Chapter 164: Chapter 156: Loyalty and Betrayal

Late at night, the world was silent.

The monsters moved swiftly, already setting up the basic tents.

The moonlight, like water, spilled onto the low hills, coating the gradually forming mine below with a layer of silver frost. The Dragon Claw of Iron Dragon Solrog pressed against the rock wall, eyes slightly closed, meticulously sensing the vibrations deep within the ore vein.

Suddenly.

The Kola Giant Eagle circling in the sky let out a sharp screech, a warning that intruders were approaching.

Groups of Centaurs did not hide their tracks, advancing openly and honorably from the edge of the pine forest.

The Iron Dragon rose up, its gaze sweeping over those Centaurs, then flapping its wings and taking to the sky, followed closely by the Clan Guards who quickly grabbed their weapons.

“Centaurs, hold!”

“Ahead lies the territory of the Molten Iron Clan.”

The Iron Dragon circled in the sky, looking down at the Centaurs, issuing a deep, booming warning like thunder from its mouth.

The number of these Centaurs was large, armored and armed with spears, both in quantity and quality surpassing the Vanguard Army brought by the Iron Dragon. Moreover, the two leading Centaurs were tall and sturdy, their strides steady, emanating a strong life force.

Without investigation, it was clear that both were warriors with life levels exceeding 10.

Centaurs are brave and battle-hardened, powerful and strong, ranking among the top of all humanoid intelligent creature races.

The young Iron Dragon had no confidence in taking them down.

At this time, Silver Mane looked up respectfully at the Iron Dragon and said, “Honorable Dragon Race, may we have the honor of knowing your name?”

The Centaurs’ reaction surprised the Iron Dragon a bit.

After a brief thought, it replied in a deep voice, “King of Iron, Solrog!”

Silver Mane said, “Respected King of Iron, the Gray Magnetic Iron Ore is the property of our clan, though it had not yet been mined.”

The Iron Dragon’s eyes narrowed slightly and said, “You mean I have invaded your property, and you want to expel me?”

Their deferential attitude could be a pretense before hostility.

Solrog remained on guard.

In reality, when he first discovered the ore vein, he didn’t think much of it, assuming it was unclaimed land.

But after a careful investigation today, he discovered some fresh hoof prints and exploration marks, proving the Centaurs’ claim; they indeed had found the Gray Magnetic Iron Ore first.

However.

There is no such thing as first come, first served here.

Resources belong to the stronger.

The Iron Dragon continued to issue a warning: “Lowly Centaurs, I give you ten seconds to withdraw, or else you will taste the wrath of the Dragon Race.”

However, the unexpected happened.

“Honorable King of Iron, you misunderstand.”

Under the gaze of the Iron Dragon, Silver Mane knelt deeply with his front hooves on the ground, covered in dust without a care, presenting a submissive posture. The other Centaurs also knelt, bowing their heads, displaying the highest etiquette of Centaur society to the Iron Dragon.

“The White Mane Clan is willing to offer up the mining rights of the Gray Magnetic Iron Ore.”

Pausing, Silver Mane spoke humbly yet eagerly: “Our Centaur Race yearns for power, craves glory, and you, mighty Dragon Race, honorable King of Iron, you are the embodiment of strength and glory. We wish to offer our loyalty, to follow beneath your wings.”

Ironhoof’s movements were somewhat stiff.

This rough Warrior now lowered his head, the necklace of animal bones among his mane jangling.

“We have brought the best elite from the clan for your review.”

The Iron Dragon’s gaze swept over the silent Centaur Warriors, noticing their strong bodies, the resilient aura honed through countless battles, and felt somewhat tempted.

The Molten Iron Clan was just establishing roots in the Border Area, a time when power was needed.

Every Centaur is a natural warrior and cavalryman by birth. A Centaur Clan’s allegiance is a great thing right now.

Due to the innate pride of the Dragon Race.

The Iron Dragon believed it deserved to be followed, and the Centaurs’ appearance here wanting to pledge allegiance was normal, but there was a touch of caution in its heart.

Centaurs are brave creatures; examples of them surrendering to the Dragon Race without the test of battle are rare.

If it were creatures like the Jackal-Wolf Folk or Kobold who love to cling to the Dragon Race, the Iron Dragon would accept them without hesitation.

But with Centaurs, it didn’t entirely trust them.

“Pledge your loyalty?” the Iron Dragon’s voice was hoarse and magnetic, with a texture akin to metal scraping, speaking slowly: “I have heard that Centaurs are courageous and fearless warriors, bowing to no one.”

Silver Mane’s heart stiffened, sensing the suspicion from the Iron Dragon.

This surprised him slightly.

In his impression, Dragons were extremely arrogant and conceited. When dealing with the White Dragon back then, the White Mane Clan also feigned submission initially, then took advantage of the White Dragon’s landing to suddenly and unexpectedly rise up, severely injuring and driving it away.

This Iron Dragon was more cautious than he thought.

Silver Mane maintained his humble posture and said, “Times have changed, King of Iron, the chaos of the tundra is gradually spreading to the Border Area, and we…” He paused at the right moment: “Desire stronger protection.”

His words were half-truths.

The wars between Giants and Barbarians deep within the Icefield have brought chaos, causing many Icefield creatures to migrate outward, severely affecting the natives living in the Border Area. The Centaurs too sensed the impending danger.

However, compared to seeking protection from a Dragon.

These two Centaurs preferred to use the young Iron Dragon’s body materials to craft weapons and armor for their clan.

Ironhoof raised his head, saying in a resentful tone, “The young Centaurs yearn for battle and glory, but the old stubborn ones in the clan want to migrate, to escape, and we couldn’t agree.”

“Now, we have brought the finest warriors, as long as you are willing to accept, we shall all fight for you, and the only reward we seek is to earn the merit and glory we deserve under your protection.”

After hearing the words of the two Centaurs.

The Iron Dragon’s gaze flickered, staring intently at them, as the suspicion in its heart gradually dissipated.

“You have made the right choice.”

It said, “To pledge allegiance to the great King of Iron, to the Molten Iron Clan, is your honor.”

Securing its wings, the Iron Dragon slowly descended, standing in the center, with the small number of monster followers and Centaur Warriors looking at each other.

“Pine Resin Honey Wine, a specialty of our clan, please enjoy.”

Silver Mane offered a wineskin, opened the stopper, and a sweet yet intense aroma filled the air. Ironhoof approached as well, grinning and saying, “There is no finer wine in the entire Border Area.”

The Iron Dragon enjoyed sweets and was also interested in wine, unable to hide the gleam in its eyes.

But now was not the time for enjoyment.

Solrog shook his head and said, “The main task now is to mine the ore, and more Clan Followers will arrive soon. Before that, the camp here needs to be as complete as possible.”

He directly instructed the Centaurs: “If you seek protection, you must also show your value.”

“There’s no need for battle now; you are responsible for carrying stone and wood to help build the camp.”

Upon hearing this, Silver Mane and Ironhoof locked eyes in a nuanced exchange.

The Pine Resin Honey Wine contained toxic juice that could weaken the attributes of a Dragon, but it seemed the target had no intention of drinking it, and according to the Iron Dragon’s words, other monsters would arrive later.

This meant that if they intended to take action, there was no time to delay.

Though they couldn’t lure the target into drinking the poisoned wine, not achieving perfection, they were prepared enough.

“What are you standing around for? Go do what you should.”

The Iron Dragon urged.

“Apologies, we just arrived, so we were a little…”

Silver Mane said softly.

Before the words were finished, Ironhoof suddenly sprang into action.

His stout front hoof smashed the ground, while pulling out the battle spear from beneath the saddlebag, holding it in his hand, the spear tip wrapped in surging magical energy, swift as lightning, directly aiming for the Iron Dragon’s throat.

Silver Mane’s movements were even more insidious.

His silver-white mane suddenly exploded, releasing paralyzing powder hidden within it, wafting toward the Iron Dragon’s face as he swung a heavy sword made of steel from his waist, the blade aimed directly at the joint of the Iron Dragon’s right wing and torso.

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