Handover

Dustin did not deny Hongniang’s words.

At first, he had thought that Li Juntang might use this opportunity to cause trouble or find a reason to keep him under house arrest, preventing him from leaving.

Unexpectedly, Li Juntang didn’t make a single move --- in fact, he even handed over Hongniang, a great beauty on the Rouge List, without hesitation.

Such an attitude clearly suggested a desire to make peace.

Whether or not there were hidden motives, at least on the surface, this was a favorable outcome.

“Forget it, I’ll deal with it later.”

Dustin didn’t dwell on it too much and simply took Hongniang and left the residence.

Time was tight, and he couldn’t afford too many distractions.

He needed to use the Dragon Source Qi to enhance his cultivation before the two Divine Kings of the Temple of the Gods appeared, as per Margaret’s method.

…

A short while later.

Inside a moving luxury car.

Dustin leaned back against the cushion, gazing out the window at the scenery flashing by, his expression somewhat pensive.

Beside him, Hongniang sat gracefully in a red dress. She tilted her head slightly, a hint of apprehension and hope in her eyes as she spoke softly,
“Master Rhys, I have no home to return to now. From now on, I can only follow you.”

Dustin frowned slightly upon hearing this and turned to look at her. She had her head lowered, lashes casting shadows beneath her eyes. Her rosy lips were gently pursed --- she looked truly pitiful.

He couldn’t help but feel a headache coming on. Hongniang was clever and calculating, and he still didn’t know what Li Juntang was really planning. Bringing her along might cause more trouble than he could handle.

But thinking back to how she had helped him before, he found it hard to be cold-hearted and abandon her.

“Miss Hongniang, I’m a wanderer with no fixed home. I have enemies everywhere in the martial world. Following me would put you in grave danger --- it’s really not suitable,” Dustin said, shaking his head.

“Master Rhys, are you trying to send me away? Back in Li Juntang’s residence, I may have seemed glamorous, but I was like a caged bird --- trapped and bound. I finally escaped that bitter sea, and I was overjoyed to think I could follow you. I didn’t expect you to be so heartless.”

Hongniang lifted her tearful eyes to gaze at him, her voice trembling with emotion.

She truly looked pitiable.

“Miss Hongniang, you misunderstand. I’m not trying to drive you away. It’s just that the current situation is complicated, and I’m constantly facing dangers. I’m afraid it would drag you into this,” Dustin quickly explained.

A flicker of slyness flashed through Hongniang’s eyes, but she continued to play the role of a fragile woman, moving closer to Dustin and softly saying,
“Master Rhys, I’m not afraid of trouble. From the moment I first laid eyes on you, I knew you were no ordinary man. You have great ambition and bearing. I am willing to follow you, to help you through thick and thin, even if it means walking through fire.”

Her voice was gentle and sweet, laced with a subtle allure. Her warm breath lightly brushed Dustin’s face, creating an increasingly ambiguous atmosphere.

Dustin leaned back slightly, widening the distance between them. He coughed twice and said,
“Miss Hongniang, things aren’t as simple as you think. The troubles I face are far worse than those in Li Juntang’s territory. Still, I’m not an ungrateful man. You helped me, and I’ll find you a safe place to stay. I’ll also give you enough gold and silver to ensure you live the rest of your life in comfort.”

Seeing his reaction, Hongniang didn’t push any further. She simply nodded and said,
“I’ll leave everything to your discretion, Master Rhys.”

She understood well that forcing things with words would only backfire.

Although she was drawn to an outstanding young man like Dustin, they were ultimately little more than strangers brought together by chance.

She wouldn’t debase herself by clinging shamelessly.

With her beauty and wit, finding a bright future with a good man wouldn’t be difficult.

Of course, if there was ever a chance to win Dustin over, she would still try.

After all, to be regarded so highly by Li Juntang --- such young talents were few and far between even in all of Stonia.

Half an hour later, the car finally stopped at the entrance of a luxury hotel.

This property belonged to Margaret and had official backing, making it the perfect place to arrange temporary lodging for Hongniang.

At the very least, it would help avoid unnecessary trouble.

After all, as a renowned beauty on the Rouge List, Hongniang attracted attention wherever she went. Without the protection of some powerful background, it would be difficult to fend off unwanted advances.

Once she was settled, Dustin took the car again, heading for the Sun-Moon Tower.

He had already agreed with Margaret to meet there immediately after completing his mission.

Fifteen minutes later, the car arrived at the entrance of the Sun-Moon Tower.

Since prior notice had been given, Dustin passed through unimpeded and walked straight into the rear garden.

It was the same place and the same room as before --- Margaret had been waiting for quite some time.

Dustin pushed open the door and saw her sipping tea. He raised his hand and directly placed two jade boxes containing the Dragon Source Qi on the table.

“Mission accomplished. The items are secured,” said Dustin.

“I estimated it would take you at least three days to succeed. I didn’t expect you to return so quickly --- this is truly wonderful news,” Margaret replied with a smile.

She personally poured Dustin a cup of tea and pushed it toward him.

The tea was warm --- just right to drink.

Now that the five strands of Dragon Source Qi had been gathered, the real work was about to begin. - Ton