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An Understated Dominance Chapter 952
"Goodbye, my love …"Despite being unconscious, Dustin heard a familiar voice speaking to him. He wanted to open his eyes, but he couldn't no matter how hard he tried. It felt like his body had fallen into a bottomless pit and was still falling. Fear and despair washed over him in the dark world.He didn't know how long he'd been in this state. A year? Ten? Or maybe even a hundred?Just as Dustin was about to break down, he saw a burst of light in the distance.Like a drowning man yearning for air, he swam desperately toward the source of the light. He got closer and closer until the light engulfed him. Suddenly, Dustin woke up on the hospital bed with a gasp. Air filled his lungs, and his heart began picking up pace. It felt as if he had been reborn.He took a moment to check himself and realized that the poison had miraculously disappeared from his body!Although he felt slightly weak, his life was no longer in danger. "Mr. Rhys, you're finally awake. I thought you
An Understated Dominance Chapter 953
From agonizing pain to reaching death, Linden carefully watched the entire process. He felt that Dustin needed to know how far Natasha would go for the person she loved. Dustin was dumbstruck after hearing Linden explain the event. He never imagined that Natasha was willing to sacrifice herself to save him. At this moment, he finally understood his feelings for her. Still, there was no way he could accept her feelings for him if it led to something like this. "Mr. Rhys, Ms. Harmon left this letter for you. Please read it." Conflicted, Linden cautiously passed Dustin a letter. No one had ever impressed him as Natasha did. After all, even grandmasters might not be able to handle the unbearable pain. Yet, an ordinary woman could withstand the pain without complaining and did so without regret. She was fearless.Linden couldn't imagine how much Natasha must love Dustin for her to go so far. Linden had already given up on Dustin.But Natasha made him realize that, sometimes, e
An Understated Dominance Chapter 954
Natasha's peaceful expression was like a knife stabbing Dustin's heart. He hated himself for causing her to end up like this, and he hated himself for being unable to save her. If he could turn time back, he would switch things around. "Hang on! Switch?" Dustin perked up when he thought of something. He looked at Linden and asked, "Dr. Watkins, do you have any Resurgothorn left? I want to save her by exchanging our lives!""Don't be foolish!" Linden scolded him, frowning. "Do you think Resurgathorn is food? It's not readily available. "Besides, Ms. Harmon sacrificed herself for you. The least you could do to make her sacrifice worthwhile is to live properly!""I don't want her to sacrifice herself. I just need her to be alive!" Dustin roared with bloodshot eyes. "I don't care what I must do and what price I must pay. I just need her to come back to life!"Dustin begged, "Please, Dr. Watkins. You're the best doctor I know. Please help me save her!" He fell to his knee
An Understated Dominance Chapter 955
Five decades ago, Linden had barely started gaining fame while Iris was already a household name. He had the honor of meeting that impressive woman once."Iris Meskill? Jade Maiden Sisterhood?" Surprised, Dustin asked, "Dr. Watkins, do you know where her tomb is?""That's why I said this is impossible," Linden sighed. "Since her death, many have searched for her tomb, yet no one has succeeded. It basically doesn't exist!""Just because no one could find it doesn't mean it doesn't exist," Dustin answered firmly. "I'll find a way to find the Shadowbloom. If I fail, I'll have no choice but to break into the Mystic Arts Order!""Are you crazy? You'd be walking into the lion's den!" Linden paled. "That's nothing compared to Natasha sacrificing her life to save mine." Dustin had a determined gaze."But …" Linden was at a loss for words. "Dr. Watkins, how much longer can Natasha hold on for?" Dustin asked."That's hard to tell. I'd say anywhere from three days to half a month.
An Understated Dominance Chapter 956
Two copper basins were soon brought as Edith ordered. One contained water, while the other had burning charcoal."Let's try it out." Edith took a deep breath before tossing the scripture into the water. Everyone observed the scripture, waiting for something to happen, but nothing did.Apprehensively, Edith fished the scripture out. Still, nothing seemed to have changed."See, Madam Edith. I told you it wouldn't work!" Brittany complained. "Let's try again!" Edith gritted her teeth and raised the scripture again. "Madam Edith!" Brittany quickly stopped Edith. "We can let it dry if it's wet. But if we burn it, we'll never get it back. Please think this through!""I've memorized all its contents anyway, so there's no need to keep it!"Edith brushed Brittany's hand away and threw the scripture into the fire.A puff of green smoke swirled around the basin as the scripture erupted in flames. It quickly turned into a pile of ash. "Madam Edith, I see something inside!" Nikki'
An Understated Dominance Chapter 957
Taken aback, Nikki forced a smile. "Madam Edith, I've got good eyes. I might be useful.""No thanks!" Edith frowned in annoyance. "Having Brittany around will be enough. Leave.""But—" Nikki stopped talking when Edith glared at her. The older woman snapped, "What? Are you going to defy me?""Of course not." Nikki lowered her head and bit her lower lip. "Get out!" Nikki was irritated."I'll take my leave." With a nod, Nikki left reluctantly. Her gaze showed her discontent and resentfulness. She couldn't believe that despite all her contributions, Edith still didn't trust her. It was as if Nikki was an outsider. Yet, without her, Edith wouldn't have obtained the scripture and discovered its secrets.Nikki couldn't understand why Edith would not acknowledge her hard work and favor her.Worst, instead of receiving Edith's thanks, all Nikki got was Edith's anger thrown at her. Nikki gritted her teeth and clenched her fists, displeased. Once she left the villa, she grab
An Understated Dominance Chapter 958
"Iris Meskill's tomb? Are you sure?" Dustin grabbed Nikki's wrist. Nikki winced as Dustin's strong grip numbed her arm. "I saw it with my own eyes," Nikki ignored the pain and answered firmly. "Where's the tomb? Tell me!" Dustin demanded frantically. Although he intended to find out about Iris' tomb through the Jade Maiden Sisterhood, he didn't expect to get a lead so soon. "You're hurting me!" Nikki pulled herself free with a frown. "I don't know its exact location since Madam Edith chased me out before I could study the map. I only remember vaguely seeing the 'Black Forest'.""The Black Forest?" Dustin frowned. "Where's that?""From what I found, the Black Forest is located in Lester. It's a primitive forest filled with dangerous swamps. "Due to its treacherous terrain, people rarely go there, and it's never been developed," Nikki explained. "That's not what I want to know. I just need its location," Dustin retorted icily. The forest was huge. Searching for a hi
An Understated Dominance Chapter 959
Apparently, the location of Iris Meskill's tomb had finally been found. It was rumored to be in the Black Forest. When the news got out, many martial artists rushed to Lester to try their luck. After all, such opportunities were rare.Meanwhile, in a sedan heading toward Lester, Dustin stared out the window, lost in thought. Abigail sat beside him, chatting nonstop. "Dr. Watkins told you to take care of yourself and take your medicine on time. Remember not to use your true energy, or it could mess you up inside," she said. "Also, I have no idea who leaked news about Iris Meskill's tomb, but many people are going after the treasure now. So, the competition's going to be tough."Oh, and one more thing. Last night, some skilled person broke into the alliance's prison and rescued Spring Hill. "The alliance sent people to catch him, but no luck so far," Abigail reported as she scrolled through her messages.Dustin, who had been zoning out, finally responded, "Spring Hill escaped?
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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
