Chapter 444: Pulling Back Was Fine Too

Chapter 444: Pulling Back Was Fine Too

A dragon who felt little belonging to the Dragon Clan. This news was immensely significant. What did it mean? It meant this dragon might fully side with the Human Race. If humans, not a witch, had saved him back then, it would’ve been even better. But Zheng Yichen had also mentioned before—witches were once humans too. So, his feelings towards humanity now weren’t hostile.

Afterwards, the City Lord of Kaja City asked more questions. To Zheng Yichen, these sounded like “psychological tests.” Though seemingly unrelated, they could uncover extra insights from his answers. Through these queries, he fully grasped their purpose: confirming his exact stance while probing whether he could abandon the Dragon Clan completely…

Even if Zheng Yichen thought the world might be better without dragons, he recognized their significance. With the Dragon Clan as his backdrop, as long as he didn’t openly renounce them, few serious problems would arise. His earlier words might even make others hesitate. Why? The Dragon Clan fiercely protected its own, yet Zheng Yichen had never been sheltered by its elders.

If the Dragon Clan learned about this, might they offer extra compensation? Perhaps even value him more highly? Zheng Yichen had displayed exceptional talent—even if it was just Potionology. Dragons weren’t short on time; if he wanted to learn, let him.

Though this gathering was an interrogation by powerful figures, it was also Zheng Yichen’s chance to secure a better position. His responses here would definitely reach various factions.

“I couldn’t cause much trouble like this,” Zheng Yichen pointed at himself. “Call me a dragon all you want, but this body has limited power. Plenty of humans are stronger, and I’ve no desire to roam outside in my true form.”

He glanced at Saintess Deya and Achille. Everyone understood his meaning. If his real body appeared, he’d get caught instantly. Using this Alchemical Avatar? Even if seized, it was just an empty shell. Soul-trapping magic? Everyone here knew how the Projection Spell worked. A decisive mind could sever the projection link—it’d sting, but he’d escape unscathed. Meaningless.

Past crackdowns on his scattered puppets happened during that period of “strict crackdowns”—long over now. Zheng Yichen had since quietly gifted humanity many vital creations.

With his true form hidden, moving against him recklessly was unwise. If provoked, he could leverage his current fame to stir up plenty of trouble…

His words reassured many. An Alchemical Puppet wasn’t his real body. Whatever he attempted, he’d struggle against true powerhouses. So, if he stayed quiet, no major issues… and even if problems surfaced? They’d have to endure it for now. Fighting an empty puppet was just foolish.

After the City Lord’s questions, representatives from the Sanctuary Church stepped forward—Saintess Deya first, Achille behind her. Seeing the girl with milky-white hair, Zheng Yichen sighed softly. “What did you wish to ask?”

“Nothing. Just one promise from you.” Deya replied. The City Lord had covered the essentials. Any follow-ups would be minor details, limited—this wasn’t an interrogation. And pressing further? Pointless. Witches stood beside Zheng Yichen; handling this gathering was easy for him.

“Which is?”

“Do not endanger the Human Race.”

“Hah! I expected ‘do not endanger the world.’ Just humanity? ‘Leave me alone, and I’ll leave you alone’—how about that? Generally, I don’t start trouble.”

“Generally?” Deya’s eyebrow arched slightly. Were there exceptions?

“This ‘absolute guarantee’ you seek—I have a mind of my own. What man can vow his thoughts today won’t shift tomorrow? Also… Must I obey humanity’s rules?”

“If harm is done, I won’t hold back.”

“What if it’s something good?”

“True goodness? That’s different.” Deya frowned.

“Then it’s settled. Long term? Who knows how I’ll feel way later. Short term? Why would I ever harm humanity? I’d need to be thoroughly bored or stuffed for that.” Zheng Yichen waved dismissively. Seeing his stubborn defiance, Deya nearly blurted out—Working with witches is harm enough!

But she swallowed the words. Before coming, Achille had emphasized caution. Zheng Yichen’s case was unique. Broaden the scope to “the world”? That’d inevitably drag in witches—and his ties to them were deep. Push that point? Talks might completely collapse. Best to limit it to humanity. Unfair to other races? Maybe. But humans held overwhelming numbers.

This approach would reveal Zheng Yichen’s true nature. If he spared humanity but targeted other races? His threat level could be lowered. If he treated all equally? Raised—suggesting a decent dragon who might not be harmful after all.

Later, they’d watch for signs of any witch-bestowed “curses” manifesting on him.

Seeing Zheng Yichen’s growing impatience, those still wanting to question wisely held back. Some even marveled inwardly. Beyond his Potionology talents… His Alchemy skills? This puppet’s realism was astonishing! Standard body-detection spells found no flaw. Sanctuary Church whispers claimed only advanced soul-scanning magic could penetrate it. Creating such a convincing, elusive puppet? Few could manage it… If he offered one for purchase… Think of the protection during dangerous missions!

Ambitions stirred in several hearts.

“…” Achille shook his head faintly. Regardless, this gathering had shifted Zheng Yichen’s standing. Major powers now saw a level where they could tolerate him. Once tolerance set in? Personal interests took over.

Take this “Alchemical Avatar” stand-in… Zheng Yichen calling it an Avatar was overstated. Strictly put, it served as a unique substitute—yet its lifelike nature made it irresistible. Alchemical Puppets weren’t rare, but design constraints limited refinement. Bones and internal frameworks caused bulkiness. More elegance? Costly materials plus soaring design fees.

Thus, Zheng Yichen’s creation showcased unique value. Especially for those needing assistant-puppets? A graceful, agile one easily surpassed clumsy models.

With identity issues pushed aside, the gathering shifted to its true purpose—business talks. While Zheng Yichen remained the star here, Qin concurrently resolved Purple Vine Guild’s vulnerabilities… The instant Zheng Yichen proved his worth and gained temporary acceptance, those threats vanished. More—many now envied Purple Vine Guild’s partnership. Why hadn’t they found Zheng Yichen first?

No downsides now. Just “collaborating with the Dragon Clan”? That elevated the guild’s renown. Ordinary folk knew little of the intricacies—yet grasped dragons symbolized immense power.

A guild partnered with dragons? Sounds mighty! It screamed prestige and foundation. Facing trade decisions? Many would prioritize Purple Vine Guild’s distinctive edge. Zheng Yichen became its cornerstone asset—a solid advantage. The female President’s reason for inviting him here? Exactly this.

Some attendees grasped this late. They’d assumed only vulnerability-erasure was planned. Reality? She aimed higher—turning weakness into strength. Too late now. Zheng Yichen had cemented deep “trust” with Purple Vine Guild. Poaching him? Difficult… Even if managed? Fine… But first—how to bypass contract penalties? Unlike Earth’s agreements, just paying fines solved nothing here.

Qin fielded relentless inquiries about the puppet’s secrets. Her replies? Masterfully commercial—teasing tidbits while revealing nothing concrete. Just enough to dangle bait, spark urgency… For true answers? Bigger sacrifices required.

Outright stating “No current collaboration”? Why cut hope short? That bred deeper suspicion. Qin’s responses remained unhurried, steady. Surviving this immediate pressure sufficed. This gathering? From the moment the red dragon chose to come—its peaceful conclusion vanished. After this, they’d speak slowly with Zheng Yichen.

“It’s here,” Achille murmured. Sudden screams outside punctuated his whisper. Small chaos rippled through the room—but attendees boasted seasoned nerves. No true panic, few missteps. Why fear? Dragons intimidated… But present company included mightier presences. Conflict broke out? Manageable.

Who attended empty-handed? Lifesaving treasures abounded. And Purple Vine Guild hosting? Of course security would excel. One slip? Their reputation imploded. Behind the gathering’s façade? Multiple covert clashes erupted near its perimeter.

Now? Merely an incoming red dragon… Just a red dragon…

“I am Augusta!!!”

The bellow echoed outside. Red Dragon Augusta felt a flash of doubt mid-flight. Flying here… Whoa. So many strong auras! Circling above, a dozen powerful gazes locked onto him. He shivered—nearly tumbling from the sky. (Not my best moment—but in a true fight? Victory possible.) … At the cost of injury.

Unprovoked combat? Annoying. Especially wounds—like rotting meat attracting relentless flies… or worse… wild dogs! He’d endured such annoyance once before. Not his fault that time, leading to a clean resolution. If he started it now? No Sanctuary Church intervention forthcoming.

Establishing my presence—done. Augusta withdrew his imposing aura instantly. The scrutinizing gazes vanished—though watchful eyes lingered. This attention felt different—more monitoring than threatening. What kind of gathering was this?

Tch. Augusta clicked his tongue mentally. Gracefully, he descended, startling nearby residents. Purple Vine Guild security rapidly calmed bystanders. Fear lingered, yes—but overwhelming curiosity trumped it. A real dragon stood before them!

“Hmph.” Augusta snorted low. Being gawked at like some exotic animal irritated him—though the accompanying terrified stares stroked his ego. Still frighteningly majestic, this dragon. Very well! Consider it balanced. Let these mortals appreciate his formidable form.

He coughed, lowering his head. Giant eyes peered through the windows. Ripping off the roof? Impractical right now. Dragon vision was sharp—so he swiftly spotted his target. Black hair and eyes? Expected. His true form was black after all. A fondness for the color… Made sense. Like him loving red—especially blazing flames. That vivid, leaping hue entranced any dragon!

“This dragon… I knocked out once, correct? Right?” Zheng Yichen turned to Deya nearby.

Deya stayed silent. He wasn’t wrong. But saying it aloud near the subject? Provocation. Through the window? Underestimating draconic hearing? Dragon versus dragon? … Well, his lack of Dragon Clan loyalty was proven.

“ROOO—Urk!” Hearing Zheng Yichen’s mutter, Augusta’s instinctive roar choked mid-sound. Escaping embers melted the window before him. Remembering his purpose, he grumbled, smothering fury. That uncontrolled breath? Could’ve incinerated everyone inside. These attendees held weighty statuses. Total annihilation? Even with Dragon Clan backing… His fate looked grim. Maybe exile? Or worse…

Zheng Yichen stated facts. Why did it sting? Did he need such volume? Granted, these guests likely knew the story… But insult without exposing weaknesses!

“You whelp! … That Connor! … THIS DRAGON simply disliked bullying youth with experience! Change the arena? I’d thrash you until—Hrmph … My generosity prevails! Come out! Augusta requires words with you!”

Watching Zheng Yichen stand, Augusta’s jaw twitched. He nearly crushed the wall-section his claw braced against. “Your BODY! Using scrap metal?! You insult me!!”

“Huh? I dislike risking capture by Sanctuary Church.”

“They DARE?!” Augusta growled, turning to Deya—then flinched slightly. He recognized the Saintess. More—he knew fighting her meant defeat. Only ancient elders of his clan stood a chance against her.

Humans. Overall talent? Mediocre. Their crushing population numbers, however, birthed monstrous geniuses—individuals whose gifts made dragons envious. Geniuses who dominated entire eras appeared—and humanity produced them most frequently… Ordinary baseline talent? Yet more potential. Something other species struggled to match.

The virtue of mediocrity? Only a race as sprawling as humanity allowed such phenomena.

“Disregard him,” Achille murmured softly. Too idle to engage this erratic red dragon. Unless it sought vengeance-fueled violence? They’d spectate—observing Zheng Yichen’s resolution and deducing Augusta’s goal. If Zheng Yichen revealed his real body? Even better. Once exposed? Finding him later simplified greatly.

Augusta relented: “… Fine. Augusta’s magnanimity permits scrap-metal speech…”

Yeah. Pulling back was fine too… Actually desirable. He needed this “scrap-metal” himself. Augusta finished, an awkward realization dawning. Calling it “scrap”? Undermined his own planned use. Should he rephrase?