Chapter 2527
An Understated Dominance
Soluna Hall had one rule-they wouldnât accept unfamiliar customers. They only served those they knew well or people introduced by someone they trusted.
Every transaction required an appointment. Exceptions were made for urgent matters, but those came with an additional fee.
When Dustin reached the entrance, two security guards stopped him. After stating his name and being verified by the guards, they let him through.
Inside, a female attendant with a pleasant smile greeted him and led him across the main hall straight into the back garden. They passed a small fish pond and stopped in front of a secluded private room.
âThis is Ms. Linsorâs private reception area. Mr. Rhys, please come in,â the female attendant said with a smile.
âSheâs not here?â Dustin asked curiously.
âShe had something come up, but sheâll be here soon. Please make yourself comfortable,â the attendant said, still smiling.
âAlright then.â He nodded and walked into the room.
The room was spacious, with a vintage yet elegant design that gave it a distinct charm. A subtle fragrance lingered in the air, refreshing and uplifting.
Cut-up fruit, snacks, and warm tea were already on the table.
Dustin glanced around, and his eyes landed on a bookshelf against the wall.
The shelf held a variety of rare books, each one unique and covering a range of subjects. He scanned the collection and eventually chose a book titled âThe Legends of Extraordinary People.â
As the title suggested, the book chronicled legendary figures from throughout history. Some had ruled the regions, others had accomplished feats of incredible power, and some had become unbeatable in their time.
A thousand years ago, a swordsman stood alone to guard a city, and no army of 100,000 dared to enter.
There were also stories about beings who could move mountains, calm rivers, subdue monsters, and stem the tide of disasters.
Besides that, there was also a beggar who laughed three times. He took one step through heavenâs gate and vanished into the clouds at high noon.
Every person who appeared in these tales was nothing short of legendary.
As Dustin flipped through to more recent timelines, his eyes landed on the name Arion Foyer, the sage of Sacred Wrym Summit. His name was prominent and was listed first in the Champ-Tier List.
Many years ago, the Era of Demon Banishment sent shockwaves throughout the martial world. The three major demon sects, once at the peak of their power, were completely wiped out overnight. To this day, not a single trace of them remains.
Since then, Arion had held the top spot on the Champ-Tier List, and no one was able to challenge his position.
This book contained much more about Arion and his story.
Before the Era of Demon Banishment, Arion was virtually unknown. He spent his days lazing about, wasting time, and showing no interest in cultivation. He either slept or wandered aimlessly and was never once dedicated to training.
But this unremarkable man, upon learning that his mentor had been killed by the demon sect, went berserk. In a fit of rage, he single-handedly wiped out the entire sect with just a sword and left no survivors.
Dustin sat down and was intrigued as he flipped through the pages. Each legendary story felt almost like a myth that stirred something deep within him. He wondered if, one day, he would have the chance to be recorded in a book like that.
âSorry to keep you waiting.â
At that moment, Grace, wearing a veil, finally walked in. She glanced at the book in his hands but said nothing. Instead, she sat across from him and poured two cups of tea.
âI just got here too,â Dustin replied. He placed the book back on the shelf, then smiled and asked, âWhy did you ask me out so urgently? Whatâs going on?â
âI just received some news that concerns your safety. Iâve had to pay quite a price to verify it,â she said meaningfully.
âYouâre not planning to charge me for this, right?â He raised an eyebrow.
âOf course I am. And itâs going to be double,â Grace said confidently.
âAre you serious? Weâve been through life-and-death situations together. Charging me for this? That feels a little too formal between us, donât you think?â Dustin looked genuinely exasperated.
âBusiness is business,â she said with a smile. âOut there, weâre friends. But here at Soluna Hall, everything runs by the book. No personal favors, and those are the rules.â
âSo you called me over just for this?â Dustin sighed. He looked like he was regretting making the wrong friend.
âWell, thatâs how business works.â Grace shrugged. âBut since weâre friends, Iâll give you a discount.â
âI donât care about discounts since Iâve got nothing to give.â Dustin raised his hands in defeat.
âNo problem, you can owe me. Pay me back when you have the money,â she said bluntly.
âDidnât realize you were so money-hungry.
âHe rolled his eyes.
âItâs not easy keeping a big business running without making money. Besides, money is nothing to you,â Grace teased with a playful smile.
âAlright, alright, Iâll owe you. Now, tell me, whatâs this news about?â Dustin sighed and reluctantly gave in.
âWhat you did in West Lucozia recently has already caught the attention of the higher-ups at the Hall of Gods.â Graceâs smile faded, and her expression turned serious.
She continued, âFrom what Iâve gathered, theyâre worried about your potential and your threat to them. So, they plan to kill you. Two royal gods are already on their way, and theyâll be here in Oakvale soon.â