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An Understated Dominance Chapter 785
"Well …" The staff was in a dilemma.Since the machine was already broken, they couldn't verify whether he had cheated. Of course, they could not just invalidate the results.Not to mention, Dustin's first punch had reached ten thousand pounds. He could already get promoted with that. Thus, whether he cheated during the second punch was unimportant.After thinking for a moment, the martial arts alliance staff finally decided. "I'll investigate this thoroughly, but there will be no changes to the promotion target. Please proceed with the next test." "Hmph, you got lucky!" Although Devon was unhappy, he knew he couldn't do anything to Dustin without evidence."You cheated in the first test. Let's see how you pass the second one," Gianna said unkindly."Let's move on to the second test. We'll find out whether he cheated or not." Desmond gestured for the others to follow him to the next test venue.The second test was called the agility test.The candidates had to cross a row of s
An Understated Dominance Chapter 786
After Thomas stood on the stilts, he suddenly turned his head to look at Dustin. "Punk, your biggest mistake is looking down on Boulderthon. I know you're powerful, but you are nothing compared to me when it comes to agility. Open your eyes and watch. I'll show you what being as agile as a hare means!" Thomas raised his head proudly.When it came to strength, he was nowhere near Devon. However, no one could compete with him when it came to agility."Ready, set, go!" The bell rang, and Thomas immediately moved.Like a dragonfly skimming the water's surface, he hopped on the stills lightly.Not to mention, he was swift. They could barely see his silhouette as he moved like a shadow. They couldn't follow his movements."Whoosh!" Suddenly, hidden weapons shot out at him, one after another.Some came from the side, while others sneaked up on him from behind.Yet, as if he had eyes on the back of his head, Thomas dodged all the weapons. He switched between moving slowly and quickl
An Understated Dominance Chapter 787
Everyone gave him a thumbs up, acknowledging his achievement."How was that? Do you acknowledge my skills now?" Thomas turned around and taunted Dustin. "Now, do you know what agility is? You'd better learn a thing or two from me!""Punk, are you scared now? Who else can finish the test in less than a minute?" Devon said pridefully."That's right! When it comes to agility, no one here would dare claim to be better than Thomas!" Gianna boasted.The two of them chimed in one after another, using Thomas' glory to act like bullies.Dustin was speechless. "He took such a long time to cross these stilts. What's there to be proud of?"All he did was dodge a few waves of hidden weapons. How arrogant."From your tone, it seems you won't acknowledge Thomas' success. Come on then, if you have what it takes, why don't you try? I want to see what you can do!" Devon mocked."Hmph, you sure know how to talk big Then get up there! Why are you hiding at the back? You're just like a turtle hidin
An Understated Dominance Chapter 788
"T—that's impossible! How on earth did you do that?" Gianna stuttered, utterly shocked. She didn't have time to process everything since it happened too quickly. "Are you going to accuse me of cheating again?" Dustin retorted. "I—" Gianna didn't know what to say. Earlier, Dustin might have cheated by using internal energy. But, using internal energy was allowed in the agility test. Anyone who safely got through the row of stilts naturally passed. There was no way she could accuse him of cheating anymore. Still, she couldn't accept it. "Hmph! So what if he's fast? He only passed because he used underhanded tricks!" Desmond grumbled dismissively. "The internal energy test is up next. I doubt you'll pass!""He's right! Internal energy determines a martial artist's strength. No matter how fast you are, you're useless if your internal energy is weak!" Gianna echoed stubbornly. "Hey, kid! I dare you to compete with Desmond and see who has stronger internal energy! The winner get
An Understated Dominance Chapter 789
"Come on! You can do it!" Many people began to cheer for Desmond. Nearly half of the crystal ball had turned golden. He needed to hold out a little longer, and the crystal would turn fully golden. "Aargh!" Desmond gritted his teeth and continued channeling his internal energy into the crystal ball. His strength was draining fast. His face beaded with sweat.Seconds later, the crystal ball hummed as it turned fully golden. Desmond collapsed onto the ground. He was relieved and exhausted. "Hooray! He did it!""Good job, Desmond!"Everyone cheered excitedly. "You sure are strong. Well, congratulations! You get to advance to the next level!" The alliance staff praised with a smile. Few people could turn the crystal ball gold in one shot. "What now, punk? Do you accept the outcome yet?" Devon sneered. "Did you see that? That's how powerful Desmond is. He easily surpassed the limit and advanced to the next level. Can someone like you do that?" Gianna gloated. "What's the
An Understated Dominance Chapter 790
Everyone was stunned when the crystal ball shattered into pieces. Their smiles disappeared and were replaced by looks of dismay and astonishment. Everyone had assumed Desmond would win since he had turned the crystal ball golden. They never imagined that beyond turning golden; it could turn red. What shocked them more was that Dustin had channeled so much excess internal energy after turning the crystal ball red that it exploded. Just how much internal energy did he have to do that?Everyone was speechless. Desmond, who had been full of confidence, was also shaken. He didn't expect his internal energy, which he had been so proud of, to be so weak compared to Dustin. "Is this considered cheating?" Dustin smiled mockingly. "Uh …" The crowd was at a loss for words. They weren't blind. They had all seen how Dustin had easily passed all three tests. It was one thing to excel in one category, but Dustin had performed outstandingly in all three tests, which meant that he was
An Understated Dominance Chapter 791
Desmond lowered his voice. "I admit that he's powerful, and his speed, strength, agility, and internal energy are on the next level. Still, no one in the world is perfect. "He must have a weakness. Just think about it. Why is he so quick and agile? It's simple—he's trying to make up for his weakness!"He continued, "If my guess is correct, defense must be his weak point! I'm sure he's quick and agile since his defense isn't as strong. "The fourth test will test his defense. Among us, Dominic's defense is the strongest. He's already reached the seventh level of Adamantine Body Arts, and nothing can penetrate his body. "I'm sure that with Dominic around, we'll be able to target that guy's weakness and take him down!"Everyone's spirits began to perk up after hearing Desmond's words. Just because Dustin was quick and strong didn't mean his defense was good. They'd win if they used the Adamantine Body Arts in this test."Desmond's right. No one is perfect. I'm sure that guy's we
An Understated Dominance Chapter 792
After one minute, the metal doors of the pressure machine opened, and Dustin walked out calmly. He seemed so relaxed no one could have guessed that he had withstood such high pressure. "Sir, I get to advance to the next level, right?" Dustin asked."O—of course!" Getting over his shock, the staff nodded frantically. He couldn't believe that Dustin could withstand level-100 pressure for a minute. Was Dustin made of darksteel? This was unbelievable!"Damn, he's a monster." Georgia was in awe as well. Dustin excelled in all four tests—strength, speed, internal energy, and defense. It was like he was perfect. Usually, people would struggle to pass even a single test. Yet, Dustin managed to pass them with flying colors.Was he a monster?"I knew Dustin was strong." A rare smile appeared on Scarlet's face, who was proud of Dustin's achievements. "I guess Terry Doyle lost for a reason," Patrick mumbled. He had known that Dustin was strong, but he never expected Dustin to be so
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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
