An Understated Dominance
Chapter 2020 by Marina Vittori

“They… didn’t make it!” Sophia choked back her tears. Filled with grief, she briefly recounted the events.

“So you’re saying that the Fantasy Sea Alliance ambushed your group for treasure?” Bertha’s expression turned cold instantly.

“That’s right! They were greedy and heartless. They took advantage of their numbers and slaughtered everyone.”

Sophia burst into tears by the end of it.

“Those damned bastards! How dare they kill our people? I’m going to make them pay a heavy price one day!”

Bertha seethed, gritting her teeth.

The disciples she dispatched as their trial had been Harmony Sect elites. Naturally, she was devastated to find that almost all of them were dead.

“If it weren’t for Jackson and his group intervening, I would have joined them too!” Sophia sobbed.

“Jackson, thank you for saving my disciple. Harmony Sect is indebted to the Embersteel Order,” Bertha expressed her gratitude.

“You’re welcome, Master Peach. Our sects have always been on good terms. Sophia is also my fiancée, so it’s only natural for me to help her in times of trouble.” Jackson said with a slight nod of the head.

“Good! I knew I had a good eye!” Bertha nodded in satisfaction.

She continued, “Oh, by the way, your master and his group arrived just this morning. They’re currently staying right at the edge of this village. You should hurry and go check on them.”

“Thank you for the reminder, Master Peach. We’ll take our leave now!” Jackson nodded again before heading toward the edge of the village with the rest of his group.

With so many valuable treasures on them, they would only be completely safe after reuniting with the elites of their sect.

“Sophia, since you were in the Deadlands for so long, was there anything you brought back?” an elderly woman with gray hair asked suddenly.

She was none other than the elder of Harmony Sect, Madam Pauline.

Sophia lowered her voice, “Madam Pauline, I did indeed bring back substantial gains this time. It should be enough to make our sect stronger.”

“Oh? Is that so?” Everyone perked up instantly.

Although Harmony Sect had suffered heavy losses this time, it might not be a bad thing if they were able to secure a substantial amount of treasures.

“Master Peach, Madam Pauline, please, take a look.” Sophia brought down two large bags from the camel’s back and opened them up carefully, revealing a variety of treasures.

When they noticed the contents, everyone lit up in joy. Inside the two bags were dozens of priceless treasures. If they were converted to cash, it would be enough to cover their expenses for decades to come.

“Well done! Excellent job!” Pauline was delighted, and everyone else was equally ecstatic.

“Sophia! You’ve made a significant contribution to Harmony Sect this time! When we return, I’ll make sure to reward you generously!” Bertha said with a smile.

“Master Peach, these are nothing. I’ve kept the truly invaluable pieces on me.” As Sophia spoke, she gently patted the water bottles hanging on her body.

She had a total of eight large water bottles hanging on her, with each bottle filled to the brim with Soul Elixir.

The Soul Elixirs were far more valuable than the jewels, possibly by a hundredfold or more!

“Sophia, are those water bottles carrying something else?” Bertha probed.

“Master Peach, why don’t you try drinking it and see for yourself?” With a faint smile, Sophia opened one of them and handed it to Bertha.

Bertha received the bottle and took a sip. Moments later, her body began to tremble.

Her eyes widened in shock, and her voice quivered when she asked, “Is… Is this the legendary Soul Elixir?”