An Understated Dominance by Marina Vittori (official version)

"W-What is this monster? It's gigantic!" Eyes widened in disbelief as everyone took in the size of the monstrous

creature that resembled both a serpent and a python.

Nobody expected to find such a monstrous beast within the palace.

With its enormous body, blood-red eyes, gaping, blood-filled mouth, and imposing presence, a single glance sent

shivers down their spines, inducing fear.

It didn't matter if they were a low-level martial artist, a divine-level martial artist, or a grandmaster like Aidan,

they felt like they had cface to face with a formidable enemy.

Even the mutant wolves and Onyxclaw, previously engaged in frenzied combat with humans, halted their

aggression.

They trembled uncontrollably, intimidated by the serpent's aura. It was a suppression rooted in bloodlines and a

fear ingrained in biological instincts.

The black serpent let out a thunderous roar, and a row of bone spikes suddenly shot up behind its head.

In an instant, a violent gust of wind swept through, tossing sand and stones into the air. An overwhelming

dominance radiated from its massive body.

Several dozen massive wolves nearby howled in agony and collapsed to the ground, with urine and feces flowing

freely.

Even the silver wolf king, with its tail tucked between its legs, shivered and howled incessantly.

As for the Onyxclaw that was drenched in crimson from head to toe, it turned around as if it had faced its

ultimate enemy and bolted away, disappearing without a trace.

The majestic king of beasts had been scared into a hasty retreat.

While the humans were not as perceptive as the monstrous beasts, they were still greatly shaken and filled with

panic. The serpent's presence was just too overwhelming.

Its massive body stretched out horizontally, resembling a speeding train.

"Damn it! This monster looks seriously tough. What do we do now?"

"What can we do? The monster is guarding the entrance to the palace. If we want to get in and grab the

treasures, we'll have to take it down!"

"Alright, brave souls! Let's take it on together. Anyone who hesitates is a damn coward!"

Although the black serpent appeared fearsome, the group swiftly rallied their determination, fueled by personal

self-interest. Cracking their knuckles, they readied for the confrontation.

However, despite their aggressive stances, no one dared make the first move. After all, the extent of the

serpent's strength remained unknown.

The only certainty they had was that this black serpent was more formidable than the Onxyclaw they had faced

earlier

"Mr. Ridge, you're a martial arts grandmaster and the strongest amongst us. Why don't you make the first move

and show us how it's done?" suggested a man in gray clothes.

Ordinary martial artists rushing forward would be akin to courting death. They needed someone as powerful as

Aidan to take the lead.

"What? Are you ordering me?" Aidan squinted, his expression unfriendly.

"I wouldn't dare, Mr. Ridge." The man in gray smiled apologetically.

"| just think that it would be safer if you led the charge. Once you succeed, you can freely select treasures as the

primary contributor. We just ask for a little share."

"Hmph! You're quite the smooth talker. With just a few words, you expectto risk my life at the forefront. What

a crafty plan!" Aidan's expression darkened.

He disliked being ordered around and certainly detested the notion of being treated like a pawn.

The man's ulterior motives intensified Aidan's displeasure, particularly the idea of having him risk his life by

taking the lead.

"Mr. Ridge, you've misunderstood. | just..." Before he could finish his sentence, the black serpent, guarding the

palace entrance, seemed to lose patience and roared once more.

With a sudden motion, it whipped its long tail to the side.

A black shadow flashed by and two unsuspecting martial artists who couldn't dodge in twere struck by the

black serpent's tail.

This was followed by two explosive bangs.

Their bodies had exploded like overinflated balloons, turning into flesh and blood and splattering in all directions.

"What?" The groups stood in stunned silence as they witnessed the unbelievable scene.

The two martial artists who exploded had been prominent figures in the martial world. Yet, with just a sweep of

its tail, the black serpent effortlessly annihilated them.

It was absolutely shocking!

Smartial artists who were eager to make a move felt a chill. Were they truly a match for the serpent?

Before they could react, the serpent swung its tail once more. Like a gigantic whip, it mercilessly struck down

three martial artists on the right.

Three thunderous explosions echoed, and the three martial artists disintegrated into pieces, leaving nothing

behind. Blood and flesh splattered like rain on more than a dozen people nearby.

"This is our chance! Attack!" Taking advantage of the black serpent's distraction, a group of disciples from the

Elysian Sect immediately seized the opportunity and charged forward.

All sorts of weapons, concealed tools, and poisons were hurled at the serpent without reservation.

"Let's see how you survive this!"

The Elysian Sect disciples secretly celebrated. If their sneak attack succeeded, the formidable weapons at their

disposal would surely leave the black serpent in a miserable state.

A symphony of clinks and clangs echoed as the Elysian Sect struck the serpent's scales. However, instead of

inflicting serious harm, it merely created tiny sparks and didn't even leave a mark.

Those scales were tougher than the finest armor, impervious to any damage.

"What?" The disciples of the Elysian Sect were dumbfounded at what they were seeing, wearing expressions of

disbelief.

"This is not good, run!" The lead disciple shuddered as an icy chill ran down his entire body.

Looking up, he met the blood-chilling eyes of the black serpent and his pupils contracted. Without much tto

think, he swiftly turned around and bolted.

The black serpent opened its mouth wide, breathing out a torrent of black flames that engulfed the disciples of

the Elysian Sect.

The malevolent and overpowering black flames left destruction in their wake, obliterating everything in their

path.

The air echoed with agonizing screams as the martial artists collapsed to the ground.

In a matter of moments, they were reduced to ashes, leaving no trace of bones or remnants behind.