AN UNDERSTATED DOMINANCE (DUSTIN RHYS)
Chapter 2491
Compared to the second green sword, Glenn's third sword was even more powerful. As it descended, accompanied by the fury of a fire dragon, it carried the destructive force of a world-shattering storm.
Fenley, whose energy flow was disrupted earlier, watched the fiery red long sword streak toward like a falling meteor. His heart raced and was gripped by a sudden sense of impending doom.
With a roar, he risked the backlash effect and unleashed a powerful surge of internal energy. The ethereal divine spirit behind him instantly transformed into a figure with three heads and six arms. This was the complete form of the Four Elements of God's Technique.
At that instant, he threw everything he had into the fight. He controlled the spirit to slam its giant arms into the flaming sword.
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With a loud explosion, the sword tore through the spirit's palms and continued its unyielding path toward Fenley. But its speed had slowed slightly.
Without hesitation, he controlled the spirit to strike again with its other two arms. He hoped to stop the sword's advance, but like earlier, a hole was blasted through the spirit's palms when they touched the flaming sword. Still, the sword's momentum didn't stop and continued forward, though its speed had dropped again. "Hold it back!" Fenley roared as he controlled the spirit's remaining arms to slam hard on the flaming sword. A third explosion echoed as the energy rippled outward. He finally managed to pin down the terrifying flaming sword. But it trembled violently, and its flames roared as they burned the surrounding internal energy.
Sweat poured down Fenley's face, and he gritted his teeth as he pressed both hands down with all his might. He channeled every last ounce of internal energy to pin the sword and wouldn't dare to relax for even a moment.
This flaming sword was even more terrifying. Its destructive power was far greater than the combined might of the first two swords. As expected, defeating Glenn was no easy feat.
After several tense seconds, the sword's fiery glow finally faded. It fell from the air and embedded itself deep into the battle ring with only the hilt left visible. The sheer sharpness of the sword was unmistakable.
Fenley panted heavily, and sweat streamed down his face. Taking Glenn's three strikes had drained him more than he expected.
He figured Glenn must've been using his ultimate moves. Otherwise, there was no way those blows could've been that powerful.
"Impressive. You managed to endure my three strikes." Glenn's expression remained stoic, but a flicker of interest sparked in his eyes.
Most of his previous opponents had crumpled after a single blow. None had forced him to swing a second time. However, Fenley had held his ground for three. It was unexpected, but this surprise was short-lived.
"What's wrong? Have you run out of tricks? Is it my turn now?" Fenley took a deep breath and quickly calmed his chaotic internal energy.
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"Run out of tricks?" Glenn's lips curled into a dismissive smirk. “You think you understand the world, but you're just a fool who doesn't know the full picture. Since you're so ignorant, letshow you what true power looks like." With that, he raised his hand and slapped the side of the sword case. The case clicked open and revealed six swords inside. Each was unique-long and short-but all gleamed with an otherworldly brilliance. Despite their differences in shape and size, each sword was a divine weapon.
"Skybound!" Glenn raised his sword finger. Then, one of the swords with golden markings shot into the air like a dragon streaking across the sky.
"Shadowedge!" "Earthshaper!" "Fang Master!" "Elderflame!" "Voidreaver!" Every the raised his sword finger, a sword shot into the air from the ground. Blacknight, Green Fang, and Red Tempest-the first three swords he had used earlier-responded to his command and shot into the air to join the others.
In a single breath, nine swords hovered above Fenley like mountains bearing down on him. He could barely catch his breath as the pressure built.
"It's impossible!" His eyes widened in disbelief as he felt the weight of each divine sword pressing down on him. He hadn't expected Glenn to have so many weapons hidden in his sword case. And each one radiated its own spiritual energy, unlike ordinary weapons.
Fenley was already struggling to withstand Glenn's first three swords. So, how could he possibly face six more of these divine swords? Could he even win this match? At that moment, his confidence wavered. Glenn's strength and the oppressive pressure of the swords battered his spirit. He had assumed that the three swords were all Glenn had, but now he realized those had just been Glenn's warm-up.
AN UNDERSTATED DOMINANCE (DUSTIN RHYS)
Chapter 2492
"Glenn had only seven swords in the past. I didn't expect that in just one year, two more divine swords would recognize him as their master. This punk is much better than I was back then," Cyrus remarked.
He stroked his chin with a look of surprise and approval. He had always believed in Glenn's potential, but Glenn's performance had still exceeded his expectations.
After all, the more swords Glenn wielded, the stronger he became. He had already topped the Legendary List with just seven swords. Now, with nine, his strength had grown even more overwhelming.
"He truly is the Chosen One." Even Kaden couldn't help but sigh.
The nine divine swords recognized their master and responded with ease. Glenn's talent and cultivation were leagues ahead of his peers.
Every generation brought forth new talent, and the old had no choice but to step aside for the new generation. Compared to their time, today's youth were on another level-monsters in their own right.
"Now, this is going to be interesting." Penelope chuckled darkly.
For her, the showdown between the Celestial Alliance and the Sword Union was a no-win scenafor both sides. The result didn't matter as long as they clashed with everything they had and left each other bruised and broken. Ultimately, the Mystic Arts Order would be the one to cout on top.
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Of course, Penelope was just here for the show. The thought of winning the championship never even crossed her mind.
She knew Abigail had talent, but her abilities still fell short of Logan and Glenn's. There was no way she could match them in a fight. Honestly, she'd be satisfied if Abigail could just secure third place.
At that moment, the sword aura swirled relentlessly above the battle ring. Waves of crushing pressure continuously assaulted Fenley's mind.
"No, I'm not done yet. I can still fight- I've still got a shot at winning." He clenched his teeth as he raised his head against the immense pressure bearing down on him.
Nine divine swords? So what? He still had his ultimate move and strength to keep fighting.
"Bring it on. Showwhat you've got.
"Fenley stood tall, and his voice boomed like thunder.
The ethereal divine spirit behind him grew more imposing, and its form solidified as its power intensified. Under the crushing pressure of the nine divine swords, his level of mastery improved.
"Look at Fenley's momentum. He seems to have gotten even stronger!" "Holy cow! This guy is not human. To break through under this kind of pressure-it's terrifying!" "Great! This match is about to get even more exciting." As Fenley's momentum grew, the spectators couldn't help but be amazed.
After all, this was the difference between a genius and an ordinary person. He didn't give in when facing a formidable opponent. Instead, he broke through under pressure.
"Breaking through at the critical moment? Impressive." Glenn raised an eyebrow in surprise, but Fenley was still nowhere near his level.
"Letshow you the power of my Four Elements of God's Technique!" Fenley's hair stood on end as his momentum exploded. His internal energy surged outward like a tidal wave and poured into the ethereal divine spirit behind him.
"Fury of the Thunder God!" he roared.
He withdrew his fist and gathered every ounce of power before thrusting it forward with devastating force. The spirit behind him mirrored the motion.
A rumble shook the air as lightning crackled and the wind howled. Blue lightning wrapped around the spirit's body as it converged at its arm to form a spear of pure thunder nearly 30 feet long. The weapon carried a destructive power capable of destroying the world.
This was the final move of the Four Elements of God's Technique- Fenley's deadliest attack. His breakthrough during the match had pushed his power to its peak. This technique was so devastating that it could shake the earth and make the boldest martial artists tremble. 1 "Skybound!" "Shadowedge!" "Earthshaper!" Glenn casually flicked his sword finger. The three swords hovering in the air becstreaks of colored light and crashed toward the ethereal divine spirit.
The first sword, Skybound, struck the spirit's lightning spear with a thunderous crash. The impact knocked the sword back, and the spear shattered into fragments.
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The second sword, Shadowedge, followed close behind and crashed the spirit's fist in a lightning with Cash of blue m another explosive impact. The sword rebounded while the spirit's half -body splintered under the sword's aura. Fenley's body jolted as though struck by lightning, and blood trickled from his nose.
At that moment, another beam of light shot forward. The third sword, Earthshaper, thrust toward him.
With a roar, Fenley clenched his fist and smashed the Earthshaper with all his might. Since he couldn't dodge it, his only choice was to fight back.
The battle ring quaked under the impact, and thunder rumbled.
The Earthshaper was knocked back a dozen yards away. It spun in the air before embedding itself deep in the ring's floor with a hiss.
The impact sent Fenley hurtling over.
30 feet. Blood spurted from his om mouth as he sailed through the air.
When he finally crashed to the ground, his face was ashen, and his body battered. Before he could stand up, Glenn's fourth sword, Fang Master, had already stealthily closed in with its tip aimed at Fenley's throat.
Just as it was about to pierce his skin, the sword stopped as it vibrated with a low hum Then, a razor-sharp sword aura grazed Fenley's neck, and a trickle of blood was drawn. Fenley froze, not daring to move. He knew he would be dead if the sword went an inch further.
At that moment, everyone held their breath. They knew Fenley's fate lay entirely in Glenn's hands.
AN UNDERSTATED DOMINANCE (DUSTIN RHYS)
Chapter 2493
The whole arena suddenly fell dead silent. Everyone stared blankly, and not a soul dared to breathe.
Alloy shot to his feet in the main spectator seats, and his face was tense with worry. Yet, he didn't dare make a sound. He feared it might startle Glenn into making a mistake that could cost Fenley's life.
After all, Fenley represented the future of the Celestial Alliance. Alloy had invested all his effort into Fenley, and he provided him with endless resources. If Fenley were to die in the match, it would deal a devastating blow to the entire guild.
While Alloy was gripped with worry, Cyrus and Penelope cheered silently. They secretly hoped Glenn's sword would strike Fenley. If that happened, the Celestial Alliance would take at least a decade to regain its former glory.
Fenley's body stiffened as he stared at the Fang Master hovering inches from him. A shiver ran through his spine as goosebumps prickled his skin. Sweat trickled down his face, and each drop hit the ground with a soft drip. He knew he had already lost.
If Glenn wanted it, Fenley would be dead in an instant.
"Return to the case." After a few tense seconds, Glenn decided against delivering the final blow. With a flick of his sword finger, the Fang Master veered off, spinning once before returning to the sword case. The other eight divine swords followed suit and returned in unison.
In the blink of an eye, the battle ring, once charged with lethal intensity, sank into an eerie calm.
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"You pushedto use the Fang Master, so I'll consider you a decent opponent. I hope you get stronger.” With that, Glenn turned and left the battle ring.
Fenley's performance had exceeded his expectations. He thought three swords would be enough to decide the outcome. Instead, Fenley had held his ground through the seventh swords before finally succumbing. That kind of resilience had earned him a measure of respect from Glenn.
"Just a decent opponent?" Fenley stared at Glenn's retreating figure. His body slumped in defeat as a bitter smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.
He broke through at the critical moment, pushing himself to the edge and risking everything in one desperate gamble. He thought he could defeat Glenn, and this might be his chance to prove himself.
But what did he have to show for it? He hadn't even cclose to making Glenn use his full strength.
Glenn hadn't moved an inch the entire time. He won the match with just a few flicks of his sword fingers.
The gap between them wasn't small- it was insurmountable.
Fenley had always taken pride in his unique talent and believed he was a cut above the rest. But standing before Glenn, that confidence crumbled. What once felt like greatness now seemed almost laughable.
At that moment, he understood that no matter how far he pushed himself, there would always be someone stronger.
After a long pause, Fenley dejectedly walked off the battle ring and left the venue in a daze. He had already lost, and staying there would only add to his humiliation.
The match for third place meant nothing to him now. If he couldn't get first place, nothing else was worth pursuing.
"Congratulations to Glenn Hadley on his victory!" Oron announced promptly.
The spectators erupted into thunderous applause.
Glenn's supporters roared with excitement, while Fenley's fans, though disappointed, still clapped respectfully. They knew Fenley had given everything he had into the fight and pushed himself beyond his limits.
However, the gap between them was simply too wide. Though it stung, losing to Glenn felt fair.
"Mr. Marshall, what do you have to say now?" Cyrus smirked as he glanced at Alloy.
Before the match, the two had made a bet. Now that Cyrus had won, he naturally had to ridicule Alloy. "You've trained a fine disciple, and I lost the bet." Alloy took a deep breath. " A bet is a bet. I'll keep my word on what. I promised you. That's all there is to it." With that, he turned and left. Fenley had been defeated, so Alloy had no reason to stay.
"Well, thank you." Cyrus smiled triumphantly. After all those years of rivalry, he finally settled a score today.
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After one hour of break, the second semifinal match began.
Oron entered the ring and announced, "The second match will begin now.
Please welccontestant number two, Dustin Rhys, and contestant number three, Abigail Robinson, to the ring." As soon as he finished speaking, the spectators exploded in applause.
Abigail, the only female contestant among the final four, was popular not only for her strength but also for her beauty.
Even with her status as the Grand Sorceress of the Mystic Arts Order-an identity that carried its share of m its controversy her charisma was undeniable, and she had many supporters. Her fans cheered and chanted her nas she stepped into the ring. On the contrary, Dustin had plenty of supporters as well. He was the dark horse of this tournament and had bulldozed his way through the matches.
First, he crushed several top foreign contestants. Then, he stunned the
crowd by defeating the favorite, Caleb, with a single strike. The sight of that single strike shattering ve m Caleb's enchantment circle, followed by another sword blow that sealed the victory, left the crowd speechless in awe. The crowd buzzed with anticipation for the showdown between Dustin and Abigail. Under the gaze of thousands, Dustin and Abigail took their places in the ring.
"Sir, I didn't expect to face you today. I guess this fight is inevitable." Abigail winked playfully.
She knew Dustin's strength well enough to understand that winning •No Stil, she wouldn't back down. Since she was in the ring, she intended to give it everything she had. "Give it your all," Dustin said with a smile. “Let's see how much you've grown this past year." "Okay. Then, I won't hold back." The words barely left her mouth before she sprang into action. Her figure turned into a blur as she charged at him.
AN UNDERSTATED DOMINANCE (DUSTIN RHYS)
Chapter 2494
Abigail moved with lightning speed, and her figure weaved in and out like a shadow. Her swift movements left a blur of afterimages that was hard for anyone watching to keep up.
On the contrary, Dustin stood still without making any movement.
"Fallen Fist!" After closing in, she unleashed a flurry of strikes-dozens of black palm shadows slamming toward his body, and each one was like a bullet aimed at its target.
Abigail practiced a unique martial art, and it was imbued with voodoo-like properties that could kill anyone who made contact with her. But Dustin's body was immune to all poisons, so it was a perfect counter to her deadly attack.
As the shadow palms closed in, he remained unshaken and thrust his palm forward.
A fierce gust of wind surged and ripped through the air with unrelenting force. It collided with the black palm shadows.
Abigail's black palm shadows exploded. on impact and disintegrated into thick clouds of dark mist that quickly spread. Within moments, the mist engulfed nearly the entire battle ring and trapped them inside.
"What is this? Poison mist?" "She attacked with internal energy but released poison mist. That's a rather unusual technique." The spectators below murmured in surprise as they eyed the poison mist swirling around.
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The use of poison was nothing unusual for the Mystic Arts Order. Unlike the Dawson Clan's hidden weapons, the Mystic Arts Order's poisons were far more devious and unpredictable. Many people who were poisoned didn't even realize what had happened until it was too late.
If Dustin hadn't sensed the threat in tand used his palm wind to dissipate the black palm shadows, he would have never had a chance to react once they closed in. When facing members of the Mystic Arts Order, staying on guard at all times was a must.
Abigail swam like a fish in the thick poison mist, and her movements were so fast that the spectators couldn't even spot her. They could only see faint ripples in the air marking her path.
In contrast, Dustin stood firm and used his internal energy to keep the poison mist at bay. While he was immune to most toxins, he wasn't about to take any chances. After all, there were spoisons that he couldn't even resist.
"Springing Fist!" Suddenly, a shadow flashed behind him, followed by a blast of wind.
Dustin instinctively turned and struck out with his palm. A burst of black poison mist exploded, and the shockwave rippled through the air, but there was no trace of Abigail.
Then, his body tensed, and his protection armor energy lit up. He looked up to find Abigail, who had been right behind him just a moment ago, now hovering above him.
With her body upside down, she delivered a Springing Fist straight down onto Dustin's protection armor energy, right above his head.
The strike seemed ordinary at first glance. However, the true power lay in its subtlety-an invisible force that made it nearly impossible to defend against in time.
"You're quite cautious, Sir. I nearly had you with that ambush." Abigail smiles faintly.
She bent her arm, then straightened it in a sharp motion. In an instant, her body shot upward like a fish leaping from the water and disappeared into the thick black poison mist before Dustin could react.
She knew that taking him on directly, based on cultivation alone, was a losing battle. Her only choice was to rely on hit-and-run tactics.
"This kid has made sreal progress. "Dustin smirked.
His senses were sharp, yet he had still been fooled. Abigail had learned how to mask her presence and had blended into the surroundings so well he hadn't noticed anything. But he quickly realized her method must have something to do with the poison mist around them.
With that thought, Dustin stomped the ground hard, and his mystical pure energy burst out.
A thunderous crack split the ground, and a fierce shockwave rolled out like a tidal wave. It dispersed the black poison mist in all directions, as though it was swept away by a hurricane.
Abigail's attempt at a sneak attack was instantly thwarted. As the mist cleared, she was only a few feet away from Dustin, and their eyes met.
She chuckled awkwardly, and a nervous grin spread across her face.
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"Enough with the games. Showwhat you've really got. Let's see how much you've improved." Dustin stood with his hands clasped behind his back, and he showed no rush to make a move.
"Then, I won't hold back." At this point, Abigail wasn't about to keep her strength hidden. She called forth her bloodline power.
A mighty cry echoed as a giant Dark Phoenix materialized behind her. It looked vivid and imposing.
The phoenix's wingspan reached nearly 65 feet, and its tail trailed dark flames that pulsed with a sinister energy. Its piercing eyes gleamed a savage bloodlust and exuded a chilling presence that made anyone who met its gaze shudder.
"Holy cow! What the hell is that?" "Is that... a phoenix?" "I heard that the Grand Sorceress of the Mystic Arts Order has the Phoenix bloodline. Once awakened, her power is supposed to be unstoppable." "Hold on! I've heard of the Phoenix bloodline, but... why is her phoenix's dark?" When Abigail revealed her bloodline power, the spectators below the stage erupted in a frenzy.
The Mystic Arts Order had passed down its legacy for centuries, and everyone knew that the Grand Sorceress had a Phoenix bloodline.
But the phoenix she summoned was nothing like they had imagined. Instead of the anticipated sacred energy, it exuded nothing but pure menace.
"Watch out, Sir!"
After tapping into her bloodline power, Abigail's presence changed tically. Her demeanor turned cold and fierce, with a murderous air. Black mist swirled around her, and it made her look like a demon from hell. "Bring it on." Dustin's eyes gleamed with fierce focus, and he remained rooted.
"Dark Phoenix Cry!"
She spread her arms wide, and the black phoenix behind her unfurled its wings with a shrill y. an instant, a ΝΟ torrent of black flames rose into the air as though it could set the Celestial Blade ablaze.
Then, she shook her arms. Simultaneously, the Dark Phoenix flapped its wings. A barrage of black feathers turned into arrows and shot toward Dustin. These feathers were engulfed in black flames. The flames didn't just burn- they carried a potent corrosive toxin.
Anyone burned by the black flames would see their skin and bones decay instantly, and it would eventually turn into dust.
AN UNDERSTATED DOMINANCE (DUSTIN RHYS)
Chapter 2495
Dustin raised his hand as the black feathers rained down on him. A white energy shield flared into existence to form a wall before him.
The feathers slammed into the shield. and sent ripples across its surface but failed to break through. However, the black flames on the feathers spread across the shield and burned through its energy at a visible pace. In the blink of an eye, the once impenetrable barrier cracked open and left a gaping hole.
Dustin couldn't hide his surprise. His mystical pure energy was far stronger than the average grandmaster's internal energy in offense and defense. It was meant to be impenetrable. He hadn't anticipated it couldn't hold up against Abigail's phoenix flame.
Seeing the raw strength of her bloodline, he knew he couldn't afford to take any chances. As the black flames spread, he swiftly waved his hand to summon a furious gust of wind that sent the feathers and flames flying. "Glaring Wings!" Abigail wasn't done yet. She quickly formed hand seals and thrust her hand forward.
The giant Dark Phoenix behind her flapped its wings and transformed into a streak of black light that shot directly at Dustin. The force of its charge was like a meteor crashing to the earth- unstoppable.
Dustin narrowed his eyes. He shot into the air with a quick push off the ground and narrowly avoided the phoenix's deadly charge.
After missing its target, the phoenix wheeled around mid-air before charging at Dustin again with lightning speed. It was as if the phoenix was prepared to go down with him.
"ArcMor!" Dustin formed a hand seal and unleashed his suprdivine power.
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A massive, earthen-colored armor enveloped him, and the outer layer cloaked in the illusory image of a Black Tortoise.
The Dark Phoenix, wrapped in dark flames, didn't hold back as it crashed straight into the illusory tortoise. The impact was explosive. Feathers scattered in every direction, and flames burst like embers. The illusory tortoise shuddered violently, and its light flickered wildly.
The Dark Phoenix showed no signs of stopping. Its beak opened and unleashed a blast of scorching black flames. The flames, as dark as ink, engulfed Dustin and the illusory tortoise.
What made the flames truly terrifying was their corrosive power, which Dustin's mystical pure energy struggled to withstand. As the black flames seared through, the glow of the illusory tortoise began to fade and was slowly being consumed. Clearly, the shield wouldn't last more than a few seconds.
This was the Dark Phoenix's overwhelming power. Its flames, whether aimed at solid matter or pure energy, seemed capable of incinerating anything in their path.
Finally, Dustin felt the weight of true pressure. If he didn't unleash his full strength now, defeat was inevitable. "Celestial Blade!" Dustin called out softly.
A black sword dropped from the sky and turned into a streak of light before landing precisely in his hand.
With the black flames raging around him, he slowly raised his sword and swung it forward fiercely. A streak of black sword aura shot forward. It sliced through the flames in an unstoppable wave before crashing into the Dark Phoenix.
The phoenix's fire-breathing action suddenly stopped. In the next instant, it burst apart with a thunderous boom.
Though the Dark Phoenix was a spirit, it was impervious to physical blows, so it was powerless against Dustin's ferocious sword aura. Surprisingly, it was torn apart in a single stroke. After it died, the raging flames dissipated into nothing, and the battle ring was once again shrouded in peace.
"Sir, looks like you're finally taking this seriously." A faint smile crossed Abigail's face as her excitement grew. "Can't help it. If I don't use my sword, I'll probably be toast today," Dustin responded calmly.
Her Phoenix bloodline had a special attribute that countered the internal energy of all martial artists. Even those stronger than her couldn't defend against it. He would risk being entangled by her black flames if he didn't use his sword.
"In that case, let's have a real match!" Abigail casually gestured with one hand, and a massive silver broadsword materialized.
The weapon was over ten feet long. It was a broad and heavy blade that starkly contrasted her petite frame. While adept with spells, she favored close combat- the kind where the danger was immediate and the thrill was in the heat of the moment.
Seeing her choice of weapon, Dustin couldn't help but give a bemused glance.
A martial artist's strength could make swinging such a massive blade look effortless, but seeing a woman choose something so heavy was unusual.
While these weapons were powerful, they lacked speed and agility. If their movements were restricted, it would be challenging to maneuver.
But if she was bold enough to wield it, he knew she had to be confident in her abilities.
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"Bring it on, Sir!" Abigail gripped her broadsword with one hand, with the tip aimed at Dustin.
"Stay sharp." He didn't waste words. With a quick step, he closed the gap in the blink of an eye, and his speed was like that of a flash of lightning.
She didn't budge. With both hands on hall her the hilt, she swung down with all her might at his afterimage As the sword descended, a surge of black flames erupted, and there was barely any room to dodge.
Dustin twisted his body and weaved through the flames like a bird darting a between branches. With a single, fluid motion, his sword struck the edge of Abigail's broadsword. The sound of metal striking metal echoed and sent sparks flying. She paused for a split second, and her downward strike stopped mid-swing.
Dustin capitalized on the opening and swung his sword again with blinding speed. It was too fast for the eye to track.
Abigail just managed to bring her sword up in tas she raised it horizontally to block.
The Celestial Blade slammed into her broadsword's hilt with a violent clash. was carved into the A deep groove hilt, and the impact pushed her back several steps. Dustin seized the opening and struck again. His movements were swift, precise, and ruthless, without hesitation or wasted energy.
At that moment, Abigail was on the defensive and unable to retaliate. Just as defeat seemed imminent, a burst of golden light suddenly erupted from her body.
AN UNDERSTATED DOMINANCE (DUSTIN RHYS)
Chapter 2496
With a resounding bang, the golden light erupted with a burst of terrifying energy wave. In an instant, the earth trembled, and fierce winds whipped through the air.
Dustin and his sword were sent flying several yards. After landing, he stumbled back several steps before finally steadying himself.
He looked up and saw that Abigail's body was now covered in a layer of golden armor, though he couldn't tell when it had happened. The armor glowed brightly, and it made her look imposing and striking.
It was clearly a divine artifact.
The Mystic Arts Order had been around for centuries, with deep roots and countless treasures. As the Grand Sorceress, Abigail would obviously have several divine artifacts for protection.
Dustin wasn't surprised, but the armor's counterforce caught him off guard. Not only did it protect her, but it also had offensive capabilities.
When his sword struck the armor earlier, the blow didn't leave a scratch. Instead, the armor absorbed the hit and sent the force back at him. It had a built-in retaliation feature. The more damage it took, the stronger the counterattack.
"Bet you didn't see this coming, huh? I also have mystic armor." Abigail smiled. "And this one has a special feature-no matter how you hit it, it will bounce your strike right back. The harder you strike, the stronger the backlash." "Yeah, I noticed it." Dustin nodded and changed the subject. "Though the armor might be useful, it's just an inanimate object. It's not foolproof. Don't let it give you a false sense of security. Overconfidence could be your downfall." As a martial artist, real strength cfrom within. Gears were just embellishments, and one shouldn't develop a mindset of dependence on them.
Otherwise, it would hinder personal growth and leave a person vulnerable to others taking advantage of their weaknesses.
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His words were meant as a reminder.
"So, do you think you can takedown?" Abigail smirked. She discarded the broadsword and pulled out a red sword with one hand.
After awakening her Phoenix bloodline, she inherited the memories of the Ninth Grand Sorceress. Simply put, she had mastered every weapon known to man.
"You can use a sword?" Dustin raised an eyebrow.
"Why don't you give it a try?" She flicked her longsword with a sharp motion. In the blink of an eye, she closed the distance with her sword thrusting forward.
The strike cfast, sharp, and from an angle that made it hard to read.
Every movement had subtle variations that made it nearly impossible to predict. Without a decade of intense training, no one could ever achieve this.
"Oh?" Dustin raised an eyebrow, genuinely surprised.
As they always said, a true expert showed their skill with a single move. With his keen eyes, he could tell right away that her swordsmanship was on another level.
This wasn't the result of just a few years of practice. She either had an extraordinary natural talent for the sword, or her Phoenix bloodline was giving her an edge.
Before he could think further, her sword was already upon him. He reacted instinctively and mirrored her move with a horizontal thrust. Their swords met in perfect harmony.
The tips locked briefly as a flash of light rippled outward from the point of impact. The force wasn't overwhelming, but it had a sharpness that set his nerves on edge.
At that instant, the two swords were aligned in a perfect horizontal line and locked in a silent battle of wills.
Two grandmasters' internal energy clashed through the swords, and a violent force pushed against one another. The energy surged like two armies in a fierce battle. Waves of light exploded from the impact, and they pulsed out in rhythmic bursts.
Abigail's breathing gradually becmore labored. Sweat began to bead on her forehead, and the hand gripping the sword started to tremble slightly.
In contrast, Dustin stood firm, and he looked calm.
Though she had many divine artifacts and her suprpowers were extraordinary, her cultivation was still lacking compared to Dustin's. In this battle of internal energy, it was clear she was struggling.
In the end, Abigail couldn't hold out any longer. With a quick flick of her wrist, she broke the lock between their swords. She swiftly withdrew and stepped back.
As she retreated, Dustin took his chance. Without hesitation, he thrust forward and aimed straight for the golden armor on her chest.
The armor rang with a sharp clang as it absorbed the blow and redirected the impact back through his sword.
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The recoil surged through his sword, but Dustin let it carry him forward. He used the momentum to spin and let it propel his next move. He lunged forward again and drove his sword into the golden armor.
The sharp clang rang out again. The armor trembled, then unleashed an even stronger recoil.
Dustin repeated his previous approach and used the momentum to launch another series of strikes. His Celestial Blade fell like a storm, and each blow rapidly hammered against the armor.
Abigail was pushed back with every strike and struggled to stay on her feet. Each tshe gathered her strength to counterattack, his sword sliced through her defenses like paper.
She withstood more than a dozen thrusts without being able to defend herself. If not for the protection of her mystic armor, she would have been riddled with holes by now.
dewas It was then that she finally understood how superb Dustin's swordsmanship was. What seemed like simple moves were actually the fundamentals of swordsmanship. It was so fast and precise that they couldn't be dodged.
His strikes grew more intense with each passing second. After dozens of strikes, the golden armor started luster, and to lase its luster, and the spots where it was hit began to crack. It was clear that it was nearing its breaking point.
The armor was tough, but even it had its limits. It couldn't hold up forever. After withstanding blow after blow, it was finally starting to crack.
Dustin thrust his sword again, and the golden armor shattered instantly.
The blinding light that had enveloped inding light Abigail disappeared, but the deadly force of his sword didn't relent. It kept barreling toward her throat. Her pupils contracted, but before she could react, the Celestial Blade stopped. The tip of the blade hovered less than half an inch from her throat.
Abigail could feel its cold, terrifying sharpness, and every hair on her body stood on end.
AN UNDERSTATED DOMINANCE (DUSTIN RHYS)
Chapter 2497
"H-Hold on! I-I surrender!” Abigail said urgently. With the sword inches away from her throat, she decisively raised both hands in a gesture of surrender.
She didn't expect herself to win the match. Her goal was simply to take this opportunity to test Dustin's strength and also gauge her own progress. But now, it was clear that there was still a sizable gap between them.
"You've done well. In a few more years, I might not even be able to keep up with you." Dustin smiled and lowered his Celestial Blade. His words weren't flattery; he genuinely saw potential in Abigail.
The dark Phoenix flames carried a corrosive power that even his mystical pure energy couldn't resist. In other words, Abigail's black flames were the bane of any martial artist.
Her journey in the martial world was still short-barely two years. She hadn't unlocked the full potential of her Phoenix bloodline yet. But with more training and experience, the sky was the limit for her.
"Don't try to console me, Sir. I'm nowhere near your caliber." Abigail shook her head.
Her current strength was due to her Phoenix bloodline. While her potential was sky-high, she still lagged behind Dustin, a peerless prodigy. She knew that, as she continued to train, there was no way he would stop improving either.
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"Sir, next up is the final match. You've got to give it your all!" Abigail gave a quick fist pump before turning and walking off the battle ring. She had given it her all, so losing didn't leave her with any regrets.
"Congratulations to Dustin Rhys for winning the second match of the semi-finals!" Oron announced.
The crowd erupted into applause and cheers.
Before the match, few had expected Dustin to win. After all, Abigail was the Grand Sorceress of the Mystic Arts Order, ranked second on the Legendary List, and far stronger than Fenley.
While Dustin had performed admirably so far, he wasn't from a prestigious guild. Despite his impressive strength, everyone had placed their bets on Abigail.
Yet, nobody had expected this dark horse, Dustin, to break records and advance to the finals. He had easily defeated Abigail, the second-ranked on the Legendary List. It was only then that people truly realized his terrifying potential.
"I didn't expect Dustin to be this strong. He even defeated the Grand Sorceress of the Mystic Arts Order. Looks like winning the tournament is within reach now." Ruby's face was filled with surprise. She never imagined that a stranger she had met along the way would make it to the finals.
"We really underestimated his strength. Turns out he's been hiding it all along." Crystal couldn't hide her amazement. She had once thought about catching up to him, but now she had to abandon that idea. They were simply on two different levels.
"What a shame! If only Dustin were interested in joining the Sword Union, we'd have a true powerhouse." Miles shook his head regretfully.
Dalen smirked and murmured to himself, "Guess I was right. You're really Logan Rhys." From their first meeting, He had sensed Dustin was no ordinary person.
He wasn't entirely sure back then, but now he had confirmed his suspicions. He knew only Logan could defeat Abigail and reach the finals.
Amidst a storm of thunderous applause, Dustin slowly walked off the ring.
Since Fenley had forfeited, third place went to Abigail without a fight. All that was left was the championship showdown between Dustin and Glenn.
By now, many had figured out Dustin's true identity, and the crowd was anticipating the final match.
During the break, the tension in the air was palpable. Since Abigail always looked for a way to make a quick profit, she quietly set up a betting pool, and gamblers eagerly rushed to place their bets.
Three minutes before the match started, Alloy, who had left earlier, returned to his seat. Despite Celestial Alliance's earlier defeat, he couldn't miss the final match for the championship.
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He was rooting for Dustin, even if the odds were slim-at least there was shope. Regardless of the outcome, he planned to recruit Dustin after the match.
He couldn't let Dustin join the Sword Union or the Mystic Arts Order. If that happened, Celestial Alliance's chances of rising to the top would disappear for good.
"Mr. Marshall, I didn't expect you'd show your face again. Thought you'd be too embarrassed to stick around," Cyrus said sarcastically.
"Victory and defeat are all part of the game. No point in making a fuss aver it. We may have lost this time, but there's always a chance to turn it around next time," Alloy said calmly.
"Next time?" Cyrus scoffed, and his lips curled in a mocking smile. "You really think there'll be a next time? Your prized disciple's got a mind plagued with doubt now. He'll probably never get past this."
"Not necessarily," Alloy replied firmly. "Speople only get stronger with each setback, I'm confident Fenley will be right on Glenn's heels someday." "Dream on." Cyrus sneered.
"Alright, gentlemen," Penelope interjected. "The match is about to begin." Only then did the two rivals stop their banter and turn their attention to the ring.
After a short break, the final match began.
AN UNDERSTATED DOMINANCE (DUSTIN RHYS)
Chapter 2498
"We're ready for the ultimate showdown of this tournament. The winner will be crowned the Combat Tournament Champion. Now, let's welcboth contestants to the ring." Oron's voice thundered as he stepped onto the battle ring.
There was thunderous applause and cheers from the audience.
The long-awaited showdown was finally at hand. Today's outcwasn't just about personal glory, but it would also decide the future of the martial world.
If Glenn triumphed and claimed the crown, the Sword Union would rise as the undisputed guild. The Celestial Alliance and the Mystic Arts Order would have no choice but to bow to their supremacy.
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But if Dustin won, it would be even more sensational. A dark horse, without any guild affiliation, defeating the elite disciples of the major guild- such a story would send shockwaves through the martial world.
Once that happened, every major guild would fight tooth and nail to claim him. It would spark a fierce battle for dominance.
"Dr. Rhys! Good luck!" "Defeat Glenn and make a nfor yourself!” Alicia and Aurora jumped to their feet and cheered for Dustin as he stepped into the ring.
Whether for personal reasons or out of loyalty, they both supported him. When Glenn defeated Fenley, it had been a major blow to the Celestial Alliance's pride. If Dustin could win this match, it would be a small victory for them.
"The outcis in your hands now," Grace murmured. Her voice was laced with worry.
If Dustin were up against anyone else, she wouldn't be this anxious. But facing Glenn was a different story.
Both were tied for the top spot on the Legendary List, and no one knew who was stronger. At this level, every move mattered, and one slip could change everything. Until the final blow, no one could say who would walk away victorious.
"Who are we rooting for?" Miles glanced between Ruby and Crystal. He looked conflicted.
They were naturally closer to Dustin as a friend, but Glenn was from the Sword Union. As fellow guild members, they felt obligated to support Glenn. At that moment, they were torn between the two.
"Hmm..." Ruby frowned, then shrugged. "Let's just enjoy the match. Whoever wins, we cheer for them." "Sounds good to me." Miles grinned.
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Why overthink it? To him, anyone who won the match would be amazing.
Crystal didn't say a word and simply looked at them. She felt Glenn held the upper hand, but Dustin had pulled off too many unexpected victories for her to make a definite call. Even now, she wasn't sure who would cout on top.
Beside her, Dalen shared the suncertainty. Despite knowing the truth about Dustin's identity, he still couldn't decide whether Dustin was stronger or if Glenn had the advantage. All he could do was watch and wait for the outcome.
"Mr. Hadley, Mr. Marshall, Sage Foyer -what do you say we makeca bet on who'll take the championship?" Penelope spoke up suddenly.
"Oh? Madam Penelope, you're getting in on this too?" Alloy raised an eyebrow.
"Well, since I've got nothing better to do, why not? A bet on thechampionship could spice things up." She chuckled dryly.
She proposed it because she noticed Abigail winked at her from afar. Her а granddaughter had set up the betting pool and planned to make a profit. Penelope figured she might as well lend a hand.
AN UNDERSTATED DOMINANCE (DUSTIN RHYS)
Chapter 2499
AN UNDERSTATED DOMINANCE (DUSTIN RHYS)
Chapter 2500
Under the watchful eyes of the audience, Dustin and Glenn stepped onto the battle ring. They stood about 30 feet apart, and their eyes locked across the distance. Their gazes met like sparks, and they could feel the weight of the other's stare.
"Are you Logan?" Glenn asked, breaking the silence.
He had heard the rumors about this dark horse before stepping into the ring, but now that he was facing him, he wasn't sure.
"Who I am doesn't matter. What matters is who wins this fight." Dustin didn't confirm or deny it, but his words left Glenn with no doubt.
Both men were at the top of the Legendary List and held equal rank on the Champ-Tier List. Until they fought, no one could say who was the stronger of the two.
"I heard you're Seth's disciple, so I'm really looking forward to this." Glenn's gaze sharpened.
Many years ago, his mentor, Cyrus, was defeated by Seth. That loss had always haunted Cyrus ever since. Now, with the disciples of both men about to face off, Glenn was determined to settle the score.
"I'm also looking forward to seeing the sword skills of your Sword Union, " Dustin said with a grin.
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The opponents he had faced so far including Abigail-hadn't really forced him to go all out. But Glenn was different. He could already tell that Glenn was a real challenge and someone who could push him to his limits.
None of Dustin's peers had cclose to matching his skill. If he didn't go all in in this match, he wouldn't stand a chance.
"Are both contestants ready? Then, let the final match for the Combat Tournament championship begin!” Oron's voice rang out, and the crowd erupted into applause.
Half the spectators were chanting Dustin's name, while the other half was shouting for Glenn. By now, both had gathered their fair share of supporters.
One was the undefeated top-ranked expert on the Legendary List, and the other was a dark horse who had already knocked out the second-ranked Abigail and fought his way into the finals.
Who had the edge? No one could say for sure. It was the uncertainty that made the match so exciting. "Showwhat you've got." Dustin raised a hand and made a quick, commanding gesture. The Celestial Blade flew through the air and landed firmly in his grip. Drawing his sword from the start of the match was his way of showing respect for Glenn's strength, "Blacknight! Green Fang! Red Tempest! Go!" Glenn also didn't hold back.
He raised his sword finger, and three divine swords shot out from the sword case. They hovered in the air, with the edges gleaming with deadly intent.
In his previous fight with Fenley, he had held back. But now, he was giving it everything he had.
"Get a few more men to reinforce the formation!" The razor-sharp sword energy in the ring made Oron uneasy. He quickly called over three masters from Sacred Wyrm Summit and positioned them at each corner to help stabilize the defensive formation.
This was the championship match, after all. The destructive power unleashed by Dustin and Glenn was far greater than anything seen in the earlier rounds.
If the two ultimate grandmaster swordsmen weren't careful, a single misstep could cause the defensive formation to break. And if that happened, the spectators would be caught in the crossfire.
"Activate it now!" With Oron at the forefront, the Sacred Wyrm Summit masters channeled their energy in unison to activate the defense formation around the ring. A flash of light erupted, and a pale blue shield appeared and wrapped around the entire ring like a massive eggshell.
As the defensive formation solidified, Dustin and Glenn seemed to share a tacit understanding. Then, they launched their attacks simultaneously.
"Attack!" Glenn pointed his sword finger at Dustin, and three divine swords of different colors shot toward him from all directions. Each sword picked up speed and force as it flew, as the pressure mounted with each strike. The sheer power felt like it could shatter everything in its path.
"Perfect timing!" Dustin grinned and swung his Celestial Blade three times. Three black sword auras shot forward and collided with the divine swords in midair.
Three powerful blasts shook the air, and waves of energy rippled outward in all directions. The shockwaves slammed into the blue barrier with the force of a crashing wave.
Dustin's sword auras didn't stop the divine swords, but they slowed their advance. He seized the opportunity and blurred into a streak of black lightning as he charged forward with his sword aimed at Glenn's chest.
"Skybound! Shadowedge! Earthshaper! Go!" Glenn reacted quickly and raised his sword finger. Three more divine swords shot out from the case and headed toward Dustin, who was charging at him.
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"Tantrumia Slash!" Dustin flicked his wrist, and the Celestial Blade trembled in his grip.
A violent vortex erupted around him and spun with relentless force. It wasn't a pull inward but a reverse rotation that pushed outward with force from within.
When Glenn's three divine swords made contact with the vortex, a powerful force yanked them off course. They zipped past Dustin and narrowly missed him by inches.
"Huh?" Glenn raised an eyebrow and was quite surprised. As expected from Seth's disciple, Dustin's swordsmanship was exceptional.
"Fang Master! Go!" With a quick motion, Glenn summoned the divine sword, Fang Master, from its case. It landed smoothly in his hand.
As Dustin's blade cat him, Glenn raised his sword in a swift block to guard his vital points.
With a surge of energy, the Celestial Blade collided with Fang Master and sent a jolt through Glenn's wrist. He was! was pushed back several steps by the force of the impact.
Just as Dustin prepared to press the attack, six divine swords flew w toward him from behind. Three aimed for his upper body, while the remaining three went for his lower half.
If he kept advancing, he would leave himself open. So, he reluctantly, am abandoned his pursuit as he drew his sword to defend himself. He dodged tod and blocked while parrying the incoming strikes. Glenn seized the opening and launched a counterattack. With Fang Master raised high, he leaped into the fray and joined his swords in an all-out assault on Dustin.
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