“H-Hold on! I-I surrender!” Abigail said urgently. With the sword
inches away from her throat, she decisively raised both hands in a
gesture of surrender

She didn’t expect herself to win the match. Her goal was simply to take
this opportunity to test Dustin’s strength and also gauge her own
progress. But now, it was clear that there was still a sizable gap between
them.

“You ve done well. In a feW moreyears, might not even be able to keep
up with you.”‘ Dustin smiled and lowered his Celestial Blade. His words
weren’t flattery; he genuinely saw potential in Abigail.

The dark Phoenix flames carried a corrosive power that even his
mystical pure energy couldn’t resist. In other words, Abigail’s black
flames were the bane of any martial artist.

Her journey in the martial world was still short- barely two years. She
hadn’t unlocked the full potential of her Phoenix bloodline yet. But with
more training and experience, the sky was the limit for her.
“Don’t try to console me, Sir. I’m nowhere near your caliber.” Abigail
shook her head.

Her current strength was due to her Phoenix bloodline. While her
potential was sky-high, she still lagged behind Dustin, a peerless
prodigy She knew that as she continued to train, there was no way he
would stop improving either

“Sir, next up is the final match. You’ve got to give it your all!” Abigail
gave quick fist pump before turning and walking off the battle ring.
She had given it her all, So losing didn’t leave her with any regrets.
“Congratulations to Dustin Rhys for winning the second match of the
semi-finals!” Oron announced.
The crowd erupted into applause and cheers.
Before the match, few had expected Dustin to win. After all, Abigail was
the Grand Sorceress of the Mystic Arts Order, ranked second on the
Legendary List, and far stronger than Fenley.
While Dustin had performed admirably sO far, he wasn t from a
prestigious guild. Despite his impressive strength, everyone had placed
their bets on Abigail.

Yet, nobody had expected this dark horse, Dustin, to break records and
advance to the finals. He had easily defeated Abigail, the second-ranked
on the Legendary List, It was only then that people truly realized his
terrifying potential.

“I didn’t expect Dustin to be this strong. He even defeated the Grand
Sorceress of the Mystic Arts Order. Looks like winning the tournament
is within reach now.” Ruby’s face was filled with surprise. She never
imagined that a stranger she had met along the way would make it to
the finals.

“We really underestimated his strength. Turns out he’s been hiding it
all along.’ Crystal couldn’t hide her amazement. She had once thought
about catching up to him, but now she had to abandon that idea.

They were simply on two different levels.

“What a shame! If only Dustin were interested in joining the Sword
Union, we’d have a true powerhouse.” Miles shook his head regretfully.

Dalen smirked and murmured to himself, “Guess I was right. You’re
really Logan Rhys.”

From their first meeting, He had sensed Dustin was no ordinary person.
He wasn’t entirely sure back then, but now he had confirmed his
suspicions. He knew only Logan could defeat Abigail and reach the
finals.

Amidst a storm of thunderous applause, Dustin slowly walked off the
ring.

Since Fenley had forfeited, third place went to Abigail without a fight.
All that was left was the championship showdown between Dustin and
Glenn.

By now, many had figured out Dustin’s true identity, and the crowd was
anticipating the final match.

During the break, the tension in the air was palpable. Since Abigail
always looked for a way to make a quick profit, she quietly set up a
betting pool, and gamblers eagerly rushed to place their bets.

Three minutes before the match started, Alloy, who had left earlier,
returned to his seat. Despite Celestial Aliance’s earlier defeat, he
couldn’t miss the final match for the championship.

He was rooting for Dustin, even if the odds were slim-at least there
was some hope. Regardless of the outcome, he planned to recruit Dustin
after the match.

a

He couldn’t let Dustin join the Sword Union or the Mystic Arts Order. If
that happened, Celestial Alliance’s chances of rising to the top would
disappear for good.

“Mr. Marshall, I didn’t expect you’d show your face again. Thought
you’d be too embarrassed to stick around,’ Cyrus said sarcastically,.

“Victory and defeat are all part of the game. No point in making a fuss
over it. We may have lost this time, but there’s always a chance to turn
it around next time,'” Alloy said calmly,

“Next time?” Cyrus scoffed, and his lips curled in a mocking smile.
You really think there’11 be a next time? Your prized disciple’s got a
mind plagued with doubt now. He’l probably never get past this.”

“Not necessarily,”‘ Alloy replied firmly. “Some people only get stronger
with each setback. I’m confident Fenley will be right on Glenn’s heels
someday.”
3

“Dream on.’ Cyrus sneered

“Alright, gentlemen
begin.

Penelope interjected. “The match is about to

Only then did the two rivals stop their banter and turn their attention to
the ring

After a short break, the final match began