Chapter 170

Few martial artists in Lovellia dared defy the Martial League. Dustin had never heard of Victor Cain. "Who is Victor Cain?" he asked the West family.

Lucius's face grew solemn. "Mr. Cain is no ordinary man. He's revered as the strongest martial artist in Lannopolis—a legendary sovereign-grade fighter. He earned the title of National Hero for his exceptional contributions to Lovellia and once headed the Lannopolis branch of the Martial League. Though retired, his influence and prestige remain unparalleled, commanding immense respect from martial artists across Lannopolis."

Dustin's interest piqued; he raised an eyebrow. A National Hero—the nation's pride, bestowed with privileges few could imagine. Yet, what truly captivated Dustin was the claim that this man was Lannopolis's strongest.

"Master Fox, Mr. Cain has sent the Martial League to arrest you," Lucius whispered worriedly. "The situation is dire! You mustn't resist; any violence against the League would be far worse than what happened to the Aquila family!" Dustin remained indifferent. He knew Bianca was the mastermind.

"She thinks summoning Lannopolis's so-called strongest fighter will stop me?" he smirked mockingly. "Very well. Let's see how 'strong' this legendary fighter really is."

The Martial League enforcers prepared to restrain him. "If you value your lives, don't push your luck. Lead the way and do nothing more," Dustin warned. A sudden surge of suffocating pressure paled the enforcers.

One gritted his teeth. "We'll see how long your arrogance lasts in front of Mr. Cain!" But no one dared lift the shackles.

"Stay here. None of you are to follow me," Dustin instructed the West family before walking away with the enforcers.

The Cain family villa buzzed with anticipation. Victor sat at the head of the courtyard table, his presence intimidating. Lannopolis's martial elites—respected figures in their own right—gathered before him. Bianca sat among them, smiling confidently. Even with Lucas's guards, she believed Dustin wouldn't stand a chance against such an assembly. Even his strongest guards were likely only ninth-grade fighters, she thought. The room teemed with powerful fighters, culminating in Victor, the sovereign-grade legend. She was ready for the show, even setting up a camera to record the event for the Wyatt sisters.

Chapter 170

"Bring Dustin Fox in!"

Moments later, a shout from outside the gates tensed the crowd. The Martial League enforcers escorted Dustin into the courtyard. Victor's face darkened, noticing Dustin was unshackled. Murmurs of discontent rippled through the assembled martial artists.

"Dustin Fox! An outrageous, reckless murderer!" someone snapped, brows furrowed in anger. "According to the law, a criminal like him must first face the trial of Blades and Fire, followed by the Gauntlet of Fists."

A field of upright blades, their razor-sharp edges gleaming, lay before Dustin. Beyond them was a wall of roaring fire. This was the Lannopolis martial community's customary trial for the most heinous criminals; only after surviving these tests would they face judgment.

All eyes turned to Dustin as he stood before the blades. Victor's gaze, radiating immense pressure, dominated the courtyard.

"Step onto the field of blades!" a martial artist barked.

Dustin chuckled, surveying the room, his eyes lingering on the so-called "elites." "You think you're qualified to judge me?" he asked sarcastically, shaking his head. "You don't even come close."