Chapter 787: Linying City
Lede knelt on the ground, trembling violently, his mind torn between fear, anxiety, and a wild ecstasy. Duka was dead. If he could just embrace the leg of this young Red Dragon, he would instantly become the highest-ranking figure in this Cult Regiment. Then, he could finally become a true Dragonborn—possessing noble status, longevity, and immense strength, just like the past Duka.
What did this Red Dragon need? Someone to manage the troops. Someone to cover up Duka’s death from the Church. After all, dragons were insatiable in their greed—just one silver coin in compensation would set them ablaze with rage.
With only a moment’s hesitation, Lede gritted his teeth, made up his mind, and scrambled forward, dragging Duka’s headless corpse and hurling it into the swamp.
Instantly, piranhas and crocodiles surged from the murky waters, devouring the still-warm body, hungrily feasting on the dragon blood still pulsing within.
Lede, trembling, whispered, “My Lord Dragon… Duka of Blackwood Village was attacked by Rebel Forces and fell into the swamp. It has nothing to do with you. I will report this truthfully to the Church.”
“Oh, and I’m Lede. Adjutant of this unit.”
A short distance away, the young Red Dragon nodded, satisfied. “Not bad. You’re sensible. From now on, you’ll replace this scum as the head of the supply caravan.”
Lede’s face lit up with stunned joy. Tears of excitement welled in his eyes as he cried, “Thank you for your Bestowal, my Lord Dragon! I pledge myself as your most loyal servant!”
“Get up,” the young Red Dragon said coldly, glancing at him.
Lede scrambled to his feet, then hesitated, looking at the woman trembling in terror nearby. “My Lord… what about this woman?”
“Send her back to the group. Do not act on your own.” The Dragon’s command was sharp.
“Yes, my Lord.” Lede took the iron chain, dragging the quivering woman back to the ranks, then returned to the front, leading the way for this “Noble Ancient Dragon’s heir.”
Next, he ordered his cultists to bring the finest fine wine and roasted meat, serving them constantly at the young Red Dragon’s side. He even offered gold and jewelry scavenged from the battlefield—everything he could spare.
Stuffed Bun—now walking at the heart of the procession—relished every moment, bathed in the cultists’ devoted service. A blissful sensation swelled within him. Is this what it means to be above others? No, not above humans… above dragons?
One word: amazing.
For a fleeting instant, he even felt an urge to join the Dragon-Worshiping Church. The power and privilege bestowed upon Dragonborn were simply too intoxicating.
But then, his character sheet pinged—an incoming message from Singo.
Singo: Stuffed Bun, now’s your chance. Extract some intel from that non-player cultist. And speed things up.
I'm Going to Eat a Steamed Bun: Why? I’m your loyal servant, Dog Egg~[wicked grin]
Singo: Cut the crap. Don’t forget you’re only maintaining your dragon form with a Form Stabilization Scroll. If the spell fails in two days, we’re all dead.
Tian Sheng Zhan Kuang: Stuffed Bun, am I your loyal servant too? What name should you give me? [rubbing fists]
I'm Going to Eat a Steamed Bun: No, no, War Fury Brother—I’m already gathering intel [nervous laugh]
Xia Ye Qiu Yu: Hurry up!
Stuffed Bun awkwardly closed the internal chat, then forced on a proud expression. He lowered his voice and said, “Lede.”
“Yes, my Lord,” Lede responded instantly, bowing low, awaiting orders.
Stuffed Bun glanced at him, nostrils flaring as a puff of white smoke escaped. “I have a few questions.”
Lede quickly pulled out his staff and cast another Sound-Blocking Illusion. Then, with a fawning smile, he said, “Speak, my Lord. I will answer everything you ask—without reservation.”
“Why are you transporting these humans to Linying City?”
“They are sacrificial offerings,” Lede whispered, as if afraid of being misunderstood. “Only when enough spiritual souls, flesh, and wealth are offered will the Great Five-Colored Dragon Queen, Lady of Darkness, grant Divine Favor. That will allow more dragon beasts to emerge from the Dragon Breeding Pool.”
“You’re unaware,” he continued, “but lately, some arrogant humans in the North have been rebelling, attempting to overthrow our Church’s leadership. The Lord of the Putrid Marsh has ordered us to gather more sacrifices—enough to create a dragon army capable of raiding across Seleucus.”
“Disgusting,” Stuffed Bun muttered under his breath, inwardly raging at the cultists and the merciless dragon whose appetite knew no bounds.
Lede nodded fervently, echoing, “Indeed! Those humans are despicable—daring to challenge the Dragon’s rule!”
Though their hearts were utterly different, their words matched perfectly.
Stuffed Bun paused, then asked, “Who is the current Administrator of Linying City?”
“Gottfried, my Lord. He’s a powerful Ancient Green Dragon, one of the many offspring of the Lord of the Putrid Marsh. Do you wish to meet him?”
Stuffed Bun narrowed his eyes, coldly replying, “That is none of your concern.”
Lede immediately bowed. “Forgive me, my Lord. I spoke out of turn.”
But then the dragon’s tone shifted. “Still… do you wish to become a Dragonborn?”
Lede fought hard to suppress the ecstasy trembling inside him. “Y-yes, my Lord. Whatever you command, I will do!”
Common humans could only become Dragonborn through baptism in the Dragon Breeding Pool—receiving Tiamat’s blessing. The requirements were brutal: only those who offered vast treasures were granted such a chance. Duka had emptied the entire Blackwood Village of its wealth, plundering it all, just to earn that rare opportunity.
Stuffed Bun gestured, and Singo stepped forward, producing a scroll and a pen.
“Write down everything you know about Linying City. Follow my instructions, and I will grant you the chance to become a Dragonborn.”
Lede froze.
Was this a trap? Was he being interrogated for intel?
No—this was a Red Dragon. One of the most favored existences among the Five-Colored Dragons. He must be loyal to Tiamat, just like Lede.
But then, another possibility struck him: perhaps there were factions within the Dragon-Worshiping Church.
All these cultists belonged to the Green Dragon Sect—the subordinates of the Lord of the Putrid Marsh. But this Red Dragon… he likely followed the “Deep Crimson Embers,” Kazul.
The Red and Green Dragon Sects were bitter rivals. Just days ago, the young Green Dragon Grotar had been attacked by the Red Dragon Sect—still recovering from the wounds.
And the Red Sect denied all responsibility, deliberately escalating the conflict.
Stuffed Bun narrowed his eyes, pretending to grow angry. “Well? You’re not willing?”
If this chance passes… I’ll regret it forever!
Lede bit down hard, snatched the scroll from the Dragon Rider, and scribbled down every piece of knowledge he possessed about Linying City.
“If I discover even a hint of deceit,” Stuffed Bun growled, baring his fangs, “you’ll meet the same fate as that man.”
“N-no, my Lord! Never!” Lede’s voice trembled.
Stuffed Bun took the scroll, gave a slight nod, and handed Lede a teleportation scroll.
“Human,” he said, “when you arrive, announce my name—Lemtuofuski. That will be your baptism.”
“Thank you, my Lord! Thank you!” Lede clutched the scroll like a sacred relic, tucking it deep into his long robe.
This must be a scroll to the south of Seleucus! Once I’m there, I’ll be baptized—becoming a powerful Red Dragon kin!
With that, Stuffed Bun gave the order: “Move out. Increase speed. We must reach Linying City before sunset.”
“Yes, my Lord!”
Feeling the scroll in his pocket, Lede felt stronger, faster. His steps grew more confident. From this moment on, he would be among the elite—above all others.
Meanwhile, Stuffed Bun, Singo, Tian Sheng Zhan Kuang, and Xia Ye Qiu Yu exchanged intel in their chat, sketching a rough map of Linying City and planning their infiltration of the Dragon Breeding Ground.
Linying City was one of the largest strategic strongholds in Seleucus—nestled within towering forests that stretched endlessly. The air often rang with the cries of falcons. In the past, a divine legion of eagle-headed humanoid demigods had camped here, giving the city its name.
But years ago, the city had fallen to the “Lord of the Putrid Marsh,” Erebus, becoming the base of the Green Dragon Sect within the Dragon-Worshiping Church.
Every day, legions of cultists poured in from all corners of the land, bringing human captives, gold, silver, and other treasures—sacrifices for the greedy and cunning Green Dragons.
The entire northern region of Seleucus suffered under the brutal exploitation and oppression of the Green Dragons, with Linying City at the very heart of it all.
The city walls were massive—built from wood and stone—ringed with two-headed dragons that cast long, ominous shadows. Thick poison mist swirled around the walls, punctuated by chilling roars from unseen beasts within.
Only the main road was safe. Anyone who tried to sneak in would be torn apart by the dragon beasts lurking in the fog.
Along the road, other cultist caravans moved—some hauling treasure-laden wagons, others dragging ragged, starving humans like Lede’s group.
“Lord,” Lede whispered nervously, “we’re approaching Linying City.”
The Red Dragon, carried on a litter by several cultists, let out a soft yawn. “Good. Let’s enter.”
Ahead, a long line of cultists waited at the gate. Four fearsome dragon beasts stood guard, eyes locked on every newcomer, ready to tear invaders apart. Dozens of well-armed Dragonkin soldiers, clad in gear and wielding long spears, swords, and blades, watched the crowd with cold scrutiny.
Suddenly, a scream echoed from the front.
“Grab them!”
“They’re rebels trying to infiltrate the city! They used a spell to hide—attack! Rend them!”
“Don’t let them escape!”
Stuffed Bun’s heart lurched. Had our identity been exposed?
Singo, Tian Sheng Zhan Kuang, and Xia Ye Qiu Yu gripped their weapons, ready to fight their way out.
But then, a familiar voice rang out from afar—clear, panicked, and utterly human:
“Damn it! Why does this NPC know spell nullification?!”
“Wind’s strong—let’s scram!”
“Lan’ge, we’re done! We’re surrounded!”
“What are you waiting for? Rule Three of the Assassin Code—when your identity is revealed, annihilate everyone who sees your true form! Follow me!”
Stuffed Bun burst into laughter, typing in the chat:
I'm Going to Eat a Steamed Bun: It’s the Wandering Beasts! They’ve been caught by the Church!
Singo: Perfect. They’re drawing attention. No orders from me—stay put. Just watch the show.
Xia Ye Qiu Yu: Got it.
Tian Sheng Zhan Kuang: Hahahaha, this is awesome!
In the distance, two figures emerged—racing through the mist, their forms barely visible.
They wore tattered black cloaks, their skin pale and lifeless, faint traces of a Disguise Spell still shimmering around them.
—Langli BaiTiao and Night Wolf, the two Vampire Players.
Not long ago, they’d spotted the cultist supply caravan and used a Disguise Spell to pose as two gold bars, hiding inside a treasure crate—hoping to infiltrate Linying City.
But they hadn’t counted on a cult priest at the gate—skilled in spell-breaking. He saw through their illusion instantly.
SWOOSH!
On the city walls, cultist soldiers nocked arrows. Arrows rained down like a storm, aimed straight at the two.
“Run!” Langli BaiTiao threw back his cloak, releasing a gust of wind thick with bloodstained scent. He dissolved into a swirling regiment of blood mist, fleeing for the open fields.
Night Wolf tried to copy him—but could only transform into a smaller vampire bat, caught in the storm of arrows. One pierced him through, turning him into a sieve.
The cult priest raised his staff. A wave of black light erupted, blasting into the bat form.
“AAAH!” Night Wolf screamed as he reformed into human shape—riddled with wounds. He was instantly seized by a dragon beast, dragged down, and pinned to the ground.
“Sorry, Wolf,” Langli BaiTiao called over his shoulder, his voice laced with false sorrow. Then, without another word, he shot away—his form trailing blood.
“Filthy vermin! You won’t escape!” the priest roared, raising his dragon-headed scepter. The eyes flared with black light.
In an instant, a horde of terrifying dragon beasts surged from the mist—faces twisted with hunger, drooling thick, foul saliva. They lunged at Langli BaiTiao.
“ROOOOAR!”
“Holy crap!” Langli BaiTiao screamed, veering sharply mid-air, dodging the first beast. The creature’s double rows of teeth crashed together with a sharp crack.
Then, a wyvern’s venomous tail whipped past, aiming for his head. He ducked—just in time—and slipped beneath the beast’s belly.
With flawless flight mastery, Langli BaiTiao darted through the swarm, weaving between the beasts, evading every attack. Against all odds, he broke through the encirclement.
Even Stuffed Bun, watching from afar, was stunned. No wonder he’s the Wandering Beast. With all that experience in being hunted and nearly killed, he still survives—no matter how desperate the situation.
(End of Chapter)
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