Chapter 1084: 1084 The Mysterious Key
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
A glint of curiosity flickered in Lu Yu’s eyes as he examined the crystal in Xu
Lingyun’s hand. “What is this?”
“A Dazzling Dragon Crystal?” Xu Lingyun replied with a hint of surprise in her voice. “Haven’t you heard of it?”
“I’m fairly new to these parts,” Lu Yu admitted, “so I’m not familiar with many things here.”
Understanding dawned on Xu Lingyun’s face. “Ah, I see,” she said, nodding patiently as she held the crystal with both hands. “The Dazzling Dragon Crystal is a rare natural ore. When fed to a dragon, it can help them achieve a breakthrough from Tier 1 to Tier 2.”
“The breakthrough is a transformative experience,” she continued. “The dragon’s entire body is essentially reborn, resulting in a phenomenal increase in power. New abilities also manifest after the breakthrough.”
Lu Yu absorbed this information, nodding thoughtfully. He reached out and cautiously took the crystal from her grasp. “That’s fascinating,” he murmured. “But how many Dragon Crystals are required for a Tier 2 breakthrough?” “Approximately a hundred,” Xu Lingyun answered.
A frown creased Lu Yu’s brow. “A hundred? That’s quite a lot. I only have this one for now.’
“Indeed,” Xu Lingyun acknowledged. “The power surge after a Tier 2 breakthrough is immense, akin to a complete rebirth. It’s no wonder these crystals are so coveted and difficult to obtain. Not to mention, the process of guiding a dragon through the breakthrough itself is quite challenging.”
Lu Yu nodded in understanding, carefully storing the Dazzling Dragon Crystal away. “I see. This is definitely something to strive for. I’m eager to witness the effects of the evolution firsthand.”
“This crystal serves as your reward for completing the quest,” Xu Lingyun explained with a smile. “Quite generous, wouldn’t you say?”
Lu Yu grinned in return. “Indeed, it is. Thank you for your generosity.”
“There’s no need for thanks,” Xu Lingyun countered. “You’ve proven yourself to be a formidable warrior. Perhaps there will be opportunities for collaboration in the future. If another challenging quest arises, I’ll certainly keep you in mind. The rewards, of course, wouldn’t disappoint.”
Lu Yu offered a slight nod. “I appreciate that. In that case, I’ll take my leave now.”
A sudden thought struck him. “By the way, has Li Tianen returned yet?”
Lu Yu shrugged. “I’m not sure. I haven’t seen him since I entered Blackwood Forest. ”
Hu Zhan interjected, “Considering Lu Yu’s speed, he’s likely hot on his heels. However, neither of them has been gone for long. They would still need time to explore and gather clues within the forest. It probably won’t be a quick expedition.”
“Perhaps we should send someone to inform them that the quest has been completed,” Xu Lingyun suggested. “There is no need for them to waste any more time searching.”
On that note, she turned and began to walk away. One of her maids promptly mounted a horse and rode off in the direction Li Tianen had taken, tasked with delivering the news.
Lu Yu turned to leave as well. “Alright, Captain Hu, let’s head out.”
Hu Zhan hurried to catch up with him. The two were about to depart when a voice stopped them in their tracks.
A hand landed firmly on Lu Yu’s shoulder. He spun around to find himself face-to-face with a man shrouded in a black robe and a wide-brimmed bamboo hat that concealed his features.
“Young man,” the stranger rasped, “your strength is truly remarkable. Even Li Tianen pales in comparison.”Novel Fire - novelfire.net
“Anything you need?” Lu Yu inquired, his voice laced with suspicion.
“Not necessarily,” the cloaked figure rasped. “I was merely curious. How did you manage to locate the Azure Water Dragon?”
Lu Yu eyed him and replied. “That’s none of your concern. What difference does it make if you know?”
“Indeed, your success is your own,” the figure conceded. “However, I do have something that might interest you.”
“What is it?” Lu Yu pressed, his curiosity piqued despite himself.
“The key you just received,” the man said cryptically.
Lu Yu’s eyes narrowed. “Key? Are you implying you know where it leads?”
“Precisely,” the figure confirmed. “But revealing that information wouldn’t be in my best interest. The Xu family wouldn’t hesitate to cut me out if they knew.”
“We, on the other hand,” he continued, his voice taking on a conspiratorial tone, “are both outsiders. You’ve just arrived in the Ten Thousand Dragon Country, and I have no affiliations here. We could form a partnership.”
Lu Yu’s skepticism remained. “Why should I trust you?”
“Because what I say is true,” the man insisted earnestly. “Join me, and I’ll not only reveal the secret treasure’s location, but also disclose the secrets about dragons it holds. After all, that’s likely why you ventured to the Ten Thousand
Dragon Country, isn’t it?”
Lu Yu considered the proposition for a moment, a slow nod escaping his lips. “Very well, we can work together. Tell me, where is this place?”
A glint of triumph flickered in the figure’s eyes. “Of course I’ll tell you, but first, we need to agree on a split. Everything we find inside will be divided equally, fifty-fifty.”
Lu Yu’s lips curled into a smirk. “So, for simply leading the way, you expect half of everything? Don’t you think that’s a bit much? I wouldn’t consider you a freeloader, but fighting is part of the deal, right?” Lu Yu shook his head. “No, let’s split it 70-30.”
“Seventy percent for me? That generous, huh?”
“No, you’re getting thirty percent; what are you thinking about?”
Faced with Lu Yu’s unwavering gaze, the figure crumbled. “Fine, fine! 30-70 it
A satisfied smile spread across Lu Yu’s face. “That’s more reasonable. However, it’s getting late. Let’s head back and rest. We can meet tomorrow. I’m staying in the villa area downtown. Come wait for me at the entrance at nine sharp.”
“Alright… I’ll be there. Don’t be late.”
Lu Yu clapped him on the shoulder reassuringly. “Don’t worry, I won’t be.” As Lu Yu turned to leave, the man’s facade crumbled. His eyes turned cold and calculating.
“30-70…” he muttered through gritted teeth. “Don’t think I’ve forgotten your arrogance. You’ll regret this!”
Lu Yu continued down the street, his thoughts drifting towards the villa area.
“Lu Yu,” Hu Zhan spoke up, his voice laced with concern, “can we trust this guy? Something about him seems off. I don’t know if he’s being entirely truthful.’
Lu Yu offered a nonchalant shrug. “If he’s lying, he’ll face the consequences. If he’s not, then sharing some of the spoils won’t hurt. The real mystery is what lies hidden within that secret treasure.”
“Exactly,” Hu Zhan chimed in. “The Xu family spent three years searching for it, and now, thanks to a random stranger, we suddenly know its location. It all feels a bit strange, wouldn’t you say?”
Lu Yu’s brow furrowed slightly. “Strange? Maybe. Perhaps the Xu family simply didn’t want to share the profits. They’d probably offer some meager compensation at best.”
Hu Zhan frowned. “If that’s the case, then wouldn’t this cloaked figure have approached them first? Maybe negotiations fell through, and that’s why Xu
Lingyun gave you the key. It could all be part of their plan.”
When Lu Yu heard this, he could not help but frown. “What you said is not completely unreasonable..”
