Volume Two: Taking on a Task Chapter Nine: The Dragon's Domain

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After emerging from the territory of the Netherworld’s Ghost Gate, Chen Chen and several black-clad companions returned to the place where they had originally received their mission. Each person had gained something from this task, though some bore minor injuries. Upon arriving at the handover point, they reported on the mission’s progress. The person responsible for verifying the mission nodded slightly and distributed silver coins accordingly. Chen Chen received his share based on his contribution.

Within the novice village, silver coins remained the common currency. Perhaps in distant lands other currencies prevailed, but those were ultimately different systems of exchange, distinct from the familiar way of life here. Having completed the Netherworld’s Ghost Gate segment, Chen Chen, clutching the ten silver coins earned from the mission, purchased a set of clothes, acquired a handy weapon, and enjoyed a fine meal.

With some provisions and a spark of hope, Chen Chen accepted a new task: to deal with the Domain of the Malicious Dragon. This mission was especially challenging, as it required restoring the balance of the food chains and ecosystems disrupted within the dragon’s domain. The task was not about ruthless extermination but about adjusting the natural state to achieve a more harmonious balance.

Before arriving on this planet, Chen Chen had encountered many stories and legends. He had witnessed many death-laden desperate places and had wandered for years—not claiming great mercy, but understanding that when nature fell out of balance, one must find the critical point and address it promptly.

A fifty-silver-coin reward might have seemed trivial in the past, but here it was a precious currency. Whether for clothing, food, shelter, or leisure, all the pleasures of life depended on possessing ample silver coins.

From the moment he received the task to stepping into the Domain of the Malicious Dragon, Chen Chen remained vigilant, mindful of the saying that men die for wealth and birds perish for food. The fifty silver coins reward was enticing not only to him but also to other novice village players and task seekers.

According to the intelligence Chen Chen had gathered, the ruler of this domain was a dragon. Whether malevolent or not, he would only judge after entering and investigating. It was said dragons favored shiny things, and silver coins fit that description perfectly. Perhaps, with luck, there would be extra rewards.

Upon entering the domain, the air was thick with the scent of gunpowder, like the residue of long-standing conflict—a weariness, a tediousness, a pervasive decay, and a whisper of death. Seeing such a scene, Chen Chen found himself intrigued. The question was, how many could survive in such a place? Those who could change themselves and their environment were invariably powerful.

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Countless seasons were but passing guests, and many travelers hurried on. This time, Chen Chen ventured forth to seek truth and harmonize the cycles of nature.

Soon after entering the Domain of the Malicious Dragon, he sensed the oppressive stillness of death. The dragons within had long wrought havoc. In this novice village, sometimes the domain was even more intense than the Netherworld’s Ghost Gate.

Perhaps to the dragons, such ruthlessness was mere survival or hunger. To other creatures, it was necessary to discern which beings should be consumed and which still held purpose.

Chen Chen’s arrival was felt by the domain’s dragon, who, knowing to choose the righteous path, managed to evade disaster for the time being. Once the dragon ceased its malevolence and the creatures within the domain coexisted harmoniously, the mission would be deemed a success, each living being finding its rightful space.

After wandering briefly, Chen Chen sensed a familiar aura—the deathly silence, the evil, the undead atmosphere unique to the Netherworld’s Ghost Gate. He pondered whether these undead entities had escaped from that nearby realm, invading the dragon’s domain and corrupting the creatures, robbing them of their former vitality and joy.

Climbing over stones and gazing into the distance, Chen Chen saw beautiful scenery beyond the mountains—possibly where the dragon itself rested or lurked. Regardless, he resolved to resolve this matter before the undead fully claimed the domain.

Perhaps the dragon had not originally been evil but had been corrupted by malevolent spirits and tainted by death’s aura. Heaven itself cherishes life, and those who strive to live and nurture life earn respect.

Seeing no one around, Chen Chen did not linger. Choosing a secluded spot, he covered his face and concealed his weapon. Lightly tapping his toes, he leapt into a tree, balanced on a branch, and then sprang to another tree.

A gentle breeze brushed his face, carrying the mingled scents of life and death. He sensed intense energy ahead and understood that the dragon might be nearing its end.

The closer he drew to the valley at the domain’s heart, the stronger the aura grew. Nearing the valley, many skilled figures were hidden in the mountains. Chen Chen noted the faint presence of the dragon and saw many others drawn here, chasing silver coins—more precisely, the dragon’s hoard of shining treasures.

Chen Chen was resolute. Pointing toward the distant Netherworld’s Ghost Gate, he sent a secret message: "The numerous malevolent and undead spirits that escaped from the Netherworld’s Ghost Gate have infiltrated many creatures in the dragon’s domain. Soon, this place must be purged, and these spirits—malevolent, undead, and evil—must be redirected back to their origin."

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At this, the hidden bandits and robbers lurking near the Netherworld’s Ghost Gate finally felt a flicker of fear. They rallied their followers and emerged from the Netherworld’s Ghost Gate, preparing for what was to come.

That place would soon become the refuge for undead, evil, and malevolent spirits. It was best marked as forbidden to the living.

With the matter settled, some of those who had coerced the dragon and demanded gold and silver had already received a share, sparing the dragon’s life. Chen Chen pointed once more toward the dragon. The many undead, vengeful, evil, and malevolent spirits wrapped around the dragon were gathered into a bundle. With a wave of his sleeve, the bundle flew back to the Netherworld’s Ghost Gate, where they resettled.

Once the spirits returned, a hint of peace returned to the dragon’s domain. The dragon itself seemed to lose some of its malice, showing signs of transformation into a divine dragon.

Having dealt with the greatest dragon, the next task was to restore the natural cycles of the five elements in the surrounding area.

All things in heaven and earth possess the spirit of life; even inanimate objects give rise to life. The natural law of the five elements promotes mutual growth, with life and death intertwined in endless cycles.

Perhaps the Domain of the Malicious Dragon would soon be renamed the Domain of the Divine Dragon. Yet Chen Chen still had to traverse these majestic mountains and rivers.

The cycle of the five elements would renew, and flowers and fruits would give birth to life. Far away, other lands awaited resources and cooperation to harmonize and replenish.

All beings in heaven and earth must strive together to prevent death’s shadow from overwhelming life.

Life begets life endlessly, while death’s chaos breeds destruction.

Regarding this, Chen Chen could only work carefully with those who recklessly toyed with life and death to resolve the matter.

These mountains teemed naturally with creatures and phenomena of the life-death cycle.

Seizing the splendid scenery and the infinite beauty of the setting sun, Chen Chen sought to forge good relations with those who embodied the spirits of life and death.

The matter passed quietly. After leaving the Domain of the Malicious Dragon, Chen Chen took his fifty silver coins and began a new life. It was neither a life of indulgence nor carefreeness but one dedicated to securing a place to survive within the novice village.

As for a better life, he would have to continue striving. Perhaps there awaited the life he longed for, the love he desired, and the friendship he cherished—but all would depend on his efforts and mutual appreciation.

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