[{"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-35":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},2269681,4431,"Chapter 35: The Pact Beneath the City Walls","the-dragon-of-a-thousand-faces-chapter-35",35,"\u003Cp>The glorious knight was blocked from behind by a woman.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her once elegant serpent tail now stood upright in urgency, the small snake heads on her hair writhing with rare, threatening hisses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Pearl of Huicheng, famed for her grace and charm, this noblewoman known for her shrewd cunning and effortless etiquette, at this moment displayed a blunt, unbecoming, and deeply undignified demeanor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In short, she was desperate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li En could even feel the fine sweat on her arms—she must have rushed here in haste.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Extremely desperate, desperately so, too desperate to bother with the elaborate formalities of noble society.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Are you really that unwilling to play? You dare swallow goods my fiancé entrusted for sale?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wait—did she just say something strange? Fiancé?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sis? What do you mean? Is he your Wangquan faction’s new noble, Sudar Viscount’s fiancé? The future lord’s husband?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(Li En whispered: Uh, didn’t we break off our engagement?)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Li En Sudar?! He’s a Sudar too!” At that moment, these people finally remembered the outsider’s surname.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was only natural—non-noble surnames held no meaning for them; who would imagine a desert outsider bore the same surname as a local power-broking noble family?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sallyman’s explosive revelation was like a pause button pressed on this battlefield.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next instant, it was as if blazing oil had been poured into a hot wok—everything erupted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No way, someone actually caught up to Viscount Sallyman?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Impossible.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good heavens, her suitors will go mad.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It must be another bloodline reclamation. The Sudar family certainly needs it—so few remain alive; they need to expand their lineage. But doesn’t that mean all future Sudars will carry this man’s blood?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Countless glances—jealous, hostile, or merely eager for spectacle—locked onto Li En, the focal point.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Is he worthy? Can he withstand it?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sallyman’s intelligence work had been excellent—the “scandal” had been buried until now, and her own public confession naturally triggered a massive uproar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was Sallyman Sudar, the most beautiful and wealthiest pearl of Huiguang City—she had a fiancé?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, even the “Volcanic Roar,” who had intended to act without reason, fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even a man whose muscles had grown into his brain knew that in Huicheng, some people could not be offended.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li En sighed, slightly disappointed, yet removed his hand from the bestiary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed the fighting would end here—but given his own plans, perhaps ending it here was better.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With Sallyman Sudar standing here, the nature of this situation had changed entirely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was not only a core pillar of the local conservatives, but also a staunch royalist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had been a mere youth, an outsider crossing the river—now he was entangled with a super-local power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Originally, the outsider was being besieged; now, it seemed he might become the spark for Huiguang City’s noble factional strife—or even royal court conflict?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was Wangquan dissatisfied with the slave market? With Huiguang City’s excessive autonomy? But the royal family’s tributes had never been lacking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, not only did the onlookers’ minds grow complicated, but even Kweildefu, the head of the slave market, was dazed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this instant, he deeply missed Eugene, whom he had once looked down upon—Eugene had always handled such situations without him needing to worry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Perhaps… the two of you should go upstairs to discuss this.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as the words left his mouth, the slave market boss felt shame creep over his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Someone storms in, kills your dog, smashes your door—and you invite them upstairs for tea?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There might have been better ways—perhaps a firm yet compromising stance—but he simply didn’t know how.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He rose to power through brute strength; the slave market needed a famed “enforcer” to hold the ground—he was truly inept at this kind of thing… and the man who once excelled at it was long dead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, we’ll talk right here. My goods were already traded with you—now why have you stolen them?” If we went upstairs, who knew what tricks they’d pull.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In front of this crowd, Li En could easily spread the news.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li En pulled out a transaction slip and tossed it over. One glance, and Kweildefu’s scalp prickled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That handwriting—he knew it well!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Eugene Fordy! You damn fool!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The signature on the slave market’s standard consignment auction form (goods delivered) was none other than the long-dead Eugene—dated before his death!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You should have copies in your own offices—or Eugene’s.” Such documents were always made in triplicate or more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Originally, under “persuasion” from Dimon, Eugene had sensed the instability of this transaction—the seller seemed hesitant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fearing Li En might change his mind, Eugene had signed the consignment form on the spot, locking in the deal immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For goods of this caliber, private sale prices were hard to estimate; putting them up for auction was a wise choice for the seller.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was merely an overture to persuade Li En to proceed—once finalized, they’d privately renegotiate and destroy the slip—a classic public-to-private maneuver.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The copy was indeed in Eugene’s office; as long as it wasn’t submitted to the market’s operational department, it could be intercepted at any time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In fact, Eugene had even prepared to investigate Li En’s background—if suitable, he planned to simply betray and seize everything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now the problem was: Eugene was dead, the slip remained—and there were three copies. This meant Li En had officially consigned his goods to the slave market for auction, and now the goods were gone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Holding the consignment slip, Kweildefu’s hands trembled uncontrollably.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, his side had absolutely no moral or legal ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kweildefu glanced around—crowds were growing thicker; suppressing the news was impossible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The goods were handed over, the slip signed—now they’re missing? Naturally, it’s the slave market’s fault.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No wonder Kweildefu cursed Eugene—this dead man’s greed forced the slave market to bear the moral burden of this “theft,” because legally, the goods were under the market’s control when the incident occurred (proof: the slip).\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li En didn’t participate in the transaction; only Eugene and the third party, Dimon, were present.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Compensation? How? Where do I get Hero’s Blood to compensate him?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Regression was already rare; for a regressed powerhouse to produce pure Hero’s Blood? That was a rarity within a rarity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Are you planning to steal my fiancé’s goods? Steal treasures belonging to the Sudar family?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, Sallyman Sudar stepped forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The radiant woman now stood like an enraged general.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet Li En, standing right beside her, felt her trembling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was she anxious? Nervous? Hesitant? Because of the powerful figure before her?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No—Kweildefu could strike anyone, but never a Sudar Viscount.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was the unspoken rule among nobles: unless it was a life-or-death battle, no one touched the heads of rival factions—otherwise, assassinations would never end.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then what was she nervous about…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh. She’s nervous about me.” Li En realized.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not just nervous about Li En himself—but about his next attitude and decision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, her trembling came from unfamiliarity with a man’s warmth and proximity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On another level, her unease stemmed from guilt—this forced declaration meant she had dragged Li En into the vortex of royal noble politics.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From today on, Li En would likely be seen as one of Wangquan’s or the conservatives’ own.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Li En were truly a rigid, dogmatic knight, he would despise being dragged into power struggles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“. Thank you.” The man’s quiet thanks made the girl jolt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next instant, her spine straightened, her snake hair bristling with renewed resolve.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her beautiful eyes, now unyielding, glared fiercely at the stunned Kweildefu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From Li En’s perspective, having reached this level of involvement, neutrality was impossible—staying neutral meant becoming an enemy to both sides.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His upcoming plans also required political backing and tacit approval.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At least for now, Sallyman and her Beihoude  Dragon Hunt could still be considered allies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, on the other hand, even if he knew nothing, if he had to choose a faction, Li En would prioritize Wangquan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not because he cared for princesses or princes—but because other factions ruined the kingdom without hesitation, while Wangquan at least treated the kingdom as their own property, and kept their greed slightly more civilized.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“T-this… that…” Kweildefu couldn’t meet Sallyman’s increasingly assertive gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The surrounding stares pricked him with shame—the slave market’s credibility was under fire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If it were anyone else—even a minor noble—they could simply vanish. But now? One of the kingdom’s great nobles, possibly backed by royal interference.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So… was Li En also a royal protégé? A pawn the crown had thrown out to pressure us? Would more coordinated blows follow?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These speculations were excessive—but strangely plausible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When a Sudar Viscount stepped forward and announced his engagement, even the wildest guesses gained plausibility.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Look—Sallyman Sudar already had a fiancé, and she’d staked her personal affairs as a bargaining chip in this game. What wasn’t possible?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such a marriage? The royal court would surely interfere. Royal scheming? Of course.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under pressure, Kweildefu grew desperate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Others auctioning Hero’s Blood didn’t seek coins—they sought equivalent rare items: rapid-evolution elixirs, high-grade materials, etc.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The highest-tier rarities could only be traded for goods.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compensation was impossible—even if they found the Tail-Hunters, Hero’s Blood couldn’t be fully recovered—anyone who got it would use it immediately!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, several major bosses behind him had already pre-ordered Hero’s Blood, regardless of cost.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if the slave market recovered it, Kweildefu himself had no right to use it—he’d have to wait for the big bosses to fight over the spoils.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“. I know the goods can’t be recovered.” Li En suddenly spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, Li En reclaimed the initiative.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That tone—was he planning to drop the matter?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His sudden magnanimity eased everyone’s breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I don’t have to reclaim the Hero’s Blood, but I demand compensation—I don’t require materials of equal rank.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Look, I extort them, and they still thank me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After that, there was nothing more to say: as Li En began listing his claims, under the watchful eye of Viscount Sudar, Kveirduf could only agree to Li En’s demands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet, before the eyes of all, he forced the head of the slave market to nod in submission.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He shamed the slave market, shattered its authority, bled it dry, collected interest, and forced it to investigate the Tail-Cutters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One could say Li En had easily earned an Epic achievement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He smashed the home of the region’s largest criminal syndicate, killed their guard dog, extorted them, forced them to work for him—and was politely ushered out the door!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",1742,"2026-06-19T21:45:41.002Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","940f375752782aab4a497121ddb283ab916a973dfe62fa18eef2e129553f79a4","the-dragon-of-a-thousand-faces-chapter-36","the-dragon-of-a-thousand-faces-chapter-34",362,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-dragon-of-a-thousand-faces-cover.jpg"]