pouring from their mouths and noses.
The remaining shockwave showed no signs of slowing down as it continued to spread outward. Like a raging tide, it quickly swallowed up the crowd.
Those with strong cultivation managed to brace themselves, but the weaker ones were tossed around. They were knocked off their feet and left bloodied and bruised.
In an instant, the entire scene descended into chaos as screams, curses, and cries for help filled the air.
At Dustin and Glenn's level, even the slightest ripple from their battle was too much for ordinary people to withstand. In fact, no one had expected such intensity from their clash. It not only obliterated the battle ring but also shattered Sacred Wyrm Summit's carefully set up defense formation.
Even several martial arts masters from Sacred Wyrm Summit couldn't withstand it. The destructive power was beyond anything they had ever witnessed.
"Quick! Help the injured!" At that moment, the match's outcno longer mattered. Kaden immediately mobilized his people to treat the wounded.
The other major guilds quickly sprang into action. Faced with a disaster of this magnitude, no one could stand idly by.
Fortunately, most of the audience were martial artists. They were capable of protecting themselves, so there were no casualties.
As for the non-martial artists, there was even less to worry about. Many of them were either wealthy or influential, with experts by their side to protect them.
Under Sacred Wyrm Summit's leadership and the cooperation of the various guilds, the chaos was quickly brought under control. The injured were either assisted off the stands or carried away.
The remaining spectators stayed in place with their eyes glued to the center of the ring. Compared to their injuries, they were more curious about who won the match.
The battle ring was now in ruins. What had once been a 100-foot ring was reduced to nothing more than a mound of shattered rubble. Dust and smoke filled the air, blocking the view and making it impossible to see through the wreckage.
A gentle breeze swept through and cleared the smoke to reveal two lone figures standing atop separate piles of rubble.
On the left, Glenn, dressed in black, stood with a cold expression. His breathing was heavy, and blood trickled from the corner of his mouth. Before him, nine divine swords were embedded in the ground. Their once- dazzling light had faded, leaving them dull and lifeless.
On the right, Dustin stood tall in white. His face was pale and glistening with sweat. The hand gripping his Dragon Sparrow sword trembled slightly. A thin trail of blood dripped from his palm and slid down the blade before falling onto the rubble below.
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The two just stared at each other, and neither of them moved.
"What's going on? Who won?" "Both are still standing. Could it be a draw?" The spectators exchanged bewildered glances.
With the battle ring in ruins and the defense formation destroyed, continuing the fight seemed impossible.
At the level of these two ultimate grandmasters, even the residual force of their attacks could annihilate most of those present. A second clash could reduce the audience to nothing more than ash.
"Sage Foyer, how do we handle this situation?" Alloy was caught off guard by the sudden turn of events.
Kaden hesitated, and his expression hardened. He had thought he was fully prepared, with the defensem formation and Sacred Wrym Summit's masters reinforcing it. Under normal circumstances, keeping control of the situation would have been easy.
But he never anticipated that Dustin and Glenn would possess such devastating destructive powen They had destroyed the battle ring and broken the formation. Now, there was still no clear winner, and he felt that this was starting to get out of hand. "Given that the ring is destroyed, continuing the match seems pointless. How about declaring it a draw?" Penelope spoke up suddenly..
Kaden didn't answer. Instead, he turned to Cyrus and Alloy, asking, What do you think?" "I have no objection," Alloy replied with a shrug.
"It's a shame, but a draw seems fair," Cyrus said after a moment's thought.
"Okay. If everyone agrees, then it's settled."
Rising to his feet, Kaden amplified his voice with internal energy. "The battle ring has been destroyed, the defense formation is broken, and neither contestant has emerged victorious. After discussing with all parties, we declare this match a draw!"
Chapter 2505
"A draw?" Kaden's announcement sent the crowd into an uproar. This outcwas unexpected by many.
In martial arts, there was no room for a draw. Once the match started, someone had to cout on top, especially in this highly anticipated championship match. Otherwise, what was the point of fighting if no winner was declared? And more importantly, what would happen to the bets without a winner? Would the bookmaker take all the wagers? "Yes! A draw is fine," Abigail exclaimed, practically jumping with joy.
She had only planned to take shandling fees to enjoy herself. Yet, she hadn't expected this outcat all. It seemed like fate was making her rich.
"I wonder if the two contestants are satisfied with this arrangement.” Kaden turned his gaze to Dustin and Glenn. Both men had pushed themselves to their limits. Their energy reserves were drained; and they had no strength to continue.
The battle ring was destroyed, and the defense formation was shattered. There was no place left for a rematch. So, a draw was the only sensible choice.
"Do you have the strength to swing your sword again?" Glenn didn't respond to Kaden but instead focused on Dustin.
"I've got one more move," Dustin replied honestly.
That last strike, the Draconic Edge, had drained him of almost all his mystical pure energy. He only had enough strength for one more move.
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"Shere." Glenn wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth. “It's hard to accept that it ends here. We've fought this long, so there has to be a winner. How about a sword duel without using our internal energy? Let's see who is better." "Sounds great." Dustin nodded.
Without the battle ring and defense formation, their fight could endanger the bystanders. But if they limited themselves to just using the sword, there was no risk of that.
"We'll continue to fight. This time, we won't use internal energy. We're going to have a sword duel." "Sword duel?" Kaden raised an eyebrow. He glanced at the guildmasters of the three major guilds. Seeing no objection, he finally responded, "Sounds good. It's your call.
The nervous spectators finally let out a collective sigh of relief. If this had ended as a draw, it would've been unsatisfactory to everyone.. Even the bettors would lose everything.
This new arrangement, focusing on just using the sword, was the perfect solution-fair, safe, and with a clear outcome.
"Get ready. I'm drawing my sword!" Glenn grabbed the Voidreaver sword from the ground and aimed its tip squarely at Dustin.
Dustin said nothing and raised his Dragon Sparrow sword.
The two men stood still for a second, then launched into action.
Without using internal energy, it was just a raw test of physical strength. Their speed was nothing short of terrifying. They blurred into two streaks of motion and collided with each other in the ruins.
The sound of metal clashing filled the air, accompanied by sparks flying in every direction.
Their vements were so fast that it was impossible tell them apart. Even without internal energy, the sheer force of their strikes created ripples in the air like waves of wind.
The spectators, watching from a distance, felt a chill run through them. It was as though standing too close might tear them apart.
After several minutes of fierce fighting, Dustin and Glenn suddenly stopped.
Glenn's sword had pierced Dustin's shoulder. The sharp tip had torn through his skin and muscle and was drawing blood.
"Did he win?" The spectator behind Glenn saw his sword pierce Dustin's shoulder and assumed he had won.
Sof the bettors were celebrating, while others were lamenting their loss. But those watching Dustin's side saw something different.
Though his shoulder was impaled, his sword had stabbed deep into Glenn's chest. With a slight push, it would be a fatal strike. To them, it was clear- Glenn hadn't won. Dustin had.
In the end, Dustin's sword mastery had outclassed Glenn's.
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Glenn glanced down at the sword lodged in his chest, and his expression hardened with a swirl of complex emotions. He had always believed his sword mastery was unparalleled, but he never expected to be defeated by Dustin in the end.
Their cultivation levels were evenly matched, but the gap in theit sword mastery was quite big. It only made him realize how much more he needed to improve.
"Thank you for sparing my life. I admit defeat." Glenn withdrew his Voidreaver and bowed his head.
He wasn't the type to sulk over defeat, nor did he care about the championship title. His life's pursuit was to achieve the pinnacle of sword mastery. If he lost, it meant he wasn't skilled enough or hadn't put in enough effort-no other excuse. "Good match." Dustin bowed his head in return to show his respect. This match hadn't been easy for him, and it was fair to say it had been dangerous and challenging.
Glenn was simply too strong. He controlled nine flying swords with masterful precision, without a single flaw in his technique.
If they hadn't agreed to settle the match with a normal sword fight, Dustin wasn't sure he could've won. "Alas... In the end, it was just one move short of victory." Cyrus couldn't help but sigh. When he first heard that the two would settle the match with a duel, a sense of unease crept over him.
Glenn had always focused on mastering his sword aura. While his sword skills were impressive they hadn't yet reached their full potential. Against most opponents, they were more than enough. But facing a peerless talent like Dustin, they fell short. But now, it was too late to change anything. The match had been decided.
The silver lining was that Glenn didn't seem disheartened. Instead, there om was a spark of determination in his an eyes an intensity he hadn't been there before. That drive would carry him forward from this point on. Sometimes, failure wasn't the end. It could ignite the passion that pushed someone to new heights.
Chapter 2506
"The younger generation truly is taking the lead," Alloy said, narrowing his eyes. His expression showed a mix of surprise and delight.
Even though he knew Dustin was Seth's disciple, he never believed Dustin could defeat Glenn. The outcwas completely unexpected.
He lost his bet, but he wasn't upset. At the very least, the Sword Union didn't claim the title. The Celestial Alliance still had a chance to make their move.
The next challenge was figuring out how to recruit Dustin into his guild. Training resources and empty promises wouldn't be enough, especially with the Sword Union and the Mystic Arts Order also having their sights set on him.
Alloy knew he needed a more creative approach. Then, he thought about Dustin's close ties with his daughters. He figured a little matchmaking might just tip the scales in his favor.
. "You've been holding back all this time, and now you're finally making waves," Penelope said, grinning. She was pleased with Dustin's performance.
Since Abigail was still single, she figured that making Dustin her husband would be a huge asset to the Mystic Arts Order.
Although it didn't fully align with the guild's traditions, the rules were set by people and could always be rewritten. After all, times had changed.
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"Those with true potential aren't bound to small places. When the tcomes, they'll rise to greatness." Kaden sighed.
Before the match ended, no one had predicted that Dustin would win. This dark horse had left everyone stunned. Seeing Glenn had admitted defeat, Kaden stood and declared, "The match is over. I am proud to announce that this tournament's champion is Dustin Rhys." The spectators erupted in cheers, and applause echoed throughout the venue.
Dustin and Glenn's extraordinary performance held the audience spellbound. No one had ever witnessed a battle so intense and thrilling. They reduced the arena to rubble and shattered the defensive formation.
Even with their energy completely drained, they delivered a breathtaking display of swordsmanship. For the spectators, risking danger to witness this fight was more than worth it. This was a match they would remember forever.
"Haha... he did it! Dustin won!" "My big gamble paid off! I'm rolling in it now!" . "Damn, what bad luck! I should've bet on Dustin to win." Swere overjoyed, while others were downcast. The ones who had bet on Dustin were ecstatic, while those who had placed their bets on Glenn sighed in disappointment.
But the small group of gamblers didn't dampen the mood of the majority. The atmosphere was still electric, and Dustin's nechoed throughout the venue.
After the tournament ended, it was tto award the prizes. The top three contestants would receive rewards. First up was third-place winner Abigail, followed by second-place Glenn. Both received rare and priceless treasures. The rewards were valuable additions to the Sword Union and the Mystic Arts Order.
As for the champion, Dustin didn't receive his prize right away. Instead, Kaden personally escorted him into the Sacred Wyrm Summit manor.
It had been announced earlier that the winner would receive the Sage's secret treasure, but the exact nature of the prize remained a mystery.
Dustin had already guessed that the secret treasure was likely related to the Dracan essence. That was the very reason he had entered the Combat Tournament in the first place.
After leaving the venue, Dustin followed Kaden through several doors before finally entering the inner sanctum.
"After that intense match, you should rest for a while. I've got something urgent to take care of. I'll be back soon, "Kaden said.
"Someone, bring tea for our guest!" He led Dustin to a seat and instructed someone to bring tea and snacks before leaving.
By the tdusk settled in, everything at Sacred Wyrm Summit was running as smoothly as always, with its usual calm order. Since Dustin was already there and wasn't in a hurry, he decided to relax. He sipped his tea and waited quietly.
It wasn't until nightfall that Kaden finally returned. But this time, he wasn't alone.
A tall, elderly man accompanied him.
He had a round face, a full head of white hair, and a portly build. His cheerful, welcoming expression made him appear friendly. Yet, Kaden was entirely deferential in the presence of the elderly man.
Upon seeing the elderly man, Dustin's expression changed. He quickly rose and bowed his head. "Greetings, Ancient Sage. I'm Dustin Rhys." Indeed, this unassuming, elderly man with a round face was none other than the legendary figure who had reigned suprin the martial world for years -Arion Foyer.
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"Don't be so tense, kid. Take a seat." Arion chuckled and lightly patted Dustin's shoulder with none of the usual superiority expected from an elder.
Dustin nodded and took a seat as instructed. Although he had anticipated this moment, seeing Arion in person was an entirely different experience.
Arion might have looked ordinary at first glance, but his presence was as deep and limitless as the ocean. The . greater his cultivation, the more suffocating his energy felt to Dustin.
It wasn't something Arion deliberately projected, but rather the overwhelming sensation of being ve utterly insignificant in the face of such power. Even with Dustin's own cultivation, standing before Arion made him feel small, like an ant. “You take a seat, too." Arion gestured for the tense Kaden to sit beside him.
"Kid, congratulations on winning the championship. On top of your standard reward, you can ask Sacred Wyrm Summit for one favor.
"As long as it doesn't go against martial world ethics and is within our power, we'll do everything possible to make it happen," Arion said: He eased his bulky frinto the chair and smiled warmly. Dustin's eyes lit up at the offer.
The prestige of Sacred Wyrm Summit was unquestionable, and now Arion was offering Dustinam personalfavor. This alone could drive other factions mad with envy, as it was worth far more than any mere treasure. Still, Dustin hadn't figured out what to ask yet. After thinking briefly, he replied, "Ancient Sage, I haven't really thought it through. Can I save it for later?" "Of course." Arion chuckled. "But don't wait too long. What if I drop dead one day and can't fulfill my promise?" "Ancient Sage, stop joking. You'll live to be 100," Dustin quickly replied.
"100?" Arion raised an eyebrow and laughed even harder. "You're funny, kid." Noticing the odd look on Kaden's face, Dustin suddenly realized his mistake.
Arion was nearly 200 years old.
Dustin's words could either be taken as a blessing or a curse. He quickly understood he had misspoken.
Chapter 2507
"I'm sorry, Ancient Sage. I misspoke earlier." Dustin apologized with an awkward expression.
"It's okay. I'm not bothered by it." Arion laughed heartily. He then waved at Kaden. "Bring out his reward." "Of course," Kaden replied, then retrieved a jade box and placed it on the table beside Dustin.
"Go ahead and open it." Arion smiled and motioned for Dustin to look inside.
Dustin nodded and carefully opened the box with both hands. Inside, he found three translucent orbs-one gold, one red, and one green.
Each orb glowed faintly, and inside, a small snake of the scolor slithered.
Their movements were graceful and almost alive.
"Dracan essence!" Dustin's eyes widened in surprise.
He had encountered Dracan essence before and immediately recognized the orbs. But what surprised him was that Sacred Wyrm Summit had not one, but three of them. It made him wonder what kind of treasure-filled land this was.
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"Well, how do you like the reward?" Arion asked with a smile.
"Ancient Sage, how did you know this is exactly what I needed?" Dustin couldn't hide his surprise.
"My mentor's foresight is unmatched.
The trends of the world never escape his keen eyes," Kaden said proudly.
"Ancient Sage, I have nothing but respect for you," Dustin said with a respectful salute.
Sometimes, things did cwhen one least expected them. He hadn't expected to receive the Dracan essence so effortlessly, much less three at once. With four of the five Dracan essences already in his possession, he just needed to find the remaining one.
"Don't get too ahead of yourself," Arion said with a smile.
He continued, "The Dracan essence will shape the fate of the world, and it will draw the attention of countless forces eager to seize it.
"Now that it's in your hands, it's both a blessing and a burden. You'll have to think carefully about whether you're ready to take on such a heavy responsibility." "I was entrusted with this task and will carry it out loyally. The Dracan essence is mine to protect, and I'll do whatever it takes to safeguard it," Dustin replied seriously.
"Good. A true Dragonmarsh man should have that kind of spirit." Arion nodded with approval.
"Ancient Sage, you've givensuch a generous gift. I have snews to share with you in return." Dustin suddenly changed the subject.
"Oh? Do tell." Arion raised an eyebrow.
"The Hall of Gods from Streuquan has sent experts to infiltrate Sacred Wyrm Summit. Their target is the Forbidden Ground. I'm not sure if they're after the Dracan essence or have other intentions," Dustin said truthfully.
"The Hall of Gods?" Arion narrowed his eyes but kept his smile. "They've got snerve trying to target Sacred Wyrm Summit." "They're well-prepared. We can't "Dustin afford to let our guard down," replied.
"Kaden, take care of this. Anyone who dares to trespass in the Forbidden Ground-kill them." Arion smiled, though his words carried a deadly edge.
"Understood!" Kaden responded and turned to leave.
There had been too many intruders around Sacred Wyrm Summit lately. It was tto put an end to it.
"Kid, do you want to know what's hidden in the Forbidden Ground?" Arion asked suddenly.
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“Well... isn't that something I'm not supposed to know?" Dustin was unsure of Arion's intentions.
"It's not a huge secret, so I don't mind telling you," Arion said, taking a sip from his cup.
He smiled and continued, " Dragonmarsh has grown stronger because it's been riding a wave of success that's hard to stop. There are three key factors that shape a country's success-timing, geography, and harmony.
"By 'timing,' I mean the kind of cosmic forces tied to the universe's natural laws. It's complicated, and I haven't fully grasped it myself, so I won't go into it.
"On the other hand, geography refers to the land-its mountains, rivers, and resources. What truly influences all of this is the Dracan force hidden deep underground. The strength of this force determines whether a nation thrives or falters." He went on, "Harmony is tied to the rulers of Dragonmarsh and those with special destinies.
"Alaric Drakon, the Chief Guildmaster of the Dragon Guard, once ruled Dragonmarsh. He took control of the e royah Dracan force and used it for his own greedy, cruel purposes. He betrayed his loyal subjects and sowed fear throughout the kingdom.
"Your mentor, Seth, stepped in and risked his life to stop him. With a single strike, he killed Alaric andm wiped out the Dragon Guard. He freed the Dracan force, and it began to flow freely again. That was an act of true righteousness, and I have nothing but respect for him." Hearing this, Dustin's gaze darkened briefly before he composed himself. "I understand what you're saying. But what does this have to do with the Forbidden Ground at Sacred Wyrm Summit?" "Truth be told, there is more than one Dracan force in Dragonmarsh.” Arion smiled knowingly. "Aren't you curious why Sacred Wyrm Summit has three Dracan essences? What do you think draws them here?" "You mean there's another Dracan force hidden beneath the Forbidden Ground?" Dustin quickly caught on.
"That's right." Arion nodded. "That's why I've remained here all these years without leaving. My paving. My duty is to safeguard the Dracan force. It doesn't just secure the fate of Sacred Wyrm Summit, but it's also connected to the fate of all Dragonmarsh." Realization dawned on Dustin. "No wonder... Even after the royal Dracan force was destroyed, Dragonmarsh didn't collapse into chaos. The one beneath Sacred Wyrm Summit still anchors the country's fate." "Exactly. Thanks to the Dracan force, I've reached my current level of cultivation and managed to survive this long." Arion openly revealed the secret without any hesitation.
By guarding the Dracan force, he had sustained himself. Its power pushed his cultivation to unprecedented heights and earned everyone's reverence.
"Then, why are you tellingthis, Ancient Sage? What does it have to do with me?" Dustin asked tentatively.
Arion's smile deepened. “You're sharp. The truth is that age catches up with everyone. I'm almost 200 years old, and my tis running out. I can't protect the Dracan force much longer." He continued, "Before my tis up, I need a successor. And you're the perfect candidate."
Chapter 2508
"Me?" Dustin froze momentarily, then quickly waved his hands to indicate his refusal. “Ancient Sage, you've got to be kidding. I'm not qualified to guard the Dracan force. You'd better find someone else." He knew taking on such a monumental responsibility was out of the question. Guarding the Dracan Force wasn't like watching over someone's garden. A single mistake could endanger not only Sacred Wyrm Summit but all of Dragonmarsh. The pressure was simply overwhelming.
"Don't be so quick to refuse," Arion said with a smile.
He continued, “Guarding the Dracan force has its perks. For one, it's a spiritual entity. If you can connect with it, your cultivation will soar, and your lifespan will extend tically. With its power behind you, you'll be unbeatable. No one in the world could stand in your way." Arion wasn't exaggerating. Being recognized by the Dracan force as its guardian granted access to its vast energy and created a resonance with the natural order. It was what people called the realm of terrestrial immortals.
If Alaric had fought Seth a year ago near the Dragon Guard, the outcof that battle might have been entirely different.
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"To be honest, I'm not cut out for responsibilities like that. I've always preferred a more carefree life. As for advancing my cultivation or extending my lifespan, I'm really not that interested," Dustin declined.
With great power cgreat responsibility, and that was a burden he wasn't willing to shoulder. He valued his freedom and didn't want to be tied down.
Agreeing to guard the Dracan force would be like putting himself in a cage. He wasn't ready for that kind of sacrifice, nor was he the type to give up everything for others.
"Don't worry about it. If you're really not interested, I won't push you. But if you change your mind, cfindanytime." Arion smiled.
The Combat Tournament had been meant to choose a guardian for the Dracan force, but ultimately, it all cdown to personal choice.
Since Dustin had declined, Arion wasn't going to press the matter. Sthings were just a matter of timing- everything would fall into place when the right moment arrived.
"Thank you for understanding, Ancient Sage." Dustin let out a quiet sigh of relief. He had been genuinely worried that his refusal might provoke Arion into taking back the three Dracan essences.
But clearly, someone of Arion's caliber, who had long transcended worldly concerns, wouldn't stoop to threats or coercion-that would be beneath him.
"Well, if you're not busy, stay here tonight. I've got sthings to take care of, so I'll head out." After a brief chat, Arion finally got up and left.
"Farewell, Ancient Sage." Dustin immediately lowered his head in respect.
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Once Arion had left, Dustin finally relaxed. Despite Arion's friendly demeanor and lack of overt superiority or intimidation, an invisible pressure had kept Dustin on edge. It made him cautious, even in his breathing.
As expected, the world's only terrestrial immortal was far from ordinary, no matter how unassuming he seemed on the surface.
After securing the Dracan essence, Dustin decided to leave. He'd already given Sacred Wyrm Summit a heads- up, so he was confident they would be ready even if the Hall of Gods were up to something.
To be safe, he still planned to reach out to Hank and see if any other ploys from the Hall of Gods were in motion. When Dustin returned to the tavern after leaving Sacred Wyrm Summit, he found Grace waiting for him. She even arranged a feast and invited several friends to the celebration.
Alicia, Aurora, Crystal, Ruby, Dalen, Miles, and the others were gathered. Though they all cfrom different guilds, they were united for one purpose - to celebrate Dustin's victory.
.."Congratulations, Dustin! You've stunned everyone with your performance and claimed the championship." Dalen was the first to congratulate.
AN UNDERSTATED DOMINANCE (DUSTIN RHYS)
Chapter 2509
"Ms. Aurora, don't make fun of me. The Celestial Alliance is full of experts- there's no way someone likecould take on a disciple," Dustin declined with a smile. "Of course, we're friends. If you ever want to talk about martial arts, just reach out." "Alright then, if I ever need advice, you'd better not turndown," Aurora said with a playful wink.
She was just asking to see how he would respond. After all, she wasn't serious about wanting to bechis disciple. It was more of a way to get closer to him, and now that she had an excuse to ask for his guidance, she was satisfied.
Once everyone was seated, the conversation flowed easily. They drank and talked about anything and everything.
The two Marshall sisters exchanged flirtatious glances across the table, a gesture that even the most oblivious observer couldn't miss.
However, Dustin kept a polite smile on his face. He either ignored their advances or skillfully deflected them.
He knew exactly what they were after. With his recent victory and growing fame, the Celestial Alliance would likely try to recruit him.
Becoming the Celestial Alliance's honorary consultant was still an outsider position. There was no strong bond between him and the guild. However, if he becan elder-or married one of the Marshall sisters- his status would change completely.
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But Dustin wasn't interested in any of that. He'd only agreed to the honorary position because of Grace. Joining the Celestial Alliance, however, was out of the question. He wasn't about to becjust another pawn in someone else's game.
After the feast, everyone finally left.
Dustin watched them go before returning to his room. He placed the jade box with the Dracan essence on the table.
A moment later, a figure slipped through the window. It was so quiet that it was almost impossible to notice. When the figure stopped, it revealed a woman in blue with delicate features. It was Grace after using the Face- Changing Art.
"You're here? Take a seat." He poured two cups of tea and pushed one toward her. He had already hinted at their private meeting during the feast.
"Thank you." She smiled, and her gaze fell on the jade box. "Is this the reward from Sacred Wyrm Summit?" "Yes. Want to take a guess?” Dustin was thinking of testing her again.
"It looks so mysterious. Could it be the Dracan essence?" Grace raised an eyebrow.
"Wow, you're sharp. I can never get anything past you." Dustin was genuinely impressed.
He had been surprised when she guessed the enhanced serum from the Hall of Gods before. But now, she had immediately identified the Dracan essence in the jade box. It was clear she was no ordinary woman.
"This isn't anything special. We both know that Sacred Wyrm Summit's Forbidden Ground has many rare treasures. It was only a matter of tbefore the Dracan essence showed up." Grace smiled faintly.
She continued, "And Arion has an uncanny ability to predict things. With a little insight, he probably figured out your identity and intentions. By offering you the Dracan essence as part of the championship prize, he kills two birds with one stone." "You're so smart. Go ahead and open it. “Dustin raised his chin slightly toward the box.
Grace didn't hesitate and quickly opened the jade box. But when she saw what was inside, her expression froze in shock.
"Wait... am I seeing this right? Three Dracan essences?" Her eyes widened in disbelief.
She had expected that his reward might be Dracan essence, but she never imagined there would be three. It was almost too unbelievable.
What kind of place was Sacred Wyrm Summit, anyway? How could it attract three Dracan essences? "What do you think? Surprised? Didn't see that coming?" Dustin said with a smirk. “I had the sreaction when I first saw all three." "This... this is unbelievable!" Grace's eyes sparkled with excitement.
The rush of happiness cso suddenly that she almost couldn't process it. With four out of the five Dracan Essences in her hands, she only needed one more to restore the nation's glory. The progress had been so fast, and it was almost too good to be true.
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"All that is left is the fifth Dracan essence. The future looks promising." Dustin stretched, letting out a contented sigh. With the mission nearly complete, he felt a weight lift off his shoulders.
"I'm deeply grateful for what you've done. If you hadn't won the championship, who knows when we'll get our hands on these Dracan essences.
"Grace looked grateful.
"Don't mention it. You've helpedbefore. I'm just returning the favor," he replied with a casual shrug.
"By the way, I'm curious. Why is there so much Dracan essence gathering here? Is there a hidden secre secret in the Forbidden Ground of Sacred Wyrm Summit?" Grace changed the subject.
"You're right." Dustin's expression turned serious. "The Ancient Sage tolda secret. Beneath the Forbidden Ground of Sacred Wyrm Summit, there's a Dracan force. That's what's drawing all this Dracan essence here." "Dracan force?" Grace's eyes widened in shock. "Are you sure about this?" "Ancient Sage said it himself, so it's probably true." Dustin nodded.
"No wonder the royal Dracan force was destroyed, and the countrym remained stable. It turns out there's lined stable! another Dracan force beneath Sacred Wyrm Summit, carrying the fate of the nation," she said.
She seemed to connect the dots, her expression suddenly clear. "I get it now! I know what the Hall of Gods is planning. Their goal is to use this Combat Tournament as a cover to destroy the Dracan force beneath Sacred Wyrm Summit and steal the fate of Dragonmarsh." At that moment, Dustin's ears seemed to hear something. He quickly lowered his voice and said, "Someone's coming.
You'd better hide now."
Chapter 2510
"Someone is coming. You should hide now." Dustin's sharp senses picked up the faint shuffle of footsteps outside the door.
The movement was quiet and deliberate. It was definitely someone skilled.
"Got it." Grace nodded and quickly gathered the Dracan essences before slipping out the window. She was gone in seconds and vanished without a trace.
Barely three seconds after she left, there was a knock at the door.
"Who is it?" Dustin asked.
"It's me, Hank." A familiar voice called from the other side.
Dustin got up and opened the door. He greeted him with a smile. “Hello, Mr. Styles. Con in.” For Hank to show up at this hour meant the Hall of Gods was about to take action.
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"Dustin, congratulations on winning the championship. I wanted to offer my congratulations in person." Hank entered the room and showered Dustin with praise. “I watched your match today, and it was incredible. Defeating Glenn was a pleasant surprise. I knew I wasn't wrong about you." "If it weren't for your enhanced serum, I never would've been able to defeat him," Dustin replied humbly.
Hank laughed heartily. "Now you see the perks of joining the Hall of Gods, huh?" He smiled and continued, "With us backing you, fand fortune are practically guaranteed. Keep doing your part. You'll enjoy endless wealth and glory for the rest of your life." "Of course." Dustin nodded with a smile.
"Okay. Let's skip the small talk and get to the point." Hank shut the door and windows.
Then, he set up a soundproof barrier before continuing, "I'm here with a mission for you. The God King has decided to launch a surprise attack on Sacred Wyrm Summit tonight.
"You've been chosen to lead a squad of elite fighters. Your job is to infiltrate the Forbidden Ground and steal the treasure." Given Dustin's skill, it made sense that he would be leading this mission.
"Infiltrating the Forbidden Ground?" Dustin raised an eyebrow. "I've heard it's full of dangers and guarded by powerful experts. I'm not sure I'm up for the task." "Don't worry. You're not alone on this mission. Two other elite squads will be working with you," Hank replied seriously. "Your job is to deal with the experts inside the forbidden ground. We'll handle the people outside and ensure your safety." "If that's the case, then there's no problem. But what exactly are we after? "Dustin asked curiously.
"You'll know once you're inside the forbidden ground," Hank said with a mysterious smile.
"You still can't tell me?" Dustin feigned frustration.
"It's not that I'm not telling you, but I don't even know myself. The God King has everything planned out. All we need to do is follow orders and complete the mission. As for the rest, it's best not to ask too many questions. It's just how things work around here, Dustin. I hope you understand," Hank said.
"Understood. I'll do as instructed." Dustin nodded.
"It's getting late. Cwithso you can meet your team and get to know them better," Hank said with a smile.
"Sure. Lead the way, Mr. Styles," Dustin replied courteously.
Hank didn't say another word as he led Dustin out quietly. The two moved like shadows through the darkness. In less than ten minutes, they arrived at a secluded courtyard where they had gathered previously.
After entering the gates, they headed to the meeting hall, where Dustin noticed more than a dozen people had already gathered inside.
He recognized most of them from previous encounters. There was the drunkard Wein Sage dressed like a beggar and Garrett, one of the infamous Cosmos Demons, known for his ruthless killings. The rest were all fully developed divine-level martial artists.
Among them, Garrett had a history with Dustin. They had nearly clashed once.
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"Alright, everyone. Now that everyone's here, letmake the introductions." Hank scanned the room before gesturing toward Dustin. He smiled and said, "This is Mr. Rhys. Sof you may already be familiar with him. From now on, he'll be your team leader. He will lead tonight's mission. Got it?" Before anyone could respond, Zayne, a young man with dreadlocks, scoffed. " Mr. Styles, are you serious? This punk looks like he's just out of high school.
How is he supposed to lead us? Honestly, I think someone like Mr. Mason or Mr. Lent would be a better fit.
Garrett's face immediately darkened.
Without a word, he slapped Zayne across the face. "Shut your mouth, bastard!" he shouted.
Zayne staggered back and held his cheek in disbelief. "W-Why'd you hit me, Mr. Mason?" He had been trying to butter Garrett up, so why had he been slapped? Did he take the wrong approach?
"Are you blind? This is Mr. Rhys-he's the champion of today's Combat m a kue ultimate ament and a grandmaster. If he's not qualified to lead us, who the hell is?" Garrett spat as he raged.
He had watched the final of the Combat Tournament and hadn't expected Dustin-someone who had clashed with him before-to be so strong. Dustin had taken down two top-tier geniuses and claimed the championship. When Garrett first saw Dustin earlier, he kept his head down and was worried that Dustin might still hold a grudge. But Zayne, oblivious to the situation, had dragged him into trouble. What an idiot.
"What? He's Dustin Rhys?" Zayne's eyes widened in fear.
He hadn't been to the tournament but knew Dustin's nand impressive record. As the memory of his harsh words hit him, fear took over, and his legs wobbled. His face turned pale as he began apologizing frantically. It wasn't that his earlier approach was wrong, but he had hit a wall. He finally realized he was in deep trouble now.
