An Understated Dominance

 After returning to the new capital, Dustin went into seclusion for an entire month. He had absorbed less than thirty percent of the Spirit Transformation Pill's power. The remaining seventy percent had settled within him, requiring slow refinement. The "Buzhou Immortal Scripture" also needed time to comprehend. A month later, when he emerged from seclusion, he was an entirely different person. His aura was restrained, appearing no different from an ordinary mortal. But occasionally, golden light would flash in his eyes, making others unable to meet his gaze. This was the mark of a Spirit Transformation powerhouse—returning to simplicity. "Brother Dustin!" Scarlet was the first to greet him, looking him up and down. "You... you really reached Spirit Transformation?" Dustin smiled slightly: "More or less." "What do you mean, 'more or less'?" Scarlet said, dissatisfied. "I saw you crossing tribulation that day! Shattering...

 "Hiss—!" Everyone gasped. The second bolt, the third, the fourth... each tribulation lightning stronger than the last, yet Dustin fought with growing ferocity! He faced the heavenly thunder with his physical body, each punch shattering the tribulation lightning. Thunder coiled around him as if the Thunder God himself had descended! "His physical body... is being tempered by the tribulation, growing ever stronger!" Adam murmured. "This is the true path of a powerhouse! Not avoiding heavenly tribulation, but facing it head-on!" Wonder flashed in Margaret's eyes. The seventh bolt, the eighth, the ninth! The final tribulation lightning was also the strongest—a purple-gold divine thunder, like a heaven-cleaving sword, crashed down from the nine heavens! This strike's power was enough to annihilate everything! Dustin roared toward the heavens, concentrating all his power into his right fist, and threw a punch! The instant fist met lightning, heaven and ...

 At this critical moment, a figure quietly approached the floating Spirit Transformation Pill. It was Mark Montgomary! He had been hiding in the shadows, waiting for the right moment. Now, seeing Qin Hao and Ghost Shadow Elder fighting to mutual exhaustion while everyone else focused on the battle, he finally made his move! His figure flickered, instantly reaching the Spirit Transformation Pill and grabbing it! "Got it!" Mark was overjoyed, turning to flee. But just then, Qin Hao suddenly abandoned Ghost Shadow Elder and struck toward him! Though Qin Hao had been locked in fierce combat, he had kept a thread of awareness on the Spirit Transformation Pill! Mark was horrified, defending with all his might. But how could he match Qin Hao? One palm strike sent him flying, spewing blood, the Spirit Transformation Pill slipping from his grasp! The Spirit Transformation Pill traced an arc through the air, falling toward the crowd's edge— Landing right at Dustin's feet! Every...

 "Wuhen, remember your sword." Dustin said softly. "Your sword is a sword of protection. Protecting your sister, protecting your clan. This conviction is stronger than any power." Bai Wuhen was stunned. He closed his eyes, and in his mind appeared his sister's smile, the faces of the Bai family members, the companions who had fought alongside him these past days. When he opened his eyes again, they were completely clear. That invisible pressure also seemed to lighten somewhat. "Thank you, Brother Dustin." He said quietly, straightening his spine and continuing upward. The ninety-ninth step! Qin Hao took one stride and stood at the Heaven Stairs' summit. Qin Xue followed closely. Before them was a massive palace suspended in the void—Buzhou Palace! The palace gates were tightly closed, carved with mysterious runes that emanated an unsettling aura. "Buzhou Palace..." A burning light flashed in Qin Hao's eyes. "The Buzhou Immortal...

Scarlet's trial was Dustin. She saw Dustin marry Natasha, saw them embrace in happiness, saw herself standing in the crowd, only able to offer silent blessings. "Are you content with this?" A voice whispered in her ear. "You risk your life for him, bleed for him, yet he only sees you as a little sister. Are you content?" Scarlet clenched her fists, tears glistening in her eyes. But she took a deep breath and said: "I am content. As long as he's happy, I'm content. He's my Brother Dustin, and always will be." The illusion shattered. Scarlet found herself standing in a training arena, a completely crimson spear floating before her—even stronger than the one she had obtained before. "Your Dao is the way of protection." The voice said. "Heart set on guarding, without complaint or regret. Bestowed: the 'Crimson Flame Heaven-Burning Spear.' May you never forget your original heart." Scarlet took the spear, her tears tu...

After Qin Hao obtained the Spirit Transformation Pill, the atmosphere inside the Bronze Hall became subtle. The Spirit Transformation Pill was lost, but countless other treasures remained in the hall. The major forces no longer focused on the central pillar but scattered to seek their own opportunities. Margaret also led everyone to gather treasures. Scarlet found a completely crimson spear on one stone pillar—three times stronger than her original Liaoyuan spear. Adam obtained a complete set of formation flags and a secret manual for the "Five Elements Immortal-Trapping Formation." Bai Qingxue received a scroll of the "Mysterious Frost True Scripture," perfectly suited for her cultivation. Bai Wuhen found a sword intent inheritance jade slip on an ice-blue stone pillar. "This jade slip contains a complete cold ice sword intent," Bai Wuhen said with delight. "If I can comprehend it, my sword dao will surely advance further!" Dustin was happy for ...