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

"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 claws, he lunged at Dustin's head as an azure glow wreathed around his fingertips, whistling sharply.

This attack was far stronger than the last. The air warped where his claws 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