Chapter 149
Chapter 149
At the entrance to the cavern where the dragon eggs were kept…
Yun An’s speech showed the dragons and Dragon Domain soldiers just how noble their guardian truly was.
Even the Dragon God’s resolve had wavered before Zhouyou Shijie’s enticing offer, yet Yun An remained steadfast. He showed no sign of yielding, a display worthy of admiration.
Under everyone’s watchful eyes, Yun An did not answer directly. Instead, he addressed the surrounding onlookers. “As the saying goes, harmony is most precious. The Dragon Domain has no desire to make an enemy of the Hope Faction. Return to your duties and disperse for now!”
There were too many people present!
Certain matters were simply inconvenient to discuss in public.
The hostile dragons and Dragon Domain soldiers understood what the Dragon Domain Guardian intended. The Hope Faction’s lineup was simply too terrifying, and the Dragon Domain certainly did not wish to fight them to mutual ruin.
“We take our leave!”
They desperately wanted to know how the situation would ultimately be resolved, but they could only obey Yun An’s order.
One thing, however, was certain. The Dragon Domain Guardian would argue his case with Zhouyou Shijie and uphold the principle of never abandoning or giving up on a single dragon egg.
Only after everyone had withdrawn, leaving behind the upper ranks of the Dragon Domain and Hope Faction, did Yun An speak again. “Shall we talk alone?”
“…Very well!”
Zhou Ming did not believe Yun An would take the opportunity to attack him, so he motioned for everyone to step back and remained behind to negotiate.
Yun An likewise sent the Dragon God and the various Elemental Dragon Kings away, leaving them to speak one-on-one.
“Now only the two of us can hear this conversation.” Zhou Ming went straight to the point. “Tell me, what will it take for the Dragon Domain to trade me a sacred dragon egg?”
After confirming that no one else could hear them, Yun An said gravely, “Sacred dragon eggs are priceless treasures. Every sacred dragon that hatches represents the future of the Dragon Domain.”
“I know. So what price do I need to pay before you’re willing to make the trade?” Zhou Ming asked bluntly. “The creatures hatched from two SSS-Rank dragon eggs would be no weaker than sacred dragons. Is that still not enough?”
Yun An shook his head, refusing to yield. “Add just a little more, or I won’t be able to explain myself to everyone in the Dragon Domain!”
Just a little more?
Zhou Ming gave him a long, searching look. “Don’t tell me… you want me to enhance three dragon eggs in exchange for one sacred dragon egg?”
“Nonsense!”
Yun An denied it flatly. “What sort of man do you take me for? My only wish is to see the dragon race flourish. How could I abandon a sacred dragon egg merely for three SSS-Rank dragon eggs?”
“Then what exactly do you want?” Zhou Ming did not know whether to laugh or cry.
“First, obtaining a sacred dragon egg requires you to form an equal contract, not a master-servant contract, thus ensuring peaceful coexistence between both parties!” Yun An enunciated every word. “Second, you must solemnly declare that this sacred dragon egg is not being given in pursuit of profit, but as a symbol of peace between the Dragon Domain and the Hope Faction, representing deep and friendly exchanges between our two sides!”
“Finally, and least importantly, you will help the Dragon Domain elevate the bloodlines of three dragon eggs.”
Yun An seemed to have listed many conditions, yet somehow, he had only said one thing.
“…”
Zhou Ming looked at Yun An with some surprise. Seeing the man’s righteous and solemn expression, he understood everything.
This was a fine comrade wholly devoted to serving the dragon race!
“We’ll do as you say!”
Zhou Ming nodded repeatedly, expressing his deepest approval of Yun An’s approach. He then extended a hand. Yun An immediately clasped it tightly.
Both men placed their free hands over their joined ones, demonstrating their friendly attitude toward each other.
Clearly, this was a historic meeting!
Ding!~
[System Notification: Congratulations! You have activated the hidden side quest [Deal] (Difficulty: D). Would you like to accept?]
[Deal] (Difficulty: D)
Description: The leaders of the Dragon Domain and Hope Faction have engaged in in-depth communication on major issues concerning the peace and development of both sides. This momentous and world-renowned exchange carries great significance.
Quest Requirement: Help the Dragon Domain upgrade three dragon eggs to SSS Rank.
Quest Reward: One sacred dragon egg.
Failure Penalty: Level -20, All Attributes -2,000. (Note: Applies to both parties to the deal.)
…
“Yes!”
After confirming that everything was correct, Zhou Ming accepted.
Ding!~
[System Notification: You have received the hidden side quest [Deal] (Difficulty: D)!]
“I’ll remain in the Dragon Domain for the next three days. Dragon Domain Guardian, please ensure that our movements will not be obstructed,” Zhou Ming said, breathing a sigh of relief.
This negotiation had been extremely important.
First, he could obtain the Crimsonflame Sacred Dragon Egg.
Second…
Now that they had opened a dialogue with the Dragon Domain, Zhou Ming’s group had a perfectly legitimate reason to move around its territory and search for the Dwarves.
“Don’t worry. I’ll pass down the order,” Yun An said, equally satisfied with the outcome of the deal.
After all, rejecting it would likely have forced both sides into a major battle and turned them into enemies.
Offending the Hope Faction was not an outcome he wished to see.
Yun An then brought over an SS-Rank dragon egg for Zhou Ming to enhance. He had no interest in enhancing the sacred dragon eggs themselves, since the cost of raising them was outrageously high.
Just as the Dragon God had said, raising three sacred dragon eggs at once was placing some strain on the Dragon Domain.
“If we’d known it could be settled like this, we could’ve just met with them directly. None of us would have needed a disguise,” Renee said with a smile.
“That’s where you’re wrong!”
Zhou Ming shook his head and explained, “If I had simply shown up without first entering the cavern where the eggs were kept, they might not have agreed. Besides, I won first place in the Trial Tournament. That gave the Dragon Domain Guardian another justification for loosening the restrictions and granting me a sacred dragon egg.”
“And the sacred dragon egg was only an unexpected bonus. Don’t forget our main quest,” Zhou Ming reminded her in a low voice.
If he had begun by asking the Dwarves to forge a divine weapon for him, the price would have been no lower.
Besides, a dragon egg was easy enough to explain. Yun An could conveniently claim he had no desire to break relations with the Hope Faction and placate the gods of the Light Faction, thus avoiding offense to either side. But actively helping Zhou Ming contact the Dwarves would be nearly impossible to justify.
“I see!” Renee understood at last.
…
Elsewhere, the Dragon Domain Guardian explained the situation to the Dragon God. Abel nodded repeatedly, thoroughly satisfied. “Yun An, I knew I could count on you!”
“It was nothing. I merely wanted to secure a few more benefits.”
Yun An chuckled, then turned serious. “However, I would like to know something. If the Dragon Domain is ultimately forced to choose a side, would you prefer to support the Hope Faction or the Light Faction?”
“Well…”
Abel hesitated, then answered frankly, “There is no need to declare our position yet. We will observe how the situation develops!”
“A wise decision, Dragon God!”
Yun An fully agreed. He then looked toward Zhou Ming, mixed emotions in his eyes.
Yun An had not participated in the battle at the Snowstorm Ruins, but he had been present.
Without question, Zhouyou Shijie was a freak!
Despite possessing only War Soul-grade strength, he had killed a god-tier opponent. His methods might have been extreme, but his feat remained unprecedented.
“Who will rule the world in the future? It’s truly impossible to say,” Yun An murmured.
…
The next two days passed peacefully.
Because of the barrier, no word of Zhou Ming’s presence in the Dragon Domain leaked out.
Both sides were satisfied during this period. The only dissatisfied person was Submit and Perish.
Zhouyou Shijie obtaining a sacred dragon egg was nothing short of disastrous news for him!
Rather than allowing the gap between their strength to close through mounts, it would only make that gap wider.
“Still no clues?” Zhou Ming asked in surprise.
The Dragon Domain was only vast in relative terms.
With god-tier powerhouses searching freely, they should have found the Dwarves with ease.
“We’ve searched everywhere, but found nothing!”
Cangxuan found it strange. “It seems the Dwarves aren’t actually inside the Dragon Domain…”
“Not inside?”
Zhou Ming felt a headache coming on.
For now, he did not want to keep trading benefits with the Dragon Domain.
Super Lucky Star might not appear to cost him anything, but time itself was a cost, and time was exactly what he needed most.
After all, the fifth stage of the Trial of the Seven Sins, the Sin of Greed, was about to activate!
“How can I find the Dwarves…”
Zhou Ming racked his brain.
If they were not inside the Dragon Domain, then he would probably have to get the answer from its upper ranks.
Suddenly, inspiration flashed through his mind. “I’ve got it!”
…