An Understated Dominance by Marina Vittori

Jackson strolled through the palace corridors, his excitement uncontainable. "Dustin, I had no idea your

skills were so impressive. Your sword technique just now was truly epic!"

While aware of Dustin's formidability, Jackson never comprehended the extent of his power. He could

sense Dustin's cultivation level surpassing even Aidan's, leaving him utterly astonished.

Sophia smiled and remarked, "He's right. That single swing of your sword took down the black serpent.

"It caused a ripple effect, shaking things up in both the southwest and northwest forces. Your name is

about to become a global sensation!" Her eyes held intense admiration for Dustin.

To her, Jackson was undeniably impressive, but he served as her backup. Now, with Dustin, a peerless

genius, by her side, she felt confident in her next move.

"I just happened to stumble upon the black serpent's weak spot." Dustin smiled faintly.

Jackson intervened. "Don't downplay yourself, Dustin. The black serpent's defense is solid, and only a

grandmaster martial artist can break through it.

"But you, with just one sword strike, effortlessly severed its head. That's a truly heroic feat, something

we've never seen before!"

Dustin, trying to deflect compliments, chuckled. "Cut me some slack, Jackson. I'm shy, and

compliments make me squirm."

Grace scoffed in disagreement.

"Seriously, though, your talent and strength deserve all the praise." Jackson laughed.

Sophia inquired, "Dustin, you're truly impressive. Could you share some tips with me?"

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With a flirtatious tone, she batted her eyelashes, saying, "I've been having issues with my Harmony

Saber, it doesn't seem as powerful as it should."

However, Dustin didn't spare her a glance. "I'm a swordsman and don't know much about blade

techniques.

"But for that, you should spar and exchange skills with Jackson. I'm confident you'll make quick

progress in that area."

With a delicate demeanor, she acknowledged. "Jackson's swordsmanship is impressive, but overall, he

falls behind in skill compared to you.

"So, for matters related to martial arts, I'll be relying on your guidance."

Dustin responded casually, "We'll talk about it when the time comes."

Having observed her betrayal before, leaving them behind when cornered, he didn't appreciate that

kind of behavior. This indifference made him wary of her seeming two-faced nature.

"Hmph! What's so special about him?" Garrett mumbled disdainfully.

As he walked behind them, his face darkened with jealousy as he couldn't help but notice how

everyone adored and admired Dustin.

Garrett, having learned about Dustin's strength, even lost the courage to approach Grace.

The group, holding torches, cautiously walked through the palace corridor. They proceeded slowly,

being mindful of potential traps. Luckily, the passage was free of any mechanisms, ensuring a smooth

journey.

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Interestingly, considering the menacing black serpent that guarded the place, setting traps inside the

palace seemed unnecessary.

After passing through the corridor, they entered a spacious and magnificent hall.

The hall was decorated with an array of gold, silver, and jade artifacts, as well as jewelry. Rows of

unique earthen guardians lined the space.

Among them, half were cavalrymen mounted on horses, brandishing long spears in a striking charge

formation.

The remaining half featured mythical beast sculptures, including towering armored bears,

flamespewing phoenixes, centaurs with weapons, winged white tigers, and more.

This created a diverse and fantastical display within the hall.

"Wow! Check out all this gold and silver bling. We're set for life!"

"Haha... we're blessed, truly blessed!"

As their eyes feasted on the treasure-filled hall, excitement bubbled up within them. Simply by

snagging all these treasures, they'd be living the good life forever.

The saying "fortune favored the bold" echoed in their minds as they surveyed the abundance of gold

and silver jewels.

At that moment, the difficulties and dangers they had encountered along the way seemed insignificant

compared to the incredible rewards that now stretched out before them.

"Ms. Linsor, let's talk about splitting the treasure. How do you want to handle it? I'll leave that decision

to you," Jackson said, flashing a wide grin.

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"Everyone gets an equal share. Take as much as you want; it doesn't matter to me," Grace replied. Her

eyes wandered the surroundings, seemingly preoccupied with something other than the jewels.

"Heard that, everyone? Ms. Linsor has made the call. Help yourselves to whatever you fancy!" Jackson

exclaimed with a cheerful laugh.

"Thank you, Ms. Linsor!" everyone chimed in, nodding appreciatively.

With that, they eagerly delved into the grand ceremony, each person on the lookout for treasures.

Thankfully, the abundance of wealth made the search civilized, avoiding any chaotic grabbing.

However, Dustin and Grace maintained their disinterest. As the Crown Prince of West Lucozia and the

Princess of Dragonmarsh, they possessed substantial wealth.

Ordinary jewels scattered around failed to capture their attention. Their singular focus only rested on il_

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me Dracan essence.

"Dustin, does the Celestial Eye detect anything?" She looked around but didn't notice anything

suspicious.

"Yes, it does. The signal is quite strong," he said, pulling out the Celestial Eye. He showed it to her, its

bright glow and continuous vibrations signaling the presence of an extraordinary treasure nearby.

"Any idea where it might be?" she asked.

"Yes, let me give it a try." With the Celestial Eye in hand, Dustin began strolling around the grand hall.

As he neared the hidden treasure, the Celestial Eye's reaction heightened. It helped him to discern the

general direction of the Dracan essence.

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After a few rounds of searching, he stopped in front of a mural. The artwork depicted people worshiping

gods, seamlessly integrated into the surroundings and looking completely ordinary.

Yet, as he approached the mural, the Celestial Eye vibrated more intensely, and its emitted white light

grew brighter.

"It's here!" Dustin declared with determination, looking up suddenly.

"I believe the exotic treasure is concealed behind this mural."

"What?" Grace raised an eyebrow. "Are you saying there's something behind this mural?"

"Yeah, that's the gist of it." He nodded. He was confident that if the Celestial Eye's sensing was

accurate, the odds were in their favor.

She immediately commanded her envoy, "Send someone over and break down this mural!"

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