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An Understated Dominance Chapter 2299
"That's true. With your lofty ambitions, why would you care about a few underperforming disciples?" Alloy said sarcastically.He added, "Yet, those very disciples have shown impressive growth since joining the Celestial Alliance. Perhaps… they're simply struggling to adjust to the Sword Union's treatment?""Mr. Marshall, you talk a big game, but it doesn't amount to much when it comes to real skill," Cyrus said coldly.He continued, "Since this is a Combat Tournament, why don't we take it to the stage? Are you up for showing these young ones what true skill really looks like?""If you're so eager, I'd be happy to oblige," Alloy replied with an indifferent smile. "I'd also like to see if your swordsmanship lives up to the rumors."One was ranked second on the Champ-Tier List, and the other was third. Their strength differences weren't big. If they faced off, it was anyone's guess who would win."Please calm down." Seeing the situation heating up, Kaden, sitting between them, quick
An Understated Dominance Chapter 2300
"Hmph! Stop adding fuel to the fire!" Cyrus glared at Alloy. "The Celestial Alliance has had its fair share of run-ins with the Mystic Arts Order over the years. If we're talking enemies, your guild is the real thorn in their side.""It's nothing but minor skirmishes. I'm sure Madam Penelope sees the bigger picture and isn't bothered by it," Alloy said with a subtle grin.Cyrus might outmatch Alloy in brute strength, but when it came to quick-witted retorts, Alloy was the clear victor."Mr. Hadley, Mr. Marshall, you two seem to be in high spirits."The black sedan came to a stop in front of them. An elderly woman with silver hair and a slightly hunched back emerged slowly while leaning on a serpent-headed cane.This was Penelope Solace, the leader of the Mystic Arts Order. She had risen to fame long before Alloy and Cyrus, earning her place as a revered senior figure.Despite her years of seclusion and rare public appearances, her reputation was as fearsome and commanding as Allo
An Understated Dominance Chapter 2301
"Whoa! He's even busting out the Four Elements of God's Technique? Does he really need to show off?""Fenley sure knows how to make an entrance. He's showing off in style.""If I had his skills, I'd be more flashy than him."Fenley made a grand entrance, and the crowd couldn't stop talking and whispering.The Four Elements of God's Technique was a secret art of the Celestial Alliance, learned only by the guildmasters' successors. So, it was surprising when Fenley used it before the match began."Mr. Marshall, your disciple lives up to his name," Cyrus remarked coldly."Ha! Young people should be bursting with energy. If he's got the skills, why hold back?" Alloy replied indifferently."I just hope you don't let your excitement get the better of you," Cyrus warned. "Sometimes, too much joy can lead to a downfall.""You don't need to worry about it, Mr. Hadley," Alloy said with a faint smile.Regardless of the match outcome, Fenley's entrance had already outshined the Sword Unio
An Understated Dominance Chapter 2302
After George's entrance, a chilling, eerie laughter echoed through the arena. At the same time, a swirling cloud of scarlet mist rushed in from the distance.The mist was about ten feet in radius. It radiated a dark, sinister energy, and its shape constantly shifted. One moment, it morphed into a massive skull, then twisted into a devil with bared fangs and claws.The sight of this unnerving mist made the spectators gasp in alarm. They quickly scattered to clear the path. The mist's terrifying appearance signaled evil intent, and they knew that coming into contact with it could be deadly.The scarlet mist swirled over the battle ring. It deliberately circled the contestants' heads three times before crashing down with a thunderous bang.A striking Streuquan man in a sharp suit emerged as the mist dissipated. His bold features, devious grin, and undeniable charm made him impossible to ignore. The man was Bill Wolfe."I can't believe that narcissistic jerk actually showed up," Aur
An Understated Dominance Chapter 2303
"Great hit!""How dare you cause trouble at Sacred Wyrm Summit? You must have a death wish.""If the referee hadn't held back, that Stormcraft strike would have turned him into dust."The spectators cheered with applause as Bill was sent flying.A foreign contestant one who is relatively unknown here should stay low-key to avoid unnecessary trouble.But when Bill showed up, he immediately started shouting and challenging everyone. He practically asked to be beaten. Did this puny vampire think no one in Dragonmarsh could take him down?"Curse you, Dragonmarsh martial artists! How dare you ambush me? How cowardly and disgraceful!"Bill staggered to his feet and gritted his teeth as he seethed in anger. He had planned to make a strong impression and showcase the vampires' might. Instead, his plan backfired, and he was humiliated. He didn't think it was due to his own weakness; rather, Oron's sudden attack had caught him off guard. Bill was sure that he wouldn't lose in a fair fig
An Understated Dominance Chapter 2304
"Next." Oron's voice rang out, signaling the continuation of the drawing after Jermaine finished his turn."I'll go."At that moment, George stomped forward and aggressively shoved a martial artist away as he reached into the black box.The martial artist who had been shoved frowned and looked up at George's burly bear-like frame. Despite the intimidation, he suppressed his anger.Although a martial artist's strength couldn't be judged by their size, George's imposing presence was undeniable.After rummaging inside the box for a few seconds, George pulled out a glass ball. But before anyone could see the number inside, he crushed it with his powerful grip.The ball shattered with a sharp crack, and fragments scattered across the floor.He looked at the fragments in his hand and burst into laughter. His eyes glinted with malice as he turned to Jermaine. He said sinisterly, "Jermaine, huh? Unlucky bastard, you'll have one hell of a day. Look at this." He showed him the metal dis
An Understated Dominance Chapter 2305
The spectators erupted into thunderous applause as soon as Oron finished speaking.Under the spotlight of a thousand eager eyes, contestant number one rose from his seat and walked to the battle ring. He was a monk clad in gray robes. The towering figure, who had a muscular build, was in his 30s. He gripped an iron staff, and his smooth, bald head gleamed brilliantly in the sunlight.The spectators quickly recognized him. "I can't believe the first contestant is Venerable Truce from Aureate Monastery. This is going to be a great match."Contestant number one was a revered monk from Aureate Monastery called Truce Heart. He was known by the moniker "Venerable Banisher".Despite his young age, his cultivation was beyond measure, especially his Ironfist Technique, which he had mastered to perfection.He was said to be impervious to blades, bullets, fire, and water. Any attack launched against him barely left a mark.But Truce wasn't just renowned for his incredible defense. His Ban
An Understated Dominance Chapter 2306
While facing Truce's powerful strike, Jeremiah remained calm. He didn't even flinch and raised his arm to block the blow.The shadowsteel staff crashed down with a resounding impact on his arm. Instead of the expected scene of broken bones and a flying body, the staff only made his sleeve flutter. He didn't suffer any injuries.Jeremiah stood still with a smile on his face."Huh?" Truce's eyes widened in shock. If the earlier thrust had been just a test, this sweeping blow was delivered with full force.He would have understood if Jeremiah had used grandmaster-level internal energy. But Truce didn't feel any energy fluctuation from him. In other words, Jeremiah had relied purely on his physical strength to withstand the blow.Could this seemingly frail priest be a grandmaster of body refinement? If so, a tough battle lay ahead. After all, Truce was also a grandmaster of body refinement."I didn't expect that skinny priest to catch Venerable Truce's staff barehanded. He's got some
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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
