An Understated Dominance by Marina Vittori

Aidan sprawled on the ground. He was coughing violently and spitting out blood.

His face, pale and shocked, reflected the agony in his wide eyes. It appeared as if his body was falling

apart, leaving him unable to stand.

The immense power of the black serpent caught him off guard. In just one hit, its tail, heavy as a

mountain, inflicted severe injuries on him.

Even his precious dual blade could only leave minor scratches on the black serpent's tough body. Its

incredible physical strength and formidable defense surpassed his imagination.

"Whoa, did Mr. Ridge just get thrown like that? Am I imagining things?"

"I don't get it. Mr. Ridge is a grandmaster martial artist with incredible strength. How did he go down

with just one hit from that creature?"

"This is bad! Who else stands a chance if he can't handle the black serpent?"

Everyone couldn't hide their disbelief. Their shocked expressions reflected the unexpected turn of

events.

Aidan, widely recognized as Sandscale, was a renowned figure and one of the five formidable

individuals in the southwest. As a legendary grandmaster martial artist, he was considered the

strongest among them.

However, the current events painted a different story. During the face-off, Aidan failed to gain an

advantage.

Instead, he suffered severe injuries from the black serpent's attack, leaving everyone astonished. They

questioned their chances against the black serpent, given Aidan's inability to defeat it.

"Oh no, what should we do?"

"I say we make a dash and save ourselves!"

After a moment of confusion, the crowd swiftly snapped out of it and promptly fled. Even the

grandmaster martial artist had been defeated, and escaping seemed their only option.

"Ah, this is frustrating! We were just inches away from grabbing that treasure!" Yonah glared at the

gigantic black serpent, grumbling his frustration with a reluctant face.

"Yonah, as long as there's life, there's hope. We can't face this monster alone.

"Let's wait for the skilled elites from our sect, and then we'll tackle it together." Bran squinted, his face

showing a determined seriousness.

He understood that Aidan's unexpected defeat could be a blessing in disguise. The silver lining was

that

Aidan couldn't claim most of the treasures.

Plus, with the arrival of skilled elites from the Drakes Dominion Order and the Frostwing Sect, the

advantage would shift in their favor.

Despite the black serpent's strength, it was just a creature. While it could take on a grandmaster martial

artist, handling two or three opponents seemed doubtful.

Moreover, Drakes Dominion Order and Frostwing Sect had many halfway to becoming grandmaster

martial artists, along with numerous mystical formations.

Once these resources were utilized, dealing with the black serpent wouldn't be an issue.

"Damn, this black serpent is no joke!" Jackson grimaced, wiping sweat off his face. "Ms. Linsor, we

have to fall back. If we stay, we might not make it out alive."

"I agree, Ms. Linsor. Aidan has its attention. Let's use this chance to get out of here. The consequences

could be disastrous if we stay." Garrett urged, looking worried.

They hadn't anticipated the black serpent being this strong, stronger even than a grandmaster martial

artist. In the face of such strength, they questioned the logic of continuing the fight.

"We've come too far to give up now," Grace stated coldly.

"Ms. Linsor, this isn't the time for recklessness. Our lives are on the line!" Jackson urged, his anxiety

evident.

"He's right!" Garrett chimed in, echoing the sentiment. "A smart person doesn't take unnecessary risks.

Our lives are in jeopardy if we don't leave now."

After seeing Aidan's defeat, they were terrified and had no plans to face the black serpent.

"Even though the black serpent is strong, it's not unbeatable," Grace stated. She turned to Dustin and

said, "Now it's your moment, Dustin."

"Okay, I've got this. Time to deal with the serpent," Dustin replied. He drew his Celestial Blade and

approached the black serpent carefully.

He had been holding back his true strength all this time, worried it might disrupt Grace's plan. But now

that she had given the sign, he no longer saw a reason to hold back his abilities.

"Dustin, what's going on in your head?"

Jackson's expression changed as he exclaimed, "That black serpent is terrifying. Even Mr. Ridge can't

handle it. And you're going against that thing? It's like volunteering for a one-way ticket to hell."

He believed it wasn't smart for Dustin to approach when everyone else was trying to escape. It seemed

like a foolish move.

Dustin turned around with a faint smile. "Don't worry, Jackson. It's just a little snake. I don't consider it a

threat."

"You... are you crazy? Come back immediately!" Jackson's voice quivered in fear. He could not believe

Dustin would say it was just a little snake when it was clearly a giant serpent.

"Hmph! What an ignorant fool, completely lacking self-awareness!" Garrett snorted. His expression

conveyed the belief that Dustin was as good as dead.

At that critical moment, Garrett found Dustin's attempt to steal the spotlight somewhat unwise and

almost irrational.

He pondered, "Does Dustin really believe he's more powerful than Mr. Ridge, a grandmaster martial

artist?"

"Hey! It's me you're up against!" Dustin shouted confidently at the black serpent, brandishing his sword.

His booming voice echoed, drawing the gaze of everyone around.

"Wow, who's that guy? He's taking on the black serpent and not escaping. That's some serious

bravery!"

"He seems clueless about the danger. He's probably a fool. Won't survive for too long, though."

"Hey, hats off to you! You're a real hero!"

As Dustin approached the black serpent, the crowds exchanged surprised whispers.

After witnessing Aidan's fate, they couldn't understand why anyone would confront the black serpent at

such a crucial moment.

The black serpent hissed, its scarlet tongue slithering. With lantern-like eyes, it slowly turned towards

Dustin, exuding a cold, ferocious aura tinged with confusion.

It questioned why Dustin, an insignificant being, dared to challenge it.

Without hesitation, the serpent opened its maw wide, spewing scorching black flames that completely

engulfed him.