[{"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-31":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},2269677,4431,"Chapter 31: No More Compromise","the-dragon-of-a-thousand-faces-chapter-31",31,"\u003Cp>[Soul Heritage Completion: Current Soul Su'er.Daoweng synchronization rate 47.6%, satisfaction 31.9%]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Justice does not wait, nor can it compromise—Su'er.Daoweng]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【Private Commission: “Continuation of the Light of Law” completed.】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[It may not be the best, but it’s a nuisance without it—Su'er.Daoweng]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【No executable tasks remain. Submit settlement to end this Soul Possession early?】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Touching the magic book, Li En weighed the costs and benefits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the end, he chose to refuse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【Biological Rank: Inferior Stone, Status: Strength 3(13), Physique 4(11), Agility 3(6), Spirit 5(16)】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The numbers in parentheses are temporary data—or false stats under external enhancement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He desperately needed strength; without Soul Possession, his combat power didn’t just drop—it plummeted to rock bottom, reverting him overnight to his original state.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew that after completing the “commission,” he might gain clues to a new Soul Card—or even receive one directly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The initial phase of a new Soul Card attachment should be the strongest moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But it’s unstable, and beyond my current control.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li En wasn’t sure whether Su'er.Daoweng was among the most powerful Soul Cards, or merely average or weak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But when facing evil, facing this dark world, this unyielding justice was more effective, more trustworthy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Welcome, welcome.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Disguised as a thug, Li En cheerfully opened the door, looking at Eugene with a genuine smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This overly sincere welcome and smile even made Eugene, a man who had seen countless faces, pause. He was startled—could the fat pig’s claim be true? Had he truly become an idol of the lower docks?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, he had risen from nothing; it was natural these people respected him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In response to the thug’s eagerness, he happily replied, shrugging off his coat and handing it over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Where’s Dimon?” Suddenly, he grew displeased.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What was his status? How dare that little worm not come out to greet him!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sometimes, those who lack something value it most—clearly, Li En’s judgment was correct: Eugene deeply lacked “respect” and prized “etiquette.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What he needed most, then, was not superficial fear, but heartfelt closeness—and reverence bordering on worship.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Boss? He’s in the kitchen.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eugene frowned, annoyed—but then he smiled, because the “simple-minded thug” added:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Boss is cooking personally. He said he must prepare it himself for you; none of the brothers could stop him. Ha, don’t worry—Boss used to be a chef. His cooking is famous.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Recalling Dimon’s background from the files, “Black Gold” Eugene nodded in satisfaction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He’s thoughtful.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>People of low origin who rise often treat their past as a taboo—at least before Eugene, no one dared mention his shoemaker’s son roots. His neighbors, those who once mocked him, had all died in “accidents.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eugene understood this mindset well. Seeing Dimon, despite being a gang boss, personally cook for him, he smiled again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This way, the banquet is ready. Boss said the items were brought over too.” The seemingly dim thug hesitated before continuing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We’ve also set up a table in the side hall, arranged some entertainment—sent for performers from ‘Eternal Melody.’ Perhaps, sir, you’d like to relax there too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since “Eternal Melody” became the docks’ most popular brothel, “melody” had become the favored naming style for all kinds of “courts” in the district.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Eternal Melody” was no match for the original, but it was a tier below—and for Dimon to afford their services, it was part of his sincerity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He’s truly thoughtful.” Sometimes, the sincerity of hospitality mattered more than comfort.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His bodyguards were excellent—but he himself had this particular taste.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking at Xier’s hopeful eyes, Eugene hesitated—then remembered the glowing red gem. To hesitate even a moment was to disrespect his own life!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You didn’t come yourself—can’t blame me if I don’t share.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Greed often leads men into dead ends, blindly walking into traps even they find foolish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lust strips away basic vigilance, letting the reptilian brain rule the mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When a holy knight, meant to practice celibacy, devises such a sly scheme, even Talia would sigh—he’d seen too much.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And now, smiling and nodding,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>he was so pleased by the flattery and blinded by the imminent treasure that he cheerfully sent his bodyguard to find women next door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tch, waste. Deserves to be a lackey forever.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was glad to keep more for himself—and even spat after Xier as he hurried away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Following the “simple-minded thug’s” guidance, he entered a small room where steaming dishes already filled the table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On it lay a bag—the priceless red gem, exposed for all to see!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instantly, he lost composure. How could Hero’s Blood be treated like this? Wait—such a large bag—could there be other degradation materials inside?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was overjoyed, yet his expression grew colder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now that the treasure was before him, he no longer rushed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The meat was right in front of him—who could take it from him now?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He sat down at a distance, just far enough to clearly see the bulging bag.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What else is inside? This shape—it looks like a horn. Ah, yes—he was a Lizardman Knight. Did he follow the pseudo-dragon path? No wonder he was so strong.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Filled with distractions, Eugene’s eyes and mind were consumed by the rare treasure. He even considered altering his own evolution path to suit this precious material.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he could advance just one step, another twenty years of life should be possible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t notice the simple-minded thug behind him, still flattering him, now smiling with delight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Chicken soup’s here!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before the man entered, his voice came first. The door burst open as a bulky figure carried in a large pot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The steaming, meat-filled broth looked appetizing at a glance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dishes on the table were also exquisite—this junior had truly put in effort.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Eugene smiled in satisfaction and pondered how to promote this junior, the figure behind him smiled even wider.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He, Li En, slowly and silently drew his longsword from the large vase by the wall, holding it with one hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Judgment of the Sin Realm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The silent judgment was about to activate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Crash!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But a second earlier, Dimon, overjoyed at Eugene’s arrival, “accidentally” dropped the pot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hot broth spilled outward—toward Eugene. Fortunately, the distance was enough; only a few splashes touched him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How careless!” He leapt up to dodge, his full attention fixed ahead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind him, a low, joyful roar echoed—and blinding silver light erupted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Holy Slash!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li En swung his sword with fury and full strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Scenes of being paraded repeatedly through the slave market flashed through his mind. He had waited too long for this moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the silver light finally fell, when the holy sword of Zhuxie could finally strike—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“For those children, for the weak, for those turned into livestock—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Free citizens queued to become slaves, children kidnapped, wives and daughters lured away by schemes—too many, too many.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slave traders, gambling dens, brothels—all those numb faces pointed to one target.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Evil must be purged!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, his most perfect Holy Slash to date was born.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silver light flooded the blade of the Sword of Courage, condensing his righteous fury into a silver holy sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The enemy stood before him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What are you waiting for? Swing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Justice needs no more compromise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the instant the blade truly fell, Li En’s face twisted in ecstasy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Die, scum!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",1200,"2026-06-19T21:45:41.002Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","772f264da9f45fda27c0f99cbc68433c1dd4f6c1fb254ae83d0e50b13c4f325c","the-dragon-of-a-thousand-faces-chapter-32","the-dragon-of-a-thousand-faces-chapter-30",362,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-dragon-of-a-thousand-faces-cover.jpg"]