An Understated Dominance Novel (Dahlia & Dustin) by Marina Vittori updated 2025-26 - An Understated Dominance Chapter 2407

Chapter 2407

“Miss Marshall, you must be joking. With so many masters in the Celestial Alliance, why would it be my turn to take on a disciple?” Dustin smiled politely as he declined. “But of course, we’re all friends here. If you ever want to discuss martial arts, I’d be happy to share ideas.”

“Alright, but if I come to you for advice, you can’t say no,” Kassidy responded with a playful wink.

She wasn’t really seeking to become his disciple; it was simply a way to get closer to Dustin. Now, with this understanding to learn from each other, she felt her goal was met.

As everyone took their seats, the atmosphere lightened with conversation and laughter.

Throughout the banquet, the two Marshall sisters exchanged meaningful glances that even an outsider could interpret. Dustin, however, maintained his polite smile, either ignoring or subtly diffusing the underlying implications between them.

Dustin understood the sisters’ motives. Ever since he won the championship and gained fame, the Celestial Alliance had taken a keen interest in him. They saw an opportunity to bring him into their circle, perhaps even as an elder or a future son-in-law to the sect master.

But Dustin wasn’t interested in these prospects. He had only agreed to be an honorary guest out of respect for Grace and had no intention of fully joining the Celestial Alliance. He didn’t want to become a pawn in someone else’s game.

After eating and drinking, the banquet concluded, and Dustin returned to his room, setting the jade box containing the Dracan essences on the table.

Soon, a shadow slipped through the window like a ghost. When the figure stopped, it revealed a woman in green attire with a strikingly beautiful face—it was Grace in disguise.

“You’re here. Please, have a seat.” Dustin smiled, pouring two cups of tea and sliding one over. He had hinted during the banquet for her to meet him privately.

“Thank you,” Grace said, her eyes drifting to the jade box. “Is this the prize from Sacred Wyrm Summit?”

“Yes. Care to guess what’s inside?” Dustin wanted to test her.

“Hmm, let’s see…could it be the Dracan essences?” Grace raised an eyebrow knowingly.

“Well, I can’t hide anything from you!” Dustin chuckled in surprise. Grace had an uncanny intuition; earlier, she had guessed that the gods’ pantheon had sent him a strengthening potion, and now, she’d correctly identified the Dracan essences in the box.

“Oh, it’s not that hard to figure out. There’s a rare treasure in Sacred Wyrm Summit’s forbidden area—most likely the Dracan essences.” Grace smiled. “And that old Taoist, Arion Foyer, has a gift for foresight. With a bit of deduction, he’d know your identity and intent. Giving you the Dracan essences as the champion’s reward serves everyone’s interests.”

“Smart as always. Go ahead, open it.” Dustin gestured.

Grace didn’t hesitate and opened the box, her eyes widening in shock. “Am I seeing this right? Three Dracan essences?”

Grace’s face lit up in disbelief. She had guessed Dustin’s prize was the Dracan essences, but three at once? That was beyond her wildest expectations.

“What kind of paradise is this Sacred Wyrm Summit? It could draw together three Dracan essences?” Grace murmured, still stunned.

“Surprised?” Dustin grinned. “I had the same reaction when I saw them.”

“This is truly a blessing!” Grace’s eyes sparkled with joy, overwhelmed by the unexpected fortune. With four Dracan essences now in her possession, only one remained to restore the country’s destiny. The swift progress was almost unbelievable.

“Just one more Dracan essence to go. The future is looking bright.” Dustin leaned back, feeling a sense of relief as his mission neared completion.

“Thank you for this, Dustin. If you hadn’t won the championship, who knows when I’d ever get my hands on these Dracan essences,” Grace said gratefully.

“No need to thank me. You helped me; I’m just returning the favor,” Dustin replied, shrugging.

“Oh, by the way, I’m curious. Why did three Dracan essences gather here? Is there a hidden secret in Sacred Wyrm Summit’s forbidden area?” Grace asked.

“There is,” Dustin’s expression turned serious. “The old Taoist revealed a secret—beneath the forbidden area, there’s a dragon vein. Its presence has drawn all this dragon energy.”

“A dragon vein?” Grace’s eyes widened. “Are you serious?”

“Yes. Arion Foyer himself told me, so it must be true,” Dustin affirmed.

“No wonder… Even after the royal dragon vein was destroyed, the country remained stable. There’s another dragon vein under Sacred Wyrm Summit, carrying the national destiny,” Grace said, her expression thoughtful. Then, as if realizing something, her eyes lit up. “I see it now! The gods’ pantheon has a plot. They plan to use this martial arts competition to destroy Sacred Wyrm Summit’s dragon vein and steal Dragonmarsh’s destiny!”

Just as she finished speaking, Dustin’s ears pricked up, sensing movement. He quickly whispered, “Someone’s coming. Hide, quickly.”