An Understated Dominance by Marina Vittori

Chester wouldn't have dared to act recklessly without the Tranqurin.

Now that they had this precious bottle in hand and the support of numerous highly skilled fighters from

the Embersteel Order and Harmony Sect, it would be enough to take Dustin and his group down.

"After we succeed, we'll split the spoils evenly between our sects. What do you think?" Bertha asked

with a smile.

"No problem!" Chester agreed readily.

Naturally, he wouldn't refuse such a good opportunity where they would only need to take the smallest

risk to gain the greatest benefit.

"Wait!" Jackson, who was standing behind them, suddenly spoke up.

"Master Newberry, Dustin and Ms. Linsor were once our partners. We're also indebted to them. I don't

think it's appropriate to plot against them."

Jackson always had a clear sense of morality and gratitude. If it weren't for Dustin and Grace's

protection throughout their journey in the Deadlands, they would have been long dead, let alone

acquire treasure.

He found their actions despicable for repaying kindness with enmity upon leaving the Deadlands.

"Why would it be inappropriate? They're strangers to us. Nothing we do would be considered extreme."

Chester added with righteousness, "Besides, the martial world is inherently a survival of the fittest.

They greedily hoarded so many treasures and don't have the means to keep them safe anyway.

"Even if we don't act, other forces would covet them. Those forces might even resort to violence. We

only seek their treasures, not their life. We are already doing them a favor."

"But Master, you've taught us to be upright and to have a clear conscience from a young age. Look at

our actions now. How are we any different from those despicable people?" Jackson argued reasonably.

"How dare you!" Chester flew into a rage and slapped Jackson.

He yelled, "You've gotten bolder after traveling around for a few days. How dare you talk back to me?

Have you lost all respect for me?"

"I'm just telling the truth." Jackson was indignant.

"You—!" Chester was furious and raised his hand to slap him again.

However, Bertha stopped him and advised, "Calm down, Chester. Jackson is still young and doesn't

know better. He just needs proper guidance."

"Hmph! This kid hasn't seen me in a while, and now he doesn't even obey orders!" Chester grumbled.

"Chester, let me try talking to him."

Bertha gave Chester a knowing look and smiled at Jackson. "Jackson, the martial arts world is not as

simple as you think. Not everything has a clear distinction between right and wrong.

"Your master's actions are all aimed at strengthening your sect and protecting disciples like you.

"It wasn't easy for Embersteel Order to achieve their current standing, and your master has shouldered

a significant burden of it.

"As the chief disciple and the future leader of Embersteel Order, you should be more understanding of

your master.

"Everything he does is to pave the way for you and the development of your sect. I hope you

understand the intentions behind his decisions.

"Also, I'd like to let you know that once we complete this operation, we'll thoroughly prepare for your

wedding with Sophia, solidifying your union as a family.

"I'm willing to allocate a substantial share of the treasures acquired this time as Sophia's dowry. You

won't refuse, will you?" By the end of her message, Bertha was patting Jackson's shoulder, smiling

knowingly.

"I..." Jackson was momentarily at a loss for words, unsure of how to respond.

He really liked Sophia and couldn't wait to get married to her, his firm conviction beginning to falter

under Bertha's proposition.

"Jackson, for my sake and the sake of our sects, can't you just agree?" Sophia coquettishly tugged at

Jackson's arm, swaying gently.

Jackson was about to say something but ultimately chose to remain silent.

"Jackson, if you don't say anything, I'm assuming you agree!" Sophia pushed her luck.

"Jackson, if you don't like it, you can choose not to participate in this operation. Go back and rest,"

Chester said coldly.

"Then I'll be taking my leave!" Jackson bowed slightly and left right after.

In the end, he couldn't bring himself to go against his principles and engage in vengeful actions.

"Chester, your chief disciple is too upright. I'm afraid he's going to have a difficult journey ahead."

Bertha sighed as she watched Jackson leave.

"He's always been like that. Without experiencing bloodshed, he wouldn't understand the dangers of

the martial world." Chester shook his head helplessly.

"Sophia, take the time to get to know each other better. After all, we'll be family in the future," Bertha

advised.

"I understand." Sophia nodded slightly.

Since she couldn't capture someone as remarkable as Dustin, Sophia could only settle for Jackson.

Even so, Jackson was already considered outstanding among the younger generation.

What mattered most was that Jackson was easy to manipulate, allowing her better control over him.

"Bertha, let's discuss the specific plan. When should we act?" Chester steered the conversation back to

the topic at hand.

"There's no rush. We'll wait until it's late at night and they're all asleep. We can make our move then,"

Bertha said with a smile.

Even with Tranqurin in hand, she dared not be overconfident to prevent mistakes.

As the night deepened, most of the lights in the inn had been extinguished. Dustin sat on his bed in the

darkness, resting with his eyes closed.

After Grace's warning, he had been on guard. However, he wasn't concerned about ordinary thieves.

Right then, Dustin heard a subtle sharp whistle from outside the window, and his eyes opened abruptly.

Soon after, it was followed by the sound of a deep thud as a hidden arrow pierced through the glass

and embedded itself on the wall inside his room.

Attached to the end of the hidden arrow was a rolled-up piece of paper.

Dustin walked up to it and retrieved the paper. Four large words on it read, "Beware of an ambush!"

Dustin turned around and glanced outside the window, where he caught sight of a familiar figure

flashing by.

"Jackson?" Dustin raised an eyebrow in surprise.

He wasn't sure who had been lurking around suspiciously outside earlier, but it now seemed like it was

someone related to the Embersteel Order and Harmony Sect.

Otherwise, Jackson wouldn't have needed to send a warning discreetly.

Regardless, it appeared like Dustin was destined to have a sleepless night tonight.