[{"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-42":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},2269688,4431,"Chapter 42: The Beastling (Third Chapter)","the-dragon-of-a-thousand-faces-chapter-42",42,"\u003Cp>Li En’s squad finally encountered the interceptors, yet did not panic or launch an attack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Scan for evil.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The holy light illuminated the cave ahead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Blocking the passage was a peculiar beast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It walked on all fours like a dog, its body pure white as snow, its canine head oddly adorable. Tailless, it possessed eyes that seemed utterly pure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet this one-meter-tall adorable creature appearing here was itself suspicious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no food here to sustain normal life—what did it eat?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Larry’s “Scan for Evil” emitted a brief flash of white light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was standard practice for a paladin, used to test the aggression of foreign beasts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Generally, “neutral” meant the animal would not initiate attacks on humans under most circumstances.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it still seemed unsafe, so she cast another spell: “Judgment of Sin.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Again, a faint white glow—the beast had not killed any humans in the past two weeks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s clean. No trace of blood on it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Talia’s sense of smell made the judgment, yet she blocked Larry’s attempt to walk straight past.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even though all detection methods indicated no threat, her biological instinct had already confirmed this thing was wrong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her hairs stood on end. She could not comprehend what manner of life stood before her, but it was certainly not benevolent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Kill it.” Talia made her final judgment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was no time to protect animals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Larry, the frontline fighter, paused, drew his sword—but before he could strike, an anomaly occurred.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The “puppy” suddenly tilted its head, its skull rotating 180 degrees as if lacking any joint constraints.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its mouth faced upward, its eyes now glinting below.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mouth of a creature that should have been dead curled into a strange smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its once-pure eyes trembled violently, the pupils within the orbs shaking wildly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an instant, the elongated canine eyes multiplied into countless pupils.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dozens of black-and-white pupils seemed to stare at you.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From this moment on, merely seeing this creature induced severe discomfort.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But an even more unbelievable sight had just begun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It stood up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The small beast rose upright on two legs; flesh expanded, its body swelled violently, transforming into a towering, bear-like humanoid beast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Smite Evil!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li En moved fastest—since it was an enemy, there was no need to hesitate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This strike was swift and brutal; silver light arced through the air, striking the creature’s chest directly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wrong feel.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet the next instant, he frowned—he felt no divine power enhancement. The monster was neither evil nor guilty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Clang!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li En’s pure warrior’s “cleaver” strike was instantly flung back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li En was stunned—this monster, once a small beast, now possessed greater raw strength than an ogre.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the wound from the blade healed at visibly rapid speed!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What kind of monster is this?” Li En had never heard of such a creature in recent days; none matched the common denizens of underground ruins.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one could answer, but since it was an enemy, killing it was enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The knights drew their swords without hesitation; Talia slipped into shadow, ready to deliver a fatal backstab.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But this battle would prove far more grueling than anyone expected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ordinary weapons could not penetrate its defense; Dimon’s twin diamond blades had little effect—even cuts left no mark.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li En’s Sword of Courage was powerful enough to break through, yet the physical wounds it inflicted could not outpace the creature’s regeneration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only Larry, thanks to the varied damage and curses from his magical blades, could inflict real harm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We cannot waste time here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Get out of the way!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li En roared, swinging his sword with full force, forcing the creature back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If “Smite Evil” failed, then simply cut it to death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One slash, then another—Li En unleashed every ounce of strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He roared continuously, built up power relentlessly; even by a warrior’s standards, Li En was now at his peak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally, a near-perfect full-power “Smite Evil” cleaved the creature completely open.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then came a brutal downward slash—raw strength transformed into pure physical force, splitting the monster cleanly in two.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even so, it did not die; the two halves still writhed on the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This sight left the group frustrated—this was the problem of a same-class team: when facing a counter, everyone was countered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Paladins always stand on the front line against evil. But if the target is not evil, the paladin becomes a weakened, ordinary warrior—Li En lacked Su Er’s ability to swing “Smite Evil” at the God of Law.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If elemental damage worked, now would be the time for a mage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fortunately, this time, it did not revive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After struggling for dozens of seconds, it died, dissolving into a pool of black water.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Finally.” Larry exhaled, preparing to sheath his blade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, his fine sword had been dulled by countless strikes—repair costs would be heavy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the group had rejoiced too soon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tap. Tap. Tap.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From a corner of the cave, familiar footsteps echoed again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“One… two… four.” Soon, four “puppies” stood silently in the corridor ahead, watching them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, everyone drew a sharp breath—this battle would be brutal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li En’s side was locked in a desperate fight; others’ encounters were even stranger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A slave-market squad also encountered them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Heh, there’s a puppy here?” The lead scout, upon first sight, turned to chat with his comrades while reaching out to pet it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Crack!” In the eyes of the group, in the blink of an eye, he vanished—transformed into nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only the “puppy” chewed happily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its tiny body stretched into a mouth larger than a human’s.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Within seconds, it finished chewing, resumed its adorable posture, and silently watched the squad ahead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Aaaah!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before the fighters could react, the young priest at the rear screamed, clutching his hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next instant, he collapsed dead—the humanoid monster chewed his severed hand, then smashed his body flat with one palm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Similar events unfolded throughout the cave: one after another small beast appeared before the invaders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These creatures, with no malice, savored the pleasure of feeding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What could delight a pack more than waking from sleep to find food delivered straight to its mouth?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not every squad had the ability to escape—or resist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In one corner, a skirmish had just ended.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two small beasts lay dead on the ground—but all five members of the squad were gone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amidst the carnage, only one small beast remained alive, happily enjoying its extra meal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As it ate, its body gradually swelled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Woooh!” Finally, it emitted a deer-like cry, its body expanding another full circle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And stranger still—two short, broken horns sprouted from its forehead, beginning to spiral faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It, once dog-like, was slowly becoming deer-like.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Within its strange eyes, the pupils multiplied further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Get out of here!” In the pitch-black cave, holy light still flashed, battle cries still roared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even facing so many “dogs,” Li En’s group still fought on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But unquestionably, Li En’s squad was now locked in a desperate battle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this desperate moment, the one who still stood firm was still Li En, the squad leader.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though confined in a narrow cave, his two-handed sword spun like a windmill, moved as swiftly and deftly as a dragonfly, and stood as unyielding as a stone shield—he alone held back at least three small beasts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Clang!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even when flung back again, his defensive dance steps allowed him to instantly dissipate force and strike anew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Constantly pushed back by brute strength, yet constantly advancing—this was the combat technique of a veteran.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Surviving this long was a matter of experience and skill crushing raw, reckless newcomers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, channeling the formidable battle instincts and techniques of the Heroic Soul, Li En displayed near-perfect fighting and defense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, also the unwavering consistency of his movements and fearless mental resilience.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But with the Exorcism Slash proving ineffective, he could not serve as the primary attacker.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Judgment Strike.” The slender sword behind him pierced another small beast’s eyeball once more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beside Li En, back-to-back, the six-armed female knight delivered steady, efficient output.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her demon sword bore fire, lightning, or curses of weakness and dull misfortune—all of which inflicted real damage upon these beasts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The effect was far from ideal, yet consistently reliable—at least better than Holy Power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both sides inevitably slipped into a war of attrition, and these beasts possessed astonishing regenerative abilities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had it not been for Li En absorbing most of the pressure, casualties would have already occurred.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the other side, Talia lured away one beast and continuously sought to weaken it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her twin daggers worked well against humans, but inflicted too little damage on beasts; their effect against these powerful, undead creatures was negligible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Heal Minor Wounds.” A deep voice rang out behind him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A warm light settled upon Li En; his wounds healed rapidly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li En turned—he saw the fierce, decisive twin blades of Dimon, rendered ineffective by their lack of enchantment or magical metal, now relegated to rear-line support.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His midday decision had been correct; fortunately, Li En had allowed Dimon to accumulate sufficient Holy Power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, with Dimon and Larry alternating in healing support, Li En had personally held this frontline.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could they win by attrition? Li En felt helpless—if they truly won by outlasting, how could they ever hunt down that murderer?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who knew how many more of these beasts lay ahead?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But there seemed to be no shortcuts; overthinking might mean dying right here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Perhaps they have some weakness?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A previously unseen beast having a fatal flaw was only natural.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Here, Li En made a potentially fatal mistake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as Su had taught Dainya—casually “opening your eyes” to look at others was never a good habit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But at this moment, Li En himself had deliberately opened his Dragon Eye.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the vertical Dragon Pupil opened, what he saw was not the grotesque “upright beast-men,” but clusters of twisted spirals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the Dragon Eye’s vision, these strange lifeforms appeared as upright horns, faintly marked with peculiar spiral patterns.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Dragon Dragon Dragon! There’s a Dragon!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But suddenly, a scream shattered Li En’s thoughts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The beasts, even in death previously silent, now emitted eerie howls.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, the other beasts began to howl as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The roar of “Dragon Dragon Dragon” echoed throughout the cavern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What are they screaming about?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Headache! So painful!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The others heard nothing Li En heard—only perceived the beasts’ chaotic roars as a mental assault.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next moment, a stranger transformation occurred.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The previously smooth, snow-white skin of these dog-like beasts twisted violently and darkened, turning black as oily fluids dripped from their bodies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The upright “bear-men” swelled dramatically, their bodies stretching all the way to the ceiling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their pupils were now densely packed with twisted fragments.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As they roared incessantly, thick blood seeped from their mouths; their entire bodies convulsed as if driven mad.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Dragon Dragon Dragon!” They continued screaming that word, then charged at Li En like frenzied beasts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To everyone else besides Li En, the roars merely induced dizziness and nausea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li En realized—perhaps his “Beast Transformation” system’s “Linguistic Comprehension (Understanding Human Speech)” had activated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Boom!” The mad beasts roared as they slammed into “the Dragon” with brute force.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, Li En, who had tried to block them, was directly flung back by the sudden surge of strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The immense power granted by the Cannibal’s Gauntlets was now utterly useless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Li En! Catch!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The thrown gauntlet was caught midair by Li En.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, perhaps he needed strength on the level of a Hill Giant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hadn’t yet slipped them on when the mad beasts launched their next assault.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Boom!” This time, Li En gritted his teeth and held his blade against the impact.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But his legs were shoved backward, carving two deep grooves into the ground; his palms bled from the strain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Exorcism Slash!” Behind him, desperate Larry swung his Holy Light blade without hesitation, relieving the pressure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Dragon Dragon Dragon!” The monsters shrieked in pain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, the silver Exorcism Blade actually repelled the monsters!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Where the Holy Power blade touched their flesh, it melted like snow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Massive gashes appeared instantly on the monsters’ bodies where struck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, they were no longer neutral hunters—they were bloodthirsty killers attacking all life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Dragon Dragon Dragon Dragon!” But suddenly, a scream pierced Li En’s ear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Li En, watch out!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While Li En was still stunned that the Exorcism Slash had worked again, Talia’s warning came too late.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The monster chasing her abandoned her instantly, leaped backward, and lunged straight at Li En.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Too late!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His twin blades were still parrying the front assault; turning around was impossible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The monster’s foul saliva was already before his eyes; its gaping maw, closing in on his head, seemed ready to snap shut.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li En instinctively swung his fist to resist; his battle-hardened body recoiled to dodge—but it was already too late.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Boom!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sudden explosion shocked everyone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The outstretched arm had pierced the monstrous beast mere inches away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That beast, which had refused to die no matter what, had its entire head crushed by this instinctive blow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The monster’s constant regeneration ceased entirely; its body turned instantly to ash.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li En’s arm had also grown unnaturally thicker; patches of faint red dragon scales now appeared on the exposed skin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet the Codex had already provided the answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【Stimulated by contact with ‘Beasts,’ Dragon Blood is boiling. Dragon Transformation level increasing.】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dragon Transformation has reached 5%. Racial talent 'Dragon Claw' has been activated!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, Li En felt the transformation of his entire left hand—his fingers twisted, taking on a claw-like shape.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Coupled with the Dragon Eye, he instinctively reached out, trying to grasp something in the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Crack.” It felt as if something had been extinguished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the void, something had begun to change—from this moment forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Watch out!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another mad beast, shrieking “Dragon Dragon Dragon,” was now within arm’s reach; Li En swung his fist again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Snap!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, the punch pierced straight through the front—and the beast showed no regeneration, crumbling piece by piece into ash.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One punch, one beast—the once-invincible horde vanished effortlessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, everyone stared in stunned silence—most bewildered of all was Li En himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked at his own fist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So… I’m this strong?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",2357,"2026-06-19T21:45:41.002Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","abc5996d8a308620e0b2932af323aca92308bc99cb09c6a800fe354c49c11647","the-dragon-of-a-thousand-faces-chapter-43","the-dragon-of-a-thousand-faces-chapter-41",362,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-dragon-of-a-thousand-faces-cover.jpg"]