An Understated Dominance by Marina Vittori

The overnight uproar was soon forgotten in the light of day.

The following morning, Sacred Wrym Summit hummed with activity as people thronged in.

It was the much-awaited day—the official kickoff of the Combat Tournament.

Participants and onlookers flooded the area. They were eager to witness something truly remarkable.

This unprecedented event had become the talk of the martial world. It attracted representatives from all major sects and guilds.

Even those not participating in the tournament found themselves drawn to the excitement.

Because everyone knew this was a rare chance to witness extraordinary talent, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity not to be missed.

The Combat Tournament at Sacred Wrym Summit lasted five days. During the initial three days, Groups C and B participants would compete.

Following several rounds of elimination, the standout fighters earned their ticket to join Group A. They would then confront the group's brightest talents.

By the fourth day, the tournament had whittled down to the elite eight out of the initial 32 contenders.

The fifth and final day featured the eagerly anticipated semifinals and the ultimate showdown.

However, the opportunities for advancement from Groups C and B were limited. It was determined by the number of participants in Group A.

In essence, the combined total of contestants from Groups B and C, alongside those from Group A, had to be 32.

If Group A had more than 20 participants, Groups B and C would have fewer than ten advancement slots.

Thus, they had to battle through a pool of 1000 contestald to secure one of the final ten slots. It was an arduous climb.

After all, every participant in the tournament had achieved divinity and no weaklings among them.

Many martial artists were hailed as geniuses in their home turfs. Yet, upon reaching the Sacred Wrym Summit, such acclaim often fell short.

It was akin to the experience of high-achieving students in their school. They were admired and stood out as top performers.

However, once they entered the prestigious university, they quickly realized they were just one among many.

The truth was plain to see among a cohort of exceptional students drawn from far and wide.

This reality check was harsh, yet it fueled their determination to improve themselves.

Meanwhile, Dustin and his group had already secured their seats early in the audience section at Sacred Wrym Summit.

As participants, they could enter the viewing area in advance with their number tags to rest. Otherwise, they'd be stuck standing once the rest of the audience arrived.

With such a huge turnout, it felt like the entire world had converged on the summit. Hence, Sacred Wrym Summit disciples and government personnel were dispatched to keep things under control.

After all, such grand spectacles were a rare occurrence.

"This Combat Tournament is truly a gathering of talents, with remarkable individuals from every corner," Miles remarked.

He looked around and said excitedly, "Take a look over there. Those are the disciples from the Harmony Sect, all pretty as flowers and tough as nails.

"And those bald monks over there? They're from the Aureate Monastery and proficient in the 72 Zen techniques.

They can take on a hundred opponents single-handedly without breaking a sweat! "See those people on your left! They're all disciples of the Esoteric Sword Sect. Despite their flaws, their cultivation is incredibly powerful. And rumor has it, they're experts in the legendary Sword Mastery technique!" Miles pointed as he shared his insights about the various sects. He seemed especially excited about the Esoteric Sword Sect, as if he had uncovered a hidden gem.

Dustin and the others couldn't help but take notice.

Three figures, two men and a woman, stood out from the Esoteric Sword Sect. They were dressed in black robes that hid everything but their eyes.

"Miles, their faces are covered. How do you know they're from the Esoteric Sword Sect?" Ruby asked curiously.

"It's because their faces were covered, and they seem mysterious," Miles replied.

"Huh? That's your reasoning?" She narrowed her eyes, feeling a bit puzzled. She found his explanation somewhat odd, almost unbelievable.

"Heh... | was just messing with you." He laughed.

He shook his head and continued Even though | haven't seen the Esoteric Sword Sect disciples I know their swords Bear a distinct magnolia emblem. And that emblem is the signature of the Esoteric Sword " f Sect.” "A magnolia emblem?" Ruby narrowed her eyes and looked closer.

She finally saw the hilts of the three swords carried by the masked om individuals bore engraving of white magnolias. Above each magnolia, a sword hung inverted, giving it an odd appearance. "Ah, it's true! But how do you know all this?" she asked.

Crystal interjected abruptly, "The Sword Union's library contains comprehensive information on swords from around the globe.

"Among them is the Esoteric Sword Sect, a subject of significant interest. If you're unaware, it's because you often waste your time instead of studying." "Crystal, I've just joined the sect not long ago. Why are you being so strict?" Ruby pouted, feeling a bit aggrieved.

Crystal lectured firmly, "As Sword Union disciples, we face an annual assessment. Fail, andyou're out It's like rowing against the current. You either push forward or get left behind.

Even with talent, laziness equals q q " .

mediocrity." "Okay, okay, | got it. After the tournament, I'll buckle down and not slack off!" Ruby vowed.

"That's what | want to hear." Crystal nodded, ending the conversation there. Her words weren't just for Ruby's benefit but also a reminder to herself.

Crystal knew she had to push herself even harder in a world teeming with geniuses and countless individuals more talented and diligent than her.

Otherwise, she'd be left far behind by those top geniuses.