AN UNDERSTATED DOMINANCE (DUSTIN RHYS)
Chapter 2181
"The fight is over, so let's call it a day. Master Oron, the stage is yours." Caleb yawned and left after he chased away the Frostzard Manor.
With his tired appearance, it seemed like he hadn't slept in days.
"Letreiterate that you must abide by our rules while at Sacred Wrym Summit." Oron's gaze swept the surroundings as he spoke with authority.
He continued, "No matter your grievances or grudges, settle them in the battle ring or privately after the tournament. If anyone starts trouble here, Sacred Wrym Summit won't stand for it and will act accordingly.” "Master Oron is right. I'll be the first to stop anyone who breaks the rules!" "Exactly! Disrespecting Sacred Wrym Summit is like disrespecting me! I'm right here. Let's see who has the guts to stir up trouble!” "I think the people from Frostzard Manor are just asking for trouble. They deserve whatever they get, even death!" The crowd erupted into a cacophony of voices, expressing solidarity with Sacred Wrym Summit.
They made it clear that breaking the rules would have consequences. While it might have sounded like empty talk, at least the spirit was there.
"Thank you all for being here." Oron began with a respectful bow. "The first day of the tournament is about to start. Now, letexplain the rules.
"The goal of this Combat Tournament is friendly sparring and pushing each other to our limits.
"If one participant falls off the battle ring or concedes, the other must stop their attacks. Breaking this rule leads to immediate disqualification.
"Furthermore, there are no restrictions on weapons or techniques. So, feel free to showcase your skills. However, malicious intent to kill is prohibited. The referee can end the match if necessary.
"Lastly, | hope everyone can use this opportunity to exchange martial arts skills and improve together." As soon as the words were spoken, the crowd erupted into applause.
It was unclear if anyone paid attention to the rules, but applause seemed fitting.
Oron continued, "Today's tournament is for Group C participants. If your number is called, please head to the designated battle ring for your match.
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"Absence or tardiness will result in disqualification, with the other participant advancing to the next round." "That's all for now. Let the battle commence!" Oron quickly outlined the rules before officially starting the tournament.
Soon, the entire venue beclively.
Sacred Wrym Summit had set up eight battle rings to accommodate the large number of participants.
Matches took place simultaneously in each ring, with a monk from Sacred Wrym Summit serving as referee.
Participants would enter the ring to begin their battles when their numbers were called.
In the first three days, matches from Group C took place.
While this group might not be as strong as Groups B and A, all participants were carefully chosen elites.
One needed strength equivalent to lifting thousands of pounds to sign up for the tournament.
Usually, only Divine-level martial artists could reach this level unless they were exceptionally talented. So, most of the contestants in Group C were Divine-level martial artists at different skill levels.
Being a Divine-level martial artist would make anyone stand out in major sects. They were also seen as top talents in smaller sects and got special attention for training.
So, paying attention to the matches with Group C contestants was important. After all, there might be soutstanding individuals among them.
The major sects were proactive for two main reasons. First, it allowed them to show off their prestige and strength in battles.
Second, it gave them a chance to find and recruit talented people.
The Combat Tournament at the Sacred Wrym Summit was the perfect place for this.
It brought the best martial artists from all over the region so that the sects could select the best.
For sects fortunate enough to recruit one or two of these exceptional talents, they would undoubtedly be a significant asset to the sect.
Abigail suddenly proposed, "Hey everyone, isn't just watching the matches a bit boring? How about we spice things up with a bet?" "Betting? How?" Ruby's interest was quickly piqued.
Abigail replied, "It's quite simple. We'll bet on the matches’ outcomes. I'll be the banker, and you'll be the players." She explained eagerly, "There are eight battle rings, so I'll split them into eight pots. Before the matches start, you can place your bets however you like—pick your favorites. If you win, I'll double your winnings. How does that sound?" "Sounds interesting. Why don't we all give it a try?" Ruby chirped and looked at the others around her.
"Sure, why not? It's not like we have anything better to do. It's just a harmless bet." Dalen chuckled and nodded in agreement.
"Coun me in" Miles chimed in, raising his hand. "| might not be good at much but I've got a good eye for these things. Just follow my lead!""What are we betting?" Crystal asked curiously.
"Gold, jewelry, valuable techniques, divine weapons—anything of worth is fair game. I'm open to all offers!" Abigail smiled.
Looks like you're going to lose big today, Ms. Abigail," Ruby said with a playful smile.
"As long as you're willing to bet, | will match it. After all, the Mystic Arts Order has plenty of treasures," Abigail said casually.
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When they heard that, everyone got excited.
The Mystic Arts Order, known for its wealth and influence, had a treasure trove. It was rivaled only by the Celestial Alliance.
Moreover, Abigail was the Mystic Arts Order's Grand Sorceress. She likely possessed many such treasures.
So, this was their chance to make a small bet turn into a big win.
Seeing everyone agree, she quickly instructed her subordinates to get things ready.
They set up eight bowls in a row, each numbered from 1 to 8. om representing the eight battle rings
Next they gathered slips of paper for betting Those wishing to place bets on a participant would jot down their number on a slip and toss it into the matching bowl.
And just like that, a betting pool was officially set up.
As soon as everything was prepared, Abigail announced, Come on everyone the tournament is about to begin! Get ready to place your bets.
Take your chances, and let luck decide the outcome Her words drew the attention of many martial artists around.
After all, opening a betting pool at Sacred Wrym Summit was a idea.
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Chapter 2182
Abigail's words immediately caught the attention of the crowd. Among them, martial artists with a penchant for gambling were particularly eager to join in.
However, everyone hesitated to approach her due to her status as the Grand Sorceress of the Mystic Arts Order.
"Alright, letstart things off!" Taking the initiative, Miles took a pendant and placed it on the table as his bet.
He continued, "I'm betting on Number 28 in the third battle ring. He's a disciple of the Vanguard Sect, and from what | know, he's quite formidable. His odds of winning are high." Then, he grabbed a piece of paper and jotted down the number 28 before tossing it into the designated matching bowl.
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The tournament organizers randomly paired martial artists against each other rather than following a predetermined order to ensure fairness.
When the referee called out a name, the respective participant had to step onto the battle ring promptly. Failure to do so or arriving late would result in disqualification.
Ruby said, "I'll follow his lead and go with Number 28." She pulled a bottle of tablets from her pocket and placed it on the table. "These haemoplenish tablets work wonders to treat internal and external injuries." "Great! I'm open to any bet as long as the item holds value," Abigail said with a smile.
As the bookie, she wasn't worried about losing money. Instead, her concern lay in the potential lack of participants. After all, each additional bet would add to her earnings.
Dalen chimed in, "Countin." He opened a sandalwood box that contained a dazzling ruby that looked quite valuable. "I'm betting on Number 15 in the fifth battle ring." He scribbled down the number and tossed it into the bowl.
Dalen wasn't worried about the outcof the bet. Instead, it was about showing deference to Abigail and spicing things up.
To him, winning was a bonus, and losing would only mean parting with a gemstone, so he didn't see it as a big deal.
"I don't have anything valuable except this." Crystal pulled a short sword from her waist and placed it on the table.
The sword, forged from dark steel, was a foot long with intricate carvings on the hilt and embedded gemstones.
Ruby was surprised and asked, "Crystal, are you sure you want to bet with this dark steel sword?" "I hardly ever use it, so why not try my luck?" Crystal replied indifferently.
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After all, she already had a long sword. The short one was leftover material from when her long sword was forged, so it didn't serve much purpose.
"So, who are you betting on?" Ruby asked curiously.
Crystal replied, "I'm placing my bet on Number 6 in the first battle ring." "Number 6?" Ruby glanced over to see a female martial artist and seemed puzzled. "Any particular reason?" "Just a gut feeling," Crystal replied, keeping it short and to the point.
"Oh, | see..." Ruby was momentarily at a loss for words. After all, Crystal's response was hard to argue with.
"Would you like to bet, Sir?" Abigail suddenly turned to Dustin and smiled coyly. "Well, you're loaded anyway, so losing a bit won't hurt." "You think I'm going to lose?" Dustin smirked. "I'm more concerned about winning and making you nervous." "Then, let's make a bet. Who's afraid of a little challenge?" She raised her chin defiantly.
He smiled and reached into his pocket to retrieve a bottle of tablets, which he placed on the table. "These are Tigarius tablets. They enhance physical abilities, boost cultivation, and breakthrough realms. This is my wager." "Tigarius tablets? Now that's sgood stuff!" Abigail's eyes lit up. "So, who are you betting on?"
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Chapter 2183
"I'm going with Ms. Wesley's choice—Number 6 in the first battle ring." Dustin wrote on a slip of paper before tossing it into the designated bowl.
"Okay, good luck!" Abigail smiled and shouted, "Cand place your bets! The tournament is about to begin!" The martial artists nearby were eager to participate, yet not a single one dared place a bet.
Their hesitation stemmed from uncertainty about the legitimacy of the betting pool. They questioned whether the Mystic Arts Order would truly honor double payouts if they won.
So, they held back and waited for the outcof Dustin and the others" initial bets. Only after seeing the result did they contemplate joining the action.
"Alright, the tournament has begun, so betting is officially closed. Let's all sit tight and await the results." Abigail signaled the end of the betting phase with a sweeping gesture.
Soon, all eyes returned to the battle rings.
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At that moment, all eight battle rings burst into action simultaneously as sixteen participants engaged in fierce combat.
Despite that, Dustin's attention remained fixed on the first battle ring.
In the first battle ring, a male and female martial artist faced each other.
Dressed in black, the man was muscular and imposing. With a tight grip on his long shadowsteel staff, he effortlessly executed the Night Shade technique.
Each swing showcased his raw power and aggression, accompanied by a fierce gust of wind and the ominous rumble of thunder. His strikes left a lasting impression on the crowd.
On the other side stood a woman in red. Despite her small stature, she unexpectedly exuded great strength.
Standing at a mere five feet two inches, she held an impressive weapon—a halberd about six to ten feet in length.
The sheer weight of the halberd was undeniable. However, it seemed as light as a feather in her hands as she wielded it with effortless grace.
Her command over the imposing blade left spectators in awe.
They squared off on the battle ring, one with a staff and the other wielding a halberd.
Their clash was intense, with sparks flying and blows exchanged fiercely. Neither seemed to gain the upper hand as they traded blows.
Armed with long weapons and adopting an aggressive style, their fighting techniques were remarkably similar.
They fought without holding back, and each strike landed with force and precision.
Despite her petite frame, the woman in red displayed surprising strength, and she gained a slight edge in each clash.
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However, the man in black had more combat experience. He incorporated tactics alongside his aggressive approach.
He had mastered the Night Shade technique and was showcasing impressive skills. His moves were fluid and versatile, seamlessly transitioning between offense and defense with precision and grace.
As the battle raged on, he began to gain the upper hand.
"Dustin, it looks like your pick isn't pulling through. Keep going like this, and she's bound to lose sooner or later." Miles glanced at him.
"Don't worry. The tide of battle can turn in an instant. Until the final moment, nobody can predict the outcome," Dustin replied with a faint smile. To him, a bottle of Tigarius was just pocket change.
"Dustin, you should've followed my lead with the bet. Look at my pick. Victory is just around the corner. He'll defeat his opponent in ten moves," Miles boasted confidently.
"Oh yeah?" Dustin looked at the third battle ring and raised an eyebrow.
He added, "Mr. Young, you might want to hold off on the celebrations. Your pick might not have it in the bag just yet." "Don't be ridiculous. My pick already got his opponent pushed to the edge of the ring. Victory's all but guaranteed." Miles didn't believe Dustin's words.
"Pushed on the edge, huh?" Dustin chuckled lightly. "How can you be sure it's not just a bait-and- switch, luring your pick in for the knockout?"
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Chapter 2184
"Luring him in?" Miles's stomach sank a beat at the words.
He stared at the third battle ring, feeling a bit uneasy. "Dustin, are you serious? I've got a lot riding on this." "You bet on Number 28, right?" Dustin asked.
Miles nodded. "Yeah, why?" Dustin explained, "Well, Number 28 does have sskill, but he's being too aggressive.
"At first glance, it seems he's dominating and pushing his opponent back. But if you pay attention, you'll notice his opponent's composed movements and steady breathing.
"There's no hint of panic. It's like his opponent has been prepared for this. So, I'm guessing he's luring Number 28 by deliberately showing weakness.
"And when Number 28 lets his guard down, that's the moment he'll strike." "Are you sure?" Miles was dubious. He narrowed his eyes as he carefully observed the battle, and his expression immediately changed.
To his surprise, the battle matched Dustin's description perfectly.
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Despite Number 28's relentless attacks, he hadn't gained any significant ground. His continuous assaults had drained a considerable amount of his stamina and left him vulnerable.
If he continued to attack recklessly, he would eventually wear himself out and likely end up losing.
Miles cursed, "Damn it! What is this guy thinking? Doesn't he know that it's a trap? He just attacked without a plan. This is really getting on my nerves!" He was frustrated after uncovering the truth. After all, his prized pendant was worth a fortune. He was so confident in Number 28 that he placed such a bold bet.
If Miles lost, not only would he lose the pendant, but he would also lose his credibility. After all, he encouraged others to join in on the bet.
"Miles, Number 28 won't lose, right? I've bet a bottle of haemoplenish on him." Ruby also seemed pretty tense.
"Hey, Number 28! Don't let it go to your head! Watch out for traps!" Miles yelled at the top of his lungs.
But with the intense atmosphere at the scene, the sounds of fighting and cheering drowned out his voice.
"Surrender now!" Number 28, having cornered his opponent at the edge of the battle ring, made a bold move.
Leaping high into the air, he gripped his blade with both hands and brought it down forcefully. He aimed to finish the fight with flair and dominance.
However, his opponent grinned wickedly. Swiftly rolling on the ground, he darted behind Number 28. Then, with a powerful palm strike, he unleashed a thunderous palm wind technique.
Number 28's expression changed when he realized he couldn't evade while in mid-air. He was left with no choice but to block with his blade.
Soon, the clash of metal echoed in the air.
The palm strike exploded. It unleashed a raging shockwave that blasted Number 28 several yards away.
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Since the fight between the two was at the edge of the battle ring, Number 28 was pushed back by the force of the palm strike. He ultimately landed outside the ring upon impact. Despite escaping injury, Number 28 had technically lost the match according to the rules.
"Thanks for the match!" The victorious man smiled graciously.
"So, you've been playing possum all along, you sneaky bastard! Number 28 spat out .He could've won with his strength but didn't expect his opponent to outsmart him.
"All's fair in love and war. A battle in the ring is not always about brute force.Sometimes you gotta use your brain" The victorious man tapped his temple. "Why, you—" Number 28 was too agitated to respond. Ultimately, the referee declared his defeat.
"Fuck! What was Number 28 thinking? It was obvious the opponent was luring him in. | can't believe he fell for such a simple trap. This is so disappointing!" Witnessing his chosen contestant's defeat, Miles cursed under his breath.
"Miles! Is this the contestant you had faith in? What a letdown!" Ruby pouted, clearly displeased with the result.
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Chapter 2185
Ruby thought Miles had a keen eye for these things, so she went along with the bet. But she didn't expect the outcome.
"You can't blme for this, Ruby. It's all on that loser for letting us down and making us lose everything." Miles chuckled wryly.
"Hmph! I'm done betting with you!" she said, rolling her eyes at him.
A bottle of haemoplenish could fetch a good amount on the market. She had hoped to make sextra cash, but now it seemed impossible.
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"Well..." Miles looked embarrassed and tried to change the subject. "You know how it goes with winning and losing. It's all unpredictable. Just like Dustin and Crystal's pick, Number 6. They're also on the losing end, aren't they?" "Huh?" Ruby raised an eyebrow suspiciously, then glanced at the first battle ring.
At that moment, Number 6, the woman in red wielding a halberd, was locked in combat with the man in black wielding a shadowsteel staff.
Despite her strength, the woman lacked speed and technique, so she gradually fell behind. She occasionally took hits from his weapon.
While an ordinary martial artist might have been knocked down by one of those hits, she was an exception. Even after enduring about ten hits, she remained unscathed and still brimming with energy.
"You see that? That woman is having a hard tkeeping up. If this continues, she'll be defeated soon," Miles commented.
"Really? She looks pretty tough," Ruby said skeptically.
He retorted, "Ruby, you're missing the point." Then, he started to boast again, "Don't be fooled by her lively appearance. It's all a facade. She's taken a dozen heavy blows, so I'm sure she's seriously injured. She's just toughing it out. Once she runs out of steam, she'll collapse." "Really?" Ruby narrowed her eyes.
"Just watch. I'm not lying," Miles said confidently.
As they talked, contestant number 6 on the first battle ring suddenly stopped attacking.
"Wait!" Number 6 quickly raised her hand to stop the man in black from continuing his attack.
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"What? Are you giving up?" He sighed in relief and set down his staff.
He couldn't deny her strength. After their intense fight, he was already worn out. Even though he had the upper hand, he knew he would have to use everything he had to win outright.
But if she wanted to surrender now, that would be fine with him as it would save him senergy for the next round.
"Who told you I'm giving up? It's too hot, and | need to remove a couple of layers." Number 6 slipped off her jacket to reveal a darksteel armor underneath.
With a quick unbuckling, she removed the armor and tossed it onto the battle ring floor. A loud crash rang out as the heavy armor smashed into the ground, leaving a dent.
The man in black was stunned at the sight.
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Chapter 2186
At that moment, the man in black wasn't the only one surprised. All the spectators fixated on the first battle ring were also shocked.
Nobody had anticipated that Number 6 would wear such heavy armor.
The darksteel armor that weighed several thousand pounds was typically used for weight-bearing training. Even for the Divine-level martial artist, wearing it for just ten minutes would be taxing on the body.
Even the most skilled martial artists would wear it for only a few hours. Yet, she wore the dark steel armor as if it were nothing. She even wore it into the battle ring to fight.
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Wasn't her decision to wear this armor during the fight foolish? "You... you've been wearing this while fighting with me?" The man in black couldn't believe his eyes as he pointed at the darksteel armor lying on the ground.
"Yeah, what about it?" She stretched her neck and hips as she gradually moved her lithe body. Once the armor was removed, she felt much more agile.
He couldn't help but ask again, "How long have you been wearing that armor?" "Every day," Number 6 replied.
She added earnestly, "My mentor instructedto wear it at all times unless I'm in danger. So, even when sleeping, | have to wear it. It's been several years, but it wasn't this heavy initially." "Uh." The man in black's mouth twitched. He was momentarily at a loss for words.
He couldn't believe it when she mentioned wearing the armor daily for years. It made him question if this was how she lived her life.
"| didn't plan to remove the armor. But when | realized you're lightning fast, | had to shed sweight and see if it helps," she said.
After wrapping up her warm-up, she raised her halberd again and was ready for action. "Alright, let's continue for another 300 rounds!" The man in black took a deep breath and suppressed his uneasiness. Despite his formidable opponent, he couldn't afford to back down now that he had cthis far.
"Alright! Let's go for another 300 rounds!" He raised his shadowsteel staff and adopted an offensive stance.
"Watch out, here comes my swing!" Her words barely left her lips before she suddenly darted forward. Her speed had doubled since their last exchange.
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What the." The man in black's eyes widened, and he instinctively raised his staff to defend himself .A loud boom filled the air as her halberd clashed against his staff. Sparks flew as a surge of power and true energy burst forth. The man in black stumbled backward, and his hands trembled from the impact as his staff hummed.
He was taken aback and murmured, "She's so fast! And so strong!"
He had previously thought Number 6's movement was somewhat sluggish which made her relatively easy to handle.
But now, without her darksteel armor, she moved with newfound speed and agility.And with her inherent strength, her increased speed posed a far greater threat. His arm was still numb, but Number 6 swung her halberd again.a
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Chapter 2187
The man in black didn't dare to stand his ground. Instead, he swiftly dodged to the side.
At that moment, Number 6's halberd nearly grazed his shoulder, but it only left a tear on his clothing. If he had been any slower, he might have lost an arm.
She intensified her assault as her speed and strength increased with each strike. Each swing of her blade carried the sound of thunder, which made her attacks unstoppable.
On the contrary, he continuously evaded her attacks. Even when he managed to block, his arms were left numb, and he was forced to retreat several steps with each blow.
With no opportunity for a counterattack, he had no choice but to focus on defense.
"Hey, Miles, didn't you say she would lose? Looks like she's gaining momentum and might win." Ruby watched the fight with growing surprise from outside the battle ring.
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Initially, the man in black seemed to have the upper hand. But once Number 6 removed her outer clothing, she turned the tables. Surprisingly, her relentless assault couldn't be stopped.
"Well..." Miles' smile froze, and his face revealed sembarrassment. He hadn't expected Number 6 to wear darksteel armor underneath her clothes.
Her sealed strength was unleashed with the armor removed, greatly enhancing her abilities. It just proved that predictions didn't hold up until the very end.
Miles suddenly turned to Dustin with a curious expression. "Hey, did you already know that Number 6 was wearing darksteel armor?" "Nope." Dustin smiled and explained, "I figured a petite woman like her swinging a halberd had to be special. It's not every day you see women handling weapons like that." "Yeah! Why didn't | think of that?" Miles finally caught on.
When someone was doing something out of the ordinary, there was usually a good reason behind it.
A petite woman wielding heavy weaponry indicated either exceptional talent or extraordinary strength. Such individuals were naturally more formidable than ordinary martial artists.
Ruby suddenly shouted, "Hey! Looks like the first battle ring's about to wrap up!" Everyone around them immediately turned their attention to the battle ring.
At that moment, Number 6 had already pushed the man in black to the edge of the ring. He was panting heavily and drenched in sweat, clearly reaching his limit.
In contrast, she remained lively and aggressive. With one last powerful swing of her halberd, she sent his shadowsteel staff flying.
He staggered backward. His foot hovered dangerously close to the edge of the ring as he struggled to maintain his balance.
At this crucial moment, the man in black was defenseless and victory was within her grasp .But Number 6 suprised everyone by stopping her assault and lowering her halberd. "You gavea chance earlier. So, considerreturning this favor. Let's keep fighting." She gently kicked the shadowsteel staff on the ground.
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The staff shot up into the air and landed right in his hand.
She even took a few steps back to ensure her opponent had ample room to fight, showing her commitment to a fair fight.
The crowd silently admired her gesture. While it was often said that friendship should trump competition, few actually abide by that principle.
Who would willingly give their opponent a chance to stage a comeback when victory seemed within grasp?
The man in black glanced at her, then down at the staff in his hand. Finally, he let out a resigned sigh and shook his head .You know what? I'm calling it quits. I'm no match for you. | concede.”
Her display of respect had won him over, so he saw no point in dragging the fight .After all here vas no shahe in admitting defeat when he knew he was outmatched.
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Chapter 2188
The man in black gracefully accepted his defeat.
It was evident that Number 6 outclassed him. However, she allowed him a dignified exit rather than swiftly knocking him off the battle ring.
After all, refusing to acknowledge defeat would have been unbecoming.
"Thank you!" She nodded respectfully.
Ultimately, the first battle ring concluded with Number 6 emerging victorious.
"Dustin, you've got a keen eye. You nail the first match right off the bat. I'm impressed!" Miles exclaimed.
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"It's just luck," Dustin replied nonchalantly. His bet was purely for fun, as the outcdidn't concern him.
Miles lamented as he shook his head, "Luck is also a form of skill. | just lacked a bit of it. If Number 28 had been cautious enough and not underestimated their opponent, | might have won the bet." "Miles, it's not that you have bad luck. Your judgment is clearly off," Ruby shot back and rolled her eyes. "You were sure Number 28 would win, so | trusted you, but he lost. Then, you said Number 6 would lose, and she won.
"Making one mistake could be chalked up to bad luck, but messing up twice? That just shows you're not great at reading people." "Well..." Miles's expression froze, and he felt embarrassed. "Everyone slips up now and then. Those two matches were just flukes. But don't worry, I'll win in the next round. You can count on me!" "Really?" She sounded skeptical.
"Yes! | guarantee it with my honor!" Miles declared confidently.
"Okay, I'll trust you one more time." Ruby nodded reluctantly.
Upon witnessing this, Dustin simply smiled without . ~B word.
Soon, all eight battle rings had concluded their matches.
In addition to Dustin and Crystal's successful bet on Number 6, Dalen's choice, Number 15, also cout on top.
Three of the five bets resulted in victories. Hence, this marked a promising start for the betting pool.
"Not bad! Congratulations to the three of you on your wins." Abigail smiled as she lightly applauded. Then, she gestured to a guardian from the Mystic Arts Order standing behind her.
The guardian immediately understood and retrieved a square sandalwood box. Then, he placed it on the table.
Abigail opened the box that contained a collection of white celestial stones. Each stone was no larger than a fingernail. It was swirling with mist and emitting a dazzling glow under the sunlight.
"Wow! Are these celestial stones?" Miles' eyes widened in amazement and delight.
Abigail explained, "You're right. The Mystic Arts Order refined these celestial stones. They're packed with highly concentrated spiritual energy. It allows direct absorption during cultivation, significantly speeding up the process." Everyone was excited upon hearing that.
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Celestial stones were exceedingly rare in the martial world. They were usually reserved for disciples of major sects as rewards for their exceptional achievements.
As a result, ordinary martial artists wouldn't have the chance to obtain or even see such treasures.
Celestial stones' greatest advantage was their pure and potent spiritual energy. They didn't require any further refinement and could be absorbed directly.
Martial artists traditionally drew spiritual energy from their surroundings and painstakingly converted it slowly through their meridians.
This process was excruciatingly slow due to the scarcity of spiritual energy in the world and the necessity of repeated refinement and tempering to integrate it into the core.
Unfortunately, only a tiny portion could truly be integrated into the core. Thus, the advancement of martial artists to another level was a gradual accumulation process.
However, with celestial stones, the process was expedited. The spiritual energy within was so pure and abundant that it could merge directly with the core.
So, with enough celestial stones, one could potentially break through to a higher level in a single night.
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Naturally, this breakthrough was only achievable for those below the grandmaster level. After all, breaking through to that level demanded not just accumulation but also a significant qualitative leap.
Regardless, the celestial stones held an irresistible allure for martial artists below the grandmaster level.
Even grandmaster martial artists would envy them. They knew they could exchange celestial stones for other treasures, even if they didn't need them.
It wouldn't be an overstatement to call celestial stones the premier currency in the martial world, as they could be exchanged for various treasures.
So, Miles and the others were excited when they laid eyes on boxes brimming with celestial stones.
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"I may not have any weapons or tablets now, but | have several boxes of celestial stones. I'll assess the value of the treasures you had bet earlier and then exchange them for celestial stones. How does that sound?" Abigail asked.
"Wow, that's awesome!" Miles couldn't contain his excitement at the news.
Jewelry might be a da dozen, but he knew that celestial stones were as rare as hen's teeth. For him, the chance to exchange jewelry weapons for celestial stones felt like striking a jackpot.
"I have no objections." Crystal nodded, and her anticipation grew.
Given her current cultivation level, she desperately needed celestial stones. Plus, having already won a round, she saw no reason to reject the offer.
"The Mystic Arts Order sure is loaded! Using celestial stones as betting chips, now that's impressive!" Dalen gave a thumbs-up.
Initially, he entertained the idea, but now he was genuinely interested. After all, celestial stones were treasures.
He wouldn't pass up the chance to collect as many as rggould- "Ms. Abigail, aren't you concerned about the potential loss of using celestial stones as bets for our items?" Ruby looked somewhat puzzled.
Abigail replied, "Don't worry. As long as everyone's enjoying themselves." She smiled and added, "Remember, only the winner can cash in on celestial stones. If you lose, then you lose everything." "Well, that's true," Ruby agreed with a nod.
The martial arts tournament's matches were a roller coaster ride. Until the final bell, no one could predict the outcome.
Abigail's offer of celestial stones was tempting, but winning them was far from guaranteed.
"Mr. Shade, that's a fine-looking ruby you've got there. How about | trade you two celestial stones for it?" Abigail eyed the gem Dalen had laid out on the table and promptly made an offer.
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"Sure." He nodded. After all, trading one gem for two stones was a win for him.
Abigail turned to Crystal. "Ms. Wesley, this darksteel short sword is quite the treasure. How about three celestial stones for it?" "Okay," Crystal nodded.
Darksteel might have been valuable, but she could have purchased it with money. Celestial stones, on the other hand, weren't as readily available. So, getting three stones in return was more than enough for Crystal.
Abigail finally looked at Dustin. "Sir, your Tigarius tablet is a high-quality medicine. I'll give you five celestial stones for it." "Sounds good to me." Dustin nodded.
After the negotiations, Abigail began to distribute the celestial stones.
Dalen's ruby was worth two stones, so he won four. Crystal received six stones for her sword, and Dustin won ten stones.
Abigail said, "Alright, celestial stones have been distributed. Now, onto the second round of betting." She scanned the crowd and announced loudly. "Anyone interested can join in. | have plenty of celestial stones, so it's up to you to win them!" With that, the atmosphere around them quickly beclively.
AN UNDERSTATED DOMINANCE (DUSTIN RHYS)
Chapter 2190
The news of winning celestial stones sent a wave of excitement through the crowd of martial artists. If they were only mildly interested before, now they were practically buzzing with anticipation.
After all, chances to win celestial stones were as rare as finding a four-leaf clover. Plus, the chance to double their earnings was a once-in-a-lifetopportunity.
There was no way they would let this opportunity slip through their fingers.
Furthermore, any lingering doubts disappeared when they saw Dustin and the others win the celestial stones. So, sof the more daring martial artists started to step forward when Abigail beckoned.
Despite the Mystic Arts Order's less-than-stellar reputation, the irresistible allure of celestial stones outweighed any reservations. They were ready to take the risk.
After all, they were at the Sacred Wrym Summit. Hence, they wondered if anyone from the Mystic Arts Order would be bold enough to stir up trouble over the payout.
"Can we place the bet?" Two young men in their twenties who closely resembled each other were the first to step forward. They appeared to be brothers.
They weren't participants in the competition. Instead, they were spectators to enjoy the fight.
They couldn't resist trying it since encountering such an enticing betting opportunity.
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"Sure." Abigail nodded with a smile. "Anyone interested can join the betting, but I'm curious about the items you will wager. By the way, | don't accept just any ordinary items." The two men exchanged glances before reaching into their pockets. They each pulled out a fist-sized iron orb.
The iron orbs were completely black and appeared a | first glance. However, those with keen eyes would notice something unique.
The surface of the orbs was riddled with countless tiny holes resembling pinpricks. These holes were densely packed and covered every inch of the iron orbs' surface.
"What are they?" Abigail asked curiously.
"These are the Dawson Clan's specially crafted hidden weapons, the Phantom Blooms!" the man on the left said.
He continued explaining, "Don't be deceived by their appearance. Once you press the switch and toss them out, the 888 poisoned needles concealed inside this iron orb will erupt with formidable force in just two seconds!" "And that's not all!" the man on the right added, "The poisoned needles from these orbs can pierce through energy armor. So, any martial artist below the grandmaster level hit by these needles will be immobilized!" "Phantom Blooms?" Abigail raised an eyebrow and smiled. "Sounds like quite the valuable discovery!" The Dawson Clan was well-known for their expertise in crafting hidden weapons and poisons.
The Phantom Blooms was one of their eight renowned hidden weapons. Its fspread throughout the martial world.
"I wonder how many celestial stones can our Phantom Blooms fetch?" the two men asked curiously.
"While they are impressive, they're consumables, after all. Once used, they're gone. How about one 'Phantom Blooms' in exchange for three celestial stones? What do you think?" Abigail proposed.
"Deal!" Both men grinned excitedly.
They had plenty of hidden weapons like these in the Dawson Clan, but they took tto craft.
However, treasures like celestial stones were scarce, and the brothers desperately needed them. After all, refusing the offer would be unreasonable.
Trading two Phantom Blooms for six celestial stones was a lucrative proposition. If they managed to win another round, those six stones would double to 12, resulting in a substantial profit.
With 12 celestial stones, one of them could make a breakthrough.
"l also want to bet. This is the Alchem Sect's Divinix. Pop one of these tablets, and you'll see a major boost in strength in no time. How many celestial stones is this worth?" Another martial artist stepped up. He placed a bottle of tablets on the table with eager anticipation gleaming in their eyes.
"Divinix? That's a solid item. How about four celestial stones?" Abigail proposed.
"Deal! It's settled then!" The man's face beamed with joy.
The quality of Divinix fell somewhere between standard and high-grade tablets, making it quite rare for ordinary martial artists to cby. However, it wasn't a prized possession for the Alchem Sect.
Still, getting four celestial stones in exchange was undoubtedly a pleasant surprise.
"Countin! Feast your eyes on the Bloodbane Sword from the Sacred Armory Order. Sharper and tougher than the average darksteel blade—it's a true gem!" too! Check out this Mistwalker Technique from the Nimbus Clan. It turns you into a shadow in combat— elusive as a ghost, making you a tricky target and boosting your combat skills." "Count us in on the action! We can't let Terra Haven be left out of this exciting bet. Presenting our specialty, the Dusk Giltfish. It's mouth-wateringly delicious and replenishes your life force and vitality upon consumption—a truly top-notch delicacy!" With disciples from the Dawson Clan and the Alchem Sect leading the way, many martial artists gathered around. They were eager to place their bets.
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Soon, Abigail's betting table was packed with people. She welcomed anyone willing to put up treasures as bets.
In the betting world, it often boiled down to nine losses out of ten, with the bookie coming out on top every time.
Most people struggled to rein in their desires, but there was no stopping once greed took hold. Winning one round left them already itching for the next, but winning the second had them thinking about the third.
Even if luck favored them for a few rounds, a losing streak always awaited in the wings.
Once they lost, the urge to recover their losses intensified. This often led to further losses, financial ruin, or even debt.
Except for a fortunate few, the majority of gamblers found themselves in dire straits.
Despite knowing the odds were stacked against them, many still gambled. They clung to the hope of being the exception and were convinced they were lucky.
As long as Abigail, the bookie, had substantial assets, she could easily take advantage of over 80 percent of the present gamblers. Then, she would make a lot of profits.
"Sir, quit standing around like a statue. We've got a crowd itching to place their bets. Con over and lend a hand." She deftly managed the bets from the martial artists as she called for Dustin to help her.
Her guardians were already on the job, assessing treasures and handling bets, but they seemed shorthanded.
"Kid, it looks like you cprepared." Dustin was slightly bemused by Abigail's readiness.
He had underestimated her penchant for profit. She wouldn't let a chance slip by, even at the Combat Tournament.
It was evident that Abigail had meticulously planned today's betting arrangement. Otherwise, why would she bother hauling crates of celestial stones? Initially, Dustin hadn't paid much attention. But after observing the flood of martial artists taking the bait, he realized Abigail's scheme—she was ready to cash in big time.
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