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An Understated Dominance Chapter 1999
Grace commanded, "Send someone over and break down this mural."A group of bodyguards swiftly drew their weapons and began pounding on the mural. It crumbled under a barrage of forceful blows, revealing an ancient and sturdy bronze door. At the center of the door, a fist-sized eye held everyone's gaze with its unsettling deep red glow, resembling a gem. From the eye, a fan-like pattern spread out, breaking the bronze surface into eight sections. Each section was adorned with unique images.The surface of the door featured unusual frog-like symbols. Their twisted and contorted shapes contributed to the overall mystique of the scene.The leader of the envoy team turned to Grace, his expression curious. "Ms. Linsor?" He paused, eyeing the red gemstone on the bronze door. Its value was apparent, making him cautious about any impulsive actions."Smash everything!" Grace was concise in her command. They couldn't afford to give up if there was something behind that door easily. As
An Understated Dominance Chapter 2000
Despite employing a substantial amount of explosives, the bronze door remained impervious, showcasing its exceptional durability. Even sheer brute force proved ineffective.Grace, with a slight furrow in her brow, suggested, "Search for mechanisms or anything that might assist us.""Got it!" The envoy team leader promptly responded, directing his team to explore. Despite an extensive search within the grand hall, they discovered nothing."Ms. Linsor," Garrett interjected. "Save your efforts. The solution to open this bronze door is right here."Grace turned around, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Oh? Captain Wilder, do you recognize the symbols on the door?""I've been on quite the journey, exploring historical sites and immersing myself in the study of intriguing symbols for many years. It's become second nature to me." Garrett proudly shared.He walked forward confidently and added, "If I'm not mistaken, this underwater palace was built by the ruler of Sceptoria a thousand
An Understated Dominance Chapter 2001
The symbols on the bronze door abruptly stopped rotating, as if caught in a jam. It swayed back and forth with an unsettling creaking sound."Huh? What's happening? Why did it stop moving?" Everyone exchanged puzzled glances."Captain Wilder, what's going on?" Grace furrowed her brow in unease."Ms. Linsor, calm down. After all, it's been over a thousand years, and it's normal for the mechanisms to show some signs of aging. Just give it a moment, and it'll be fine," Garrett said with a faint smile.He had encountered similar situations before. In the past, he had dealt with traps that, even when triggered, remained inactive due to years of neglect.As he examined the bronze door's material, he felt assured that its internal mechanisms were likely undamaged, albeit possibly less responsive. Given the earlier smashing and explosions, he reasoned that there must have been some impact. Then, the symbols and characters, which were initially rotating clockwise, suddenly began to tur
An Understated Dominance Chapter 2002
"Huh?" Everyone stood in shock, their eyes fixed on the shattered bronze door. Mouths hang open, faces reflecting pure disbelief. They never imagined that the supposedly indestructible bronze door, resistant even to explosives, could be obliterated by a single punch from Dustin.There were no flashy moves, no grand display of power—just a simple, direct punch, and the bronze door shattered instantly. It was truly unbelievable."Wait… Seriously, how is this even possible?" Garrett's eyes widened in disbelief, his face revealing an indescribable shock.Only moments ago, he witnessed dozens of people taking turns attacking the bronze door with weapons and explosives. Despite their relentless efforts, the door remained as it was. However, with just one punch, Dustin managed to shatter this seemingly indestructible door."Holy crap! Is he a monster?" Silva blurted out, her hand instinctively covered her mouth in shock. Her eyes were practically about to pop out. Just moments ago,
An Understated Dominance Chapter 2003
Unlike the joyful ambiance surrounding her, Grace wore a somber expression. She furrowed her brow, and her eyes revealed disappointment.When she discovered that the Celestial Eye had picked up on something, excitement surged through her. She thought the Dracan essence would probably be hidden in the underwater palace. However, after an extensive search, both inside and outside the palace, all she uncovered were intricate jewels and precious metals. There was no sign of the Dracan essence.Despite putting in so much time and effort, it ended up being a wild goose chase. Grace found this outcome unacceptable.She turned to Dustin, her expression shifting as a realization dawned. "Dustin, is the Celestial Eye detecting anything?"He nodded in response. "Yes, and it's quite strong.""These accompanying treasures, though valuable, don't appear to be extraordinary. What causes the Celestial Eye to react so strongly?" Grace asked. She inspected the gold and silver treasures within t
An Understated Dominance Chapter 2004
After everyone finished plundering the treasures from the coffin, Grace's envoy team carefully combed through the tomb again. However, their efforts yielded nothing."Ms. Linsor, we've searched the entire tomb. We couldn't find any hidden mechanisms or secret compartments," the leader of the envoy team reported."None?" Grace frowned slightly, shifting her gaze to the pool in front of the coffin. "Could there be something hidden in this pool?"Having explored every accessible corner, only the small pool filled with milky-white liquid remained. She sensed a potential connection between this pool and the rare treasure she sought."The liquid here possesses an unusually dense spiritual energy, almost unfathomable level. If I'm not mistaken, this should be a pool of Soul Elixir!" Dustin scooped up a handful of the milky-white liquid, giving it a sniff. "What? Soul Elixir?"The sudden mention of Soul Elixir brought everything to a standstill. Jackson, Sophia, Garrett, and the rest st
An Understated Dominance Chapter 2005
"Soul Elixir? Is this the real deal? Oh my god!"Jackson couldn't contain his excitement as he danced around. Initially puzzled, the people around him soon caught on, their faces lighting up with joy. Emotions soared, and one by one, they dropped the jewels they held, rushing toward the pool to eagerly consume the Soul Elixir.Being martial artists, they grasped the unparalleled value of Soul Elixir—a treasure surpassing gold and silver. It promised unimaginable wealth and prosperity. Without exaggeration, every sip equated to consuming a thousand-year-old herb. Beyond cultivation improvement, it extended life, enhanced physique, and could even reshape circulatory pathways, facilitating profound transformations.The allure of such a treasure was undeniable. At that moment, everyone abandoned their composure, leaning eagerly over the pool's edge. Cupping the Soul Elixir in their hands, they greedily indulged in its benefits.Their expressions mirrored those of someone stranded i
An Understated Dominance Chapter 2006
Dustin pondered whether a mysterious element lurked at the depths of the Soul Elixir pool."Everyone, please step back," he exclaimed without an explanation. As he approached the spiritual pool, he extended his palm toward the center and firmly grasped it.Instantaneously, the liquid in the entire pool began to tremble and swiftly rotate. In just a few seconds, a giant vortex materialized at the spot where his palm had been, stirring the Soul Elixir ever more rapidly.Guided by Dustin's mystical pure energy, a colossal swirling mass of Soul Elixir gradually ascended from the water. Everyone soon saw a remarkable sight. With a single hand, he seemingly plucked the Soul Elixir from the pool like one would pull out a radish. Surrounded by mystical pure energy, the Soul Elixir gathered in mid-air, forming a massive milky-white sphere.The sphere, with a diameter ranging from 10 to 13 feet and substantial weight, effortlessly hovered above his head without spilling a drop. This remark
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Chapter 2492
"Hold on!"Seeing that he was about to be taken away, Langdon panicked and shouted, "You have no right to arrest me without a thorough investigation or a judge's ruling! This is outright brutality! You're abusing your power!"Austin scoffed. "When I tried to play fair, you pulled every dirty trick in the book. But now that I'm playing rough, you suddenly want to talk about the law? Do you really think that's going to happen?""Mr. Langdon, if you have anything to say, you can tell me in prison. We'll have plenty of time to chat." Axel strode forward with a wicked grin, clamping a firm hand on Langdon's shoulder."Wait! I still have something to say." Langdon swallowed hard. Realizing he had no way out, he finally dropped the tough act and tried a softer approach. "Austin, we're family. Do we really have to take it this far? Look, I screwed up. But can't you cut me some slack, just this once?"In the past, his silver tongue had helped him turn situations around and distort the tr
Chapter 2491
"Ledger?"Langdon's pupils contracted as he stared at the familiar red ledgers at his feet. His expression finally faltered. He had never expected the enforcement team to uncover the ledgers he had hidden in a secret compartment. Every transaction written on those pages was damning—evidence of years of collusion with officials and wealthy merchants, of bribes and embezzlement. He had kept them as leverage to ensure those officials wouldn't abandon him when things went south. But what was meant to shield him had now sealed his fate.His assets could be confiscated, and he could refuse to acknowledge his own children. But how could he possibly talk his way out of a ledger filled with his handwritten records?Langdon's frown deepened as sweat poured down his face. Before he realized it, his back was already drenched."Mr. Langdon, why are you sweating so much? Is it too hot in here? Should I have someone fan you?" Axel taunted with a sneer.The evidence they had gathered was more
Chapter 2490
"Oh? Really? Then, show them the evidence. Let everyone see for themselves." Austin said with a faint smile.Langdon swallowed hard, and a cold sweat broke out on his forehead.Had his entire past really been dug up in just half a day?"First, I investigated Mr. Langdon's assets and income sources," Axel said, pulling out a stack of documents and placing them on the table. He explained firmly, "His spending far exceeds his salary. He owns 18 luxury homes, dozens of high-end cars, and a private collection of gold, antiques, and famous paintings. "Altogether, his assets are worth tens of billions. Given his salary, it would take him several thousand years of saving every penny to afford that. So I have to ask—where did all this money come from?"The moment those words left his mouth, all eyes turned to Langdon.Everyone knew he was corrupt, but no one expected it to be on this scale. If his fixed assets alone were worth billions, his liquid assets must be even more staggering.
Chapter 2489
"And as for the rest of you, I'll be investigating each of you one by one." Austin's gaze moved past Langdon and landed on the royal advisors. He sneered and added, "You'd better keep your records clean. If I find anything on any of you, I'll handle it by the book, and there won't be any mercy."At these words, panic swept through the room. Everyone exchanged nervous glances, and their hearts pounded like war drums.As soon as they realized Austin was angry, they quickly fell silent. Langdon had always been making all the noise, but now they found themselves caught in the fire.Anyone who'd held a position like theirs usually had some skeletons in the closet. In the past, Rufus had been willing to turn a blind eye and let things slide. But now, Austin clearly wasn't following the usual rules. If he decided to investigate thoroughly, most of them would likely find their careers and reputations destroyed."Mr. Rhys, what do we do now? Lord Austin seems dead serious about this."
Chapter 2488
"Langdon, I can't tell if you're playing dumb or if you really are that stupid." Though Austin was smiling, his eyes were cold. He continued, "You asked for physical evidence, and I provided it. You asked for witnesses, and I gave you those too. Now, with both evidence and testimony laid bare, and even the criminal confessing, what else do you want?""Hmph! The government is rife with corruption. I'm simply seeking justice and preventing you from wrongfully killing the innocent." Langdon still held his righteous stance.Some of the royal advisors who had initially supported him now stayed silent. They could sense Austin's rising anger and didn't dare provoke him further. At that instant, they had lost their confidence. As Austin had pointed out, the solid evidence was right before them, and it was impossible to deny.Langdon was a member of the Rhys family and Austin's elder. He could afford to speak without a filter, but the others couldn't. If they truly angered Austin, the
Chapter 2487
"Sir Thatcher? Mr. Wentworth?" When Langdon saw their faces, his eyes went wide in disbelief. "You… How did you two end up like this?" He was genuinely stunned.Huxley and Percival were two of the most powerful figures in West Lucozia. They commanded respect wherever they went, and even Langdon himself had to show them deference.He never expected that they had fallen from their positions of prestige to become disheveled prisoners overnight."Austin! You've gone too far!" Recovering from his initial shock, Langdon's fury erupted. He didn't even bother with titles anymore. "Do you even realize what you're doing? These two men are pillars of West Lucozia and the prince's most trusted advisors. They're your elders and mentors. Yet, you tortured them like this. Are you even human?""He's right," someone chimed in. "They dedicated their lives to this country. What crime did they commit to deserve such cruelty by Your Highness?"The gathered officials erupted in outrage and condemned
Chapter 2486
"Your Highness, you mustn't speak such nonsense." Langdon put on a righteous front.He continued, "I've always prided myself on my integrity and never done anything dishonorable. I've never betrayed the prince's trust or let the people down, and I have nothing to hide.""Such lofty words," Austin scoffed. "If you have nothing to hide, why not let the enforcement team investigate?"Langdon's face tightened, and a flicker of unease crossed his eyes. After all, what official didn't have some skeletons in the closet? A full investigation would likely turn up something, no matter how small. Even if the offenses weren't serious, the damage to his reputation would be permanent.With so many officials watching, Langdon couldn't afford to back down. If he did, he would lose his standing in the political world—and his claim to integrity along with it."Go ahead and investigate." He raised his chin and said confidently, "I've lived an honest life and never engaged in anything illegal. No m
Chapter 2485
Austin sat in his chair and silently watched the royal advisors put on their pretentious act. He slowly sipped his tea as if he couldn't be bothered by their so-called accusations.His nonchalant demeanor made Langdon and the others frown. Their once-outrageous voices began to falter.They had stormed in full of righteous fury earlier, only to be met with complete apathy. What was the point of arguing when he wasn't even listening?"Are you done?" Austin finally spoke once the room had quieted down. "If not, go ahead and keep talking. Say as much as you need to until you're satisfied.""Your Highness, we're here to discuss serious matters. Your dismissive attitude is truly disappointing," Langdon said sharply."Serious matters?" Austin let out a short laugh.He went on, "You barge in here without even understanding the full picture and spewing accusations like they're facts. As far as I'm concerned, you're no different from clowns putting on a show.""You… How dare you!" Langdon
Chapter 2484
"Are you even qualified to sit while speaking to me?"Austin's words struck like the blow of a hammer. They were sharp and unrelenting, and they left no room for retort.Langdon sat frozen and was momentarily speechless. He hadn't expected a brat like Austin to have such a sharp tongue.If he admitted he had come for personal matters, he would keep his pride intact, but he would lose control of the conversation. Everything he had prepared—and all the accusations he meant to throw—would be meaningless.But if he insisted it was official business, he would have to show proper respect and offer a formal greeting. No matter how he answered, he would be conceding ground."I'll ask one more time. Are you here on official or personal matters?" Austin asked coldly."O-Official matters." Cornered, Langdon barely managed to get the words out."Well? Is this how an official conducts himself?" Austin pressed.Langdon had no choice but to rise and offer a deep bow. "Your Highness, it's an h
