“Ms. Aurora, don’t make fun of me. The Celestial Alliance is full of experts- there’s no way someone like me could take on a disciple,” Dustin declined with a smile. “Of course, we’re friends. If you ever want to talk about martial arts, just reach out.”
“Alright then, if I ever need advice, you’d better not turn me down,” Aurora said with a playful wink.
She was just asking to see how he would respond. After all, she wasn’t serious about wanting to become his disciple. It was more of a way to get closer to him, and now that she had an excuse to ask for his guidance, she was satisfied.
Once everyone was seated, the conversation flowed easily. They drank and talked about anything and everything.
The two Marshall sisters exchanged flirtatious glances across the table, a gesture that even the most oblivious observer couldn’t miss.
However, Dustin kept a polite smile on his face. He either ignored their advances or skillfully deflected them.
He knew exactly what they were after. With his recent victory and growing fame, the Celestial Alliance would likely try to recruit him.
Becoming the Celestial Alliance’s honorary consultant was still an outsider position. There was no strong bond between him and the guild. However, if he became an elder-or married one of the Marshall sisters- his status would change completely.
But Dustin wasn’t interested in any of that. He’d only agreed to the honorary position because of Grace. Joining the Celestial Alliance, however, was out of
the question. He wasn’t about to become just another pawn in someone else’s game.
After the feast, everyone finally left.
Dustin watched them go before returning to his room. He placed the jade box with the Dracan essence on the table.
A moment later, a figure slipped through the window. It was so quiet that it was almost impossible to notice. When the figure stopped, it revealed a woman in blue with delicate features. It was Grace after using the Face- Changing Art.
“You’re here? Take a seat.” He poured two cups of tea and pushed one toward her. He had already hinted at their private meeting during the feast.
“Thank you.” She smiled, and her gaze fell on the jade box. “Is this the reward from Sacred Wyrm Summit?”
“Yes. Want to take a guess?” Dustin was thinking of testing her again.
“It looks so mysterious. Could it be the Dracan essence?” Grace raised an eyebrow.
“Wow, you’re sharp. I can never get anything past you.” Dustin was genuinely impressed.
He had been surprised when she guessed the enhanced serum from the Hall of Gods before. But now, she had immediately identified the Dracan essence in the jade box. It was clear she was no ordinary woman.
“This isn’t anything special. We both know that Sacred Wyrm Summit’s Forbidden Ground has many rare treasures. It was only a matter of time
before the Dracan essence showed up.”
Grace smiled faintly.
She continued, “And Arion has an uncanny ability to predict things. With a little insight, he probably figured out your identity and intentions. By offering you the Dracan essence as part of the championship prize, he kills two birds with one stone.”
“You’re so smart. Go ahead and open it. “Dustin raised his chin slightly toward the box.
Grace didn’t hesitate and quickly opened the jade box. But when she saw what was inside, her expression froze in shock.
“Wait… am I seeing this right? Three Dracan essences?” Her eyes widened in disbelief.
She had expected that his reward might be Dracan essence, but she never imagined there would be three. It was almost too unbelievable.
What kind of place was Sacred Wyrm Summit, anyway? How could it attract three Dracan essences?
“What do you think? Surprised? Didn’t see that coming?” Dustin said with a smirk. “I had the same reaction when I first saw all three.”
“This… this is unbelievable!” Grace’s eyes sparkled with excitement.
The rush of happiness came so suddenly that she almost couldn’t process it. With four out of the five Dracan Essences in her hands, she only needed one more to restore the nation’s glory. The progress had been so fast, and it was almost too good to be true.
“All that is left is the fifth Dracan essence. The future looks promising.” Dustin stretched, letting out a contented sigh. With the mission nearly complete, he felt a weight lift off his shoulders.
“I’m deeply grateful for what you’ve done. If you hadn’t won the championship, who knows when we’ll get our hands on these Dracan essences.
“Grace looked grateful.
“Don’t mention it. You’ve helped me before. I’m just returning the favor,” he replied with a casual shrug.
“By the way, I’m curious. Why is there so much Dracan essence gathering here? Is there a hidden secret in the Forbidden Ground of Sacred Wyrm Summit?” Grace changed the subject.
“You’re right.” Dustin’s expression turned serious. “The Ancient Sage told me a secret. Beneath the Forbidden
Ground of Sacred Wyrm Summit, there’s a Dracan force. That’s what’s drawing all this Dracan essence here.”
“Dracan force?” Grace’s eyes widened in shock. “Are you sure about this?”
“Ancient Sage said it himself, so it’s probably true.” Dustin nodded.
“No wonder the royal Dracan force was destroyed, and the country remained stable. It turns out there’s another Dracan force beneath Sacred Wyrm Summit, carrying the fate of the nation, ” she said.
She seemed to connect the dots, her expression suddenly clear. “I get it now! I know what the Hall of Gods is planning. Their goal is to use this Combat Tournament as a cover to destroy the Dracan force beneath Sacred Wyrm Summit and steal the fate of Dragonmarsh.”
At that moment, Dustin’s ears seemed to hear something. He quickly lowered his voice and said, “Someone’s coming.
You’d better hide now.”
