Chapter 1081: Confrontation with Max
"Thank you for your offer, Miss Dahlia, but I'll pass," Dustin said, shaking his head, declining to take the business card.
"Hmm?"
Dahlia raised an eyebrow, somewhat surprised. "Are you sure you don't want to consider it?"
It was rare for someone to reject her, and especially so decisively, without any hesitation.
"No, I've decided. Selling insurance suits me just fine, and I'm not used to working in a big company," Dustin politely declined again.
"Hey! Do you know how many people would give anything for an opportunity like this, just to get into my sister Dahlia's company? This is your chance, and you're rejecting it so casually!" Victoria arrogantly remarked.
As the adopted daughter of Lord Montgomery, even the aristocrats in Stonia would show her respect. An insurance salesman like Dustin had no right to refuse her.
"Opportunity knocks only once, and you've missed your chance for a meteoric rise," Chase sneered, looking at him as if he were an idiot.
When the goddess herself extends an invitation, and you turn it down, it's simply foolish.
"Alright, alright, let's not talk about this anymore. I'm hungry. Let's go back and have something to eat," Shiela intervened, trying to change the subject.
Dustin wasn't swayed by her beauty, and she was relieved.
Although she was very pretty, in the presence of someone like Dahlia, she had no advantage at all and would even be overshadowed.
She was quite satisfied with the current outcome.
After leaving the racetrack, the group returned to the Murray residence. However, as soon as they entered the main gate, a middle-aged man blocked their way.
This man was tall and imposing, and just standing there, he exuded a strong aura.
He was Max Murray, the current head of the Murray family.
"Uncle?" Shiela's smile froze when she saw the man.
She had always been somewhat afraid of this stern uncle of hers.
"Where were you all just now?" Max asked sternly, his hands behind his back.
"We went to the racetrack for a while. Why?" Shiela replied.
"So, it was your actions that led to Morgan being injured by a horse?" Max questioned.
"That was just an accident. It had nothing to do with us," Shiela quickly explained.
"An accident?"
Max snorted, "Black Dragon is well-trained. How could it suddenly turn on its master? I suspect you had a hand in this!"
"Uncle, we really didn't do anything. It was Morgan's own issue," Shiela tried to clarify.
"Shut up!"
Max glared at her and said, "As the head of the family, I say you're guilty, so you are! You dared to harm my daughter in secret? You're truly heinous!"
"Guards! Arrest all of them for me!"
"Anyone who dares to resist will be shot on the spot!"
With his command, a large number of armed soldiers rushed out from both sides and quickly surrounded the group.
The atmosphere immediately became tense.
Chapter 1082: Fierce Confrontation
"Uncle! Please don't act recklessly! They are all my friends!" Shiela exclaimed, startled, raising her hands to shield her friends.
"Hmph! A bunch of dubious characters; just looking at them, I can tell they're up to no good. Step aside!" Max snapped.
"I won't let you! They're all innocent! You can't harm them!" Shiela argued passionately.
"Lord Max, we didn't do anything wrong; this is all a misunderstanding!" Vivian quickly explained.
"Yeah, yeah! It was just an accident that Morgan got injured, and it had nothing to do with us!" the others chimed in, sounding panicked.
With Max in power and his reputation for decisiveness, if they fell into his hands, it wouldn't end well. Even if they didn't die, they'd likely suffer greatly.
"Still trying to talk your way out of this? If it weren't for your tampering, how could Black Dragon suddenly go berserk? Do you take me for a fool?" Max said sternly.
Based on the information he had received, there were two suspicious points in this incident. First, Black Dragon was a well-trained warhorse; how could it lose to a small horse? Second, Black Dragon had never behaved aggressively or disobeyed orders before, so why did it suddenly attack its rider? These raised doubts in his mind.
"Wait a minute! Lord Max Murray, if someone is really at fault here, it must be him!" At this moment, Chase Johnson suddenly pointed at Dustin and started accusing him. "Just now, he raced against Morgan and even won. He has the strongest motive!"
"That's right! I thought it was strange at the time, and now that I think about it, this guy is indeed suspicious. He must have harmed Morgan!" Vivian echoed, fervently agreeing.
"Lord Max, you should arrest him. We have nothing to do with this!" the others added frantically.
At this point, the truth didn't matter; they just wanted to distance themselves from the situation and avoid trouble.
Otherwise, they would undoubtedly suffer if they were caught.
"It's you!"
Max's sharp gaze soon settled on Dustin. "You won the race just now, didn't you?"
"I did win the race, but your daughter's injury was her own fault, and it had nothing to do with me," Dustin replied calmly.
While he had indeed employed some tactics to stall Black Dragon momentarily, he hadn't intentionally harmed anyone. The blame lay with Morgan for her impulsive actions, which provoked Black Dragon.
"Her own fault?"
Max's face darkened even further, and he sneered, "Very well... very well! You really did it, didn't you? Men, come and grab this lad for me! We'll use torture to extract a confession!"
"Yes!"
Four armed soldiers immediately stepped forward, raising their rifles, ready to apprehend him.
"Stop! Don't come any closer!" Shiela suddenly drew a knife and stood in front of Dustin, declaring, "If any of you dare to make a move, don't blame me for not being polite!"
The four soldiers exchanged glances and hesitated, not daring to approach her.
As the beloved granddaughter of the old general, Shiela held a high position in the family.
"Reckless!"
Max shouted, "Shiela! You dare to shield this murderer!?"
"Dustin is not a murderer, and you have no evidence to arbitrarily arrest him!" Shiela argued firmly.
"Evidence? Hmph! My word is evidence enough!" Max declared confidently, "Once I subject him to severe torture, he'll confess. Move aside!"
"No!" Shiela remained resolute.
"Outrageous!"
Max's anger flared, and he delivered a heavy slap across Shiela's face.
"Smack!"
The blow sent Shiela stumbling, her fair and delicate face quickly swelling.
"Hmm?"
Seeing this, Dustin couldn't help but furrow his brows.
He hadn't expected Max to be so unreasonable and to strike even his own niece.
"Get out of the way, or I'll arrest you too!"
Chapter 1083: Family Discussion
Max remained composed, his gaze hostile.
"No, I won't!" Shiela clenched her lips, refusing to give in.
"You—"
Max raised his hand, intending to strike her, but Dustin grabbed his arm and coldly warned, "If you dare to act recklessly again, be prepared for me to break your hand!"
"Bold!"
"Release Sir Murray!"
The surrounding soldiers approached, their rifles aimed menacingly at Dustin's head.
"Stop!"
At this moment, a loud voice suddenly resounded from outside the door.
Everyone turned to look and saw a middle-aged man with a heroic appearance and a beautiful woman accompanying him, striding in energetically.
These two people were none other than Shiela's parents, Caden and Lily.
"Big brother, what exactly did our daughter Shiela do to make you point a gun at her?" Caden asked sternly, his face cold.
He had witnessed the earlier slap clearly.
"Big brother, do you think that our Shiela is the culprit?" Caden squinted his eyes.
"Shiela isn't, but all her friends, including this lad, are under suspicion, especially this boy!" Max pointed at Dustin.
"It's you?"
Caden looked over, his brow furrowing involuntarily.
He remembered their encounter in Swinston; they had clashed over the Gozoraberry Fruit. Later, his father had unexpectedly removed him from the position of Family Head.
So, he held a deep aversion toward Dustin.
"What? Second brother knows him?" Max examined Dustin up and down.
"I've met him once, but I wouldn't say we know each other," Caden replied calmly. "Big brother, when Father returns, he will see what you've done. If he finds out, he'll blame you. If you trust me, let me handle this. If there is someone plotting behind the scenes, I will definitely find the culprit and avenge Morgan!"
With a meaningful glance at Dustin, Caden added, "You better cooperate."
After a brief hesitation, Max nodded reluctantly. "Fine, I'll give you face this time. I'll let them go for now, but you better provide an explanation soon."
"No problem," Caden agreed with a slight nod.
"Dismiss!"
Max waved his hand, and with a group of soldiers in tow, he left in haste.
Although he didn't care much about Caden, he dared not escalate the situation further, especially if his father found out.
"Lily, take Shiela and her friends to rest for a while. I have something to discuss with Dustin," Caden instructed his wife with a meaningful look.
"Shiela, don't worry. It's just a conversation; there's no need to be nervous," Lily reassured her daughter with a smile before leading the group inside.
"Lad, what's your real purpose in getting close to my daughter?" Caden inquired directly.
"You've misunderstood. Shiela and I are just friends," Dustin replied calmly.
"Just friends?"
Caden snorted. "If you were just friends, would my daughter go to such lengths to protect you?"
"Shiela has a good personality; she stands up for her friends. What's wrong with that?" Dustin countered.
"Kid, don't think I don't know what you're up to."
Caden gave Dustin a piercing glare. "I've seen many like you, trying to climb higher by latching onto someone else. Just so you know, you're not qualified! If you're smart, stay away from my daughter. Understand that I saved you just now; at the same time, I can destroy you!"
Chapter 1084: Confrontation
"Caden, are you trying to threaten me?" Dustin's smile slowly faded as he listened to the harsh words.
He had never liked Caden from the beginning, considering him to be a person who lacked integrity, someone who was unreliable.
"If you heed my advice, it's a warning; if you don't, it's a threat," Caden openly admitted without any hesitation.
"Let me make it clear once more, Shiela and I are just ordinary friends. Between you and me, it's best that we keep our distance," Dustin calmly stated.
"Young man, it seems you haven't quite understood yet."
Caden coldly snorted. "With your kind of personality, do you really think you can be friends with my daughter? Are you even qualified? Please, take a look in the mirror and reflect on your character. The threshold of our Murray family is not something you can reach."
What was once a threat had now turned into open humiliation.
"Caden, don't overestimate yourself. Your pride is not worth mentioning in my eyes," Dustin retorted.
"Humph! You may not have much ability, but you certainly have a big mouth. Do you truly believe I can't deal with you?" Caden's eyes flashed with a cold light.
"I advise you not to act recklessly. You might regret it," Dustin warned.
If someone doesn't offend me, I won't offend them. If someone offends me, I will definitely respond.
"Young man, no one has ever dared to speak to me like this before. Since you're so ungrateful, don't blame me for turning hostile!" Caden declared, his face cold. "People, come here! This guy plotted against Morgan, causing her severe injuries that landed her in the hospital. We now have irrefutable evidence. Seize him for me!"
As soon as he finished speaking, the group of soldiers stationed at the door immediately turned around and surrounded Dustin.
"Are you trying to slander me?" Dustin furrowed his brows.
"I gave you a chance, but you didn't appreciate it. Now, it's too late for regrets!" Caden sneered.
Seeing the soldiers approaching, Dustin waved his hand, and a row of silver needles shot out.
"Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh..."
In the next moment, all the soldiers froze in place, unable to move, as if they had been hit by a petrification spell.
"Oh?"
Seeing this, Caden couldn't help but look surprised. "You do have some skills. No wonder you're so arrogant. However, you've met your match today!"
With that, he suddenly made a move, reaching out with a claw-like hand. His fingers were as hard as iron, shiny and black, clearly carrying a potent poison.
As he extended his claw, a black mist swirled around him, emanating a bone-chilling cold.
"Hmm?"
Dustin's pupils contracted, and he quickly dodged to the side, while shouting, "Wait! Are you practicing the Soul-Devouring Technique?"
"What's the matter? Are you scared now?" Caden sneered. "I'm even more formidable than you thought. It seems you're just a coward who fears evil. Do you really think I believe your nonsense?"
"Kid, don't think I'm afraid of your words."
Chapter 1085: Caden's Surprise
"Dustin, the Soul-Devouring Technique is a shortcut method, only practiced by those who have no other choice. If you continue practicing like this, you'll die sooner or later!" Dustin solemnly warned.
"Nonsense! I'm in great shape now, stronger than ever before. Even if a thousand soldiers are in front of me, I'm not afraid in the slightest!" Caden boasted.
"Strength is only superficial. Right now, you're already gravely ill. If you persist in your foolishness, you'll harm yourself and others!" Dustin cautioned.
Practicing the Soul-Devouring Technique, if it led to a sudden death, it might even be considered a fortunate outcome. The real danger lay in going insane, with unpredictable consequences.
The first to suffer would be those around the practitioner, like friends and family.
You never knew when Caden might go mad and end up killing Shiela.
"Young man! Don't babble any more nonsense. Even if you speak like a sage today, I won't spare you!" Caden sneered, preparing to attack again.
Just as Dustin was about to counterattack, a gunshot suddenly rang out from outside the main gate.
"Bang!"
At the sound of the gunshot, both of them instinctively stopped their movements.
Turning their heads in the direction of the sound, they saw an elderly man with graying hair, a robust figure, and several subordinates walking towards them with their heads held high.
The elderly man had a square face, a stubble of beard on his chin, and his imposing aura exuded a strong sense of killing intent.
This was none other than General Christopher Murray, the Dragonmarsh's General and Defender of the Nation!
"Dad?"
Seeing the newcomer, Caden instantly lost his temper, standing meekly to the side with an expression of respect.
"What's going on? Fighting in front of the house? Aren't you afraid of being laughed at?" General Murray asked sternly.
"Dad, this guy secretly harmed Morgan, and I was about to apprehend him for questioning," Caden explained with a lowered head.
"Oh?"
Christopher looked at Dustin. "Young man, you look somewhat familiar. What's your name?"
"The humble servant Dustin, and I greet General Murray," Dustin respectfully greeted him.
"Dustin?"
Christopher's eyes lit up, and he laughed heartily. "So it's you, young man. I knew you looked familiar."
"Dad, do you know him?" Caden asked, somewhat bewildered.
"This young man saved Shiela's life. Don't you remember?" General Christopher Murray scolded him, displeased.
"Oh, right."
Caden remembered, feeling a little embarrassed.
"This young man has treated our family for illness, and we paid him for his services. So, we don't owe him anything," Caden explained with a stiff expression. "Besides, this guy harmed Morgan. If I don't capture him, I won't be able to explain it to Big Brother Max."
"Is Morgan dead?" General Christopher Murray asked.
"Not dead, but..." Caden wanted to stir up more trouble, but he was interrupted by Christopher's impatience. "If she's not dead, then that's fine. Why so much nonsense? If Max has any objections, let him come find me!"
"Ah?"
Caden was taken aback. Why had his father suddenly changed so much? His own granddaughter had been harmed, and he didn't seem to care?
"What are you standing there for? Get out of the way!"
General Christopher Murray pushed Caden aside and then hooked his arm around Dustin's shoulder, smiling mischievously. "Young man, you've come a long way. Let's have a few drinks tonight!"
"..."
Seeing the two men walk away, Caden stood still, somewhat dazed.
What was going on? Had he seen a ghost today?
Chapter 1086: General Christopher Murray's Request
Under General Christopher Murray's cordial invitation, Dustin eventually entered an antique study room. As fragrant tea was served, the two men began their conversation.
"Young man, more than ten years have passed in the blink of an eye, haven't they? Compared to the past, you've truly undergone a remarkable transformation!"Christopher marveled as he examined Dustin from top to bottom.
Ten years ago, Dustin had been known as the Dragonmarsh's number one young genius, arrogant and unruly.
Now, he was reserved and low-key, a complete transformation.
"It's been ten years since we last met. General Murray, you still exude the same grandeur, and your charisma remains as captivating as ever," Dustin complimented.
"Hahaha... I'm already an old man with one foot in the grave. Where's the grandeur in that?" Christopher laughed and shook his head. "Young man, they say trouble never comes alone. Did you suddenly visit because you have something on your mind?"
"Let me be honest. The reason I came this time is to pay my respects to you, General, and also to request your assistance," Dustin got straight to the point and placed a prepared gift on the table.
"Oh? Tell me more," Christopher said with a smile as he took a sip of tea.
"I've heard that someone has given you a Cherusia (Seven-Colored Spirit Mushroom). This item is of great importance to me, and I'm willing to pay a high price to purchase it. I hope you can bear the pain of parting with it," Dustin respectfully requested.
"A Cherusia (Seven-Colored Spirit Mushroom)?" Christopher raised an eyebrow slightly. "I didn't expect you to be so well-informed. However, such treasures are extremely rare. What do you plan to offer in exchange?"
"General Murray, please name your price, and I will do my best to fulfill your request," Dustin inquired.
"Young man, have you gotten married?" General Christopher Murray asked with a smile.
"I was married once, but I'm divorced now," Dustin replied honestly, finding the question somewhat strange.
"That's good, that's good!" General Christopher Murray chuckled. "What do you think of my granddaughter, Shiela?"
"Shiela?" Dustin was taken aback. "She's a very kind and gentle young lady. Moreover, she values loyalty and friendship."
"As long as you say that, I'm relieved," General Christopher Murray said with a smile. "Both of you are talented individuals, and you seem to like each other. Why not set a wedding date soon? I'd like to hold my great-grandchild."
"What?!" Dustin almost choked on the tea he had just sipped. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. "General, are you... joking?"
"Life's major events should not be taken lightly," Christopher said seriously.
"Sir, you seem to have misunderstood. I don't have romantic feelings for Shiela. I see her as a little sister," Dustin explained, feeling somewhat awkward. How had they ended up discussing this topic?
"Don't you like Shiela?" Christopher raised an eyebrow.
"Shiela is a wonderful young lady, but I only regard her as a sister," Dustin shook his head.
"Well, well, there's no need to force anything. She'll remain your little sister," General Christopher Murray sighed lightly, sounding regretful.
He knew that his granddaughter had feelings for Dustin, and he had wanted to matchmake them to have an outstanding son-in-law.
However, things didn't always go as planned.
"Thank you for understanding, General Murray," Dustin said, feeling somewhat embarrassed. They had started by discussing a business transaction, but somehow, they had veered off course.
"Let's not dwell on this any longer. No need for formalities. You're here for the Cherusia, right? I'll have someone fetch it for you," General Christopher Murray said straightforwardly, gesturing to an elderly servant by the door.
Chapter 1087: Visit from Tatsuharu Nakamura
The servant quickly understood and left the room. Before long, another servant returned, holding a delicate wooden box.
"Young man, here's your item," General Christopher received the wooden box and handed it over to Dustin.
Dustin carefully opened the box, and a unique fragrance immediately wafted out. Inside the wooden box lay a colorful spirit mushroom.
Cherusia was only the size of a palm, exquisitely beautiful, resembling a perfect work of art. Under the illumination of the light, it displayed seven different colors, like a dream, incredibly captivating.
"It really is a Seven-Colored Spirit Mushroom!" Dustin's face lit up with joy. He stood up and bowed deeply to General Christopher Murray. "I'm extremely grateful to General Murray for parting with it."
"I don't need this item, so there's no harm in giving it to you. It might even earn me a favor," General Christopher was quite generous.
"General Murray, I can't thank you enough. If there's anything I can do for you in the future, please don't hesitate to ask," Dustin said, grateful for the precious gift.
"Enough of the formalities. Later, you can accompany me and have a few drinks," Christopher said nonchalantly.
"Alright, I'll make sure to enjoy a good drink with you tonight!" Dustin smiled. Then, as if he had remembered something, he suddenly said, "By the way, General, there's something I need to remind you about. I recently received some information that there may be some mischief on the day of your birthday. You should be prepared."
It was something he had heard from Samuel Franklin earlier, and his visit today had raised concerns about it.
"It's not something new. Every year, these vermin find ways to trouble me. I've gotten used to it," Christopher said nonchalantly.
As the protector of the Dragonmarsh and a veteran of countless battles, he had made many enemies both within and outside the country. Numerous people wished for his death and plotted various assassinations and ambushes. Over the years, he had seen it all.
Why would he fear life or death?
"As long as General Murray is aware," Dustin replied with a nod, not elaborating further.
At General Christopher Murray's level, he must have skilled individuals protecting him. Ordinary people wouldn't be able to get close to him.
"Sir, there is a distinguished guest outside who wishes to see you," a steward suddenly entered and respectfully reported.
"Distinguished guest? Who is it?" General Christopher Murray asked indifferently.
"The visitor is a noble from the Kingdom of the Golden Phoenix, Tatsuharu Nakamura," the steward replied with his head lowered.
"Tatsuharu Nakamura? Is it Tatsuharu's grandson? Why is he here?" General Christopher Murray was somewhat puzzled.
"I heard that Tatsuharu Yamamoto was not in good health and urgently needs a high-quality spirit medicine to prolong his life. Tatsuharu Nakamura has come for the Seven-Colored Spirit Mushroom," the steward truthfully reported.
"Hmph! Does that old dog Tatsuharu deserve to use the Seven-Colored Spirit Mushroom? Tell him to scram!" General Christopher Murray's expression turned cold.
"Understood," the steward didn't dare to say more and quickly left the room.
"That guy Tatsuharu Yamamoto dares to covet the treasures of the Dragonmarsh? Let him eat s**t!" General Christopher Murray said with disdain.
He didn't care about Tatsuharu Yamamoto or his family's request.
Chapter 1088: Tatsuharu 's Request
In a luxurious courtyard within the general's residence, a young man dressed in fine clothing and with a slender build was drinking tea with Caden.
" Nakamura, I wonder what brings you here today?" Caden smiled and poured a cup of warm tea for the young man.
"Thank you," Tatsuharu Nakamura politely accepted the tea and then said, "I've heard of your reputation, Lord Murray, and I came today mainly to make your acquaintance."
He spoke in the Dragonmarsh's language, albeit with a peculiar accent.
" Nakamura, I suspect your intention goes beyond mere pleasantries," Caden replied with a meaningful look. "If you have something to say, please speak openly. We can be frank with each other."
"Sir Murray, you are indeed straightforward. I won't beat around the bush," Tatsuharu Nakamura said, bowing slightly. "I came here today to pay my respects, but unfortunately, General Murray was too busy to meet me. If you could, Sir Murray, I hope you can put in a good word for me."
As he spoke, he waved his hand, and one of his subordinates brought over a long wooden box.
The wooden box was about four feet long, and when opened, it revealed a magnificent katana.
Tatsuharu Nakamura picked up the katana with his fingers and presented it respectfully to Caden, explaining, "Sir Murray, this is one of our country's ten renowned swords, the 'Rai Setsu.'"
"This sword cuts through iron like mud, incredibly sharp, and it's said to possess the power of lightning."
"One swing of this sword is unstoppable, a treasure that countless samurai in our country dream of possessing."
"Of course, a sword like Rai Setsu can only be matched by heroes like Sir Murray. Please accept it."
Seeing the katana offered by Tatsuharu Nakamura, Caden's eyes lit up, and his breathing became somewhat hurried.
He had heard of the name Rai Setsu before. As one of the most famous swords in the Kingdom of the Golden Phoenix, its value was beyond measure.
Since he had improved his strength after practicing the Devouring Soul Technique, he had been in need of a suitable weapon. The appearance of Rai Setsu was undoubtedly a gift from heaven.
"Pal, you're too polite. I feel unworthy of such a treasure," Caden said, though his hand instinctively reached out to accept the katana.
"As long as you like it, Sir Murray."
Tatsuharu Nakamura smiled faintly.
"Pal, besides paying respects to my father, you must have something else in mind, right?" Caden inquired after accepting the katana.
If he had come here just to meet and greet, there would have been no need to offer such a valuable treasure.
"Sir Murray, you are perceptive. I won't hide it from you," Tatsuharu Nakamura said, smiling. "I heard that General Murray possesses a Seven-Colored Spirit Mushroom, an extremely rare and valuable spiritual medicine. I am highly interested in it, and I would be most grateful if Sir Murray could help me obtain it. I have a substantial reward prepared."
"So, you came for the medicine?" Caden nodded. "No problem at all. It's a small matter. You can consider it done."
Everyone in the family knew that General Christopher Murray didn't care for material possessions. Any treasures he obtained were usually distributed to the younger generation as rewards.
As long as he asked, getting a medicinal herb like the Seven-Colored Spirit Mushroom should be straightforward.
"With your assurance, Sir Murray, I can rest easy," Tatsuharu Nakamura said, relieved.
"Mrs. Hargrove, please inform my father. Tell him that the Cherusia is of great importance to me, and ask him to grant my request," Caden instructed a nearby elderly woman.
"Yes."
Mrs. Hargrove nodded and then left. However, when she returned, her expression appeared somewhat solemn.
"Madam, did you settle it so quickly? What about the Seven-Colored Spirit Mushroom?" Caden asked with a smile.
Chapter 1089: A Sinister Plot
"Sir Murray, your dad has already given away the Seven-Colored Spirit Mushroom," Mrs. Hargrove shook her head.
"Gave it away? To whom?" Caden's smile froze.
"To a young man named Dustin," Mrs. Hargrove answered truthfully.
"What? Given to that kid?" Caden's expression turned ugly.
He couldn't believe that such a precious treasure had been given to a nobody like Dustin. Caden thought it was absurd.
Even though Dustin had saved Shiela's life, he had already rewarded him generously. There was no need to be so kind to him.
"Can it be retrieved?" Caden was unwilling to accept this.
He had just made a promise in front of Tatsuharu Nakamura, and now it seemed that there was a problem.
"You know the master's personality. Once something is given away, it cannot be taken back," Mrs. Hargrove replied.
"Damn it! What did that kid Dustin do to deserve such a treasure?" Caden was frustrated.
Tatsuharu Nakamura then asked, "Who is Dustin? How did he earn General Murray's favor?"
"He's just a nobody who happened to save my daughter's life. That's why he earned my father's favor," Caden explained.
"In that case, does it mean that I have no chance to obtain the Seven-Colored Spirit Mushroom?" Tatsuharu Nakamura's eyes narrowed.
"It's not necessarily impossible..." Caden's eyes gleamed with cunning. "Pal, even if we can't get it openly, we can obtain it secretly. Dustin is just a weakling, and with the power of the Tatsuharu family, taking the Seven-Colored Spirit Mushroom from him should not be difficult, right?"
"Take it?" Tatsuharu Nakamura raised an eyebrow. "But isn't he on good terms with General Murray? Will my actions offend General Murray?"
"You don't need to worry about that. Neither of us needs to speak of this plan, and no one will know," Caden said with a meaningful smile. "Furthermore, my father is just interested for the time being. He won't go to war over a worthless young man. So, Pal, please proceed without worries. I'll cover for you, and there won't be any problems."
"Oh? Is that so?" Tatsuharu Nakamura was tempted. "Since Sir Murray says so, I'll take the risk."
"Pal, wait for the right moment to strike. And if you manage to obtain the treasure, it's best if..." Caden didn't explicitly state his intentions but made a throat-slitting gesture.
Since Dustin didn't appreciate their kindness, it might be better to eliminate him.
"Sir Murray's request will be followed. I'll take my leave now."
Tatsuharu Nakamura nodded and then stood up, bowing respectfully before leaving with his two guards.
"Mrs. Hargrove, keep this incident to yourself. Do you understand?" Caden glanced at her meaningfully.
"I understand, my lord."
"Very well, I'll continue my cultivation. Wait outside, and do not let anyone disturb me," Caden ordered.
Once Mrs. Hargrove left, he concealed the nameless sword Rai Setsu carefully and then sat down on the bed to begin his silent cultivation.
Soon, a layer of dark energy began to surface on his body. This dark energy was sinister and cold, causing the room's temperature to plummet.
It felt like an ice cellar, freezing to the bone.
As he continued to cultivate, Caden's body suddenly began to tremble, and large beads of sweat formed on his forehead. His face contorted in pain.
In the next moment, he spat out a mouthful of blood, and his entire body collapsed, unconscious.
Chapter 1090: Medical Center Reunion
The next morning, Dustin made some simple arrangements for Zypher Lodge and immediately took a car to Swinston.
With the Cherusia in hand and all the required medicinal herbs gathered, everything was ready. All that was left was to refine the Longevitium (Life-Prolonging Pill).
Dustin had to hurry and fulfill his promise before the Old Drunkard's (Gregory) life ran out.
After a car ride that took most of the day, Dustin finally arrived at Peaceful Medical Clinic.
The clinic was as peaceful and tranquil as usual.
The Old Drunkard was sprawled out on a recliner, reeking of alcohol. Caitlin, busy as always, was either cleaning or cooking, keeping the clinic in perfect order. Meanwhile, the sword fanatic Maximus was practicing his swordsmanship in the courtyard.
Compared to his previous fast-paced sword techniques, Maximus now focused on slow and precise movements. Although it looked ordinary, his sword energy was restrained and hidden, reaching a whole new level of power.
Clearly, during this time, Maximus had made great strides in his cultivation.
"Whoosh!"
Just as Maximus was deeply immersed in his sword practice, a silver needle suddenly shot out and aimed for his chest.
Maximus's eyes widened, and he swiftly turned around, slashing the silver needle with his sword, precisely hitting its tip.
"Clang!"
The silver needle was deflected and disappeared into the ground.
"Who's there? Show yourself!" Maximus pointed his sword at a large tree.
"Hehe, it's been a few months, and I didn't expect your progress to be so significant." Dustin walked out slowly from behind the tree, a smile on his face.
Being able to shoot a silver needle that accurately could only be achieved by an extraordinary innate martial artist.
"Dustin?" Maximus was initially puzzled, but his expression turned into joy. "Haha... you've finally returned!"
He threw his long sword aside and gave Dustin a bear hug.
"Alright, alright, two grown men hugging each other, isn't that a bit inappropriate?" Dustin looked at them with a weird expression.
"Caitlin, come out and see who's back!" Maximus shouted into the house.
"Mr Rhys!"
Caitlin rushed out, her face filled with surprise. "Mr Rhys, when did you come back? Why didn't you notify us in advance?"
"I just got back."
Dustin smiled faintly. "How have you all been during this time?"
"We've been doing well, living peacefully with food and drink," Caitlin replied with a smile. To her, this peaceful life was a dream come true.
"Brother Dustin, I've made another breakthrough in the past three months, and with the guidance of Senior Drunkard (Sir Gregory), my swordsmanship has improved significantly. I can make rapid progress now!" Maximus proudly reported.
"I can see that," Dustin nodded in satisfaction. While Maximus was still at the Semi-Grandmaster level, his actual combat power could already contend with those at the Grandmaster level.
He was a sword genius who could fight above his weight class.
"How is the Old Drunkard doing?" Dustin asked.
"The Old Drunkard is still the same, getting drunk every day," Maximus said helplessly.
"I'll go take a look."
Dustin smiled and entered Peaceful Medical Clinic.
The Old Drunkard lay sprawled out, his hair messy, and he reeked of alcohol. Drool dripped from the corners of his mouth, a typical drunkard's appearance.
"Old Drunkard, wake up. Dustin is back," Maximus said as he shook the Old Drunkard.
"Old Drunkard? Old Drunkard?!"
Maximus applied more force, but there was still no reaction.
"Let me try."
Dustin bent down and whispered in the Old Drunkard's ear, "Old Drunkard, the priceless Daughter's Red wine you've been collecting for so many years has been stolen by someone."
As soon as these words were spoken, the Old Drunkard suddenly opened his eyes wide and sprang up. His entire being was filled with anger as he shouted, "Who? Which bastard dares to steal my wine?"
He looked around with a vigilant gaze, even revealing a hint of killing intent.
