Underground World Arc, Part Five: The New Dragon Princess

Underground World Arc, Part Five.

As a bloodline cultivator, Su Han possessed the formidable bloodline of the Destructive Demonic Dragon. This breakthrough awakened her innate magical prowess, and her magic immunity began to manifest itself. Even her mastery over battle qi had become far more fluid.

Battle qi, magic, and bloodline power were, at their core, all manifestations of the world’s elemental forces. Different individuals converted this energy through various channels to suit their specific needs, much like the demonic energy wielded by Abyssal Demons. After breaking through to the legendary realm, these distinctions—be it battle qi, magic, or bloodline abilities—blurred; they were simply different forms of power.

The methods and channels for acquiring this energy varied, leading to specialized abilities. In essence, they were all branches from the same source, manipulating specific elements under the overarching evolution of universal laws.

Supported by her bloodline power, Su Han’s comprehension of legendary sword techniques became effortless, as if she were a fish in water. Her ‘Dual Pupils’ in her left eye could even perceive a brilliant golden radiance without needing conscious activation.

Su Han had never encountered any mention of eye techniques in this world, leading her to wonder if she was the first to cultivate such an ability. This power offered numerous advantages, proving to be a crucial part of her combat repertoire in critical moments.

Her inherent bloodline skills—[Gluttony], [Forbidden Hand], and [Imperial Armor]—had significantly improved, though without undergoing a qualitative change. Yet, Su Han still found herself disliking [Dragon Transformation], feeling it was not only cumbersome but also overly heavy, offering little beyond a meat shield.

Battle qi involved refining the physical body by absorbing ambient energy, gradually condensing it within the dantian for cultivation and for summoning in combat. Magic, on the other hand, saw mages using their bodies as conduits to communicate with and harness the world’s elements.

Bloodline cultivation, conversely, was a step-by-step process of activating and evolving one’s innate bloodline talents.

Consequently, their combat styles differed greatly. Luo Shang, for instance, as a mage, possessed a natural affinity for Holy Spirit elements, which he harnessed to unleash powerful spells in battle.

Su Han, however, was far more suited for close-quarters combat, relying on refined martial techniques rather than elaborate, flashy magic.

Mech pilots, blacksmiths, and alchemists represented higher-tier civilizations. Their advanced skills were developed through the mastery of external tools, all supported by a foundation of sufficient individual strength.

For Su Han, now cultivating all three paths, bloodline power had truly become paramount. Her battle qi had been refined by her bloodline, transforming into pure Dragon Might and Dragon Qi. As for magic, it seemed to be an inherent ability for all dragons.

When Su Han first arrived in this RPG-like world, she had been granted a somewhat unhelpful ‘Copy’ attribute. To this day, she hadn’t fully grasped its formidable purpose, though she still considered it a potential trump card.

After a long period of meditation, Luo Shang rose, sweeping his sleeve over the lingering ashes. A simple ring materialized in his hand.

He declared, “Golden Hunter’s storage must surely contain some valuable treasures!” Yet, he clearly found nothing to his liking, tossing the ring to Su Han instead.

He added, “As for how to divide its contents, that’s entirely up to you.”

Su Han accepted the spatial ring, and a quick scan revealed its storage space was roughly a hundred zhang wide. It was filled with spirit stones for cultivation and various scavenged weapons.

At its very center lay a broken altar, undoubtedly used for contacting Abyssal Demon Gods. She pocketed some potions from the ring and took the fragmented altar, before handing the ring to Qianzhe Ying.

She said, “Sister, you risked your life to accompany us on this journey. Consider this a token of my gratitude!”

Qianzhe Ying accepted the storage ring, her lips parting as if to speak, but the words died on her tongue. She knew that refusal would be futile, as the other party clearly held little regard for such items.

Instead, she simply offered her thanks and accepted it, her demeanor one of quiet compliance.

Meanwhile, Su Han began to examine the black altar. It measured approximately three zhang, its surface smooth as silk and utterly devoid of impurities.

She wondered what mysterious material it was crafted from, knowing that its ability to connect the Aelta Continent with the Demonic Abyss meant it was clearly no ordinary object.

At this moment, Luo Shang flew into the Dragon Palace, summoning one of the Dragon Vassals. “Issue orders to clean up this mess,” he commanded. “I’ll have a few questions for you shortly!”

The Dragon Vassal had clearly witnessed the terrifying battle, and thus regarded Luo Shang with immense trepidation. After ordering the remaining forces in Dragon City to handle the aftermath, he timidly approached Luo Shang.

He asked deferentially, “My lord, what questions do you have for this old dragon?”

“Do you know the entrance to the third layer of the underground world?”

“Of course, I know of it. It is sealed a thousand meters south of Dragon City, at the very end of the underground world. There lies a Great Abyss, and beneath it is the third layer of the underground world, which has been sealed for centuries.”

“However, no one has entered it for a thousand years. The Abyss’s devouring power can even annihilate ninety-nine percent of legendary existences. I heard that a thousand years ago, foreign invaders, relying on their legendary power, forced their way into the Great Abyss and never returned.”

‘It seems there’s a legendary-tier formation array set within. How does one enter this place?’ Luo Shang stroked his chin, lost in thought. “Never mind,” he decided aloud. “Let’s just go and take a look.”

“Oh, right, one more thing. Dragon City can’t remain leaderless, can it? I’m worried about the lizardmen rebelling, so I’ve found a new sovereign for you all. What do you think of this arrangement?”

The white-bearded old dragon’s eyes widened. “According to your will, it is this young lady before me?” he questioned.

During the previous battle, Su Han had transformed, a sight the old dragon had naturally witnessed. He was no fool; he immediately prostrated himself before Su Han, declaring, “We, the Demonic Dragon clan, swear to follow Dragon Princess Su Han until death!”

“Listen closely, your new leader is—Su Han!” Luo Shang declared, laughing uproariously as he gazed at the sky.

Seeing this, the inhabitants of Dragon City joined in, their voices rising in a thunderous chorus: “Long live Dragon Princess Su Han! All hail Dragon Princess Su Han!”

‘Cough, cough, what’s happening? So many dragons, acknowledging me as their leader?!?’ Su Han found it utterly incredible. Had she truly become the new mistress of Dragon City just like that?

‘While I am indeed part of the dragon race, it feels as though I have little connection to these Demonic Dragons beyond a distant bloodline.’

However, upon reflection, a sense of relief washed over her. She was not foolish; this outcome was precisely as the Dark Elf Grand Elder had predicted.

What other choice was there, after all? The Dragon King was dead, the First Prince was dead, and even the Dragon King’s illegitimate son had perished. All that remained were young, old, or impure, unruly dragons, alongside a few lizardmen.

In a world where strength commanded respect, a kingdom could not be without a ruler. As a member of the dragon race, what difficulty would there be in commanding them?

Moreover, the entire Demonic Dragon clan numbered a formidable three hundred, a force not to be underestimated. Su Han could leverage this to consolidate her own power, and in doing so, continue suppressing the restless lizardmen.

“Very well. However, I won’t be staying in the city indefinitely, so take these things and use them!”

Considering them her own, Su Han unhesitatingly brought out the magic crystal cannons she had acquired from the bottom of Moon-Gazing Pond. She also handed the incomplete blueprint for the ‘Sky-Rending’ puppet to the Dragon Vassal.

In addition, Su Han took out various other unused items from her spatial ring. Before leaving, she had thoroughly looted Dragon City’s treasury.

Legendary-grade armor was of no use to her, but she took several sets of Epic and Evil Spirit-grade armor. She also conveniently took the most valuable Evil Spirit-grade weapon from the Dragon Treasury—the Dragon Horn Sword.

While there weren’t many potions or elixirs accumulated, there were plenty of herbs and ores. Su Han couldn’t take everything at once, so she temporarily left some behind.

Even after settling Dragon City, Su Han remained somewhat uneasy. She sent Qianzhe Ying back to the Elf Tribe, then, with Luo Shang, hurried back north overnight to thoroughly plunder the Lizardmen tribes.

Only after returning laden with spoils did Su Han feel satisfied enough to continue her journey south.

The underground world also contained vast forests and treacherous swamps. In the forest south of Dragon City, Water Dragon-Beasts and Seven-Foot Profound Snakes lurked, while Ancient Giant Crocodiles lay dormant within the murky swamps.

Though rare, these creatures were descendants of the Primordial Era, possessing formidable strength that could not be underestimated. Su Han had no intention of disturbing them, carefully avoiding them along her path.

Without any clear sense of time, and unaware of how long had passed, a Great Abyss suddenly appeared before Su Han’s eyes. It didn’t devour light; instead, it emanated a profound, ominous black radiance.