An Understated Dominance Novel (Dahlia & Dustin) by Marina Vittori updated 2025-26 - An Understated Dominance Chapter 2339

An Understated Dominance Chapter 2339 – Time passed steadily as the competition continued.

By the time half a day had gone by, the ring had been patched up several times, witnessing one fierce battle after another.

Finally, the top 16 contenders were officially revealed.

For top-ranked fighters like Glenn, Abigail, and Fenley, victory was almost certain as long as they didn’t face each other. Their wins were often quick and decisive.

In fact, Glenn Hadley’s opponent didn’t even attempt to fight—he surrendered immediately.

Everyone knew that sword cultivators like Glenn, who was at the top of the Legendary List and already a grandmaster, were incredibly dangerous. A single strike from Glenn could kill an ordinary grandmaster. Given the risk, it was better to concede than to face likely death.

In this tournament, sometimes luck mattered more than skill. Of course, in addition to Glenn and the other three, two more fighters from the Legendary List also made it to the top 16: Elder Shade, who ranked eighth, and Jude Leith, who ranked tenth.

Elder Shade, a swordsmanship expert, won his match with just three simple moves. Jude Leith, skilled in various magic techniques, also defeated his opponent with ease.

Including Dustin Logan, six of the top 16 spots were filled by masters from the Legendary List.

If Sam Dawson hadn’t unexpectedly lost to Easton Foster, there likely would have been one more.

The remaining ten competitors were either from major sects or were long-time standouts, with several exceptional talents among them.

Notable among them were Father Adam from the West and Black Kong George Bross.

After the top 16 were decided, there was a halftime break.

During this time, the major sects took the opportunity to recruit talent.

Dustin, who had performed well, received warm invitations from three major sects.

He didn’t agree or refuse any of them. Since he had connections with all three, it wasn’t appropriate to reject any outright. Instead, he played it cool and slipped away after the match, avoiding making any commitments.

After a brief break, it was time to draw lots for the next round.

Today, the top eight would be determined, so another round of matches was scheduled. The competition from the round of 16 to the round of 8 was often more intense and bloody.

“Now, would the top 16 contestants please come on stage to draw lots!” Orion Foster called out.

The winners from the last round came to the stage one by one.

The rules for the draw were the same as before—random selection, with the first and last matchups being No. 1 vs. No. 16, No. 2 vs. No. 15, and so on.

As luck would have it, Dustin drew No. 8 again, meaning his match would be the last of the round, and his opponent was No. 9.

During the draw, everyone was careful not to reveal their numbers. None of the competitors at this stage were weak, so keeping their draw a secret helped prevent any early strategizing by opponents.

After the draw, the various factions began discreetly gathering information and preparing their fighters. What they could uncover depended on their resourcefulness.

“The draw is over, please get ready—the matches are about to begin!” Orion Foster reminded everyone.

The break time was less than the time it takes to burn an incense stick.

“Brother Fenley, what number did you draw?” Kassidy asked as Fenley returned to his seat.

“Unfortunately, I drew No. 1,” Fenley replied with a faint smile.

“No. 1? That means you’re in the first match,” Kassidy noted, raising an eyebrow. She then lowered her voice, saying, “I’ll have someone find out who your opponent is.”

“No need for that—it doesn’t matter who it is,” Fenley shook his head. “Taking shortcuts is just a minor tactic. To win, you have to rely on your own strength; otherwise, all preparations are meaningless.”

Confident in his abilities, Fenley wasn’t concerned about who his opponent might be. Even if he had to face someone as strong as Glenn Hadley, he was ready to fight. After all, his goal was to become the champion, and to do that, he’d have to defeat every strong competitor.

“That’s true,” Kassidy agreed, then turned to Dustin. “Dr. Rhys, what about you?”

“I drew No. 8, same as last time,” Dustin answered honestly.

“I meant, do you want me to help you find out who your opponent is?” Kassidy asked.

“That’s not necessary. I’ll leave it to fate,” Dustin replied with a calm smile.

“Alright, with your strength, as long as you don’t face any of the top-ranked fighters, making it to the top eight shouldn’t be a problem,” Kassidy nodded.

She had witnessed Dustin’s earlier performance against the blood clan and knew his capabilities. As long as luck wasn’t against him, reaching the top eight seemed almost certain. What happened after that would depend on destiny.

The time passed quickly, and soon, Orion Foster’s voice rang out again: “Time’s up—the first match is about to begin. Contestants No. 1 and No. 16, please come to the stage!”

As soon as the announcement was made, Fenley stood up without hesitation and walked toward the ring.

A few seconds later, a man dressed in white, with a long sword strapped to his back, slowly rose from the preparation area and made his way to the ring.

The man in white had a cold expression and an intense aura. He was like a sword drawn from its sheath, sharp and menacing. He was Kamden, the chief disciple of the Mysterious Sword School.