An Understated Dominance - Chapter 2305

The crowd burst into loud applause as Oron finished his speech.

With a spotlight shining on him, contestant number one stood up from his seat and walked towards the battle ring. He was a monk dressed in gray robes.

This tall, muscular man was in his 30s, holding an iron staff. His shiny, bald head sparkled in the sunlight.

As the audience recognized him, they gasped. “I can’t believe the first contestant is Venerable Truce from Aureate Monastery! This is going to be an amazing match!”

Truce Heart, known as the “Venerable Banisher,” was a highly respected monk from Aureate Monastery.

Even though he was still young, his skills were extraordinary, especially his Ironfist Technique, which he had perfected. It was said that he was immune to blades, bullets, fire, and water. Attacks against him hardly left a scratch.

But Truce was not just famous for his strong defense. His Banisher Technique was also incredibly powerful, allowing him to defeat many skilled opponents. Some said he could take on challengers much stronger than himself.

“Who will his opponent be?” the crowd wondered.

As they looked on with curiosity, contestant number 32 made his way to the battle ring.

He had a Strequan appearance, wore a clerical robe, and a cross hung around his neck. With a kind expression and a gentle smile, he was Jeremiah Price, also known as “The Dust of Angel.”

“Wow! A friendly-looking priest?” someone shouted.

“No way! A Strequan priest in the battle ring?” another exclaimed.

“Hmph! This priest is working with that stinky bat. He may seem harmless, but he’s hiding something sinister. Don’t be fooled by his looks!” someone warned.

“Don’t let his appearance fool you,” someone in the crowd warned.

“He doesn’t stand a chance against Venerable Truce’s Banisher staff. One hit, and he’ll turn to ashes,” another voice chimed in.

“This priest is really unlucky to face Venerable Truce. If he doesn’t give up, he’s going to get beaten badly,” someone else added.

“A foreigner who dares to challenge us in Dragonmarsh deserves whatever happens,” another spectator said.

As Jeremiah stepped into the ring, whispers filled the air. People pointed, and their chatter spread like waves through the crowd.

Many of the spectators felt a strong sense of pride in their home turf, especially during such a big event. They were all rooting for Truce, determined not to let an outsider take the spotlight. To them, it would be a disgrace.

“I don’t want to hurt anyone, so why not just surrender?” Truce said, eyeing the lean Jeremiah with disappointment.

He was there to represent the Aureate Monastery and make a name for himself, aiming for the top talents in the major guilds. Jeremiah was just an unknown priest to him, and defeating him wouldn’t mean much. Truce thought Jeremiah was simply there to enjoy the event and learn.

“Sir, you shouldn’t judge based on appearances. How can you know the outcome before we even start?” Jeremiah replied with a smile, hiding his clever and strategic mind.

“I’m only giving you this advice for your own good. Once we begin, I won’t hold back,” Truce said calmly.

“Please, show me what you’re capable of. I came here to see the skills of Dragonmarsh martial artists. I hope you won’t disappoint me,” Jeremiah said flatly.

“Fine. Since you’re asking for it, don’t blame me for what happens next,” Truce replied, his eyes growing cold as he raised his staff.

“The…

“Contestants are ready. Let the match begin!” Oron announced as he floated down from the battle ring.

“After you,” Truce said, getting into his fighting stance.

“Go ahead,” Jeremiah replied with a slight smile, choosing not to make the first move.

The two stared at each other, and the tension in the air grew thick.

“Venerable Truce! Don’t hold back, just start the fight!” shouted someone from the crowd.

“Anyone who causes trouble in Dragonmarsh needs to learn a lesson!” another voice called out.

The spectators cheered, eager to see Jeremiah get defeated.

“Watch out! I’m going to attack!” Truce shouted.

In a flash, he lunged forward like a tiger, covering twenty yards in an instant to reach Jeremiah. He thrust his staff towards Jeremiah’s chest and stomach.

Though the move looked simple, it was filled with powerful energy, capable of breaking mountains.

But Jeremiah didn’t move. Instead, he calmly raised his hand and caught the staff with ease. The energy from the staff vanished as if it had been swallowed by something unseen.

“Hmm?” Truce frowned, taken aback. He hadn’t used all his strength, but his blow was still stronger than what most fighters could handle.

What puzzled him the most was how his energy seemed to disappear upon hitting Jeremiah, like a stone sinking into water without making a splash. This was unusual.

Without wasting a moment, Truce quickly pulled back his staff, turned, and swung it fiercely at Jeremiah’s waist. This strike was charged with energy, strong enough to take down an army.