Maddox Lu let out a mocking chuckle, rolling his sleeves up. "Dustin Rhys, don't think you've gotten bold all of a sudden. Let me show you the real difference between the fourth and fifth levels of Body Refinement!"
Maddox, much like Miguel Hui, was one of Jude Zhang's loyal followers—small trees hoping to grow under the shadow of the mighty Zhang family. They understood they weren't destined for greatness; the intermediate class was their ceiling. But if they could cling tightly enough to someone like Jude, maybe they'd secure a decent job after graduation, even a place in the Zhang household.
That's why they stood here now, making life miserable for Dustin in front of the Martial Hall's Book Collection Pavilion. Dustin was an easy target—or so they thought.
Their raised voices had already attracted a small crowd. Many junior students halted at the steps, eyes blinking between Dustin and Maddox, some nervous, some curious. Everyone knew Maddox was a fifth-level Body Refinement student, a tier above Dustin. In their eyes, this could only end one way.
Maddox lunged forward with a grin, aiming a heavy punch.
Bang!
Flesh collided with flesh, the impact dull and sickening.
The grin on Maddox's face faltered, then disappeared entirely. His eyes widened in disbelief as his arm trembled uncontrollably. A heartbeat later, his lips twisted in pain, and his knees almost buckled.
"Aah!" Maddox's scream tore through the murmuring crowd. His right arm hung limply by his side, the bones shattered beyond repair.
"Maddox?!" Miguel Hui's face paled. His companion, someone from the intermediate class—a fifth-layer Body Refiner—had been disabled with one strike.
Dustin stood motionless, eyes cold and detached. "Breaking Martial Hall rules, blocking me from the library—that's your own mistake."
Then his gaze slid toward Miguel Hui, sharp as a blade. "What about you? Still planning to stop me?"
Miguel felt a chill creep up his spine. Dustin's presence felt strange, heavier as if he wasn't the same beaten-down junior they once mocked. He wavered for a moment but then clenched his fists tightly, drawing strength from the name he served under.
"You're bold, Dustin! Daring to harm a guard and attempt to force your way into the library? I'll make sure you leave here crippled!" Miguel barked, his voice laced with fury and feigned righteousness.
Dustin smirked. "Shameless, aren't you? Everyone here saw who broke the rules first. You think pretending to be the victim makes you right?"
The students watching began gossiping amongst themselves.
"Isn't Dustin supposed to be fourth-level? He has every right to enter the library."
"Maddox is fifth-level, yet Dustin crushed his arm. How?"
Miguel's face darkened as the murmurs grew louder. His reputation was slipping fast, but more importantly, Jude Zhang's shadow loomed behind him. He couldn't afford to retreat.
"You talk too much!" Miguel roared and lunged forward, qi swirling as he unleashed a second-rank martial art. His fist sliced through the air with violent force.
Many students gasped. "Second-rank martial arts! Dustin's done for if that lands!"
But Dustin didn't back down. Rather, he met Miguel head-on, body taut like a drawn bow.
Bang!
Another sickening crunch echoed.
Miguel reeled back, clutching his arm, his expression twisted in agony. "My hand! Damn it—!"
The spectators were stunned speechless. Two fifth-level Body Refinement students had fallen at Dustin's hands, one after the other.
"How... how is he this strong?!" someone muttered.
Dustin dusted his sleeves and strode forward, eyes sweeping over Miguel and Maddox without a hint of concern.
"Well? Are you going to stop me again?" he asked flatly.
Miguel's lips curled. "You... don't get cocky. You've made enemies you can't afford. Offend Young Master Zhang, and see how long you can keep that arrogance!"
Dustin didn't even bother responding. He waved dismissively. "Spare me the barking. Move, or I'll break your other hand."
Miguel's face flushed with embarrassment. But with his right hand crippled, and Maddox groaning beside him, he had no choice but to step aside.
Dustin strode past them, arriving at the grand hall of the library.
Sitting by the doors, an elderly man with white hair and a beard seemed utterly unconcerned, eyes closed as if in meditation. Despite witnessing the entire altercation, the elder hadn't moved an inch.
Dustin bowed respectfully. "Junior Dustin Rhys greets the elder. I've reached the fourth level of Body Refinement and seek to choose martial arts."
The elder opened his eyes slowly, gaze as calm as still water. After a pause, he nodded. "Go in."
Dustin offered another slight bow and entered.
The elder's eyes lingered on Dustin's back for a brief moment before he closed them once more. Body Refinement scuffles didn't attract a master of his level. But for a fourth-level student to dispatch two fifth-level opponents... perhaps not entirely ordinary.
Inside, rows upon rows of scrolls filled the first floor—first- and second-rank martial arts neatly categorized. Dustin glanced over the titles.
Cracking Wind Palm, Tiger Claw Fist, Willow Step Technique...
Without reluctance, he headed to the internal arts section. Most techniques here were first-grade, but a few second-rank gems stood out. He selected the "Tendon-Elevating Bone-Strengthening Technique"—ideal for reinforcing muscles and bones, providing a solid foundation for advancement to the sixth level of Body Refinement.
Next, he walked toward the martial arts section. He scanned the scrolls before picking Dragon Tiger Fist, a ferocious, explosive style known for its raw power. A perfect evolution from the Fist techniques he had practiced before.
Finally, for movement techniques, he chose Inch Step, a style known for swift, precise footwork. Simple to learn, yet challenging to master.
Just as he was turning to leave, a soft, familiar voice called out behind him.
"Dustin?"
He glanced back.
A slender figure in a pale blue dress stood a few steps away—Emery Liu. The same girl he once silently admired, the one whose entanglement with Joshua Zhang had brought him no end of trouble.
Dustin offered a polite smile. "Miss Liu."
Emery tilted her head, her gaze scanning him curiously. "You've broken through? I remember you barely touched the second level not long ago."
Dustin laughed lightly. "Happened to get lucky."
Her brows knitted slightly. "The assessment's in three months. You'll need to reach the fifth level by then. Have you thought about... what comes next if you don't pass?"
She hesitated before adding softly, "If things don't go well, you could come to the Liu family. I can arrange a place for you—as a guard."
For a moment, Dustin's expression flickered.
So, she thought he was still grasping at straws. Offering a lifeline, perhaps out of kindness... or pity.
The old Dustin might've clung to the recommendation. But now, with the Life and Death Bead pulsing in his veins, he stood on a path none of them could see.
"Thank you, Miss Liu, but no need. I'll pass the assessment," he replied gently, the faint trace of a smirk playing at his lips.
His quiet confidence made Emery blink, unsure of how to react.
Before she could speak again, a cold voice cut through the air.
"Hmph. Dreaming, are we? Fifth level in three months? You're more stupid than I thought."
A tall young man in a white robe approached disgust etched on his face as he glanced at Dustin.