The little boy red at Dustin, his jet-ck eyes looking him up and down. For someone so young, his voice was unexpectedly pompous andmanding.


    “Huh? An outsider like you actually has some skill. You managed to block my casual strike?” Dustin remained calm. He lowered his hand and said evenly, “For someone so young, there’s no need to be so vicious. We can talk this through.”


    “Vicious? Hmph! You trespass in my sanctuary, disturb my cultivation, and now you dare lecture me?” the boy snapped, clearly provoked by Dustin’s calm demeanor.


    He stomped his foot and shot into the air like a cannonball. Curving his hands into ws, he lunged at Dustin’s head as an azure glow wreathed around his fingertips, whistling sharply.


    This attack was far stronger than thest. The air warped where his ws passed, and invisible pressure bent the surrounding trees until they nearly snapped.


    Dustin shook his head, with a trace of exasperation on his calm face. Without moving from his spot or making any attempt to evade, he simply raised his right hand, palm up, and gently pushed upward.


    A gentle yet overwhelming force appeared from nowhere, and it instantly nullified the boy’s vicious w strike.


    The boy felt an irresistible pressure holding him in ce. No matter how frantically he channeled his internal energy, he couldn’t descend an inch further. His entire body was suspended midair.


    “You…” Shock and rage colored his features deep red. His internal energy surged violently around him as he prepared to unleash an even more powerful technique.


    “That’s enough, kid!”


    A clear,manding voice rang out from above


    Before the words faded, a figure in green descended into the courtyard as quietly as a falling leaf. It was an elderly man with a gaunt face, white hair, and a matching beard, dressed in a pale, faded robe


    He first shot a stern nce at the little boy. “Do not be disrespectful!”


    The boy seemed quite afraid of the elderly man. He reluctantly reined in his internal energy andnded back on the ground, lips pressed into a sulky pout. He shuffled to the side, though his eyes still red defiantly at Dustin.


    The elderly man then turned to Dustin, Grace, and the others with an apologetic look. “Myck of discipline has allowed my foolish apprentice to offend you all. I apologize for the trouble.”


    Seeing his calm demeanor and sensing he meant no harm, Grace quickly replied, ” You’re too kind, sir. We were the ones who intruded.”


    She hesitated a moment, then asked earnestly, “We risked our lives to reach this ind in search of an elixir to save my father. Could you guide us and tell us where to find it?”


    The elderly man studied her carefully for a moment. Then his gaze shifted to Dustin, who had remained calm andposed throughout. A barely perceptible sh of astonishment crossed the elderly man’s eyes.


    He sighed and shook his head, saying, ” Miss, your devotion to your father is admirable. But please heed my warning. This ce is a source of cmity and and of great misfortune. It is not a sanctuary for seeking the elixir of immortality.


    “That so-called elixir is nothing but an illusion, entangled with immense karmic consequences and terrible danger. Leave now while you still can before you venture too deep, and you may yet preserve your lives.”


    Grace’s eyes gleamed with determination, and she said, “My father is critically ill, and his life is hanging by a thread. As long as there is a glimmer of hope, I will not give up. I would appreciate it if you could point us in the right direction. Even if the path ahead is filled with danger, I’m willing to trudge on.”


    Seeing her unwavering determination, the elderly man fell silent for a moment. Then he let out another long sigh.


    “Ah… The curse of destiny,” hemented.


    He raised his hand and pointed in a direction through the grove “Continue southeast from here until you reach a deep canyon. At the far end, you may find clues to what you seek. But remember, the closer you get, the greater the danger. Proceed with caution.”


    Grace’s face lit up with joy. “Thank you so much for your guidance, sir.”


    The elderly man waved his hand and said nothing. Sensing they shouldn’t overstay their wee, Grace and the others expressed their gratitude again before hurrying off in the direction he had indicated.


    Once their figures had disappeared deep into the grove, the little boy finally spoke up. “Master, why did you tell them and even give them directions? That bunch looks like they’re just destined to be’ sacrificial offerings.''”


    The elderly man didn’t answer his question. Instead, he stared in the direction where Dustin had gone and frowned. A sharp gleam flickered in his clouded eyes as he murmured under his breath, his voice barely audible


    “That man’s energy waves were restrained, yet they were as deep and unfathomable as the ocean. Every movement he made effortlessly neutralized the boy’s attack, and even I cannot gauge his true strength.


    “Someone of his caliber suddenly appeared on this ind. Could he possibly be the one referenced in those ancient manuscripts… the Dragon yer?”


    A mountain breeze swept through, and the leaves rustled in response, as if echoing his earth-shaking whisper.