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An Understated Dominance Chapter 1104
"No, no! That's not true!'" Sheila defended Dustin when they said he did something wrong. She shook her head and continued, "He's not a bad person. You can't simply accuse him!'""Silly girl, you're pretty young. Some people hide their true selves really well, and you might not notice it. Only someone like your dad, who can tell things apart, can see it," Caden said."Yes, Sheila, Dustin definitely has ulterior motives. Don't let him fool you," the others chimed in and tried to persuade her."I don't believe it! Dustin would never hurt anyone!" Sheila pleaded and turned to Lily. "Mom, please say something. You know Dustin saved me once and cured Dad's illness, right?""Caden, is there a misunderstanding here?" Lily tried to mediate."Nonsense!" Caden shouted.With a frown, he said, "Sheila might not see it, but can't you? I've met all kinds of people over the years. Some folks will do anything to gain favor or move up in society. I've seen it happen.""But—"Lily wanted to
An Understated Dominance Chapter 1105
Lily strongly disapproved of Sheila having a relationship with Dustin."Why do things have to be like this?" Sheila was crying under a dim streetlight after leaving the hospital. She loved Dustin regardless of his background, but everyone disapproved of their relationship. She asked herself, "Should I follow my heart and go after love, or should I listen to my family and hide my feelings?"Suddenly, a mysterious black SUV with fake license plates pulled up beside Sheila. Men in masks got out of the vehicle and surrounded her.Sheila asked, "Who are you? What do you want?" She instinctively stepped back.The leader of the masked group said, "Our master wants to talk to you, Ms. Murray. Please come with us.""I won't go with you! Leave me alone!""Catch her," the leader ordered his men, and they quickly rushed to stop Sheila."Let go of me!" She struggled as she cried for help."Sorry, Ms. Murray, but we must take you with us." The leader signaled his men to put Sheila in t
An Understated Dominance Chapter 1106
Sheila was tied up and unconscious in an abandoned steel factory, her eyes covered with a black cloth.Meanwhile, Diego had a charming smile as he savored good wine and steak."Mr. Bourbon, our target hasn't shown up. Maybe he won't come," a burly red-robed warrior reported."Don't rush it. Let's wait," Diego said and put down his utensils. He continued, "I've already looked into it. Dustin has a serious relationship with Sheila. Given his personality, he'll come to rescue her.""I'm worried he won't give up the Cherusia. Should we send our guys to attack the Zephyr Lodge and take the treasure?" the red-robed warrior suggested."Fools!" Diego scolded. "Zephyr Lodge has many strong elites. Even if we succeed, we will lose many of our men.""The fighters from Dragonmarsh aren't very strong, Mr. Bourbon. You're giving them too much credit," the red-robed warrior complained. He believed their battle-tested Kimboku warriors were tougher than Dragonmarsh martial artists."Dragonma
An Understated Dominance Chapter 1107
"Bastard!" The red-robed warrior couldn't control his anger and drew his sword."Mr. Rhys, there's a saying in Dragonmarsh: 'Do something at your peril.' Hand over the Cherusia, and I'll spare both of you. Refuse, and there's only one outcome. Death!" Diego threatened Dustin."Do you think your group can take me down? Are you that brave?" Dustin taunted."Don't believe me? Give it a try," Diego snapped his fingers.The red-robed warrior dashed toward Dustin with his sword. He roared, "Folks from your Dragonmarsh are nothing but eastern scoundrels. Today, you'll learn a lesson.""What did you just call us?" Dustin's face hardened, and he looked ready for a fight. About eighty years ago, Dragonmarsh had just been through a war. The Kimboku people often looked down on Dragonmarsh and called them "eastern scoundrels". After many years, Dragonmarsh improved and became a stronger country. But the shame from that period remained etched in memory.So, when the red-robed warrior sai
An Understated Dominance Chapter 1108
Dustin's powerful punch pierced through the red-robed warrior's chest. Blood was gushing out of him. Stunned by the blow, the red-robed warrior looked at his wounded chest. He had underestimated the strength of the Dragonmarsh martial artist. Then, he collapsed to the ground and died."Fool!" Dustin's face remained expressionless. He stomped on the red-robed warrior's head so hard that it exploded.This was unlike Dustin's usual style. But the derogatory comments directed at Dragonmarsh and the teasing toward Sheila had pushed him to this point."What?" Diego could not believe his eyes. Dustin had defeated his powerful warrior with a single punch."Bastard!"In response to their comrade's death, the Kimboku warriors drew their swords in unison. "Kill him!" Diego ordered his warriors to attack. Their initial plan to capture Dustin alive was now forgotten."Charge!" The warriors brandished their swords and charged.At that moment, Dustin stomped his foot and summoned a nearby
An Understated Dominance Chapter 1109
"Is this guy a monster?" Diego muttered. "Okay. It's your turn!" Dustin glared at the scared Diego."Mr. Rhys, let's talk it out. No need for a showdown. I'll return your woman and leave, never bothering you again," Diego begged. He had over twenty warriors at his disposal, but they were no match for Dustin. He couldn't believe Dustin was this terrifying."Your fate was sealed when you kidnapped someone. Words won't save you now," Dustin declared, raising his sword."Wait!" someone shouted.Then, Jayden stormed in with soldiers, followed by Vivian and Evan."You came just in time. These Kimboku people attempted to kidnap Sheila. Arrest him and bury them," Dustin said, pointing to the lifeless bodies on the floor."Shut up! You have no say here!" Jayden retorted. He was surprised to see Diego. "Diego? Is that you?" Diego was equally surprised. He had met Jayden during their studies abroad, and they were acquainted."So, what brings you here?" Jayden asked."I ..." Diego
An Understated Dominance Chapter 1110
"Huh?"Dustin looked at the crushed phone in shock. He hadn't expected Jayden to do something like this. Jayden had boldly destroyed evidence in front of everyone to protect Diego.Even Diego seemed surprised that Jayden had intervened on his behalf."Diego, don't worry. I've got your back," Jayden said.Sheila had been kidnapped, and Jayden didn't care about that. But he saw an opportunity to gain Diego's favor. It was mainly because the Bourbon family was influential in Kimboku."With you supporting me, I'm not worried." Diego eagerly accepted Jayden's help."Jayden, are you teaming up with Diego like this?" Dustin's expression hardened. He had caught the person responsible and provided evidence. However, in an effort to cover up for Diego, Jayden lied and destroyed evidence. It was a despicable act. "Dustin, you have no evidence to accuse Diego. How bold of you!" Jayden responded. He added, "And I have reason to believe the video you showed is fake. It was probably s
An Understated Dominance Chapter 1111
Jayden sneered. "Look around you. Everyone here follows my orders. If you act recklessly, you'll be shot!""Mr. Rhys, bullets stray. Just give up," Diego bragged. He knew the folks in Dragonmarsh often fought among themselves and began to enjoy the show. "Rhys, if you want to stay alive, surrender now. Otherwise, you'll regret it!" Vivian and her group declared arrogantly."Jayden, you're playing with fire," Dustin warned. He added, "Out of respect for General Murray, I don't want violence. Leave now, and we can forget what happened. But if you keep protecting Diego, I won't show you mercy." "Mercy?" Jayden laughed and thought Dustin was a fool. "Dustin, who do you think you are to threaten me? I can kill you with just a word!"He snapped his fingers, and all the soldiers behind him pointed their guns at Dustin."Now, kneel!" Jayden ordered, pointing down confidently. "What did you say?" Dustin remained unfazed."Are you deaf? I said kneel—" Before Jayden could finish,
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Chapter 2530
The next morning, Nathaniel was inside a lavish mansion. He was in his study, flipping through an ancient manuscript. One of his most trusted aides hurried in and lowered his voice, "Your Royal Highness, word just came in. Another trace of Dracan essence has been found."Nathaniel raised an eyebrow and closed the manuscript. "Where?""Our investigation shows it ended up in the hands of Logan Rhys," the aide replied."Logan Rhys?" Nathaniel narrowed his eyes slightly and was surprised by the name.He had tried to win Logan over before and spared no expense, but never received a response. Later, he discovered that Tristan and Matthias had done the same.Fortunately, Logan still hadn't picked a side. He might be holding out for the best offer, but at least he hadn't shut the door on Nathaniel.With the Dracan essence in his hands, Logan had become an even more valuable target. In addition to the West Lucozian monarchy, Logan was an ultimate grandmaster, which made him worth recrui
Chapter 2529
"Give me a moment to think," Dustin said.Grace's words sent him into deep thought.After all, carrying the fate of Dragonmarsh was no small burden. First, he had to be tough enough to handle it. Then, he needed the resolve to accept what came with it. Once he carried that burden, it meant taking on a heavyweight.He used to act on his own terms and do things as he pleased without worrying too much about the consequences. But once the nation's fate was involved, everything changed.Not that he had many options.Dustin could either hide in Sacred Wrym Summit and hope Arion would protect him, or take a risk and absorb the Dragonmarsh's fate to push through his cultivation's bottleneck. Between the two, he was leaning toward the latter."I can give your plan a shot," Dustin said suddenly. "But we're still missing a piece of the Dracan essence. If we're doing this, we need to find that last one first."Only once all five pieces of Dracan essence were united could he truly wield the
Chapter 2528
"Royal gods? And two of them?" Dustin frowned at the news.His battle with Poseidon in West Lucozia had shown him firsthand that the Hall of Gods didn't send weaklings into the field.One royal god had already pushed him to his limit. If two came at him together, winning wasn't even the question. He'd be lucky just to make it out alive."That's right," Grace said solemnly. "The royal gods, Zeus and Hera, have crossed the border. They're even stronger than Poseidon. If they ambush you together, your chances are slim."She knew Dustin was strong, but he was still young. Moreover, Zeus and Hera weren't just anyone. They were world-class powerhouses. Surviving a fight with them would be next to impossible.The Hall of Gods had probably figured out how dangerous Dustin could become. If they had given him a few more years to grow, they might not have been able to stop him."Well, that complicates things." Dustin rested his chin in one hand with a thoughtful expression.Two royal god
Chapter 2527
Soluna Hall had one rule—they wouldn't 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."This is Ms. Linsor's private reception area. Mr. Rhys, please come in," the female attendant said with a smile."She's not here?" Dustin asked curiously."She had something come up, but she'll be here soon. Please make yourself comfortable," the attendant said, still smiling."Alright then." He nodded and walked into the room.The room was spacious, with a vintag
Chapter 2526
"You're wrong, Tristan," Matthias said with a meaningful look.He continued, "Sure, I've got the Moseys to back me, but I'm still far from securing the throne. Nathaniel's got strong backing too, and this won't be an easy win. But if you were to support me, I'd say my chances shoot up to 80%."In his eyes, Tristan's support was worth more than the Ballard family.If he could win Tristan over, his odds would jump from 60% to nearly 80%. The only question now was whether Tristan would be willing to shelve his own ambitions and place his bet on Matthias."You know me, Matthias. I've never been one for ambition or glory. This kind of power struggle just isn't for me. I hope you can understand that," Tristan said.After thinking about it thoroughly, he finally turned his brother down. He knew his chances of winning were slim, yet he couldn't let go.Tristan was the eldest legitimate son, the rightful and undisputed heir to the throne. Aside from his poor health, he had no real shortco
Chapter 2525
Tristan, Matthias, and Nathaniel weren't fools. They understood the unspoken message loud and clear.Their purpose for this trip was to take advantage of the opportunity to offer their condolences and win the Ballard family's support. Should it work, all the better. If not, they'd at least make a good impression. The key was that as long as the Ballard family didn't pick a side or turn against them, there was still room to make things work. No need to rush into anything.Tristan spoke first. "You're being too kind, Duke of Lachshire. We've always admired Mr. Jovian's loyalty and courage. We're simply here to pay our respects—nothing more."Matthias added, "That's right. Your family has a lot to deal with right now. Plus, you're not as young as you used to be, so don't wear yourself out over this. We won't take up more of your time today."He gave a respectful nod, then turned to leave."Duke—"Nathaniel opened his mouth to speak, but Tristan interrupted. "That's enough, Nathani
Chapter 2524
"Oh? I didn't expect both of you to be here," Nathaniel said.He was just about to pay his respects when he spotted Tristan and Matthias inside the mourning hall. He gave a respectful nod and said, "Hello, Tristan, Matthias."Truthfully, he wasn't surprised. He had already guessed they would show up.The four ancient houses and the eight great families were all key players he needed on his side. And with the Ballard family still undecided, he wasn't about to miss the chance to make an impression."I heard you left Oakvale on official business. Funny how quickly you came back," Tristan said, his tone laced with meaning."It wasn't anything important. When I heard about Mr. Jovian's passing, I returned immediately. I wanted to pay my respects in person," Nathaniel answered smoothly, without missing a beat.He brushed off Tristan's subtle jab and used the moment to show the Ballard family he was genuinely there to pay his respects."Don't just stand there, Nathaniel. Go pay your re
Chapter 2523
"Your Royal Highness, it's an honor to have you here," Jonathan said.Upon seeing the distinguished guest arrive, he quickly pulled himself together and aside his grief. He led his family to greet Tristan, and they bowed in respect.Before they could finish the gesture, Tristan raised a hand to stop them. "No need for such formalities," he said. "The deceased deserves our respect."He turned to Jovian's portrait, which was displayed in the mourning hall, and sighed deeply.Tristan continued, "Mr. Jovian's untimely passing is truly a great loss to Dragonmarsh. May his soul rest in peace. My condolences to your family during this difficult time."Jonathan's eyes were filled with tears as he bowed his head slightly. "Thank you, Your Highness, for your kind words. My family is heartbroken over my brother's tragic death."Tristan nodded slightly. His gaze quickly swept across the hall before asking, "I've heard that Duke Lachshire fainted from grief. How is he doing now?"Jonathan
Chapter 2522
The unrest in West Lucozia finally ended with the capture of Warrick.Every official who was his accomplice was thoroughly investigated. Those who needed to be arrested were taken into custody, and those who deserved to be punished were executed.After the purge, more than 300 officials in West Lucozia were removed from their posts. Those guilty were arrested, and those whose crimes were severe were executed.Under Austin's iron-fisted reforms, West Lucozia's government underwent a complete overhaul. Corruption, bribery, and the tangled web of illegal deals were swept away like dust in the wind.The citizens quickly noticed the difference. When they visited government offices, they no longer faced delays, refusals, or demands for bribes.Long-neglected public issues began to move forward, thanks to the organized efforts of newly appointed officials. Things were improving across the board.Instead of fearing the crackdown, the citizens welcomed it. The corrupt officials who had dr
