Chapter 26: Flooded Dragon!

"So, what exactly is this place we're heading to?" I inquired.

Ye Hu, who appeared to be the group's leader, took the responsibility of answering my question.

"The three of us are here for training, and our respected Elder has assigned us a task to earn contribution points within our sect. To complete this task, we must journey to a specific location and slay a flooded dragon."

"Wait, what? Isn't that a Foundation Establishment-level beast?" I exclaimed.

While I was confident in my ability to handle beasts on par with my cultivation realm, a Qi Condensation cultivator would have no chance against such a creature.

The trio seemed surprised that I was aware of the beast's strength, as they regarded me as a rogue cultivator lacking in knowledge.

"You're correct. However, this particular flooded dragon is injured, causing its cultivation to be sealed at the twelfth layer of Qi Condensation," Ye Hu explained, pausing dramatically. "But I won't deceive you. It will still be far more formidable than an ordinary twelfth-layer cultivator."

The prospect of battling a formidable opponent excited me, it truly did. It presented an excellent opportunity to enhance my cultivation at a rapid pace. However, I questioned what I would gain from it. Yes, it would expedite my progress, but was it worth the risk?

"If we successfully slay this flooded dragon, what will I gain?" I inquired.

That was the crucial question I needed to ask them, not about the type of beast or its location. None of that mattered if they weren't willing to compensate me for my services.

Ye Hu seemed to have been anticipating the question and replied, "What do you desire?"

I knew exactly what I wanted.

"The Demonic Core!" I declared.

"No way!" the girls interjected, their voices filled with dismay.

The Demonic Core was akin to a beast's Dantian, and consuming it could greatly enhance one's cultivation. That was precisely why I desired it, especially if it once belonged to a Foundation Establishment creature.

"I cannot grant that request. The Demonic Core will be handed over to the Elder in exchange for sect points..." Ye Hu explained, shaking his head. "Is there something else you would like? I can offer Spiritual Stones and..."

I cut him off, asserting, "Split the Demonic Core in half, along with any other valuable materials. I am risking my life to help you complete this task."

"Forget about it," Hou Suyin intervened. "Let's find someone else to assist us."

The two girls were prepared to seek assistance elsewhere, but I could sense that Ye Hu didn't share the same sentiment. Firstly, they couldn't approach cultivators from other sects for help. Those cultivators would undoubtedly demand items in return, which would only bolster rival sects.

That's precisely why I held such value. As a rogue cultivator with no affiliations, my power likely impressed Ye Hu, who undoubtedly lacked confidence in facing the Flooded Dragon with just the three of them.

His facial expressions changed multiple times within a minute, and he finally relented, saying, "Fine. I agree to your conditions."

"What? Why?" the girls exclaimed in confusion.

Ye Hu motioned for them to gather in a corner, presumably explaining the situation to them. After their discussion, they appeared more aligned with the group.

"So, where can we find this Flooded Dragon? And how do you know it's injured?" I inquired.

We walked through the Dark Wood Forest for a while, encountering a few cultivators along the way. However, they chose to retreat rather than engage in a fight against our group of four.

"Our Senior Brother faced it in battle before. He's a twelfth layer cultivator, but he couldn't do much against it alone," Ye Hu explained, pointing towards a cave in the distance. "As for its location, it's inside that cave."

I turned my head to gaze at the indicated spot. Surprisingly, it wasn't far from the tree where they discovered me. Perhaps one of the reasons they sought assistance was because their destination lay within close proximity.

Regardless, we made our way towards the cave. It was concealed behind bushes and covered in moss, with a small entrance that suggested the possibility of additional exits for the Flooded Dragon.

"Everyone, remain alert and be prepared! We cannot be certain if the Flooded Dragon is the only creature inside!" Ye Hu declared, unsheathing his sword.

We cautiously entered the cave, one by one, and soon darkness enveloped our vision. It was impossible to see anything inside that cave!

Fortunately, Hou Biya possessed a martial art technique that allowed her to generate a small ball of Qi, illuminating our surroundings like a flashlight. It proved to be a useful technique, and I made a mental note to learn it myself in the future.

The echoing sound of water droplets hitting the cave floor created an eerie atmosphere, as if unseen eyes were observing our every move. The sense of unease settled upon us, intensifying the feeling of being in a truly unsettling place.

I had no certainty about our collective strength to overcome the Flooded Dragon, but the allure of obtaining its valuable Demonic Core was too enticing to ignore. Taking risks was an inherent part of a cultivator's life, albeit a challenging one.

"In moments like this, I miss my peaceful farm and the tranquility it brought... At least, as an Elder in a sect, I won't have to endure the same hardships as the other disciples," I murmured inwardly, reminiscing about my simpler past.

The oppressive silence within the cave was deafening. It was clear that something formidable resided in that place, and no other Spiritual Beast in the vicinity dared to venture there.

Despite the unsettling atmosphere, we pressed forward. The cave led us deeper, gradually descending into darkness until all external sounds faded away. The only audible sounds were our own breathing and the rhythmic dripping of water from the ceiling.

We encountered a few small insects and bats along the way, but there were no signs of any powerful or large beasts. Then, our eyes fell upon a vast open area—a pit filled with black water. The water level reached just below the knees, hindering our movements like a treacherous swamp.

In the midst of this murky swamp, the creature we sought lay before us—the Flooded Dragon. Its appearance resembled that of a dragon, but instead of exuding majesty, it appeared bedraggled, with deep gray scales. Its face bore noticeable differences, and I couldn't help but notice that one of its eyes was missing.

Despite its slightly smaller size of around twelve to thirteen meters, it still loomed as a massive presence.

"It's truly here!" exclaimed Ye Hu.

The beast's formidable presence sent shivers down our spines, but with determined steps, we advanced toward it, mentally preparing ourselves for a battle that could determine life or death.