An Understated Dominance (Dustin Rhys)
Chapter 2411
The spectators were shocked by Truce's death. What was expected to be a routine match ended in a shocking turn of events. It was genuinely bewildering.
"Hmm?" Oron frowned as he looked at the lifeless body under the battle ring.
He hadn't expected the heavily injured Jeremiah could still deliver such a lethal blow. The single strike that killed Truce caught Oron off guard.
Although battles could be unpredictable and fate often decided the outcome, losing a skilled expert like Truce was a significant loss for Dragonmarsh.
"That priest has stalent. Despite being in the fight for so long, he's still holding back his full power. Impressive. "Sitting in the front row with a clear view of the battle ring, Alloy narrowed his eyes thoughtfully.
He had watched the entire fight unfold and noticed Jeremiah had relied solely on his physical strength. Alloy could tell Jeremiah had more skills in reserve.
"Hmph! Just a half-human, half- demon freak. Not exactly a game-changer." Cyrus sneered with a contemptuous glare.
Follow on mediaurdu.blogspot.comThe Streuquans were always obsessed with bizarre advancements like genetic enhancement, human modifications, and so on.
While these might offer a temporary power boost, they were shortcuts and ultimately ineffective against true strength.
"If I'm not mistaken, the three foreign contestants are from the Hall of Gods, right?" Kaden asked nonchalantly.
He continued, "Seems like they're using this Combat Tournament as an opportunity to assert their dominance at Sacred Wyrm Summit." His tone was even, but his eyes flashed with anger.
Jeremiah had deliberately concealed his strength and conserved his energy to strike at the critical moment. Truce was exceptionally gifted, with extraordinary talent and perceptiveness. He was poised to break through and becan ultimate grandmaster. Hence, his death was a significant loss for Dragonmarsh.
"If the Hall of Gods dares to send their dogs on us, then let's make sure they don't leave today," Penelope said grimly.
Alloy and Cyrus exchanged a look of silent agreement. They knew that any internal conflicts would need to be postponed until they had dealt with these external threats first.
After a brief silence, Oron announced, " The first match is over. The winner is Contestant number 32." Only a few scattered applause was heard, while the majority of the spectators remained silent. The mood might have been different if it had been a simple matter of winning or losing.
Truce hadn't just lost-he had lost his life. Under these grim circumstances, who could feel celebratory? After the first match ended, Oron immediately carried Truce's body away and summoned a team to repair the battle ring.
The battle ring made of Abyssal stone was durable and easy to repair. The damage could be fixed in under five minutes by pouring molten Abyssal stone into the cracks and pits. Once the liquid had cooled, the ring would be as good as new.
"Let's move on to the second match. Contestants 2 and 31, please cto the ring." After a short break, Oron's voice rang out again.
Two women rose from the audience and walked toward the battle ring, one on the left and one on the right.
The woman on the left wore a red battle outfit. She was tall and had a cool, composed look. She carried a long spear and radiated the distinct presence of a female general. She was Veronica Campbell, one of Alloy's direct disciples.
On the right, the woman in the sleek black gown had a striking figure and an enchanting beauty. Her radiant smile and graceful movements exuded a natural, irresistible allure.
When she appeared, she captured every man's attention. Young, impassioned men struggled to maintain their composure. They were left breathless, and their eyes widened with fascination. To them, she was the very definition of allure.
"I recognize the woman in red on the left. She's Veronica Campbell, a senior disciple from the Celestial Alliance. But who is the one in black?" "No idea. With that look, she is sure to steal the show!" The entrance of the two female martial artists quickly reignited the atmosphere, which had been a bit subdued.
Follow on mediaurdu.blogspot.comWhile both women drew attention, the one in black was the center of focus. Her slender waist and captivating figure were simply mesmerizing.
"Is that her?" Dustin raised an eyebrow in surprise when he m recognized the woman in black. He hadn't paid much attention during the draw earlier, so encountering a familiar face was unexpected. The woman in black was Azalea Larson, whom he had met a year ago in Balerno. Back then, she had been a disciple of the Dark Lord, a traitor to the Mystic Arts Order.
But she had turned her back on her dark past to becAbigail's bodyguard. When Abigail awakened her Phoenix bloodline and was taken to the Mystic Arts Order, Azalea followed and beca disciple.
Azalea was skilled in face-changing and the Art of Charming, techniques that had nearly fooled Dustin on several occasions.
He was surprised that she had made remarkable progress and beca grandmaster martial artist after a year. Being around Abigail made Azalea a key focus for the Mystic Arts Order's training. This Combat Tournament was Azalea's moment to shine and establish her reputation.
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An Understated Dominance (Dustin Rhys)
Chapter 2412
"Look! Veronica is stepping onto the ring." "Veronica has been perfecting her skills for ten years. She's definitely going to make an impact this time!" "Go, Veronica! Bring glory to the Celestial Alliance!" The Celestial Alliance's disciples cheered as they watched Veronica stride confidently onto the battle ring.
As the top guild of Dragonmarsh, its disciples took great pride in their status. To them, anyone from their guild was bound to be superior to opponents from another guild.
Aurora smiled and said confidently, " With Veronica competing, this match should be a clear win for us." Given Veronica's skills, she might struggle against a well-known genius, but her opponent was an unknown young martial artist. For someone of Veronica's caliber, this was hardly a challenge.
"Her opponent is from the Mystic Arts Order, so we shouldn't underestimate them." Alicia shook her head slightly.
Veronica would have a clear advantage if it were just a matter of martial skills and cultivation. However, the Mystic Arts Order was known for its unpredictable and mysterious techniques. A lapse in vigilance could lead to a surprise attack, making the outcof the match uncertain.
"The Mystic Arts Order disciples rarely participate in these matches, so this is a rare chance to see their true capabilities," Fenley said with keen interest.
The Mystic Arts Order was the most mysterious of the three major guilds. Their disciples possessed profound cultivation and mastered a range of mystic arts.
It was this mystery that made them so intimidating. Generally, no faction wanted to provoke the Mystic Arts Order unless absolutely necessary.
Follow on mediaurdu.blogspot.com"Are both contestants ready?" Oron glanced between them.
Once they nodded, he announced, "If there are no objections, the match starts now." He stepped away from the ring to give them the space they needed.
"I'm Veronica Campbell from Celestial Alliance." Veronica stood tall in her red battle gear, and her spear angled firmly toward the ground. Her expression was steely, and her voice was commanding.
"I'm Azalea Larson of the Mystic Arts Order. It's nice to meet you," Azalea said with a seemingly harmless smile. "I won't hold back in this fight. Be on your guard," Veronica warned.
"Okay," Azalea responded flatly with a nod.
Veronica launched her spear forward without hesitation with a swift flick of her wrist. The thrust was precise and lightning-fast.
The spear's tip gleamed with a silver light as it cut through the air and stirred up a fierce gust of wind.
Azalea noticed that and smirked. She quickly pulled out a coiled whip from her waist and flicked it with a sharp crack. The whip shot out like a striking serpent as it aimed to wrap around Veronica's waist.
The advantage of a longer weapon was clear. While Veronica's spear usually dominated standard weapons, it was at a disadvantage against the more extended reach of Azalea's whip. Before Veronica could close in, she was already within Azalea's striking range.
Azalea's whip was lined with barbs. If it wrapped around the target, a powerful yank would instantly tear through flesh and leave grueswounds.
"Hmm?" Veronica raised an eyebrow and immediately changed her approach from offense to defense. She intercepted the whip with her spear. The two weapons coiled around each other like entwined serpents.
Azalea took this opportunity to pull her whip to disarm Veronica.
"Bold move!" Veronica's eyes sharpened as she charged forward instead of retreating.
She used the whip's pull to her advantage while adjusting her spear mid-stride. With a powerful thrust, she aimed straight for Azalea's throat.
Azalea's eyes widened in surprise. She hadn't expected Veronica to react so quickly, using the whip's pull to break free and launch a counterattack.
Such quick thinking was beyond what many grandmaster martial artists could achieve.
But Azalea wouldn't just stand there. She knew her whip wouldn't be as effective up close, but she had other tricks up her sleeve.
With a flick of her wrist, a barrage of poisoned needles shot out from her sleeve and darted toward Veronica.
Follow on mediaurdu.blogspot.comVeronica's eyes narrowed as she was forced to abandon her attack. She used her spear to create a swirling vortex of internal energy before her.
The poisoned needles, caught in the swirling force, lost all momentum and were sucked into the vortex. Hence, the needles were rendered harmless. Veronica's spear spun faster, and the vortex grew larger. Once all the needles were trapped, Veronica redirected the vortex with a powerful sweep of her spear. She sent the needles flying back at Azalea with even greater speed.
It was the classic strategy of turning an opponent's weapon against them.
Azalea was caught off guard and quickly formed a protective barrier of internal energy. The needles struck it with a series of sharp clangs, and the impact pushed Azalea back several steps.
Veronica's superior combat experience gave her the upper hand in this first exchange.
"Break!" Veronica didn't waste a second. As Azalea stumbled back, her spear shot forward like a dragon. It was faster than the eye could follow.
An Understated Dominance (Dustin Rhys)
Chapter 2413
The spear hummed and shimmered with silver light as it exuded a bone- chilling cold. The air began to warp wherever it passed, letting out a sharp, ear-splitting screech.
Azalea didn't dare take it head-on. She quickly retreated, and her hands formed intricate signs as she murmured an incantation. She pointed toward Veronica, who was chasing her.
The battle ring suddenly erupted with a mass of black vines. These vines, almost as if they possessed a mind of their own, shot up with incredible speed.
It wrapped around Veronica's feet and rapidly coiled upward. Within the blink of an eye, her legs, hips, and waist were ensnared entirely. She was immobilized.
"Huh?" Veronica frowned.
She was about to raise her spear to counterattack when two thicker vines shot up from the ground, wrapping around her arms and forcefully pulling them apart. Within seconds, the black vines had her tied up like a prisoner.
What was most alarming was the sheer strength of these vines. They were incredibly tough, and Veronica couldn't break free. She struggled, but it was in vain.
"What kind of sorcery is this? How is it so sinister?" "This is bad. Veronica is in danger!" "This was a cheap shot. She ambushed her!" The Celestial Alliance disciples grew anxious as they saw Veronica bound by the vines. They never expected Azalea to wield such a strange and unpredictable technique.
Follow on mediaurdu.blogspot.com"Now!" Azalea seized the opportunity. Her hands formed another set of hand signs and pointed at the immobilized Veronica. 1 With a thunderous roar, a scorching flburst forth. It swiftly transformed into a ferocious tiger. The tiger roared silently and charged at Veronica with its body engulfed in a raging inferno.
"This is bad!" The disciples of the Celestial Alliance turned pale, seven leaping to their feet in alarm. But they could only watch helplessly as the blazing flames consumed Veronica.
"It's over! Veronica's done for!" Despair washed over the Celestial Alliance disciples as they muttered among themselves. None of them had expected Veronica, with her incredible spear mastery and formidable skills, to be defeated so quickly. It was beyond belief.
"No way! Did Veronica lose?" Aurora's eyes widened in shock.
The match lasted less than three minutes. After only a few exchanges, Veronica, with all her strength, couldn't have been defeated so quickly, right? "Don't rush to conclusions. The match has only just begun." Fenley narrowed his eyes slightly. His expression was calm.
If Veronica couldn't handle this level of threat, she wasn't worthy of the Celestial Alliance's trust.
When he finished speaking, a powerful energy suddenly erupted from within the blazing flames on the battle ring.
With a loud explosion, the black vines and flames exploded. It sent the fiery shards and thrashing tendrils flying in all directions.
Suddenly, a figure shrouded in an icy chill shot out from the exploding flames. The spear gleamed with silver light and shot toward Azalea with blinding speed.
The strike moved with the elegance of a swan in flight. It was as silent and deadly as a coiled serpent. "Too fast!" Azalea barely had tto react. She hastily raised her arms to block, and her grandmaster-level internal energy surged in a protective shield before her.
Veronica's spear crashed against the energy shield with explosive force. The barrier barely held for a heartbeat before shattering into fragments.
But Veronica didn't relent. Her spear continued its advance, aiming straight at Azalea's chest.
However, the expected deadly strike never came. Just as the spear's tip was about to reach Azalea's chest, a sudden flash of golden light burst forth.
With a metallic clang, Veronica's spear was suddenly flung away by an invisible force. The impact sent her stumbling backward, and her arm was numb from the recoil.
"Hmm?" Veronica's eyes narrowed as she noticed the small Astral bell floating in front of Azalea's chest.
The bell was only the size of an egg but intricately engraved with runes. Its surface shimmered with a golden light; this was definitely not an ordinary object.
"An Elysian amulet?" Veronica frowned, and her expression darkened.
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The Elysian amulet was a scarce piece of protective gear It was far supeNo any golden silk armor.
This amulet had a natural enchantment that activated automatically to form a protective shield whenever its wearer was in danger without conscious activation.
Such a prized artifact was incredibly rare; it was worth a fortune and nearly impossible to obtain. Even Veronica wasn't privileged enough to own one.
She was astonished that someone as young as Azalea possessed such a treasure. Had the Mystic Arts Order's disciples becso wealthy? "That was a close call. I nearly took a hit.” Azalea lightly patted her chest as she caught her breath. She had underestimated Veronica and thought she could handle the situation with just a couple of spells. Azalea hadn't expected Veronica to break her defenses and launch a deadly counterattack. She might have been severely injured if Abigail hadn't given her the Elysian Amulet.
The Mystic Arts Order didn't own this amulet. It was a treasure Abigail had won from a recent betting gshe organized.
Azalea couldn't help but admire Abigail's keen judgment.
X RULE #1
choose married women They have reason to keep things secret, as do you.
An Understated Dominance (Dustin Rhys)
Chapter 2414
In the stands, someone clenched his fists in frustration as he watched Azalea use the Elysian amulet. It had once been his prized possession, but he had lost it in a bet.
The loss stung, and the gambler's fate seemed richly deserved.
"Madam Penelope, your guild has impressive resources. Even one of your disciples gets to use an Elysian amulet. It's quite enviable." Alloy's tone was laced with subtle probing.
"When it comes to wealth and influence, the Celestial Alliance takes the lead. We only have a bit of heritage, "Penelope said coolly.
"You're too modest," he responded with a knowing smile. “But if this young disciple has earned your favor, she must be extraordinary. I'm eager to see how she performs." "Your disciples are no pushovers either," she said with a faint smile.
Cyrus observed the insincere exchange with a sneer. There was no room for all this pretense in the battle ring, so just get on with the fight.
"I didn't expect you to have an Elysian amulet?" Veronica's face was grim as she spoke with a harsh tone.
She added, "But it won't help you win the match even with that amulet. In the end, you'll still lose to me." She knew that Elysian Amulets usually had a limited number of uses. Once the spiritual energy inside was depleted, the amulet would no longer activate.
Follow on mediaurdu.blogspot.comIn other words, she only needed to intensify her attack to drain the amulet's power. It might take seffort, but it was doable.
"Heh... You wish to defeat me? Let's see if you have what it takes," Azalea said with a faint smile. Her long whip began to move like a serpent.
Azalea had learned from her earlier slip - up when Veronica's aggressive assault caught her off guard. She was determined not to make the smistake and wouldn't give Veronica another chance.
"Watch this!" Without hesitation, Veronica surged forward. Her spear gleamed with a cold light as she lunged at Azalea with fierce intent.
The thrust was direct, but it was swift and unpredictable. It also had the flexibility to adapt and strike.
Azalea reacted quickly. She lashed out with her whip and aimed for Veronica's face.
Veronica twisted in midair. She gracefully dodged the whip and continued her relentless advance.
Azalea seemed to anticipate Veronica's moves. With a sharp flick of her wrist, the empty whip changed direction abruptly and coiled around Veronica's leg.
She quickly formed a hand seal, and a blue electric arc gathered at her fingertips.
"Now!" Azalea's fingers, charged with electric arcs, tapped the whip. Instantly, a fierce surge of electricity traveled up the whip and coursed through Veronica's body.
Veronica grunted as her body convulsed uncontrollably. The electric shock left her paralyzed and immobilized her.
Even her grandmaster-level internal energy was briefly thrown into disarray, and she could not channel it. "What the hell is this technique? Could it be Stormcraft from Sacred Wyrm Summit?" "No, Stormcraft is more overpowering. Azalea's technique must be a rare form of esoteric magic.” "Isn't the Mystic Arts Order known for their poison and witchcraft? Surprisingly, she chose to specialize in esoteric techniques instead." The spectators were astonished by Azalea's combination of fire and electricity.
On the contrary, the disciples of the Celestial Alliance were visibly nervous.
Despite Veronica's impressive strength, Azalea's tactics were so bizarre and unpredictable that it was nearly impossible to defend against.
The unpredictability of Azalea's next move left Veronica in a highly reactive and defensive position. "Celestial Vortex!" Azalea raised her hand, and her internal energy surged to create a massive vortex in the air. The next moment, the water in the spectators' drinking glasses seemed to defy gravity. It rose as if directed by an invisible force.
The water streams converged rapidly toward the vortex above Azalea's head. Within moments, hundreds of streams of water had merged into a gigantic water sphere.
"Ethereal Ice Sphere!" Azalea swiftly formed a hand seal and pointed at the paralyzed Veronica.
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Thousands of water arrows shot out from the water sphere Strangely, as the arrows took shape, they swiftly froze into deadly frost arrows. These arrows rained down on Veronica from every direction. It was a relentless, all-encompassing assault.
Even if she weren't immobilized, evading the attack would be nearly impossible, let alone with her limbs paralyzed.
"Blood Ward!" Veronica's expression hardened when she realized the situation was not in her favor. She bit her tongue to draw blood and spat it out in front of her.
The blood, fueled by her internal energy, formed an ethereal red shield that materialized in front of her.
Thousands of frost arrows pounded against the Blood Ward. Each impact created explosive cracks and scattering shards of ice.
After the relentless barrage, the frost arrows eventually stopped. However, the shield in front of Veronica began to crack under the strain.
Before she could even catch her breath, a second wave of frost arrows descended in a relentless onslaught.
An Understated Dominance (Dustin Rhys)
Chapter 2415
Veronica was unwilling to accept her loss in this match. In terms of raw strength, she was unquestionably stronger than Azalea, with at least an 80% chance of winning in a direct confrontation. But Azalea's arsenal of divine artifacts, pills, and unpredictable techniques made her nearly impossible to defend against..
In the end, Veronica was worn down and had no choice but to concede. The frustration gnawed at her.
"Mr. Marshall, it seems your Celestial Alliance disciples aren't as formidable as they're made out to be," Cyrus said with a smirk.
He had been at odds with Alloy for years. They were constantly competing in the open and behind the scenes.
Hence, Cyrus was happy to watch Alloy stumble.
"One unexpected loss doesn't mean much. Besides, your Sword Union may not fare any better," Alloy responded calmly.
Veronica was his favorite disciple, so her early defeat blew his pride.
"Really? Then, let's see who wins in the end." Cyrus smiled. He couldn't wait to see Alloy's reaction when Fenley lost to Glenn.
Aurora sighed and looked disappointed. “I didn't expect this outcome. It's such a shame." She believed that victory was almost inevitable with Veronica's advanced cultivation and exceptional spear skills. But losing just like that was hard to accept.
Follow on mediaurdu.blogspot.com"Veronica did her best. It's just that the Mystic Arts Order disciple had too many tricks up her sleeve. She played to her strengths and happened to counter Veronica perfectly, which led to this result," Alicia said, shaking her head.
That was the nature of competition. The tide could turn instantly, and even superior strength couldn't guarantee victory.
"Fenley, Dr. Rhys, I'm counting on. both of you," Aurora said, scanning the surroundings.
The remaining Celestial Alliance disciples had already been eliminated from the top eight. Now, only Fenley and Dustin were left in the tournament.
Aurora was confident that Fenley would secure a spot in the top eight, but having just one member advancing wouldn't be enough to showcase the guild's strength. She hoped Dustin would break into the top eight and claim a spot.
"I'll do my best," Dustin nodded slightly.
"Dr. Rhys, I remember you drew number 8, right?" Alicia suddenly asked.
"Yes. What's wrong?" "I've been watching closely. Your opponent is a vampire. As you might know, vampires are incredibly tough. Vampires are dark creatures, and ordinary methods can't harm them. Without a special weapon, you could be at a disadvantage." Then, Alicia pulled out a dagger and quietly handed it to him. "I've heard vampires are vulnerable to silver. I had this silver weapon brought over for you. Keep it and use it when the tcomes.
"A silver weapon?" Dustin raised an eyebrow and looked at her.
He hadn't expected her to be so meticulous. Not only had she noticed his opponent, but she also prepared a countermeasure.
"Alicia, when did you get this silver weapon? Why didn't I know about this? "Aurora asked, astonished.
"Such things need to be kept quiet. If the vampire knew, it would be on guard. Then, the element of surprise would be lost," Alicia explained quietly.
"True." Aurora nodded.
"Thanks," Dustin said, accepting the silver dagger and stowing it away.
He had heard similar rumors that vampires were vulnerable to silver, but this weakness diminished as their strength increased.
High-ranking vampires like earls and dukes were not afraid of silver weapons. Even if decapitated or with their heart destroyed, as long as they have access to blood, they could still survive. Such beings could be considered immortals.
Of course, Bill was not an earl. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been beaten by Fenley the other night.
"Contestant number 2 has voluntarily conceded. I hereby announce that Contestant number 31 is the winner." Oron leaped onto the battle ring and spoke loudly.
The venue erupted in thunderous applause.
While Veronica had many supporters, Azalea's striking appearance and impressive performance won her many fans. Her victory was met with widespread celebration from the crowd.
Follow on mediaurdu.blogspot.comAmid the cheers and applause, Azalea smiled as she descended from the battle ring and returned to her seat among the Mystic Arts Order disciples.
If the Mystic Arts Order weren't so feared, many young elites would have rushed forward to express their admiration at Azalea. "Well done, Azalea. Our guild can finally hold our heads high today," Abigail praised with a smile as Azalea took her seat.
"Grand Sorceress, thank you. My abilities are humble, and victory seemed unlikely. Thanks to your generous gift of the Elysian amulet and the Gerandium, I was able to turn the tide and bring honor to the Mystic Arts Order," Azalea responded with a respectful nod.
Although Abigail treated her well and even regarded her as a sister, Azalea was aware of her role and knew she mustn't overstep her bounds. If she took advantage of Abigail's support and becarrogant, it would only lead to trouble eventually.
Abigail said, "Azalea, your next opponent will be even stronger. Everyone knows about the Elysian amulet and Gerandium, so these items will no longer have the element of surprise.
"But don't worry, I have sother treasures that might be useful. Take a look and choose whatever you need." Then, she promptly displayed a collection of top-tier treasures in front of her. The Mystic Arts Order elders nearby were stunned. Each of these items could stir up a storm in the martial world. But these treasures were like vegetables to Abigail, and she handed them out in piles.
Her generosity was simply astounding.
An Understated Dominance (Dustin Rhys)
Chapter 2416
An Understated Dominance (Dustin Rhys)
Chapter 2417
"Grand Sorceress, these... These treasures are far too valuable. I don't think I can accept them." Azalea was taken aback when she looked at the dazzling array of treasures before her.
When Abigail had previously given her the Elysian Amulet and Gerandium, it had already stirred up sdissent. If she accepted these as well, she would undoubtedly becthe target of envy and resentment among the Mystic Arts Order disciples.
"Valuable? I earned all these from the betting pool that I set up. I didn't spend a dime. Just take them, and don't worry about it. If anyone dares to gossip, I'll tear their mouths apart," Abigail said as she looked around.
The nearby Mystic Arts Order members were startled and quickly averted their eyes. They pretended not to notice anything.
They knew very well what Abigail was capable of. Ever since she becthe Grand Sorceress, the first thing she did was clean house within the Mystic Arts Order. She dealt with dissenting voices swiftly and brutally.
Anyone, from elders to disciples, who opposed her was either imprisoned or killed. During that time, fear spread throughout the Mystic Arts Order.
Following her reforms, they were amazed to find that the order not only survived but seemed revitalized. It attracted many talented disciples and becmore unified and stronger than ever.
Only later did they realize those Abigail had removed were parasites within the Mystic Arts Order. These individuals had hoarded power and resources for personal gain, with no concern for the guild's development.
Follow on mediaurdu.blogspot.comSof them even controlled the basic paths of advancement for disciples. As a result, those without connections found it nearly impossible to access resources or climb the rank in the guild.
When Abigail took over, everything changed. Though her methods were iron-fisted and merciless, she was fair and just. As a result, she gained all the disciples' respect.
Within the Mystic Arts Order, her word was law, and no one dared to oppose her. Anyone who did would drop dead.
"This..." Azalea hesitated.
Abigail had always treated Azalea well and given her the best of everything. Although Azalea didn't mind facing resentment, she was concerned about Abigail. As the Grand Sorceress, Abigail's favoritism could draw criticism from the disciples.
"Okay. Stop refusing my offer. If you're worried, think of these treasures as a loan. You can return them after you win the match." Seeing Azalea's reluctance, Abigail tried a different approach.
Although she couldn't give them directly, she felt it was natural to reward Azalea with those treasures if she won the match.
"Fine. I'll borrow them for now." Since Abigail had put it that way, Azalea couldn't refuse. If it was just a loan, she felt less burdened.
After the second match ended, the third match began shortly after.
Oron stepped onto the battle ring and announced, "We're starting the third match. Contestants number three and 30, please cforward to the ring." As soon as he finished speaking, a figure leaped from the crowd. He performed several flips in the air and landed in the ring. It was Jermaine, wearing a hat and a long sword strapped on his back.
As the chief senior disciple of the Soultech Union, he was well-known in the martial world. His entrance onto the stage was greeted with cheers from the crowd.
"Giant! Cup here and face your doom!" Jermaine shouted confidently. He pointed at George, who stood below the ring. His voice was filled with fierce determination.
The two had shown each other their number balls, so they knew who their opponents were.
George's earlier throat-slashing taunt gesture had annoyed Jermaine. Now, he was eager to crush him with overwhelming force in the ring.
A low, rumbling laugh filled the venue.
Standing over six feet six inches tall with an exceptionally muscular build, George walked menacingly toward the battle ring. As a battle fanatic, he had been waiting for this moment to unleash his full power.
"Martial artist from Dragonmarsh, meetingis the greatest misfortune of your life. Soon, you will understand what hell is!" he declared.
His shoulders moved slightly as he stepped into the ring. His muscles bulged like black obsidian and gleamed strangely under the sunlight.
Follow on mediaurdu.blogspot.com"Hmph! Who are you trying to scare? Just because you're bigger doesn't mean I'm afraid of you." Jermaine kept a cold, fearless expression. He had dealt with at least eight or ten big guys before, and many had died at his hands.
Although George's muscles looked intimidating, they only meant he had great strength. However, this cat the cost of speed and agility. Strength alone wasn't enough. With his skills, Jermaine could easily outmaneuver him.
"Very well. I hope you still have this much courage when I'm standing over you later." George sneered as if he was looking at a dead man.
"Stop talking! If you have the guts, cat me!" Jermaine shouted and pulled out his long sword with fierce I determination. George didn't move immediately. Instead, he glanced at Oron. He hadn't forgotten what had happened to Bill earlier. Until the match officially began, he didn't want to give anyone a chance to catch him off guard.
"Are both contestants ready?" Oron asked, looking at them both. Once they nodded, he announced loudly, "Good. The third match officially begins!" As soon as Oron finished speaking, Jermaine sprang into action.
"Go to hell!" He pushed off the ground with powerful strides and lunged forward like a tiger. His long sword left a blur of motion as he swung it sharply toward George's neck.
He thought, "What good are those muscles? I'll cut you down with one clean stroke!"
An Understated Dominance (Dustin Rhys)
Chapter 2418
Jermaine's speed was remarkable, and his strikes were swift, like lightning.
The spectators barely had tto blink before he was standing in front of George with his steel sword aiming at George's neck.
Jermaine, who had fought through a tough Group B contestant, hadn't reached grandmaster level. But he had the strength of one, and this was the source of his confidence.
Despite being attacked, George didn't react. He stood there blankly without trying to dodge the attack.
Jermaine smirked at the sight. He knew this was the weakness of a big guy with slow speed. Their sluggish reactions made them easy targets for attacks.
As expected, his steel sword struck George's neck. But soon, the smile on his face disappeared. The scene he had anticipated, where the strike would separate George's head from his body, didn't happen.
Instead, the sword, which was supposed to be indestructible, created a shower of sparks upon hitting George. It was as if Jermaine was striking a hard, dark steel piece.
Even more troubling, Jermaine didn't sense any energy fluctuations from George. This meant that George wasn't using internal energy. He was simply enduring the blow with his physical strength. "Martial artist with impenetrable skin? "Jermaine frowned, and his expression grew serious.
It seemed that George's arrogance was well-founded. He was incredibly strong and had formidable defenses, which made him a difficult opponent. However, being challenging didn't mean he was unbeatable.
Follow on mediaurdu.blogspot.comAfter all, every martial artist with impenetrable skin had a weak spot. Jermaine would win if he could identify George's weak spot and deliver a powerful strike.
"Heh. Is that all you've got?" George sneered. He looked down at Jermaine as if he were a helpless lamb.
Jermaine snorted in response but said nothing. He prepared to withdraw his sword and look for another opportunity.
Just then, George tilted his head and clamped down on the steel sword with his cheek and shoulder. Jermaine tried to free his sword, but it wouldn't budge.
"You've had your turn. Now it's mine." George grinned and threw his sandbag- sized fist at Jermaine.
It was a simple, straight punch without flair. But as it thrust through the air, it roared like thunder. The force distorted the air around it, making the punch terrifyingly powerful.
Jermaine's expression changed. He didn't dare take the punch head-on, so he quickly let go of his sword and stepped back, narrowly avoiding the blow.
George didn't capitalize on his advantage. Instead, he took the sword from his neck and started eating it, bite by bite.
Yes, he ate it.
He crunched the hard, dark steel sword like a potato chip. He chewed it with gusto while savoring each bite. Soon, he had eaten more than half of the sword.
The spectators watched in stunned silence, their expressions frozen in disbelief.
"Damn? What's going on? This big guy is eating a dark steel sword like a snack? "Even a martial artist with impenetrable skin shouldn't be able to do that. Is he human?" "Beast! He's a beast." The spectators were utterly shocked. They had seen all sorts of bizarre things but had never seen someone eating dark steel.
Even if someone had the teeth for it, how could they possibly digest it? This was beyond human capability. "What..." Jermaine stood there, stunned. He stared blankly at George, who was still savoring each bite.
If Jermaine hadn't witnessed it, he wouldn't have believed that his dark steel sword was being eaten. It was utterly strange.
"It tastes great. Do you have any other treasures?" George grinned and showed a mouthful of white teeth. Jermaine's eye twitched. For a moment, he was at a loss for words.
"What's wrong? Are you already scared? Is this all the Dragonmarsh martial artists are capable of?" George mocked.
"Bold words! Do you think your cheap tricks will intimidate me? Dream on!" Jermaine snarled.
He clenched his fists and took a fighting stance. He wasn't only skilled in swordsmanship but also proficient in hand-to-hand combat.
While a martial artist with impenetrable skin could resist blade attacks, they were not necessarily protected against punches. After all, punches were a form of penetrating attack.
With advanced cultivation, a powerful punch could channel true energy to pierce through a martial artist with impenetrable skin and cause serious damage to their internal organs.
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"Go on. Let's see what you've got." George extended a finger and m beckoned with a mocking expression. He wasn't in a rush to win. Instead, he wanted to slowly torment Jermaine and instill fear in all Dragonmarsh martial artists.
"Let's see just how tough you are," Jermaine roared, launching forward like an arrow.
He gathered energy in his right arm and condensed it into a white light. Then, he struck George's chest at lightning speed.
The punch landed with a muffled thud.
George didn't flinch. His muscles tensed slightly and absorbed all the force from the punch.
In contrast, Jermaine was pushed back several steps by the impact. His arm went numb, and he was horrified.
Before he could react, George's big palm reached out to grab him.
An Understated Dominance (Dustin Rhys)
Chapter 2419
Before Jermaine could react, George grabbed his neck and lifted him with one hand as if picking up a chicken.
Jermaine's breath hitched, and his face quickly turned red. He began to struggle frantically, kicking and flailing, but he still couldn't break free.
George's grip was like a steel clamp as he tightened it. “You're ridiculously weak." He shook his head and looked at Jermaine disdainfully.
Jermaine was so weak that he couldn't even block one of his moves. The worst part was that George had only used a fraction of his strength.
George soon lost interest in tormenting such a weak opponent. After all, only strong opponents could stir his excitement.
He knew that killing strong foes was the only way he could intimidate the Dragonmarsh martial artists. But now he was disappointed to face such a weak opponent like Jermaine.
"Shadow Slip!" Faced with the crisis, Jermaine quickly formed a hand seal.
Follow on mediaurdu.blogspot.comHis body suddenly shrank, and he slipped out of George's grasp like a boneless cat. He rolled on the ground to distance himself from George and panted heavily. His flushed face soon returned to normal.
"Oh?" The sudden turn of events surprised George and brought a hint of curiosity to his eyes. He figured Jermaine wasn't a weakling and might have sspecial techniques he hadn't used yet.
"Giant, I must admit, you're strong enough to forceto use Shadow Slip.
But this is where it ends." Jermaine touched his sore neck, and a murderous look filled his eyes.
He continued, "Next, you'll see the powerful secret method of the Soultech Union. This was meant for the final match, but I didn't expect to use it on you now. It feels like overkill, but I have no other choice.” Jermaine then took out a black pill and swallowed it. He clasped his hands together and recited an incantation. Soon, a vague black shadow began to emerge from his body. This shadow, resembling swirling smoke, shifted and twisted until it finally took the form of a figure almost identical to him.
When the spectators saw that, they were horrified.
"Could this be the Soultech Union's secret move, the Phantom Reaper technique?" "Rumor has it that this technique is particularly unsettling and mysterious. It can bypass defenses and shields to attack a victim's soul directly.
"If this technique strikes the victim with a weak soul, they could end up as an idiot or even die on the spot. It's a technique that could kill without leaving a trace." "I heard that the Soultech Union's Phantom Reaper technique was lost because it was difficult to master. Even the guildmaster couldn't perform it. I can't believe Jermaine has actually mastered it. It looks like the Soultech Union might make a strong comeback." The spectators murmured in astonishment as they watched the phantom hovering above Jermaine's head.
The Soultech Union was among the top three forces in the martial world 200 years ago. This was primarily due to their guildmaster's mastery of the Phantom Reaper technique.
Almost no one dared to challenge them. Regardless of their strength, anyone who opposed the guildmaster would die mysteriously, including many top-level fighters.
After the guildmaster's death, the Soultech Union began to decline. The main reason was the difficulty of mastering the Phantom Reaper technique. It was so complex that a mistake could turn the practitioner into an idiot.
At present, Jermaine was the only one in the Soultech Union to successfully master it, which indicated that the Soultech Union might rise again.
"What is the Phantom Reaper technique? Is it really that powerful?" Alicia tilted her head, looking somewhat curious.
Grace explained, "The Phantom Reaper technique is a powerful soul cultivation method. It's said to attack the victim's soul directly and destroy their mind.
"Nothing can block it unless the victim's soul is stronger than the caster's. If the victim's soul is weak, there's no escape from death once the technique hits them." "That sounds terrifying." Alicia's eyes widened. The thought of a soul- targeting attack was chilling.
"How do you determine the strength of someone's soul?" Aurora suddenly asked.
Follow on mediaurdu.blogspot.com"It's difficult to assess," Grace replied, shaking her head.
She continued, "Techniques related to the soul are extremely difficult to master. They require exceptional talent and strong willpower.
"Without these, it's easy to overtrain and lead to mental ruin. In the entire martial world, less than five people have mastered soul techniques."
"If the Phantom Reaper technique is used, doesn't that make the Soultech Union unbeatable?" Aurora asked, ΕΠ frowning. "Not necessarily." Grace shook her head.
She added, "Even though this technique is powerful, it has its weaknesses. First, the practitioner's body becomes immobile while performing the technique. The technique can be disrupted if the opponent targets the practitioner's body.
"Usually, practitioners avoid such risky moves because they're too dangerous. Currently, Jermaine is desperate and has no choice but to take this risk." "I see." Aurora nodded and felt relieved. If the Phantom Reaper technique were unbeatable, the Soultech Union could seriously threaten the Celestial Alliance.
"Go to hell, giant!" Jermaine suddenly shouted. He clasped his hands together and pointed with two fingers at George from a distance.
The phantom above him immediately lunged at George with a fierce, ghostly presence that exuded an intense coldness.
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An Understated Dominance (Dustin Rhys)
Chapter 2420
The phantom moved with incredible speed. Wherever it passed, the ground froze, and the air seemed to solidify. Within a ten-yard radius, everything felt trapped in a unique space where objects appeared frozen.
George suddenly felt a chill and a sense of impending danger. He didn't dare to be reckless and immediately gathered all his energy to punch the phantom.
His punch struck out with the force of thunder, which was incredibly fast. As soon as his fist struck out, a red fist shadow as hot as a flshot out and hit the phantom.
Contrary to George's expectations, the red fist shadow didn't hit the phantom. Instead, it passed through without resistance, as if hitting thin air.
"Huh?" His eyes widened in surprise. He had never encountered such a strange technique that could disregard his energy. What on earth was that phantom? George shook his shoulders, and his muscles tensed instantly. A red glow enveloped his tanned skin and formed a protective layer.
With his physical strength, no one could harm him unless he faced Dragonmarsh's ultimate grandmaster.
A cold wind swept by, and the phantom passed through George the moment it touched him.
"Ah!" George shuddered as if struck by lightning and let out a painful howl. His hands trembled, sweat poured down his face, and his tanned complexion turned an eerie pale.
Follow on mediaurdu.blogspot.com"What... What kind of technique are you using? How can it hurt me?" He panted heavily, feeling both anger and shock.
Suddenly, a splitting headache hit him as if thousands of needles were stabbing into his brain. The pain wasn't physical but cfrom deep within his soul. It was intolerable.
"Hehe... Giant, weren't you so arrogant earlier? How does it feel now? Does the Phantom Reaper technique taste bad?" Jermaine sneered with a deathly stare.
The Phantom Reaper technique was his trump card. He initially wanted to save it for his final match to catch his opponent off guard.
But now, he had to use it earlier than planned. So, he took this chance to make a nfor himself.
"I'll kill you!" George roared. He endured the pain as he struggled to stand and charged at Jermaine. "You're digging your own grave!” Jermaine scoffed. He formed a hand seal and pointed at George.
The phantom transformed into a silent gust of wind. It charged toward George and passed through his body. George's knees buckled the next moment, and he collapsed. His head throbbed as he sweated profusely and gasped for breath.
"Ah! My head feels like it's going to explode!" George clutched his head and cried out in agony.
His body started to tremble uncontrollably from the pain. Despite his formidable physical strength, he couldn't withstand this soul-piercing attack.
"Good! Keep it up! Finish off that giant! "As expected of the chief senior disciple of the Soultech Union, you are truly amazing." "Is this the Phantom Reaper technique? It's truly terrifying!" Upon seeing George kneeling on the ground and writhing in pain, the spectators watched with a mix of astonishment and awe.
Initially, they hadn't thought much of Jermaine, especially after George had eaten his dark steel sword. They felt Jermaine's winning chances were slim.
But once he unleashed the Phantom Reaper technique, everything changed. The tide of the battle had turned entirely.
The once fierce and unstoppable George was now utterly defeated by Jermaine's Phantom Reaper technique and didn't have the chance to retaliate.
The spectators witnessed the power of this technique firsthand, so they expected the Soultech Union to make a comeback after 200 years.
"The Phantom Reaper technique is truly extraordinary. To see a mere halfway to becoming a grandmaster can beat a grandmaster with impenetrable skin is extremely rare in the martial world." Alloy narrowed his eyes in contemplation.
If they could obtain the method for practicing the Phantom Reaper technique, they might be able to cultivate a group of powerful fighters for the Celestial Alliance. These fighters could potentially defeat opponents beyond their level.
"Why? Are you interested in the Soultech Union's secret technique?" Cyrus glanced at him and mocked.
He continued, "Others had the sidea as you 200 years ago. They even managed to steal the Phantom Reaper technique. But guess what? No one has succeeded in mastering it till now."
Follow on mediaurdu.blogspot.com"Why not?" Alloy asked. The content oked.
is on novelenglish.net! "Hmph! Why should I tell you?" Cyrus sneered.
Alloy's eyes twitched in annoyance.
"Because the Phantom Reaper technique is based on an inherited tradition that cannot be explained in words," Kaden said calmly.
He added, "Without the inherited memory and exceptional talent, nobody can succeed in mastering it, even with the method. Over a hundred experts have lost their minds trying to learn it. Sdied, others went mad. In the end, no one dared to try again." "I see." Alloy nodded. He had heard of the Phantom Reaper technique but didn't understand it. After Kaden's explanation, he realized how complicated it was.
A powerful secret technique lost for 200 years was clearly beyond ordinary reach.
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