Chapter 905
“Smack!”
“That’ll leave you reeling.”
“Smack!”
“That’s one to make you rethink.”
“Smack!”
“That’s for your supposed favours and your vendettas.”
“…” Dustin’s blows were relentless, each echoing sharply in the silence.
After Dustin’s fury, Edith’s face was a distorted mess, her nose askew, her lips twisted. It was a ghastly sight.
“Blimey…”
Witnessing Edith’s brutal treatment, the students of the Jade Maiden Academy were struck dumb with fear.
Their initial shock transformed into terror.
Initially, they had believed Dustin had used some cunning tactic to best their master.
But the horrifying scene in front of them swiftly corrected that misconception, and oh, how wrong they had been!
“Thud, thud, thud…”
Dustin continued his assault on Edith.
Yet none of the Jade Maiden Academy students dared intervene, rendering them mere spectators to the chaos.
Their master had been bested. If they intervened, wouldn’t they just be sealing their own fates?
“Enough!” As Edith neared her limit, Nikki Horst dashed forward, shielding her mentor. She declared, her gaze unyielding, “If you want to strike someone, strike me! Spare my master!”
“Huh?” Dustin hesitated, raising his hand again. But an image of Nelson crossed his mind, stopping him.
“Dustin, I admit my failings towards you, but she’s my mentor. I can’t let you harm her,” Nikki Horst said defiantly. “If you bear any ill will, direct it at me.”
“You’re quite the loyal one.”
Dustin remarked with a hint of mockery, “Should I commend your unwavering loyalty to your master?”
His voice dripped with sarcasm.
Nikki Horst faltered, trying to find the right words.
While she might feel remorse, she doesn’t believe she was in the wrong.
It’s not feasible for her to betray her lifelong mentor for a recent acquaintance.
“Dustin, I realise I’ve wronged you. If it makes you feel better, hit me. I won’t fight back. But afterwards, we’re square,” Nikki offered, almost as if she were challenging him.
“No.” Dustin responded coldly, “Laying a finger on you would sully my hands.”
For Nelson’s sake, he’d been patient and forgiving.
But that patience was tested. Now? He felt he’d acted honourably, and that was enough.
“Dustin, you’ve shown me great kindness, and for that, I’m grateful. Can we leave the animosity behind and move on?” Nikki tentatively proposed.
“Move on?”
Dustin scoffed, “Your mentor tried to end my life. Your peers wanted me gone. And you act as if it’s all water under the bridge? Isn’t that a bit naive?”
“She might’ve been in the wrong, but haven’t you got your pound of flesh?” Nikki countered, her brow furrowing.
He’d left her mentor battered and bruised. What more could he want?
“She wanted me dead. Was I supposed to just stand there?” Dustin retorted, his voice dripping with irony, “And for the record, I’m not as magnanimous as you. I won’t befriend someone who’s out for my blood.”
“Why are you so obstinate?” Nikki exclaimed, exasperated. Why couldn’t he see she was trying to mend fences?
Really, for such a bloke, he was so petulant.
Chapter 906
“Logical?”
Upon hearing this, Dustin scoffed: “Nikki Horst, honestly, your double standards never cease to amaze!”
“When your mentor backed down, why didn’t you question her?”
“Why didn’t you stand up to her when she was being ungrateful?”
“Why didn’t you voice concerns when she asked you to administer the drug?”
“And when she tried to end me moments ago, where was your sense of justice then?”
“Only now, realising you’re outmatched, you seek a reasoned debate? Isn’t your behaviour just a bit rich?”
When peril was at his door, she merely stood by, indifferent.
But as soon as danger befalls Edith, Nikki’s ready to deliver a sermon. It’s quite revolting.
“I… um…”
Faced with this barrage, Nikki Horst found herself at a loss for words.
All she could muster was, “Dustin, it’s for your own sake! My mentor has a vast array of contacts in the underworld. Cross her, and you’ll find yourself against a slew of formidable foes. There’s no advantage for you.”
“I’ve already got half the world against me, what difference does the Jade Maiden Sect make?” Dustin retorted.
“You’re being utterly obtuse!”
Nikki Horst was fuming.
Had her master not been gravely hurt, would she have lost today?
Her intentions were pure, but the man before her was relentless in his disdain.
To challenge the entirety of the Jade Maiden Sect? He’s got a death wish!
“Nikki Horst, I’ve no more patience for this.”
Dustin grew visibly irritated, “Out of respect for your brother, you’ll leave unscathed today. But mark my words, provoke me again, and you’ll see no mercy.”
“Now, off with you from Fenwick Manor!”
His voice thundered with authority.
With it, came an overpowering aura. The members of the Jade Maiden Sect staggered back, visibly shaken.
Nikki Horst’s heart raced; words escaped her.
“Quickly! Evacuate the Sect Leader!”
Letitia snapped to action, instructing the followers to evacuate Edith, making a hasty retreat.
She knew this was a defeat.
But at least their leader lived, and after mending, they could regroup.
“Dustin! Prepare to meet your end!”
Suddenly, a powerful voice echoed, as commanding as rolling thunder.
Birds took to the sky in panic, creating an impressive spectacle.
“What the…?”
The Jade Maiden Sect members were momentarily dumbfounded.
Before they could process, the entrance to Fenwick Manor was forcibly breached, revealing a battalion of fierce-looking warriors.
Dustin stepped forward, his gaze fixed on the newcomers, “Who are you lot? Daring to intrude on Fenwick Manor?”
“Look closer, Dustin! Recognise me now?!”
Amidst the clamour, a familiar figure emerged—Terry Doyle of the Eastbourne Clan.
“You? Here?”
Dustin raised an eyebrow, “What brings you to my doorstep?”
“I’m here to challenge you—to the death!”
Terry Doyle’s voice was laced with malice and revenge.
Chapter 907
After his defeat at the hands of Dustin on their last encounter, which had left his dantian shattered, he had been quietly amassing strength, patiently biding his time for a chance at revenge. Finally, that moment had arrived.
“Now you’re in a weaker state than before. How do you intend to fight me?” Dustin scrutinized him, quickly realizing that despite the opponent’s repaired dantian, a significant portion of his cultivation had been lost. He was now merely an ordinary acquired martial artist, posing no real threat.
“Hmph! I never said I was going to face you myself. The one stepping up to challenge you this time is my mentor!” Terry Doyle proclaimed loudly.
“Who might your mentor be?” Dustin countered.
“Listen closely now, my mentor is none other than the renowned Terry Doyle!” Terry Doyle’s voice carried a distinct air of pride.
This declaration sent shockwaves through the audience.
“What? Terry Doyle? The martial arts master?
“Absolutely! Terry Doyle is a name of great repute. In the world of Jianghu, his standing is unparalleled. He’s even counted among the five eminent masters of the southern Yangtze region!”
“Unbelievable! Who is this person, and how did they become Terry Doyle’s apprentice?”
The disciples of Jade Maid Palace were visibly taken aback. To them, a martial arts master was akin to a deity – a notion deeply embedded in their perception.
After all, there’s a saying that holds true in this world: Beneath a master, all are mere ants!
In the eyes of a martial arts master, regardless of one’s strength or fame, as long as they don’t belong to the master’s echelon, they are insignificant ants, easily crushed with a mere gesture.
Attaining the rank of grandmaster is the pinnacle every warrior aspires to reach. Once the master’s realm is achieved, it’s akin to a carp leaping over the dragon’s gate or a bird soaring freely in the sky. The world becomes their domain to explore.
“So, it’s Terry Doyle. And yet?” Dustin’s expression remained relatively steady.
“What’s the matter?” Terry Doyle seemed momentarily taken aback. “Dustin, my friend, you haven’t even heard of my mentor’s name?”
Normally, when the name Terry Doyle is mentioned, it’s met with awe and trepidation. But Dustin’s response was strangely composed.
“Does it really matter whether I’ve heard of him or not? Your mentor is calling for a challenge, and I accept.” Dustin’s tone carried a casual indifference.
“Accepted?”
This declaration set off a burst of commotion.
“Good Lord! Is this lad out of his mind? He’s actually daring to challenge Terry Doyle?”
“Terry Doyle is a true master, an almost godlike figure. Challenging someone of such incredible might – isn’t that akin to seeking one’s own demise?”
“Like an ant trying to halt an elephant, or a mantis standing against a juggernaut. He seems to have no sense of his impending doom!”
Amid astonishment, a tone of contemptuous disbelief prevailed. In the presence of a martial arts master, no matter the strength, one remains squashed beneath their overwhelming dominance.
“Hehehe…you’re quite the daredevil!”
Terry Doyle sneered, his expression almost like that of a person looking at a lost cause. “Very well then! If you’re oblivious to the gravity of your actions, I shall oblige. Here’s a challenge letter for you. Take it!”
With a flourish of his hand, a challenge letter was sent hurtling through the air, landing squarely in front of Dustin, who promptly seized it.
“I accept your challenge. The specifics of time and place are at your discretion,” Dustin replied, his demeanor unruffled.
Not too long ago, Dustin himself had thrown down the gauntlet to Terry Doyle. Now, with the other party reciprocating, it would be uncouth not to accept.
“Excellent. We shall meet at Lake Shinefield on Mount Hill tomorrow at noon. Pray, don’t back down!”
With a final sneer, Terry Doyle departed with his retinue.
“This fellow must be utterly mad. How else could he accept Terry Doyle’s challenge? Is he tired of living?”
“A frog in a well, that’s what he is. He’s clueless about the terror a martial arts master can inspire. He’ll rue the day!"
“Hehe…tomorrow promises quite the spectacle!”
The disciples of Jade Maiden Palace exchanged pointed remarks, a sense of schadenfreude in the air.
A master wields a power akin to that of a god, and mere mortals should think twice before daring to challenge such divine supremacy
Chapter 908
The following day brought with it a stunning piece of news that swiftly began to circulate. Dustin, a prodigious warrior, had boldly thrown down the gauntlet to his master, the revered Terry Doyle’s. The appointed stage for their decisive clash was the grand arena atop Mount Shinefield.
The revelation of this development left everyone in a state of shock. Having already garnered significant attention as the reigning champion of the Martial Arts Conference, Dustin’s standing was further complicated when suspicion fell upon him following the untimely demise of Paul Hill. Countless pairs of eyes were surreptitiously fixed on him, observing his every move.
The announcement of the impending duel against Terry Doyle’s set the stage for a new surge of excitement within both the Balerno and Glenstead Leagues. The ripples of sensation were palpable even as the sun began to rise. Near Mount Shinefield, throngs of onlookers had already gathered, many of them enticed by the reputation of Terry Doyle’s.
Terry Doyle’s, a formidable martial arts maestro, had gained recognition far and wide. Throughout the Jiangnan Martial Arts League, her name was synonymous with power and prowess. Despite adopting a low-key profile in recent years, her aura remained undiminished, much like a majestic dragon reigning over the sky. It was a rare honor for many warriors to witness her from a distance.
Within a spacious lakeside gazebo at that very moment, an assembly of notable figures had congregated. Among them were Leader Ronald Reeds, esteemed veterans of the Martial League, and several gifted disciples. Even the Huangfu family had hastily convened upon receiving news of the event.
“Master Lei, can this bout truly be believed? Does young Dustin genuinely possess the audacity to challenge Terry Doyle’s?” Spring Hill ventured to inquire first.
“It appears to be authentic. The Dong family has formally dispatched their challenge, scheduling a life-or-death showdown on Mount Shinefield at noon today,” Ronald Reeds affirmed.
In the preceding days, the intelligence network of the Wumeng had meticulously observed Dustin’s movements. Any disturbance at Fengyu Villa would have been impossible to escape their notice.
“But how can that lad be so recklessly daring? Does he truly believe his limelight from the martial arts conference grants him the right to challenge a martial arts master? He clearly lacks the comprehension of his place in the grand scheme of things,” mused Spring Hill, his brow furrowed.
“Hmph! Is he perhaps under the delusion that his triumph at the Martial Arts Conference affords him the authority to confront a martial arts master? He exhibits a lamentable ignorance of the vast gulf that separates them,” Autumn Hill, situated nearby, scoffed with disdain.
Though Dustin undoubtedly stood out among the younger generation of warriors, the disparity between his status and that of a preeminent figure like Terry Doyle’s was cavernous—a distinction that could not be overlooked.
“Dad, is it conceivable that Dustin is intentionally courting his own demise?” Torben Hill interjected thoughtfully.
“Seeking his own death?” Autumn Hill’s expression twisted in puzzlement. “What do you imply?”
“Consider this: Dustin stands accused of Grandpa’s murder, rendering him a marked enemy of the Wumeng. Further, having ingested the Heartbroken Pill with its irrevocable effects, he seizes this opportunity to establish his legacy. Dying by Terry Doyle’s hand would undoubtedly be a more honorable fate than succumbing to the poison’s effects.”
Torben Hill presented his analytical perspective earnestly, prompting nods of agreement from those around him.
Suddenly, Dustin’s audacity to challenge Terry Doyle made sense. Ultimately, it appeared that he harbored a death wish. When juxtaposed with a death agonizingly induced by the Heartbroken Pill, perishing beneath the blows of a martial arts master bore an air of distinction, embodying the utmost form of honor.
“Master Lei, we cross paths once more,” a hearty voice resounded at that moment.
All eyes turned toward the source, revealing Conrad, the leader of the Jiangbei Martial Arts Alliance, accompanied by a jovial entourage. They approached with cheerful strides.
“Leader Su, what brings you here?” Ronald Reeds inquired, a note of surprise in his voice.
“Ha-ha, when such a momentous event unfolds, it’s only natural for me to join the revelry. After all, it’s been many years since a masterly duel of this magnitude has graced our midst,” Conrad quipped, his beard gently caressed in contemplation.
Chapter 909
After the passing of Paul Hill, his presence lingered on.
He was curious to witness how the Balerno would navigate this situation.
“If President Su is intrigued, please take a seat.”
Ronald Reeds offered a faint smile and gestured for them to sit down.
Conrad didn’t bother with excessive formality; he settled beside him and inquired right away: “President Lei, what are your impressions of today’s clash?”
“Of course, I saw it firsthand,” replied Ronald Reeds.
“Hehe… Leader Lei, you do have a knack for jests.”
Conrad smirked and continued, “From what I gather, Terry Doyle came here seeking retribution for his disciple. The prodigy you hold promise in might be in jeopardy today.”
“Life and death hinge on destiny, and fortunes rest in the hands of fate. Whether one lives or dies is a matter of their own providence,” Ronald Reeds maintained an indifferent air.
“Undoubtedly, the Balerno Martial Arts League boasts an extraordinary talent, but character flaws can prove disastrous,” he added without a hint of disclosure.
“Absolutely! My father’s barely cold in the ground, and his killer’s death hardly elicits pity!” Autumn Hill couldn’t suppress her words.
“Whether he draws breath or not, time will soon reveal,” Conrad replied with a knowing smile, refraining from elaboration.
His attendance today was primarily to spectate.
In any case, he wished for the internal strife within the Balerno to escalate as intensely as possible.
“Wow! Quite the gathering of beauties!”
Abruptly, a cry of astonishment swept through the crowd.
All eyes followed the source of the sound, beholding a procession of ethereal women making their deliberate approach.
These women carried long swords, radiating an air of heroism, each one exuding an exceptional presence.
It was the entirety of the Jade Maid Palace!
“Goodness gracious! These women seem to have materialized out of thin air. Stunning, aren’t they?”
“Judging by their attire, they appear to be from the Oakvalex Jade Maiden Palace.”
“Jade Girl Palace? I’ve heard it’s populated entirely by female disciples, all gifted and beautiful. Their current display certainly lives up to their renown!”
“Such a wealth of beauty, it’s overwhelming. If I were to marry one of them, my life would be complete!”
With the arrival of Jade Maid Palace disciples, the scene was thrown into uproar.
Numerous male combatants found themselves in a state of turmoil.
Female warriors were a rarity in Jiangnan, and now, so many at once, and each one a vision of loveliness.
Naturally, anticipation ran high.
“Sister Senior, why must these Jiangnan warriors possess such lackluster qualities? They’re akin to toads, utterly repugnant.”
“It’s only natural. Jiangnan can’t hold a candle to Oakvalex. This provincial backwater is awash with mediocrity, hardly worth considering.”
“Ultimately, our own beauty is to blame. At times, being beautiful feels like a sin.”
Jade Maid Palace disciples exuded an air of arrogance and entitlement.
They luxuriated in the sensation of being in the spotlight.
As enchanting sprites, this was their prerogative.
Men ought to prostrate before them and elevate them.
“Master, where’s Dustin? Could he possibly be cowering?”
Brittany, seated in a wheelchair, scanned the surroundings, yet the figure that incited her wrath was nowhere to be seen.
“Hmph! If he dares to stand up Terry Doyle’s, his fate will be even grimmer!”
Edith’s expression turned frosty, her eyes smoldering with resentment.
Presently, her face was concealed by a veil, with only her eyes visible.
The prior night, Dustin had soundly beaten her, disfiguring her face. Now, she dared not expose her true features.
“Look here! Dustin’s arrived!”
Suddenly, a Yunv Palace disciple pointed ahead.
All eyes turned in unison to witness a man of striking handsomeness and a commanding stature strolling leisurely through the courtyard.
It was Dustin!
Chapter 910
As Dustin made his appearance, all eyes turned towards him. A mixture of emotions filled the air – resentment, surprise, ridicule, and contempt were just a few that could be seen in the gazes of the onlookers. The invisible weight of their collective stares bore down on Dustin like a barrage of unspoken judgment.
Following Paul Hill’s demise, the majority of the warriors considered Dustin a thorn in their side. Their presence at today’s duel was, in essence, to witness Terry Doyle’s put an end to this perceived insolence.
“I’m quite taken aback by the turnout,” Cornelius remarked, surveying the densely gathered crowd surrounding Mount Lake. The expressions on most faces were far from friendly.
“I suspect they’re all here for a good laugh at my expense,” Dustin responded calmly, his demeanor unmoved.
From the moment he had accepted the challenge, Dustin had known that this duel would be anything but ordinary.
“Master Lu, might you consider backing down? Challenging a martial arts master is no laughing matter. I believe preserving one’s life takes precedence over preserving face,” Cornelius advised in hushed tones.
Dustin’s strength and his influential background were not lost on Cornelius. However, the gap between Dustin and Terry Doyle’s – a renowned martial arts master from the southern region – was a gaping chasm.
Beneath a master’s might, everyone else was but an insignificant ant. This unbreakable truth was well understood.
“Why retreat when we’ve all gathered here? It wouldn’t be fitting,” Dustin retorted with a measured tone.
“Master Lu, a martial arts master stands far above regular humans. To common warriors, they’re akin to gods. I implore you to reconsider!” Cornelius pressed earnestly.
“Have no worries, I have my own plan,” Dustin replied with a wry smile.
Although Terry Doyle’s was indeed formidable, he wasn’t invincible.
“Dustin…”
At that moment, Nikki approached him. Her face carried a complex mix of emotions.
“Miss Hong, what do you advise?” Dustin’s smile was restrained, almost aloof.
Since the events of last night, the two had taken divergent paths.
“Dustin, I sincerely hope you reconsider the duel,” Nikki stated earnestly.
“And why might that be?” Dustin’s tone remained nonchalant.
“I have your best interests at heart,” Nikki declared firmly. “Terry Doyle’s is an accomplished martial arts master. You stand no chance against him. Engaging in this fight is akin to courting disaster!”
“My affairs are not your concern. You should attend to your own master,” Dustin’s expression didn’t waver.
“Must you persist? I’m looking out for you. There’s no need to throw your life away needlessly,” Nikki frowned.
“But I haven’t even fought yet. How can you be so certain it’s a futile endeavor?” Dustin countered.
“Is a fight even necessary? Terry Doyle’s is a martial arts master! And you? What’s the point? If my master hadn’t been injured yesterday, do you think you could have seized the opportunity? Don’t play the fool!” Nikki’s tone was resolute.
While Dustin had managed to defeat her master the previous night, it was underhanded, taking advantage of another’s vulnerability.
“So? Is there a point to your lecture?” Dustin’s expression remained unchanged.
“Listen to reason, give up, live to fight another day. Admit defeat to Terry Doyle’s without shame,” Nikki implored genuinely.
“Are you finished? Step aside if you are,” Dustin dismissed with indifference, sidestepping her.
“Wait!”
Nikki quickly blocked his path again, her words faltering as she spoke. “If you’re truly set on your path, I won’t hinder you. However, before you proceed, I ask that you return the Jade Girl Scripture to me.”
After her master had been incapacitated last night, the Jade Girl Scripture had mysteriously vanished from his possession. Nikki was convinced that Dustin had reclaimed it.
Chapter 911
“The Jade Maiden Scripture?”
Dustin was taken aback momentarily, then burst into laughter: “Well, well! All that talk, and it turns out this is what it’s about.”
He had assumed that the other party might have a hint of conscience, their words being motivated by concern for his safety.
But now, it was clear that it was all a charade.
Their real aim remained fixated on the Jade Maiden Scripture.
“Dustin, the Jade Maiden Scripture holds great significance for me. I hope you could see your way to returning it,” Nikki’s tone was tinged with embarrassment, yet her gaze held unwavering determination.
“I’ve already handed over the Jade Maiden Scripture to you. So, why this sudden request?” Dustin’s expression grew chilly.
“Don’t play innocent. I’m aware that you pilfered the Jade Maiden Scripture. If you give it back now, we could still salvage our amicable terms,” Nikki said with gravitas.
“Firstly, I didn’t lay a finger on any Jade Maiden Scripture. If you misplaced it, that’s your predicament, and I’m not involved. Secondly, the notion of us being friends is laughable.” Dustin’s retort was marked by sarcasm.
“Dustin! Must you persist with this facade? The Jade Maiden Scripture serves you no purpose. Restoring it to me might earn you a favor,” Nikki’s brow furrowed.
She had held a more favorable opinion of him earlier, but now, his true colors were showing – a hypocrite.
Stealing the Jade Maiden Scripture covertly, only to compel her into a reconciliation.
How despicable.
“Are you hard of hearing? Let me reiterate: the Jade Maiden Scripture isn’t in my possession. And even if I did have it, so what? I wouldn’t part with it easily, not for you,” Dustin’s voice dripped with frost.
“You—!”
Nikki’s patience was waning.
This man was indeed a treacherous scoundrel.
“Dustin! The Jade Maiden Scripture originates from our Jade Maiden Palace, so why keep it against its rightful home?”
Embarrassment gave way to anger in Nikki’s demeanor: “If you persist with this obstinacy, I won’t hesitate to expose your scandal. Your reputation will crumble, and regrets won’t mend it!”
“Heh… Are you attempting to intimidate me?”
Dustin’s lips curled into a smile, yet his eyes remained frosty: “Nikki, my tolerance is wearing thin. It’d be wise not to test my limits.”
“Hmph! Is your theft somehow justified?”
Nikki’s voice was stern: “Furthermore, the debt of my brother’s death still hangs unsettled between us. You owe me an explanation today!”
“Silence!”
Dustin’s roar was thunderous, his gaze piercing: “Nikki, your brother is a topic you’re not entitled to broach. Were it not for his face, my reaction would have been far more severe!”
“What? You dare lay a finger on me?”
Nikki’s glare intensified: “You’re the one who stole my sect’s treasure and murdered my brother – a loathsome villain!”
A resounding slap echoed as Dustin’s hand met Nikki’s cheek.
The forceful blow sent her crashing to the ground.
Blood trickled from her nose and mouth, her distress evident.
“You… How dare you strike me?”
Nikki cradled her burning cheek, disbelief etched across her features.
She had administered the medicine to killian the previous night, to no effect.
Yet today, in front of witnesses, he had openly slapped her.
“With that slap, I’m repaying Nelson’s dues. Should your insolence persist, I won’t hesitate to break your legs!” Dustin’s voice thundered.
“You—!”
Nikki clenched her teeth, eyes brimming with resentment.
But with Cornelius watching keenly, retaliation was out of the question.
She could only swallow her pride.
“Having you as his sister is a disgrace to Nelson’s memory.”
Dustin’s cold remark followed as he stepped over her.
“You wretched villain! I’ll soon have the stage, and I’ll relish witnessing Terry Doyle’s tearing you limb from limb!”
Nikki seethed, her curse dripping with venom.
In this moment, her demeanor was one of madness, grotesque even.
Like a specter consumed by rage.
Chapter 912
Confronting the curse, Dustin paid no heed and continued straight ahead.
He had given his utmost effort.
Nevertheless, Nikki was obstinate, echoing the same demeanor as the jade girl Edith and her companions.
No matter how much assistance he offered, no matter how much persuasion he exerted, it proved futile.
In fact, it might even backfire.
Such a woman was already incurable, beyond remedy.
He saw no point in tending to it, thus he feigned unfamiliarity.
“How did it go? Have you managed to secure the Jade Girl Manual?”
At that moment, Edith arrived with a cohort of disciples.
Since the loss of the Jade Girl Sutra the previous night, it had been gnawing at her.
Hence, the moment Dustin appeared, she promptly dispatched Nikki to attempt the retrieval of the sect’s treasure.
“Master, that chap refused outright and even administered a slap.”
Nikki covered her face, her expression one of aggrievement.
“What? Impossible.”
Edith’s brows knitted. “Didn’t I advise you to first gain his trust and then cajole him? How did you miscalculate?”
“Master, I tried the cajoling and coaxing. It’s just that Dustin didn’t take the bait; he was exceedingly cautious. He doesn’t show the slightest interest in the Jade Girl Scripture.” Nikki sobbed.
“Incompetent! Unable to accomplish even a trivial task!”
Edith was visibly perturbed.
Had the crowd been smaller, she might have issued a couple of slaps to vent her frustration.
“Master, considering that Dustin has purloined the Jade Girl Scripture, I reckon he might have deposited it at Fengyu Villa.” Nikki unexpectedly remarked.
“And then?” Edith inquired, squinting.
“This could be our opportunity!
Lowering her voice, Nikki divulged, “Master, in today’s confrontation, Dustin is bound to suffer defeat, possibly even die. Once he’s out of the picture, we’ll have no impediments. That’s when we can conveniently infiltrate Fengyu Mountain Villa to retrieve the Jade Girl Scripture.”
“Well… it does make sense.”
Edith nodded contemplatively before adding, “Nevertheless, Fengyu Villa teems with inhabitants, covertly scouring the area could prove arduous.”
“Why the trouble, Master? Fengyu Villa comprises a motley crew of insignificant figures. If you ask for my opinion, it’s best to eliminate the lot of them to avoid future nuisances.” Nikki’s expression turned dark.
“Wipe them all out?”
Edith raised an eyebrow. “Is that truly necessary?”
“Master, now that we’ve already exposed our intentions, there’s no need to hold back. The only way to ensure lasting tranquility is by eradicating the root cause.” Nikki’s tone grew ominous.
“That’s a valid point. Your reasoning is commendable; you’ve finally matured,” Edith responded, a trace of vigilance lingering in her captivating eyes.
In her memory, Nikki perpetually embodied the image of an obedient child, seemingly harmless to both man and beast.
Never had she suspected the existence of such a sinister facet.
If dissension arose, Nikki seemed capable of decimating an entire clan.
The thought sent a shiver down Edith’s spine.
An individual who wore a veneer of affability but harboured malevolent intentions was the true embodiment of terror. One day, that individual might plunge a blade in her back…
“Dustin!”
As Dustin neared Qingyang Lake, a commanding voice rang out.
Glancing backward, he espied a cohort from the Dong family advancing in a formidable formation.
Leading the group was Dong Changheng, the head of the Dong family, flanked by Terry Doyle, Dong Mengxiang, and their entourage.
The key members of the Dong family had congregated.
“Dustin, your audacity astounds me. You actually have the nerve to come and do battle?” Dong Changheng was the first to speak, a trace of hostility in his gaze.
Dustin’s previous challenge to the family had left the Dong clan thoroughly humiliated and disgraced.
Today was Dong Changheng’s chance to exact retribution and resurrect the family’s honour.
“All the battle invitations were delivered to me. If I didn’t appear, wouldn’t I be branded a coward?” Dustin retorted, his tone nonchalant.
“Hehe… it’s better to be a coward than to end up dead.” Terry Doyle sneered.
His concern wasn’t that Dustin would come; it was that he wouldn’t.
Once he’d arrived, he’d sealed his fate. “You, Dustin! Your death date is today, one year from now!” Dong Mengxiang’s countenance was dark as he uttered this menacing prophecy.
