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An Understated Dominance Chapter 2236
"Allow me to clarify something. Your approval isn't necessary, nor is your gratitude," Dustin stated calmly. He continued, "Also, in matters of healing and saving lives, your interference is unwelcome. If you don't agree, feel free to demonstrate the capabilities of the Celestial Alliance disciples."A cold glint flashed in his eyes as he spoke. He wasn't typically one to engage in conflict, but Brian's persistent provocations had tested his patience. Dustin was confident he could handle Brian despite his waning true energy reserves."Oh, did I hit a nerve? Is that why you're so worked up? I knew you were a fraud!" Brian sneered.He added, "Trying to deceive us? Well, kid, you've messed with the wrong faction. Today, you'll learn just how unforgiving we can be."With that warning, he made a sudden move and grabbed Dustin's throat."Stop it!" Aurora's expression paled as she attempted to step in, but it was too late. Brian's strength overwhelmed her, and his unexpected attack o
An Understated Dominance Chapter 2237
Dustin's words left Aurora feeling conflicted. While she had faith in his medical expertise, concern for Alicia's health lingered.It was a classic dilemma of prioritizing caution over potential regret. What if Alicia remained unconscious? What would their next move be?"Aurora, I brought Dr. Rhys here, and I trusted him. Right now, Alicia needs rest. Forcing her awake won't help," Grace advised sincerely."Hmph! You two are obviously working together, of course, you'd say that!" Brian continued to stoke the fire. He continued, "Aurora, don't listen to their smooth talk. Your sister waking up is the only real solution. Everything else is just empty talk!""Exactly. A patient's condition can change suddenly. Just because things seem stable doesn't guarantee they'll stay that way. Lives are on the line, and we need to proceed cautiously," Kenan added as he echoed his support for Brian.Kenan was a renowned doctor in the martial world. He felt his pride sting as a newcomer took ove
An Understated Dominance Chapter 2238
Brian's face displayed confusion and embarrassment as Alicia stirred awake. Although her regaining consciousness surprised him, the bruise on his ego stung him even more. The way Dustin and Grace eyed him only made him feel more like a fool. Now that Alicia was awake, everything he had done before seemed like a farce, and he had never felt so humiliated. At that moment, his hatred toward Dustin and Grace reached its peak. "Alicia, how are you feeling? Do you feel any discomfort?" Aurora asked, leaning in with concern."My head's throbbing…" Alicia grimaced and massaged her temples. Then, she asked, "Why am I here? What happened?"She felt disoriented. Her mind was shrouded in fog, and she had no memory of what had happened, which left her utterly bewildered."You were poisoned and in critical condition. Faith and Dr. Rhys came to your aid just in time, or you might not have made it," Aurora recounted the harrowing experience.Upon hearing that, Alicia's gaze shifted to Grace
An Understated Dominance Chapter 2239
"Alicia, the person you're seeking is a highly skilled mystic artist with formidable powers and used cunning methods. You need to be careful," Grace warned."Don't worry. The Celestial Alliance has extensive surveillance and a team of elite fighters. Once we find his whereabouts, we'll mobilize and capture him. He won't slip away," Aurora assured confidently."You've already saved my life, Faith. So, you don't need to stress about capturing the perpetrator," Alicia said with a smile."Looks like I've been worrying too much." Grace nodded, acknowledging their abilities. The Celestial Alliance wasn't to be underestimated. Once they gathered their elite fighters, capturing a mystic artist should be relatively easy. Even the Hall of Gods wouldn't dare to confront them head-on in Dragonmarsh."Dr. Rhys, you saved my life. I should properly thank you. What can I do to repay you?" Alicia asked.She disliked being indebted to anyone. But since Dustin had saved her, she felt obligated to
An Understated Dominance Chapter 2240
"We set the criteria, and they can be changed at any time. Considering Dr. Rhys' exceptional talent, we should give him special attention," Alicia asserted firmly."Exactly!" Aurora chimed in. "Dr. Rhys not only has remarkable medical skills but also saved Alicia's life. Offering him a consultancy position is the least we can do."At first, she had reservations about Dustin and doubted his abilities due to his age. However, her perspective changed after he cured Alicia. A young doctor with skills surpassing even Kenan's was a valuable asset anywhere."Alicia, Aurora! Rules are in place for a reason. If we start bending them for one person, how can our faction maintain its credibility?" Brian argued. He added, "Moreover, only the elders and the guildmaster have the authority to appoint a consultant. Neither you nor I have the power to make that decision.""My dad values talent. If he knew about Dr. Rhys' abilities, he would certainly support us," Alicia insisted.Though the Cel
An Understated Dominance Chapter 2241
When Brian approached, the Celestial Alliance disciples quickly stepped aside to make way for him.As the chief senior disciple, his strength was undeniable. In his 30s, he was already a grandmaster martial artist and held in high esteem within the Celestial Alliance. If not for Fenley's exceptional talents, Brian might've been considered for the position of the guildmaster's successor."Hmph! They're nothing but clowns and unworthy of my attention." With a halberd in hand, Brian strode past the crowdHis expression was cold, and he said arrogantly, "Listen up! I don't care who you are or what you want. Trespassing on our territory is a serious offense."I'm giving you the chance to surrender. If you don't, you have only yourselves to blame for what happens next."The assassins' leader made a silent hand gesture in response. Then, the assassins surrounded Brian and looked at him with deadly intent."Protect Brian!" The disciples of the Celestial Alliance were about to intervene
An Understated Dominance Chapter 2242
Brian's lethal strike sent a chilling message to the group of assassins. Despite their numbers, around 30 or 40 carefully chosen elites, nearly half of them were killed with just one blow. Brian's formidable strength instilled fear in the remaining assassins.Prior to their arrival, the assassins had gathered intelligence that the elite fighters of the nearby Celestial Alliance had been deployed elsewhere. Seeing the vulnerability in the defenses surrounding Alicia and Aurora, they perceived an opportunity for assassination. Unbeknownst to them, a young powerhouse lay concealed within the villa.After delivering the strike, Brian forcefully drove the handle of his halberd into the ground, creating a crater between them. "Who else dares to step forward and face their end?" he demanded coldly, His words resounded like thunder and caused the assassins to recoil instinctively."Hmph! You fools dare to act recklessly on the Celestial Alliance's territory. Who gave you the audacit
An Understated Dominance Chapter 2243
"What the heck? Didn't Brian just land a blow? How is that man still standing?""He's too fast. Brian's sword seemed to hit, but it only struck the man's afterimage.""Damn! Who is this guy? Pulling off moves like some ghost."The Celestial Alliance disciples were stunned to see Shadowcloak emerge unharmed.Brian was a master martial artist, and his strikes were incredibly swift. Yet, he didn't even graze Shadowcloak, which bewildered them.They had never witnessed such fluid movements. It was as if he was teleporting, which made it impossible to track."Alicia, can you decipher that elderly man's techniques?" Aurora asked with a deep frown, and her expression turned serious. She prided herself on keen observation, yet she struggled to follow Shadowcloak's movements."He's too fast, and I couldn't see clearly." Alicia shook her head. Then, she said somberly, "It looks like Brian has met his match today."Even among grandmaster martial artists, there were differences in skill.
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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
