An Understated Dominance Novel (Dahlia & Dustin) by Marina Vittori updated 2025-26 - An Understated Dominance Chapter 2639

Chapter 2639

Three days and three nights passed in silence.

The alternation of day and night on this island was unnervingly fast. Daylight blazed like midsummer, yet when midnight came, snowflakes whirled through the air as if winter had taken the land.

The soldiers kept their posts outside the yard, taking turns on watch. They saw the morning glories on the bamboo fence bloom and wither, and the wild fruit baskets in the yard empty and refill, yet the child never appeared again. No sign of the so-called immortal.

Whispers began to spread. Some said the bamboo forest hid an empty island, and that child was nothing more than a wandering spirit. A few threw stones into the forest in secret, but the invisible barrier repelled them violently. The stones rebounded, striking their own foreheads until blood trickled down.

Nathaniel spoke no word. Each morning, he tidied his battle robe, bowed deeply to the closed bamboo gate, and then sat cross-legged on a stone, eyes shut, as if steadfastly waiting for someone to emerge.

On the evening of the third day, the last sliver of sunlight broke through the bamboo canopy, scattering mottled light across the ground—when the sound of soft footsteps echoed from the depths of the forest.

Every soldier tensed, hands gripping their weapons tight.

An old man emerged from the shadows.

He wore a simple gray Taoist robe, and in his hand, he carried a bamboo staff carved with swirling cloud patterns. His hair and beard were snow-white, yet his face glowed with a childlike rosiness. His eyes were nearly closed to slits, and a faint smile tugged at his lips as he walked slowly along the leaf-strewn path, leaving no sound behind.

What stood out most was his presence. Though he stood before them, he felt as insubstantial as smoke, like a wisp of fog that could dissolve into the air at any moment.

“Oh? It’s been a long time since I’ve seen new faces on this island,” the old man said lightly, his voice calm and flowing like a clear mountain spring—warm, yet carrying a force that seeped into their bones. “I wonder what brings you here?”

Nathaniel’s eyes lit up. He leapt to his feet, straightened his robe, and strode forward. He bowed deeply, his manner even more reverent than when he had faced the child. “I, Nathaniel, have led my men to Fairyharbor Island to beg the Immortal for an elixir to save my elder’s life.”

He pressed on the word elixir deliberately, watching the old man’s expression as though every breath depended on it.

The old man chuckled softly. The wrinkles at his eyes deepened like carved ravines. “Elixir?” he repeated.

He lifted his bamboo staff and gently tapped his own cheek. A few withered bamboo leaves at his feet turned verdant in an instant. “Everyone says Fairyharbor holds immortals, that immortals keep elixirs,” he said, his tone almost playful, “but few understand—the so-called fairyland is nothing but the endless cycle of life and death.”

Nathaniel’s stomach sank. “Immortal Master, what do you mean? I’ve read in ancient texts—Fairyharbor truly holds an elixir of eternal life!”

“Even ancient books speak lies.” The old man raised his hand, cutting Nathaniel off. His half-closed eyes gleamed faintly. “There have never been immortals here. No elixir. If that’s what you came for… I’m afraid you’ll leave empty-handed.”

“Impossible!” The word tore out before Nathaniel could stop it. Realizing his outburst, he quickly dropped to his knees, head bowed low. “I… misspoke. Forgive me, Master. But someone dear to me is gravely ill, and only such a medicine can save them. I beg for your guidance.”

His voice trembled with sincerity as he pressed his forehead to the earth. “If there’s even the slightest chance, I’ll take it—even if it costs my life!”

Behind him, the soldiers knelt in unison, their voices rising together in desperate plea.

The old man studied them for a long while. At last, he sighed. “Though there is no such elixir on this island, there is… a valley of herbs. Some of its plants can prolong life, perhaps even cure disease.”

Nathaniel’s eyes blazed. “Where is this Medicine Valley you speak of, Master? Please—show us the way!”

The old man turned and pointed toward the misty mountains beyond the forest. “Medicine Valley lies at the island’s heart,” he said. “But heed my warning—its depths are guarded by man-eating vines and beasts unlike any you’ve ever seen. From ancient times until now, none who entered have returned alive. Think carefully.”

“Thank you, Master. No matter the danger, we will not turn back,” Nathaniel declared. After all the hardship of reaching Fairyharbor, giving up now was unthinkable.

The old man shook his head and raised his bamboo staff once more, pointing toward a silver stream that wound into the distance. “Follow that river. But remember this—greed kills. Survive, and it is blessing enough.”

With that, he turned and walked back into the bamboo shadows. His figure faded behind the pale blue eaves, vanishing as though he had never existed.

Nathaniel wasted no time. With a clear path ahead, he rallied his men, and together they marched toward the island’s center.