Chapter 1021 – A New Resolve
(This seems to be a duplicate of Chapter 1019, a mistake in the original Chinese version)
Chapter 1022 – The Aftermath
Abigail departed, carrying the lifeless body of her father, Edmund. However, before she left, her parting words left an indelible mark on everyone present, sending shivers down their spines.
Despite their escape from immediate danger, the people from various sects felt far from elated. None of them had expected that the seemingly ordinary girl would turn out to be a Sorceress from the dreaded Mystic Arts Order.
The horror associated with the Mystic Arts Order was deeply ingrained in people’s hearts, and its sinister reputation was hard to shake. Crossing a saint meant stepping into one’s own grave.
Compounding the issue was the fact that they had forced the saint’s father to his death, leaving an indelible mark of hatred.
From this point forward, they would live in perpetual fear, anticipating the day when retribution would descend upon them. It seemed that their only choice was to await their inevitable doom.
“Master Ronald, what do we do now? It seems we’re in grave trouble!” Alexander Cheng, looking pale and still recovering from his injuries, approached Ronald Reeds.
He had suffered severe wounds from Dustin’s earlier sword strike, and his injuries had yet to fully heal. Jan Crane and Jan were even worse off, one missing an arm and the other blinded. They were truly in dire straits.
“Why are you so anxious?” Ronald Reeds scowled. “As long as Evelyn Morgan and the four guardians of the Mystic Arts Order don’t intervene, who can touch us?”
“But we provoked the ire of the Sorceress of the Mystic Arts Order by driving Edmund to his death. We’ll face endless consequences,” Alexander Cheng warned, his expression solemn.
“Hmph! What’s there to fear from a mere girl who hasn’t even reached the innate realm? We can talk when she becomes a true master!” Ronald Reeds retorted coldly.
With the Sky Spirit Orb in his possession, he was on the brink of breaking through to the Grandmaster level. At that point, not even Evelyn Morgan, the leader of the Mystic Arts Order, would be a cause for concern.
Meanwhile, in the Azure Mist camp:
“younger generation sister, don’t dwell on it. People like us are worlds apart from Grandmaster Dustin,” Emily consoled Vanessa, who appeared lost in thought. She gazed in the direction Dustin had disappeared, shaking her head and sighing. “Grandmaster Dustin is a true genius, the one who can surpass all Grandmasters. We can only dream of reaching such heights in our lifetime.”
Emily held great admiration for young masters like Dustin.
But she knew in her heart that the two parties were not from the same world at all.
It’s fine to look at it from a distance, but getting closer will only increase your worries.
“It would be nice if he wasn’t so good.”
Vanessa murmured to herself, with a complex look on her face.
She finally met someone she was attracted to, but unexpectedly he was so outstanding that she didn’t even have the courage to climb high.
It is better to forget each other in the rivers and lakes than to help each other.
Maybe this situation is the best outcome, right?
But why is she so reluctant to give up?
Can that unparalleled figure really be forgotten?
…
Half a day later, in the Millsburg, Zypher Lodge.
“Beautiful aunt, can you wake up? Can you open your eyes and look at Haley?”
“You promised Haley before that you would tell Haley stories, why are you still sleeping in?”
“If you don’t wake up, Haley will be angry.”
In the ward, a cute little girl was gently shaking Natasha’s arm, her big eyes filled with mist.
The pregnant woman next to her, Cecilia, also had red eyes and felt sad.
Since the death of her husband Nelson, Natasha personally took care of the daily life of mother and daughter.
The hospital’s prenatal checkup and Haley’s kindergarten attendance were all arranged properly, as if they were treated like family members.
She was not only grateful to Natasha, but also felt a bit more like a sister.
Now that I see the other person unconscious and dying, I can’t help but feel a little sad.
“Dr Linden, is there really no other way? Will my sister never wake up in her lifetime?”
Ruth sat on the edge of the bed, with tears in her eyes, holding Natasha’s hand tightly.
Since her sister became critically ill, she has been staying by her side and has not rested for two days.
“To be honest, it’s very difficult to keep this breath.”
Chapter 1023: The Race Against Time
In the bustling realm of Dr Linden Watkins, a deep sigh escaped his lips. “The only hope to save her now lies in the mysterious Shadowblooms and the legendary Dark Phoenix. If Elder Dustin can bring back the herbal medicine in time, there’s still a glimmer of hope. But as time ticks away, that hope fades like a fading moon.”
“Dustin! Dustin! Where have you been? Why haven’t you returned?” Ruth muttered, her face clouded with worry.
She hadn’t yet shared this dire situation with her parents, fearing that their hearts might not withstand the news.
*Bam!*
Suddenly, the door burst open, and a disheveled Dustin stumbled in, his face smeared with blood, looking utterly bedraggled.
“Dr Linden! I’ve found it! I’ve found the herbal medicine!” gasped Dustin, clutching his chest.
“Found it?” Dr Linden scrutinized the flower in Dustin’s trembling hands, radiating an eerieDustinminescence. A triumphant smile crept across his face. “Indeed, this is the Shadowblooms! Marvelous!”
“Senior Dr Linden! With this Shadowblooms, can we save Natasha?” Dustin’s eyes brimmed with hope. The journey for this herbal medicine had nearly cost him his life.
“I can save her, but I require your blood,” Dr Linden explained gravely. “Your previous treatment has produced an antidote for the Black Pill within your blood, which can help awaken Natasha.”
“Count me in! Take as much as you need!” Dustin rolled up his sleeves, ready to shed his own blood for the cause.
“Hold on!” Dr Linden raised a hand to halt him, concern etched on his face. “Elder Dustin, your injuries are severe, and your vital energy is fluctuating. If you give blood now, it could be too much for your weakened body.”
“I can endure it. Please, just save her!” Dustin urged persistently.
“Elder Dustin, are you absolutely sure?” Dr Linden’s brow furrowed.
With his experienced gaze, he could clearly see that Dustin was teetering on the edge of exhaustion, struggling to maintain his balance and speak coherently. Taking more blood would undoubtedly worsen his condition.
“Cornelius, fetch me a bowl!”
“A Hero’s Sacrifice”
Dustin had no time for words; he gave the order outright.
Cornelius quickly arrived with a sizable bowl.
Without hesitation, Dustin made a swift incision on his arm, and blood flowed swiftly into the waiting bowl.
Dr Linden couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow. How could this usually composed young man be so impulsive at this critical moment?
“That’s enough; let’s proceed,” Dustin declared.
Dr Linden ceased his persuasions and waited until the large bowl brimmed with blood.
With the blood-filled bowl before him, he gently immersed the Shadowblooms into the crimson liquid.
What followed was an astonishing spectacle.
The Shadowblooms began to dissolve upon contact with the blood, like melting chocolate, blending seamlessly into the crimson liquid. As it dissolved, the originally bright red blood slowly transformed into a deep black hue, studded with shimmering stars and a faint fragrance wafting from it.
“Desperation!” Dr Linden murmured.
Once the Shadowblooms had completely dissolved, he added another pill to the bowl. After a slight stir, the concoction was gently fed into Natasha’s mouth.
“Elder Dustin, the medicine has been administered. Whether Natasha awakens next depends on her own fate,” Dr Linden sighed softly. Despite possessing the Shadowblooms, he couldn’t guarantee a 100% success rate; after all, he was challenging the very gates of the underworld.
Ultimately, the outcome hinged on the patient’s resilience and willpower.
“Natasha, please wake up. Don’t sleep any longer,” Dustin whispered, his hand gently holding Natasha’s. He pressed her palm to his cheek and continued, “When you wake up, we’ll go shopping, dine together, watch movies, and do anything you desire. I’ll be with you every step of the way.”
“Please, wake up. I can’t bear to live without you.”
Time ticked away, second by second.
Dustin remained steadfast by the bedside, staying awake through dusk and dawn, never leaving her side.
He simply kept watch, tirelessly.
Three days later, Dustin’s endurance finally waned, and he collapsed beside the bed, completely exhausted.
Chapter 1024: Awakening to Grief
Dustin awoke in a daze, finding himself lying in a bed. The sunlight streaming through the window was blindingly bright.
“Dustin, you’re awake!” Ruth exclaimed in relief, her eyes welling up with tears.
“How long was I out?” Dustin asked, still groggy from his slumber.
“You’ve been in a coma for three days. Senior Dr Linden said you’re going to be okay, or we might have started planning your funeral,” Ruth replied, her voice quivering.
“Three days? That long?” Dustin’s eyes widened in surprise, then he remembered, “Oh, right! Where’s your sister? How is she? Has she awakened?”
“My sister?” Ruth’s expression darkened, and she looked down, her voice trembling, “My sister… she’s no longer with us.”
“What? Dead?!” Dustin froze, as if a bolt of lightning had struck him.
His face, previously pale from his own ordeal, turned even whiter. He seemed to have lost his soul in that moment.
“How could this happen? No… it can’t be!”
“I found the Shadowblooms, why is Natasha still gone? Why?!” Dustin’s voice quivered with disbelief. He shook his head frantically, unable to accept this cruel reality.
He couldn’t fathom it; he couldn’t come to terms with this outcome.
Didn’t he secure the remedy?
Why couldn’t she be saved?
Why?!
“No! I need to find her. I refuse to believe she’s just gone!”
A Joyful Awakening
Dustin abruptly stood up, nearly tripping in his haste to leave.
“Who’s gone?” a woman entered the room at that moment.
She possessed a stunning beauty, an elegant stature, and a refined demeanor, resembling a fairy from a painting.
It was Natasha, who had miraculously awakened!
“Natasha?” Dustin stammered, his eyes wide in disbelief. “You… you’re not dead?”
“Dead?” Natasha responded with a puzzled expression. “I’m perfectly alive. Why would I be dead?”
“But just a moment ago…” Dustin glanced at Ruth, who had been in tears earlier, only to see her burst into laughter. “Hahaha… Brother-in-law, how gullible are you? My sister is blessed with good fortune. Why would she die? Were you really scared just now?”
“What on earth is going on—” Dustin was so exasperated he was about to storm out and give her a piece of his mind, raising his hand as if to swat her. Ruth, in response, swiftly hid behind her sister. “Brother-in-law, I was just teasing you. Why are you so quick to anger?”
“You naughty girl! Can you make jokes about such serious matters? Do you realize how terrifying that was?” Dustin’s voice trembled with anger.
When he’d heard the news of Natasha’s supposed death, it felt like his heart had stopped, and he’d been emptied of his spirit.
“Ruth! You should know better!” Natasha scolded her sister, giving her a gentle smack on the head. “Go on, prepare some food for your brother-in-law. He’s just woken up and still needs to regain his strength.”
“Okay,” Ruth muttered as she stuck out her tongue and quickly dashed out of the room, escaping Dustin’s impatient gaze.
“Husband, how are your injuries? Would you like to—” Natasha began to ask but was interrupted when Dustin suddenly rushed forward, wrapping her in a tight embrace that he refused to release.
There were a thousand words in his heart, but he couldn’t find the words to express them.
Chapter 1025: Reconnecting in Relief
Dustin held her tightly, savoring the warmth of her body and the scent of her skin. It was only in this moment that his previously racing heart finally found peace.
“It’s good to be alive,” he whispered softly after a long while.
“Alright, alright, stop squeezing me. If you keep hugging me like this, I might run out of breath,” Natasha chuckled and patted Dustin on the back.
While she cherished this moment, his embrace was undeniably tight.
“Ahem… I apologize; I got carried away,” Dustin quickly released her, realizing his overzealousness. It had been an involuntary reaction.
“I’m happy that you can be so unrestrained. It just proves how much you care about me,” Natasha said with a sweet smile, her heart filled with joy.
They had now truly shared life and death together, an experience far more profound than her relationship with Dahlia.
Marriage? That was just a piece of paper. They had exchanged their lives!
“Husband, please rest for a while. I’ll check if the medicine is ready,” Natasha said as she stood on her tiptoes, kissed Dustin on the cheek, and then gracefully departed the room.
Watching her elegant figure recede, Dustin couldn’t help but smile, feeling a similar warmth in his heart.
They had finally overcome this ordeal.
” Cornelius.”
After regaining his composure, Dustin called Cornelius, who was waiting at the door, and inquired, “Has anything significant happened recently?”
Natasha had been unconscious for three days, and he himself had been asleep for three days. In total, a week had passed.
“Master Dustin, things have been relatively quiet in the Millsburg recently. No major incidents have occurred,” Cornelius reported.
Unmasking the Fox
As Cornelius continued, he shifted the topic, saying, “By the way, there’s something concerning The Harmons that’s worth noting. Since Trent Harmon assumed power, some of The Harmons’s revered elders and heroes have been forced out by Trent Harmon and his daughter. The Harmons is in a precarious situation.”
“Trent Harmon is purging dissidents, driving away anyone who doesn’t toe the line. It’s a reckless move,” Dustin shook his head, fully aware that, despite The Harmons’s deep roots, they couldn’t withstand Trent Harmon’s actions.
“Master Dustin, I believe The Harmons poses a hidden threat,” Cornelius added. “You once instructed me to provide protection for Hector Harmon. In just a few days, Hector was subjected to three kidnapping attempts and two assassination plots. Fortunately, we thwarted them all.”
“Hmm?” Dustin furrowed his brow. “Are these attacks carried out by insiders from The Harmons?”
“While they’re all hired assassins from outside, there’s no doubt that Trent Harmon and his daughter are behind this,” Cornelius stated with unwavering confidence.
“It appears that their true colors are finally showing,” Dustin mused, rubbing his chin. “In that case, continue to keep tabs on Trent Harmon. If he makes any suspicious moves, inform me immediately. I’ll seize the opportunity to apprehend them all.”
“Understood,” Cornelius nodded.
“Oh, by the way, has there been any recent activity from Ronald Reeds and the warriors from the forest?” Dustin inquired suddenly.
“After returning from the Black Forest, Ronald Reeds went into seclusion and hasn’t seen anyone. The Martial Alliance has practically transferred all its authority to the deputy leader,” Cornelius replied.
“Seclusion?” Dustin snorted disdainfully. “He intends to use the Sky Spirit Orb to break through to the Grand Master realm. Unfortunately for him, I won’t let that happen.”
“Master Dustin, what do you plan to do?” Cornelius asked tentatively.
“We’ll focus on recuperating first. Once I’ve fully recovered, I’ll issue a public challenge to Ronald Reeds, the leader of the martial arts world!” Dustin declared surprisingly.
“What? Challenge the leader of the martial arts world?” Cornelius’s eyes nearly popped out of his head. “Master Dustin, are you joking? Among the Five Grand Masters, Ronald Reeds is the strongest. Challenging someone of such stature would be akin to courting death.”
“Who lives and who dies is still uncertain,” Dustin replied, narrowing his eyes and speaking with a deadly seriousness. “A showdown with Ronald Reeds is inevitable. If there’s no clear victor in the Black Forest, then we’ll battle it out in the Martial Alliance. If he wishes to reach the Grand Master realm, he’ll have to overcome me as a hurdle. I will make sure of it!”
Should Ronald Reeds survive, Dustin would feel that Sir Paul had died in vain. If a hypocrite like Ronald Reeds were allowed to continue leading the martial arts world, it would be a grim future for the martial arts world indeed.
Chapter 1026: A Dose of Affection
“Honey, it’s time to drink your medicine,” a melodious female voice chimed in.
As Dustin conversed with Cornelius, the graceful Natasha entered, carrying a steaming pottery bowl in her hands.
She wore a sweet smile, her cheeks tinted with a rosy hue, and carefully held the bowl out to Dustin.
“Come on, Honey, take your medicine.”
“…”
Dustin’s eyebrows twitched. Why did this scene feel so familiar?
“Honey, what’s the matter? Drink up,” Natasha encouraged with an innocent tone.
Dustin resisted with all his might, his face showing his reluctance.
“I’ve prepared this especially for you,” Natasha said, raising an eyebrow teasingly. “Don’t tell me you suspect me of poisoning you.”
“Well, it’s not so bad to die beneath a peony and become a ghost,” Dustin sighed dramatically before finally taking the soup and downing it in one gulp.
Seeing the comical expression on his face, Natasha couldn’t hold back her laughter any longer.
“Alright, alright, don’t worry. Let’s go eat. Today’s menu is filled with your favorite dishes.”
Natasha took a tissue, wiped Dustin’s mouth, and then looped her arm through his, leading him towards the door.
*Ring, ring…*
Just a few steps away, her phone suddenly rang.
Natasha’s face instantly turned cold as she answered, “Alright, I’ll be there in a minute!”
After hanging up the phone, she hurriedly left, her expression now tinged with seriousness.
A Mother’s Defense
“What’s going on?” Dustin asked, puzzled.
“Haley got into trouble at the kindergarten, and I need to go there immediately,” Natasha explained.
“Alright, I’ll go with you,” Dustin replied without hesitation, signaling Cornelius to prepare the car.
Ever since Nelson had left, Dustin had come to regard Haley as his goddaughter. When your goddaughter is in trouble, you can’t just stand by and watch.
…
Inside Golden Apple Kindergarten at that very moment:
“You witch! How do you raise your child? Look at what this brat did; he scratched my son’s face!”
“My son has never been hurt before, and you dare let this brat lay a finger on him? I think you’re just tired of working!”
A plump, extravagantly dressed lady pointed at Cecilia’s face and hurled insults.
Beside her stood a plump little boy with a pudgy face.
The boy was noticeably larger and stockier than his peers, and he had a faint scratch on the left side of his face.
“Mrs. Chang, children often bump into each other and get minor injuries. Besides, your son started it,” Cecilia said as she glanced at Haley, who had a swollen nose and bruised face, feeling sympathy for her daughter.
But due to the other party’s status, she held back her anger.
“Hmph! So what if my son started it? If this brat hadn’t provoked my son, would my son have hit her? In the end, it’s all her fault!” Mrs. Chang placed her hands on her hips and spoke aggressively.
“Haley, what happened? Did something go wrong?” Cecilia turned to her daughter and asked.
“I didn’t do anything wrong, Mom,” Haley quickly shook her head and said, her face filled with sorrow. “Maxwell Chang called me names first and insulted me for not having a father. Then he led his friends to attack me. Mom, I didn’t do anything wrong. It’s not my fault.”
Tears welled up in her eyes as she spoke.
“Don’t cry, Haley. Mommy believes you,” Cecilia reassured her, wiping away her tears. She then turned to Mrs. Chang and said, “Mrs. Chang, did you hear all of that? Your son insulted and attacked my daughter first. Moreover, the injuries on my daughter’s face are much worse than those on your son’s.”
Chapter 1027: The Fateful Encounter
“Fart!”
Mrs. Chang was not pleased. She scowled, “How could this girl compare to my precious son? My son’s single strand of hair is worth more than her entire life! Listen closely, kneel down and apologize right now, or you’ll regret it!”
“Mrs. Chang, please, let’s be reasonable here. It’s clearly your son’s fault. Why should we apologize?” Cecilia furrowed her brows.
*Smack!*
Mrs. Chang raised her hand and delivered a hard slap to Cecilia’s face, berating, “I’ll ask for an apology when I want one. No need for your nonsense. If you dare lay a finger on Lai Lai again, I’ll make you regret it!”
“You—” Cecilia gritted her teeth but remained composed.
She couldn’t believe how unreasonable the other woman was being. Not only did she refuse to apologize for her son’s mistake, but she had also resorted to violence.
What an infuriating situation!
“Don’t hurt my mom!”
Haley suddenly stepped forward, her small hands outstretched, her little face contorted with anger. “You villain! Old hag! I’m going to summon Ultraman to defeat you!”
“Hey! You little troublemaker! You deserve a good spanking!” Mrs. Chang retorted, growing angrier and slapping Haley across the face, sending her tumbling to the ground, nosebleed and all.
“Haley!” Cecilia gasped, swiftly scooping up her daughter.
Her heart ached as she looked at Haley’s red and swollen face.
“You fatherless brat deserves a lesson!” chimed in the little chubby boy (Maxwell), placing his hands on his hips, brimming with pride.
“Listen up, you two lowlifes. Kneel down and apologize immediately. Then, compensate my son with one million dollars for his medical expenses. Otherwise, I’ll ensure you won’t have a moment’s peace!” Mrs. Chang declared sternly.
“You’re being completely unreasonable!” Cecilia seethed. “I’m calling the police, and I want an officer to come and mediate this!”
With determination in her eyes, she retrieved her cell phone, ready to make the call.
“Calling the police?”
Unleashing Chaos in the Park
Mrs. Chang snatched the phone from Cecilia’s hand, hurling it to the ground with a curse, “You think calling the police will help? Let me tell you, my partner is an officer at the police station! My brother is a well-known big shot! Even if I dug a pit to bury you, no one would dare to utter a word!”
“I… I refuse to believe there’s no justice in the world!” Cecilia retorted angrily.
“Justice? The only justice here is what I decree!” Mrs. Chang proclaimed before delivering another stinging slap to Cecilia’s face.
Cecilia’s legs gave way, and she crumpled to the ground, her pregnant belly making it impossible to rise quickly.
Onlookers watched in helplessness but dared not intervene.
“Mom!” Haley cried out in distress, tugging at her mother’s arm with all her might, though she couldn’t budge her. Instead, she stumbled and fell herself.
A preschool teacher nearby couldn’t bear it any longer and moved to help, but Mrs. Chang’s intimidating glare made her recoil in fear.
“Maxwell, didn’t that little brat hit you just now? Go ahead, hit her back, hit her to death, and Mom will support you!” Mrs. Chang encouraged her son, patting him on the shoulder.
“You little brat, you’re in for it now!” The chubby boy gained newfound courage. He pinned Haley to the ground, raised his fists, and began to pummel her without restraint.
There was no hesitation in his actions.
“Hit her! Harder! Excellent job!” Mrs. Chang clapped and laughed, wearing a smug expression.
“Stop!”
At that moment, a thunderous roar echoed from the park’s entrance.
In a flash, a figure dashed in and delivered a resounding slap to the chubby boy’s face.
*Smack!*
The blow distorted the boy’s features, sending him flying backward to the ground.
Chapter 1028: Unexpected Hero
The sudden turn of events left everyone stunned.
No one had anticipated that someone would dare to lay a finger on Mrs. Chang’s son.
You see, Mrs. Chang had quite the reputation for being a tyrant in this neighborhood, and nobody dared to cross her.
“Ouch! I’ve got you!”
After the initial shock, Mrs. Chang rushed forward and scooped up her dazed, battered son.
At this point, the chubby boy sported a crooked nose, a swollen mouth, a bleeding lip, and two missing front teeth.
The side of his face that bore the brunt of the attack was inflamed and grotesquely swollen.
“Maxwell! Don’t scare me! Wake up!” Mrs. Chang pleaded frantically, shaking him gently. Once the boy regained consciousness, she breathed a sigh of relief.
But her relief was short-lived.
“Who did this? Who just hit my son? Show yourself!” Mrs. Chang whirled around, her teeth clenched in anger, as if she were ready to devour someone.
“It was me!”
Dustin stepped forward, his face dark with fury.
Especially after seeing the bruises on Cecilia and Haley’s faces, his eyes gleamed with a dangerous intensity.
“You dare strike my son? Do you even know who I am?” Mrs. Chang barked, trying to reassert her dominance.
*Smack!*
Without hesitation, Dustin raised his hand and slapped her. He demanded, “Who are you?”
“I…” Mrs. Chang tried to speak, but before she could utter a word, Dustin slapped her again, causing her to stumble.
“Who are you?” Dustin repeated, his voice unwavering.
“I am…”
A Lesson for Mrs. Chang
*Smack!*
Mrs. Chang attempted to speak, but before she could utter a word, another resounding slap landed on her face.
“Again, who are you?” Dustin’s voice remained icy.
“You—” Mrs. Chang seethed with rage, poised to unleash a torrent of curses.
Dustin, however, didn’t give her the opportunity. He delivered another forceful slap to her face.
“Who are you?”
“Smack!”
“Say it.”
“Smack!”
“Why won’t you speak?”
“Smack!”
“Weren’t you acting all bold just moments ago? If you’re capable, say something!”
“Smack!”
Mrs. Chang’s world became a whirlwind of pain as Dustin relentlessly interrogated her with every blow. Her nose was bruised, her face swollen, and she leaned against a wall, barely able to stay on her feet.
After enduring more than a dozen slaps, Mrs. Chang was unrecognizable. Blood streamed from her nose and mouth, and even a few teeth lay scattered on the ground.
Her appearance was nothing short of horrifying.
Onlookers, including parents and kindergarten teachers, were left in shock.
“Oh my goodness! Who is this person? He actually dared to lay a hand on Mrs. Chang? Is he playing with fire?”
“Judging by his demeanor, he probably has no idea how powerful Mrs. Chang is. He’s in for a world of trouble!”
“He clearly doesn’t know his place! Crossing Mrs. Chang is a one-way ticket to disaster.”
“…”
Chapter 1029: A Clash with the Principal
Amidst the hushed whispers and pointed fingers, everyone marveled at Dustin’s audacity.
What could have been resolved with a simple apology had now escalated into a dire situation. If Mrs. Chang were to continue suffering such blows, she’d either end up with broken limbs or buried alive in conflict.
Smack!
Dustin delivered another forceful slap, sending Mrs. Chang sprawling to the ground. He demanded once more, “Tell me, who are you?”
Mrs. Chang’s face contorted, and the world seemed to spin around her. She felt dizzy, disoriented, unable to discern which way was up.
“Stop!”
At that moment, the kindergarten principal pushed her way through the crowd and rushed over.
Upon seeing Mrs. Chang, swollen and battered like a pig’s head, the principal gasped and quickly helped her to a chair. “My goodness, Mrs. Chang, how did you sustain these injuries? Who did this to you?”
Trembling, Mrs. Chang pointed at Dustin.
“Damn!”
The director turned angrily to Dustin, shouting, “Who are you? How dare you assault Mrs. Chang? Do you comprehend the magnitude of trouble you’ve brought upon yourself!”
“Who are you to point fingers at me?” Dustin retorted with a stern expression.
“I?”
The principal puffed out her chest proudly. “I’m Principal Smith, in charge of this kindergarten. All matters here fall under my jurisdiction.”
” Principal Smith, huh? Perfect timing,” Dustin nodded and gestured toward Mrs. Chang. “This woman is unreasonable and a bully. She must be expelled immediately.”
“Nonsense!”
Principal Smith glared and rebuked, “You’re the one who committed assault, yet you have the audacity to slander Mrs. Chang? That’s like a thief accusing another thief!”
“I struck her because she deserved it. Open your eyes and see. The injuries on my sister-in-law’s face and my goddaughter’s body were all inflicted by her. I merely delivered some well-deserved justice on their behalf,” Dustin stated calmly.
“Yes, Principal Smith, both mother and son went too far and deliberately stirred up trouble,” Cecilia chimed in.
“Silence!”
Principal Smith turned and barked before facing Dustin again, this time with a domineering tone. “I didn’t witness anything earlier. All I saw was you assaulting people. Now, I order you to apologize to Mrs. Chang immediately and compensate her for all losses. Otherwise, don’t blame me for calling the police and having you arrested!”
“Are you blind or something?”
Principal Smith’s Defeat
Dustin’s expression remained stern as he retorted, “When this shrew was assaulting someone earlier, you stood by idly, seemingly oblivious to the situation. But now that she’s facing the consequences, you immediately leap into action, baring your teeth and claws. Are you her lapdog?”
“You—You’re out of line!” Principal Smith, realizing his scheme had been exposed, couldn’t contain his anger. “Let me warn you, if you don’t apologize today, I’ll expel Student Haley from this kindergarten! She’ll never be able to enroll here again!”
“Expelled from the kindergarten? Haha… Principal Smith, you certainly wield great authority!” Dustin scoffed. “Do you believe this is the only kindergarten in the entire Millsburg? If we leave here, my goddaughter will still have plenty of educational options.”
“That’s right! I’ve been in the education field for twenty years, and I have connections everywhere. If I make a single phone call, no kindergarten will dare admit this little rascal!” Principal Smith asserted sternly.
“What did you say?” Dustin’s face darkened.
“What? Are you scared?” Principal Smith taunted. “Listen to me, as long as I don’t give my approval, no one will dare accept this wild child…”
Smack!
Before he could finish his sentence, Dustin raised his hand and delivered a resounding slap to Principal Smith, sending him sprawling.
The crowd was once again left in shock.
Was this guy fearless? Wasn’t he afraid of being expelled by the principal?
“You… You dare to strike me?” Principal Smith scrambled to his feet, his face burning with embarrassment, a mixture of shock and anger coursing through him.
Parents of students usually bowed and scraped to Principal Smith, offering flattery. Even if they presented gifts, it was subject to her mood.
Now, this person not only showed no respect, but he had also struck her. Could this situation get any more topsy-turvy?
“What’s wrong with striking you?” Dustin retorted with a steely expression. “You follow the crowd, can’t differentiate between right and wrong, and abuse your authority to bully others. Allowing someone like you to educate and guide children is a grave disservice to their upbringing!”
Chapter 1030: Inspector Chang’s Arrival
Dustin’s words reverberated so loudly that Principal Smith quivered with anger, his face alternating between shades of green and white, as if he had consumed a fly.
Some parents who had previously felt oppressed by the school’s principal secretly applauded, feeling a sense of relief. After all, they had often been looked down upon by Principal Smith.
“You… You dare to scold me? Who do you think you are? You dare to lecture me?” Principal Smith seethed with rage, his face flushed with anger. “Just you wait! I’m going to expel Haley from this kindergarten! I’ll blacklist her! I’ll make sure she can never attend school again! I’ll blacklist all of you!”
“Blacklist?” Dustin sneered, kicking Principal Smith to the ground. “You think you can blacklist us? I’d like to see how you plan to accomplish that!”
Principal Smith was knocked to the ground by the kick. When he got up, he immediately yelled at the top of hisDustinngs, “Security! Security! Where are you? Come here!”
As he yelled, two security guards rushed in.
But before they could take any action, Dustin turned to glare at them, freezing them in their tracks. They felt a chill run down their spines, unable to move.
“Hey! What are you two standing there for? Go ahead and deal with him!” Principal Smith urged in frustration.
However, before the security guards could react, Dustin turned around and stared at them, causing them to freeze in place.
For a moment, their backs were drenched in sweat, and they dared not make a move as if they were being hunted by a wild beast.
“The Smith’s Family name! How did a penniless person like you become the principal of this kindergarten?” Mrs. Chang, who had managed to stand up, indignantly questioned. “I’m warning you, if you don’t give me an explanation for today’s events, you’ll pay the price!”
“Huh?” Principal Smith’s face froze, and he hastily stepped forward, wearing a forced smile. “Mrs. Chang, it’s not my fault. It’s all because of this man’s arrogance. But don’t worry, I’ve already called the police, and they’ll be here shortly. I guarantee they’ll deal with him swiftly. Today, he won’t be able to eat in peace!”
“Hmph! And that woman and the child, they can’t escape punishment either!” Mrs. Chang added with resentment.
“No problem, no problem!” Principal Smith nodded vigorously.
“You’re still spouting nonsense, aren’t you?” Dustin’s eyes turned icy as he slapped Mrs. Chang to the ground once again. He continued to slap and kick her, scolding, “I told you to be ruthless, so I’ll be ruthless with you! If I don’t teach you a lesson, you’ll never learn!”
“You… You… You’re outrageous!” Principal Smith was both shocked and infuriated, but he didn’t dare to step forward to help. He had experienced Dustin’s slap earlier, and it had been excruciatingly painful. You could tell from Mrs. Chang’s disfigured face.
“Stop! Stop this immediately!”
At this moment, several uniformed individuals burst through the door.
The leader was a burly middle-aged man around forty years old.
He had broad shoulders, a sturdy build, and a stern countenance that exuded an imposing aura. As soon as he entered the scene, the crowd scattered, not daring to obstruct him.
“It’s Inspector Chang! Inspector Chang is here!”
“Oh no! This man beat Mrs. Chang like this. With Inspector Chang’s power, won’t he send him straight to jail?”
“Inspector Chang is so influential that even if this guy survives, he’ll be in big trouble!”
As soon as the uniformed men appeared, the crowd stirred with commotion.
Whispers and sidelong glances filled the air as they turned their attention to Dustin, their expressions revealing a mix of sympathy, pity, and schadenfreude.
“Inspector Chang, you’ve finally arrived!”
Principal Smith, seeing Inspector Chang, appeared as if he had found a savior. He rushed forward and began to complain, “If you had come any later, Mrs. Chang might have been beaten to death!”
“Hmm? What’s going on here?” Inspector Chang furrowed his brow.
“Husband!”
At that moment, a wailing cry rang out, and Mrs. Chang, her face bloodied, crawled to Inspector Chang’s feet.
“May I ask who is calling my name?” Inspector Chang seemed slightly bewildered, struggling to comprehend the situation.
“Inspector Chang! She’s your wife, Mrs. Chang!”
