Chapter 176

Victor's hesitation was painfully obvious. He dared not fight Dustin. The thought of sullying his hard-earned reputation, or worse, losing his life, was enough to drain any courage he possessed. He was leaving himself an easy escape. All Dustin needed was a plausible explanation, and Victor would seize upon it as an excuse.

"Why did I kill the Aquila family?" Dustin sneered, his face cold. "The Aquila family were once underlings of the Fox family. They betrayed us, colluding with traitors. They participated in the slaughter of my entire family. Now, I have returned for revenge. An eye for an eye… Does anyone object?"

The crowd exchanged surprised glances. The Fox family… Was he referring to the Grayvale Fox family from over twenty years ago? No one expected a survivor. Victor's face grew serious.

The Fox family massacre was a complex affair. Anyone with even a little knowledge understood the stakes. Many powerful forces were involved, their influence so vast that Grayvale had turned a blind eye to the tragedy.

Unease flickered in Victor's eyes as he thought, If the heir of the Fox family has returned with such terrifying power, Honora is destined for upheaval. He knew certain information, understanding that the coming days would witness the rise and fall of many powers. This is no place for me to interfere. Neither side is to be trifled with, he decided.

"I've heard of the Fox family tragedy, but I never imagined the Aquila family's involvement," he said, pausing for effect. "This case is far too complex for hasty judgment. It should be referred to the Martial League Headquarters in Central Harbor. Experts can conduct a thorough investigation. Does that seem reasonable?"

The elite martial artists exchanged uneasy glances. Bianca scowled in frustration. Victor's words sounded logical and honorable, but she knew he was seeking an escape from involvement. How could he simply walk away at such a critical moment?

"Mr. Cain, are you… afraid?" someone murmured.

Victor's face darkened with anger. "Afraid? I am Lannopolis' strongest martial artist, a national hero. What have I to fear? I merely refuse to make a reckless judgment that could obscure the truth!" The elite martial artists murmured their agreement.

Dustin chuckled softly, making no effort to expose Victor's intentions.

"Since we're not fighting, may I leave?" he asked.

Victor's face stiffened; his pride suffered another blow. But he dared not challenge Dustin, the harbinger of chaos.

"If the Martial League summons you, you must respond," he said, maintaining his composure.

Dustin didn't reply, turning and walking away without a backward glance. Victor's face turned an ugly shade of purple.

"Mr. Cain, that brat clearly disrespects you! Will you let him walk all over you?" an elite martial artist asked indignantly.

Victor's face was a storm of conflicting emotions. He gritted his teeth. "As a man of my stature, it would be beneath me to succumb to emotion and argue with a young brat."

The elite martial artist fell silent. Victor sighed in relief as Dustin left the Cain family villa. His nerves had been frayed the entire time. He genuinely feared Dustin wouldn't let him go and would insist on a fight.

"I'm too old for this," he declared firmly. "From this day forward, I retire from the affairs of the martial world."

He walked away, leaving the elite martial artists bewildered. Bianca stood, her face as dark as a thundercloud. I refuse to believe no one can stand against Dustin Fox! she thought, her resolve hardening.