“Huh?” Dustin was taken aback by the sudden outburst and felt a bit bewildered.
He glanced around the living room and noticed the intense glare from the burly man, Donny Zedd. Then, he asked tentatively, “Are you talking to me?”
“Who else would I be talking to?” Donny shot back.
He glared at Dustin and shouted, Don’t you have any manners? You waltz in here without so much as a ‘ hello’ and plop yourself down like you own the place. Do you have no respect for us?”
“Manners?” Dustin arched an eyebrow skeptically.
He replied icily, “Do we even know each other? Why should I bother with pleasantries? And even if I don’t hold you in high regard, what’s it to you?”
“Hey! Are you looking for trouble, kid?” Donny bristled with anger, ready to throw a punch, but was intercepted by a man in white, Lucian Whitman, with a sly grin.
“Easy there, don’t get all worked up. This kid just seems clueless about etiquette. Let’s show him the ropes. No need for violence, especially with the host around. We wouldn’t want to cause any awkwardness.”
Lucian motioned for Donny to take a seat, then turned his gaze to Dustin with a friendly smile.” You must be new around here. Let me fill you in on the customs.
“You know, in these circles, it’s customary to show a little respect to your elders. A nod, a greeting, nothing too demanding, right?”
Dustin responded calmly, “If you truly are martial world veterans, a simple greeting would suffice. But your actions lack the dignity one would expect. The way you intimidate others, one might mistake you for bandits.”
Lucian’s smile faltered at Dustin’s words, and a glint of annoyance flickered in his eyes.
Meanwhile, Donny slammed his hand on the table. He rose to his feet and roared, “You disrespectful bastard! Time to learn some manners the hard way!”
“If you don’t know how to show some basic respect, then you’re on your own. “Lucian shook his head and returned to his seat.
The others chuckled, and they were enjoying the spectacle.
In the past, a rookie had swaggered in, exuding the same cocky arrogance.
However, in the end, he was unceremoniously dragged out by his heels.
“I’d advise you to tread carefully. Otherwise, you’ll regret it,” Dustin warned.
He had intended to keep a low profile and observe if there were any conspiracies within the Hall of Gods. But as soon as he walked in, he encountered these troublemakers.
“Regret? Ha! I bet you won’t change your tune until you’re six feet under!”
Donny sneered, wasting no time as he lunged forward with a punch aimed straight at Dustin’s face.
The punch came fast and furious, and the air whistled with force. Dustin remained unfazed. He easily caught the incoming fist just before it could make contact with his face.
“Huh?” Donny’s eyes widened in surprise. Though he hadn’t gone all out just now, he had still put about 70 percent of his true energy into that punch.
Such a blow would have seriously injured most ordinary martial artists. Yet, Dustin effortlessly caught his fist, which struck him as rather strange.
“With such limited skill, you’re still bold enough to be so cocky. You really don’t know your own limitations.” Dustin snorted coldly.
With a sudden, forceful grip of his fingers, he twisted Donny’s fist, and all his bones were shattered.
“Ah!” Donny froze momentarily before releasing a blood-curdling scream that pierced the air.
“Get lost!” Dustin shouted and kicked him in the abdomen.
Donny was sent flying several yards. He crashed into the wall, coughing up blood and wailing in agony.
“What?”
Everyone’s expression changed as they witnessed this scene.
No one expected Dustin to be so formidable that he could send Donny flying with just one blow.
It was worth noting that Donny was at the advanced-level divine martial artist stage, which made him quite a prominent figure in the martial world.
“Punk! How dare you act so recklessly! Who gave you the courage to attack someone?”
After a moment of shock, everyone rose from their seats. Their expressions were filled with anger and resentment.
Although they didn’t have a deep bond with Donny, they were at least acquaintances.
Now, a newcomer who didn’t know his place dared to challenge their authority. It was something they couldn’t tolerate.
Dustin sneered. “When he attacked just now, you all turned a blind eye. Now that I’ve defeated him, you’re all here cursing and jumping around. What’s this? You only allow me to be beaten but not to fight back?”
His words angered them.
“Look at the way you talk! I think you need a lesson!”
“Everyone, let’s not waste any time. Let’s take this kid down!”
Several hot-tempered martial artists shouted and were ready to make a move.
“Hold on.”
At this moment, a dignified voice suddenly rang out. The speaker was an elderly man with a white beard seated at the head of the table on the left.
The elder was thin, had piercing eyes, and looked imposing. Just uttering two words made the previously hot- tempered martial artists immediately stop in their tracks.
They stood respectfully by the side without daring to utter another word. After calming everyone down, the elder picked up a cup and leisurely took a sip of tea.
He said lightly, “Young man, too much aggression can easily lead to downfall. Since you’re still young and inexperienced, I won’t hold it against you too much. Now, apologize to everyone, and we’ll let this matter slide.
