Chapter 1341: A Mystic Spell “Dustin, these guys have ill intentions, you don’t need to pay attention to them,” Isabela quickly advised. She volunteered because she was confident that Brinkley wouldn’t dare to act recklessly. But if Dustin were to step in, there was no guarantee that he wouldn’t embarrass himself. “Don’t worry, I know how to handle it.” Dustin smiled and looked at Brinkley, “I wonder how Mr. Brinkley wants me to cooperate?” “It’s very simple, give me a drop of your blood, and then a few strands of hair. After that, just follow my instructions,” Brinkley grinned. “Alright.” Dustin nodded, took out a silver needle, pierced his index finger, and squeezed a drop of blood into an empty cup. Then, he plucked a few strands of hair and tossed them into the cup, asking, “Is this sufficient?” “Perfect.” Brinkley smiled maliciously and exchanged a glance with Owen. Owen smiled and nodded, reclining comfortably on the sofa, as if he were watching a show. Brinkley’s abilities were well-known to him. Especially his methods of controlling people, once you fell under his influence, you were completely at his mercy. He couldn’t wait to see Dustin in a miserable state. “Please wait a moment, everyone. This is a secret technique of our sect and must not be disclosed to outsiders,” Brinkley said, holding the cup containing the hair and blood. “Hmph! Playing tricks!” Isabela sneered, quite disdainful. She never believed in supernatural things and always felt that they were just tricks used by a bunch of charlatans. Five minutes later. Brinkley walked out of the bathroom, holding a yellow talisman paper in his hand. The talisman paper was covered with strange symbols that really looked authentic. “Mr. Dustin, please close your eyes and relax your whole body,” Brinkley said as he approached. “Okay,” Dustin responded. He then slowly closed his eyes and relaxed his entire body. Isabela furrowed her brows, wanting to say something but ultimately chose to watch and see what would happen. She wanted to see what kind of trick these people were playing. “Go!” Brinkley held the talisman paper in one hand, silently chanted a few incantations, and then slapped Dustin’s chest with his palm. The next moment, Dustin’s head seemed to lose strength and slowly drooped. He appeared to be in a state of unconsciousness. Seeing this scene, Brinkley smirked and said, “From now on, you will obey my commands. First, stand up and take a look.” Dustin, with his eyes closed, stood up slowly as instructed. “Turn in place twice,” Brinkley ordered again. Dustin obediently followed, turning twice as instructed. “Very good,” Brinkley nodded with a smile. He picked up a cup of wine from the table and handed it to Dustin, saying, “Drink it.” Dustin took the wine glass without hesitation and drank it all in one gulp. Witnessing this, the onlookers couldn’t help but express their amazement. “What the heck? What’s going on? This guy is completely submissive to Brinkley?” “Could this be Brinkley’s magic? It’s incredibly impressive!” “A single talisman can control a person’s actions? This is truly eye-opening!” A group of wealthy youngsters whispered to each other, showing astonishment on their faces. Although they knew Brinkley was up to something, they didn’t expect it to be such a bizarre method. “Brinkley! What have you done? Wake Dustin up right now!” Isabela shouted. At first, she had her doubts, but seeing Dustin being controlled, she immediately realized that something was wrong. “Sister-in-law, don’t worry. Once I finish the spell, he will naturally wake up,” Brinkley said with a faint smile. “No! We must wake him up right now!” Isabela insisted, reaching out to touch Dustin. “Wait!” Brinkley suddenly shouted, giving a stern warning. “Sister-in-law, once the spell is cast, it must be completed. If you forcibly wake him up, you could potentially turn him into an imbecile!” “What?!” Isabela was startled and quickly withdrew her hand. Chapter 1342: Out of Control “Isabela, relax, we’re just playing around, we won’t harm him,” Owen reassured. “Hmph! It’s better be that way!” Isabela frowned but ultimately held back. She was mostly worried that her impulsiveness would harm Dustin. “Brinkley, have you already controlled this person?” a girl asked. “Of course!” Brinkley proudly smiled. “He’s now just a walking corpse, no pain, no memory. He does whatever I say, completely obedient, and there’s no recollection afterward.” “Really? Then, can you make him slap himself?” the girl asked with anticipation. “No problem.” Brinkley grinned maliciously and turned to Dustin, ordering, “Now, use your hand and give yourself a good slap.” “Brinkley! You—” Isabela was about to stop it, but Dustin had already raised his hand. Then, in the shocked eyes of everyone, he slapped Brinkley directly in the face. “Smack!” The slap was incredibly forceful, causing Brinkley to stagger, his head spinning, and blood flowing from his nose. “Ah?” The sudden turn of events left everyone dumbfounded. Wasn’t he supposed to slap himself? How did it end up on Brinkley’s face? “??” Brinkley was completely baffled, holding his burning face, finding it hard to believe. He wondered if he had given the wrong command or if Dustin hadn’t heard him at all. “Hey! Listen to me carefully. I told you to slap yourself!” Brinkley’s face couldn’t take it, and he raised his voice. “Smack!” Dustin raised his hand again and delivered another slap to Brinkley’s face, leaving him dizzy and causing teeth to fly. Brinkley’s once plump face swelled up like a steamed bun, and the imprint of Dustin’s five fingers was clearly visible. Isabela was stunned. Owen was also stunned. The wealthy kids around them wore expressions of shock, utterly confused. Weren’t he supposed to be completely obedient? Why wasn’t this going according to plan? “Damn! Are you deaf or something?” Brinkley wiped away his nosebleed and shouted in frustration. “I told you to slap yourself, not me!” “Smack!” Without any extra movements, Dustin delivered another forceful slap to Brinkley’s face. This slap was so powerful that it sent Brinkley spinning in place before he fell to the ground, face down, in an embarrassing heap. “Damn it! Are you trying to rebel? Let me show you a lesson today!” Brinkley, infuriated, got up and grabbed a bottle from the coffee table, intending to smash it onto Dustin’s head. But before he could do anything, Dustin slapped him across the face again, and he saw stars. “You, you…” “Smack!” “You bastard…” “Smack!” “I…” “Smack!” With each word Brinkley uttered, a slap landed on his face. By the end of it, his nose was crooked, his mouth was askew, and his appearance was beyond pitiful. Forced into helplessness, he could only curl up on the ground, holding his head in his hands and whimpering repeatedly, “Please stop, please stop… I was wrong, I was wrong… please, stop!” Dustin remained oblivious to everything, his eyes closed as he continued to unleash violence, delivering a barrage of punches and kicks as if possessed. “Quick! Stop him!” Seeing the situation deteriorate, Owen urgently ordered a few of his henchmen to intervene. However, as soon as the henchmen approached, Dustin sent them flying with a single slap each, causing them to tumble helplessly. The situation had completely spiraled out of control. Chapter 1343: Undo The Spell “Damn it! What’s going on? Is this guy gone crazy?” Watching Dustin behaving as if possessed, Owen furrowed his brows, his expression turning ugly. Unfortunately, he didn’t dare to approach, fearing he’d receive a slap too. In that moment, Owen seemed to think of something and shouted urgently, “Brinkley! This guy has lost control. Quickly remove the spell!” “Undo, undo, undo the spell!” Brinkley gritted his teeth in pain and quickly tore off the talisman on Dustin’s chest. The next moment, Dustin shivered all over and immediately stopped his actions. Everyone let out a sigh of relief; they had finally resolved the situation. Damn, this guy was incredibly strong when out of control, and ordinary people couldn’t restrain him at all. “What happened?” After a few breaths, Dustin slowly opened his eyes and looked around, wearing a bewildered expression. “What just happened?” He looked from left to right, noticing the strange looks on their faces. “Huh… What happened to your faces?” The several young men who had been slapped were grinding their teeth with anger but didn’t dare to react. They pretended to know nothing. “Ah! Mr. Brinkley! How did you get hurt like this?” Dustin lowered his head to take a look, and he was shocked. He quickly helped the bruised and swollen Brinkley to his feet and asked with concern, “Who attacked you? They were too harsh! Look at this handsome face, it’s been ruined! This is truly despicable!” Brinkley’s face twitched uncontrollably, tears streamed down, and he was crying. Damn! This was just too frustrating! If it were any other person who dared to hit him like this, he would have been furious long ago. But the problem was that he had initiated this with his witchcraft, and it had gone out of control, leading to the current situation. To put it bluntly, he had brought this upon himself. Dealing with this kind of situation, he could only swallow his pride. “Brinkley, why are you crying too? Here, let me wipe your tears for you.” Dustin pulled out two tissues and offered to wipe Brinkley’s tears, being exceptionally considerate. “Get away from me! Stay far away!” Brinkley, covering his face, took two steps back, looking as frightened as a startled bird. The barrage of slaps had left a deep impression on him. “What’s going on?” Dustin pretended to be clueless. “Why is everyone looking at me like this? What happened?” “Cough, cough…” Isabela cleared her throat twice, her expression somewhat peculiar. “Dustin, you were just controlled by Brinkley with some mystic arts, but then you unexpectedly lost control, and you went on a rampage, violently attacking Brinkley.” “What? Lost control? Went on a rampage?” Dustin feigned surprise. “Are you serious? You mean I caused the injuries on Brinkley’s face?” “Exactly,” Isabela nodded. “No wonder… no wonder my hand hurts so much.” Dustin rubbed his palm, then looked at Brinkley and said with a serious tone, “Mr. Brinkley, you should be more careful when practicing your arts. Look, you’ve pushed me to lose control. Well… let’s just consider today’s incident as a lesson.” “You…!” Brinkley was about to start swearing, but as he opened his mouth, his teeth started falling out with a “crack, crack” sound. He immediately covered his mouth, fearing that he would soon be searching the floor for his teeth. Chapter 1344: Did It On Purpose “Alright, let’s put an end to this for today,” Isabela slowly stood up and glanced at Owen. She said deliberately, “I have to have lunch with Dustin, so I won’t keep you company here. I wish you all a good time.” With that, she linked her arm with Dustin’s and confidently walked out of the VIP room. Leaving behind a group of people staring at each other, their faces gloomy. The little bit of good mood they had just now had been completely destroyed. “Brinkley, my friend, are you okay?” Owen checked Brinkley’s injuries and saw that he was in a miserable state. His entire face had been disfigured, making his already unattractive features even uglier. “Damn it! That guy went way too far. I’ve never been humiliated like this!” Brinkley gritted his few remaining teeth, full of resentment. “Originally, I wanted you to deal with that guy, but you ended up getting yourself into this mess,” Owen shook his head. If you weren’t skilled, you shouldn’t show off. It was truly embarrassing. “This is weird. My mind control witchcraft has always worked flawlessly, but today, there seems to have been a glitch,” Brinkley frowned, deep in thought. “Is there a possibility… that the guy named Dustin was intentionally acting?” Suddenly, Samara, the lady in the red dress, chimed in. “Intentionally acting?” When this statement was made, everyone’s gaze turned to her. “I find it strange. Even if he lost control, should he really have grabbed Brinkley and started hitting him?” Samara analyzed. “That makes sense,” Owen rubbed his chin, pondering, “That kid looked polite on the surface, but he seems quite shrewd underneath. We can’t rule out the possibility that he did it on purpose.” “Really?” Brinkley furrowed his brow. “My mind control art has never failed. Master Hudson said that as long as the other person isn’t from the same realm, they shouldn’t be able to resist.” “Nothing in this world is absolute. Maybe that kid had some strange methods,” Owen squinted his eyes and said, “Brinkley, my friend, think about it carefully. A normal person, why would they willingly become a guinea pig? He not only didn’t resist, but he also agreed willingly. Doesn’t that strike you as odd?” “Come to think of it, that does seem a bit off,” Brinkley began to ponder. In the elite circles of Stonia, talent abounded, and many remarkable individuals could be found within the city. Unexpectedly encountering fellow practitioners wasn’t out of the realm of possibility. “Brinkley, my friend, it seems like we’ve been set up today. The attack was so ruthless. If we don’t regain our reputation, how can we show our faces in the future?” Owen’s expression turned dark. “Damn it! I swear I won’t let this go!” Brinkley slammed the table, but the motion was too forceful, and it pulled at his wounds, causing him to grimace in pain. “Miss Isabela seems to hold Dustin in high regard. It might not be easy to make a move against him,” Samara commented. “Isabela is indeed a problem, but we can take care of it discreetly,” Owen said with a cold smile. “He’s just a pretty boy without power or influence. As long as we deal with him quietly, there won’t be any trouble.” “Exactly! Isabela can protect him for a while, but not forever. Sooner or later, I’ll kill him!” Brinkley declared with a menacing tone. “Brinkley, my friend, to keep things low-profile, it might be best to get Master Hudson involved in this matter. With his abilities, I believe he can easily resolve it,” Owen suggested. “No problem! I’ll contact Master Hudson right away. Within three days, I’ll make sure that guy has no place to hide!” Brinkley’s eyes flashed with malice. As the esteemed young master of the Crawford family, being beaten like this required some severe retribution. If he didn’t make an example of this situation, how could he maintain any face in their social circle? “Hmph! Dare to steal a woman from me? You’re truly seeking your own death!” Owen’s lips curled into a cold smile. Chapter 1345: Lucky Star “Hahaha… Little Divine Doctor, those slaps you delivered earlier were truly beautiful. You turned Brinkley’s chubby face into a pig’s head. It’s so hilarious!” Isabela laughed heartily as they walked out of the Imperial City Club, her previous gloom completely gone. Originally, she had brought Dustin here to assert her dominance and intentionally provoke Owen. She didn’t expect the results to turn out so unexpectedly well. Not only did she disgust the scumbag, but she also taught a lesson to his group of friends. It was a satisfying release of frustration. “All in all, they brought this upon themselves. If they hadn’t harbored malicious intentions, they wouldn’t have ended up like this,” Dustin said with a faint smile. “What can I say? They tried to steal a chicken but lost their rice!” Isabela couldn’t help but chuckle. She knew very well that Brinkley had intentionally targeted Dustin, but due to his lack of expertise, he accidentally lost control. In the end, not only did he fail to harm Dustin, but he also suffered the consequences. It was poetic justice! “These people aren’t good folks. You should avoid associating with them in the future,” Dustin cautioned. Rakes like Brinkley, who could learn witchcraft, definitely had someone knowledgeable guiding them. Innocent young ladies like Isabela were easy prey for them. “Don’t worry; I can handle them easily,” Isabela said confidently. “Little Divine Doctor, I’ve noticed that you seem to be my lucky star. You saved me before, and now you’ve helped me again. Being with you makes me feel incredibly lucky!” “I also owe you for obtaining the Dragon’s Blood Ginseng,” Dustin smiled. “Hehe… So, does that mean we’re mutually beneficial? Great! From today onwards, you’re my best male friend!” Isabela put her hands on her hips and declared with a triumphant tone. Dustin could only smile lightly. This girl had absolutely no sense of caution. “Master, master, there’s a call for you…” At that moment, Isabela’s phone rang suddenly. After answering the call, her expression changed immediately. “What? Grandfather is in trouble? Alright, alright… I’ll be back right away!” She hung up the phone and rushed into her car in a hurry. As she was about to drive off, she seemed to remember something, stuck her head out of the car window, and quickly said, “Little Divine Doctor, something has come up at home, and I need to go back. We’ll have dinner together another day!” “Alright, take care,” Dustin nodded and waved goodbye, watching Isabela’s car speed away. At that moment, Dustin’s eyelid twitched as if he sensed something. He suddenly turned his head and glanced at a car parked nearby. The vehicle was stationary at the side of the road, with its windows unusually dark, making it impossible to see what was inside clearly. However, he had a distinct feeling of being observed. “Hum—!” After staring for a few seconds, the vehicle suddenly started its engine and quickly drove away. Dustin snorted coldly, already forming a plan in his mind. It seemed he was being followed. Was it the Stratford family? Or the Grantwood family? Dustin didn’t think on it too much. He hailed a taxi by the roadside and headed straight for the hotel. “Ring, ring, ring…” Suddenly, his phone rang. He checked it and saw it was a call from the Southern Province, and the caller was displayed as “Maximus Kane.” “Hello! Brother Dustin, I’ve got good news to tell you. I’m in Stonia!” Maximus’s excited voice came through as soon as Dustin answered. “Why did you come to Stonia instead of staying in Millsburg?” Dustin found it odd. Before leaving, he had appointed Maximus as the head of the Flame Dragon Hall, and he was already a prominent figure in the provincial capital. “Master Cornelius said that you’re traveling alone, and it might be inconvenient for you, so he sent us to help you with some miscellaneous matters,” Maximus explained with a cheerful tone. “Us?” Dustin quickly caught the keyword. “Besides you, who else is with you?” Chapter 1346: Darkness In Past “There’s also Caitlin,” Maximus replied, “Ever since Senior old drunken Gregory left, Caitlin has been feeling lonely at home, so she decided to join me on this adventure. We’ve never been to Stonia before, and we’ve heard it’s a place of great talent and opportunity, so we wanted to see it for ourselves.” “While Stonia is indeed a place of talent, it can also be quite treacherous. Just the two of you, you might not even know if you’ve been tricked,” Dustin remarked without holding back. “Don’t worry, we have you, Brother Dustin. With you around, we fear nothing,” Maximus said with a smile. “Alright, stop with the flattery. Where are you guys now?” Dustin asked. “We just got off the train at the South Station,” Maximus replied. “Stay where you are; I’ll come to pick you up,” Dustin said and instructed his driver to head to the South Station. An hour later, the vehicle arrived at the South Station entrance. “Brother Dustin, over here!” As soon as Dustin stepped out of the car, he saw Maximus and Caitlin waving enthusiastically. They had brought a lot of luggage, and it looked more like they were moving than going on a trip. “Why did you bring so much stuff?” Dustin asked, dumbfounded. “It’s better to be prepared; we can use everything we brought,” Maximus replied with a grin. It was their first time visiting the capital, Stonia, and they were naturally excited and a bit nervous, so they had made full preparations. “Alright, let’s find a place to stay first, and then we can go eat together,” Dustin suggested. He reached out to help Caitlin with her luggage, but she shook her head and refused, saying, “Mr. Dustin, you have a distinguished status. Let me handle the heavy lifting.” With determination, she single-handedly loaded the luggage onto the car, even though she was out of breath and visibly exhausted. Dustin couldn’t help but shake his head in resignation. Caitlin hadn’t changed a bit. She had grown up accustomed to hard work, so she couldn’t stand idly by and let others do the heavy lifting. Once they were in the car, Dustin led them back to his hotel. The hotel was a five-star establishment, although not the most luxurious in Stonia’s southern district, it was still quite expensive. Upon entering the hotel, Caitlin couldn’t help but look around in awe, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Seeing the attention from others, Caitlin immediately lowered her head and covered her face with her bag, appearing somewhat self-conscious. “Mr. Dustin, how much does it cost to stay here for one night?” Caitlin timidly asked as Dustin checked them in. “This is a prime location. For a regular single room, it’s about 250 dollar per night,” Dustin casually replied. “What? That’s so expensive!” Caitlin was shocked, frozen in her tracks. Back when she worked for others, she couldn’t earn 250 dollar even after working hard for a whole month. Now, just for one night’s stay, she had to spend this much money. This was difficult for her to accept, given her frugal nature. “Caitlin, don’t worry about it. Brother Dustin isn’t short of money. Just relax and stay here,” Maximus reassured her with a smile. “No… it’s too expensive!” Caitlin shook her head repeatedly. “Mr. Dustin, this place isn’t suitable for me. I won’t stay here. I’ll go outside to find a cheaper place.” With that, she picked up her bags and hurriedly left the hotel. Her panicked appearance made it seem as if the hotel was some kind of dangerous place. Dustin and Maximus exchanged glances, feeling both amused and helpless. While they understood her reluctance, they couldn’t help but feel sorry for her. Caitlin had suffered too much and experienced too much darkness in her past, to the point that when a ray of light finally appeared, she was hesitant to embrace it. Chapter 1347: Buy A Villa Dustin didn’t force Caitlin to stay in a star-rated hotel. Instead, he bought a villa for them in a relatively secluded location. It was a two-story villa, fully furnished, with a small garden. They paid for it and moved in right away. Dustin thought it would be convenient to have a place to stay in Stonia for some time. Renting an apartment or staying in a hotel might not be as convenient, so he decided to buy a villa. Money was not an issue for him at the moment. Once they settled into the villa, Caitlin felt more at ease. She heard that property prices in Stonia had been on the rise, so buying a house was a good investment. Plus, having a place where she could cook her own meals would save her money in the long run. After taking care of all the arrangements, it was already dark outside. Dustin and Maximus were quite hungry. Fortunately, Caitlin had been considerate enough to buy groceries in advance, and she prepared a sumptuous dinner for the two of them. There were five dishes and a soup, with a mix of meat and vegetables, and they were all delicious. Dustin couldn’t help but admit that Caitlin’s cooking skills were impressive. She could turn simple ingredients into a delightful meal. After dinner, Caitlin cleaned up the dishes on her own, showing her thoughtfulness. Dustin and Maximus went to the balcony, enjoying the night view and chatting. Suddenly, Dustin’s phone rang with a familiar and cold voice on the other end: Roselyn. “Dustin, come to the Comcast Tower as soon as possible. I have something important to discuss with you.” “Can’t you tell me over the phone? I’m busy, and I don’t have time to run around,” Dustin replied casually. “This matter is very important. If you don’t come, you’ll regret it,” Roselyn said sternly. “I’ll hang up if you don’t talk,” Dustin said, not wanting to waste any more time on her. He had never had a good impression of this woman. “Wait! Don’t you want to know why Mr. Lorenzo is in Healwell Clinic?” Roselyn quickly added. “Hmm?” Dustin’s eyes narrowed. “What do you mean? Explain yourself.” “I know some secrets about Mr. Lorenzo. Come to the Comcast Tower before nine o’clock tonight, or the opportunity will be lost,” Roselyn replied. “Alright, I’ll be there in a while,” Dustin responded quickly. Meeting Roselyn in the middle of the night was definitely not without ulterior motives. However, Dustin was more curious about the secrets she mentioned. Could it be that there was something that Dr. Elijah was hiding from him? “Maximus, come with me,” Dustin said and took Maximus out of the door. He couldn’t afford to miss any information related to uncle Lorenzo and the mysteries surrounding the past. Half an hour later, Dustin and Maximus arrived at the Comcast Tower. The Comcast Tower, on the surface, was a private club, but it operated as an underground casino. It was a members-only establishment, and regular people couldn’t enter. Despite strict anti-gambling laws in Stonia, the fact that such a luxurious casino could operate openly in the city center showed the tremendous influence of its behind-the-scenes owner. Roselyn had probably made prior arrangements, as Dustin and Maximus were guided in without any issues. They walked through the bustling and opulent gambling hall and finally entered a VIP room. Compared to the noisy main hall, the VIP room was a different world—elegant, exquisite, quiet, and harmonious. Chapter 1348: Comcast Tower Inside, there were over a dozen gambling tables of various kinds, and a few wealthy patrons sat scattered around them. Each patron had a dedicated beautiful waitress to cater to their every need, handling everything except gambling. The service was meticulous and considerate, and the guests who entered the VIP room were either rich or noble, casually betting tens of thousands or even millions. Those who were more extravagant would bet tens of millions or more. This was a world that ordinary people could never step into in their lifetime. Upon entering the VIP room, Dustin immediately spotted two familiar faces sitting at the central table, Carlos and Roselyn. Given Roselyn’s status, she clearly couldn’t enter the VIP room. The person who had arranged this meeting with Dustin was likely Carlos. “Hey! Dustin, you’re here? Come, let’s play a few rounds together,” Carlos stood up enthusiastically and invited Dustin to take a seat. While his face wore a brilliant smile, there was a hint of coldness in his eyes. “Mr. Carlos, you asked to meet me, so what’s the matter?” Dustin got straight to the point. “No rush, let’s play for a while first, then we’ll talk business,” Carlos smiled and called a waitress over. “Fetch five million worth of chips for this gentleman and put it on my tab.” “Yes, sir.” The beautiful waitress responded and soon brought several dozen crystal chips. “Dustin, feel free to play today. If you win, it’s all yours; if you lose, it’s on me!” Carlos said in a generous tone. “I don’t like gambling, and I don’t like beating around the bush. If you have something to discuss, Mr. Carlos, please get straight to the point,” Dustin remained unfazed. This kind of place was a paradise for gamblers, but he had no interest in it. “Dustin, you’re indeed a straightforward person,” Carlos chuckled and continued, “The main reason for inviting you here today is to introduce you to a big shot. If you have him as your backer in the future, you can dominate the Southern City area with ease!” “Oh? Who is this person?” Dustin asked in return. “This big shot is none other than the owner of the Comcast Tower, Mark Walter, Mr. Mark!” Carlos said with a hint of pride in his tone. “I’m sorry, I’ve never heard of him,” Dustin replied casually. “Hmph! You don’t even know Mr. Mark? How ignorant!” Roselyn sneered with disdain. In the Southern City area, Mr. Mark, known as Mark Walter, was a dominant figure. He was the only one who dared to challenge the two major aristocratic families, the Stratford and Torby families. Anyone with a bit of knowledge would know who Mr. Mark was. “Is Mr. Mark really that formidable? I wonder if his head can withstand my sword,” Maximus coldly interjected. “Dustin, is this guy your friend?” Carlos gave Maximus a scrutinizing look and said with a hint of hostility, “Kid, you better watch your mouth. This is Mr. Mark’s territory. If you’re not careful, you’ll lose your life!” Maximus was about to say something else when Dustin raised his hand to stop him. “I’m not interested in getting to know Mr. Mark. I just want to know about Lorenzo.” As soon as he finished speaking, the doors to the VIP room suddenly swung open. Following that, a burly middle-aged man in a suit entered confidently. The man was smoking a cigar and had an imposing figure, giving off an immense sense of pressure even just by standing there. The newcomer was none other than Mark Walter, the owner of the Comcast Tower and the underground overlord of the Southern City. “Mr. Mark Walter is here, and you’re in luck!” Carlos grinned wickedly, looking like he was ready to enjoy the show. “Mark Walter, hello!” “Mark Walter, hello!” As Mark Walter entered the room, all the gamblers in the VIP room stood up and greeted him with great respect. “Carry on, everyone,” Mark Walter said, pressing his hand down and then walking toward Carlos. He looked down at Carlos and asked, “Carlos, have you brought me the person I asked for?” “Dustin, I would never dare to defy Mr. Mark’s orders,” Carlos smiled obsequiously and gestured toward Dustin. “Here he is, the person you wanted to find!” Chapter 1349: Formula Already Sold “Oh? Is that so?” Mark Walter followed Carlos’s gesture, his gaze locking onto Dustin. He carefully observed Dustin, his eyes carrying an invisible aggressiveness. “Young and talented, indeed,” Mark Walter chuckled. “Don’t just stand there, have a seat. We have something to discuss.” With those words, he plopped down on the nearby sofa and took a glass of red wine from a passing server, drinking it all in one go, displaying his extravagance. “Dustin, this is the renowned Mr. Mark Walter. Make sure to make a good impression; don’t miss this opportunity,” Carlos said with a smirk. “So, you brought me out here to meet Mr. Mark?” Dustin said calmly. “Young man, I had Carlos summon you here because I want to discuss a deal with you,” Mark said as he took a deep drag from his cigar and then exhaled a smoke ring. The smoke ring floated lightly towards Dustin’s face but shattered suddenly, disappearing into thin air just a foot away from him. “A deal?” Dustin asked. “Smart! I like talking to clever people,” Mark snapped his fingers and grinned. “Since you already know what I’m after, why don’t you tell me your price? I don’t negotiate.” “Mr. Mark, I can’t sell you the formula for the Jade Dew Ointment,” Dustin replied flatly. “Oh? Do you think I can’t afford it?” Mark squinted slightly. “Young man, a third of the economy in the entire Southern City is under Mr. Mark’s control, and his wealth exceeds your imagination!” Carlos chimed in. “Young man, there aren’t many things that interest me, and even fewer people I’d consider negotiating with. This is your chance to rise from a nobody to a somebody. Seize it wisely,” Mark said, smiling, but his eyes held a hint of warning. “It’s not a matter of price. I’ve already sold the formula for the Jade Dew Ointment,” Dustin replied, shrugging. “What? Sold it?” Carlos’s eyes widened, and he became visibly excited. “Who did you sell it to? Why didn’t you say so earlier?” He had gone to great lengths and even invited Mr. Mark himself just to obtain the formula. He couldn’t believe that Dustin had sold it to someone else. “To the Torby family,” Dustin replied. “The Torby family?” Upon hearing this, Carlos immediately frowned. The Torby family was one of the eight prominent families in Stonia, and it wouldn’t be easy to wrestle the formula from them. “Young man, how much did the Torby family pay you? I’m willing to offer double,” Mark suddenly spoke up. With his power and the support he had, he was not afraid of the Torby family. “Business is business. Once the formula has been sold, I can’t go back on it. If Mr. Mark wants it, you can negotiate with the Torby family,” Dustin replied. “Young man, if you could sell it to the Torby family, you can certainly sell it to me. Double the money for one formula, doesn’t that sound tempting?” Mark chuckled. “That’s right! Your deal with Mr. Mark is private. The Torby family won’t know about it. After you receive the money and provide the formula, you can live carefree and travel wherever you want for the rest of your life,” Carlos tried to persuade him gently. “If the Torby family finds out that I sold the formula to you as well, I’m afraid I won’t have a peaceful life, even with the money,” Dustin shook his head. “Don’t worry. I’ll protect you from the Torby family’s retaliation. They won’t dare to touch you,” Mark Walter said confidently. “Mr. Mark, are you really willing to risk a feud with the Torby family for someone unrelated to you?” Dustin asked, with a meaningful tone. “Hehe… you are indeed a clever person,” Mark Walter extinguished his cigar and placed it in the ashtray. He smiled and said, “While I won’t engage in a conflict with the Torby family for your sake, I can promise to make sure they won’t find you. That should ensure your safety.” “Mr. Mark, I can’t rely on others for my safety, so I must apologize,” Dustin shook his head firmly. Chapter 1350: Clear Threat Upon hearing this, Mark Walter’s smile gradually faded, and his gaze became sharp. “Young man, I hate it when people reject me, especially repeatedly. I’ve been patient enough. You better not disappoint me.” His words carried a clear threat. “Young man, those who understand the situation are the wisest. If you earn Mr. Mark’s favor, you should consider it an honor. If you continue to be stubborn, you might end up in hot water!” Carlos warned. “Enough talk,” Mark was growing impatient. “Today, I’m taking the recipe for the Jade Dew Ointment. If you hand it over honestly, you’ll not only be safe but also receive a substantial sum of money.” “What if I refuse?” Dustin asked. “You refuse?” Mark sneered, not saying more, but clapped his hands. Clap, clap! As the applause rang out, the door to the VIP room suddenly swung open. Following that, a group of burly men in suits stormed in aggressively, numbering at least forty to fifty. Each of them exuded a menacing air, resembling a pack of wolves. “Kid, this is my turf. With a word from me, I can determine your life or death,” Mark stood up slowly, looking down at Dustin. “Today, if you don’t hand over the recipe, I’m afraid you won’t leave through that door!” “Mr. Mark, I don’t want trouble, but if you keep pushing, don’t blame me for smashing your Comcast Club!” Dustin replied in a cold tone. Upon hearing this, Mark was initially taken aback, but then he burst into hearty laughter, as if he had heard the greatest joke. “Damn! Is this kid crazy? He actually dares to challenge Mr. Mark?” “He’s really fearless!” Some of the guests in the hall abandoned their gambling and watched the scene with great interest. “Heh! Ignorant fool!” Carlos sneered, looking at Dustin as if he were an idiot. With his arms folded, Mark Walter wore an expression of schadenfreude. “Kid, do you know what you’re saying?” After laughing, Mark’s face suddenly turned cold. “Just because of that statement, do you believe that I could shoot you dead right now?” As Mark’s gun was aimed at Dustin’s forehead, Dustin remained motionless, as if nothing had happened. He calmly said, “Mr. Mark, your gun’s safety is off.” “You damn—” Mark Walter was about to react when suddenly, a sultry and seductive female voice gently floated in. “Mr. Mark, what’s got you so angry? You even have to resort to using your weapon?” Following the voice, a woman wearing a silver body-hugging skirt and crystal high-heeled shoes gracefully entered the room. She walked with a sway of her hips. The woman had fiery red lips, a breathtaking face, and a seductive figure. Her brown wavy hair cascaded down her shoulders, and her long, slender legs crossed as she walked, each step seemingly planted on the hearts of the men present. She carried a stylish designer handbag in her left hand and held a women’s cigarette in her right hand. A flirtatious smile played on her lips. Her presence exuded charm and sensuality, incredibly alluring. “Hazel?” Upon seeing her, Carlos immediately furrowed his brow. It was quite a coincidence to run into this detested woman in such a place. Chapter 1351: Pleasant Surprise “Hey, Mr. Mark Walter, everyone comes to Comcast Tower to have a good time. Why are you starting such a big fire?” Hazel swayed her waist and approached gracefully, with a charming smile. As soon as she appeared, she attracted everyone’s attention. Her figure and looks were already outstanding, and combined with her unique charm, she was like a bewitching fox spirit in human form. “Miss Hazel, I have something to deal with. If you want to play, I can arrange another room for you,” Mark restrained his aggressiveness a bit, but he still held onto his gun. “But, Mr. Mark, to be honest, this handsome guy here is my friend. I hope you can give him some face and let him go,” Hazel smiled as she walked up, taking hold of Dustin’s arm in a rather intimate manner. Although Dustin found it strange, he didn’t deny it. After all, she was helping him, and he couldn’t embarrass her in front of everyone. “Friend?” Mark Walter looked around and said coldly, “Miss Hazel, your friend is quite audacious. Not only did he refuse me several times, but he also threatened to destroy my Comcast Tower. He’s showing no respect at all!” “Oh? Is that so?” Hazel raised her head and looked at Dustin with surprise. This guy was really bold to confront Mark Walter head-on. “Mr. Mark, my friend is young and impulsive, not very familiar with the rules. I’ll apologize for him. I hope you, as a big-hearted person, can let it slide,” Hazel said with a smile. “I can let him go, but he has to give up the formula. Otherwise, don’t blame me for not giving face!” Mark said coldly. “The formula?” Hazel was puzzled. It seemed that there was more than just a verbal conflict between the two. “I’ll say it again, I won’t sell the formula to you,” Dustin firmly refused. Since Mark Walter had drawn his gun, there was no room for negotiation between the two sides. “Miss Hazel, did you hear that? Your friend doesn’t know what’s good for him!” Mark’s face darkened, and he pushed his gun forward slightly. “Mr. Mark, calm down. It’s just a formula, right? Let me talk to him.” Hazel smiled and reached out to lower the gun’s muzzle. Then she leaned in close to Dustin’s ear and whispered, “Young man, Mark Walter is known for being ruthless. No matter what the formula is, just give it to him. Otherwise, today, I might not even be able to save you.” “Miss Hazel, I appreciate your kindness, but I won’t compromise on the formula,” Dustin shook his head. “Young man, as long as there are green hills, you won’t run out of firewood to burn. If you die here, your precious formula won’t be of any use,” Hazel continued to persuade him. Why was this guy so stubborn, acting like a block of wood? Even when facing death, he wouldn’t yield. “I won’t die; he doesn’t have the ability to kill me,” Dustin said calmly. “You…” Hazel was a bit frustrated. Mark had dozens of people surrounding them, and he had a gun in his hand. Where did this guy in front of her get the confidence to say such things? “Miss Hazel, my patience is running out. It’s best for you not to interfere!” Mark’s eyes turned cold. Dustin’s unwavering attitude had already made him consider taking action. “Mr. Mark, why don’t we sit down and have a drink while we talk things over?” Hazel smiled, picked up two glasses of wine, and offered one to Mark. “Drink?!” Mark Walter was getting angrier and directly knocked the glass out of Hazel’s hand. With a loud crash, the glass shattered, and the wine spilled everywhere. Hazel was initially startled but quickly forced a smile. She took the initiative to step closer, gently placing her slender jade-like finger on Mark’s chest, and softly said, “Mr. Mark, calm down. Don’t harm your health. As long as you let my friend go, I promise I’ll give you a pleasant surprise tonight.” Chapter 1352: Who is Tired of Living After saying this, she smiled seductively, with a hint of deeper meaning. “Hazel, if you want to play, I can accompany you slowly!” Mark grabbed Hazel’s wrist and grinned wickedly. “But before that, I need to handle this kid first. You just stand there quietly, don’t provoke my anger, or the consequences will be very serious.” “Mr. Mark, you’ve hurt me!” Hazel furrowed her brow and struggled forcefully a few times, but it was in vain. “You little seductress, weren’t you trying to seduce me? Tonight, I’ll grant your wish. Once I deal with this kid, I guarantee you’ll be in ecstasy!” Mark smirked, suddenly exerted force, and pulled Hazel into his arms, provocatively looking at Dustin. “Kid! Your relationship with this seductress must be quite special, huh? Judging by your scrawny arms and legs, you probably can’t satisfy her. But it’s okay; I’ll take good care of her for you, let her reach the clouds, desire heaven and death!” “Mr. Mark! Don’t act recklessly! I’m a member of the Lancaster family!” Hazel’s face changed. “So what if you’re from the Lancaster family? Today, I’ll force myself upon you. What can the Lancaster family do to me?” Mark’s arrogance knew no bounds. “You—!” Hazel was a mix of shock and anger. Mark Walter had immense power, and he had a powerful backer. If he really violated her, the Lancaster family might not dare to openly confront him. “Kid! I’ll ask you one last time, will you hand over the formula or not?” Mark held Hazel with one arm and raised his gun with the other. His eyes were fierce, and his expression was menacing. “First, I won’t give you the formula. Second, release Miss Hazel, or I’ll break your hand!” Dustin spoke coldly. As soon as he said this, the entire room erupted in astonishment. No one had expected that Dustin would be this audacious. Even when a gun was pointed at him, he spoke boldly. Did he have a death wish? “You brat! It seems like you’re tired of living!” Mark, unable to contain his anger, pulled the trigger, aiming the gun at Dustin’s thigh. “Bang!” The gunshot rang out, but the expected blood and screams did not follow because at the moment when Mark fired, Dustin suddenly moved. With one hand firmly gripping the gun barrel and the other clenching Mark’s throat, there was a heavy “thud” as Dustin pressed him forcefully against the wall. The tremendous force caused the wall to crack open in several places. Mark Walter emitted a muffled groan, feeling as though his bones were on the verge of shattering, and his internal organs had been jolted out of place. He was dizzy and overwhelmed by a nauseating sensation that was difficult to describe. Silence. The entire VIP lounge suddenly fell into a stunned hush. Everything had transpired so swiftly that the people in the vicinity hadn’t fully comprehended it. They had only perceived a blur before Dustin had Mark pinned against the wall. What was most astonishing was that Mark stood at nearly two meters tall, with a body covered in explosive muscles, resembling a bear in stature. On the other hand, Dustin was scrawny, resembling a frail cat. In terms of physique, the two were in entirely different leagues. But incredibly, Dustin, the frail cat, had managed to subdue Mark Walter, the colossal bear, using just one hand. The visual disparity left the onlookers dumbfounded. “Is having a gun supposed to make you impressive?” Dustin said coldly, clutching Mark’s throat with a single hand and slowly raising it above his head. He continued, “Now, who’s tired of living?” Chapter 1353: Utterly Helpless “Ugh…” Mark felt his breath stall, his face turning crimson, and veins bulging on his forehead. He wanted to struggle, but he found himself completely devoid of strength in his limbs. Deep inside, an uncontrollable sense of fear surged within him. He had always thought of Dustin as a mere lamb, but suddenly, the other had transformed into a vicious tiger. The immense power displayed left him utterly helpless. He had no doubt that with just a little more force, Dustin could snap his neck. “Outrageous!” “Bold!” “Release Mr. Mark quickly!” After a brief silence, the entire VIP lounge erupted in chaos. A group of suited henchmen roared angrily, ready to make their move. “Dustin! Have you gone mad? You dare to touch Mr. Mark, don’t you value your life? Let go!” Carlos shouted. “Rhys! This is the Comcast Tower. If you harm Mr. Mark even a bit, you’ll have nowhere to hide!” Roselyn was getting anxious. Dustin was someone she had brought here, and if anything happened to Mr. Mark, she would surely be implicated. “I didn’t want to use force, but you pushed me too far. Do you think I have no temper?” Dustin snatched the gun from Mark’s hand and pressed it against his forehead, saying coldly, “I’ll ask you, how does it feel to be held at gunpoint?” “You… you brat! I warn you not to mess around. If you dare harm me, your whole family will suffer!” Mark’s voice squeezed out of his throat. “Oh, really?” Dustin slowly lowered the gun, pushing it directly into Mark’s mouth. “Do you think I’m afraid of your threats?” “Gasp!” Mark’s pupils contracted, and cold sweat instantly broke out. He could clearly feel the killing intent emanating from Dustin. “Young man, don’t be impulsive. If you harm Mr. Mark, you won’t survive either!” Hazel hastily intervened. “Miss Hazel, this guy doesn’t intend to let me go. How about taking the initiative while we have the chance?” Dustin’s finger rested on the trigger. “Wait!” Carlos’s face changed, and he hastily said, “Mr. Rhys, let’s talk it out. This was supposed to be a deal. Why resort to violence? How about this, put the gun down, and we can sit down and have a proper discussion.” “There’s nothing to discuss. I’ve already said the formula isn’t for sale,” Dustin responded coldly. “Alright, alright… If it’s not for sale, it’s not for sale,” Carlos hurriedly agreed, wearing a placating smile. “If the deal can’t be made, we can still engage in a long-term partnership for medicinal ointments. That way, it’s a win-win situation for both of us. What do you think?” “That sounds reasonable, but I’m not sure if you have the sincerity for it,” Dustin’s expression softened somewhat. Killing Mark Walter was straightforward, but it might lead to unnecessary complications afterward. If someone paid close attention, it could jeopardize his plans. “Sincerity, you say? Of course, we do!” Carlos said seriously. “I’ll personally guarantee that as long as you release Mr. Mark, we’ll enter into a long-term partnership. We’ll share prosperity and face difficulties together in the future.” “What do you say?” Dustin looked at Mark. The latter had a gun stuffed in his mouth, so he could only mumble and nod to indicate his agreement. “See that? Mr. Mark has already agreed,” Carlos said with a pleased expression. “Today, we’ve avoided a fight, and from now on, we’ll be brothers who share life and death!” Mark Walter didn’t say anything but continued to nod. When you’re under someone else’s roof, you have to bow your head. With the gun barrel in his mouth, who wouldn’t be intimidated? “Alright, I’ll trust you this once,” Dustin slowly released Mark and tossed the gun into the trash can. Cough, cough, cough… Mark’s body relaxed, and he began to cough violently. His back was already soaked with sweat. Chapter 1354: Fortune Favor It’s all good, it’s all good. The misunderstanding has been cleared up, and let’s put the past behind us with a smile,” Carlos chuckled and gave a discreet signal. Mark quickly understood and moved away, retreating into the crowd. He shouted, “You little brat! How dare you threaten me? You must be tired of living! Guards, get him!” As soon as he gave the order, dozens of his henchmen in suits immediately surrounded Dustin. “Hold on!” Suddenly, Hazel stood in front of Dustin and questioned, “Mr. Mark! You’ve clearly agreed to cooperate, so why are you resorting to violence?” “Hmph! I agreed earlier, but now, I’ve changed my mind!” Mark said unapologetically. “You at least have some reputation and face. Changing your stance publicly like this, aren’t you afraid of being ridiculed?” Hazel frowned. “Ridicule?” Mark grinned sinisterly. “This is my territory. Once I deal with this kid, have my way with you, and then block all news, who will know anything?” “You… you shameless scum!” Hazel was furious. “Hehe… To be frank, I have even more shameless tricks up my sleeve. Once we’re in bed together, you’ll understand,” Mark smirked. “Mark Walter, I’ve already given you a chance. If you dare to make a move again, I guarantee you’ll regret it,” Dustin said calmly. He didn’t believe a word of Carlos and Mark’s reconciliation. It was just a test. If the two of them really intended to reconcile, he could pretend like nothing had happened. Unfortunately, old habits die hard. “Regret?” Mark sneered menacingly. “You think you still have a chance after I accidentally tripped over your path earlier? Now, do you think you have the capital to turn the tables?” “Whether I do or not, you can try,” Dustin said confidently. “Damn it! I think you won’t see the coffin without shedding tears! Guards, let’s get him!” Mark gave the order. “Disable him!” The group of henchmen swarmed him. “Brother Dustin, leave it to me!” Maximus, standing in the back, sneered, turning into a blur and crashing into the crowd.” The next moment, cries of surprise and screams of agony echoed one after another. Maximus, like a tiger among sheep, began to rampage in all directions. After the nurturing of wine madness, Maximus’s strength now rivaled that of a late-stage innate expert. These henchmen from Comcast Club had practiced some martial arts, but they still had no resistance against innate martial artists. In just five short minutes, dozens of people had already been knocked to the ground. “Hmph! Not a single one of them can fight!” Maximus clapped his hands, looking quite disdainful. He hadn’t even warmed up yet. “H-How… How is this possible?!” Watching his wailing underlings sprawled on the ground, Mark couldn’t help but widen his eyes, a mixture of fear and astonishment washing over him. He had thought he had the upper hand, which was why he dared to go back on his word in front of everyone. However, he hadn’t even dreamed that there was such a formidable expert hidden by Dustin’s side. “Damn! Who is this kid? How can he be so powerful?” Carlos was frightened, his legs trembling. He had always underestimated Maximus, thinking he was just Dustin’s lackey, never imagining that he was a martial arts expert. This was a grave mistake! “One against dozens? Is he even human?” Roselyn gaped in disbelief, her expression one of incredulity. They couldn’t even depict something like this in movies, could they? “No wonder… No wonder he was so confident. It turns out he had a martial arts expert protecting him.” Hazel’s eyes sparkled with excitement and surprise. Just moments ago, they had thought it was all over, but now it seemed that fortune had favored them at the last moment. Chapter 1355: Own Undoing “Brother Dustin, how should we deal with this big guy?” After dealing with all the underlings, Maximus’s gaze suddenly locked onto Mark, his expression filled with malice. “Start by breaking one of his hands.” Dustin calmly uttered a few words. “No problem!” With a cold sneer, Maximus suddenly stepped forward and firmly held Mark Walter. “Wait… wait! Let’s talk, I think we can discuss this further… Ah!” Mark panicked. Just as he was about to offer some excuses, Maximus abruptly twisted his arm, causing a pig-like scream to escape his lips. His face contorted, and he was drenched in sweat. Carlos and Roselyn watched from the sidelines, their hearts filled with fear, and shivers running down their spines. Who would have thought that just moments ago, the arrogant Mark would be pinned to the ground and humiliated? “Mr. Mark, you made a wrong decision.” Dustin slowly approached, looking down at the massive man before him and said indifferently, “I gave you two chances earlier, but you didn’t appreciate them. You had to dig your own grave. Tell me, how should I deal with you?” “Kid! I admit defeat today!” Mark gritted his teeth and said, “You’ve beaten me, you’ve humiliated me. Let’s call it quits here. We won’t cross paths in the future, alright?” “Don’t think I’m a fool,” Dustin said coldly with a faint smile. “Who just reneged on their word earlier? Who was it that turned their back on their promises? When you thought you could win, you were all swagger, and when you couldn’t, you tried to compromise. Do you think such a cheap deal exists in this world?” “Kid! Don’t push your luck!” Mark threatened with a menacing tone, “The people outside are all mine. As soon as I give the order, they’ll rush in and tear you apart!” “You’re still talking tough!” Maximus snorted coldly, grabbed Mark’s hair, and smashed his face forcefully onto the gambling table. “Bang!” A muffled sound. Mark’s front teeth shattered, his nose flattened, and blood splattered across his face. “You… you two are doomed! I’ll dismember you into a thousand pieces!” Mark shouted in rage and desperation. “Break one of his legs,” Dustin spoke again. “Alright!” Without hesitation, Maximus stomped on Mark’s knee. With a “crack” sound, Mark’s knee bent inward at a ninety-degree angle, the broken bones piercing through flesh, causing a gory sight. “Ah—!” Mark let out a piercing scream, his face contorted grotesquely, and his body began to convulse from the intense pain. “Stop! Please stop!” At this moment, Carlos snapped out of his daze and immediately tried to intervene, saying, “Dustin! Do you realize what you’re doing? Mark is the underground overlord of South City, with immense power and countless underlings. If you harm him, you’ll undoubtedly face endless pursuit!” “That’s right! Release Mr. Mark now, or your whole family will suffer!” Roselyn continued to shout. “What’s this? Do you two also want to lose your hands and feet?” Dustin slowly raised his head. His eyes were sharp and cold, like a knife, piercing through both of them. Carlos blinked, subconsciously taking two steps back, and said with a determined tone, “Dustin, I know you and your friend have some skills, but in Stonia, you can’t solve everything with just your fists and feet. Even if you can fight, can you fight against guns? Can you fight against artillery shells? Can you fight against the military? Dustin, stop now. Everyone outside is Mr. Mark’s people. If you repent in time, I can still plead with Mr. Mark to spare you. But if you persist in your stubbornness, it will be your own undoing!” Chapter 1356: Talk Too Much This speech was a mix of persuasion, both firm and gentle. For an average person, it might have caused them to waver. However, upon hearing it, Maximus immediately stepped forward and slapped Carlos, scolding, “You talk too damn much!” “Smack!” Carlos was slapped and spun around in place, his mouth crooked. He couldn’t believe it. As the young master of the Grantwood family, when had he ever been publicly slapped like this? “What… how dare you hit me?” Carlos covered his burning face, somewhat incredulous. As the young master of the Grantwood family, he had never been slapped in public before. “What’s wrong with hitting you? If you keep blabbering, I’ll cut your tongue off!” Maximus said sternly. Carlos was frightened and didn’t dare to speak again. Damn it, these two guys were completely insane, not even putting Mr. Mark in their eyes. “You two brats have some nerve!” Mark Walter, lying on the ground, shouted angrily, “This is the Comcast Tower! It’s my territory! It’s also the Langfords family’s property! Daring to harm me is provoking the dignity of the Dragon family. From tonight onwards, there will be no place for you in all of Stonia!” With things having come to this point, he no longer held back and directly mentioned his backing. “What? Mr. Mark’s backing is the Langfords family?” As this statement was made, the VIP room erupted in commotion. No wonder Mr. Mark had become the underground overlord of South City in just ten years. It turned out he had the Langfords family supporting him. In Stonia, there were eight major aristocratic families, divided into the upper four families and the lower four families. The upper four families had significant influence, with members holding important positions in the government or having considerable power and wealth. The lower four families, like the Stratford and Torby families in South City, were relatively weaker in terms of power and influence, compared to the upper four families. The gap between them was like that between a cat and a tiger. The Langfords family belonged to the upper four families in Stonia, and they were even among the top three! So, the Langfords family was often referred to as the “Langfords Gate.” Anyone who could establish a connection with the Langfords family was like a carp leaping over the Langfords Gate, signifying a great leap in their fortunes. “The Langfords family? Sounds pretty formidable,” Dustin squinted slightly. He vaguely remembered having some minor conflicts with the Langfords family when he was in Swiston. “What? Scared now?” Mark sneered. “Brat, do you think I’ve been able to establish myself here for so many years without powerful backing? If you don’t want to die, release me immediately, kowtow and beg for forgiveness, and I might spare your sorry lives!” “Is that so?” Dustin coldly snorted, then pressed his foot onto Mike’s face. “And what if I don’t release you?” “Brat! Do you dare to defy the Dragon family?” Mike gritted his teeth. “Do you know that anything outside the Forbidden City is under the Langfords family’s control? Don’t talk about the Langfords family; even if the royal family of Stonia came, they couldn’t save you today!” As Dustin was speaking, he stomped heavily again, this time crushing Mark’s other arm. “Ah—!” Mike let out a pig-like scream. Just then, the door of the VIP room was violently kicked open with a “bang,” and a well-dressed young man entered with a group of imposing followers. Chapter 1357: Boldly Speak “Bold! Who dares to act recklessly in the Comcast Tower!” The young man radiated an aura of hostility as he entered, scanning the room with sharp, cutting eyes. Anyone who met his gaze instinctively lowered their heads. “Isn’t that the Fourth Young Master of the Langfords family, Eddie? Why is he here?” “The hidden mastermind behind the Comcast Tower has always been the Langfords family. Now that there’s trouble here, the Langfords family won’t sit idly by.” “They beat up Mr. Mark and disrupted the Langfords family’s business. These two kids are in big trouble today!” “Hmph! These young people don’t know their place. They think they can run wild in Stonia with a little martial arts. It’s ridiculous!” The sudden turn of events sparked discussions among the gamblers in the VIP room. Even the Langfords family had been alerted, and there was no way this incident would end well. “Fourth Young Master… Please save me!” Eddie’s appearance brought tears of joy to Mark’s eyes. He looked at Eddie as if he had found a savior and struggled to stand up. However, he lost his balance halfway and fell to the ground. Rolling a few times due to the momentum, he ended up at Eddie’s feet. “Mark Walter? How did you get injured like this?” Eddie was slightly surprised and showed a look of shock. He had been enjoying himself in the neighboring area and had rushed over upon hearing about the disturbance at the Comcast Tower. However, he hadn’t expected Mark to be in such a miserable state. Both hands broken, left leg fractured, his face bruised and bloodied – Mark Walter looked extremely battered. It was worth noting that Mark was a pawn supported by the Langfords family in South City. Although he couldn’t step into the limelight, he held sway in this area of South City. Ordinary forces wouldn’t dare to provoke him, let alone beat him up so badly. “Fourth Young Master! You’ve finally come! If you had been a moment later, I’m afraid I would have been killed!” Mark cried with a pitiful expression, prostrating himself before Eddie’s feet, looking particularly wronged. “Who did this? Who injured you like this?” Eddie demanded in a deep voice. “It was those two kids!” Mark replied. Mark pointed accusingly at Dustin and his companion, his voice full of resentment. “It was them! They did it!” “Hmm?” Eddie followed the gesture and his gaze soon settled on Dustin. He then examined him from head to toe and asked, “Kid, who are you? How dare you cause trouble in the Comcast Tower? Do you know that the Comcast Tower belongs to my Langfords family?” “I didn’t know before, but I do now,” Dustin replied calmly. “Now that you know, speak up. How should we resolve this matter?” Eddie asked with a stern expression. “It’s very simple. Have Mark kneel down and apologize, and then compensate me for the Comcast Tower. I’ll consider today’s events as if they never happened,” Dustin said casually. “What did you say?” Eddie paused for a moment, as if he couldn’t believe his ears. The others in the hall also exchanged puzzled glances, astonished by what they had just heard. Was this guy insane? With the Langfords family involved, instead of submitting and apologizing, he was demanding an apology from Mark, and even had the audacity to ask for compensation for the Comcast Tower. Wasn’t this utter madness? “To dare speak so boldly in front of the Fourth Young Master of the Langfords family, it seems you really don’t understand the gravity of your situation!” Carlos sneered. “This country bumpkin has no idea who he’s offending,” Roselyn shook her head. Anyone with a bit of knowledge or intelligence wouldn’t utter such words. Daring to be so audacious in front of Eddie was either foolishness or sheer stupidity. “Kid, did I hear you correctly? You just said you want Mark to apologize, and at the same time, you want the Comcast Tower?” Eddie scratched his ear as if he couldn’t believe what he had heard. Chapter 1358: Ask For Comcast Tower Having spent so many years in South City, no one had ever dared to talk to Eddie like this. What was this? Courting disaster? “You heard me correctly; I did say that,” Dustin nodded seriously. “Interesting…” Eddie suddenly laughed, but his gaze turned exceptionally cold. “Kid, I’ve never seen someone as audacious as you, daring to demand the Langfords family’s property. Impressive! I can give you the Comcast Tower, but the question is, do you dare to take it?” “If you give it, I’ll take it; if you don’t give it, I’ll take it by force,” Dustin replied plainly. “Hahaha…” Hearing this, Eddie laughed out in anger. “Kid, you truly have nerves of steel! Do you know what you’re doing? You’re playing with fire, big time!” The last few words were almost squeezed out between his teeth. “Who’s playing with fire is still uncertain,” Dustin replied calmly. “Very well, I hope you won’t beg for mercy later. I quite enjoy seeing you being so arrogant,” Eddie said as he raised his hand abruptly. “Turn off the cameras! Prepare to clear the room! Everyone unrelated, get out!” As soon as he spoke, the guests in the VIP room immediately rushed towards the door, not daring to stay. They knew very well that the Fourth Young Master Eddie was about to get serious. After tonight, there might be two corpses at the bottom of the river. “Hmph! Now let’s see how you escape this!” Mark sneered, his eyes full of resentment. “No help now. Prepare to retrieve the bodies tomorrow morning,” Carlos shrugged and walked out, not wanting to be involved. “Hmph! You’ve dug your own grave. Offending the powerful in Stonia, I’m afraid your corpses won’t even be found tomorrow,” Roselyn coldly glanced at Dustin and followed Carlos out. “Young man, I can’t do anything more for you. Best of luck,” Hazel sighed and walked out of the VIP room, full of regrets. If it were Mark, she might have been able to negotiate and help Dustin escape from this predicament. However, dealing with Eddie was a different story. The Lancaster family was insignificant in front of the Langfords family. Interfering would only bring trouble upon themselves. Under Eddie’s commanding order, the entire Comcast was emptied within just three minutes. Only the Langfords family members remained, blocking the entrance to the VIP room, watching closely. “Now, it’s just the two of you,” Eddie said, lighting a cigarette, taking a deep drag, and exhaling a cloud of smoke. He squinted his eyes and continued, “Do you have any last words?” “Before you take any further action, I suggest you make a call to Mr. Ethan Langford, or you’ll regret it,” Dustin said calmly. “Heh… Regret?” Eddie chuckled, “Kid, I know almost all the powerful figures in the Forbidden City. I’ve never seen you before. Do you think you can fool me with a few empty threats? You’re quite naive!” In his view, Dustin was obviously scared and had resorted to bluffing to try to escape the situation. “I’m not from Stonia, but…” Before Dustin could finish his sentence, Eddie interrupted, “Not from Stonia? That makes you even more inconsequential. Get them, boys.” “Yes!” The warriors behind him responded and charged towards Dustin and the others. Chapter 1359: Miracle Outside the Comcast Tower: Sitting in her luxury car, Hazel frowned slightly. Her gaze pierced through the window, staring at the splendid entrance of the pavilion. She wore a somewhat melancholic expression. It was not easy to come across an interesting handsome man, and she hadn’t expected him to meet such an untimely end. First, he had offended Mark, and then he had challenged Eddie. Now, he was trapped inside the Comcast Tower, and it seemed he might not make it out alive. Although she was reluctant to admit it, there was nothing she could do now. At this point, the best she could do was prepare for the inevitable retrieval of his body. Unfortunately, it was such a waste… “Oh, Miss Hazel, you haven’t left yet?” At this moment, Carlos, followed by Roselyn, suddenly approached her. “You haven’t left either,” Hazel replied impassively. “Us?” Carlos smiled slightly. “Dustin has some connection with our Healwell Medical Center, so we thought maybe we should stay and help retrieve his body.” “Hmph! Don’t pretend to be sympathetic in front of me. Don’t think I don’t know that you led Dustin to the Comcast Tower!” Hazel said with a cold expression. “We invited him out to discuss business. We didn’t expect him to be so unreasonable and end up in this situation. It’s entirely his own fault,” Carlos shrugged, acting as if it were none of their concern. “That’s right! A country bumpkin like him who doesn’t know any manners, acts arrogantly, and thinks too highly of himself deserves his misfortune!” Roselyn added, not holding back her harsh words. “Roselyn, can you say such things in front of me?” Hazel glared at her, filled with disgust. “If I remember correctly, Dustin has helped your Healwell Clinic more than once. Is this how you repay him? Even animals understand gratitude better than people like you!” “You—!” Stifled by anger, Roselyn couldn’t find a suitable retort. As for Carlos, his face darkened quickly, and he said coldly, “Hazel, we’re all the same in this city. Everyone knows you’re loose with your affections and you crave men. Why do you act like a saint in front of us?” “That’s right! A woman like you, who lacks virtue, has no right to criticize us,” Roselyn chimed in. “Hmph! I might be loose with my affections, but I’m still better than you hypocrites!” Hazel retorted. With that, she silenced Carlos and Roselyn, who were left speechless and frustrated. This woman was truly unpredictable, always changing her tune. “Hazel, I know you like that pretty boy, but unfortunately, he’s doomed to not walk out of the Comcast Tower’s door today. In fact, you won’t even be able to retrieve his entire corpse!” Carlos said coldly, his eyes filled with resentment. “That’s none of your business,” Hazel replied indifferently. “Perhaps, miracles can happen.” “Miracles? Hmph… Even if the Heavenly Emperor himself came today, he couldn’t save him!” Carlos declared angrily. Just as they were conversing, the doors of the Comcast Tower suddenly swung open. Following that, Dustin strolled out casually. He appeared clean and unscathed, as if he had just taken a leisurely walk. “How is this possible?!” Carlos and Roselyn were dumbfounded and stood there in shock. Even Hazel couldn’t believe her eyes, wearing an expression of disbelief. Throughout history, anyone marked for execution by the Dragon family had never come out alive. “I… Am I seeing things? Dustin actually came out, and he’s completely unharmed?” Carlos rubbed his eyes, finding it hard to believe. “No… It’s impossible! He was supposed to meet his death; how could he come out alive?” Roselyn stared wide-eyed, looking as though she had seen a ghost. In their eyes, when Eddie ordered a “clearing of the area,” it was a death sentence for Dustin. They had even prepared to collect his body. Yet, in less than ten minutes, Dustin walked out of the Comcast Tower unscathed. It was simply beyond comprehension! Chapter 1360: Langford Mansion “My God! Has a miracle really happened?” Hazel swallowed hard, her expression filled with shock. She had casually mentioned the possibility, not really expecting it to come true. Just as they were still in disbelief, an even more astonishing scene unfolded. Not long after Dustin walked out, Maximus followed him. However, in contrast to Dustin’s calm demeanor, Maximus was holding two people in his hands. On his left was a wailing and maimed Mark Walter, missing both his hands and feet. On his right was a battered and unrecognizable Eddie. Both of them were like dead dogs, being dragged out of the Comcast Tower by Maximus, who held their collars. Bloodstains marked their path. Clearly, Dustin and Maximus hadn’t been spared by Eddie and his elite warriors. Instead, they had fought their way out, leaving behind a trail of bloodshed. It was worth noting that the warriors accompanying Eddie were all elite members of the Dragon family, each capable of taking on dozens of opponents. Yet, in just a few minutes, all of these elite warriors were downed, and even Eddie himself was captured. How could these two be so powerful? “Get in the car.” Dustin pulled out the car keys from Eddie’s pocket and signaled Maximus to toss both Eddie and Mark into the car. Finally, Dustin drove away in Eddie’s Range Rover, leaving only the fading taillights. Carlos gulped nervously, feeling a chill down his spine. Thankfully, they had managed to get out in time. If they had stayed inside, they might have faced a fate similar to Eddie’s. “Senior Brother, what should we do now? Dustin… seems to have kidnapped Eddie Fourth Young Master,” Roselyn said, feeling lost. The current situation had completely exceeded her expectations. “This is bad! That guy has kidnapped Fourth Young Master!” Carlos’s expression changed drastically. “Quick, get in the car! We need to inform the Dragon family immediately and rescue Fourth Young Master. Otherwise, both of us are in grave danger!” Having said that, he hurried into his own car. “What the hell are you still staring at? Move!” Carlos yelled from the car window when he saw Roselyn frozen in place. “Oh, right…” Roselyn snapped out of her daze and quickly got into the passenger seat. With the roar of the engine, the two of them sped away. Dustin was the trouble they had brought upon themselves. If they harmed Eddie, given the Dragon family’s style, they would not be let off lightly. “What is this lunatic trying to do?” Hazel furrowed her eyebrows and then patted the driver’s shoulder. She quickly ordered, “Follow them!” “Vroom!” The luxury car started, following closely behind. The three cars raced through the streets, with each trying to outpace the other. After about an hour of driving, Eddie’s Range Rover was the first to stop in front of a grand mansion. It was an incredibly luxurious compound with a four-sided courtyard and eight separate buildings. The high walls, dark blue tiles, and imposing roof eaves gave it an ancient yet majestic appearance. The gate was a large crimson door adorned with golden edges. Two stone lions stood guard in front of it. Above the gate hung a golden plaque with two large characters written on it: “Langford Mansion.”