Cthulhu Gonfalon

Chapter 817: Vol V Chapter 177

Sui Xiong had not meant to put his words across in such a standoffish manner. His original plan was to find the Dragon of Chaos to eat, drink and make merry. Then when everyone had dined and wined to satiety, he would broach the topic of borrowing that treasure for a couple of days.

Since ancient times, Oriental culture had advocated the practice of doing business at the dining table. When people were satisfied with good food and drink to their hearts’ content, they would naturally be in a better mood. And when they were in a good mood, they would be more humane when conducting business. This was good for all.

When people were in a good mood, issues that were originally not easy to discuss might probably become easier topics for discussion. Those who originally wanted all interests to be made exclusive to them might probably be more willing to give up some. This was not only the unique business culture and social culture of Orientalism; it was also an extension of food culture in the east.

Void City was the largest City of Gastronomy on the Main Plane. It was also an important commercial town. Every day, there would be many business dealings that were done here. Among which, many would be carried out in entertainment places—according to the statistics, the most common venues for business dealings were at dining places, bath houses and some places where minors were prohibited from entering.

Sui Xiong was not very involved in doing business, but he knew the theories and had the data. So he felt that his method should be feasible.

But plans were always a step behind changes. When he arrived, he did not see the Dragon of Chaos. Instead, he met with the remnant of the Master of Chaos.

This frail old man who was so painfully exhausted that he seemed to already be breathing his last and might die at any moment. In the face of such an old man, Sui Xiong could not help finding him so pitiful that it was so difficult for him to speak of his desire to borrow the treasure.

More importantly, he understood the intention of the Dragon of Chaos.

Though not openly stated, the Dragon of Chaos had expressed its stand through action. That treasure was not only a treasure to him, but it was also a necessity for life. Losing this treasure might possibly mean it would lose its life as well

So, who was after his life?

Sui Xiong did not need to think much to make a guess. Of course, it was “Chaos.”

That terrifying magic beast that had practically conquered the “chaos” and “evil” of this world would definitely be unable to forget the Dragon of Chaos—the last remnant of the Master of Chaos was utterly destroyed. Perhaps after he was thoroughly devoured and digested, “Chaos” could find a balance between its two powers, “evil” and “chaos” to restore its health and rationality.

Even if it could not restore its rationality, at least it could become stronger.

Just the reason for wanting to become “even stronger” alone, the magic beast would never let go of the Dragon of Chaos. Under such a circ.u.mstance, other than this nest that it had long been managing, the Dragon of Chaos could only rely on help from the Master of Order, as well as that treasure that was left by the G.o.d of Virtue.

Although everyone knew that the most important of the three sources was the help from the Master of Order, the other two were also just as important. On a scale of 100 points, perhaps just the “help from the Master of Order” might be worth 90 points. However, this was no common quiz. It was a compet.i.tion that was more brutal and intense as compared to a college entrance examination. Even 99 points was no guarantee. It had to be a full score of 100 points.

Besides… the total score for this paper was 150. But the total of all his three cards put together was barely 100.

Under such circ.u.mstances, would the Dragon of Chaos possibly want to lend that treasure to someone else?

Even though Sui Xiong would not be borrowing it for a long time, there was always a possibility that during this period where the treasure was on loan, “Chaos” might charge its way over…

It only took Sui Xiong a moment of deliberation to grasp an understanding of these things.

But in the end, he still had to bring up the matter of borrowing that treasure.

The moment these words were spoken, there was a sudden change to the atmosphere.

The hall that originally resembled a state of ruins began to shake violently. In the midst of it, there was a flow of countless lights and shadows. The fallen seats collapsed and shattered into crumbles, while the skeletons became light spots. Then all these debris and light spots were recombined, like magic, to form a barren gray piece of earth.

On this barren gray earth, there was no longer that dispirited man with his stooping body. In place, there was a huge but slender three-headed dragon sprawled on the ground before Sui Xiong.

The scales on this dragon’s body were messy. They were in different colors and shapes and were changing from time to time. At this moment, they might be squarish red scales, but the next instant, they might have changed to round blue scales. There was no regularity at all. Its neck was split into three and the three heads which were somewhat similar in appearance, were also constantly changing. The position and size of its horns, the distribution of its scales, the presence and absence of dragon beard, the shape of its teeth… including all the expressions on its face that were constantly changing. Its emotions like joy, anger, sorrow and happiness were like a revolving scenic lantern, ever-changing without stopping.

Standing in front of it, Sui Xiong could clearly feel its “chaos” disposition. However, it was not intentional. It was just a force that naturally emanated from it. Just like how fire would naturally radiate light and heat, and how ice would naturally radiate cold; it was purely a natural phenomenon.

But even if it was only a force that it was naturally giving off, it could already make Sui Xiong feel quite a strong pressure. If Sui Xiong had not been powerful enough himself, being in close contact with such a powerful chaotic force would most likely make him feel as though he was being crushed by a huge boulder. Trying to move would have been extremely difficult.

“Seems like you’re recovering well,” it said. Sui Xiong smiled and changed himself back into a jellyfish. But he did not become a huge one. He was the size of an ordinary human’s head, just like how he would be when he was traveling in the world of humans.

The huge, three-headed dragon and the small, green jellyfish were in stark contrast to each other. In terms of size, the Dragon of Chaos was much larger than Sui Xiong. It could blow Sui Xiong to the ends of the earth. But in fact, the Dragon of Chaos was clear that it had no absolute advantage.

From Sui Xiong’s disposition, it was apparent that now, he did not fear the Dragon of Chaos.

“You’ve become strong,” said the Dragon of Chaos after a moment of silence. Then it went on to say, “Not only stronger in power, but also mentally stronger. If you had been the same person as you were back then, you will definitely not have made this request.”

“I know I’m imposing a tough request on you, but are you interested in listening to my suggestion?” Sui Xiong said with a smile.

The Dragon of Chaos nodded gently and said, “Now, even if I don’t wish to hear what you have to say, I don’t think I have a choice. If I fight you here, I don’t think I’ll lose, but the damages caused will be much greater than what I can bear.”

Yes, even though Sui Xiong had become very strong, the Dragon of Chaos did not think that he would lose. But what was the point in winning against Sui Xiong? If one battle here would incur such a great cost, it would severely reduce his chance of winning when confronting “Chaos.” Besides, its chances of winning were slim to start with. If this nest that it had put in great efforts to build and manage was destroyed, the situation would worsen.

So it had no choice but to try its best in discussing this with Sui Xiong.

“My strength has pretty much reached a… probably you can say, a bottleneck,” Sui Xiong said. “I want to further improve, which I guess I am still able to improve a lot. But I can already see the end of the road ahead of me. So I want to find another road where I can go even further and break through the boundaries ahead.”

“I can’t help you in this regard,” said the Dragon of Chaos.

Sui Xiong smiled again and said, “The most reliable way to break through my limit is, undoubtedly, to step into the realm of a greater Divine Power. But exactly what is a greater Divine Power? How do I step into the realm of a greater Divine Power? If I step up to a greater Divine Power, what path will suit me best? All these questions need to be answered. After thinking through these over and over again, I realized I have to come and consult you.”

“Of course, I am able to help if it’s just answering some questions. But what do you want with that treasure?”

“Just to study and research a little, that’s all,” Sui Xiong said. “What you can teach me, is only the knowledge with regard to ‘Chaos.’ But from that treasure, perhaps I can find the knowledge with regard to ‘Goodness.’”

“Could it be that you also have the intention of looking for more knowledge on ‘Order’ and ‘Evil’ as well?” asked the Dragon of Chaos with a sneer.

“No. If we are talking in terms of camp, chaos and goodness suit me well,” Sui Xiong said. Then he smiled again and added, “I don’t think evil and order are suitable for me.”

“So, you are going to take me down for sure?” asked the Dragon of Chaos in a low voice.

“No, I just want to discuss with you,” Sui Xiong said. “I’ll learn from you for a period of time, then I’ll borrow that treasure to study if for a period of time. In return, I can help you deal with ‘Chaos.’”

The Dragon of Chaos laughed loudly. His laughter sounded just like thunder that shook the entire barren gray earth.

“You want to help me deal with it? Do you know how strong it is? Just facing it upfront is enough to cause fatal injury to a great Divine Power. You’re not even qualified to stand by the side to give moral support in a battle between myself and Chaos!”

Sui Xiong also laughed out loud. And this made the Dragon of Chaos a little shocked, a little surprised and a little lost.

After laughing, Sui Xiong transformed into a huge green jellyfish that was as big as the Dragon of Chaos.

“No, I can help you!” Sui Xiong said. His tone was gentle and mild, but his breath became a gale that swept across the gray wilderness. And he said, “Other than the Master of Order, I am the only one who can help you.”

“Why?”

“Because I’m not afraid of its erosion!”