Dragon Clan: Starting with the Azure Dragon Fruit

Seeing that Lin Yuan was unmoved by reason, Angers had no choice but to skip the pleasantries.

"First of all, congratulations on killing a sub-genus, and a sub-genus with a complete dragon body."

"This is an unprecedented achievement in the entire history of the Secret Service. I won't go into all the various types of bonuses and subsidies, but in short, your account balance should multiply several times in the next few days."

Lin Yuan nodded. Once wealth accumulates to a certain amount, it becomes nothing more than a string of meaningless numbers.

Moreover, whether it's tens of millions or hundreds of millions of US dollars, it all seems insignificant compared to that complete second-generation dragon body.

His tough stance towards Sergei was merely an opportunity to give the Secret Service leadership a warning, letting those accustomed to their superiority among mixed-race families understand that the so-called rules don't apply here.

Anyone who dared to reach out would have their hands chopped off.

Seeing that Lin Yuan was very calm, Angers knew that the money was not of much significance to him, so he continued, "Because this second generation of the species was entirely fought by you personally, the ownership of the entire dragon body belongs to you. If you are willing to sell some of the materials later, the Secret Party will offer you a purchase price that satisfies you. You can rest assured that I will personally oversee this transaction and ensure that no one will dare to take advantage of you."

Lin Yuan was satisfied with the arrangement; it seemed that the board members behind Kassel College weren't fools after all.

"With the principal personally overseeing things, I'm naturally at ease. You can arrange these matters as you see fit." Lin Yuan's tone was casual. To him, the greatest value of this second-generation creature was simply to feed the Azure Dragon Fruit.

Seeing that Lin Yuan was so easy to talk to, Angers took the opportunity to move on to the next topic.

"Of course, what I'm discussing with you is only the most superficial wealth of this ancient creature; its true value lies in the spiritual elements it contains."

"Spiritual elements? That sounds rather abstract and unrealistic," Lin Yuan said, puzzled.

"That is the immense spiritual power accumulated by pure-blooded dragons over countless years. These spiritual elements can be used to initiate a ritual known as the 'Path to Godhood.' The spiritual elements left behind by this second-generation species are abundant, just enough to provide three 'Path to Godhood' slots."

Lin Yuan recalled that when they were at sea, Shude Mai had mentioned that the corpse of this sub-species could serve as a stepping stone on his path to godhood.

She didn't know the specifics of the principle, only that Angers, that old fox, would tell her.

It seems that this was Angers' main reason for calling him over.

"Principal, could you first explain what the 'Path to Godhood' is?"

Instead of answering him directly, Angers asked in return, "You should have already found the secret of 'Bloodlust' in the Lionheart's library, right?"

This reminder brought Lin Yuan back to the fact that the official name of the Bloodlust Manual was 'Path to Godhood'.

"Could the so-called path to godhood be just an advanced version of the Bloodlust technique?" Lin Yuan immediately lost interest. If that were the case, it would be nothing more than a useless skill for him now.

“Yes, but there are differences.” Angers noticed Lin Yuan’s lack of interest and patiently explained.

"Bloodlust is mostly used to fight for one's life in critical moments. Once a hybrid uses it, it's like stepping into an abyss, constantly teetering on the edge of bloodline collapse, and eventually falling into the form of a Deadpool. But the true path to godhood is different; it is more complete and safer and more controllable."

He continued, “Before humans possessed modern technology, it was almost impossible for hybrids to defeat pure-blooded dragons. But war with dragons was unavoidable, so countless alchemists worked tirelessly and finally figured out a way to create ‘super hybrids’.”

"This method requires a complete dragon body. Alchemists will extract high-purity spiritual elements from it, and then combine them with alchemical arrays and the Philosopher's Stone. This energy can improve the purity of the test subject's bloodline and help them break through the 'critical bloodline limit.' During the experiment, the alchemical arrays and the Philosopher's Stone will restrain the violent will in the dragon blood, allowing the test subject to maintain human consciousness while their bloodline leaps."

"It still sounds like there's a lot of risk involved."

"Yes, many experimenters in history lost consciousness and became Deadpools during their breakthroughs, but those who survived all possessed bloodlines that exceeded the S-class limit. The Secret Party relies on this technology to continuously create super hybrids in order to fight against those awakened dragons."

Lin Yuan digested the information that Angers had shared.

"So, before me, there were already such super hybrids within the Secret Society?"

“But this is a top secret of the Secret Party, and very few people know about it,” Angers readily admitted.

Lin Yuan couldn't help but wonder, "Where did all the previous super hybrids go? Why do people always say that I'm the only S-rank student at Kassel College in the past ten years?"

Angers fell into a brief silence, then shook his head after a moment: "These things are too complicated; you'll find out gradually in the future."

Lin Yuan didn't press the matter further, but instead asked the question that concerned him most: "According to what you just said, Principal, to extract that spiritual element, is it necessary to dismember this second-generation species?"

Upon hearing this, Angers put down his teacup and scrutinized Lin Yuan's expression, as if trying to decipher the meaning behind his question.

After all, Lin Yuan had asked the Peruvian Party to overturn the verdict after killing that third-generation creature in Germany, which put Angers under immense pressure to revise the Peruvian Party's internal historical archives.

At this moment, upon hearing Lin Yuan's immediate concern about whether the dragon corpse would be dismembered, the old principal felt a growing sense of worry.

“Although I am not entirely clear on the specific details of your encounter in Egypt…” Angers carefully chose his words.

"But you wouldn't happen to have developed some kind of sympathy for this pure-blooded dragon, would you?"

He was somewhat worried that Lin Yuan might be developing unnecessary sympathy for the dragon race again.

Chapter 120 Even the donkeys in the production team weren't treated like this.

This time, Angers really misunderstood Lin Yuan. How could he possibly have any sympathy for the white dragon that almost killed Nono?

The reason he asked this question was simply because Mai Shude had reminded him that the spine of this sub-species could be used to forge top-tier weapons.

If the extraction of spiritual elements involves a lot of chopping and sawing, affecting the subsequent weapon forging, then he would rather not embark on any path to godhood.

However, he also guessed why Angers was so nervous. In order to dispel the old man's concerns, Lin Yuan took the initiative to explain: "Principal, there is no need to be so nervous. I am just a country bumpkin who does not know much about the history of dragons and hybrids. Because I do not know the history, I cannot say that I have a strong sense of mission for the war between the two sides, but I do not dislike your dragon slaying. After all, the war with the dragons is for the continuation of mankind."

As he spoke, he picked up a cookie from the table, took a bite, and gave Angers some time to digest it.

"The reason I asked this is because I want to forge a weapon using a dragon's body, and I'm worried that you might damage the material when you extract the spiritual elements."

Hearing this explanation, Angers finally felt relieved and smiled with relief as he looked at Lin Yuan.

As long as this terrifyingly powerful S-class individual continues to target the dragon race and is not swayed by unnecessary sympathy, that's enough.

"Don't worry, there's a precise alchemical process for extracting spiritual elements that can be done without harming the dragon's body."

"Speaking of which, what kind of weapon do you need to forge? Don't you have any weapons in the Equipment Department's collection that meet your standards?" Angers pressed on.

Occasionally, I think of what Mai Shude said. The sharpest part is still undetermined, and I don't know what kind of weapon to forge yet. My initial idea is that it should be a long enough spear or a large sword.

"I haven't thought about it yet. We'll decide on a specific plan later," Lin Yuan said, changing the subject.

"By the way, may I now meet with the alchemy master at the school? I'd like to discuss some specific requirements regarding the equipment directly with him."

“Of course.” Angers nodded.

After afternoon tea, I can...

"How about now?" Lin Yuan said, getting up.

Angers smiled wryly and gestured for him to sit back down: "Why are you always in such a hurry to end our afternoon tea? Is sitting with me such an ordeal?"

Lin Yuan put down the cookie and said seriously, "It's not that it's hard to bear, it's just that you, Principal, are too much like an NPC who gives out quests in a game. I'm afraid that if I sit here for too long, something else will happen. I've been in school for two or three months now, and I haven't spent much time properly on campus."

Upon hearing this novel metaphor, Angers looked embarrassed and fell silent.

Lin Yuan's heart skipped a beat when he saw his expression.

"Hiss... No way, there's really something else?"

"You were right, and it wasn't just one thing."

Lin Yuan, with an "I knew it" expression, calmly sat down and waited for Angers to issue the "task".

“It’s not all about tasks. For example, what we’re about to discuss is actually a sure-fire deal for you.” Angers tried to reassure Lin Yuan, deciding to start with what was most beneficial to him.

"Regarding the 'Path to Godhood' slots, as I mentioned before, this second-generation species possesses enough spiritual energy to initiate three rituals. The Gattuso family has already expressed a strong desire to purchase one of these slots from you through the school board."

The Gattuso family?

After he eliminated the Sackler family's stronghold in Chicago, the Gattuso family even sent men to ambush him on his way to Germany. He hadn't even settled that score yet, and now they actually wanted to buy his spoils of war.

"What price are they prepared to pay?" Lin Yuan asked calmly.

"There are almost no restrictions. As long as you make a request, the Gattuso family is willing to pay for it within their capabilities."

"That's incredible? Is the 'Path to Godhood' so powerful that it's explosive?" Lin Yuan was somewhat surprised.

He didn't really care much about the "Path to Godhood," since Angers had made it very clear that the essence of this ritual was to strengthen the dragon bloodline within him, and that his strength enhancement mainly relied on slaying dragons to advance the awakening of the Azure Dragon Fruit.

Although he did gain a few new Words of Power after killing the next generation, none of them were as handy as the King's Power. Therefore, refining his bloodline and breaking through his blood limit were just scratching the surface for him.

Unexpectedly, the Gattuso family valued this spot so much.

“The ‘Path to Godhood’ was effective, but not to the point that they went to such lengths,” Angers explained.

"The reason those old guys value this spot so much is all because of Caesar."

"Didn't Caesar have a bad relationship with his family? Why is the Gattuso family willing to pay such a high price for him?" Lin Yuan remembered that Fingel had said that Caesar and his family were not on good terms, and that if he were to take action against his family, they might even come to his aid.

“Ancient families like the Gattuso family, which have lasted for thousands of years, do not care about the personal will of their heirs. In their eyes, Caesar is the continuation of the family’s future glory, and they are willing to pay any price to push him to the pinnacle of hybrid races.”

Looking at the slightly confused expression on Lin Yuan's face, Angers couldn't help but sigh. He found that this monster, who could single-handedly deal with the next generation of monsters, still had the clarity of a college student when it came to the power dynamics of the ancient families.

The old principal secretly decided that he would find an opportunity to teach him more about this in the future, so that he wouldn't suffer in the vortex of power despite having top-notch martial arts skills.

Lin Yuan still found it strange: "That doesn't make sense either. Since it's a transaction, they don't need to be so eager right away. This doesn't seem like how negotiations should be."

"It's no wonder they're impatient. The 'Path to Godhood' hasn't been opened for far too long, because the threshold for this ritual is to possess a dragon body of at least a second-generation species. You know, the Secret Society hasn't been able to hunt a second-generation species for more than half a century. If they miss this chance, no one knows how many more years they'll have to wait."

"I understand. What if I refuse? Will they become angry and retaliate against me?"

While Lin Yuan was asking Angers aloud, he was actually thinking that it would be best if Angers could take revenge on him, so that he would have a legitimate reason to lash out.

Once he makes a move, getting whatever he wants is a piece of cake. He doesn't believe there are any hybrids who can threaten him now. Even with modern weapons, apart from nuclear bombs, most conventional forces, enhanced by Armament Haki and the Azure Dragon Fruit, probably can't cause him any real harm.

Angers observed Lin Yuan's thoughtful expression and assumed he still had some reservations.

"Are you worried that if you sell the spots to them, Caesar's bloodline will undergo a qualitative change after he completes the 'Path to Godhood,' threatening your position?"

The old headmaster smiled and waved his hand, his tone resolute: "You can rest assured about that. Even if Caesar reshapes his bloodline and becomes a super hybrid, he is still far inferior to you. Even the strongest super hybrid in the history of the Secret Society would never have the strength to kill a second-generation species with a dragon body."

Lin Yuan was both amused and exasperated when he heard Angers think that he was worried that Caesar would surpass him.

But he didn't want to explain his "confiscating plan," so he simply waved his hand and said, "It has nothing to do with Caesar. That guy is a pretty nice guy. I just don't like the Gattuso family. The Sackler family, who conducted human experiments in Chicago, were their white gloves in North America, weren't they?"

Angers was surprised that Lin Yuan knew even about this relationship. After weighing the options for a moment, he still tried to persuade him: "I've already warned them about the Chicago matter, and the Elders have paid the price for it, so I still suggest taking on this deal. It's not just about money."

“The Gattuso family has a long history and almost monopolizes all the alchemical resources in Europe. Even the ‘Path to Godhood’ ritual requires them to provide materials. If you refuse them, I have reason to believe that they will also refuse to provide the materials required for the ritual.”

"After all, they only need one spot, and you can choose one of the remaining two besides yourself, such as your girlfriend, Nuonuo, who would be a good choice."

Angers' last words touched Lin Yuan. Yes, Nono needs stronger strength to protect herself, Fingel wants to return to his peak to avenge his friends, and even Chu Zihang is burdened with the destiny of revenge.

Even though I can't use it myself, it's great to share this power with those around me.

Although there are only three spots available now, there will be plenty of opportunities to kill more pure-blooded dragons in the future, so there's no need to worry about not having enough.

"Alright, I agree to give up one spot. As for the price, Principal, you can ask for as much as you want."

Angers laughed heartily: "Of course. In fact, you can talk to them yourself about this matter of extortion."

"What do you mean? The Gattuso family has sent people to Kassel?"

"No, they wouldn't be so polite. This brings me to another matter I want to discuss with you: would you like to go on a business trip to Europe?"

Before Lin Yuan could refuse, Angers immediately added, "It's just a business trip, there are no extra tasks, and it'll be quick to go back and forth."

"Why do I have to go on a business trip? The Gattuso family is too proud to come, but do you think I don't have any pride?" Lin Yuan was naturally unwilling to go. He was a student and didn't spend much time at school throughout the year.

When I first came to Kassel, I thought it would be like Hogwarts, where I could peacefully take magic classes in the castle. Now it seems like a major specialization in spellcasting. There's no chance to have a proper class all year round. They treat students like unscrupulous laborers, sending them on missions all over the world.

"It has nothing to do with the Gattuso family. Your resolution of the 'Duat Dream' curse not only saved a large number of hybrids, but also saved school board member Elizabeth Laurent. As a powerful school board member of Kassel College, she wants to thank you in person and even intends to recommend you to become one of the school's board members."

Angers' gaze was intense: "If you really become one of the school board members, many things will become much easier. I know you're incredibly strong, but those problems that can't be solved with fists will be easily solved once you become a school board member."

Lin Yuan had little interest in the so-called power games. In his view, all problems that couldn't be solved with fists were simply because the fists weren't big enough or hard enough.

As long as you are strong enough, those petty scheming people are not worth your time. When everyone's life and death are in your hands, who would dare to play dirty tricks?

"In any case, I hope you can go to Europe. By the way, didn't you want to take advantage of the Gattuso family? If we talk face to face, I believe the price they pay will be much higher than if we talk across the Atlantic."

"Okay, I agree to go. When do we leave?" Seeing Angers' earnest persuasion, Lin Yuan finally agreed. Anyway, the trip probably wouldn't take too long, so he would treat it as a business trip.

"How about we tentatively schedule it for next Monday?" Angers asked Lin Yuan for his opinion.

Lin Yuan hummed in agreement, picked up the cup of cooled black tea, and drank it all in one gulp.

He was quite exhausted from today's afternoon tea.

Angers crammed a bunch of things to do into his schedule without giving him a chance to explain, so much so that Lin Yuan forgot to ask about the alchemist.

He stood up, ready to take his leave.

Angers' voice came from across the desk: "Don't rush off."

Lin Yuan couldn't hold back any longer: "Principal, you're assigning tasks at a really high density. Even the donkeys in the production team aren't used like this. If it's not something urgent, can we save it for next time over tea?"

“What I’m about to say is far more important than everything we’ve discussed before combined,” Angers said seriously.

“Chen Motong previously reported to me that you saw a mural in the underground palace of Saqqara, which depicts the White King leaving behind a cocoon waiting to be revived deep in the Japan Trench.”

“This information is far too important. Even though I believe Chen Motong’s memory is accurate, it concerns the White King, so I must confirm it with you again.”