Chapter 198: The Arrogant Mage

"Dragon Silver Dragon, no, this is a Juan Ce Long! This size, damn it, an ancient‑dragon‑level Juan Ce Long?"

The Mage's expression was unsettled; as a nine Spell Circle Mage, he knew the renowned Arcane Power of the Dragon Juan Ce Long all too well.

Although the dragon's scales and pupil colors were off, he still identified it by its distinctive size.

"No, that's not right; the magical patterns on the scales aren't that complex—an elderly dragon? Or an ancient‑elder dragon?"

Just as the Mage frantically guessed what age bracket this hundred‑meter‑long behemoth belonged to, the troops behind him fell into chaos.

The terrifying Dragon Might didn't affect the Mage's strong Spiritual Power, but the warhorses beneath the warriors had long been frightened, trembling and kneeling on the ground.

Many low‑rank soldiers, like the horses, were subdued by the Dragon Might and could not move; only a few high‑rank officers retained mobility, yet the dreadful aura still left them shaken.

"Greetings, mighty True Dragon," the Mage forced a dry laugh. He had no choice; even an elderly or ancient‑elder dragon possessed enough power to make him drink a pot.

The Juan Ce Long looked down at the Mage with cold indifference, just as he had once regarded the Niksalan people—with haughty disdain.

"Human, do you know that the ones you killed are my subjects," the True Dragon said in a chilling, bone‑piercing tone.

The Mage's face hardened, and the knights behind him silently drew their weapons, muscles tensing.

"My sincere apologies, Great True Dragon. I was unaware beforehand; my mentor is the Legendary Mage Bao Li Si from the Feren Continent, and I am here by his command to lead the Am Empire's Golden Legion on this mission."

The Mage spoke apologetically, then casually mentioned his mentor's title and the faction he represented.

"Silence!" Naimi Xisi snapped impatiently, "I know exactly where you come from, foolish human."

He inhaled deeply, coldly gazing at the troops on the ground: "Your army cannot save you, nor can your mentor. Kneel, and beg me with all your pride; perhaps I will spare your life."

The Mage's complexion turned ashen, anger flaring in his eyes—just a dragon, yet it dared to insult him?!

"Your Excellency, I advise you not to go too far; they are merely a few natives. If you kill them, so be it. Do you intend to offend a Legendary Mage on their behalf?" the Mage warned coldly.

Naimi Xisi stared in astonishment, as if looking at a brain‑deficient fool.

Having slain his subjects and insulted the True Dragon's dignity, if not for Bao Li Si's face, he would already be a corpse; there would be no chance to appease him.

Alas, the Mage's pride was so weighty that it had become a burden.

Now, kneeling before a noble True Dragon is hard to accept, especially when the only benefit is the continuation of his life.

To Naimi Xisi, the request was far too easy; he was merely offering a stepping stone.

And this arrogant, oblivious fool still dared to threaten him?!

"Very good, excellent, a human with noble spirit," Naimi Xisi said with a squinting smile.

The Mage lifted his head proudly, gazing at the True Dragon: "I am Marquis Yue Liusi Kangdal of the Am Empire, True Dragon Excellency. A noble's dignity must not be disgraced. I hope you will withdraw; the Am Empire and my mentor will thank you for your magnanimity."

Yue Liusi Kangdal's heart pounded as he spoke; he feared death, but he feared his pride being shamed even more. He had to wield the Am Empire and his mentor's name to intimidate the dragon. Naimi Xisi sneered, literally sneering.

"And you," he said coldly to the soldiers, "I give you a chance: those who kneel and stay still may live; anyone who moves will die alongside this great noble."

Yue Liusi Kangdal's complexion changed dramatically at those words—this beast actually dared to act against him?!

He immediately prepared to cast, but the giant dragon's attack came even faster.

"Woom—"

Amid the strange hum, scarlet light erupted around Yue Liusi Kangdal like a living thing, twisting and swelling, ensnaring him with tentacle‑like grips.

The Mage felt an intangible pressure, as if an enormous invisible hand clasped his body, rendering him immobile.

His robe fluttered without wind, tiny arcs of electricity dancing between the hems—a interaction of Mana with the fabric fibers. The Mage's complexion turned pale, cold sweat beading on his forehead, his pupils reflecting the raging red light, revealing a hint of fear.

He tried to marshal his internal magical power to break the invisible shackles, but his hands and lips were immobilized, leaving him unable to cast.

The surrounding world seemed cut off; the Mage heard no sound, only a whispering within the scarlet Mana—twisted, blasphemous, saturated with madness.

His body began to tremble slightly; each struggle felt like battling a heavy mire, yet he could not escape the fate that controlled him.

!

"Aaaah!!!"

He screamed wildly in his mind, trying to drive away the whisper that pierced his thoughts, but to no avail; the unsettling sensation was as terrifying as a heart thundering like a storm.

In reality, the soldiers only saw a flash of red light; their own commander floated mid‑air, eyes shut, body rigid and immobile.

The soldiers, driven by trained instinct, prepared to rescue the Mage, but the dragon's words rang in their ears.

"Those who kneel and stay still may live."

The threat, illuminated by the red light, seemed so real; the vast majority of soldiers lowered their banners and drums, kneeling on the spot with eyes, nose, and heart fixed on the ground.

Only two officers could not hold back; they were senior professionals sent by the Marquis's family to protect Yue Liusi Kangdal. If Yue Liusi Kangdal dies, they will not have a good end.

Two level‑17 Warriors leapt up violently, bodies like arrows released from a bow, soaring straight into the clouds. Their bounce sent a thunderous roar across the ground, like an earthquake. Dust billowed, stones tumbled, and the earth split into deep ravines under their colossal force. The fissures spread like a spiderweb, each crack showcasing its master's unparalleled power.

"Heh, two clueless things," Naimi Xisi sneered.

A Warrior's physical speed is great, but it cannot match Naimi Xisi's neural reaction speed.

The dragon's deep‑purple eyes widened suddenly, a wondrous vortex swirling within them.

The power of the demon eye tore everything apart.

(End of Chapter)