Chapter 245
Maximus witnessed Dustin's effortless handling of the Illusory Sword Technique. Even at his peak power, executing the complete sequence, Maximus failed to land a single blow. Dustin deflected the attacks with one hand. To Maximus, this clearly demonstrated Dustin's superior ability.
"You've indeed mastered the Illusory Sword Technique, but unfortunately, there are three flaws," Dustin mildly suggested, respecting Maximus's humility. Otherwise, he would have thrown him from the ring.
"What are the three flaws?" Maximus furrowed his brow.
"The third, ninth, and twenty-sixth moves," Dustin deliberately pointed out. "The flaws in these moves are extremely subtle. An average martial artist wouldn't notice them, but they'll put you at a huge disadvantage against true masters."
"Impossible! I've been practicing this technique forever. How could there be fatal flaws?" Maximus was incredulous.
"You've spent a lot of time practicing, but you still exhibit these flaws. If I'm right, your mentor didn't teach you everything—he withheld parts of those three moves. Those three moves are extremely crucial and damaging. Your mentor must have wanted to put you in harm's way. Why else would anyone do that? You'd better be careful," Dustin whispered, his voice low enough for only them to hear.
The revelation was a blow to Maximus. "That's nonsense! My mentor sees me as his son. He'd never put me in danger!"
"I'm not going to say more. Believe me or not, it's up to you," Dustin shrugged, falling silent. He'd offered advice only because he saw potential in Maximus. Whether Maximus believed him, lived, or died, it wouldn't affect Dustin.
"We lost the battle today. Therefore, we shall not discuss Immortunol. Farewell!" Maximus nodded at Dustin and strode from the ring.
"He won! The Harmons won again!" Ruth squealed with delight. Who else could beat Dustin when even Maximus, ranked sixth among The Hundred Immortals, admitted defeat?
"You punk! We'll see! This isn't the end!" Brody glared at Dustin before fleeing with his men, demoralized. Their seemingly perfect plan had been ruined by a formidable, unexpected opponent. Talk about bad luck!
"Otto, are we in trouble?" The young men and women who had previously mocked Dustin trembled at the sight of the victorious fighter.
"F***! He's a monster. Let's leave now!" Otto, drenched in cold sweat, immediately fled. Judging by Dustin's victories over the King of Kicks and Maximus "Lightning Blade" Kane, Otto knew he'd be easily crushed.
"Young man, congratulations on your win. I'm the leader of Humming Hill. Would you be interested in joining us as a consultant? Our pay and benefits are among the best!" Immediately after Dustin left the ring, a group of martial artists surrounded him, eager to recruit him.
"Humming Hill? That's a really small guild. Better not stunt the growth of our handsome dude here. In my opinion, you should join us at the Valley of Joy! We have beautiful women, and we offer abundant resources. I guarantee you'll be on cloud nine after joining us!"
"Young man, I am the Falcon King of Glenstead and have a beautiful and well-educated granddaughter. If you're willing, I will offer you her hand in marriage—"
Dustin was speechless at their greedy expressions. His impressive victories over the King of Kicks and Maximus "Lightning Blade" Kane had garnered significant attention. He mentally resolved to keep a low profile.
"Get out of my way!" Natasha forcefully pushed through the crowd with her companions. Taking Dustin's arm, she publicly declared their relationship. "First of all, I'd like to introduce him as my husband. You'd better give up if you're trying to arrange a match!" She then kissed him on the cheek, causing him to blush. Her action was embarrassing and rather inappropriate in front of the crowd.
"Darling, let's go!" Ignoring the stares, she proudly and gleefully left the guild with Dustin in tow.
The battle, full of twists and turns, ended with a Harmon family victory. From that moment, a new talent rose in Balerno's martial arts scene. After defeating Maximus, Dustin naturally assumed his opponent's ranking, becoming sixth among The Hundred Immortals—a brilliant achievement for a newcomer.