How could Snow Ball just be interested? Her interest was immense!
These alchemy challenges were so intriguing, with such vast prospects. The alchemy difficulties faced by these semi-finished products stirred a strong impulse deep within her—to conquer them, to resolve these problems. Otherwise, as an alchemy whiz, Snow Ball would not feel at ease.
Very uneasy!
Zi Di wanted precisely this effect.
Even though she and Cang Xu combined couldn’t compare to Snow Ball in terms of alchemy skills,
they both understood human nature deeply, as well as the sentiments and tones of alchemy mages.
As expected, Snow Ball fell into the trap.
"Consider it." Zi Di almost snatched the information from Snow Ball’s hands.
"Ah, ah?!" Snow Ball nearly stood up to chase her.
She was also aware that the Dragon Lion Mercenary Corps was deliberately leaving her hanging, to make it easier to negotiate the price.
But in the following days, she genuinely felt uncomfortable, losing her appetite and desire to eat.
Finally, on that day, Zi Di invited her to watch the duel between Long Fu and Yun Zhong. Snow Ball knew Zi Di’s schemes and agreed without a second thought, gladly accepting the invitation to watch together.
Zi Di smiled and said, "Mage Snow Ball, you are a clever person and should understand that our cooperation with you is primarily about building a good relationship."
"Of course, Mage Snow Ball, your alchemy skill and background are important considerations in this cooperation."
"When do you think you can apply for these alchemy topics? When will the research funds be in place?"
Snow Ball said without hesitation, "When I go back, I will apply immediately. Results will be available tonight, and the first research funds will be ready by tomorrow morning."
Zi Di nodded, greatly satisfied.
According to the contract, she could have full control over these funds.
Zi Di had already planned that she would only keep a small portion of these research funds, with the majority diverted to purchasing dragon materials for her beloved. Secondly, she would buy large-scale equipment and set up a production line.
She had already set her sights on a complete red dragon skeleton in the Ice Sculpture Treasury, priced quite high.
But it did not matter; she already had ample funds and now had this research project money.
As for these projects...
Zi Di believed that Snow Ball, this little rich lady, would front the money. On one hand, Snow Ball already had strong willingness and initiative. On the other hand, without the funds for research, she would be burdened, and her reputation would suffer severe damage.
As for the relationship between the survivors and Snow Ball?
It posed no major concern to the overall situation.
Once the contract was signed, they were all on the same boat.
If things went sour, it would benefit no one; only by holding their noses and cooperating could there be a bright future.
Snow Ball?
Handle with care!
"The time is almost right," thought the dragon-man youth, who was nearly submerged by the arrow rain.
The dragon-man youth fully deployed the Flowing Energy, and under such intense pressure, his grasp of the energy improved significantly.
This large-scale attack should have consumed quite a bit of Yun Zhong’s fighting energy.
More crucial was the morale factor.
In the next moment, the dragon-man youth raised his head and roared, unleashing the Dragon Roar.
Magic-like Spell—Dragon Roar!
In an instant, the roar exploded like thunder, shaking the heavens and the earth.
The resulting sound waves surged wildly, sweeping through everything.
The roar continued.
In the past, the dragon-man youth could only let out a single tone. But after accumulating a large amount of dragon bloodline, it was different now.
Second Stage Dragon Roar.
The roar was filled with power and wildness. The subsequent pitches were raised continually on the basis of the previous one, resonating throughout the dueling field. Wherever it reached, the clouds retreated like they were being ravaged by a violent storm, leaving a large area clear.
Third Stage Dragon Roar!
The roar heightened again, like the oldest war drum in the world, pounding on every living creature’s heart invisibly.
Magnificent, vast, and full of regal arrogance.
As if telling everyone—that the dignity of the Dragon Clan cannot be challenged!
After the third stage of the Dragon Roar, the clouds completely dissipated. Yun Zhong’s true form was revealed, falling from mid-air.
He was caught off guard by the dragon-man youth’s preparation of such a big move, causing a severe shock to his spirit and will.
But as he fell, the fierce wind beside his ears quickly roused him.
Yun Zhong possessed an impressive spirit and will; indeed, the duelists chosen to become the Holy Fighters of the God of Duels were all exceptional.
However, in the next moment after Yun Zhong regained consciousness, he saw a crimson figure rushing straight at him, filling his view.
Long Fu!!
Bang, bang, bang...
Combat Skill [Machine Gun Bullet Fist] + Binding Force.
Combat Skill [Blast Fist] + Binding Force.
Combat Skill [Dragon Ball·Explosive Flame] + Binding Force!
This time it was Yun Zhong who was overwhelmed by the Dragon-man youth’s attack.
After a dozen seconds, amidst the flurry of punches and the explosive removal of fighting energy, Yun Zhong paid a heavy price and finally broke through.
But the situation was already dire.
He had taken too many punches, and his body was burdened with too much binding force, significantly reducing his speed, allowing the Dragon-man youth to easily chase him down.
Unable to create distance, Yun Zhong’s advantage with the bow and arrow’s range was naturally lost.
After struggling for a while, Yun Zhong, having thoroughly understood the situation, calmly extended his hand, relinquished the fight, and conceded voluntarily.
The audience remained silent for a few seconds before erupting in a thunderous cheer.
Supporters of the Dragon-man youth were jubilant and laughing.
Earlier, the Dragon-man youth had been severely "suppressed," which had everyone holding their breath in fear, but then the Dragon-man youth launched a stunning counterattack, followed by a close-quarters assault, eventually turning the tables.
This watching experience was like a roller coaster, deeply engrossing the audience, first plunging them into despair and then reversing the situation, accelerating their heartbeats and thrilling them.
The Dragon-man youth looked around, nodding secretly in his heart. This tactic was carefully designed by him to effectively mobilize the audience’s emotions, showcasing his progress step by step without being abrupt or causing suspicion, while also leaving a deep impression on the audience, making them reminisce and discuss the battle, turning black to neutral, and neutral to fans.
In short, it was about maximizing the enhancement of his reputation.
Yun Zhong, panting heavily, looked at the Dragon-man youth opposite him with a somewhat complex expression.
This battle, without using the trump card of one-versus-three, the Dragon-man youth had already taken him down, leaving him speechless.
"You really have strength." Yun Zhong acknowledged as he approached the Dragon-man youth.
The Dragon-man youth smiled slightly and took out three Alchemy Arrows from his storage device: "Now, you should be able to accept this gift, right?"
Golden Level Alchemy Ammunition — Cloud Escape Arrow.
Yun Zhong nodded slightly and, under the gaze of everyone, reached out to take the gift from the Dragon-man youth.
The Cloud Escape Arrow has the spatial effect of switching positions. If Yun Zhong had obtained it before the fight and used it during combat, he might have been able to switch positions with the arrow, gaining more space and time in front of the Dragon-man youth.
After this battle, Yun Zhong’s desire for such equipment as the Cloud Escape Arrow reached a peak.
And the gift from the Dragon-man youth hit him right in the heart.
Many members of the audience saw this scene and applauded enthusiastically.
Previously, supporters of both sides had numerous arguments, but the good interaction between the Dragon-man youth and Yun Zhong made these people stop their bickering.
"The squad leader Long Fu, having received guidance from Long Meng, already possesses the latter’s demeanor."
"Hmph, it’s because he realized my brother Yun Zhong’s true strength through this battle, and thus they can become friends."
"I’m so thrilled, I really like both of these duelists!"
After giving the gift, the Dragon-man youth also invited Yun Zhong to have dinner together.
The main aim was to build relationships.
Yun Zhong acknowledged Long Fu’s strength and accepted the gift, making him feel a great affection for Long Fu. During the dinner, he directly inquired: What is the purchase price of the Cloud Escape Arrow? He is willing to buy them long-term. He also asked if the Dragon Lion Mercenary Corps was planning to enter the arms business on a large scale.
Zi Di quoted a high price and then explained to Yun Zhong the reason: This Cloud Escape Arrow involves space technology, and it’s Golden Level equipment. To set up a production line, it’s necessary to procure at least five Golden Level alchemy components and hire more than sixteen Silver Level alchemists. Moreover, the Cloud Escape Arrow market is too small, so for now, they only accept pre-payment for production.
Hearing the price, Yun Zhong immediately ordered ten arrows on the spot.
He was not short on money, nor was he excessively wealthy.
But such Cloud Escape Arrows are rare on the market, and in critical battles, such arrows capable of position exchange could save his life.
He understood the importance and did not skimp in this regard.
At the end of the dinner, Yun Zhong inquired, "Who are you planning to challenge next?"
In his words, Yun Zhong already acknowledged the Dragon-man youth’s combat strength. Even without using the mysterious trump card of one-versus-three, his regular strength was above most duelists.
However, Yun Zhong’s acknowledgment only represented his personal view. Others who hadn’t experienced it firsthand or been beaten in reality would always harbor unrealistic expectations.
This is human nature. You can’t do it doesn’t mean I can’t.
Moreover, the duelists selected to fight all enjoyed battles. As long as the Dragon-man youth promised not to use the mysterious trump card, fighting and dueling with him was a sport they very much enjoyed.
"Devil Muscle," the Dragon-man youth said again, "In the end, I will challenge Long Meng. I have already told him this in advance."
Hearing the desired answer, Yun Zhong couldn’t help but smile: "I am very much looking forward to your duel with Long Meng!"
Why is Long Meng’s reputation in duels unmatched?
Because everyone else has been defeated by him and experienced firsthand the significant difference in combat strength.
Now, the Dragon-man youth is also emulating Long Meng, retracing his path.
This is something other duelists were already well aware of.
After personally failing against the Dragon-man youth, Yun Zhong believed that the Dragon-man youth’s combat strength was enough to defeat other duelists, except for Long Meng.
"In terms of regular combat strength, Long Fu is far inferior to Long Meng. However, if he uses some trump cards, there’s suspense in the result!"
In the Ice Sculpture Kingdom, duels are truly a very convenient way.
As the Dragon-man youth keeps winning duels, his reputation among duelists rises steadily. In the minds of the Ice Sculpture citizens, his image grows increasingly powerful.
This genuine recognition from the heart will greatly benefit the Dragon-man youth’s pursuit of the Duel Godhood.
"Just how far can Long Fu go?"
"Although he is newly promoted to the Golden Level, his growth is unbelievably fast!"
"His execution of three Dragon Roars shows that his bloodline concentration is outstanding."
"Devil Muscle is a seasoned duelist, can he stop the Dragon-man youth’s advancing path?"