Chapter 252

Low-level martial artists were restricted to channeling their energy through physical attacks, while divine-level martial artists surpassed human capabilities. Able to manifest energy externally, they could strike across space itself.

Even the best low-level martial artists paled in comparison to a divine-level martial artist. They existed on different planes of status and prowess.

The strange thing was that Joshua was only in his twenties. His talent was terrifying; achieving divinity at his age was remarkable.

"Ha! You're quite perceptive," Joshua smiled proudly. "Since you've realized I'm a highly skilled, divine-level martial artist, you should understand my words carry weight."

Natasha's brow furrowed. So they'd come prepared, lying low for this day.

"After you, Ms. Harmon. Don't make me resort to a massacre," he smiled teasingly. A wealthy princess was nothing in his eyes.

"I hope you won't regret this," Natasha walked out with a sneer. She knew that if she disobeyed, everyone present would die.

"Tell the Harmons to fulfill my demands, and Natasha will be safe. Otherwise, there's no telling what I'd do to her."

He produced an envelope. With a flick of his wrist, it shot out like a dagger and embedded itself in the door frame.

Watching them leave, Stephan shouted, "Inform Mrs. Harmon immediately!"

"What? Natasha has been kidnapped?"

After Jessica was briefed, her expression hardened, as did those of the others present.

"How could this happen? We have dozens of bodyguards. How could Natasha be taken?" Ruth was incredulous.

"They were too strong. We were no match for them," Stephan lamented. His legs were crippled, his core destroyed; he was as good as useless.

"Who was it? The audacity to kidnap my daughter!" Jennifer was furious.

"We're not sure of their identity, but they left a letter," Stephan gestured for his men to give the letter to Jennifer. She opened it, her expression darkening as she read.

"Mom, what does it say?" Ruth asked impatiently.

"It says, before sunrise, bring the Immortunol formulation and Dustin to Hummer Villa as ransom," her tone was a growl.

"Hummer Villa? Isn't that Edwin's territory?" Ruth frowned. Did this have to do with the Hummer family again?

"Inform headquarters immediately. Get them to deploy the shadow guards for support!" Jennifer said solemnly. "Make a call to Dustin as well. Ask him to come here immediately!"

"Mom, you can't be thinking of surrendering him, are you?" Ruth pleaded.

"This happened because of him. Why should he be free?"

"But—"

"No buts. Natasha's safety comes first. Go now!"

"Okay." She pursed her lips as she made the call, unwilling to defy her mother.

Meanwhile, at Peaceful Medical Center, Dustin's expression turned solemn as he listened on his phone. He felt a surge of anger.

"I'll be there right away." He hung up, leaving immediately in a fury.

He floored the gas pedal the entire journey. Within twenty minutes, he arrived at Park Place. The first thing he saw were the casualties on the floor. Stephan's injuries were the worst. His face was pale, he constantly coughed up blood, and his core energy was completely destroyed.

"Dustin, you're finally here!" Ruth found comfort in his arrival.

"Who did this?" Dustin's piercing gaze was lethal.

"See for yourself!" Jennifer threw him the letter.

Dustin read it, his temper flaring. "The Hummer family are all pigheaded! It seems like they'll never learn their lesson!"

"My daughter has been pulled into your mess. What do you plan on doing?" Jennifer demanded.

"I will definitely rescue Ms. Harmon," he assured her.

"And if you fail?" she retorted.

"Then I'll pay with my life!" Dustin's expression grew solemn.

"Hmph! At least you're able to man up. My daughter's affection hasn't gone in vain."

This cleaned version addresses grammar, punctuation, and word choice for clarity and flow. It also corrects inconsistencies in capitalization and hyphenation.