Chapter 69

Yuan Chen also received a portion, but according to the previous agreement, he was to send some to Nedeli later. What surprised Yuan Chen most was the Meat-toothed Beast—

Mordas also decided to present some of the dragon materials as a gift to the King Yuen.

Seeing Mordas approaching after finishing the division of the game, Yuan Chen raised his chin and asked bluntly, "I heard you're sending some of the prey to King Yuen?"

"Well, after all, this is the land where we accomplished our great feat of Dragon Hunt." Mordas wiped the sweat from his face, his tall frame looking somewhat tired.

Dissecting a dragon is a very laborious task. Although magic can be used, dragons retain their magic resistance even after death—especially a fresh dragon carcass that has been dead for less than fourteen days.

The reason it is considered novel is that the magic power of its original form had not yet dissipated at this point in time—or rather, it was precisely because King Yuen and the others could sense the remaining biological magic power within the dragon's corpse that they were able to confirm that Yuan Chen and the others had indeed killed a giant dragon.

It wasn't some accidental discovery of a corpse...

That makes sense, it's not like it's outside a bar, and besides, it's a giant dragon.

The dragon's original magic power hasn't dissipated, so at least 90% of its original value can be guaranteed. However, this also means that the efficiency of magic segmentation will be greatly reduced, because the dragon's magic resistance will still remain.

In this state, the dragon's consciousness is dead, its muscles are relaxed, making it easier to cut it apart with melee weapons—though it would require more effort.

The Meat-toothed Beast was a master of dismemberment, but dealing with a dragon, even just finishing his assigned part, left Mordas utterly exhausted.

Even so, a burning light still shone in Mordas's eyes.

"Besides, I need to have a backup plan, right? Otherwise, I might get crushed by those old geezers in the tribe and have nowhere to hide."

Upon hearing this, Yuan Chen nodded in understanding—it was clear that Mordas was already considering his options if his counterattack against the tribal elders failed.

Well, no matter how you look at it, this is a win-win deal for Mordas and Ixialia —if the former fails, they have a way out; if they win, the newly formed Carnivore Beast Tribe gains another ally. The latter is also happy to befriend a Dragon Slayer, a one who has bathed in the Dragon Heart.

But seeing how well Mordas had considered so many things, Yuan Chen still shook his head with some emotion:

"Wow, you've grown up."

"I'm older than you, aren't I?"

Hearing Yuan Chen's remark, Mordas rolled his eyes and, after a moment of silence, said, "We're planning to leave in a while."

Mordas's words also silenced Yuan Chen, and even made the originally relaxed atmosphere somewhat heavy— Yuan Chen and Mordas both knew very well what the departure of the Fleshfang Hunter represented.

Not all regional changes can be achieved through debate and speeches like those in Ixialia. Ixialia was able to carry out such changes because while they were isolated from the world, they did not cease their self-reflection.

In other words, this method of change is unique to Runeterra throughout Ixialia.

Nowhere else, not even Ionia... because the existence of Ionia is limited by the Spirit of Ionia itself. Without external forces, people would not attempt to disrupt their affluent, peaceful, and stable lives to try and bring about so-called change.

The Carnivore Beast Tribe... just from the name, you know it's a place where Riot Games do the talking.

"Where is your tribe?"

"The northern coast of Shurima."

Mordas stated decisively, "We plan to start from the Parosa Ruins and head towards the Kumungu Mountains. Then, by simply following the mountain range, we can quickly reach the central part of Shurima via the Karduna Pass."

Upon hearing this, Yuan Chen pondered briefly before replying, "My next route will head west towards Ixialia. If all goes well, we should meet again."

"Ha! That would be perfect!"

Hearing Yuan Chen's words, Mordas laughed and patted Yuan Chen on the shoulder, saying, "Don't forget to come find me then. I'll welcome you with the most sumptuous feast! Of course, that's assuming we succeed."

"If we fail... well, we should meet in Ixialia."

It will succeed.

"Um."

After a brief conversation and regaining his strength, Mordas resumed his work of dividing the spoils. Yuan Chen, without waiting any longer, took the divided loot to Qiyana's palace.

"The dragon's teeth."

Qiyana squinted at the teeth, a hint of curiosity in her eyes—even for a crown princess like Qiyana, or even for King Yuen, dragon material was an invaluable treasure.

Moreover, it was a fresh dragon carcass that had died within the last fourteen days.

"What are you planning to do with these?" Qiyana picked up a Dragon Tooth. Although it wasn't the most outstanding among the teeth, it was still an astonishing forty centimeters long. It was pure white and shimmered with a tough light, making it extraordinary just by looking at it.

"Find me a few craftsmen to forge it into the shape of a blade."

Yuan Chen took out the only remaining Flawless Heavy Blade from his backpack and sighed:

"My weapons were completely destroyed during the Dragon Hunt, and the craftsmen in the village could only diminish the value of the Dragon Tooth. Now that the Elemental Festival is over, I can finally upgrade my equipment."

"Tch, just some equipment. You can tell me if you want it."

Qiyana glanced at Yuan Chen and said seemingly nonchalantly, "I can give you anything you want."

"Flying Dagger, leather armor, backpack... well, that should be all for now."

Ignoring Qiyana's seemingly pointed remark, Yuan Chen stated bluntly, "With materials like these, and the craftsmanship of the artisans at the Yishuaoken Palace, the final product shouldn't be of low quality, right?"

"You can rest assured about that." Hearing Yuan Chen's words, Qiyana wasn't angry, but replied:

"Such top-quality materials don't need my instructions; the master craftsmen will forge them with all their might—for a craftsman, being able to work with dragon materials is a lifelong honor."

"And forging a weapon for a Dragon Slayer is an achievement worthy of being recorded in history. Don't you agree, my Dragon Slayer teacher?"

As she spoke, Qiyana squinted and stared at Yuan Chen, looking him up and down.

"Speaking of which... what was with that aura you exuded during your speech? I could feel my magical energy being blocked because of it."

"Dragon Blood Enhancement," Yuan Chen said calmly, looking at Qiyana.

"But it's not ordinary Dragon Blood Enhancement; it's an ability I gained by bathing in the Dragon Heart Blood Dragon Heart I pierced it. Mordas has it too."

Hearing Yuan Chen's words, Qiyana sat back down in her seat, somewhat discouraged.

Seeing this, Yuan Chen teased, "What's wrong? Feeling a little uncomfortable with my sudden assertiveness?"

"... maybe a little."

Upon hearing Yuan Chen's words, Qiyana surprisingly didn't argue back this time...

No, it should be said that Qiyana rarely argues with Yuan Chen anymore. It's as if she's been assimilated; spending more time with Yuan Chen has gradually made Qiyana more open in her expressions.

However, up until now, it seems that this candid expression has only been directed at Yuan Chen.

"You don't seem like the domineering type to me... well, more like the kind of teacher people praise. Perhaps I should compliment you on being very considerate?"

"Thank you for the compliment!"

Seeing Yuan Chen's overbearing behavior, Qiyana raised an eyebrow in displeasure. But seeing the relaxation and smile on Yuan Chen's face, Qiyana inexplicably relaxed as well.

Even so, Qiyana still said unhappily, "I feel like you're getting more and more presumptuous towards me."

"It's because we've become familiar," Yuan Chen said. "We're no longer the strangers we were at the beginning... well, we should say we've become closer."

Upon hearing this, Qiyana was taken aback, then a smile appeared on her lips as she said:

"Ha, a good answer, Qiyana is very satisfied! You truly are my best subject!"

"Yes, he is your teacher," Yuan Chen corrected. "King Yuen has already acknowledged me as your teacher."

"I don't care, I want to be on top of you!"

About a month later, Mordas led the Meat-toothed Beast away from Ixialia along the mountain path. For this, King Yuen even took the initiative to suggest opening the barrier of the Veil Technique.

This was even beyond Yuan Chen's expectations. While the identity of the Dragon Slayer was astonishing, it was nothing compared to the millennia-old tradition of Ixialia...

Ultimately, however, Yuan Chen passively came to understand this matter— Ixialia is home to the largest number of Elemental Drake in Runeterra. Having lived alongside Elemental Drake for a long time, the Yixialian hold these creatures with terrifying power in awe.

Killing a dragon that invaded one's territory is enough to make one a hero in any country. Especially since this hero also presented the dragon to the royal family.

Even from the perspective of the national treasury, there is absolutely no problem with such etiquette.

Meanwhile, after more than half a month of processing and forging, Yuan Chen's new equipment also arrived.

"Thank me! I personally selected the finest ingredients for you from the royal treasury!" Walking in front, Qiyana was followed by palace guards pushing a cart displaying weapons to Yuan Chen's side.

"Tempered with the remaining Dragon Blood, these weapons are in no way inferior to my Oretal Ring Blade! Even against an Elemental Drake, they could easily shatter its armor!"

Hearing Qiyana's proud voice, Yuan Chen chuckled—anyone who didn't know better would think Qiyana had forged it.

However, Yuan Chen did not discourage Qiyana's enthusiasm. This was because the King Yuen was so precious that even the Crown Prince could not enter it at will, since the owner of the Royal Treasury was King Yuen himself.

In this case, besides precious weapons, armor, and tools, the royal treasury might also contain many special items representing Ixialia, such as the "key" that fully unlocks the Veil Technique.

Qiyana's entry this time is likely due to her outstanding performance in the Elemental Festival.

"Thank you for your trouble, Your Highness."