[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-dragon-of-a-thousand-faces":3,"chapter-the-dragon-of-a-thousand-faces-the-dragon-of-a-thousand-faces-chapter-207":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","The Dragon of a Thousand Faces",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2269853,4431,"Chapter 207: World Annihilation","the-dragon-of-a-thousand-faces-chapter-207",207,"\u003Cp>【The dream ends; a new dream is being woven.】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【Extraneous deity and world-ending catalyst detected; weaving halted.】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【Extraneous deity ID-079 confirmed, designation 'Whisperer,' threat level: World Annihilation.】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【Causal thread audit complete; Thousand-Faced Dragon’s fate entanglement rate: 14.47%, meets emergency awakening clauses three, seven, and seventeen. System cleanup initiated.】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【Per clause, minor awakening protocol activated: Planetary Defense System D-09 engaged, designation:】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Great Red Dragon!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li En jolted awake from sleep, the crimson light of annihilation still seared into his vision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its crimson wings blotted out the capital; its dusk-colored dragon eyes held no mercy, no emotion—only destruction. The moment such a monster appeared in the sky, the glorious capital was doomed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His—no, Heroine Laina’s—final memory was that crimson light crashing to the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It destroyed everything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it seemed its target was not this kingdom’s city; the annihilation was merely collateral—or perhaps, disinfection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What the hell is this?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li En leapt to his feet, drenched in sweat, as if pulled straight from water.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His body trembled uncontrollably—not from the supernatural power triggered by night-fear, but from primal dread and unease at facing a monster utterly beyond resistance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If I truly faced that thing, I wouldn’t even have time to resist—I’d be less than the hero who got “pierced.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Laina—is this your end?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li En took a deep breath, gripped his left hand with his right, and slowly steadied his trembling frame.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Soul Hero card on his chest also ceased its restless glow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【Truth Awareness Progress: 45%】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li En was nearing the 50% threshold to activate the Soul Hero card—hence, in his dreams, he had faintly touched the final scene of Laina’s memories.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This info overload is too much—I need to pause.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The events of that time weren’t as simple as they seemed; the Thousand-Faced Dragon’s role in this world demands deeper consideration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“.Alright, I’ve recovered.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pondered—it seemed he needn’t do anything at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The intelligence he had was too scarce, and the matters involved too high-tier, making them irrelevant to his current reality.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, there is some connection. The events back then weren’t limited to the Beasts. The Snake also said—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【.The one who never closes its eyes isn’t even a problem—it’s what’s behind it that’s truly troublesome.】 That was the Snake’s exact words before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So the thing behind it is the Extraneous Deity? The one who never closes its eyes—that’s the owl? What a mess of internal strife and external threats, swaying in the storm—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li En increasingly felt this world was a trap—full of problems, full of holes. This tiny kingdom had only a few cities, yet it sealed at least two “Beasts,” and now involved this “Extraneous Deity”—a term that sounded dreadfully ominous, seemingly capable of world annihilation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What exactly happened back then...” Li En sensed dimly that even the owl wasn’t the full truth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if he asked, he’d get no answers—even the victims themselves died under inexplicable circumstances.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And my reincarnation this time—within this kingdom? Was it because this matter was never truly resolved?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My head hurts.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li En sighed, rose, and looked around—but the Snake was nowhere to be seen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Given Li Ensu’s nature, the Snake was probably out having wild fun, too busy to bother him. Not showing up immediately to mock him? That meant it was having the time of its life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll go train with my sword.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though it was still dark outside, Li En, unable to calm his mind, decided to sweat it out—to quiet his thoughts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But even until dawn, exhausted and collapsed, he still saw that crimson light of annihilation behind his eyelids.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was the fire that scoured the surface—the light that performed surgery on the entire planet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Before such power, all belief and effort are meaningless.” That destruction wasn’t even aimed at you.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When necessary, I will reset this continental plate—or erase it entirely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for the survivors? Do I care?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li En swung his sword again—and unexpectedly, a longing surged within him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“.Can I ever gain such power? What must I do to become this strong?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For most, overwhelming power first inspires fear—even terror. But some, after awe, grow calm—not just craving it, but actively seeking to obtain it. Li En instinctively sensed: perhaps one day, he too could become this strong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ha, little red dragon’s weaker than me—why don’t you show me some respect?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Snake slithered out, wobbling unsteadily—clearly drunk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sorry, but I can’t respect an old man who just finished partying, crashed a banquet, and stayed up all night. Ugh. Heavy perfume and alcohol stink—foul old man!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hah! Youngster, you’ll have your day too—you’ll have your day.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Snake leapt onto Li En’s head, belched, and fell fast asleep, mumbling: “.Some can never forget, some emotions are destined to betray, some—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, humming a tune, he slept again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li En sighed—this creature couldn’t be questioned. If it wanted to speak, it wouldn’t appear like this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But as the sun rose, his heart grew heavy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today was the day of the agreement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet the sleepless unease from last night had faded—compared to the unstoppable annihilation in his dream, the cataclysm that could erase a kingdom or sink a continent, his personal troubles now seemed laughable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, still annoying.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But agreements must be kept—like breakfast must be eaten on time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As breakfast hour neared and more people filled the parlor, Li En’s scalp prickled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Victornia, Dimon, and even Guoguo had come—somehow, for reasons unknown, she’d come specifically to discuss the passage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li En glanced up at the Snake on his head and sighed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was a “safe card”—too dull to excite it. This must’ve been its own arrangement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Better short pain than long. What must come, must come. He gritted his teeth and stood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With stiff, synchronized steps and a frozen face, he walked toward his target.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ophelia.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yes—the “safe card” was the automaton Ophelia, the one likely to cause the least ripples.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you choose Victoria, she’ll be more loyal than you can imagine—she’ll reshape the dark elf way of life to bind your future. Hmph. Honestly, she’s a wonderful wife after marriage; you’re very happy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you choose Shi Difen, he’ll ‘awaken’ within three months and begin obsessively clinging to you. He’ll abandon you in five years, seek a mythical ‘gender-bending belt,’ then sneak back to your side.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Shaliman is a good match; another Shaliman is more radical. A Sudar child will be born in ten months—congratulations, you’ve become a son-in-law.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Divine Maiden will gladly accept your confession—and share you with her sister. Congratulations, you’re now the First Family’s Shifudaren . Honestly, you’ll have many children—just none will call you ‘father.’”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Bai isn’t recommended. She’s normal—even if young, she’s a good match. That’s why she’s not here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having settled on the “safe card,” the Snake listed the outcomes of the other options—preemptively revealing the answers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But Ophelia—she’s one of my beloved disciples! And she hasn’t completed her ‘Contract Weapon’ yet. You can borrow her to wield a powerful ‘Solar Weapon.’ Her structure is extraordinary.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Recalling the Snake then—like an eager salesman—now it lay curled and asleep, as if this spectacle wasn’t even entertaining enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li En took a deep breath and stood before the female automaton.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She looked up at him—her metallic eyes revealed clear confusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li En drew another sharp breath and blurted out:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I like you! Will you spend your life with me?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The voice rang loud, echoing beyond the door. Those who heard it stared in shock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wait, bro—are you serious? You’re not even the same species—carbon-based vs. silicon-based!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I—I’m serious,” Li En insisted, gritting his teeth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sssss!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The familiar hiss came from behind—he turned, and sure enough, Shaliman was hissing at the doorway.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course. Expected. Too normal. If the Snake didn’t stir up chaos, was it even the Snake? Only Shaliman was perfectly predictable!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Uh, Li En—you actually like this... pervert?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From behind Shaliman, blushing, Dai Niya peeked out, face filled with curiosity and astonishment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Young Master Li En is truly a man of steel! Real men love steel!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind the Princess, the Lord of Huicheng arrived—the bearded giant roared with laughter, utterly unsurprised. To a man who loved swords, loving a metal automaton was perfectly normal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But behind him, the Huiguang Guards and knights looked at Li En with strange expressions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Uh, Young Master Li En, I brought you the teacher list...” Luo Yisi arrived too. Fine—soon the entire mage community would know. Probably, many automaton artisans would now consider him one of their own.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s nothing unusual. Among mages, many fall for their own creations. Falling for a humanoid being is already quite respectable.” He tried to defend Li En—but from the others’ glances, he only made it worse. (Dai Niya: So that’s what mages are like?)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Senior Brother Li En...” La Li arrived too, her cheeks flushed with unmistakable shock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Destroy this world,” Li En muttered, utterly numb. This door had become a city gate! Snake, you bastard—how many people did you arrange?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A lifetime commitment? Acceptable. Execute.” Ophelia’s reply completed the explosion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",1504,"2026-06-19T21:45:42.084Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","4c7d7e0d26ba6939bd3bcac933ee76485bdaab356f9267cde5d6a09d369d497a","the-dragon-of-a-thousand-faces-chapter-208","the-dragon-of-a-thousand-faces-chapter-206",362,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-dragon-of-a-thousand-faces-cover.jpg"]