An Understated Dominance (Dustin Rhys)

“Ms. Aurora, don’t make fun of me. The Celestial Alliance is full of experts- there’s no way someone like me could take on a disciple,” Dustin declined with a smile. “Of course, we’re friends. If you ever want to talk about martial arts, just reach out.”

“Alright then, if I ever need advice, you’d better not turn me down,” Aurora said with a playful wink.

She was just asking to see how he would respond. After all, she wasn’t serious about wanting to become his disciple. It was more of a way to get closer to him, and now that she had an excuse to ask for his guidance, she was satisfied.

Once everyone was seated, the conversation flowed easily. They drank and talked about anything and everything.

The two Marshall sisters exchanged flirtatious glances across the table, a gesture that even the most oblivious observer couldn’t miss.

However, Dustin kept a polite smile on his face. He either ignored their advances or skillfully deflected them.

He knew exactly what they were after. With his recent victory and growing fame, the Celestial Alliance would likely try to recruit him.

Becoming the Celestial Alliance’s honorary consultant was still an outsider position. There was no strong bond between him and the guild. However, if he became an elder-or married one of the Marshall sisters- his status would change completely.

But Dustin wasn’t interested in any of that. He’d only agreed to the honorary position because of Grace. Joining the Celestial Alliance, however, was out of

the question. He wasn’t about to become just another pawn in someone else’s game.

After the feast, everyone finally left.

Dustin watched them go before returning to his room. He placed the jade box with the Dracan essence on the table.

almost impossible to notice. When the

a seat.” He poured two cups of tea and pushed one toward her. He had already hinted at their private meeting during

and her gaze fell on the jade box. “Is this the reward from

to take a guess?” Dustin was

Could it be the Dracan essence?” Grace raised an

I can never get anything past you.” Dustin

Hall of Gods before. But now, she had immediately identified the Dracan essence in the jade box.

Wyrm Summit’s Forbidden Ground

Dracan essence

Grace smiled faintly.

an uncanny ability to predict things. With a little insight, he probably figured out your identity and intentions. By offering you

ahead and open it. “Dustin raised his chin slightly toward

when she saw what

am I seeing this right? Three

might be Dracan essence, but she never imagined there would

of place was Sacred Wyrm Summit, anyway? How

a smirk. “I had the same reaction when

Grace’s eyes

it. With four out of the five Dracan Essences in her hands, she only needed one more to restore the nation’s glory. The progress had been so fast, and it was

future looks promising.” Dustin stretched, letting out a

deeply grateful for what you’ve done. If you hadn’t won the championship, who knows when we’ll get our hands on these