An Understated Dominance by Marina Vittori

"A treasure trove? Where?" Everyone became excited upon hearing that.

They entered the oasis just to find treasures. However, not only did they find nothing, but many had lost

their lives over it.

Thus, they felt very excited upon hearing that there was a place with treasures.

"Actually, I planned to explore the treasure trove after backup arrives." Sophia seemed reluctant.

"Sophia, time waits for no one. By the time the elite members of your sect come, there's a chance that

someone has already discovered the treasure trove!" Garrett felt anxious.

They finally had a chance to obtain treasures. Thus, they naturally didn't want to miss out on it.

"That's right. We're in the same boat right now. Why don't you tell the truth so that we can look for the

treasure together?

"We can split it among ourselves once we find it. Deal?" the short-haired woman added.

"I can tell you, but we have to set some ground rules. Harmony Sect is the one that found the treasure

trove.

"If you find any treasure, Harmony Sect needs to have half of it. As for the other half, you guys can take

it. How about that?" Sophia put forward her conditions.

The treasure trove was located at a perilous place. Even if the Harmony Sect were lucky enough to get

the treasure, they would suffer from heavy losses due to their limited power.

Therefore, Sophia intentionally brought up the topic to pique their interest. That way, she could find a

bunch of scapegoats to check out the place.

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Naturally, it would be best if they succeeded. After all, half of the treasure was enough to make

Harmony Sect thrive.

However, she wouldn't lose anything if they lost. In any way, she didn't lose out on anything.

Upon hearing that, Garrett furrowed his eyebrows. "What? You want to have half? Aren't you being too

greedy?

"We have so many people, while there's only one of you. How can we split it among ourselves when

you already want half?"

"That's right! That's just daylight robbery!" The short-haired woman was dissatisfied.

It was greedy that Sophia wanted half when she didn't do anything.

"Everyone, you can't put it this way. Only I know about this treasure trove.

"If it weren't for you guys, I only need to wait one or two days for the disciples from my sect to arrive.

Then, I can collect all of the treasures inside.

"I'm only telling you all as you guys saved me. Thus, it's considered a generous offer that we only want

half of it," Sophia said indifferently.

She made her intentions quite clear. Although she could have collected all the treasures for herself, she

was being generous by letting go of half of it.

"Well..." Upon hearing that, the members of the Black Scorpion Squad exchanged glances.

Although they were discontent, they didn't know how to rebuke. After all, they still needed Sophia to

lead the way if they wanted to find the treasure.

"Ms. Linsor, what do you think?" Garrett turned around and passed the question to Grace.

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All in all, Grace was the leader of this team. Both Aiden and Jackson had to follow her decision.

"I only came here for one treasure, so I'm not interested in anything else. If Sophia can let me choose

first, I can give the rest of the treasure to you all," Grace replied indifferently.

"No problem!" Sophia agreed.

Sophia could tell Grace was quite important in this team. If the latter agreed, her plan could go as

planned.

"Mr. Ridge, how about you?" Garrett turned to look at Aidan.

Although Grace was the leader of the pack, Aidan was the most powerful out of all of them. Aidan's

decision would affect the entire situation.

"Lonely old me won't ask for a lot of treasures either. I'll pick out two if I see something I like, and the

rest is all yours." Although Aidan seemed carefree, he actually kept an eye out.

Nobody knew what was inside the treasure trove. If he could pick two treasures first, it would

undoubtedly give him an advantage.

He wouldn't lose out at all.

"Since Mr. Ridge has requested that, I'll definitely agree." Sophia nodded again.

As long as she took care of Aidan and Grace, the others were just left at her mercy.

"Since Ms. Linsor and Mr. Ridge have agreed, we don't have any reason to reject. Let's do it like that."

Garrett nodded helplessly.

Although Garrett felt discontent, the Black Scorpion Squad was weak. Plus, he didn't have a say in this

matter.

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Thus, he could only go with the flow.

"Okay! You guys are quite straightforward. That's a promise, then!" Sophia smiled, secretly pleased.

Sophia thought that they were easily fooled, for she had convinced them without any effort.

"Sophia, let's get a move on. It's better to head to the treasure trove earlier, so let's not drag," Garrett

urged.

The oasis was safer during the day. All kinds of monsters would become active in the evening. It would

be very dangerous by then.

"Everyone, come with me." Sophia didn't waste time. After consuming a tablet, she led the way.

The group headed to the treasure trove together.

The crowd spent the entire journey walking and stopping at times. They finally reached the vicinity of

their destination around three hours later.

It was a lake hidden in the vast forest.

The lake was huge, so deep that it appeared bottomless. The sky above the water was covered with

clouds and mist, making it seem surreal.

Plus, the lake was exceptionally quiet, to the point of eeriness.

When they looked at the lake, they couldn't find any signs of life, including insects, fishes, or birds.

There was just deathly silence.

It looked like a painting when one looked at it.

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It was just when the wind blew that ripples would appear on the lake's surface.

"What?" When Dustin got closer to the lake, his Celestial Eye seemed to have sensed something. It

started to buzz and emit a faint glow.

Celestial Eye's obvious reaction indicated that there was an extraordinary treasure hidden near the

lake.

Perhaps the Dracan essence they wanted to find was there!

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