Chapter 186: The Tribe of the Earth (6)

What I chose was the True Blood of the Black Dragon.

It was an obvious decision.

'After all, to infiltrate within the Dragon Race, it will be most advantageous to receive and refine the blood of the same Dragon Race.'

Moreover, the Black Dragon symbolizes the Supreme Yin and controls the power of water, being an Immortal Beast, which allows me to walk with my head held high within the Sea Dragon Race, a branch of the Black Dragon Race.

Furthermore, receiving the true blood of the Black Dragon would provide an opportunity to delve into the secrets of the Black Dragon King Hyeon Eum and also establish a relationship with the Mystical Scaled Fish Commanding Sect, which is set to be the vanguard against the Devil Realm invasion by the Human Race Grand Alliance.

The benefits of obtaining just one drop of the Black Dragon's true blood are not limited to just one or two.

Of course, by accepting the true blood of the Black Dragon, there is also a possibility that the Black Dragon King can influence me in return, but honestly, he’s not so frightening.

‘The truly fearsome are not such beings.’

Thinking about the sense of fear when meeting [Him] compared to the pressure when meeting the Black Dragon King, I believe I can overcome any influence the Black Dragon King might try to exert through his blood.

"Yes, the true blood of the Black Dragon, that's a good choice."

Gyu-ryeon smiles warmly, as if proud of me for choosing the true blood of the same Dragon Race.

After receiving a drop of the Black Dragon's true blood, I step down from the platform.

Seo Hweol also smiles warmly at me, showering me with good wishes.

"Indeed, you have an exceptional eye. In the Earth Tribe, there's no power as revered as that of the Dragon Race. You've made a choice you won't regret. Moreover, with the power of the Black Dragon, it will perfectly match the Summoning Wind, True Blood Transformation."

"I am thankful for your kindness."

"Good, as soon as you return to the Sea Dragon Palace, I will do my utmost to assist you in quickly refining the true blood of the Black Dragon."

'Do my utmost to help, my foot.'

But outwardly, I just smile back, not showing my true feelings in return.

"I am always grateful for Sir Seo Hweol's kindness."

Help me as soon as we return?

Sorry, but that's not going to happen.

Because 4 months before participating in the Immortal Beast Blood Fusion, I had already sown the seeds.

'It's about time for news to start coming in.'

No, the Sea Dragon King will hear the news as soon as he arrives at the Sea Dragon Palace.

I had deliberately manipulated things so that we will receive the news at that time.

I return to the Sea Dragon Palace with the other Sea Dragons, smiling alongside Seo Hweol after receiving the dragon’s true blood.

"Now, since such a joyous event has occurred in our Sea Dragon Race, I'm thinking of throwing a big feast this time. Oh, and...."

Just when Seo Hweol rambles on.

"Hmm?"

He suddenly discovers that countless members of the Sea Dragon Race are outside Cloud Heart Lake, where the Sea Dragon Palace is located.

"Hmm, what brings you all out here?"

"Well, that is..."

One of the elders of the Sea Dragon Race, looking anxious, bows his head in embarrassment.

"...A thief has infiltrated the Sea Dragon Palace and has stolen various precious treasures from around the palace."

"How could a mere thief infiltrate the Sea Dragon Palace?"

"That, I am ashamed to say. We are all out doing our utmost to investigate but..."

"First, tell me the extent of the treasures stolen from the Sea Dragon Palace."

"...The entire internal treasury of the Sea Dragon Palace has been plundered."

"...What?"

Seo Hweol's eyes narrow.

He transforms into his human form and, with a stern expression, looks around at the elders.

"Are you saying that unheard-of thieves easily moved in and out, stealing from the Sea Dragon Palace which you, as Heavenly Being stage elders, are supposed to guard as securely as a fortress?"

His tone, previously respectful towards the race's elders, shifts as if he is addressing his own subordinates.

"It seems to me that this is not the work of an external thief but rather, there is a thief within our own ranks, or perhaps someone who colluded with them. All of you must take responsibility for this situation where the entire internal treasury has vanished."

"...We are deeply ashamed."

For the first time, I see Seo Hweol in a 'furious' state, unlike any demeanor I had seen from him before.

But internally, I sneer.

'He's just pretending to be angry. He's not really disturbed.'

Seo Hweol doesn't seem to genuinely regret the loss of his treasury.

It’s more so that he is merely using this incident as a pretext to discipline his subordinates.

'His heart is filled with malice, but he lacks greed.'

I observe Seo Hweol closely.

'But instead of greed, he is skilled at using such opportunities to enhance his political power.'

He will probably be busy sorting out the Sea Dragon Palace’s internal affairs for a while using this incident as a pretext.

That is enough for me.

If I can buy just a few days, I can refine the Black Dragon's true blood to the extent that I won't need Seo Hweol's help.

From the beginning, the thieves who entered the Sea Dragon Palace were those I had brought in.

To the numerous aquatic demon beasts who lost dominion over Cloud Heart Lake to the Sea Dragon Race, I had merely opened the doors of various parts of the Sea Dragon Palace completely under my control and handed over maps detailing the palace's layout.

'Already discontent with the Sea Dragon Race, they must have eagerly stolen during Seo Hweol's absence at the Immortal Beast Blood Fusion, given the opportunity I created.'

With such an incident occurring in the Sea Dragon Palace, even Seo Hweol himself can't focus on me immediately.

Sure enough, he looks at me and says,

"It can't be helped, I will look after your practice three days later. In the meantime, do not rashly attempt to refine the Black Dragon's true blood, and try your best to enhance your vitality."

"Understood."

Seo Hweol leaves to discuss the issue of the Sea Dragon Palace's internal treasury with the Sea Dragon Race's elders, and I enter the Sea Dragon Palace, first deactivating the Blood Body Skin Armor I had been wearing during the Immortal Beast Blood Fusion.

Swish!

The flesh that had been integrated with my body falls off and forms a figure with a splashing sound.

It’s Yuan Yu.

I have Yuan Yu bring ink, a brush, and high-quality silk used for sending letters in the Bright Cold realm.

Despite having the convenient method of voice transmission, sending a letter is something done when one wishes to present oneself in the best possible light to someone of higher status.

Now that I've bought three days, I must find a way to escape Seo Hweol's grasp during this time.

It’s already been 10 months since I returned.

Thanks to Seo Hweol's recommendation, I am a clear member of the Sea Dragon Race.

However, Seo Hweol deliberately prevented me from leaving the Sea Dragon Palace on the pretext that I hadn't even reached the Qi Building stage.

While I had control over the inner workings of the Sea Dragon Palace, being unable to leave meant I had no interactions with others outside of the Sea Dragon Race and a few aquatic demon races near the palace.

Even if I were to learn techniques like the Summoning Wind, Sacred Blood Transformation in the future, I might be able to leave the Sea Dragon Palace, but escaping Seo Hweol's influence will be impossible.

It’s time to leave the Sea Dragon Palace.

I send a letter to Gyu-ryeon, the only Dragon Race member besides Seo Hweol with whom I am acquainted.

―To the respected Senior Gyu-ryeon,

This lacking junior Seo, sends this letter.

Thanks to Senior Gyu-ryeon's care, Sir Seo Hweol, all members of the Sea Dragon Race, and I have settled well at Cloud Heart Lake and are diligently cultivating in peace.

Sir Seo Hweol cannot express enough how grateful he is to Senior Gyu-ryeon. The reason for sending this inconvenient letter is to kindly request your assistance in refining the Black Dragon's true blood that I obtained by participating in the Immortal Blood Beast Fusion.

From the first meeting, I have always admired the dragon-like demeanor of Senior Gyu-ryeon, and since Senior Gyu-ryeon is a benefactor to me and the Sea Dragon Race I belong to, it would be a matter of great gratitude to the heavens if Senior Gyu-ryeon could assist in the refinement of the Black Dragon's true blood.

If Senior Gyu-ryeon assists in refining the Black Dragon's true blood, I would like to offer 20,000 spirit stones, 100 catties of Azure Sea Stone, 10 catties of Five Colored Salt, seven pieces of Scarlet Coral, and the scales shed by Sir Seo Hweol as a token of gratitude, which I received as a reward from Sir Seo Hweol for assisting him in his duties within the Sea Dragon Palace.

Moreover, as someone who has gained the trust of Sir Seo Hweol and has been bestowed with numerous treasures, after refining the Black Dragon's true blood, I plan to invite Senior Gyu-ryeon to the Sea Dragon Palace based on this favor. Sir Seo Hweol also desires to meet Senior Gyu-ryeon to inquire about the insights of cultivation, but it has always been difficult to arrange a suitable occasion for this.

Therefore, I will create an opportunity to share insights with one another. Hence, I humbly ask for your favor in assisting this junior in purifying the true blood.

―From your lacking junior, Seo.

The moment Gyu-ryeon first saw Seo Hweol, it was clear that she was smitten, and during the last Immortal Beast Blood Fusion, it was evident to me that she harbored a secret affection for him, unnoticed by anyone else.

'With such a substantial offering, there's no reason for her to refuse.'

Of course, these weren't rewards given by Seo Hweol but, naturally, the spoils I would receive from the aquatic demon races after handing over the map of the Sea Dragon Palace and unlocking its protective barriers for them to steal treasures in exchange.

The demon beast races will secretly distribute the treasures among themselves by tomorrow.

After folding the silk letter, I head to the Dragon Communication Pond located somewhere within the Sea Dragon Palace.

The Dragon Communication Pond is a means of communication within the dwellings of the Dragon Race, used for holding meetings or exchanging messages over long distances among dragons.

Wo-woong!

Standing in front of the brightly shining pond, I lift the silk letter and take out the jade bottle containing the Immortal Beast true blood bestowed by Gyu-ryeon.

The Dragon Communication Pond is designed so that it can not be used by anyone other than dragons, to secure conversations shared among the Dragon Race. It requires the infusion of a dragon's essence to operate.

Of course.

Wo-woong!

As I infuse the energy from the jade bottle containing the Immortal Beast's true blood into the Dragon Communication Pond, the pond shines brightly and displays the dragons connected to the Sea Dragon Palace's Dragon Communication Pond.

The most frequently contacted dragons' forms appear prominently in the pond, with the largest being the form of the Black Dragon King Hyeon Eum, followed by a few Sea Dragon Race elders living outside the Sea Dragon Palace, then the Four-Axis stage cultivators of the Black Dragon Race, and the Heavenly Being stage elders.

'It seems there's quite frequent communication with the Black Dragon Race.'

Next to the figure of a Heavenly Being stage elder of the Black Dragon Race is Gyu-ryeon's figure.

"Gyu-ryeon, connect."

Tsst-tsst-tsst!

Gyu-ryeon's form enlarges as the Dragon Communication Pond connects to the one in her abode.

"Transmit."

Wo-woong!

I drop the neatly folded silk onto the pond connected to Gyu-ryeon's Dragon Communication Pond.

Pffft!

The pond shines and transmits the silk to Gyu-ryeon's pond.

After deactivating the Dragon Communication Pond, I manipulate the Sea Dragon Palace to erase any records of my using the pond and return to my room.

A response should arrive within three days.

About two days passed.

Kugugugu!

Above the Sea Dragon Palace, the massive figure of Gyu-ryeon appears.

Feeling Gyu-ryeon's energy, I fly above the Sea Dragon Palace, and she, who had been searching for something with her face pressed against the barrier, transforms into her human form with bright eyes upon seeing me.

Paaaat!

Transformed into a woman dressed in robes, she enters inside the barrier and stands before me, saying,

"Hem-hem, is it really true? The things written in the letter..."

Seeing her face turn red as she fiddles with her hands and asks me, I feel a twinge of guilt.

'It feels a bit wrong to use someone in love like this.'

Nonetheless, seeing her makes it clear.

Gyu-ryeon definitely has feelings for Seo Hweol.

"Yes, of course. Ah, and please, don't mention the contents of the letter to Sir Seo Hweol. I want to surprise him as well. Haha."

"Ah, I understand. That sounds good. I'll do that."

She nods her head, and in the meantime, the Sea Dragon Race elders quickly fly to the Sea Dragon Palace upon her arrival.

"Isn't that Senior Gyu-ryeon?"

"What brings you to the Sea Dragon Palace?"

"Ah..."

She coughs and gestures towards me.

"This child here has received the Black Dragon's true blood in the Immortal Beast Blood Fusion. It’s very commendable that a human would try to continue the lineage of an Immortal Beast like the Black Dragon, so I came personally to assist with the refinement of the true blood."

"Ah..."

"Heum heum, I see."

The Sea Dragon Race elders seem perplexed but nod in acceptance.

However, their eyes betray their confusion about why she would go to such lengths to help someone like me, a mere human.

Just then.

Paaat!

Seo Hweol appears on the scene with a smile.

"What a warm-hearted gesture from Senior Gyu-ryeon to take care of a member of the Sea Dragon Race like this. I'm deeply moved."

"Ah, Seo, Seo Hweol has also arrived. Well, even though he's a human and has yet to reach a significant cultivation realm, he possesses a consciousness of the Nascent Soul stage and has chosen the Black Dragon's true blood. It's only natural for me to help such a talent.”

She tries not to show her embarrassment in front of Seo Hweol, controlling her heartbeat to maintain a calm complexion as she speaks.

Yet, to me, it’s clear her affection for Seo Hweol is barely contained.

"I'm always grateful to Senior Gyu-ryeon. Seo Eun-hyun, whom I'm considering as my direct disciple, is a brilliant talent of our race. It would be a great favor if Senior could assist with the refinement."

Seo Hweol allows her to help with my refinement without objecting.

But, in the next moment.

Seo Hweol gently holds Gyu-ryeon's hand with both of his, smiling softly.

"Seeing Senior Gyu-ryeon care so much for our Sea Dragon Race and treat Seo Eun-hyun, whom I cherish, with such warmth overflows my heart with gratitude. If Senior wishes, the refinement of Eun-hyun's true blood can be conducted within the Sea Dragon Palace. I will arrange a place for it, and perhaps we could share a cup of tea occasionally. It's my wish to express gratitude since I find no other way to do so."

“...!”

When Seo Hweol held her hand, Gyu-ryeon failed to control her heartbeat, and her face turned explosively red.

And I bit my lip inwardly.

'Damn, the whole point of getting Gyu-ryeon to take me to her abode and assist with the refinement of the true blood was to escape Seo Hweol's influence...'

If she accepts Seo Hweol's proposal to help with my refinement within the Sea Dragon Palace, it will be problematic.

'I was counting on the Dragon Race's tendency to prefer handling matters within their own domain...'

This plan was based on the characteristics of the Dragon Race I learned while living with Seo Ran, practicing the Summoning Wind, Dragon Transformation in his abode.

But if things go as Seo Hweol suggested...

Just then.

"Hmm, hmm. Sorry, but recently, the slaves in my domain have started a rebellion, and I need to suppress them. It seems a bit difficult to accommodate your request."

"Ah, that's unfortunate."

"Indeed."

"I've also been troubled recently, as thieves broke into the Sea Dragon Palace and plundered our internal treasury. It seems your situation, Senior Gyu-ryeon, is not unlike mine."

"Indeed, the atmosphere has been quite uneasy lately. There are reports of ominous vibes from the dimensional barriers of the Blood Yin Realm, and the activities of the Heart Tribe are becoming increasingly active..."

"It's truly a tumultuous time, and it seems Senior Gyu-ryeon is facing difficulties, so... we of the Sea Dragon Race will dispatch some of our members to your domain to assist with quelling the rebellion."

"Really?"

"Yes, as I mentioned before, the recent break-in makes it feel all too similar."

Using the excuse of similarity, Seo Hweol assigned a few members of the Sea Dragon Race to Gyu-ryeon.

Though the pretext is assisting Gyu-ryeon in suppressing the rebellion, the intention is clear.

'They're meant to keep an eye on me.'

Indeed, even after managing to escape his influence, Seo Hweol's insistence on attaching surveillance is truly exasperating.

"Then, having caught such a fortunate opportunity for Senior Gyu-ryeon to assist you, I hope you refine the true blood of the Black Dragon well."

Pat-pat.

Seo Hweol pats my shoulder, encouraging me, and while pretending to do so, he slyly infuses spiritual energy into my identity plaque, obviously tampering with it.

'As soon as I arrive at Gyu-ryeon's domain, I'll have to stash away this identity plaque somewhere.'

Thinking so, I bid Seo Hweol farewell and set off with Gyu-ryeon to her domain.

After flying for about half an hour, we arrive at Gyu-ryeon's domain, a picturesque landscape filled with rugged mountains.

Between the mountains, white clouds linger, giving off the feel of a realm where immortals lived.

Her abode is located in a cave on the highest peak among the mountains.

"Now, come down here for now. And, you said you are warriors from the Sea Dragon Race?

Gyu-ryeon addresses the young Nascent Soul stage Sea Dragons who followed us.

“Although they're from a slave race, the ones in my domain have caused quite a widespread rebellion, so everyone will need to put in some effort."

"We will keep that in mind."

"Though they have rebelled, they are still my property, so try to avoid a massacre and focus on capturing the leaders of the rebellion."

"Yes!"

"Then, I will proceed to assist Seo Eun-hyun with the refinement of his true blood..."

Smiling, I speak up in front of Gyu-ryeon.

"No, as a member of the Sea Dragon Race, I can't just watch the warriors struggle. I will also follow them to suppress the rebellion."

"What?"

Hearing my words, one of the Sea Dragons widens his eyes in surprise.

The suppression of the rebellion is just a pretext. In reality, they were sent to monitor me.

If that's the case, I might as well remove their pretext.

"Ah, truly a loyal talent. Though human, showing such dedication to the Sea Dragon Race."

Gyu-ryeon nods, pleased with my attitude.

"Go and assist them. It's good to see someone taking the initiative to help the faction's cause, even if from a different race. Though still at the Qi Building stage, having endured the Immortal Beast Blood Fusion, your vitality and strength should be comparable to a Nascent Soul cultivator."

"Yes, I've always wanted to repay Senior Gyu-ryeon for the kindness she has shown to the Sea Dragon Race, however small the gesture might be. Thank you for giving me this opportunity."

She smiles more warmly at my words, and the Sea Dragon warriors appear about to say something but instead bite their lips.

Wo-woong!

She raises a golden sphere of spiritual energy above her hand.

"Follow this sphere, and it will lead you to the area of my domain where the rebellion is happening. I hope you can suppress it and return."

"...Yes."

The three Sea Dragon Race warriors nod and fly out of the cave.

I sought permission from one of the warriors and climbed onto his back.

"Then, I'll be back soon, Senior Gyu-ryeon."

"Go on, then."

Just before the Sea Dragon warrior uses the Flying Escape Technique,

She seems to remember something and says,

"Ah, yes! Although they are a weaker slave race with their maximum power at the Qi Building stage, be careful."

“With Nascent Soul stage power, including this junior, there are four of us. No matter how numerous or widespread the rebellion, it's merely a bit troublesome. Senior Gyu-ryeon should not worry."

"No, I've heard that a member of the Heart Tribe has appeared among the slave race."

At her words, my eyes narrow sharply.

"Even though I've heard that they are weak, only reaching the Core Formation stage in power... Still, the Heart Tribe is known for using peculiar and profound abilities, so everyone be careful."