LOGINShare
Chapter 301
Related chapters
An Understated Dominance Chapter 302
"Why aren't you saying anything? Do you agree with what I said?" Dustin's final glimmer of hope disappeared along with Dahlia's silence. He'd given her a chance to explain herself, but she didn't give him the answer he wanted. "I'm sorry. I have my reasons." Dahlia felt her heart bleeding, and breathing became difficult. "Reasons?" Dustin sneered. "What could make you sell your body? What could stop you from explaining things to me?" "I'm sorry … I'm sorry …" Dahlia sobbed, anguished. "Don't apologize to me. We're already divorced, so I have no right to control anything you do, and you didn't betray me." Dustin's face gradually turned hard. "However, please don't ever bother me again. I'm still human. I can't keep being hurt by you. So, won't you please let me go?" "I …" Dahlia didn't know what to say. Perhaps the best thing for her to do now was to completely cut ties with him since she had no choice but to yield to Luis for her brother, her family, and Dustin. Still, she'
An Understated Dominance Chapter 303
Even after returning to the medical center, Dustin still felt restless after the heavy blow Dahlia had given him. He never thought that she was the kind of person who would toy with his emotions for revenge. They could have ended their relationship on a good note, yet she decided to make them enemies. Dustin just couldn't understand why. No matter how hard he thought back, he was sure he had never once done anything bad to her. "Dustin, are you in trouble?" Maximus emerged from the living room and asked. "Let me know if you need my help." The past few days of treatment have healed his core. He might not be as strong as before, but he was satisfied with just this. "Won't you drink with me?" Dustin fumbled around the cabinets for two bottles of wine. With Gregory around, there was never a shortage of alcohol. "Sure." Maximus sat down without a second thought. The two men began to drink, but no one spoke, so the tension in the air increased. After a few glasses, Dustin event
An Understated Dominance Chapter 304
The man's arrogant gaze swept the room. "I'm Dustin. May I know why you're here?" Dustin glanced at the man before continuing to drink. "I'm a messenger of Boulderthorn's Royal Valor. We want to challenge you to a duel. You killed Joshua Hummer, our seventh disciple, so something has to be done. My senior will be visiting Swinton to challenge you to a duel to the death!" the man declared haughtily, throwing them a piece of paper. As a well-known guild, they had to do things publicly, including exacting revenge. They were also going to use this opportunity to show off their power. "You can take that back. I'm not interested." Dustin refused without even looking at the paper. "Are you scared?" The other man sneered. "Weren't you brave when you killed Joshua? Why are you shying away after hearing that my senior is your opponent?" "As if. I don't even know who your senior is," Dustin replied calmly. "I'll tell you right now. His name is Tatum Thunders, and his name can be fou
An Understated Dominance Chapter 305
Time flew by, and two days passed. News about Tatum challenging Dustin to a duel had spread far and wide, and all the martial artists who caught wind of the challenge came in droves to watch the duel. The challenger was the principal disciple of Royal Valor, Fanatic Blade of the Heavenly Immortals–Tatum Thunders, while the challengee was Dustin Rhys, a dark horse. Eager to watch their challenge, many people woke up before dawn to get to Mount Halgue, so now, people crowded at the foot of the mountain. "I didn't know there would be this many people." Thinking that this was just an ordinary duel, Dustin was surprised by the size of the crowd. "That's just how Boulderthorn is. Anytime a famous disciple challenges someone to a duel, their guild makes sure to promote themselves and show off their strength. It's an unspoken rule among guilds." Maximus was used to the sight. "Really?" Dustin smiled. "In that case, wouldn't they be embarrassed if they lose?" "Lose?" The corner of M
An Understated Dominance Chapter 306
The old man patted the dust off his body in a poised manner. "That was a wonderful fight!" The young girl excitedly clapped after Ralph won. She turned to Dustin and Maximus. "See? Isn't my grandpa amazing?" "Abby, did you see my palm strikes just now? Those are our guild's signature moves. You'll amaze the world when you finally learn it," Ralph said loudly. "I'll work hard to meet your expectations, Grandpa!" Abby nodded fervently. "Oh, and they are?" Ralph turned his attention to Dustin and Maximus."They're passersby who were being nosy, but I stopped them in time. With their abilities, they'll only be a bother," Abby explained."I see." Ralph gave them a look over. "Treacherous bandits and ferocious beasts always roam this mountain. You two shouldn't run around carelessly." "Thanks for the advice. We'll make a move since you're safe." Dustin thanked them and spun around to leave. "Hold on!" Abby suddenly called out. "You're here to watch the fight between Tatum and,
An Understated Dominance Chapter 307
"Forget it. I was just repaying your kindness earlier. Since you don't want to, forget it." Ralph shook his head pretentiously, giving them a you'll-regret-it-one-day look. Dustin and Maximus exchanged amused glances silently. "Let's go. Since we've run into each other, I might as well escort you two up in case there's danger again," Ralph said, walking ahead with his hands clasped behind his back. "You guys are lucky to be able to walk with my grandpa!" With a humph, Abby glared at them and hurried after Ralph. Dustin smiled and followed behind them without protest. After all, there was only one way up the mountain. Moving at a brisk pace, the group soon made it to the top. At the center of the hilltop was a platform, which was where Dustin and Tatum's fight was supposed to take place. Many people had already gathered around the platform, most of them martial artists, making things much livelier. "Mr. Dunn? Nice to meet you." "I've heard so much about you, Mr. Dunn. It's
An Understated Dominance Chapter 308
Abby humphed. "Stop pretending when you don't know anything." She rolled her eyes. "We'll know who's better soon enough!" "Even if Dustin doesn't win against Tatum, he's still a rare genius, so we should still respect him," the man from earlier said. "You're right. Just getting Tatum to challenge him to a duel is a feat of its own. Otherwise, Boulderthorn wouldn't have wasted so much energy on this." "I heard that he's only around twenty. It's extremely rare to see someone that age reach divinity. He's practically a genius!" "Even if he doesn't win against Tatum, it will be an honorable defeat." Everyone began to chip in their opinions. Although they were sure Dustin would lose to Tatum, they still acknowledged the former's talents and skills. "I heard that Dustin doesn't have a guild and is self-taught. He's bound to shine if he enters Ironshade!" one said. Another chuckled. "Ironshade only has around a hundred disciples. A talent like him would be wasted there." Someo
An Understated Dominance Chapter 309
"Brody!" The crowd jumped in shock and anger when Brody was sent flying by Maximus' punch. Never had they imagined Maximus to wield such power after his core was destroyed. "H-how dare you hit me?" Brody said spitefully, pressing against his chest, which was throbbing with excruciating pain. The audacity of someone excommunicated, a good-for-nothing to lay a finger on him! "So what? You should thank the heavens that I didn't take your life." Maximus went up and took the hand of the lady in white. He soothed her affectionately, "Caitlyn, don't you worry. I won't let anyone bully you when I'm around. I'll protect you even if I have to risk my life!" "M-Max, what are you doing?" Her expression fell as she slowly stumbled away from him. "Caitlyn, I know you've been through a lot. I'll be good to you. Let's run away, shall we? We can leave Balerno for a place where no one knows us. How does that sound?" He looked at her with anticipation. Although he was no match for Luther, he coul
Latest chapter
An Understated Dominance 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
An Understated Dominance 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
An Understated Dominance 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
An Understated Dominance 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
An Understated Dominance 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
An Understated Dominance 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
An Understated Dominance 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
An Understated Dominance 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
An Understated Dominance 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
