Chapter 1911: Another one gone
The reason behind this was because Dustin detested traitors deeply. Those who betrayed and played both sides deserved severe punishment.
After dealing with the five individuals, the generals who followed the betrayal were demoted or integrated, and those who deserved imprisonment were sent to jail.
The specific circumstances depended on whether these people acted voluntarily or were coerced.
While dealing with the rebellion, Dustin also sent Albert to lead a team of Dragon Guards to the treasury location indicated on the treasure map.
The whole process went smoothly.
Although there were formidable experts guarding the treasury, they were no match for Albert, a grandmaster.
With ease, the remnants of the guards at the treasury were wiped out, and all the treasures inside were dragged back.
It had to be admitted that what Lorenzo said was not exaggerated.
The treasures inside the treasury were indeed piled up like mountains.
The King of West Lucozia dispatched over a hundred large trucks in total and employed tens of thousands of people to clear the treasury completely.
The quantity and value of the treasures were beyond calculation.
Conservatively estimating, the military expenditure of West Lucozia for the next twenty years would not be a concern.
A treasury containing so much wealth, and with three of them combined, the riches could rival a nation.
The first thing done upon bringing back the treasures was to reward those who deserved it.
The three feudal lords of the South, Marquis Tyson, Marquis Alexander, and Marquis Rowan, were all meritorious officials and naturally received heavy rewards.
The generals and soldiers under their command also received varying degrees of rewards.
After everything was settled, three days had passed.
Three days later, at noon.
Just as Dustin was having his meal, Albert suddenly came to his door, holding a wooden box in his hands.
"Your Highness, this humble servant has something to report."
Albert bowed deeply, his posture very low.
"Sit and speak," Dustin gestured with one hand.
"This humble servant dares not." Albert glanced at the dishes on the table, bowing his head. "Your Highness is dining; this humble servant dares not disturb. I shall come back later."
"No need to wait; speak your mind," Dustin said, unperturbed.
"Yes, Your Highness."
Albert nodded and placed the box he was carrying on a nearby stool. He reported, "Lorenzo kept his promise and has already committed suicide. This box contains his head. Does Your Highness wish to see it?"
At these words, Dustin paused in his eating. Regret flickered in his eyes, but it quickly returned to normal.
"No need to look. Take it back and give him a proper burial," Dustin said calmly.
"Yes, Your Highness."
Albert lifted the wooden box and prepared to leave.
"Wait..."
Dustin raised his head and added, "Do not trouble his family."
"This humble servant understands."
Albert nodded, bowed deeply, and then took his leave.
"Another one gone."
Dustin sighed softly, his expression complicated.
He loathed Lorenzo's betrayal, but at the same time, he understood the man's choice.
Putting himself in Lorenzo's shoes, he hadn't done anything wrong for the sake of his own family.
It could only be said that their positions and choices were different.
Chapter 1912: The northwest desert
"After lunch, Dustin suddenly received a call from Margaret, stating that there was an urgent matter to discuss, and they agreed to meet at the old mansion in the western part of the city.
Dustin had already purchased the old mansion in the west for the specific purpose of training spies. The girls who had been harmed by Steven Seagal earlier had joined the spy camp of West Lucozia with a determination to die. Their noble cause was to prevent others from suffering as they had.
Dustin deeply admired their sense of justice and fulfilled their aspirations. After training under Tony, these girls had reached a basic level of competence. However, real missions required at least three more years of honing their skills.
Dustin truly hoped that he would never have to use them in his lifetime. Because if he didn't need them, it meant that the world was at peace. The spies would only take action when there was a potential threat, but most of the time, it was a matter of life and death.
Half an hour later, Dustin arrived at the old mansion in the west and entered the conference room.
At this moment, Margaret had been waiting for quite some time.
Margaret, dressed in a green robe, still wore a veil on her head, concealing her peerless beauty. Even without seeing her face, her figure was incredibly alluring. Especially coupled with her enigmatic aura, she was naturally seductive, making people's imagination run wild.
"Here? Please have a seat," Margaret personally poured a cup of tea for Dustin.
"Princess, what brings you here to see me?" Dustin sat down calmly.
"We're quite familiar with each other. Calling me Princess feels a bit distant, doesn't it? How about a different form of address?" Margaret said with a half-smile.
"What do you suggest? Miss Margaret? Madam Margaret?" Dustin looked puzzled.
"Hey, do you need to be so polite? Do I look like I'll bite you? Just call me Margaret. Alright?" Margaret rolled her eyes.
"I'm just trying not to offend you. Fine, Margaret it is then," Dustin shrugged.
The two of them had indeed become close through life and death experiences, so their current familiarity was normal.
"Hmph! Why do I feel like you're not very happy about it?" Margaret narrowed her beautiful eyes slightly.
"I am happy, of course. It's an honor to be friends with the Princess of the Dragonmarsh," Dustin replied with a professional fake smile.
"Not sincere at all!"
Margaret snorted but didn't dwell on it. Instead, she got straight to the point, saying, "I called you here today to discuss what we should do next. West Lucozia is now stable, and the remnants of the Dragon Guard Pavilion have been wiped out. According to our previous agreement, it's time for you to help me find the Dragon Vein Energy."
"Don't worry, I will keep my promise. As soon as there's any relevant information about the Dragon Vein Energy, I will accompany you to investigate immediately," Dustin said earnestly.
From the moment he received the call, he had guessed Margaret's intentions. However, the whereabouts of the Dragon Vein Energy were still unknown, and he couldn't run around aimlessly like a headless fly.
"Good, with your word, I can rest assured." Margaret smiled satisfactorily. "To be honest, my people have been searching for the Dragon Vein Energy all along. Finally, two days ago, we got a related lead."
"Oh?" Dustin raised an eyebrow, quite surprised. "Are you saying you've found one of the Dragon Vein Energy sources?"
"Found might be an overstatement; let's just say there's a significant chance," Margaret shook her head.
"What do you mean?" Dustin was intrigued.
"According to my people's investigation, a strange phenomenon occurred in a deserted desert in the northwest border not long ago. Suddenly, an oasis emerged in a place devoid of life. The most bizarre thing is that this oasis keeps expanding, brimming with vitality that defies imagination. So, I suspect there might be a Dragon Vein Energy hidden beneath this oasis. Whether it exists or not, we need to investigate thoroughly," Margaret explained.
"A desert turning into an oasis? That is indeed strange," Dustin rubbed his chin, probing, "Do your agents have any other leads?"
"None," Margaret's tone turned serious. "This oasis seems like another world. Once my people enter, they completely disappear without a trace. I've sent in three waves of agents so far, but all of them vanished without a clue. There has been no contact whatsoever."
"That's serious," Dustin's eyelids twitched. "So, this oasis isn't just strange; it's incredibly dangerous?"
"Exactly. Why else would I come to you?" Margaret said matter-of-factly.
"I see…" Dustin's mouth twitched, momentarily at a loss for words.
"As the tenth-ranked expert on the World Shaking List, apart from a few notorious deadly places, there are very few things in the world that can threaten you. So, you don't need to worry about safety," Margaret said with a smile.
"Few, indeed, but not none," Dustin muttered.
In the vast world, there was no shortage of oddities. What if something impossible happened? Even the fact that Blaze, ranked fifth, died under the God-Killer Poison proved that.
"Logan, are you scared?" Margaret questioned skeptically.
"Joke! How could a man of seven feet tall be afraid? Be it an oasis or a dragon's den, I'll accompany you regardless!" Dustin said confidently.
His previous words had already been spoken; he couldn't back down now.
"Good! Let's settle on that!" Margaret smiled, her eyes crescent-shaped.
"When do we leave?" Dustin asked.
"No time to lose. We leave tonight," Margaret said.
"So soon? Shouldn't we make some preparations?" Dustin was taken aback.
"I've prepared everything we need. Many forces are eyeing this oasis now, suspecting treasures within. We have to move fast; in case someone else gets there first, it won't be good," Margaret said solemnly.
Upon hearing this, Dustin nodded. "Alright, we'll go with your plan. I'll inform everyone, pack up, and we'll head to the northwest desert tonight!"
Chapter 1913: Emotional matters
Upon his return to the mansion, Dustin didn't disturb anyone and instead wrote two letters. One was left in Rufus Rhys's study, and the other was placed in Thorian's bedroom. These letters served as his farewell before his departure.
He wasn't skilled at handling emotional matters. Sometimes, silent departure was perhaps a better choice.
In the dusk, Dustin boarded Margaret's car, heading straight for the southwest desert.
The largest desert in the southwest was called the Death Desert. Due to its harsh environment and extreme danger, those who ventured inside faced almost certain death, hence its name.
However, despite its perilous reputation, the Death Desert hid various treasures, even gold mines. Consequently, there were always adventurers risking their lives to explore the desert, hoping to strike it rich overnight.
If luck was on their side, they might find precious treasures and become wealthy overnight. But if luck was not on their side, death was a likely outcome. It wasn't an exaggeration to say that every year, hundreds of people lost their lives while searching for treasures or digging for gold in the Death Desert.
Even with such a high mortality rate, there was still a steady stream of adventurers, eagerly heading into the desert one after another, all in the pursuit of wealth and fortune.
As the saying goes, for wealth, people would risk their lives, and birds would risk becoming prey. There were always some desperados dreaming of getting rich overnight.
Margaret had naturally heard of the Death Desert's notorious reputation. In order to successfully find the mysterious oasis, she had spent a significant amount of money to hire a professional team that had explored the Death Desert and returned alive.
Including her own guards, there were more than a hundred people in total, and they brought over thirty vehicles.
Half of the vehicles were loaded with supplies - food, water, compasses, communication devices, first aid kits, sunscreen clothing, and various rescue tools. Everything that could be needed was prepared in sufficient quantities.
Margaret made sure to prepare an ample amount of everything that might be useful.
Night fell.
The convoy continued its journey without any pause. Dustin leaned back in his seat, his gaze passing through the window, observing the moon in the sky with a calm expression.
"What are you thinking?" Margaret took out a bottle of water and handed it to Dustin.
"Thanks." Dustin opened the bottle cap, took a sip, and said casually, "I'm wondering what kind of obstacles we will encounter in the desert this time."
"Obstacles are unavoidable," Margaret replied calmly. "The matter of the Dragon Vein Energy has spread throughout the world. It's not just our Dragonmarsh; many foreign powers are also eyeing this piece of meat. In other words, our competitors this time come from all over the world. Standing out among these strong opponents is indeed not an easy task."
"You seem quite confident. Do you have some sort of secret weapon?" Dustin probed.
"Of course, because I have a secret weapon," Margaret smiled slightly.
"Oh? What's this secret weapon?" Dustin instantly became interested.
"I can't tell you for now. If there's a chance, you'll naturally find out," Margaret teased, keeping him in suspense.
"Alright then, I'll just be a tool and follow your commands," Dustin shrugged, appearing nonchalant.
Working with Margaret was indeed easy because she took care of all kinds of matters, leaving him with nothing to worry about.
"We still have a bit of distance to the destination. Rest well for now. I'll wake you up when we're closer," Margaret said considerately, handing him an eye mask and noise-canceling earplugs.
"No problem." Dustin didn't refuse. He put on the eye mask, inserted the earplugs, reclined his seat, and settled into a comfortable position, quickly falling asleep.
Margaret took out a blanket and gently covered Dustin's chest. Then, she quietly read her book, keeping watch.
Chapter 1914: House of Hope
The vehicles continued at a steady pace, driving smoothly. Eventually, by the next afternoon, they arrived at the edge of the Death Desert.
At the outskirts of the desert, there was a relatively small village with around five to six hundred households. The village had amenities such as inns, gas stations, and supermarkets. Though not large in scale, it had everything necessary. For the expedition teams, this village served as a supply station that could be a lifesaver in critical moments.
Regardless of whether people were entering or leaving the desert, they would stop here to rest and inquire about relevant information. It's worth mentioning that due to the difficulty in transporting goods, the prices in the village were several times higher than outside.
Margaret's convoy entered the village and finally stopped in front of a rural hotel called "House of Hope."
This rural inn had been converted from a primary school and had a sufficient number of rooms to accommodate over a hundred people without any issue.
"Miss Margaret, we have arrived," a man dressed as a mercenary knocked on Margaret's car window.
The man, in his thirties, wore a yellow camouflage suit and leather boots. He had a tall and robust stature, giving off a tough and masculine aura.
His name was Jackson, the captain of the expedition team. He had ventured into the Death Desert twice before and returned safely, making him a remarkable figure. He was also the guide hired by Margaret with a hefty sum.
This desert expedition would be led by Captain Jackson.
"Captain Jackson, is this the village at the edge of the desert?" Margaret opened the door and looked around.
The village was not small, and all the buildings were low-rise due to the constant erosion of wind and sand. Many places looked rundown and simple, but the hotel in front of them, named "House of Hope," was somewhat exceptional.
The House of Hope hotel looked clean and tidy, likely due to regular cleaning.
"That's right. Within a radius of a hundred miles, this is the only village here. It's called the Village of the Desert because it's near the Death Desert," Captain Jackson explained with a smile. "Despite its small size, it has everything you need. As long as you're willing to spend money, you can find many items here that are available in big cities. People from all directions who plan to explore the desert stay in this village for a few days. They stock up on supplies and gather information here."
"Very well, let's stay here for now and see how things go," Margaret nodded.
After a day and night of travel, most people were exhausted. Resting properly was essential to regain their energy for the upcoming mission.
"Have we arrived?" At that moment, Dustin took off his eye mask and walked out of the car, squinting his eyes.
"Yes, we've arrived. We'll be staying in this inn today," Margaret replied.
"Miss Margaret, who is this..." Captain Jackson frowned slightly upon seeing Dustin stepping out of Margaret's car, his expression turning displeased.
"Oh, I forgot to introduce you." Margaret gestured towards Jackson and said, "This is Jackson, the captain of the Black Scorpion Expedition Team. He has entered the Death Desert twice, experienced and outstanding. He will lead our expedition this time."
Pointing to Dustin, she continued, "Mr. Jackson, this is my friend and bodyguard, Dustin. If you encounter any trouble, you can rely on him."
"Bodyguard?" Jackson glanced at Dustin from head to toe, then said in a flat tone, "Miss Margaret, are you sure you're not being deceived? This young man looks frail. How can he protect you?"
Chapter 1915: You're in love
Jackson's sudden hostility caught Dustin off guard, leaving him slightly bewildered. They had just met, and there was no reason for this person to treat him with such disdain.
"Mr. Jackson, have we met before?" Dustin asked calmly, lowering his hand that was extended for a handshake.
"No, we haven't," Jackson replied coldly.
"If we haven't met, why are you making such remarks?" Dustin countered.
"I'm just concerned for Miss Margaret's safety," Jackson replied self-righteously. "The Death Desert is extremely dangerous, almost a one-in-ten chance of survival for those who enter. Without strong strength, professional knowledge, and abundant experience, ordinary people can't survive a day in there. Miss Margaret hired me at a high price to come here. Naturally, I have to be responsible for her safety. Looking at your physique and demeanor, it's obvious you're not a professional bodyguard. That's why I doubt your abilities. If we encounter any danger in the Death Desert, I fear you won't be able to protect Miss Margaret and might even endanger both of you."
His words were blunt, leaving no room for sentiment.
"Mr. Jackson, Miss Margaret invited me here for a reason. Your responsibility is to lead the way and help us avoid various risks. That's all you need to worry about. Don't overstep your boundaries. Whether I'm capable or not is none of your concern," Dustin said in a detached tone.
He was easy-going, but he didn't appreciate people dictating his actions.
"When making money, one should act within their means. This matter involves life and death; there can be no room for negligence," Jackson said, his gaze shifting to Margaret. He spoke seriously, "Miss Margaret, regarding the bodyguard matter, I know a few powerful experts. If you trust me, I can invite them to replace him. It will only cost a bit more money."
"Jackson, I appreciate your concern, but I trust Dustin's abilities. With him here, I have no worries about my safety," Margaret said calmly.
As the tenth-ranked person on the World Shaking List, if dangers in the Death Desert were beyond Dustin's capabilities to handle, then they were all in a perilous situation.
"Miss Margaret..."
Jackson was about to say more when Margaret interrupted him, raising her hand, "Enough, Jackson. There's no need to say more. Go and gather relevant information about the Death Desert. Collect as much intelligence as possible. We can talk more later."
"Understood."
With that, Jackson could only nod. However, before leaving, he gave Dustin a disdainful glance, clearly looking down on him.
"Margaret, the leader you found seems a bit arrogant," Dustin teased.
"He is a bit arrogant, but he does have some real skills. We need his help to enter the Death Desert. As long as he doesn't cross my bottom line, a few harsh words and a stern expression won't matter," Margaret said with a faint smile.
Dustin shrugged his shoulders. "I have no issues with that. I just hope this Jackson won't turn out to be all talk and no action."
“Alright, let's stop talking about this. Let's pick a room. Barring any surprises, we'll be staying here tonight,” Margaret changed the topic.
"Sure, my stomach's growling. Let's tidy up and get some food," Dustin patted his empty belly.
He knew very well that among Margaret's team were two renowned chefs skilled in various cuisines. Combined with the ample supplies they had, there was no worry about food.
...
Inside a tavern in the Desert Village:
Jackson and several members of the Black Scorpion Squad found a table and sat down casually. They drank and chatted while occasionally surveying their surroundings.
By now, quite a few people had gathered in the tavern. Judging by their attire, most of them were adventurers, grouped together in threes and fives, creating a diverse mix of characters.
"Captain, haven't we encountered so many adventure teams the previous times we came here? What's going on this time? Since we entered the village until now, we've encountered more than five teams," a bald, burly man with a cigar in his mouth asked, his eyes scanning the surroundings.
"Normally, there weren't this many people. This time, various forces have gathered. There's probably some treasure about to be discovered, most likely related to the sudden appearance of the oasis," Jackson explained.
News about the oasis appearing in the Death Desert had spread within their circle. Many international expedition teams had become active, and it was likely they would arrive here soon.
"Captain, do you know what's inside that oasis?" the bald, burly man asked tentatively.
"I don't know the specifics. However, from what I've heard, that oasis is a hundred times more dangerous than the desert itself. Everyone who entered has never come out again. But considering so many people are flocking there, it must hold invaluable treasures," Jackson said.
"Alright, alright, no matter what's inside, it has nothing to do with us. We're just here to do a job for money. We just need to safely lead people in and out. Whether they find any treasures or not is none of our concern," a short-haired woman in combat gear chimed in.
"That's true," the bald, burly man nodded. They had already received thirty percent of their payment. As long as their employer stayed alive, they would receive the rest. Everything else was not their problem.
"Captain, speaking of which, who exactly is this Miss Margaret? Why is she so generous with her money? In our ten years in this business, we've never met such a lavish patron," the short-haired woman asked curiously.
"Miss Margaret doesn't want to reveal her true identity. She has her rules, and we can't ask too many questions," Jackson shook his head.
"Captain, you've looked at Miss Margaret more than ten times already. Are you interested in her?" the short-haired woman teased with a smirk.
"I don't know how to explain it. There's something special about Miss Margaret. Whenever I see her, it feels like I've met her before, as if we share some kind of predestined connection," Jackson squinted his eyes. "Destiny? Oh, I get it now!" The short-haired woman suddenly understood and couldn't help but tease, "Captain, you're in love!"
Chapter 1916: Blame your own unlucky fate
"Never have I felt this way before; this time it's really different," Jackson admitted in response to the teasing.
When it came to their joking, Jackson didn't deny anything. They were brothers and sisters who had faced life and death together, and there was nothing they couldn't talk about.
"This Miss Margaret is indeed unique. Although I haven't seen her directly, the aura she gives off seems like that of an unparalleled beauty," the bald, burly man said enthusiastically.
"Miss Margaret is the woman the captain is interested in. You better not have any inappropriate thoughts," the short-haired girl warned.
"I was just speaking casually; I wouldn't dare to compete with the captain for a woman," the bald, burly man chuckled awkwardly.
"Captain, it's rare to encounter someone who makes your heart race. Don't hesitate; be bold and make your move. With your charm, you'll be fine!" the short-haired girl encouraged confidently.
"I'm afraid it's too late," Jackson shook his head and said, "Miss Margaret has a personal bodyguard by her side. They're traveling together, and their relationship seems intimate. I probably don't stand a chance anymore."
His previous remarks about Dustin were primarily rooted in jealousy. Furthermore, judging from Margaret's protective attitude, it was evident that they were more than just ordinary friends.
"Captain, have you ever heard the saying, 'As long as the hoe is swung skillfully, there is no corner it cannot dig into'?" The short-haired girl narrowed her eyes mischievously.
"Oh? Do you have a plan?" Jackson became interested instantly.
"It's simple. As long as Miss Margaret's bodyguard dies, wouldn't you have a chance then?" the short-haired girl said, shocking everyone with her audacity.
Hearing this, Jackson's expression froze. He glanced around, ensuring no one was eavesdropping, then lowered his voice, "Little sister, you can't say such things lightly. We have our rules in this business. We're an exploration team, not mercenaries. Engaging in killing and unlawful activities like this, once it gets out, our reputation will be tarnished, and we won't be able to continue in this field."
"Captain, as long as we do it discreetly, who would know?" the short-haired girl said, her eyes glinting with a sly smile.
He has been traveling around the world for many years, engaging in intrigues and fighting for life and death, with countless lives on his hands. For them, killing someone is just a common thing.
"Being Miss Margaret's personal bodyguard, this person should have some abilities. To assassinate him discreetly without anyone noticing would be quite challenging. Besides, Miss Margaret also has a security team around her. It would be too risky to attempt anything," Jackson pondered.
"Captain, you're overthinking it. I didn't say we should do it now. Don't forget our advantage," the short-haired girl said, her smile laden with meaning.
"You mean... the Death Desert?" Jackson asked, catching on quickly.
"Exactly!" the short-haired girl snapped her fingers. "The Death Desert is extremely dangerous. Countless people die in there every year. As long as we find the right opportunity and make the bodyguard die unexpectedly, it shouldn't be too difficult. By that time, you can enjoy a romantic time with Miss Margaret."
"Hahaha... that makes sense! We'll find a chance to take care of him once we're inside the Death Desert!" the bald, burly man burst into laughter.
Their conversation, however, had attracted the attention of some patrons in the tavern.
"Hey, do you want a louder voice? Should I get you a megaphone to shout outside?" the short-haired girl retorted sarcastically.
"My voice has always been loud," the bald, burly man scratched his head, quickly lowering his voice.
"Captain, what do you think? Happiness is beckoning you. Once we deal with the hindrance, you'll surely have the beautiful lady all to yourself," the short-haired girl tantalized.
"Alright! Let's do it as you say!" Jackson's eyes flashed with a hint of ruthlessness. His face darkened as he muttered, "For one's own sake, heaven and earth can be overturned. Dustin, don't blame me for being ruthless. Blame your own unlucky fate for blocking my path!"
Chapter 1917: Better meals
"Sneeze!"
Inside the hotel room, Dustin, who had just changed his clothes, suddenly sneezed. He muttered to himself, "Who could be thinking of me?"
Dustin rubbed his nose and walked out of the room, heading to the hotel's dining hall.
Because this hotel had been converted from an elementary school, the dining hall was quite spacious, covering approximately two to three hundred square meters.
It could comfortably accommodate over a hundred people for meals, with plenty of space to spare.
"Over here."
As Dustin entered the dining hall, he saw Li Qingcheng waving her hand.
Approaching the table, he saw that there were already more than a dozen delicious dishes laid out.
"Our chefs prepared these dishes, so they are safe and delicious. You can eat without worries," Margaret explained.
"Seems like you're quite cautious," Dustin chuckled.
Not bothering with formalities, he sat down and began to savor the food.
"When you're away from home, a little caution is always a good thing. We're on the edge of the Death Desert, and there are all sorts of people around. One wrong move, and you might get into trouble," Margaret said as she picked up her chopsticks, elegantly savoring her meal.
Just as they were eating, a group of young men and women dressed in blue attire, carrying swords, suddenly walked in.
These people had powerful auras, sharp gazes, and an imposing presence. Judging by their attire, they seemed to be disciples from martial sects.
The one leading them was a slender man with a hooked nose, in his early thirties, and his appearance had a fierce and unfriendly vibe.
"Big Brother, isn't this place a bit too rundown? There are so many dirty things around; how can we eat here?"
A girl with a ponytail glanced around, her expression filled with disdain.
"No choice, the situation is special this time; we'll have to make do," the man with the hooked nose spoke kindly.
"Fine, since we're here, let's just eat whatever is available. We're starving," the girl with the ponytail found a relatively clean spot and sat down, then called out, "Hey! Waiter! Bring the best dishes you have here to me!"
"Sure thing!" The waiter replied with a smile.
He instructed the chef to prepare a few precious dishes and served them to the girl.
However, as soon as the girl with the ponytail took a bite, she immediately spat it out. "Yuck! What is this? Why does it taste so awful? It disgusts me!"
"Outrageous!" The man with the hooked nose slammed the table and shouted, "Are you intentionally trying to provoke us by serving such terrible food?"
"Hmph! Do you know who we are? How dare you disrespect us like this? I bet we could shut down your restaurant!"
Other disciples from their sect also rose, displaying fierce and intimidating expressions.
"Dear guests, we sincerely apologize. These are the finest ingredients our small restaurant has to offer. If there has been any lack of hospitality, we ask for your forgiveness," the waiter apologized nervously.
"You're lying!" The girl with the ponytail stood up, pointed at Dustin and Margaret, and exclaimed, "Why are their meals better than ours? It's clear that you look down on us!"
Chapter 1918: A wealthy attitude
Dustin and Margaret were initially watching the spectacle, but when the girl with the ponytail suddenly turned her attention towards them and accused them, they were momentarily taken aback.
"That's right! Their dishes are all beautifully presented, while our table is full of junk!"
"I don't care! Change our dishes immediately, or don't blame us for getting furious!"
The group of people began to shout, and in the process, they forcefully threw the food on the table onto the ground, creating a mess.
"Dear guests, our small establishment has limited resources. We really can't replace these premium dishes," the waiter pleaded, with a distressed expression.
"Can't replace them? Are you implying that we can't afford to pay?" the man with the hooked nose said, his face darkening.
"You insolent fools! Are you discriminating against us? Do you know who we are? We are renowned disciples of the Flying Snow Sect in the martial world. If you provoke us, we can easily wreck your restaurant!" the girl with the ponytail threatened with a menacing tone.
"Misunderstanding, it's all a misunderstanding..." The waiter explained in a panic, "These premium dishes were cooked by the customers' personal chefs, and we only provided the kitchen."
"What? Personal chefs? Are you joking with me? Who brings their own chef when traveling?"
People who came to the Death Desert were mostly adventurers and treasure hunters; why would they carry their chefs with them?
"It's true. I saw it with my own eyes, I wouldn't dare to deceive you," the waiter assured.
Upon hearing this, the Flying Snow Sect disciples exchanged puzzled glances and ultimately turned their gaze to Dustin and Margaret.
"Hey, did you two really cook these dishes yourselves?" the girl with the ponytail asked as she walked over, looking down at them.
"Yes," Margaret nodded. "We couldn't adapt to the food outside, so we brought our own chefs."
"Is that so?" The girl with the ponytail scrutinized the dishes on the table and couldn't help but exclaim, "Dragon Well Shrimp, Squirrel Fish, Kung Pao Chicken, Dongpo Pork, and even Buddha Jumps Over the Wall... so many exquisite dishes. Can you two really finish all of this?"
Without waiting for their response, she picked up a piece of squirrel fish and put it in her mouth.
The next moment, her eyes lit up, and she showed a look of pleasant surprise. "Delicious!"
"Big Brother, there's something good here; come over and taste it!" she beckoned to her fellow sect members.
Completely disregarding Dustin and Margaret's feelings, she called over the others from her sect.
Seeing the sumptuous delicacies on the table, they couldn't resist their appetites. They had come a long way and were famished, so the sight of these delectable dishes delighted them.
"Two of you, we'll cover this meal. You can go eat somewhere else," the man with the hooked nose took out a gold bar from his pocket and tossed it onto the table, displaying a wealthy attitude.
"Hmm?" Dustin raised an eyebrow and looked at them as if they were fools. "Is something wrong with you people? It's bad enough that you came without an invitation, but now you want to kick us out? Do you think this inn belongs to you?"
If these people had been a bit more amiable and invited them to share a meal or drink, it might have been a different story. But their arrogance and utter disregard for them had made Dustin quite displeased.
"How about it? Not enough for you? Fine, I'll add more."
The man with the hooked nose remained arrogant. While speaking, he took another gold bar from his pocket and tossed it onto the table, indifferently saying, "Is it enough now?"
"Just this? You're trying to dismiss us beggars?"
Dustin waved his hand, sending both gold bars flying away, showing complete disdain.
"Bold!"
"Impudent!"
"This is outrageous!"
Dustin's actions provoked angry outbursts from the disciples of the Flying Snow Sect.
As a prestigious martial arts school in the martial world, they were usually treated with respect wherever they went, and nobody dared to disrespect them. However, this young man before them seemed to have no respect at all.
"Hey! What's your attitude?" The girl with a ponytail shouted, slamming the table. "Do you know who we are? We are disciples of the Flying Snow Sect, one of the three major sects in the southwest. Look around the entire martial world, and you won't find anyone who dares to disrespect us!"
"The Flying Snow Sect? So what?" Dustin remained expressionless, focused on his drink.
"So what? Hmph! I'll tell you the truth. We've already claimed this table. If you're smart, you'll pick up the gold bars and leave. Otherwise, don't blame us for being impolite!" The girl with the ponytail threatened sternly.
"Is that so? And what if I'm not polite?" Dustin chuckled.
He had encountered many arrogant people, but this was the first time he faced a situation where people were willing to fight over a meal.
"Clang!"
Without further ado, the girl with the ponytail drew her sword and threatened, "I'll give you one more chance. Leave immediately, or else I'll poke a few holes in you!"
"I advise you to put your sword away, because if you make a move, I won't hold back, and you might end up with a pig's head," Dustin said seriously.
"You're looking for trouble!"
Upon hearing this, the girl with the ponytail couldn't bear it any longer and thrust her sword at Dustin.
The attack was swift and accurate, something that an ordinary martial artist might not be able to block. However, Dustin remained calm, not moving an inch. He lifted his wine glass with one hand and took a sip. With the other hand, he effortlessly caught the sword blade as it came at him.
The whole process was smooth, as if he had rehearsed it beforehand. Throughout the encounter, Dustin never even looked at the girl with the ponytail.
"Huh?"
The sudden turn of events left the girl with the ponytail momentarily stunned. She couldn't believe that her full-strength strike had been easily caught by Dustin using only two fingers.
How was that possible?
While she might not be the most outstanding in her sect, she was no ordinary martial artist. She should have easily won this fight, considering her background. So why was she now being dominated by this person?
Just who was this guy?
"With this meager level of skill, you dare to act so arrogantly? It seems you've never experienced the harsh realities of the world," Dustin sneered.
For a martial artist with inner strength, who hadn't even reached the innate stage, where did he find the courage to be so cocky?
Chapter 1919: Sand Dragon
"This is going too far!"
After being taunted by Dustin, the girl with the ponytail became even angrier.
She ignored the gap in their strengths and suddenly unleashed her internal energy, thrusting forward with greater force. However, no matter how hard she pushed, the blade of her sword couldn't advance an inch.
Dustin's fingers were like a pair of iron pliers, firmly gripping the sword's edge.
"You underestimate yourself!"
Dustin snorted, and he exerted a sudden force with his fingers.
With a loud "clang," the girl's longsword snapped in half, and a powerful counterforce sent her flying a few meters. She landed hard on the ground, her face twisted in pain and her vision blurred.
"Senior Brother! He attacked me!"
Unable to win the fight, the girl with the ponytail promptly turned to her companions for help.
"Bold! To dare lay a hand on my junior sister, you are asking for death!" The man with the hooked nose was furious and unsheathed his sword, ready to confront Dustin.
"Stop!"
At this moment, a commanding voice echoed from the entrance.
Following the voice, a man wearing a red robe and carrying a precious sword on his back entered with a group of followers, drawing everyone's attention.
The man had strong features, a robust physique, and a powerful presence that immediately caught everyone's attention.
Even the previously arrogant man with the hooked nose frowned upon seeing the newcomer.
"Enzo, your Flying Snow Sect is acting too arrogantly. To display such bullying behavior in broad daylight, do you think you can rule the world single-handedly?" The man in red spoke sternly.
"Hmph! I saw everything that just happened clearly. It was clear that you were bullying him. I, Adriel, cannot stand such arrogant individuals!" the man in red, Adriel, said.
"Bullying? What of it? The matters of our Flying Snow Sect are none of your Gold Blade Sect's concern!" Enzo retorted angrily.
"If I choose to make it my concern?" Adriel narrowed his eyes.
"If you dare meddle, don't blame me for not being polite!" Enzo slowly raised his sword, pointing it towards Adriel with a dark expression.
Seeing this, the disciples of the Flying Snow Sect drew their swords, standing behind their senior brother.
"Hmph! Are you planning to fight?" Adriel was unafraid. He drew his knife, pointing it at Enzo.
The followers of the Gold Blade Sect behind Adriel also unsheathed their weapons, facing off against the Flying Snow Sect disciples.
Both sides were in a tense standoff, on the brink of a clash.
"Damn it! Can't even have a peaceful meal. If you want to fight, take it outside. Dare to start a fight here, and I'll make sure to deal with you!" Suddenly, a cold voice cut through the tension.
All eyes turned towards the corner, where a figure wearing a cloak and a straw hat was sitting.
"Who are you? How dare you meddle in the affairs of our two major sects? Do you want to die?" Enzo redirected his sword and angrily confronted the cloaked figure.
The Gold Blade Sect and the Flying Snow Sect were both part of the three major sects in the southwestern region.
Challenging him was one thing, as their strengths were evenly matched. But now, an outsider had appeared out of nowhere and dared to berate him. It was like asking for death.
"Arrogant!"
The man with the straw hat slammed the table.
A chopstick in front of him immediately jumped up, hovering in the air. With a wave of the straw hat man's hand, the chopstick shot out like a bullet, carrying a powerful force, heading straight for Enzo.
The speed was so fast that most people couldn't react in time. Enzo's pupils constricted, and he instinctively raised his sword to block.
"Clang!"
The chopstick struck the sword forcefully, causing the precious blade to bend like a bow. The tremendous impact sent Enzo stumbling back several steps, nearly falling to the ground. His hand, holding the sword, was trembling uncontrollably.
"Senior Brother!"
Seeing this, the disciples of the Flying Snow Sect couldn't hide their shock. Nobody had expected that a simple chopstick could force their Senior Brother to retreat. Just how strong was this person?
At that moment, not only were the disciples of the Flying Snow Sect taken aback, but even the followers of the Gold Blade Sect were secretly alarmed. Although Enzo's character left much to be desired, his strength was formidable, and he was on par with their Senior Brother Adriel. It was unexpected that a master could defeat him in a single strike.
"Senior Brother, are you okay?" The girl with the ponytail ran up, her face filled with concern.
"I'm fine."
Enzo took a deep breath, suppressing the surging blood and focusing his gaze on the man with the straw hat. "May I ask who you are and why you have a problem with our Flying Snow Sect?"
"I am Miguel, with the nickname 'Desert Dragon.' People call me the Sand Dragon!" Miguel declared loudly.
"What? Miguel, the Sand Dragon?" Hearing this, the expressions of everyone present changed dramatically.
The southwestern region was known for its harsh environment, with vast desert wastelands, and although its population was small, its people were tough. This region gave rise to three major sects and five formidable individuals.
The three major sects were the Flying Snow Sect, the Gold Blade Sect, and the Wandering Dragon Sect. Among these, the Wandering Dragon Sect was the strongest, while the Flying Snow Sect and the Gold Blade Sect were evenly matched.
The five formidable individuals were considered almost as strong as the leaders of the major sects, and though they rarely made appearances, nobody dared to provoke them easily.
Miguel, the Sand Dragon, was one of these five formidable individuals.
Upon learning this, both Enzo and Adriel had their expressions change. They were well aware of Miguel's reputation and knew that with his strength, the combined force of everyone present would likely not be his match.
"Master Miguel, I apologize if we've caused offense. We shall leave now." Enzo immediately toned down his arrogance, becoming humble and courteous. He bowed and apologized.
After all, Miguel was a senior of his master's level, and unless it was absolutely necessary, he couldn't afford to offend him.
"Enough! Don't give me that crap. I want to eat my meal now, and I despise being disturbed. You can eat if you want, or you can leave. If you dare to make any more trouble, don't blame me for being impolite!" Miguel showed no leniency.
"I'm truly sorry for interrupting your meal, Master. We will leave immediately."
Enzo, furious but aware of his place, bowed once more and swiftly led his people out of the establishment. As they left, he shot Dustin a spiteful glance, as if promising to settle scores later.
Chapter 1920: Help those in need
Faced with Enzo's threatening gaze, Dustin didn't take it seriously at all.
If someone hadn't intervened earlier, that guy would have been looking for his teeth on the floor.
After driving away a few nuisances, Miguel continued to enjoy his meal, drinking and eating.
Adriel, along with the disciples of the Gold Blade Sect, refrained from causing any further disturbances and found a nearby table to sit at.
Margaret, on the other hand, stood up and walked over to Adriel. He clasped his hands together in a polite greeting, saying, "Good sirs, I thank you for the assistance earlier."
"It was just a small effort, nothing to mention," Adriel waved his hand, nonchalantly adding, "I've always despised bullies. The Gold Blade Sect's motto is to help those in need when we see injustice."
"Indeed, the Gold Blade Sect lives up to its reputation. If you don't mind, you're welcome to join us at our table and share a few drinks. I happen to have a few bottles of fine wine in my collection," Margaret extended an invitation.
"No need for a formal invitation. We would be happy to join you," Adriel replied.
Upon hearing about the good wine, Adriel's eyes lit up. He promptly ordered his disciples to join their tables together.
"Brody, please ask the chef to prepare a few more dishes and fetch a few more bottles of wine," Margaret instructed a servant who quickly left to fulfill the request.
After a short while, a variety of delicious dishes and fine wine were brought to the table.
Adriel, not one to be overly formal, was the first to pour a glass of wine and drank it all in one go.
"This is indeed excellent wine!"
After downing a glass of wine, Adriel immediately wore an expression of ecstasy and licked his lips. He mused, "This wine, if I'm not mistaken, must be a hundred-year-old vintage, am I right?"
He considered himself a seasoned drinker, having tasted various wines, but this was the first time he had ever experienced such a rich and delicious wine. Even the fifty-year-old vintage he had enjoyed from his master in the past couldn't compare to today's exquisite flavor.
"It seems that the great hero is also a connoisseur of wine," Margaret said with a smile.
It was a royal vintage, and a rare find, so it was a rare experience for most people.
"Don't call me a great hero. My name is Adriel. If you think highly of me, just call me Brother Adriel!" Adriel said in a hearty manner.
"Brother Adriel, I'm Margaret, and this is my friend, Dustin," Margaret made a simple introduction.
"This brother's temperament is quite to my liking. Facing the oppression of the Flying Snow Sect, unafraid of their power, and fighting back, he can be considered a hero. Come, I raise a toast to you!"
Adriel lifted his wine glass and raised it towards Dustin.
In the entire southwestern region, there were very few who dared to challenge the Flying Snow Sect. Regardless of the opponent's strength, at the very least, their courage was commendable.
"Compared to Brother Adriel, I still have much to learn." Dustin raised his glass in return.
"As martial artists, we value like-mindedness. You two have a connection with me now. If you ever encounter any trouble in the future, don't hesitate to seek me out. I will definitely provide my full support!" Adriel promised, patting his chest.
"In that case, we thank Brother Adriel in advance."
