“This is for looking down on others.
“This is for breaking your promise.
“This is for being a shitty mentor.
“This is for being an ungrateful wench.”
A crisp slap accompanied each of Dustin’s remarks.
Edith’s face was swollen beyond recognition when he was done.
“Um…”
The Jade Maiden Sisterhood disciples had been rendered silent. Fear was written all over their
faces.
They initially assumed Dustin must have used a dirty trick to defeat Edith. However, the sight before them made them realize how wrong they’d been.
Although Dustin continued smacking Edith, none of her disciples tried to stop him since they
knew they were no match for him.
“Stop!”
Edith was on the brink of death when Nikki ran forward and threw herself over Edith.
With a determined look, she said, “You can hit me, but not Madam Edith!”
“What?” Dustin frowned and raised his hand.
Suddenly, Nelson’s face appeared in his mind. Dustin could only lower his hand.
“I know I betrayed you, Dustin. But she’s my mentor.
“I won’t let you hurt her. You can take it out on me if you’re still angry!” Nikki gritted her teeth, insistent on protecting Edith..
“What a good disciple you are!” Dustin sniggered.
“Should I praise you for your loyalty?” He made sure to emphasize the last word.
“I …” Nikki was stung by his words and didn’t know how to reply.
Although she felt guilty, she still felt like she did nothing wrong. After all, there was no way she could defy Edith because of a new friend.
“I know you hate me, Dustin. If you’re still not satisfied, you can slap me instead.
“I won’t fight back. But once you’re done, consider my debt paid. We won’t owe each other anything anymore.”
Nikki lifted her head and offered her cheek to Dustin
“Forget it.” Dustin looked at her coldly.
He only treated Nikki well because she was Nelson’s sister. But since she didn’t appreciate his help, he might as well stop.
He had done all he could, which was enough.
“You treated me very well, Dustin, and I’m grateful for that. So, I hope you and Madam Edith can move past this.
“Let’s pretend today’s events never happened, okay?” Nikki asked tentatively.
“Move past this?” Dustin burst out laughing.
“She tried to kill me, and your fellow disciples were dying to tear me to pieces.
“Don’t you think you’re being ridiculous by asking me to pretend like nothing happened?”
“But when will this end? Madam Edith may have acted out first, but you’ve returned the favor. Isn’t that enough?” Nikki frowned.
Dustin had already beaten Edith up. What more could he want?
“Am I not allowed to hit her when she tried to kill me?” Dustin sneered.
“Besides, I’m a petty man. I’m not as kind-hearted as you.
“There’s no way I would treat someone trying to kill me as a friend.”
“W-why are you being so unreasonable?” Nikki was irritated.
She was trying to resolve their conflicts.
Why wouldn’t Dustin listen to her? And why was a grown man being so petty?
