CHAPTER 2403 A CRITICAL BLOW
Cedrick was dead.
His headless body lay on the ground, blood splattering everywhere.
The law enforcement team members stood cold and unfeeling, showing no sympathy.
Cedrick had once been a prized disciple of the World Society, but from the moment he colluded with the Pantheon (Hall of Gods) and betrayed the sect, his fate was sealed.
Especially since he had just stubbornly tried to harm the sect leader’s daughter.
Accumulating such crimes, there was no other end but death.
Even if Vincent didn’t kill him, he wouldn’t have escaped the sect’s punishment upon returning.
“This bastard Cedrick deserved to die!”
Liana spat on Cedrick's corpse, her face full of disgust.
As the saying goes, the deeper the love, the deeper the hate.
She had always regarded Cedrick as a senior brother, believing him to be a good person.
Who would have thought he was a hypocrite capable of all sorts of evil?
For his own gain, to climb the ranks, he colluded with outsiders and betrayed the sect.
Even when exposed, instead of repenting, he took her sister hostage in desperation.
Such a scum deserved to die!
“Sigh... I never thought Senior Brother would go astray, ending up on this path of no return. It’s truly hard to fathom human nature.”
Lara sighed, her expression complicated.
Cedrick’s actions were indeed abhorrent, but after all, he had grown up with her as a fellow disciple.
Seeing him end up like this, she couldn’t help but feel a twinge of sadness.
“Pack up Cedrick’s body and take it back to the sect for a report!”
Vincent glanced at the headless corpse, coldly tossed out his command, and then turned to leave.
Soon, Cedrick’s body was packed up by the enforcement team and taken away.
Though he was dead, his crimes needed to be thoroughly investigated to set an example.
“Vincent, if it weren’t for you, my sister would have been in danger just now.” Liana expressed her gratitude.
Had it not been for Vincent’s incredible skill, delivering a critical blow to Cedrick, who knows what could have happened.
“It’s just my duty, nothing more. In fact, it was my oversight that put Lara in danger in the first place. Rhysckily, nothing happened, or I wouldn’t know how to face my adoptive father.” Vincent shook his head, feeling quite guilty.
He had underestimated Cedrick’s ruthlessness, thinking he could persuade him to turn back. He never expected Cedrick to be so desperate.
“Vincent, it’s not your fault. No one expected Senior Brother to be like this.” Lara comforted him.
“Forget it, let’s not talk about Cedrick anymore.”
CHAPTER 2404 A PRICELESS TREASURE
At this moment, Vincent suddenly changed the topic, "Speaking of which, it's thanks to Dr. Rhys that you were saved just now. It seems you owe him another favor."
"Dr. Rhys?" Lara looked at Dustin, surprised, "Did Dr. Rhys step in just now?"
She had only seen Vincent rescuing her and hadn’t noticed Dustin's actions.
"Of course!" Vincent nodded with a smile. "When Cedrick was about to strike, it was Dr. Rhys who used a flying needle to hit his acupoint, preventing you from getting hurt."
Others might not have noticed, but he saw it clearly. His own dart had been dodged by Cedrick, but Dustin's needle silently struck Cedrick's wrist. This interrupted Cedrick’s move, giving Lara the chance to escape and allowing Vincent to seriously injure Cedrick.
In truth, it was Dustin who saved Lara, not him.
"It was just a small effort, nothing significant. Besides, even if I hadn't intervened, with Young Master Vincent's abilities, he could have easily handled it," Dustin said modestly.
As a guest of the World Society, he couldn't just stand by when the leader's daughter was in danger.
"I didn't expect it to be you again, Dr. Rhys. I don't know how to thank you enough," Lara said, even more grateful after understanding the situation.
"Lara, the World Society has so many rare treasures, why not give a few to Dr. Rhys as a token of appreciation?" Gabrielle suggested, walking over.
She had seen everything clearly and knew it was Dustin who made the situation manageable.
"Of course we should. But ordinary treasures wouldn't be enough for Dr. Rhys. We have a precious Nine-Flower Jade Dew Pill that would be perfect for him," Lara said with a smile.
"The Nine-Flower Jade Dew Pill?" Gabrielle raised an eyebrow. "Is it the legendary supreme elixir made from nine rare flowers?"
"Yes," Lara nodded. "The Nine-Flower Jade Dew Pill can significantly boost one's cultivation, strengthen the body, and the more potential the user has, the stronger the effect. We only found one after searching the world."
This pill was originally a priceless treasure her father, Darkbane, had given her to help break through to the grandmaster level. But her martial arts talent wasn’t exceptional, and she was far from reaching that level. It would be better to give it to Dustin as a thank you.
After all, she owed him too much and would feel uneasy if she didn’t properly show her gratitude.
CHAPTER 2405 PUT TO GOOD USE
"Little Liana, go and fetch my Nine-Flower Jade Dew Pill," Lara hinted with her eyes.
"Sis, you gave the Nine-Flower Jade Dew Pill to Doctor Rhys, what will you do in the future?" Liana couldn't hold back her words.
Outsiders may not know, but she was well aware of how precious the Nine-Flower Jade Dew Pill was.
It was a top-grade treasure used for breaking through to the Grandmaster realm.
Even in their wildest dreams, ordinary martial artists couldn't hope to obtain it. She never expected her sister to willingly give it away.
"Keeping the Nine-Flower Jade Dew Pill serves no purpose for me, giving it to Doctor Rhys ensures it's put to good use," Lara said with a slight smile.
The higher the martial arts talent of a person, the better the effects of consuming the Nine-Flower Jade Dew Pill.
With Dustin's talent and cultivation, he could make better use of the medicinal effects of the pill than her.
"Don't just stand there, go!" Lara urged.
Though Liana was reluctant, since it was her sister's possession, she couldn't make decisions and could only nod in agreement.
Soon, Liana emerged from the villa holding a delicate sandalwood box.
"Sis, are you really going to give it away?" Liana asked again.
"Enough dilly-dallying, no matter how precious a treasure is, it can't compare to a lifesaving favor."
Lara was carefree. She took the sandalwood box from Liana's hands and quickly passed it to Dustin, saying, "Doctor Rhys, this is a token of my appreciation. I hope you won't look down on it."
As she spoke, she opened the box, revealing the Nine-Flower Jade Dew Pill inside.
The pill was shimmering with a green hue, crystal clear. In the sunlight, it glistened like a precious gemstone, exceptionally beautiful.
The moment the box was opened, a unique fragrance filled the air.
The people around couldn't help but take a deep breath, feeling refreshed and invigorated.
"It truly is a top-grade pill, just the fragrance alone is extraordinary," Gabrielle couldn't help but praise.
High-quality pills were already rare, sought after by many martial artists.
As for top-grade pills, they were even more coveted, a treasure that countless people dreamed of but couldn't obtain.
Even for her, as a princess of the Dragon Kingdom, acquiring a top-grade pill was extremely difficult.
"The Nine-Flower Jade Dew Pill, probably the only one in the whole martial world, its incomparable value is self-evident," Liana grimaced.
She would rather trade ten other treasures to get back the Nine-Flower Jade Dew Pill.
"Doctor Rhys, what are you still standing there for? Such a treasure, why the delay in accepting it?" Gabrielle raised her eyebrow appreciatively.
"Miss Moore's kind gesture, I won't be shy then."
Looking at the Nine-Flower Jade Dew Pill in the box, Dustin displayed a rare smile.
CHAPTER 2406 THE REAL DEAL
Without hesitation, he directly pocketed it.
He wasn't really interested in anything else.
But the Nine-Flower Jade Dew Pill was different. As a top-grade pill, taking it not only greatly enhances cultivation but also strengthens bones, unleashes potential, truly a rare treasure.
He was not only a martial artist but also an alchemist.
Naturally, he had a strong liking for this top-grade pill.
After all, top-grade pills are hard to come by. Even he needs a large amount of precious herbs to have a chance to refine them, and success is not guaranteed.
"Alright, thanks, everything that needed to be done has been done. Today is the competition day for Group B players. How about we go to the venue to watch the match?" Liana suddenly suggested.
She had already signed up with her sister and was also selected for Group B.
However, considering her sister's current situation, she definitely couldn't participate, but she could join in for fun.
"Dr. Rhys, Sheryl, what do you think?" Lara asked.
"I'm up for it," Gabrielle nodded with a smile.
"I'm fine with it," Dustin agreed nonchalantly, but his gaze was fixed on the Nine-Flower Jade Dew Pill in the box.
"Let's go, off we go!" Liana yelled.
Immediately commanding the law enforcement team, escorting the few straight to the venue at Dragon Tiger Mountain.
...
At this moment, the venue at Dragon Tiger Mountain was still packed with people.
Unlike the eight simultaneous matches of Group C players, the number of matches for Group B players was much fewer, with only two matches taking place simultaneously.
Although the quantity was reduced, the quality of the matches significantly improved.
Because the players who made it to Group B were at least in the later stages of the innate realm, including some experts close to the half-step grandmaster level.
There were even some exceptionally talented individuals who could often win against stronger opponents.
If the matches of Group C players were just a selection process, then the showdown among Group B players would be considered the real deal.
Warriors at this level were quite renowned in the martial world.
They were either elite disciples of major sects or experienced freelance warriors with rich combat experience.
Especially those who advanced from Group C to Group B, each one of them was a seasoned and ruthless fighter, with no weaklings among them.
Today's competition was particularly grand.
Representatives from major sects also attended personally to watch the matches.
Their goal was simple: to select elites from the Group B players and then try to recruit them to their sects as much as possible.
For the major sects, today's competition was like a big job interview.
And for the participants, it was an opportunity to make a name for themselves.
CHAPTER 2407 THE BIGGEST WINNER
In recent days, apart from the arena matches, Abigail's gambling business has been exceptionally booming.
To draw in more people, Abigail even set up two temporary outdoor casinos.
One is a regular casino focusing on money, while the VIP casino only accepts various treasures.
The two different casinos cater to different needs.
All the audience watching the games became targets for Abigail.
The routine is the same, first let the gamblers taste some sweetness, then when they are fattened up, strike altogether.
This trick never fails.
After a few days, Abigail has made a fortune and become the biggest winner in the entire arena.
Although some smart people are aware of Abigail's harvesting strategy, they dare not expose it due to her status; they simply turn a blind eye.
In reality, even if exposed publicly, those who gamble will continue to do so.
Gamblers always harbour a sense of luck.
Once they see someone around them getting rich, they can't resist trying their luck.
Even though they know that only a very few will strike it rich, they still choose to take a chance.
In their eyes, they might also become one of the lucky few.
When Dustin and his group arrived at the scene, the match had already begun.
The high-level members of World Society have dedicated seats, not only with a broad view but also with refreshments available.
This demonstrates their status.
"Greetings, Young Master! Miss! Second Miss!"
The arrival of Vincent and the others caused quite a stir.
Every member of the World Society, whether high-level or grassroots, rose and saluted to show respect.
Among them, Dustin even spotted a familiar face, the guardian of the World Society, Devon Page.
Upon seeing Dustin, Devon was slightly surprised, but seeing him chatting and laughing with Vincent and the others, he dared not ask further.
"It's really lively here! All major sects are here, I wonder whose home the championship will go to in the end?" Lara looked around excitedly.
As the daughter of the head of the World Society, she has been well-protected and rarely goes out.
She sneaked out this time to sign up for the martial arts competition. Unfortunately, before the competition started, she was cursed and has been in a coma, missing out on the chance to join in the fun.
Now witnessing this grand event with her own eyes, she is naturally very excited.
"As long as Brother Vincent makes a move, the championship this time will definitely belong to our World Society!" Liana confidently declared.
Vincent is considered the most extraordinary figure in the World Society in a century, and is highly revered by all disciples of the society.
CHAPTER 2408 NO ROOM FOR COMPLACENCY
Her reputation was second only to her father, Darkbane Moore, in the martial world.
And as far as she could remember, Vincent had never been defeated.
Those so-called geniuses in the martial world were hardly worth mentioning in front of Vincent.
"Little Liana, don't speak so confidently."
Vincent shook his head, smiling, "The martial arts competition held by Dragon Tiger Mountain this time has almost stirred up the entire martial world. Various major sects, talents from all sides, all gathered here. This is destined to be a fierce competition, no one can be certain who will eventually win."
Although he was very confident in his own strength, he was not overly arrogant.
After all, he was only ranked fifth on the Whiz List.
There were several strong opponents ahead of him, each one a standout talent.
Especially the joint first-placed Logan Rhys and Billy May, who had even reached the World-shaking Lis, becoming one of the top ten strongest individuals in the world.
To be honest, he had no certainty facing these two.
Of course, he was not one to shy away from a fight either.
After this closed-door cultivation, his cultivation had improved, and if he were to encounter Logan Rhys and Billy May, he still had the strength to fight.
"Vincent, with your skills, who else in the field can be your match?" Liana remained fully confident.
In her eyes, Vincent was just being too modest.
As long as the opponent used the Heavenly God's Four Symbols Technique, they could definitely crush all talented individuals.
"There will always be someone better, no room for complacency at any time." Vincent seemed to be warning himself, while also teaching Liana.
He had battled Logan before, using the Heavenly God's Four Symbols Technique in full force, but gained no advantage.
From that moment on, he understood that he was not the unrivaled figure among the crowd.
There were always some geniuses who could stand on par with him, or even surpass him slightly.
But the more it was like this, the more willing he was to compete.
Previously feeling lonely at the top, now with a sense of crisis, he was motivated to cultivate with full force.
Upon careful consideration, it was not necessarily a bad thing.
"Sheryl, Little Liana, look over there, it's so lively!"
At this moment, Lara, who was looking around, seemed to have spotted something and suddenly pointed her finger.
Following her gaze, they saw two outdoor casinos set up in the west direction, surrounded by crowds of people, with shouting and cheering echoing non-stop, creating a lively atmosphere.
"Surprising, I didn't expect there to be casinos here." Liana was quite amazed.
"Casinos?" Lara's eyes lit up, "Let's go, let's check it out!"
With that, Lara did not hesitate, pulling Gabrielle and Liana, and eagerly ran towards the casinos.
