Chapter 383: The Guidance of the Great Golden Dragon
The black dragon had been vanquished, and the vampires had met their end. The only remaining source of malevolence in the dark city was Adolf, a demon nightmare warrior.
The black dragon's demise had led to the scattering of its clans, leaving them without any means of rescue. However, William's objective extended beyond merely killing a dragon; he aimed to amass a substantial Dragon Blood Legion. He needed at least two or three dragons to achieve this.
In the ensuing days, Dawn City's Dragon-slaying team embarked on a relentless rampage, hunting down dragons from all corners of the Magic Nightmare Forest. Whether it was a dragon with a clan or a solitary dragon residing within the forest, none could escape William's grasp if they had a history of wrongdoing.
As the ten-year bloody war drew closer, a remarkable coincidence occurred: William had successfully assembled the Five-Color Dragon Blood Legion, boasting over 3500 members.
However, during his wanderings in Dawn City, William encountered a peculiar individual – a middle-aged man who appeared to be a foreigner. The man donned a golden aristocratic robe and exuded an aura of dignity that made people hesitate to approach.
The middle-aged man casually sampled an ice cream crafted by a street-side ice magician, revealing an expression of surprise upon tasting it. "This is delicious!" he exclaimed before turning his attention to William.
Without looking back, the man asked, "Have you killed enough?"
William gazed at the middle-aged man, pondered for a moment, and replied, "It's not enough, but it depends on the circumstances."
The man nodded thoughtfully, then continued the conversation. "Oh, so you plan to continue?"
However, William's response took a more resolute tone. "Dragons are no more noble than people, and people are no less significant than dragons. Every race and creature in this world is nurtured by the land and this world. Their lives should be free and equal, for the world creates them. Inequality arises between races and individuals, but until it reaches its extremes, there is inherent injustice. Dawn City embodies justice, and we must act justly. Even if a great golden dragon were to warn me to abandon justice, I couldn't comply. Just as I never compromised in the face of the dark invasion or retreated when facing the son of darkness. My heart belongs to the light, and my conviction is justice."
Upon hearing these words, the middle-aged man couldn't help but slightly smile and grow fonder of William. However, his expression abruptly changed, and he realized he was in trouble.
The man couldn't comprehend how swiftly William had deduced his identity, praised his greatness, and eloquently delivered a set of virtuous speeches. He felt trapped, as if the prince had lured him into a web.
Maintaining a serious demeanor, the man retorted, "You are championing racial justice, and that's commendable. But can you deny that your actions are motivated by dragon blood and Dragon Crystals?"
William didn't deny it; instead, he continued, "I don't dwell on such thoughts. I go with the flow, just as dragons don't eat humans because they beg for mercy, and humans don't crush ants beneath their feet, pondering whether the ants live in justice or inequality. There is no inherent justice in the world; it resides in the hearts of individuals. I was born to defend the weak from oppression. When I possess the strength to act justly, I will do so, regardless of the identity or power of my adversary. Lord Golden Dragon might think of me as an overlord who values his people, just as I won't allow any dragons, ruthless beasts, or bloodthirsty orcs within my domain."
Continuing, he added, "The great golden dragon came to Dawn City, and I'm unsure of his intentions – whether to kill me or not. However, I believe Lord Golden Dragon stands for justice, and I trust that he won't commit any wrongdoing. So, whatever punishment you have in mind, I am prepared to accept it. Just don't harm my people. Don't harm my followers. I am willing to pay any price for the justice that resides in my heart."
William slowly closed his eyes, prepared to face punishment and even death with unwavering determination. The middle-aged man was taken aback by the prince's words and actions.
Justice. Light. Goodness. William had bestowed these labels upon him one after another, leaving the man at a loss.
There was a saying that went: "You need a silver tongue to travel the world." In William's case, his eloquence and charisma held sway over others, regardless of their race or affiliation. It was an irresistible gift.
The middle-aged man struggled to find an appropriate response but soon found himself engaged in a thought-provoking conversation with the prince. William's argument about justice, race, and the significance of his actions resonated deeply.
He was left with no choice but to address the situation. "I understand your perspective," he began. "You are still young, and there may be flaws in your city's policies. I will stay here for a while and offer guidance on how to become a just and compassionate Lord."
Overwhelmed with gratitude, William exclaimed, "Thank you so much! I never imagined that I would receive guidance from the great golden dragon one day!"
As the middle-aged man contemplated staying in Dawn City for an extended period, he couldn't help but feel a sense of reluctance. However, William's earnest plea and his charismatic personality won him over.
After a series of pleas from the prince, the middle-aged man reluctantly agreed to remain in Dawn City to guide William on the path of racial peace.
His decision, however, was not solely based on William's charisma. The middle-aged man had several reasons for staying. Firstly, he was curious about the apparent harmony in Dawn City, where various races coexisted without conflict. Secondly, he hoped to understand why, despite the differences, the city seemed to function so smoothly.
Jinlong was curious, wondering why a city with so many races could maintain such peaceful coexistence. Nevertheless, he chose to keep his thoughts to himself, as William's talent was undoubtedly a significant factor.
Returning to the city Lord's residence, William couldn't help but smile. He realized that having a Legendary Golden Dragon like Jinlong stay in Dawn City was a tremendous opportunity. He planned to lead his troops away on the pretext of battling orcs, trusting that Jinlong would help oversee the city in his absence.
As he contemplated Jinlong's potential role as a guardian, he quipped, "You can try to steal the city. Whether it's Nightmare Forest, East Sea City, or Dawn City, you can attempt it. With a Legendary dragon like Jinlong here, stealing the city would be an audacious endeavor. I doubt he would let you off easily."