An Understated Dominance (FULL ENGLISH TRANSLATION)

 

Chapter 1121: “A Bold Intruder”

Caden squinted his eyes, his expression far from friendly.

“This guy, is he asking for trouble?” he muttered.

“How interesting… truly interesting,” commented Nakamura from the crowd, a sly grin on his face.

After the events of last night, it was expected that Dustin would have fled in the dead of night and gone into hiding. However, nobody anticipated that he would show up at their doorstep.

He was truly audacious!

“Haha… this fellow is in deep trouble now. He’s caught the attention of the General, and there’s no escaping that today!” chuckled Chase.

“He deserves it! Why didn’t he leave earlier? He’s brought this upon himself by lingering here, he’s practically digging his own grave!” added Vivian, wearing a smug expression.

In their eyes, the General must have learned about his grandson being beaten up, so he was seeking retribution publicly.

“General, I’ve already conveyed my intentions. I have some matters to attend to, so I’ll take my leave now,” Dustin said, clasping his hands politely.

“Hold on!” Chase suddenly jumped forward, blocking his path. He exclaimed, “Kid! You come and go as you please, do you take the General’s residence for granted?!”

As he spoke, he stole a glance at General Murray.

Opportunities like this to display himself were not to be missed. If he could show his face in front of the General, it might lead to future favor and advancement.

It was a win-win situation—suppress Dustin and gain favor with the General.

Thinking about it, he couldn’t help but admire his own cleverness and ability to read the situation.

He was truly brilliant.

“Hmm?” General Murray raised an eyebrow, slightly puzzled by Chase’s sudden appearance.

Where did this kid come from?

What was he up to?

“You told me to leave earlier, and now you want me to stay. What exactly do you mean?” Dustin maintained a neutral expression.

“Hmph! Spare us the talk!” Chase snarled, his face fierce. “You’ve annoyed the General, disrupted everyone’s mood, and now you want to walk away? You’re dreaming!”

“That’s right! You’ve infiltrated the General’s residence with ill intentions, harboring evil plans. Everyone should unite against such a threat! Fortunately, the General sees through your true colors. Today, you won’t escape justice!” Vivian proclaimed self-righteously.

While labeling Dustin, he even patted General Murray’s horse, making himself look more impressive.

This combination of praising the General while belittling Dustin was masterfully executed.

“Hey, what are you two doing?” General Murray furrowed his brow, displeased.

Where did these two fools come from? Can’t they distinguish directions?

“General, dealing with such a scoundrel doesn’t require your personal intervention. Leave it to us younger generation. I guarantee we’ll handle him properly!” Chase said, oblivious to the gravity of the situation, trying to impress General Murray.

“Yes, General, it’s your birthday today. You shouldn’t get angry. We’ll take care of it for you,” Vivian added, fearing that all the credit would be stolen.

Making the General happy while also gaining some attention, what could be better?

“Seize this troublemaker who has committed numerous wrongs and interrogate him thoroughly!” Chase confidently ordered the Murray family guards.

“How dare you!” General Murray slammed his hand on the table, his anger evident. He walked up and slapped both Chase and Vivian.

“You’ve lost your senses! This is an esteemed guest of the Murray family! Who gave you the audacity to show disrespect to my guest?!”







Chapter 1122: “Unexpected Guest”

“Ah?”

The sudden slap left Chase and Vivian bewildered, their hands covering their faces in confusion.

Wasn’t Dustin the troublemaker? Why was the General hitting them?

At this moment, the Murray family members, and even all the guests present, wore expressions of shock.

Nobody expected that the usually composed General would openly resort to physical violence, especially on his own birthday.

“O-General, did you perhaps mistake the person? This guy is a criminal who should be detained and watched closely to prevent him from causing trouble,” Chase attempted to explain.

“Yes, General, this guy injured Young Lord Garrett last night; he’s truly heinous and must be severely punished!” Vivian chimed in.

She believed that General Murray might not know the whole story, hence the intervention.

“Shut up!” General Murray glared, emitting a powerful aura. “Dustin saved my granddaughter’s life; he is a benefactor of the Murray family and my honored guest. If you dare to talk nonsense again, don’t blame me for kicking you out!”

With those words, Chase and Vivian fell silent immediately, their faces showing signs of panic.

If they were truly expelled from the General’s residence, not only would they suffer, but their entire families would also face consequences, perhaps even being ostracized.

After all, no one would want to risk offending the General and continue associating with their families.

“Grandfather…”

Shiela couldn’t bear to watch anymore and was about to say something when Max interrupted, “Dad, today is your birthday. It’s not worth getting angry. Let’s calm down.”

The reason for stopping his daughter was simple: right now, distinguishing right from wrong was irrelevant.

Once the patriarch had spoken, the entire Murray family had to support his decision, no matter the reason. Especially in front of so many guests, the patriarch’s authority was unquestionable.

“Hmph!”

General Murray coldly glanced at the two of them before turning to Dustin, saying in a commanding tone, “Young man, come, sit at the head of the table. Let’s see who dares to object today.”

With that, he grabbed Dustin’s hand and arranged him at the head table.

This area was reserved for the Murray family’s core members and esteemed guests. Dustin, dressed so modestly, appeared out of place.

However, no one dared to voice any objections with the General’s command. Instead, they all put on friendly smiles and welcomed him.

Though Dustin was not a prominent figure, the General’s face was priceless. Even if a lump of dung were placed on the table, they would have to eat it without complaint.

“This guy is truly despicable, taking advantage of Shiela’s name to assert himself here and deceive the General’s sympathy. He’s utterly shameless!” Vivian gritted her teeth, feeling indignant.

As a prestigious disciple of a noble family, she didn’t even have the qualifications to sit at the head table. Why should a lowly insurance salesman sit among those important figures?

“Hmph! This is just a temporary glory. Once the General realizes the truth, Dustin will undoubtedly be severely punished to clear his name!” Chase muttered, touching his stinging face.

In the presence of the General, he naturally couldn’t express his anger, so he redirected it all toward Dustin.

“You brat, mark my words, one day I’ll get rid of you.”

Max muttered with a dark expression. He thought Chase and Vivian could handle Dustin, but he hadn’t expected the Old Man to intervene.

Even if he harbored immense resentment, he dared not show it. After all, it was unwise to display dissatisfaction before the General, especially in front of such a significant gathering.

After this brief incident, the atmosphere returned to normal. More and more guests entered the banquet hall, bearing gifts to celebrate General Murray’s birthday.






Chapter 1123: “The Return of the Prodigal Son”

The atmosphere in the room quickly became lively.

“General of the Jinzhou Garrison pays a visit, wishing General a long and prosperous life!”

“The Mayor of Li City in Jin Market pays a visit, wishing General strength and good health!”

“The Chairman of the Hedong Group pays a visit, wishing General success in all endeavors and years of prosperity!”

With the announcements of the servants, one distinguished figure after another, dressed impeccably, entered the room. Among them were influential military commanders, city leaders, wealthy entrepreneurs, and prominent figures from various fields. These guests had come to pay their respects, bearing all kinds of rare and valuable gifts.

“Thank you all for coming to celebrate. Please, take your seats.”

Max, as the head of the family, stood up and began welcoming the various guests. Meanwhile, General Murray responded with smiles to the well-wishes from the guests.

“The Third Young Lord (Third son) is here!”

At that moment, a loud voice announced, causing everyone to turn their heads toward the entrance. There, a middle-aged man dressed in white, with a dignified appearance, was walking in slowly. He was accompanied by two cloaked individuals.

“Isn’t that the General’s youngest son, Lord Harrison Murray?”

“I heard that Harrison had a falling out with the family and disappeared for many years. I didn’t expect him to return today.”

“As a son, it’s only natural for him to come back to congratulate his father on his birthday.”

Observing the arrival of the man in white, the guests couldn’t help but engage in hushed conversations.

General Murray had three sons: the eldest, Max; the second, Caden; and the third, Harrison. Among them, the most outstanding was Harrison, who was courageous and talented. He had been highly regarded and even designated as the family’s heir at one point.

However, for reasons unknown, Harrison had given up his position and left the family, disappearing for a full five years until today, when he finally reappeared.

“Brother?”

Recognizing the newcomer, Max’s face lit up, and he hurriedly went to greet him. “Brother, it’s been so many years. You’ve finally returned!”

He even gave Harrison a big hug.

“Big Brother, it’s been a long time. Have you been well all these years?” Harrison smiled faintly.

“Very well… very well indeed!”

Patting his brother on the shoulder, Max grinned. “It’s been a while, and you’ve grown even stronger. That’s great!”

“Brother, since you’ve returned, why didn’t you inform us beforehand?” Caden also approached with a smile.

“Second Brother, I just arrived. I thought I’d give you all a surprise. You won’t blame me, will you?” Harrison joked.

“Since you’ve come back, I’m just happy about it. After all these years, you’ve given us quite the surprise today,” Caden replied warmly.

“Enough of this. Let’s not talk about it.”

Max interrupted their conversation and led Harrison to their father, saying, “Dad, look who’s here.”

“Dad, I’ve come to celebrate your birthday.”

Harrison respectfully presented a gift with both hands.

General Murray did not extend his hand to accept it. Instead, he snorted, “You left home, and now you have the face to return?”






Chapter 1124: “Reconciliation and Celebrations”

The cold and indifferent words from General Murray left Max and Caden momentarily stunned. In their eyes, their younger brother had always been the most favored and highly regarded by their father. So, shouldn’t their father be happy to see him again? Why the stern expression?

It had been five long years, and they believed that any misunderstandings could have been resolved between a father and son during that time.

“Dad, it was my fault in the past, my foolishness. I want to apologize to you now,” Harrison said, bowing deeply. “I’ve thought it over these years, and I know I was wrong. I hope you can forgive me this time.”

“Hmm?”

General Murray raised an eyebrow, showing some surprise. His youngest son had always been headstrong, often stubbornly refusing to yield. However, it seemed that he had matured during his absence.

“Dad, everything that happened in the past is in the past. Third Brother has acknowledged his mistakes. Please forgive him,” Max tried to mediate.

“Yes, Dad, it was all just a misunderstanding back then. Let’s be a harmonious family, and we can overcome anything,” Caden chimed in.

Seeing Harrison’s humble attitude, General Murray’s expression finally softened, and he waved his hand, saying, “Alright, as long as you’ve returned safely, that’s enough. Take a seat.”

“Thank you, Dad.”

Harrison bowed once more.

“Third Brother, come, sit over here.”

Max was very enthusiastic, leading Harrison to the seat of honor. He had always held his youngest brother in high regard, and their reunion after so many years was a source of great joy for him.

The core members of the Murray family and the other guests greeted Harrison warmly and politely. Everyone understood that General Murray had always been troubled by his youngest son’s departure, to the extent that the name “Harrison” had become a taboo topic in the family over the past five years. Now, with Harrison’s return and his sincere apology, it seemed that the old misunderstandings were finally being resolved. They believed that the Murray family would shine even brighter in the future.

As time passed, more and more dignitaries and influential figures arrived to celebrate. Each guest was accompanied by two bodyguards, who stood by the wall and maintained a vigilant presence.

Dustin glanced around and noticed that all these bodyguards were quite formidable, exuding an aura of battle-hardened experience. It was evident that they had seen combat.

Once all the guests had gathered, Max stood up first and announced, “First of all, I’d like to welcome all of you to our father’s birthday banquet. Our father has requested a low-key celebration, but you have all traveled great distances to be here, and we are truly grateful for your presence.”

He poured himself a glass of wine and raised it. “Please allow me to propose a toast to all of you.”

With that, he emptied his glass, and the guests promptly raised their own glasses in return.

“Next, we invite our honored father to say a few words,” Max continued, redirecting the attention to General Murray.

The room erupted into applause, prompting General Murray to rise to his feet. However, before he could speak, Harrison unexpectedly stood up, wearing a smile, and said, “May I say a few words before Dad?”

Max was slightly surprised but nodded in agreement. “Of course, brother, feel free to speak. We’re all family here, no need to be formal.”

“Dad, before anything else, I’ve prepared a gift for you today, and I hope you’ll like it.”

Harrison smiled and respectfully handed over a gift box.

“Well done, you’ve truly matured,” General Murray nodded in satisfaction as he accepted the gift. “A prodigal son returns home, and your change of heart warms my soul.






Chapter 1125: “Revealing the Truth”

After opening the gift box and seeing the white cloth inside, General Murray’s smile froze. The box didn’t contain any valuable items or heartfelt gestures; it held nothing but a white cloth.

“Is this your gift?” General Murray furrowed his brows slightly, his eyes filled with confusion.

“Why? Father, do you not like it?” Harrison asked calmly, maintaining his respectful and humble demeanor.

“Like it?” General Murray’s expression darkened, and he angrily tossed the gift box onto the ground. “Take a good look at what you’ve given me!”

With a loud crash, the gift box shattered, revealing the white cloth.

Upon witnessing this, everyone in the room was stunned.

“What’s going on? Why is a birthday gift just a piece of white fabric?”

“Isn’t that just a white cloth? Why would anyone give such a thing?”

“No wonder the General is angry. It’s unthinkable! What is Harrison thinking?”

People began to murmur in confusion.

The once festive atmosphere quickly turned tense.

“Brother, why did you give this? Could it be a mistake?” Max furrowed his brows.

“Brother, take this back immediately, or it will be embarrassing!” Caden sternly said.

Giving such an inauspicious gift on the day of a birthday banquet was surely a deliberate attempt to invite bad luck.

“It appears that Father is not satisfied with my gift.”

Ignoring the strange looks from those around him, Harrison carefully picked up the white cloth, dusted it off, and smiled. “This white cloth belonged to my wife. I’ve kept it for five years just for this day, to give it to you, Father.”

His words sent shockwaves through the room.

Especially the Murray family members, their faces turned pale, and their bodies shivered. The events of the past had almost become a forbidden topic within the family. No one had expected Harrison to bring up the past on the day of his return.

“Brother! What are you talking about? Why would you bring this up? Are you drunk?” Max scolded while pleading with General Murray, “Dad, please don’t take him seriously; he must be drunk.”

“I’m not saying that the past didn’t happen.”

Harrison continued to smile as he spoke, “Father, do you remember? It was you who drove my wife to her death. You forced her to hang herself, separating us forever.”

“Today, are you here to celebrate your birthday, or are you here to face judgment?”

General Murray’s expression turned uncertain.

“I just want justice for my late wife.”

Harrison smiled again and gently wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth. “Father, if you can repent and admit your wrongdoing regarding my wife, I might consider forgiving you.”

“Harrison! You’re being outrageous!”

Max couldn’t restrain himself any longer. He raised his hand and slapped Harrison across the face. “Today is Dad’s birthday, and you’re causing a scene. I order you to apologize to Father immediately!”

“Apologize?”

Harrison laughed softly, wiping the fresh blood from his mouth. “General Murray, you caused my wife’s death and ruined my life. You pushed me into hell. You want me to apologize? Is that appropriate?”

“Big Brother, you’re still the same as ever—always obedient and never questioning anything. The moment General Murray glares at you, you’re scared into submission. You’re really spineless,” Harrison shook his head.

“You… You’re incorrigible! Today, I will teach you a lesson!”

Max couldn’t contain his anger any longer and raised his hand to strike Harrison.

However, Harrison suddenly drew a knife and ruthlessly stabbed it into Max’s chest.







Chapter 1126: “The Unfolding Rebellion”

“Thud!”

A sound of flesh tearing echoed in the air.

Harrison’s sudden attack was swift and unannounced. He plunged the knife into Max’s chest, piercing through his body.

Blood trickled down from the blade, drop by drop, as Max stood there in shock, staring at the knife that had impaled him. His face was filled with disbelief.

He couldn’t have imagined that his own beloved younger brother, his own flesh and blood, would suddenly turn against him and stab him so ruthlessly.

In an instant, everyone in the room fell into stunned silence.

No one had expected that Harrison, who had appeared calm and composed just moments ago, would suddenly attack his own brother.

If his actions could have been attributed to drunkenness before, the situation had now taken a completely different turn.

“You… How dare you…”

Max’s eyes widened, and he tried to speak, but blood gushed from his mouth before he could utter another word.

His body swayed for a moment, then he collapsed to the ground, lifeless.

“Big Brother, don’t worry too much. I aimed slightly off from your heart, so it won’t kill you immediately. Just lie there quietly for now, and don’t get in the way,” Harrison said calmly.

As he spoke, he casually discarded a handkerchief, wiping the blood off his fingertips.

His demeanor remained calm, as if he had merely completed a trivial task.

“You bastard! How dare you!”

Seeing this, General Murray was furious. “You attacked your own brother when he was offering you advice. You’re completely insane! Guards, seize this traitor!”

“Yes!”

In response to his command, a group of armed soldiers rushed into the room.

However, Harrison remained unfazed. He simply tossed the handkerchief onto the ground.

The next moment, the two rows of bodyguards who had been standing against the wall made their move.

Like ferocious tigers pouncing on their prey, they launched coordinated attacks.

These bodyguards were powerful, exceptionally fast, and had been well-prepared. As soon as they joined the fray, they overwhelmed the soldiers, who were caught off guard, leaving them with no chance to resist.

The situation in the room shifted dramatically.

“Hmm?”

The sudden turn of events left General Murray furrowing his brows.

He hadn’t expected so many intruders to infiltrate his birthday celebration.

In other words, some of the guests present had been bought off.

“Harrison! Do you even realize what you’re doing? Are you rebelling?” Caden angrily shouted.

“Harrison! You’re playing with fire!” Caden warned. “I advise you to drop your weapons, surrender with your followers, or you’ll regret it!”

Caden believed that his younger brother was making a grave mistake by opposing the Murray family within the walls of the General’s Mansion.

“Harrison! You’re being reckless!”

Caden’s voice was filled with anger and frustration. “Today, I will teach you a lesson!”

Despite the chaotic scene and the tense atmosphere, Harrison maintained his composure. He knew that the situation had changed, and now, he held the upper hand.

“Take a moment to consider your actions,” Harrison said calmly. “I control the situation here now. Everything will be as I say.”

“Humph! Do you think you can control the entire General’s Mansion with just these people? You’re delusional!”

Caden retorted, undeterred. “Guards, capture these intruders!”

The General’s Mansion was not a place where just anyone could cause chaos.

“You’re making a grave mistake! You’re going too far!” The members of the Murray family were furious and disappointed with Harrison’s actions.

What had once been a united family gathering had now turned into a life-and-death struggle. Brother was turning against brother, and the situation seemed irreparable.

“Please take a good look. I am the one in control of the situation now,” Harrison replied calmly.

“Capture these intruders! Capture these intruders!”






Chapter 1127: “Family Crisis”

The General’s Mansion housed a thousand-strong armed force, fully capable of easily suppressing the entire scene. This was the reason why no one dared to act recklessly within the General’s Mansion.

“Where are they? Why isn’t anyone coming to support me?” After shouting, there was no response from outside, and Caden raised his voice even louder.

“Second Brother, there’s no need to shout. My people have already infiltrated the General’s Mansion, and your security team has already been defeated,” Harrison said with a faint smile.

“How is that possible? You’re lying!” Caden’s pupils contracted, finding it hard to believe.

A thousand-strong army, all well-trained; how could they be so easily defeated?

“Five years of planning, and if I couldn’t even accomplish this, I wouldn’t have come here today,” Harrison said casually.

“So you were prepared in advance.”

Caden’s expression darkened as he slowly took off his coat, revealing a body of well-defined muscles beneath his undershirt. “I’ve been training diligently since I was young, and I’ve already reached the peak of martial arts. Now I’m at the semi-master level. Your subordinates are completely inadequate in front of me!”

“Semi-master level?” His words caused a commotion in the crowd. In the martially-inclined Dragonmarsh, becoming a natural expert was already extremely difficult. Reaching the semi-master level required exceptional talent and hard work because at this level, one could face a thousand enemies on the battlefield.

“Harrison, if you repent now, there’s still a chance for you. But if you persist, don’t blame me for not being polite!” Caden stomped his foot, and the ground cracked with a loud “boom.” A powerful shockwave erupted.

Harrison’s subordinates hadn’t reacted yet, and they were sent flying, coughing up blood and critically injured.

The others in the room saw this and quickly retreated in panic. A semi-master level expert could easily kill them.

“Shiela, I didn’t expect your father to be so powerful. It seems that Harrison won’t be able to make much trouble today,” Vivian said with a mix of surprise and relief.

She had initially thought that disaster was looming, but luckily, Caden had stepped in to turn the tide.

“I didn’t realize that Uncle Caden was hiding such profound martial skills. I never saw him use them before,” Chase said with admiration.

Reaching the semi-master level was enough to establish one’s own martial school and dominate the martial world.

“My dad is actually this powerful?” Shiela was surprised. To be honest, she had never seen her father take action before.

“Clap, clap, clap…”

Harrison clapped his hands with a smile. “Brother, I didn’t expect that after a few years, you’ve reached such a level. I admire you!”

“If you know how powerful I am, why don’t you surrender now?” Caden said.

“Brother, your martial talent is indeed exceptional, but unfortunately, it’s not enough to stop me,” Harrison said indifferently.

“Arrogant!”

Caden was enraged. “Today, I will show you how capable I am!”

As he spoke, he rushed forward.

At this moment, one of Harrison’s black-robed subordinates moved suddenly. His figure flashed in front of Caden and struck out with a palm.

“You’re looking for death!”

Caden wasn’t afraid at all and threw a punch at the black-robed person.

“Bang!”

Their fists collided, but the black-robed figure remained unmoved, his robe fluttering in the wind. In contrast, Caden was sent flying like a cannonball and crashed heavily into the wall, coughing up blood.







Chapter 1128: “Valoria’s Darkfang”

“What?!”

When they witnessed this scene, everyone’s faces turned pale with shock.

Wasn’t Caden a Semi-master level expert?

Wasn’t he supposed to dominate the room effortlessly?

How did he end up spitting blood after just one confrontation?

“Lord Caden!”

“Dad!”

Lily and Shiela were shocked and rushed forward to help Caden up.

“Cough, cough, cough…”

Caden trembled as he coughed up blood repeatedly, his face filled with shock and disbelief.

Ever since he had cultivated the Devouring Soul Technique, he had been confident in his strength. While he might not be invincible, he believed he could dominate his peers. Why did he get suppressed so easily today? Was he really this weak, or was the enemy too strong?

“Who… who are you?!” Caden clenched his teeth, unwilling to accept his defeat.

“Darkfang from the Valoria (Warrior Kingdom),” the black-clothed figure slowly revealed their face beneath the hood, displaying a foreign visage.

Their cheeks were gaunt, and their eye sockets were deep, giving off a sinister vibe.

“What? Darkfang? Isn’t that a martial arts master from Valoria? Why is he here?”

“It seems that Harrison spared no expense. He actually invited a martial arts master from the Valoria. No wonder Caden couldn’t match up.”

“This is bad! The armed forces of the Murray Clan are of no use, and now Caden is defeated. Could today be a disaster for the Murray Clan?”

When they learned of Darkfang’s identity, the whole room erupted into an uproar.

A martial arts master at this level could be considered invincible. Their sudden arrival made them nearly unstoppable.

It seemed that the Murray Clan was in deep trouble.

“Darkfang?”

Caden’s face changed, filled with apprehension. “Harrison, I admit that you are indeed the most outstanding among us three brothers. However, unfortunately, you have underestimated the depth of the Murray Clan.”

“Do you think that just with a martial arts master, you can sweep through the Murray Clan? If that’s the case, I can only say you’re too naive!”

“Today, I’ll let you witness the true strength of the Murray Clan!”

Suddenly, Caden took a deep breath, activating his internal energy, and shouted loudly, “Murray Clan in crisis! Seeking Ancestor’s aid!”

His voice was like thunder, resonating with a deafening boom. It caused the drinks on the table to ripple and the ears of everyone in the room to ring.

After that shout, some of the key members of the Murray Clan were immediately invigorated.

Few people knew that hidden within the Murray Clan was a top-tier expert referred to as “the Ancestor.”

This person was already a martial arts master many years ago. Although they rarely made appearances, their strength was undoubtedly the pinnacle of the region.

The Ancestor usually secluded themselves in training and never interfered with the affairs of the Murray Clan. Nobody dared to disturb them.

However, now that the Murray Clan was facing a crisis, they had no choice but to invite the Ancestor to suppress the situation.

Believing that as long as the Ancestor intervened, someone like Darkfang from the Valoria wouldn’t even be worth mentioning.

“Harrison! It’s not too late to stop now. Once the Ancestor steps in, your life will be in jeopardy!”

“That’s right! If you stop in time, there’s still a chance for survival. Otherwise, you’ll face certain death!”

Murray members chastised Harrison, trying to convince him to surrender.








Chapter 1129: “Valoria’s Best vs Murray’s Best”

Although Darkfang was formidable, he still fell short compared to the Ancestor.

“Ancestor? Hehe… I’ve heard of your name for a long time, but unfortunately, he can’t help you,” Harrison said calmly.

” Seeking Ancestor’s aid!”

After waiting for half a moment with no response, Caden raised his voice again, shouting towards the back hill.

“Brother, there’s no need to shout. The Ancestor is right here,” Harrison said, taking out a small box from an unknown location and casually tossing it to the ground.

The box popped open, and a bloody head rolled out of it.

The head belonged to an elderly man with white hair all over, a withered face, wide-open eyes filled with shock and unwillingness.

“Ancestor?!”

Seeing this scene, Caden took several steps back in fear, his face filled with horror.

The others also wore expressions of disbelief, their hearts trembling with fear, as if they had seen a ghost.

“How… How is this possible? The Ancestor was such a powerful martial arts master. How could he have died so suddenly? What exactly happened?”

“It’s over! It’s over! With the death of the Ancestor, the Murray Clan is in grave danger!”

The Murray family members were trembling with fear, unable to believe what they were seeing.

They never imagined that the Murray Clan’s greatest trump card, the Ancestor, would die so tragically, his head severed from his body. It was simply inconceivable!

“I have to admit that the Ancestor was indeed powerful, but if it weren’t for our preparations, we might not have been able to kill him,” Harrison said with a faint smile.

At this moment, his smile seemed terrifying to everyone, like that of a demon.

With just his own strength, he had calculated the entire Murray Clan. Such a person was truly terrifying!

“No! It’s impossible!”

Caden shook his head repeatedly, unable to accept it. “The Ancestor was incredibly strong. How could he have been killed by someone like Darkfang from the Valoria?!”

“I never said that only Darkfang was here.”

Harrison said casually, “Don’t you know that Darkfang and Dreadclaw from the Valoria are always together? If Darkfang is here, then where do you think Dreadclaw is?”

“Dreadclaw?”

Caden’s pupils contracted. “Could he also be here?”

Dreadclaw was another martial arts master at the same level as Darkfang, and his strength was unfathomable.

“That’s correct.”

Harrison snapped his fingers.

Another black-clothed figure behind him slowly removed their hood, revealing a mixed-race face.

It was Dreadclaw, a martial arts master from the Valoria!

“If one Darkfang couldn’t handle the Ancestor, then what if we add Dreadclaw to the mix?” Harrison smiled and asked rhetorically.

At this moment, Caden felt as if he had been struck by lightning. His legs gave way, and he collapsed to the ground, his face ashen.

In his eyes, there was only despair.

It was over. It was really over this time.

The Ancestor was dead, and the Murray Clan had no more hidden cards. With two martial arts masters like Darkfang and Dreadclaw here, they had no chance of winning.

It was clear that disaster was looming over the Murray Clan.

At this moment, whether it was the Murray family or the guests, everyone felt a deep sense of despair and helplessness.

No one had ever imagined that the once-mighty Murray Clan would be pushed to the brink of destruction.

“Lord…”

At this moment, Harrison slowly raised his head, his gaze sharp. “All your reliance has been taken away, all your pride has been shattered.”

“Now, I call the shots here. I need you to give me an explanation for what happened back then.”

“Otherwise, from today onwards, the Murray Clan will cease to exist!”








Chapter 1130: “Revelation and Confrontation”

Harrison’s simple words carried an undeniable aura of authority, causing everyone to tremble in fear and unease. Their eyes all turned towards General.

As the highest-ranking and most powerful figure present, the General’s stance would determine the life or death of the entire clan.

“Rebel! You’ve harmed your siblings and brought calamity to the family. Your actions are treasonous, and now you have the audacity to ask me for an explanation? Do you truly see yourself as the victim here?” General sternly rebuked.

He had always believed that Harrison was his best successor. He possessed courage, intelligence, and cunning, and could have led the family to greatness. It was just a pity that his most talented son had strayed down the wrong path, causing a rift between him and the family.

Amidst his anger, there was also deep sorrow.

“Father, you need to understand that everything I’ve done was because of you. If it weren’t for you, pushing my wife to her death, how could I have ended up on this path?” Harrison calmly stated.

“That woman’s death is related to me. Even if it’s true, so what? She deserved to die!” General said coldly.

“She was your daughter-in-law, but you actually think she deserved to die?” Harrison self-mockingly smiled.

“She was my daughter-in-law, but she was also a spy for an enemy nation, an enemy to our Dragonmarsh!” General said sternly. “Do you know how many of our young men have died unjustly on the battlefield because of the existence of such spies?”

“She had repented, and she never harmed anyone. Why? Why won’t you give her a chance?” Harrison suddenly became emotional.

“She didn’t harm anyone else, but she harmed you!”

General slammed the table. “You could have had a promising future, but look at what you’ve become now? Neither human nor ghost, just a disgrace to the Murray Clan!”

He could have supported Harrison’s pursuit of love, even if it meant disregarding social status. Even if she were a beggar, as long as his son was happy, he would have agreed. But being a spy was unacceptable.

“I don’t care about my future. I only want her by my side. I only want her to live!” Harrison’s voice grew more forceful. “It’s you—it’s you who killed her! It’s your fault for killing my wife!”

“Bastard! Don’t you understand? That woman has been plotting against you all along, even in death, she didn’t spare you!” General finally revealed the truth. “I did want to kill her, but I didn’t force her to die. For your sake, I gave her a chance to leave alive. However, this woman was cunning and ruthless. In order to destroy you and strangle the most outstanding heir of the Murray Clan, she didn’t hesitate to use her own life as bait. She set a trap to drive a wedge between us father and son! Our current conflict is all her doing! Wake up! Don’t persist in your ignorance!”

Even until now, he had held onto a glimmer of hope, hoping that his son would see the light.

“Nonsense! You’re lying!”

Harrison erupted in anger, his face twisted with rage. “Fatherl! You forced my wife to her death, and now you’re trying to smear her name. You’re nothing but a beast!”

“Third Brother! Father isn’t lying. I can testify to what happened back then!” Caden spoke up again. “I remember everything clearly from that time. Even though that woman was a spy, for your sake, Father still spared her life. It’s just that we never expected that she would willingly seek death and set up a trap to drive a wedge between us father and son! It’s truly insane!”

“That’s right! We can all testify!”

At this moment, the Murray family members chimed in one after another.

The events from back then had indeed been a misunderstanding or, more accurately, a trap laid by that woman to sow discord.

It had led to the current situation where father and son were in conflict.

“Shut up! All of you shut up!”

Harrison roared repeatedly, his expression becoming particularly fierce. “You’re all a nest of vipers. Of course, you would speak up for General! If it weren’t for your persistent coercion, how could my wife have been willing to leave me? You hypocritical pseudo-gentlemen! Today, I will make you all pay for your actions!”

With that, he waved his hand forcefully. “Bring them all into custody!”

Chapter 1131 Stepping forward

“Got it!”

Immediately, a group of thugs pulled out their weapons and menacingly approached.

The Murray family members were in a state of panic and quickly huddled together.

They had been pampered since childhood, always protected by soldiers wherever they went. Now, facing this situation, they were somewhat at a loss.

“Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh…”

At this critical moment, a row of silver needles suddenly shot out.

The dozen or so thugs who charged forward were frozen in place, unable to move. Their weapons remained suspended in the air.

“Who did that? Who’s playing tricks in the dark?”

Harrison’s face darkened as he scanned the area with sharp eyes.

“It’s me.”

Dustin slowly stood up, instantly drawing everyone’s attention.

The general’s residence was in a declined morale, and in this situation, the guests on the scene were all in danger and dared not interfere.

No one had expected that someone would dare to step forward.

“Who are you?”

Harrison scrutinized him from top to bottom, looking somewhat suspicious.

“I’m a guest of the general’s residence,” Dustin said casually.

“I have debts to collect, and this matter has nothing to do with you. Mind your own business,” warned Harrison.

“I owe the old general a favor, and today, I can’t just stand by and watch,” Dustin said with a slight shake of his head.

“Young man, it’s good to know how to repay a debt, but it’s equally crucial to speak within the bounds of one’s abilities. If you’re powerless and still want to be brave, you’ll only have one path: death!” Harrison said with a cold expression.

“I’ve heard of the names of the Darkfang and Dreadclaw from the Valoria. Today, I want to give it a try,” Dustin said, clasping his hands together, looking ready for a showdown.

Seeing this scene, everyone was stunned.

“Oh my God! Is this guy insane? He’s actually challenging a martial arts master. Doesn’t he care about his life?” Vivian widened her eyes, finding it hard to believe.

“Humph! What a fool! Thinks he’s tough just because he knows a bit of martial arts? Daring to challenge a master-level expert? He’s simply seeking his own death!” Chase sneered.

“A nail that sticks out gets hammered down (is a saying that emphasizes conformity and the potential consequences of standing out or challenging the norm). This kid is just looking for trouble!”

People whispered among themselves, amazed.

No one had expected Dustin to be so audacious. Not only did he ignore warnings, but he also openly provoked a martial arts master.

He’s like a mantis trying to stop a car, utterly clueless!

“Humph! Since you enjoy seeking death, I’ll grant your wish!” Harrison signaled, “Darkfang, take care of him!”

“No problem!”

Darkfang grinned, mocking as he walked forward, crossing his arms and looking down on Dustin. “Kid, don’t say I bullied you. I’ll let you throw three punches first, and if you…”

“Alright.”

Before Darkfang could finish, Dustin’s fists shot out like lightning, landing squarely on Darkfang’s abdomen.

“Boom!”

A loud explosion.

Darkfang instantly curled up like a shrimp, his whole body soaring ten meters away, crashing heavily onto the ground, leaving a deep pit where he knelt.

Darkfang’s face twisted in pain, trembling as he pointed a finger at Dustin.

“You… You’re not playing fair!”

With those words, he spat out a mouthful of blood and passed out on the spot.







Chapter 1132 Dragon-Binding Rope

Silence.

The entire banquet hall suddenly fell silent.

As they watched Darkfang being sent flying by a single punch, everyone was dumbfounded.

Who was Darkfang?

A renowned powerhouse from the Valoria, a true martial arts master.

And yet, he had just been knocked down by a single punch from Dustin?

How was that even possible?!

“Oh my God! This kid is actually so formidable? Is it real?”

“Even though he looks kinda slim, his strength is seriously off the charts!.”

“You can’t judge a book by its cover!”

After a brief silence, the entire scene erupted into a commotion.

They had initially thought Dustin was looking for trouble, but now they realized that he had been hiding his true strength.

“Could it be? Is this kid a martial arts master?” Caden’s face was filled with shock.

He had just witnessed how powerful Darkfang was. In just one move, he had been defeated without any resistance.

And now, Dustin had managed to defeat Darkfang. In other words, he was at least at the master level!

Because only a martial arts master could defeat another martial arts master.

Although this was the case, the result was still incredibly shocking.

A martial arts master in his early twenties was an extraordinary phenomenon!

He was a cut above the rest in the entire Balermo region!

Thinking back to their previous contempt and disdain, Caden felt his scalp tingle.

If they could get through this crisis today, he would have to reevaluate their relationship.

“Pff, what’s the big deal? It’s all just sneaky tricks! Without Dustin’s surprise attack, there’s no way he could’ve taken down Darkfang!”
Chase quickly regained his composure after a momentary daze and wore a look of disbelief.

“Totally! He wasn’t ready, and this dude blindsided him with no honor whatsoever. It’s downright disgraceful!” Vivian also raised doubts.

In their view, Dustin had only managed to defeat Darkfang because of the sneak attack, catching him off guard.

Such behavior was utterly deplorable and lacked the dignity of a martial arts master.

Chase and Vivian’s words stirred up suspicion among the crowd.

Regardless, it was true that Dustin had launched the sneak attack first, and even if he won, it was not a honorable victory.

“I gotta admit, I didn’t see this coming from the General’s Residence. My bad for underestimating you” Harrison sized Dustin up and his expression grew more solemn.

Ordinary people might not understand, but he was well aware.

Dustin’s earlier punch had clearly demonstrated the strength of a martial arts master.

Because ordinary martial artists couldn’t break through Darkfang’s defense at all.

So even if it was a sneak attack, it still wouldn’t have harmed Darkfang in the slightest.

Dustin’s ability to defeat Darkfang with a single punch indicated his formidable strength.

” Hah, if you’re in the mood for a death wish, I’m happy to oblige!” Harrison said calmly, ” Hey there, don’t think too highly of yourself, young man. I’ve been scheming for five whole years. How do you reckon you can dismantle my plans all on your own?”

“What? Do you have any more cards to play?” Dustin asked in return.

” You wanna see my ultimate move? Well, buckle up, ’cause I’m about to show you!”

Harrison said as he suddenly raised his hand.

A fist-sized black sphere shot out from his sleeve, heading straight for Dustin’s face.

Dustin narrowed his eyes and threw a punch.

“Boom!”

A loud explosion as the black sphere was instantly shattered.

However, in the moment of its explosion, a golden net burst forth from within.

The golden net swiftly and silently ensnared Dustin, then spun to lock him in place, rendering him completely immobilized.

“Hmm?” Dustin furrowed his brows and attempted to struggle, but he was surprised to find that he couldn’t break free from the golden net’s grip.

“This… is the Dragon-Binding Rope?!”

Chapter 1133 Trapped

Dustin quickly realized the gravity of the situation, his face showing deep concern.

Something capable of restraining a martial arts master was exceedingly rare, and the Dragon-Binding Rope was one such example.

Rumors had it that the Dragon-Binding Rope was incredibly tough, resistant to blades and swords, impervious to water and fire. Even a martial arts master bound by it would be helpless, only able to await their fate.

However, this item was under the control of the Martial Law Bureau and was unattainable for ordinary people.

“That’s right, this large net is woven with the Dragon-Binding Rope, specifically designed to deal with martial arts experts like you,” Harrison admitted openly, “Originally, I had it as a precaution, but it looks like it has come in handy now. So, who do you think will win?”

Below the Grandmaster level, no matter who it was, once they were bound by the Dragon-Binding Rope, even if they had extraordinary abilities, it would be of no use.

“Oh no! Dustin is trapped by the Dragon-Binding Rope, and now there’s no one to stop Dreadclaw!” Caden’s face turned pale.

Dustin’s sudden burst of strength had given him a glimmer of hope, but he hadn’t expected that Harrison still had an ace up his sleeve.

“Damn, it’s truly beyond redemption now,” sighed the Murray family members. The faint glimmer of hope that had just arisen had quickly turned into despair.

“General Murray, no one can help you now,” Harrison’s gaze shifted to his own father, and he said coldly, “I’ll give you two options. Either apologize to my deceased wife, or I’m gonna tear down the whole General’s Residence!”

“You fool! You’re toying with your own destruction!” General Murray bellowed, “Even if I’m mistaken, I’ll never say sorry to a spy like her!”

“Don’t force me!” Harrison’s voice was filled with anger, gritting his teeth.

“You’re the one pushing me to this!” General Murray’s face showed unwavering resolve. “To defend a woman like her, you’re willing to defy the entire family. You’ve truly gone insane!”

“Shut up! I won’t allow you to insult her!”

Harrison roared and rushed forward with his sword.

At this moment, he had completely lost his reason and swung his sword without mercy.

“Clang!”

Harrison’s fierce strike landed heavily on General Murray’s shoulder after tearing through his clothes, but it was blocked by General Murray’s armor, unable to penetrate.

“You idiot! You’re actually going to kill me!”

General Murray’s expression darkened, his eyes filled with raging fury.

Harrison was about to pull back his sword but was stopped by General Murray, who held his hand firmly.

“Dreadclaw! Attack!”

Unable to withdraw his sword, Harrison shouted.

“Die!”

Dreadclaw leaped forward, pouncing on General Murray like a hungry tiger, his fingertips surrounded by a powerful aura capable of cutting through steel.

If he grabbed hold of someone, it would surely open them up and spill their guts.

“General, be careful!”

“Quick! Protect the General!”

Many people’s faces turned pale.

Although many warriors rushed forward, they couldn’t match Dreadclaw’s speed and could only watch as General Murray faced imminent danger.

“It’s over. The General is as good as dead!”

Many people closed their eyes unwillingly.

How could an elderly general withstand the attack of a martial arts master?

“Sky Sword!”

Suddenly, Dustin roared, and a black sword descended from the sky at an astonishing speed.

It pierced through the roof and slashed towards Dreadclaw like a bolt of lightning.

Despite its incredible speed, it was still too late, and everyone believed the situation was hopeless.

But just as everyone thought the battle was lost—

General Murray unexpectedly took action. With unbelievable speed, he grabbed Dreadclaw’s neck, lifting him into the air.

Then, in front of Dreadclaw’s terrified gaze, he suddenly squeezed.

“Snap!”

Dreadclaw’s head tilted to the side, instantly dying.




Chapter 1134 True Strength Revelation

“Ah?”

Dustin was stunned.

Caden was stunned.

Harrison was stunned too.

The members of the Murray family, along with all the guests present, were all wide-eyed and wore expressions of disbelief.

When Dreadclaw launched his attack, they all thought that General Murray was in grave danger.

Because a martial arts master could easily kill an elderly man like General Murray, it would be as simple as cutting vegetables, requiring no effort at all.

However, none of them had expected that the final outcome would be the complete opposite.

Not only did Dreadclaw fail to harm General Murray, but he also lost his own life.

Moreover, General Murray didn’t even spare a glance, simply grabbing Dreadclaw, suspending him in mid-air, and then crushing his neck with a single hand.

The ease with which he did it made it seem as if he had killed not a martial arts master, but a mere chick.

“I… I must be seeing things, right? Dreadclaw… actually died?”

“Oh my god! One move to instantly kill a martial arts master? Isn’t that too powerful?”

“So, the old General is the one who’s truly been hiding his strength. We were blind!”

After a brief silence, the scene erupted into an uproar.

Looking at the imposing General Murray, everyone’s minds were in shock, and their expressions were filled with indescribable astonishment.

They had never imagined that an almost eighty-year-old General like General Murray would still possess such incredible power.

It was simply inconceivable.

“Hah! You think too highly of yourself!” General Murray scoffed, effortlessly holding Dreadclaw with one hand and nonchalantly tossing him aside, a look of disdain etched across his face. There was a loud “bang” as Dreadclaw’s corpse crashed to the ground, splattering blood.

“How… how is this even possible? Are you really a martial arts expert?” Harrison stammered, his fear causing him to retreat a few paces, his face displaying sheer disbelief.

In his memory, he had never seen General Murray take action.

Even when he was ambushed and assassinated, he had never revealed his true strength.

He had always thought that his father’s martial arts skills were not that high.

However, now he realized he was wrong, and very wrong at that.

The true ace of the Murray clan was not “the Ancestor”, but his father, General Christopher Murray!

“Did you believe I rose to the rank of Grand Marshal by chance?” General Murray’s countenance turned icy, his gaze piercing. “After decades of warfare on the battlefield, hundreds of battles fought, if I didn’t possess a certain level of strength, would I even be alive today?”

“You… you’ve deceived us for decades!” Harrison gritted his teeth, feeling unwilling.

“I’ve been fighting against villains, not school kids,” General Murray declared loudly. “For all these years, I’ve hidden my true strength to give all of you a chance, to let you shine, because I didn’t want any of you to live in my shadow!”

The position of the Dragonmarsh’s Protector General was extremely rare, from ancient times to the present. To reach the same level as the Protector General was like trying to climb to the heavens.

In other words, as long as he held the position and wielded power, his three sons would never have a chance to rise.

Thus, he had voluntarily retreated into the background, choosing early retirement in the hope that his sons would climb onto his shoulders and reach greater heights.

In fact, his youngest son, Harrison, could have inherited the position of the General.

Sadly, he had strayed from the right path and squandered his once-promising life.

“That’s it! Spare me your lofty rhetoric. If you genuinely cared about me, you wouldn’t have pushed my wife to her death!” Harrison bellowed in fury.

Chapter 1135 The Unleashing of Deadly Warriors

“Come on, are you seriously going to stand your ground on this?” General Murray snapped. “That woman has been deceiving you from the beginning; she’s out to ruin you. Why put your faith in her instead of your own family?”

“Shut up! I severed all ties with you folks five years ago, and that’s final!” Harrison’s face contorted with menace.

“You… you’re beyond stubborn!” General Murray seethed with anger.

He had explained everything he needed to, said his piece, and yet, he couldn’t fathom why Harrison refused to listen.

“General Murray! I admit, I underestimated you and your household, but if you think you’ve got this all figured out, you’re dead wrong!”

Harrison gave a sinister grin and pulled a whistle from his pocket, blowing it with force.

“Woo-oo!”

Following the sharp whistle, there was an immediate commotion outside.

A group of heavily armored, burly guards burst into the room, exuding an intimidating aura far greater than the previous goons.

Their presence was overwhelming and sent shivers down spines.

“This is a team of elite warriors I’ve spent five years molding. Each one of them has been handpicked and battle-hardened!”

“Especially their armor, forged from top-grade mystic iron. It’s impervious to blades and flames, capable of withstanding even the attacks of martial arts masters.”

“I know they can’t kill you, but as soon as I give the order, these warriors will unleash indiscriminate carnage!”

“At that moment, everyone in this banquet hall will meet their end!”

Harrison laughed wildly, looking somewhat unhinged.

At this point, he was prepared for a scenario of mutual destruction. Even if he couldn’t harm Christopher directly, he was determined to bring down the entire Murray family with him.

He yearned for General Murray to feel remorse, to taste the bitterness of losing his loved ones.

“What on earth! Is this guy out of his mind? Why is he pulling us into this? This is a family matter; they should handle it themselves!”

“Yeah! Whatever’s happening with the Murrays, we shouldn’t be dragged into it!”

“If we had known we’d get caught up in such a mess, we wouldn’t have come to celebrate today.”

Due to Harrison’s words, the guests at the scene trembled in fear, their faces paled.

They had initially come as spectators, mere onlookers.

Now, with the arrival of these warriors, the balance was shattered, and they were all inadvertently pulled into the chaos.

It was akin to gods locked in combat, while mortals bore the brunt of their strife.

“Are you attempting to intimidate me?” General Murray surveyed the room, his tone frigid. “Do you believe a group of warriors like these can wipe out the entire Murray lineage?”

“You can take as many lives as you please, but remember this: I’ll turn the entire Murray estate into a relentless nightmare!” Harrison’s determination was unwavering.

“You’re far too naive. The General’s household has endured for countless years; do you truly think its strength is merely skin-deep?”

General Murray shook his head, his expression clouded with disappointment. “Today, I’ll unveil the true power concealed within the Murrays!”

With that, he casually clapped his hands.

*Clap, clap, clap…*

As the clapping reverberated, the banquet hall quivered.

In unison, the roof was violently ripped apart.

Dozens of assassins dressed in black, their faces concealed by masks, suddenly descended from the heavens, landing in front of the warriors.


And then, before anyone could react, these enigmatic black-clad assassins transformed into swift streaks of shadows, seamlessly weaving through the ranks of the warriors.

Like a whisper of wind drifting by, utterly soundless.

When the black-clad assassins stood still again, each one was holding a bloody severed head.






Chapter 1136 The Explosive Showdown

These black-clad assassins appeared out of nowhere, taking everyone entirely by surprise.

From their sudden arrival to the lightning-fast assault and its abrupt resolution, it all unfolded in the blink of an eye.

People couldn’t believe it; it was as if they had blinked, and Harrison’s meticulously groomed warriors had already been beheaded.

The entire process was unbelievably fast, leaving everyone unable to react.

*Clang, clang, clang…*

Accompanied by the sound of metal clashing, all of Harrison’s dead warriors fell to the ground, lifeless and in pieces.

They were no match whatsoever.

After dealing with the dead warriors, these black-clad assassins held severed heads and stood silently on both sides, awaiting further orders.

“What?!”

Watching all of his meticulously trained dead warriors fall, Harrison was struck dumbfounded, frozen on the spot.

No matter how he had calculated, he hadn’t foreseen that within the General’s household, such a terrifying force remained hidden.

In just an instant, they had decimated all his warriors, a feat almost beyond belief.

“Harrison, you’ve overestimated yourself and underestimated the might of the General’s household.”

General Murray advanced steadily, stating, “Do you truly believe that after plotting for five years, you can bring down the Murrays? Have you ever considered the decades of legacy behind our family?”

“All your tricks and schemes are mere child’s play in my eyes. Do you think I’m unaware of your covert activities? Do you believe your planted agents can escape my scrutiny?”

“I’ve seen through all your actions; I simply chose not to expose them. I hope you can wake up in time, I hope you can find your way back and mend your ways.”

“Harrison, please, put an end to this. If you surrender now and truly repent, I can pretend that today never occurred. You’re still my son, the heir of the Murray family. Promise me, okay?”

At this juncture, General Murray extended his hand slowly, his face reflecting a mix of hope and reluctance.

Blood is thicker than water, and Harrison was still his son, no matter what. Even in the face of grave mistakes, as long as he was willing to reform, General Murray would wholeheartedly provide him with protection.

“Hehehe…”

Out of nowhere, Harrison chuckled, a blend of self-deprecation and sarcasm. “General Murray, don’t play games with me. Do you really believe that saying all of this now serves any purpose? It’s a matter of victory or defeat, and I don’t require your sympathy or pity!”

“Harrison, why subject yourself to this? It’s not too late; as long as you turn back now, everything can start anew,” General Murray implored sincerely.

“Start anew? How can I start anew? Can you bring my wife back from the dead? Don’t be absurd!”

Harrison sneered malevolently. “General Murray, I concede, but even in defeat, I’ll take a few down with me. I want you to live with regret for the rest of your days!”

With that, he abruptly opened his clothing, revealing the explosives strapped to his body.

“Harrison, don’t do anything reckless!”

At this moment, General Murray’s expression finally shifted.

The others in the hall were even more horrified, hastily retreating.

Who could have imagined that Harrison had so many explosives on him?

This was a scenario of mutual destruction unfolding!

“Hahaha… All of you can go to hell!”

Harrison laughed loudly and pressed the detonation button.

“No!”

General Murray rushed forward, but just as his fingers were about to touch Harrison, the explosives detonated with a deafening blast.

*Boom!*

A thunderous explosion.

Harrison was torn apart on the spot, and a powerful shockwave emanated from his body, rapidly spreading in all directions.

General Murray, who had rushed forward, was lifted off his feet by the shockwave and spit out a mouthful of blood.

Those guests who were closer to the explosion were torn apart by the energy, blood spraying everywhere.

Chapter 1137: The Echoes of Revenge

The explosion sent guests sprawling, with some suffering severe injuries and others meeting an instant demise.

In the horrifying aftermath of the blast, the entire banquet hall was transformed into a flattened wasteland.

The air resounded with cries of anguish, and bloodied remnants were strewn about.

“Son!”

General Murray, his face a portrait of anguish, paid no mind to his own injuries. He urgently rushed to the heart of the explosion amidst the wreckage, desperately searching.

Yet, his relentless quest only unveiled the shattered remnants of Harrison.

The explosion had obliterated Harrison into an unrecognizable mass.

The most intact part was a half-bloodied, blurred head.

” Harrison! My dear son!”

General Murray held the broken remains, tears streaming uncontrollably. “Why? Why did you do this? Why did you act so recklessly? Why?”

He couldn’t fathom, nor could he accept, that Harrison had resorted to such an extreme measure.

For revenge, he had even forsaken his own life.

General Murray was overcome by anguish, regret, anger, but above all, despair.

His most cherished son was gone, and his most promising successor was lost.

The entire General’s residence lay in ruins.

And the cause of all this devastation traced back to a woman’s gambit five years ago, a scheme that had sown the seeds of this catastrophe.

This… was the embodiment of a heart driven by ruthless vengeance!

Just as General Murray sobbed, holding his son’s lifeless body, a ghostly figure suddenly crept near.

With astonishing speed, utterly silent, and drowned by the surrounding wails, the figure remained undetectable.

“General, watch out!”

Dustin, having just looked up, witnessed the scene and immediately shouted a warning.

“Boom!”

Before the words could leave his lips, the figure struck General Murray with a thunderous blow to his back.

“Splurt!”

General Murray spat out a mouthful of blood, hurtling over ten meters before crashing heavily to the ground.

The recent explosion, combined with the shock of his son’s death, had shattered his mental defenses, leaving him severely vulnerable. He had no chance to react to the sudden assault.

“Who… who are you?”

General Murray struggled to his feet, a whirlwind of shock and anger churning within him.

The assailant’s attack had been ruthless and overwhelmingly powerful, shattering the majority of his meridians and leaving him in a critically weakened state.

“Hehehe… Old friend, after all these years, we meet again,” a hoarse laugh accompanied the appearance of a short, elderly man in traditional Japanese attire, emerging from the lingering smoke and dust.

His wooden clogs resonated with a distinct “clang-clang-clang” as he advanced.

“Tatsuharu Yamamoto?”

Upon closer scrutiny, General Murray’s countenance grew even darker. “So, it’s you, you old dog!”

The newcomer was none other than Tatsuharu Yamamoto, the patriarch of the Tatsuharu Family and one of the ten Sword Saints of the Kingdom of the Golden Phoenix.

“Old friend, despite the years apart, it seems you still remember me,” Tatsuharu Yamamoto smiled, but his eyes betrayed a chilling coldness.

“Hmph! I’d recognize you even if I were reduced to ashes. Tell me, after I crippled your legs thirty years ago, do you dare to set foot on Dragonmarsh’s territory now?”

“When it comes to the events of thirty years ago, I remember them vividly. I couldn’t bear that humiliation, which is why I’ve come for revenge today,” Tatsuharu Yamamoto smirked. “Of course, I’m a generous person. I won’t let you leave this world alone. I’ll wipe out your entire family, and your loved ones will accompany you in death. How’s that for a surprise?”







Chapter 1138: The Revelations of Vengeance


“Yamamoto, you old schemer! Do you truly believe you can cause chaos here?” General Murray gradually straightened his posture, his gaze brimming with lethal intent. “Thirty years ago, I could knock you into the dirt, and I’m just as capable of it today.”

“Old friend, don’t overestimate yourself. You might deceive others, but you can’t deceive me,” Yamamoto sneered, shaking his head. “After years of warfare, your body is littered with scars, and with the recent explosion and my full-strength blow, you’re gravely wounded. I doubt you can even stand steadily now.”

“If you doubt me, go ahead and try,” General Murray challenged, assuming a defensive posture.

Tatsuharu Yamamoto assessed him from head to toe, refraining from an immediate attack. Instead, he persisted in taunting, “Old friend, how does it feel? Losing your son must be devastating, isn’t it? For the past five years, I’ve covertly invested significant effort in grooming him, but it appears it wasn’t sufficient.”

“So, it was you, you old schemer, who orchestrated all of this!” General Murray clenched his teeth, his breathing becoming rapid. “There are reasons for grievances, and you could have come after me. But why drag my son into this?”

“Hehehe… To confront you directly would be too difficult, so I had to exploit your weaknesses. Your youngest son, Harrison, was your biggest weakness.” Yamamoto grinned. “Oh, by the way, I forgot to mention something. Harrison’s wife, the woman who hung herself in the General’s residence five years ago, she—she was my daughter!”

“You… What did you say?” General Murray trembled, finding it hard to believe.

“How does it feel? Quite a surprise, isn’t it?” Tatsuharu Yamamoto laughed even more joyfully. “To get back at you, I deliberately had my daughter get close to your son, enThompsonling him in a love affair. When the time was right, I ordered my daughter to hang herself, setting up the stage for your father and son to turn against each other. This plan was just too perfect!”

“You despicable wretch!” General Murray seethed. “For the sake of revenge, you didn’t spare even your own daughter. Have you no humanity left?”

“What does a daughter matter? In our Kingdom, women are treated as commodities, expendable at any moment. My daughter willingly sacrificed herself for my revenge scheme; it was a matter of honor. Besides, she succeeded and fulfilled her purpose.” Yamamoto remained callous and indifferent.

To achieve great things, one must be ruthless.

What did it matter if he lost a daughter?

“You despicable scum! I’ll kill you!” General Murray’s eyes bulged, and he lunged forward, delivering a palm strike towards Yamamoto.

Yamamoto’s eyes narrowed, and he retaliated with a palm strike of his own.

The iron palms of the two grandmasters clashed in mid-air.

“Boom!”

A thunderous explosion reverberated.

Fierce energy erupted, and a shockwave of internal energy (energy) burst forth from the point of collision, violently knocking down those unfortunate souls nearby, causing them to crash heavily onto the ground and cough up blood.

“Creak!”

Yamamoto was pushed back by the collision, sliding more than ten meters away, leaving deep marks on the ground from his feet.

In contrast, General Murray, after retreating two steps, stabilized his stance.

The difference in strength was clear.

“Die!”

As General Murray prepared to strike again, his body suddenly shuddered. With a violent “wretch,” he spat out a large mouthful of blood.

His entire body wobbled, and he nearly fell to the ground.

Already severely injured, forcing his internal energy (energy) had only worsened his condition.

“Hahahaha…”

Seeing this, Yamamoto couldn’t help but burst into laughter. “Old friend, it seems you’re no longer capable.”

Fortunately, the opponent had been injured earlier; otherwise, he might not have been able to withstand that last strike.

“You vile and shameless creature!” General Murray clenched his teeth, feeling his energy and blood churning, rendering him weak all over.

Chapter 1139: The Hostage Drama

Moments ago, Yamamoto had clearly provoked him intentionally, baiting him into launching an attack to gauge his actual power. Now, he didn’t even have the opportunity to mount a counteroffensive.

“Old friend, in victory or defeat, you have already lost. Today is the day of your death,” Yamamoto grinned. “But before you die, I want you to watch your descendants be slaughtered!”

Saying this, he snapped his fingers.

“Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh…”

In the next moment, a large number of ninjas emerged from underground. These ninjas were meticulously trained assassins of the Tatsuharu Family, each of them highly skilled. Not only were they powerful, but they were also masters of assassination techniques. They appeared like ghosts, making it difficult to defend against.

“Hold them off!” General Murray roared.

The black-clad assassins of the Murray family immediately drew their swords and rushed forward. Although they were outnumbered, they were much more skilled, and facing multiple opponents was not a problem for them.

However, the ninjas from the Kingdom of the Golden Phoenix kept coming, and as soon as one was killed, another would immediately emerge from underground. For a while, the two forces were deadlocked.

“Stop! Stop all of you! Otherwise, I’ll kill her!”

At this moment, a loud voice rang out. Tatsuharu Nakamura, who was among the crowd, suddenly walked out, grabbing Shiela and placing a knife against her throat.

“Shiela?!” General Murray’s face immediately changed.

The members of the Murray family were equally stunned and incensed. The previous explosion had reduced the entire banquet hall to rubble, and the ensuing mayhem had diverted everyone’s attention, preventing them from noticing Nakamura’s moves. It was inconceivable that this individual had concealed himself among the guests, covertly snatched Shiela, and was now using her as a hostage.

Now, even if they wanted to resist, they had to be careful not to provoke him further.

“Nakamura! You have some nerve to hold my daughter hostage! Release her immediately!” Caden was furious.

Just earlier, the two sides had reached an agreement to cooperate in dealing with Dustin. They had not expected Nakamura to turn on them so suddenly.

“Caden, don’t attempt to intimidate me. The Murray family is already on the brink, and it’s now the Tatsuharu Family that’s in control!” Nakamura sneered. “Now, swiftly command your people to disarm or I’ll kill her!”

As he spoke, he lightly lifted the blade, piercing Shiela’s skin.

A thin stream of blood flowed down her fair neck.

“Hahaha… My grandson truly doesn’t disappoint! Excellent job!” Tatsuharu Yamamoto erupted in laughter once more.

In a direct confrontation, even if they emerged victorious, the painstakingly cultivated strength of his own family would incur substantial losses. However, with Tatsuharu Nakamura holding Shiela as a hostage, he could compel them to capitulate entirely without resorting to combat.

“Why? Aren’t you supposed to be Garrett’s friend? Why are you doing this?” Shiela found it hard to believe.

“Friend?” Tatsuharu Nakamura chuckled, his tone mocking. “Shiela, do you have a problem with your brain? I’m from the Kingdom of the Golden Phoenix, and you’re from the Dragonmarsh. How could we ever be friends?”

“What about last night?” Shiela was puzzled.

“Hehehe… Shiela, can’t you see it now?” Nakamura sneered. “Last night, I kidnapped you to use as leverage against Dustin.”

“I just didn’t expect that when the truth came out, Garrett would actually speak up for me and deliberately slander Dustin. I can only say that you Dragonmarsh people never change. You always fight amongst yourselves. It’s because of this that you gave me the opportunity.”

With these words, Shiela was thunderstruck, frozen in place.






Chapter 1140 Deceptions and Lies

“What… What did you say?”

Shiela was utterly bewildered, struggling to grasp the situation. “You… You kidnapped me? Is this some kind of sick joke?”

“That’s correct, we all deceived you,” Nakamura admitted bluntly. “But you can attribute it to your own naivety. You lacked the discernment to separate truth from falsehood. A few casual remarks, and you took them to heart. Utterly gullible!”

“So… I misunderstood Dustin? I misjudged him?” Shiela quivered, tears brimming in her eyes, overwhelmed by profound regret.

She had never anticipated that the reality would be so different. She had believed that her cousin wouldn’t deceive her, that her closest friends wouldn’t betray her trust, and that Dustin was genuinely up to no good. Yet, Nakamura’s recent revelations made her suddenly realize that everything she had believed was a fabrication.

Garrett had duped her, her closest friends had lied to her, and only Dustin had been sincerely attempting to rescue her, to assist her. But she not only failed to recognize it but had even attempted to expel him from her household.

What had she been thinking? How could she have been so misled, so foolish?

“Why? Why did you all deceive me?” Shiela turned her gaze toward Chase and Vivian, her expression marked by doubt and bewilderment.

She couldn’t fathom why her closest friends would deceive her.

…

Under the weight of Shiela’s accusatory stare, Chase, Vivian, and the others lowered their heads, their silence speaking volumes. They hadn’t anticipated Nakamura’s brazen challenge to the General’s Residence, which had shattered their carefully constructed facade.

“Dustin, I’m so sorry… I never expected things to turn out like this,” Shiela said to Dustin amid the onlooking crowd, her cheeks continuously wet with tears. She felt ashamed, full of regret, burdened with pain, and deeply self-reproachful.

She had always despised those who repaid kindness with malice, yet she had become one of them.

“Madam Shiela, this isn’t the time for such words. Our immediate concern is to ensure our survival,” Dustin replied, shaking his head gently.

He harbored no resentment toward Shiela, but their friendship could never be the same again. Some wounds were irreparable.

“Dustin, Brother…” Shiela attempted to explain but found herself at a loss for words. She could keenly perceive that his gaze had shifted, becoming unfamiliar and devoid of its former warmth.

“Enough! Stop chattering here. Call everyone to drop their weapons immediately, or I’ll kill her!” Nakamura impatiently threatened, pressing his blade against Shiela’s wound, causing blood to drip ominously.

“Hold it! I caution you not to make any rash moves! If my daughter is harmed in any way, I promise you’ll meet a horrific demise!” Caden thundered.

“Now, I have the hostage. I dictate the terms. I’ll begin counting to three, and if you don’t lower your weapons, I’ll sever her arm first!” Nakamura threatened once more.

“Old man Yamamoto, if your grandson dares to harm my granddaughter, even if I have to stake my life, I’ll kill him!” General Murray declared sternly.

“Old friend, your own life is hanging by a thread, and you’re still concerned about so much?” Yamamoto sneered.

General Murray, despite his grave injuries, maintained a watchful stance, apprehensive that Nakamura might make a rash move.

“Three…” Nakamura began counting.

“Wretch! You dare!” Caden shouted.

“Two…” Nakamura remained undaunted.

“Caden, release the Dragon-Binding Rope for me, and I can rescue your daughter,” Dustin suddenly interjected.

Previously restrained by the Dragon-Binding Rope, he couldn’t move freely unless he resorted to forcefully activating his secret technique, rendering escape nearly impossible.

“You? What makes you believe you can rescue her?” Caden furrowed his brow.