Coiling Dragon

by welyjesch

  “Overgod talisman?” A cry of surprise and delight. This voice came from the Sovereign of the Muja Continent.

  “The Overgods have issued another mission?”

  “What is the mission?”

  Multiple voices echoed out in succession.

  But of course, only Sovereigns were able to hear this. Even Linley and the others weren’t able to hear it.

  “Hmph. This news originated from that Emissary of Boson’s.” The Sovereign of Wind, Teresia, spoke out. The Four Higher Planes, including the Infernal Realm, were all far larger than the other Divine Planes, which was why many other Sovereigns lived here as well.

  The Infernal Realm wasn’t restricted to just the Sovereigns of Destruction.

  For example, there might be one or two Sovereigns of Wind, Earth, or Fire living here. And thus, the Sovereigns currently engaging in this discussion included those of other elements as well.

  “Everyone.” The Bloodridge Sovereign immediately spoke out. “I am very sorry. This news truly did originate from an Emissary under my control, ‘Molde’. Based on my investigations, he wanted to gain revenge after his most powerful divine clone was killed by a Paragon, and so he came up with this lie. Teresia and I have already looked into this. This indeed is nothing more than a joke.”

  “Who is the Paragon?” A clear voice echoed in each Sovereign’s mind.

  “His name is Linley, the Paragon of the Four Divine Beasts clan.” Teresia’s voice rang out.

  “Linley?” A soft, graceful voice rang out. This voice originated from the powerful figure who resided within the Amethyst Mountains. “Linley and I have a bit of a connection to each other. He has only been training for a few thousand years, but he is indeed a genius; he has already reached the level of Paragon.”

  “Paragon?”

  “He became a Paragon after just a few thousand years? Impossible!!!”

  “I also am aware of someone named Linley who has become a Paragon. I was watching during the final battle of the Planar Wars. He defeated Magnus. But, I had no idea that he had been training for just a few thousand years.”

  One voice after another rang out from locations spread throughout the vast Infernal Realm. The Sovereigns chatted amongst themselves, all of them quite stunned.

  After all, even most of the Sovereigns had yet to become Paragons. Most Sovereigns were powerful lifeforms that were formed by the natural world shortly after the universe was created. The reason they were able to become Sovereigns was a matter of luck and power; it had almost nothing to do with whether or not they were able to become Paragons.

  In their hearts, quite a few Sovereigns felt admiration for those who were able to become Paragons.

  After all, becoming a Paragon was completely related with one’s abilities, while becoming a Sovereign was more a matter of luck and fortune.

  “Linley just returned a short time ago from the Planar Wars. Perhaps he had a grudge against that person named Molde, and so he killed Molde’s most powerful divine clone. Molde didn’t have the power to get revenge, and so he came up with this idea.” This was the Redbud Sovereign’s judgment. “Linley spent only a few thousand years to become a Paragon, and the Overgod talismans are useless to him. I imagine that he wouldn’t be so stupid as to try and hide the Overgod talismans.”

  “True.” The Bloodridge Sovereign’s voice rang out. “Linley, before Teresia, swore an oath. Teresia, am I right?”

  Teresia’s voice didn’t immediately ring out in response. Only after some time did he reply, “Yes. Linley swore an oath by the Overgods that before I told him about this, he knew nothing at all regarding the Overgod talismans.”

  “I need to tell you one more thing, everyone.” The Bloodridge Sovereign concluded. “This news came on a sheet of ordinary paper, not an Overgod decree.”

  “No Overgod decree? Why are we even discussing this?”

  “Without an Overgod decree present, even if an Overgod talisman was placed in front of us, we probably wouldn’t be able to ascertain if it is an Overgod talisman or not. The natural world can give birth to some unique items as well.”

  Quite a few Sovereigns chatted about this, clearly believing this to be nothing more than a joke.

  Teresia’s voice rang out. “But this piece of paper did describe three items.”

  “Only the descriptions on an Overgod decree can be truly believed. Teresia…what, just based on your power, you want to get involved as well? Even if an Overgod truly issues a mission, given your strength, I imagine if you get involved, the end result will simply be that you will fall.” A deep voice echoed forth from the powerful figure located in the distant Karol Continent.

  Teresia fell silent.

  This was because the Sovereign who said that was far more powerful than him.

  “That Molde, he truly was daring.” This voice came from the Chaotic Sea. “However, for him to dare make such a claim means that while it may be true that he wanted to get revenge against Linley, even at the cost of his life…he might truly have received some information and might truly have seen the Overgod decree. Forget it. For now, let’s not pay attention to this matter. Only when the Overgod decree appears in the world will there be proof that the Overgods have truly issued a mission.”

  The Chief Sovereign of Destruction’s words were effective. As soon as his words came out, the other Sovereigns no longer said anything.

  Within the main hall of Linley’s estate. Linley just stood there to one side quietly. He knew that the Sovereigns were currently engaging in a conversation through divine sense.

  “They are scattered throughout the Infernal Realm, and yet able to instantly chat amongst each other with divine sense. Truly terrifying.” Linley sighed to himself.

  Suddenly…

  The Starmist Sovereign rose to his feet, and Linley hurriedly turned his attention towards him. The Starmist Sovereign glanced sideways at Linley, a rare hint of a smile on his face. “You become a Paragon after just a few thousand years? Linley…this is utterly inconceivable. Excellent, excellent.” After speaking, the Starmist Sovereign disappeared.

  Only now did Linley let out a sigh of relief.

  “How did he know that I became a ‘Paragon’ after a few thousand years?” Linley was puzzled.

  Very few people, even amongst the Four Divine Beasts clan, knew how long he had been training for. Only a few people he was on particularly good terms with, such as Reisgem, knew this.

  “Haha, a Paragon after only a few thousand years.” The Bloodridge Sovereign laughed as he looked at Linley. “This news came from the Redbud Sovereign. Linley, I imagine that within a short period of time, the Sovereigns of the various major planes will all know this. Alright, this affair of yours is now concluded. You don’t have to worry about more Sovereigns coming to search for you.”

  “Thank you, Sovereign.” Linley bowed as he spoke gratefully.

  Linley knew that the Bloodridge Sovereign was clearly standing on his side, and had most likely spoken out on his behalf as the other Sovereigns had discussed this. Without this Sovereign helping out, most likely, other Sovereigns would have come to make trouble for him long ago.

  “You can leave for now. There’s something I wish to discuss with Beirut.” The Bloodridge Sovereign said.

  “Yes.” Linley immediately retreated, leaving behind only Beirut and the Bloodridge Sovereign in the main hall.

  Book 20, The Crown’s Riddle – Chapter 19, Parchment

  Linley walked out of the main hall, then walked past the corridor to arrive at the empty grassy area.

  He took a deep breath, feeling the gentle wind blow against him. A smile appeared on Linley’s face, as though he had been released of a heavy burden. “Molde actually struck such a blow at me before dying. It really did cause endless problems. However, now that the various Sovereigns have discussed it, this matter should come to an end. Unless that third talisman appears, or the Overgod decree appears!”

  “Boss!” Bebe ran over, surprise
d and delighted.

  “Father.” Taylor, Sasha, and the others all walked over from far away as well.

  Linley looked at his family and friends. “No matter what, the Overgod talisman is something which will attract the interest of Sovereigns. Because of the news Molde spread, the Sovereigns have all come to make trouble for me. But they shouldn’t be so shameless as to go pressure my family.” Since ancient days to the present days, there had never been, as far as Linley was aware of, a case of a Sovereign going to go apply pressure to the family members of a Deity.

  “Boss, everything fine?” Bebe walked before Linley.

  “Bebe, look at Third Bro’s face. You should know just looking at him.” Yale laughed.

  “Where is my Grandpa Beirut? He’s in the main hall by himself?” Bebe said, confused.

  “He’s discussing something secret with the Bloodridge Sovereign.” Linley said.

  Bebe and Yale were all shocked. Bebe said, “The Bloodridge Sovereign came as well?” Nobody else had seen the Bloodridge Sovereign arrive, because the Bloodridge Sovereign had directly created an energy clone within the main hall. Thus, the people outside had no idea.

  “Your Grandpa Beirut is coming.” Linley laughed as he spoke to Bebe. Beirut was currently walking out of the main hall, a smile on his face.

  After coming out, Beirut locked his gaze upon Linley, then walked over.

  “Grandpa.” Bebe went to welcome him.

  Beirut laughed as he rubbed Bebe’s head, then looked at Linley. Laughing, he said, “Everything is resolved, Linley. I have some business to attend to. I’ll leave now.” After speaking, Beirut then actually spoke to Linley through divine sense. “Linley, remember, regardless of whether or not you acquired those nine soul pearls, do not admit it. If you acquired it, make sure you hide it safely.”

  Beirut’s divine sense caused Linley to be badly startled.

  “Lord Beirut?” Linley sent back in surprise. Linley felt gratitude towards Beirut, and also viewed Beirut as he would an elder member of his own family.

  Beirut had that smile on his face, but his mental message was solemn. “Don’t worry about anything else. If you didn’t acquire it, that’s fine, but if you did, you have to hide it. Don’t admit it, even if someone threatens to kill you! As long as you do that, you’ll be fine.” After sending his message, Beirut chortled as he said a few words to everyone, then left on his own.

  Linley watched as Beirut left, the puzzlement in his heart becoming all the stronger.

  “What did Lord Beirut intend by these words? He shouldn’t know that I have the Overgod talisman, but his words…” Linley didn’t understand.

  Time flowed on.

  In the blink of an eye, a century passed.

  In the past hundred years, Linley had used his divine water clone to relax and accompany his family members, while his other three divine clones, along with his original body, focused painstakingly on their training. He had long since begun to train in the sixth profound mystery in the Elemental Laws of Fire, but unfortunately, this sixth profound mystery was the most mysterious, most powerful ‘Explosion’ profound mystery. Linley’s training speed was thus exceedingly slow.

  The Profound Mysteries of Explosion…they were like the explosion of a volcano. A large amount of power would be collected, then instantly released. Its power was tremendous.

  For example, Bluefire was able to move about as though he were teleporting, and his soul attacks and material attacks could be described as supreme. This had to do with the Profound Mysteries of Explosion. Although profound mysteries were easily described, once one advanced deeper into them and tried to completely master them, they would become incredibly difficult to understand.

  His training in the Elemental Laws of Fire was slow.

  But the path of fusing the Laws of the four elements was even slower. The Profound Mysteries of Circular Softness of the Laws of Water and the Throbbing Pulse of the World of the Laws of the Earth were fused, but Linley’s speed dropped drastically after that. He wasn’t able to make any advances at all.

  “Whoooosh.”

  The wind howled. Snowflakes covered the skies.

  The Skyrite Mountains seemed to be dressed in a layer of silver finery, appearing so dreamlike and beautiful. The number of patrolling guards around the Four Divine Beasts clan had dropped dramatically as well. This was because they now had a Paragon guarding them. Who would dare come make trouble for them? Naturally, there was no need to have so many guards standing about on alert.

  The Skyrite Mountains. Dragon Avenue. A few sparse gatherings of guards could still be seen here.

  A metallic lifeform, shaped like an enormous hammer, was flying over from far away. It came to a halt outside the perimeter of the Skyrite Mountains and the domain of the Four Divine Beasts clan, then vanished, revealing a tall, large figure. This person was 2.5 meters tall. He was dressed in long black trousers, while his upper body was covered with nothing more than a tunic, revealing his muscular arms.

  His red hair was only an inch in length, but appeared as hard as nails.

  “Who is it?” One squad of the guards of the Azure Dragon clan flew over.

  The muscular man laughed and said, “Go inform your Elder Linley that his old friend, Mosi, has come.” This voice was very soft, and was quite comfortable to listen to. It didn’t appear the slightest bit brash or uncouth.

  Those guards all looked at each other.

  An old friend of Elder Linley’s? They, too, could tell that this newcomer had a remarkable aura.

  “Please wait a moment. I will go make the report.” One of the guards said, then immediately turned and flew towards the Skyrite Mountains.

  “Who is Mosi? Have you heard of him?”

  “By the looks of it, he should be a powerful expert. A friend of Elder Linley’s…he should be a commander or a Lord Prefect level expert.”

  Those guards all secretly chatted through divine sense regarding this big fellow in front of them. There had been countless experts who had come to visit Linley in recent years, and these guards all knew…that none of these guests were people the likes of them could offend. Thus, the guards were all quite well-behaved to those who came to see Linley.

  A long time later.

  “Haha, Mosi!” Laughter rang out as two figures flew over from far away.

  Mosi took a close look, then laughed as well. “Linley, long time no see.”

  The two were Linley and that earlier patrol guard. Linley, upon learning that Mosi had come, hurriedly went in person to welcome him. Laughing, he said, “Long time no see indeed. Mr. Mosi, come, let’s chat inside.” Mosi immediately advanced with Linley, shoulder-to-shoulder, through Dragon Avenue. Together, they flew deeper into the mountains.

  “It has been two thousand years since we met, but I never would have imagined that you, who had been only a God, would have become a Paragon. Upon hearing this news, I didn’t dare believe it.” Mosi chortled. “Only after this was verified to me by my Sovereign did I believe it. I truly admire you.”

  Mosi was an extremely powerful Purgatory Commander of the Infernal Realm.

  Linley had only learned some time later, from Beirut’s materials, how powerful Mosi was!

  Mosi himself trained in the Edicts of Destruction and the Edicts of Death. In addition, he had reached an exceedingly, terrifyingly powerful level in both these Edicts. As far as the Edicts of Death went, Mosi himself was very nearly at the very peak of perfect, just a tiny step away from becoming a Paragon. Mosi was able to easily mentally dominate Seven Star Fiends!

  The number of people capable of doing this in the Infernal Realm could be counted on one hand.

  Even if Linley truly did become a Paragon in the Laws of the Earth, he wouldn’t be able to accomplish this. After all, each Law had its own specialties; experts of the Edicts of Death were skilled in the soul.

  As for ‘Destruction’, because Mosi was of the Bloodrune Titan lineage, he was innately gifted in Destruction. In
the past, Mosi had used a hammer to effortlessly defeat and send feeling ‘Lomio’, someone who was very nearly at the Asura level. And that was with Mosi not having used his supreme technique!

  He was very nearly at the peak of perfection in both material and spiritual attacks.

  It could be said that aside from Paragons, Mosi was invincible. No wonder, in the past, the Bloodrune Titan clan was able to effortlessly set up ‘Miluo Island’ and develop it into a city which none dared to cause trouble for. What could you do? How could any ordinary Lord Prefects be a match for Mosi?

  “I only managed to make my breakthrough due to luck, and it nearly cost me my life.” Linley said with a calm laugh.

  “I, too, dream of becoming a Paragon. But this last step…there’s nothing I can do about it.” Mosi shook his head and laughed.

  While laughing and chatting, the two entered Linley’s residence. Because Mosi wasn’t too familiar with the others, Linley gave a simple introduction of the more important members of the residence, then led Mosi into the living room. Mosi and Linley began to chat privately.

  Mosi was a very smooth speaker, and as they chatted and laughed, he made Linley’s opinion of him grow.

  “Linley, after having chatted with you for so long, I almost forgot about the reason why I came here today.” Mosi said with a smile.

  “Oh? What is it?” Linley said, surprised.

  He had thought Mosi had come to reminisce with him. But now, it seemed, there was a special reason for the trip.

  “Look at this.” Mosi waved his hand, and a sheet of black paper appeared. “This was sent to me by a Highgod warrior. Upon seeing this news, I immediately had a bad feeling! I felt as though someone is trying to harm you, which is why I dominated that Highgod. Only then did I learn that this was all arranged by Molde.”

  Linley’s eyes lit up. “This is the paper which Molde sent to be delivered?” Linley hurriedly accepted it.

  Linley wanted very much to learn what this piece of paper described. Back then, he had asked Beirut, but unfortunately, Beirut didn’t have a copy of it either. Molde had only sent his subordinates to the other six regions. As for the Bloodridge Continent…he didn’t give it to any other Lord Prefects or commanders.