Cameron's mount, a green dragon, turned out to be of the plant type. Green dragons were considered low-tier among all dragons, with mid-to-low combat prowess, veritable dwarves of the dragon race, only slightly stronger than the weakest white dragons. They excelled in plant-based magic, their breath attacks and melee capabilities being rather weak.
Upon seeing the green dragon, Li Xi's first thought was that he could defeat such a dragon with one hand, and in no more than three moves. It wasn't just him; even a fully armed Sun Er'dai could take down this dragon with a surprise attack!
However, seeing Cameron fussing over the green dragon like a doting wife, Li Xi took a closer look and realized it was a female dragon!
"Hathaway, this is our new acquaintance, young brother Li Xi. Don't let his age fool you; his strength surpasses ours."
Cameron happily introduced Li Xi to the green dragon, then beckoned Li Xi over. With pride, he introduced, "Young brother Li Xi, this is my kin, my most loyal combat partner, Hathaway the green dragon."
The absence of any title before Green Dragon Hathaway's name indicated she wasn't a particularly successful dragon. All the dragons Li Xi had encountered before, regardless of their standing, possessed titles, symbols of their strength. It was like those ruffians in the martial world who, despite lacking real power, had intimidating nicknames.
Armandla, the Dragon of the Volcano (currently the downtrodden Sun San'dai), and Gagdachi, the Red Dragon, Lord of Gray Mountain, all had their titles, which sounded impressive and could intimidate weaker opponents. But this green dragon had no title, suggesting a lack of significant standing.
For humans, however, Cameron had every reason to be proud. In any era, be it ancient, primordial, or recent history, Dragon Knights were always among the top-tier professions. Of course, most historical Dragon Knights were of weaker dragon species like green, blue, or white dragons. Powerful metallic dragons, black dragons, red dragons, and golden dragons rarely deigned to be mounts.
Green dragons, unable to absorb and strengthen their dragon bloodline, didn't particularly interest Li Xi. "Hello, Ms. Hathaway."
Green Dragon Hathaway scrutinized Li Xi. He gave her a feeling of being both familiar and dangerous. Familiar because Li Xi carried a faint, almost imperceptible, yet exceptionally pure dragon scent, purer than her own draconic aura. Dangerous because the moment she saw him, her instinct screamed to flee. When Li Xi's gaze swept over her, it felt like a butcher's keen eye assessing the best place to strike, causing her scales to prickle.
"H-hello, Mr. Li Xi." Cameron looked at his kin... mount... partner in surprise. The arrogance of dragons was known even to goblins. Yet, upon meeting Li Xi, she seemed as fearful and uneasy as a mouse meeting a cat.
Cameron gently stroked Hathaway's scales, comforting her. After a shared glance between man and dragon, Cameron patted Hathaway's wing, assuring her that everything was fine with him present.
Dragons did not permit anyone to sit on their backs without their consent. Thus, Gallidos produced a magic carpet and invited Li Xi to ride it. The three set off. According to the Su Dan novel website.
Along the way, Hathaway consistently kept her distance from Li Xi. Several times, Cameron urged her to fly closer, but Hathaway became resistant, stubbornly refusing to obey.
"What's wrong? Did you sense something?" Cameron asked from his perch on Hathaway's back. He sat in a natural indentation on her neck, right where her wings protruded.
"That Li Xi gives me a terrifying feeling, as if I'll be devoured alive if I get close. I suspect he has eaten dragons." Hathaway finally voiced her speculation. Proximity—when had a rabbit ever voluntarily approached a leopard, or a mouse a snake? Her instincts naturally made her want to stay away.
"Eaten dragons?"
"Yes, the feeling is similar."
"Then let's keep our distance from him. I've seen his intelligence reports; he's incredibly strong. Even if we joined forces, I wouldn't guarantee victory against him." Cameron owed half his abilities to his dragon. If Li Xi truly had a penchant for eating dragons, he was certain they wouldn't see him again after this. Where there was a cat, mice were scarce.
"My intuition is stronger than yours. Our combined strength would be no match for him. We'll just avoid him from now on." At this moment, Hathaway lost all semblance of draconic pride, appearing as timid and fearful as a camel in a sandstorm, with no recourse but to lower its head.
On the magic carpet, Gallidos asked curiously, "While Hathaway isn't the strongest, she still possesses draconic pride. Why is she so afraid of you?"
Li Xi mused for a moment, then retrieved a crystal ball from his spatial ring. "I have a good relationship with Master Demanga. This is a gift from him. Besides this, I have other small tokens. What Hathaway senses is likely not my aura, but Master Demanga's."
Gallidos's voice suddenly rose, "Demanga the Dragon Slayer, Archmage?"
"Indeed."
"He's a legendary figure! I had no idea you were acquainted with the Master. I've long admired him from afar; I must ask you to introduce me if the opportunity arises." Gallidos immediately transformed into an ardent fan. While S-rank mercenaries were already at the pinnacle of the world, Demanga clearly belonged to an even higher echelon within that select group. Gallidos's reaction was understandable.
Although Demanga's title was merely Archmage, the outside world was unaware of the secrets he had uncovered regarding dragons. Regardless, rumors circulated that Demanga was the second most powerful individual, just below a Grand Archmage.
After flying for about five sandglasses, Gallidos informed Li Xi that they were nearing their destination and then introduced him to Master Herme. "Mage Herme is a rare high-level female mage, a disciple of Grand Archmage Elma, specializing in fire magic. She has a fiery temper and is currently one of the resident council members of the Aysing Magic Guild."
"You know what kind of people spellcasters are, so it's best to avoid offending them if possible."
Li Xi suddenly understood. She was a disciple of Grand Archmage Elma, which explained her formidable abilities. The last news he had of Elma was when she witnessed vampires sacrificing a city and, with a forbidden spell, incinerated all the vampires, including dukes, to ash. That level of forbidden spell power was far beyond Li Xi's current sham magic, which masqueraded as spells but was merely ninjutsu.
That was the true power of magic. Although Li Xi hadn't witnessed it firsthand, based on his understanding of power, only the most advanced ninjutsu could reach such a level.
The destructive potential of a ninjutsu or spell shouldn't be judged solely by its area of effect but by its lethality against formidable opponents. Facing a forbidden spell, a top-tier expert and an ordinary person were on the same level—death.
However, many ninjutsu were not like this. Against weaker foes, they were potent tools of slaughter, far faster than spells, even rendering them obsolete. But against skilled adversaries, the killing power of ninjutsu was insufficient.
In essence, forbidden spells focused on high-intensity, three-dimensional coverage, and precise surgical targeting within that coverage, allowing no escape.
Ninjutsu, on the other hand, tended towards single-plane damage, with significant limitations. This weakness was less apparent against weaker opponents but became a disadvantage against skilled ones. For instance, commonly used techniques like Water Colliding Wave, Earth Flow Wall, Earth Rising Excavation, Fire Style, and Heaven’s Column were all flawed, lacking a decisive finishing power.
Fortunately, Li Xi's ultimate trump card had always been his powerful physique, and he only employed ninjutsu when he was confident.
Soon, Gallidos guided the magic carpet to land in a forest behind a large mountain. A mage with slightly redder skin than a normal person was already seated there. His red robe was pristine, without a single wrinkle. According to Gallidos, this Master Herme was eighty years old, a grandmother with four grandchildren, yet she appeared to be only around forty.
Unlike Demanga's unkempt appearance, this female mage clearly paid more attention to her upkeep. All paths led to the same destination; when any power was pushed to its extreme, the results were similar—slowing aging, extending lifespan, and maintaining good health. While male mages might neglect these aspects, women naturally paid attention to them.
"Master?"
Gallidos softly alerted Herme, who was still meditating.
Herme opened her eyes. It wasn't that her eyes were particularly beautiful, but as they opened, the surrounding magical energy seemed to come alive, becoming more active at an accelerated rate, increasing in density. It created an illusion that nature itself was singing. In such an environment, a mage would gain a half-percent increase in spellcasting power compared to normal conditions.
This was a Grand Mage whose very being resonated with the power of heaven and earth—a true master.
Herme simply nodded at Gallidos and then curiously observed Li Xi. Just as Gallidos had told Li Xi on the beach, his intelligence reports had reached the tables of various powers, with the Magic Guild showing the most keen interest. Zuo Lin, upon seeing Li Xi's ability to cast Grandmaster-level spells almost instantaneously, experienced a shock akin to seeing a woman's naked body for the first time. He believed this was the pinnacle of the world and was ready to become Li Xi's disciple. Similarly, the Magic Guild, having received the intelligence, could not afford to overlook Li Xi.
Therefore, Herme's primary purpose for this meeting wasn't to deal with some fire demon, but to observe Li Xi and probe his background. The ability to cast Grandmaster-level spells instantaneously was a skill that, in this world, only the Magic Goddess possessed. Even nine-level demigods could not achieve it.
What was once believed to be a divine exclusive skill was now mastered by a young man from the countryside. It was like discovering that exquisite art you attributed to Van Gogh was being mass-produced like cabbage by a beggar. Your entire worldview would shatter. If even ten percent of mages could learn Li Xi's skill of instant high-powered magic, mages would dare to conquer the abyss, ascend to the divine realms, and overturn the temples of the gods.
However, after discreetly crushing over a dozen detection scrolls concealed within her voluminous sleeves, Herme discovered that the power contained within Li Xi's body was not the magical energy used by mages. It was more akin to an energy she had never encountered before, and its level seemed to be lower than that of magic.
"Young friend Li Xi, I've heard you possess the ability to cast Grandmaster-level spells instantaneously. Might I have the honor of witnessing it this time?" Herme asked, feigning a casual tone. It wouldn't be appropriate to be too direct on their first meeting.
"How dare the light of a firefly compete with the sun? My humble skills are nothing before a Master. I am here today to offer my assistance." When there are no conflicting interests, Li Xi is always amiable. Facing true masters, one must maintain humility. Those who resort to violence at the slightest provocation are simply unwell and in need of treatment.
The martial world is not about fighting and killing; it's about human relationships and worldly affairs!