Chapter 158: The Alliance of Dragonkin

Sognar’s words caused everyone to sigh. A thousand years ago, the royal family of the demons was actually the tribe of trolls! This mysterious race shared the same origins as the demons but had astonishing differences. Not to mention their appearance, their strength placed the trolls far above the rest of the demonic race. Under the leadership of the trolls, the demons and dark races thrived for thousands of years.

Until they were defeated a thousand years ago and forced to retreat to the Source of Darkness! The status of the troll tribe was unquestionable. When they retreated to the Source of Darkness, the demons faced attacks from various families and forces, nearly being wiped out. It was then that the troll tribe stepped in to save the situation, using their strength to pull the demons back from the brink of destruction.

They went on to conquer vast territories, establishing the demons’ dominance within the Source of Darkness and securing a place to settle. From then on, no other race dared to invade them. It can be said that the high status of the demons in the Source of Darkness, and their ability to stand equal to the four major families, was largely due to the existence of the troll tribe.

Unfortunately, their numbers were small—reportedly only about a hundred. After that great war, they were severely weakened and rarely appeared thereafter. Power in the demonic race fell into the hands of two close subordinates: what are now known as the pro-war royal family and the opposition royal family. The troll tribe seemingly disappeared from public view.

A hundred years ago, the pro-war faction grew significantly stronger and sought to invade the continent, facing strong opposition from the opposition faction. A major conflict erupted between the two factions. The pro-war faction, fueled by a thousand years of cultivation, had immense strength and managed to win over most of the demonic race members, as well as vampires and werewolves. Under their relentless assault, the opposition faction was on the verge of extinction. It was then that the troll tribe reappeared—ten mighty warriors swept through the land like cutters, stopping the pro-war faction’s plans and filling them with fear. Leaving behind a warning that they must not fight among themselves, or face merciless punishment, they quietly disappeared once more, as if they had never existed.

That appearance of the troll tribe once again caused a profound shock, making people tremble with fear. It was also because of that appearance that the demons enjoyed a century of peace.

Until thirty years ago, it was said that a major upheaval occurred within the troll tribe, with the pro-war faction seemingly involved. The troll tribe had no time to deal with it, while the pro-war faction grew increasingly powerful and arrogant, preparing for another war. Today, that war finally broke out.

As for the Nether Realm, it is said to be the sacred land of the trolls and of all demons. Although there aren’t many powerful beings there, each one is capable of destroying the world! It serves as the trolls’ greatest leverage in controlling both the pro-war faction and the opposition. The ten powerful beings from a hundred years ago are said to have come from the Nether Realm.

Over the past few decades, the trolls seem to have vanished entirely—no one knows their whereabouts or anything about them; they have disappeared without a trace.

After several attempts to contact them, nothing unusual happened to the trolls. The pro-war faction grew bolder and bolder, which led to the current war, the formation of this alliance, and their ambitious plans. If the trolls still existed, they wouldn’t dare be so reckless.

“Hey, the trolls… Heh, what on earth are these guys thinking? Do they really have to create chaos? Do they really want the Source of Darkness to remain unstable forever? Do they really expect a genius to appear only after bloodshed? Do they really want to wait until the demons fight each other and those on the continent are defeated before showing up? Do they really want to appear only when disaster strikes upon the demons?” With a bitter smile and a look of helplessness, the Grand Elder muttered to himself in frustration.

No one knew better than he did the strength of those trolls, for when his clan entered the Source of Darkness, he had the fortune to fight against one of their elders. Back then, at the late stage of the divine level, he was defeated in just ten moves. It was said that the other party was also only at the late stage of the divine level. Among peers, the trolls were truly invincible—with bodies more abnormal than those of the dragon clan, strength more extreme than that of the Scorpion King clan, and speed more extraordinary than that of the Black Phoenix clan. The combination of these traits made them incredibly powerful, unmatched by anyone.

“Well, since they won’t come out, we’ll have to take action ourselves. Go back and inform the clan to prepare for battle at any time. Keep an eye on the Purple-Winged Thunder Eagles—start with them!” After pondering for a moment, the Grand Elder turned to a middle-aged man beside him and spoke.

Nodding in response, the middle-aged man left quickly, seemingly returning to the dragon clan’s habitat.

“The Purple-Winged Thunder Eagles! We’ll start with you!” Gazing into the distance, the old man said calmly, “It’s time to show you the strength of the Four Great Clans! Demons… Hmph… just a bunch of youngsters. Do you really think you’re something special? Without the trolls, you’re nothing!” With a cold snort, the old man waved his sleeve and left.

The Tri-Clan Alliance – the only trouble is the Mi Jiao clan. As one of the Four Great Clans, they naturally possess the greatest strength and are also the most difficult to deal with.
“Alright, tell me about your situation!” After everything was settled, the old man regained his calm expression. After sending another member of the Dragon Clan away, only the Grand Elder, Rod, Sognar, and Lilith remained in the hall.
“You’re from one of those clans, right? I know your father. It’s been thirty years. Heh, I never thought it would really be as he said—his descendant has returned!” With a sigh, the old man spoke bitterly, his eyes filled with nostalgia.
“Father, you know my father?” Rod asked eagerly, excited. “What kind of person was he? Where is he now? What exactly happened thirty years ago?”
“Heh, you’re just as impatient as he was! I was fortunate enough to meet your father once. We drank together and had a great time. He was an excellent man—very powerful, one of the greatest beings in the Source of Darkness. Even Lilith couldn’t match him! She lost in three moves. What do you think? A man like a mystery, a warrior like a god. He streaked across the sky like a comet, lighting up the entire Source of Darkness! As for what happened afterward, we don’t know. We only know that in the last battle thirty years ago, he single-handedly defeated three high-tier divine warriors from the demon clan and emerged victorious. But after that battle, he disappeared without a trace.”
Some say he was killed by a stronger enemy, some say he left the Source of Darkness for the outside world, and others say he returned to his own place. There are all kinds of theories. Only we know that he might really have left the Source of Darkness—based on his last words. As for the reason, I believe we’ll find out once we locate him! That’s also the purpose of your visit, isn’t it? Our Dragon Clan can lend you a hand!” With another sigh, the old man spoke slowly, his eyes showing a hint of respect.
Feeling this and listening to the Grand Elder’s words, Rod felt his blood boil. So that was how powerful his father had been back then, so terrifying. But what exactly happened afterward? Who was his mother? Why was he in Flame City? Why was he given to this old man for upbringing? Why was he being hunted by the Dark Ones? Why did that mysterious organization led by Brother Hori help him? Everything seemed like a mystery.

“The Netherworld… Yes, going there might help me find my father’s whereabouts, and perhaps uncover everything.”
“Strength—that’s what Rod needs most right now. The more I learn, the more I realize my own strength is insufficient. Since my father is so powerful, I have no reason to be mediocre. I must become strong, reaching or even surpassing my father’s level so that I can earn the respect of all and illuminate the entire Dark Realm, the entire continent!”
“I’m going to the Netherworld!” Rod said slowly, taking a deep breath.
“Mm, I know. You came from the Void Space, and we’re aware of your situation. The Dragon Clan isn’t averse to helping you, because by helping you, we’re also helping ourselves. Moreover, it will help improve relations with the Netherworld, so of course we won’t object. Lilith, Sognar, Gari—all of them can assist you! Even our entire Dragon Clan can lend its support, but we require a promise! One condition!
That is, once the gates of the Netherworld open, no one from our clan will enter. You must handle everything independently. We’ll only be responsible for taking you to the edge of the Netherworld; everything that happens afterward is up to you. If you succeed, you may use the full power of our Dragon Clan! After achieving great things, our clan has no high demands—just a peaceful place to live in seclusion, and we want to be left out of your affairs, to bring back those wayward ones. Everything else is beyond our concern!” The Grand Elder said solemnly, looking at Rod intently.
This situation left Rod puzzled. What exactly had happened? What secrets lay behind it? Why was the Grand Elder so fearful and worried? Why did he make such demands? Could something even more serious happen? Could there be a terrifyingly powerful force capable of destroying the Dragon Clan?
“If I complete this mission in the Netherworld, I can handle the subsequent matters on my own. If I have the ability, I can keep your clan out of it. If not, I’ll do my best to help!”
“Good. It’s settled then. I believe you have the ability. Our Dragon Clan has never been wrong in judging people. Thus, we’re now allies. I’m sure we can work together harmoniously.
This matter needs to be dealt with quickly, but there’s no rush. Your strength isn’t enough yet. You need to reach at least the middle stage of the divine realm. During this time, you must undergo more training and strive to reach that level as soon as possible!” Upon getting Rod’s promise, the Grand Elder clearly became excited and happy, agreeing right away.