An Understated Dominance by Marina Vittori

Before any faction could enter the palace, a massive battle had already erupted. Each group was

determined not to yield to others, with everyone vying for the first entry.

The logic was simple—the first one inside would naturally secure the most treasures.

At that moment, over a dozen forces were clashing violently, creating a scene of intense carnage.

In the face of tremendous wealth, the struggle for dominance reached a point where even strangers, let

alone brothers, could turn on each other.

"The Drakes Dominion Order has business here. Retreat immediately!" Yonah led his group as they

charged forward, announcing their identity.

It was an attempt to intimidate the competitors with their sect's prestige.

"To hell with the Drakes Dominion Order! We of Shadow Isle aren't afraid of you!"

"Hmph! The Drakes Dominion Order may be formidable, but we from the Elysian Sect are no weaklings

either! Whoever dares block our path to wealth will meet their end!"

"Damn it! Who the hell ambushed me? Brothers, let's take them down!"

Using the name of the Drakes Dominion Order didn't cause much of a stir, given that the forces that

managed to make their way here naturally had respectable backgrounds.

Although the Drakes Dominion Order was considered king in Southwest, they weren't the sole

dominant force. Not to mention, martial sects from Northwest and foreign factions were also in

attendance.

In the event of a full-blown conflict, everyone had a fair chance.



"Bran! Let's join forces and forge a path through the chaos. We'll seize the opportunity to enter the

palace first!" Yonah glanced over at Bran.

"Alright!" Bran nodded resolutely.

"Charge!"

Upon receiving the signal, Yonah, without a second thought, brandished his sword and charged toward

the entrance of the palace.

Bran, along with disciples from the Frostwing Sect, provided cover on the side.

"Quick! Stop them! Don't let them enter first!"

Witnessing the aggressive advance of the Drakes Dominion Order and the Frostwing Sect, other

factions quickly joined the fray, anxious about being left behind.

"Those who stand in my way will die!" Yonah roared, leading the disciples of the Drakes Dominion

Order and the Frostwing Sect into a fierce battle with the surrounding forces.

The scene grew even more chaotic as martial artists fell one after another into the bloody pool.

"Oh my God... I can't believe they're fighting so desperately. They're completely disregarding their

lives." Outside the lakebed, Jackson watched the intense battle ahead in silent astonishment.

Fortunately, he hadn't rushed forward. Otherwise, if he got trapped in the chaos, there would be no way

out but death.

These people were absolutely nuts!

"In the pursuit of material gain, they chose to sacrifice their lives. At this point, there's no turning back

for them." Sophia narrowed her eyes in contemplation, teetering on edge.



The more intense and chaotic the scene grew, the more advantageous it would be for her. Only when

these forces engaged in a mutually destructive struggle would she be able to seize an opportunity.

However, remaining on the sidelines carried its own set of risks—if someone else claimed the treasures

first, she could end up with nothing.

In the end, it all came down to patience and luck. As long as she held her ground and managed to

catch a fortunate break, she could potentially turn out to be the ultimate victor.

"Kid, why aren't you making a move yet? If you keep on waiting, the treasures inside will all be taken,"

Aidan suddenly said.

Instead of answering, Grace countered, "How about you, Mr. Ridge? Why aren't you making a move?"

"I'm a grandmaster after all. How would I look if I competed with these juniors?" Aidan smiled lightly.

"While I understand that you're upholding your reputation, I have a different perspective." Grace smiled.

"Oh? Have you noticed something?" Aidan raised an eyebrow.

"To be honest, I think there's something unusual about this palace. Charging in without caution could

potentially jeopardize our lives," Grace said candidly.

In her eyes, the grand and antique palace seemed more like a royal tomb. The fact that the tomb

remained intact for many years while submerged underwater hinted at a cleverly crafted design.

Such tombs were often equipped with traps and various anti-theft mechanisms. Entering without a clear

understanding of the situation would not only be dangerous but potentially lethal.

"Surprisingly, you're pretty insightful." Aidan nodded approvingly.

"You're right. These external threats are nothing compared to the hidden dangers within the palace.

Even I wouldn't dare claim to move freely inside."



As a grandmaster, his perception far exceeded that of ordinary martial artists. If he could sense a

threat, it was undoubtedly significant.

"Mr. Ridge, you have a discerning eye, and I admire that." Grace nodded with a smile.

"You're not simple either, kid." Aidan shot a meaningful look at the person beside him.

Despite being young, she demonstrated an uncommon calmness and keen insight, qualities that were

truly rare.

Inexplicably, he found himself contemplating the idea of taking her as a disciple.

As their conversation unfolded, a loud, resonant howl suddenly reverberated through the surroundings.

The howl echoed like rolling thunder, both deafening and enduring.

For a moment, a momentary pause fell upon the battlefield. All eyes turned toward the origin of the

noise, where they found a massive silver wolf king emerge proudly from the forest.

Cloaked in a mantle of silver-white fur, the wolf king possessed emerald-green beast eyes, exuding a

commanding presence.

Its silver coat shimmered brilliantly under the moonlight, presenting a mesmerizing sight to behold.

Behind the silver wolf king were approximately a dozen giant gray wolves, each comparable in size to

lions and boasting sharp claws and teeth.

The silver wolf king itself towered two sizes larger, standing shoulder to shoulder with an average man.

It was the very source of the fearsome howl earlier, brimming with an air of intimidation.

"This is bad! It's a wolf pack!" someone exclaimed.



If it had been an ordinary wolf pack, as martial artists, they wouldn't have been afraid. However, the

creatures within the oasis were mutated beasts and exceptionally ferocious.

Dealing with one was challenging enough, and now with a pack suddenly appearing, uneasiness

washed over everyone.

Right then, another earth-shaking roar echoed through the surroundings.

From a different direction, a crimson-hued, imposing Onyxclaw emerged slowly. The tiger-like creature

was exceptionally massive, comparable to the size of an elephant.

Even while just standing there without making any threatening movements, it exuded an oppressive air.

Its bell-like eyes especially felt like an icy abyss, sending shivers down the spines of whoever locked

onto them.

The majestic authority emanating from this king of all beasts left the crowd trembling in fear.

