Chapter 99: Subduing Sognar

Fed by magic, Rod could feel his wounds healing rapidly. Although water magic wasn’t the best healing spell, when used by a divine-level advanced being like Lilith, its effects were quite remarkable.
Sitting cross-legged on the ground, he slowly channeled the faint traces of combat energy left in his body, feeling external elements flow into him. His combat energy grew stronger bit by bit, nourishing every meridian it passed through, bringing a warm sensation. This state lasted nearly a day before he recovered to 80–90% of his original strength. By then, Rod could clearly sense that his power had improved again—after intense battles, the intensity of his combat energy had risen once more.
Looking back at Sognar, he had already fully recovered. It was evident just how abnormally strong dragons were in terms of recovery abilities—even Rod’s own rapid recovery couldn’t compare.
Enduring nine thousand times gravity, Sognar arrived before Lilith. At that moment, the scene seemed calm and dull, as if time had stopped. Sognar’s gaze always gave Rod the impression that he wanted to devour him.
As for Lilith, her expression toward Rod was extremely complex. She didn’t know what to say. With the emergence of the Dark Dragon, another storm of violence might be on the horizon. Yet, she couldn’t bring herself to kill Rod.
“We set off tomorrow. There’s still a lot to do!” With a sigh, Lilith said bitterly, looking at the two of them. The dull atmosphere made her feel uncomfortable as well.
“Go if you want to!” Sognar glared fiercely at Rod, ignoring Lilith’s words completely. His gaze toward Rod was filled with murderous intent.
“Don’t forget—your dragon soul is inside the Dark Dragon right now. If you want to die, you don’t have to follow! You know very well what it means if your dragon soul is taken!” Lilith said coldly, casting a glance at Sognar.

One sentence made Sognar’s face stretch out again! He had unleashed Dragon Fury by using his own soul to attack his opponent—who would have expected such an outcome? Having his dragon soul taken was the greatest humiliation for a dragon, especially for an adult dragon like him! Having one’s dragon soul seized meant being controlled by others and becoming their captive. To put it bluntly, his life was now in Rod’s hands—or rather, in the hands of the Dark Dragon! He couldn’t stay more than a thousand meters away from his dragon soul; once he crossed that distance, it would start to harm him, leaving him with no other choice but death.

In an instant, Sognar’s expression kept changing—turning blue and then red—as he gasped for breath, unable to say a word. He could only stare resentfully at the human before him.

“Damn it! What do you really want?” He spat out angrily, glancing at Lilith before roaring frantically at Rod, “Kid, release my soul right now!”

“Threatening him won’t work. You know that the dragon soul absorbed by the Dark Dragon can’t be released unless the Dark Dragon is completely under this guy’s control. But it seems he hasn’t reached that point yet!” Lilith replied calmly before Rod could speak, a faint smile on her lips. Though she hated the Dark Dragon and wished to destroy it, thinking of Sognar’s plight made her feel both amused and frustrated.

Their purpose in coming here was to subdue Sognar and bring him to the Netherworld. The Netherworld was a sacred place for the demons. Not to mention the power of those ancient monsters there, even among the demons, there were many skilled fighters—no one could enter just by wishing to. At least she and Rod didn’t have the strength, so they needed help. Just as that shadowy figure had said, it was time to act in this void space.

If they could find such helpers, their mission would have a much better chance of success! Yet, none of the guys in this forest were humble or willing to follow this kid anywhere. Lilith had once been extremely troubled by this issue, but now it was solved—the Dark Dragon’s actions actually helped them accomplish some things. With Sognar’s weakness in their hands, they weren’t afraid he wouldn’t comply.

“Damn you, you wretched woman! Do you really want to ally with this guy against our Dragon clan? I, Sognar, am not a coward who fears death! It’s impossible for me to submit to such a lowly human! That’s simply out of the question!” As if his tail had been stepped on, Sognar leaped up suddenly, roaring loudly and panting heavily. If it weren’t for his black scales, one might have seen his face turn red and his neck swell.

“You bastard kid, hand over the Dark Dragon right now!” Then he turned to Rod, his eyes blazing with terrifying fury as he stared at the Dark Dragon in Rod’s hands, ready to kill at the slightest provocation.

“Come and take it if you dare! I could hurt you before, and I can still do it now!” With a cold snort, Rod paid no attention to Sognar’s threats. Not only was his life in his own hands now, but the previous battle had already greatly boosted his confidence. Facing Sognar now, his mindset had completely changed—he no longer cared about Sognar’s threats.

“Good, you’re brave! I…”

“Enough, Sognar. Thousands of years of living have been in vain if you still don’t understand such simple things! Can you just control the Dark Dragon whenever you want? And now it even recognizes you as its master! Your only choice is to follow us. Otherwise, I won’t hesitate to eliminate an obstacle in my way!” With another cold snort, Lilith also lost patience. After trying every possible way to persuade him, she received no response from Sognar. Being proud by nature, she saw no need to say more.

“One last chance for you to choose. If you follow us, the rewards will be obvious—freedom from this Void Space, eternal freedom. He can do that! Do you really want to stay here for tens of thousands of years until you become just another speck of dust in this Void Space? Think carefully. Don’t doubt my words—I have the power to destroy you right now!” After saying those words, Lilith coldly left, taking Rod with her, leaving Sognar standing there in stunned silence. Her words stirred huge waves in Sognar’s heart, which could not be calmed for a long time.

A thousand years ago, he had just entered his growth phase. At that time, as a quasi-godly being, he was among the best in the Black Dragon clan, at the height of his glory. Yet, out of pride, he rejected those scumbags’ attempts to recruit him, only to end up framed and trapped in the Void Space, forced to guard it for life until he could return to the embrace of the Dragon God! He was unwilling, but had no choice—sealed away. Although the seal was now lifted, the restriction remained; he couldn’t leave the Void Space, or else he would face pursuit from his clan! Lilith’s condition of granting him freedom for life truly moved his heart.

His expression kept changing, his eyes flickering as if struggling internally. With his head lowered, he writhed restlessly before finally lifting his head after a long while to look at Lilith and Rod, who were almost out of sight. With a roar of desperation, he rushed after them.

“I knew this guy would follow!” Sensing Sognar’s movements behind her, Lilith smirked slyly and murmured to herself. Then she turned to Sognar, who was chasing after them, and said, “Well? Have you decided? Do you want me to free you or come with us?”

“Damn you, you win! Remember your promise!” Sognar glared at Lilith in frustration and then turned to Rod, shouting, “Remember your words! Otherwise, even if I die, I’ll drag you down with me!”

“A wise choice. It won’t disappoint you! Trust that your decision is right! Alright, come on. Let’s rest at my place for a day, and then go find those old guys tomorrow!” Lilith nodded, smiling satisfactorily, as she spoke slowly.

“Idiot, why go find those old guys? Are you tired of living? They’re… they’re…” His expression changed again, clearly wary of those “old guys” Lilith mentioned. Hearing her words, Sognar’s face darkened as he roared in anger. One problem after another kept piling up, and he felt like going crazy.

“If you don’t go, you can stay! Do you think the Netherworld is easy to get to? The two of us aren’t good enough!” Lilith smirked at Sognar as if he were an idiot, rubbing her head in exasperation. Sognar had good talent, but his achievements remained limited largely because he was too careless and failed to adapt or think strategically! Otherwise, he wouldn’t be under her control now!

“Damn it, I’ll give it my all! Remember your words! Hmph!” Gritting his teeth and struggling for a moment, Sognar roared loudly, clearly making a tremendous effort to awaken. The three of them set off toward Lilith’s cave. When they returned to the cave, Rod was surprised to find that gravity wasn’t as extreme as he had expected—it was only ten thousand times stronger. Although this was still difficult, it was barely acceptable for someone who had lived here for over a year. Unnoticed, Rod even realized that his physique had become terrifyingly strong. It was a world of difference compared to a year ago.