AN UNDERSTATED DOMINANCE - Season 12 Episode 71

A Fateful Challenge

Inside the meeting hall of Zypher Lodge, things were intense.

Dustin, holding a teapot, poured two cups of tea – one for Cornelius and one for himself.

“How did it go? Did you deliver the challenge letter?” Dustin asked after sipping his tea.

“It’s been delivered,” Cornelius nodded.

“And what’s the response from the Martial Alliance?” Dustin inquired further.

“As far as I know, Ronald Reeds is still in seclusion (a period of intensive and solitary training undertaken by a martial artist), but the Martial Alliance members are furious after receiving the challenge. I believe the letter will soon reach Ronald’s hands,” Cornelius replied, finishing his tea.

“Excellent, that’s the effect I wanted,” Dustin smiled slightly.

The death of Erik would undoubtedly shake the Martial Alliance. Luckily, he would use this opportunity to drop another bombshell. After all, he knew that sooner or later, he would face Ronald in a life-and- death battle.

“Master, do you think you might be acting a bit recklessly with this challenge?” Cornelius expressed his concern. “Ronald is the leader of the Five Ultimate Grandmasters and the foremost martial artist in Balermo. His strength is beyond measure, and almost no one equal or below the rank of Grandmaster can match him. He’s like an ‘immovable mountain’.”

In reality, Cornelius had phrased this as delicately as possible.

Ronald was invincible in Balermo.

Though Dustin was undeniably powerful and had even defeated the Grandmaster Augustus, he still lagged far behind Ronald.

If he waited for another five or ten years, his talent might give him a fighting chance. But right now, it was undoubtedly a suicidal endeavor. Cornelius couldn’t comprehend why he had made such a decision. Why not endure a little longer and seek revenge when the odds were better?

“Why? Do you think I can’t beat Ronald?” Dustin raised his teacup, savoring the aroma.

“Your odds are just too low,” Cornelius replied without confirming. “Master, you’re in your early twenties, while Ronald is over fifty. He has nearly thirty more years of training, experience, and strength than you do. You’re at a significant disadvantage. If you trained for another five to ten years, you’d have a much better chance.”

“I can’t wait that long,” Dustin shook his head. “Ronald possesses the Sky Spirit Orb. Given some more time, he will break through to the Grandmaster infinity level. By then, he’ll be even more formidable. Right now, this is our best opportunity.”

“While that may be true, your public challenge is still too risky,” Cornelius said, his face serious.

“Don’t worry; I wouldn’t have issued the challenge if I didn’t have some confidence. Whether I win or lose, the outcome will be clear tomorrow,” Dustin said calmly.

“But…” Cornelius wanted to say more but was interrupted by Dustin. “That’s enough. My decision is final. Also, don’t inform Miss Natasha about this. I don’t want her to worry.”

“Understood,” Cornelius sighed, nodding.

“You can go and rest for now. I need to prepare myself for tomorrow’s battle,” Dustin said, waving his hand.

“Very well, I’ll take my leave.”

Cornelius bid his farewell and left.

“Sky Sword,” Dustin murmured.

“Swoosh!”

In the darkness, a streak of black light shot forward.

A black ancient sword suddenly flew into the meeting hall, precisely landing in Dustin’s hand, quivering slightly and emitting a pleasing hum.

“My friend, let’s win this together,” Dustin said as he caressed the sword’s blade, murmuring to himself.

Tomorrow’s battle would be a fight for life and death, and he had more than just revenge in mind – he aimed to cleanse the Balermo Martial Alliance.