An Understated Dominance Novel (Dahlia & Dustin) by Marina Vittori updated 2025-26 - An Understated Dominance Chapter 2388

Chapter 2388

“Who is this guy…?” Orion Foster thought, secretly shocked as he stared at his trembling hands.

In the clash just now, not only did he fail to gain the upper hand, but he also came out worse. He knew contestant No. 5 Dustin had reached the level of a grandmaster, far surpassing Easton Foster in both cultivation and mastery of the Golden Light Mantra.

Normally, someone of Orion’s skill could easily handle a younger opponent. But the fight revealed something unexpected—Dustin had been holding back. Had he unleashed his full strength, Easton wouldn’t have lasted this long.

The realization left Orion deeply unsettled. There was always someone stronger, but Dustin’s potential was truly terrifying. It wasn’t an exaggeration to say Dustin was on par with a monster like Glenn Hadley.

“What’s going on? Why did the referee step in?”

“Haven’t you figured it out? Easton lost. If the referee hadn’t stepped in, that sword would have seriously injured or even killed him!”

“Yeah! It would have been a tragedy if the most talented disciple of Sacred Wyrm Summit died here.”

“I thought Easton would win, but Dustin ended it with just one sword. It’s incredible!”

The sudden turn of events sparked chatter among the audience. Whether it was Easton’s Bagua Talisman being broken or Orion intervening, everything happened so quickly that the crowd barely had time to process it.

“Master Marshall, what happened to all your confidence? Do you still have anything to say?” Cyrus Hadley taunted Alloy Marshall, who sat beside him, not missing the chance to rub it in.

Alloy’s face twitched. He had no comeback. He hadn’t expected Dustin to be able to draw his sword with the Bagua Talisman at full power, let alone break the formation with a single strike. Dustin’s potential far exceeded his expectations.

No wonder Dustin had become the disciple of the legendary sword fairy, Seth Hughes—he truly was remarkable.

“Sorry, I almost lost control of my strength,” Dustin said as he sheathed the Celestial Blade.

Throughout the battle, Easton had held back, so Dustin hadn’t gone for the kill. But when breaking the formation at the end, he had to use his true strength. Fortunately, Orion acted quickly and admitted defeat, or Easton might not have survived.

“I always thought we were equals in cultivation, but I see now the gap is much wider than I imagined. I accept my defeat.” Easton bowed in respect after regaining his composure. Though the loss stung, his spirit wasn’t crushed—in fact, his eyes shone with renewed energy. While he didn’t care for fame or fortune, there was a quiet pride in his heart.

Life had always been easy for Easton. Whether practicing martial arts, Taoism, or even honing his mind, he excelled far beyond his peers at Sacred Wyrm Summit. What others took years to master, Easton accomplished effortlessly in months. His progress had been so smooth that he never felt the need to work hard or take things seriously.

For years, Easton had coasted through life, unmotivated, because everything came too easily. But Dustin’s sword had changed that. For the first time, Easton realized there were others more talented than him—stronger even.

This defeat sparked something within him. For the first time, he had a goal, a challenge worth pursuing. The dormant passion and fighting spirit within him were reignited, and he resolved to take things seriously from now on.

“Congratulations to contestant No. 5, Dustin, for winning!” Orion finally announced the result.

Although Easton lost, his performance impressed the audience, and his reputation remained intact. At only seventeen, Easton had reached Grandmaster Perfection, and his future held limitless potential. In just a few years, he would likely secure a spot on the Legendary List, perhaps even the Astonishing World List.

Amid the applause, Dustin calmly descended from the ring.

With the quarterfinals complete, the competition now moved on to the semifinals and finals. The top four contestants were Glenn Hadley from the Sword Union, Fenley Hudson from the Celestial Alliance, Abigail Robinson from the Mystic Arts Order, and Dustin Rhys.

All of them were at the pinnacle of the Legendary List. The real battle was about to begin, a clash of titans. Only one would emerge victorious and claim the title of the new generation’s leader.