The Offering

Why had this Devil Master sought me out of all the Ancient Gods?

Ink Dragon High God felt bitter.

There were several Ancient Gods stationed at the Heavenly Palace. For instance, Duke Fude, who had tallied the Meritorious Deeds earlier, was also soaring into the air now that the Devil Master had attacked.

Yet this giant Devil Master had ignored everyone else and chosen to go after him!

Looks like I shouldn't stick my neck out anymore... But does he think one punch will defeat me?

Ink Dragon roared. Light shimmered across the Dragon Horn atop his head, and the scales covering his body blazed with dazzling color. He transformed completely into a half-dragon man.

After all, he was an Ancient God too, and his rank was equal to the Devil Master's!

"Dragon Fist!"

As Ink Dragon Ancient God's booming voice rang out, the enormous shadow of a black dragon appeared behind him. It suddenly soared into the heavens, with its Dragon Horn—the center of its head—formed by his fist.

Boom!

The void trembled as the shadow of Ink Dragon and the giant's fist smashed into each other. The shockwaves they unleashed reduced the surrounding Gold Jade Palaces to dust in an instant.

"S-so strong!"

Amid the deafening impact, Ink Dragon was sent flying like a cannonball. He crashed into the ground, kicking up a deep crater as sharp cracks and pops rang out from his body.

Even though his true form belonged to the Dragon race, he had still suffered a terrible blow before the giant's Chaos power. Blood seeped from countless fine cracks between his scales.

It was Dragon blood, carrying a faint fragrance like sweet osmanthus.

And this blood came from an Ancient God Dragon. If it had been spilled anywhere else, even a single drop would