Chapter 167: Chapter 159: A Glimmer of Hope, the Iron Dragon’s Growth

The night was deep, and bursts of cold wind swept over the low mountain where the Gray Magnetic Iron Ore was located.

Looking at the Red Iron Dragon standing in the center of the centaurs, surrounded by them, Solrog felt his scale armor tighten, as if being pressed by some invisible force.

It was not the power of the dragon.

But some kind of invisible, profound majesty that the Iron Dragon yearned for but did not possess.

He folded his wings and landed ten meters away from Galos on the ground, saying, “You arrived faster than I expected.”

Galos glanced over the centaurs and said, “Dealing with them doesn’t need to wait overnight.”

“These despicable creatures dared to deceive me.”

The Iron Dragon was somewhat annoyed.

Something similar had actually happened to Galos before, when he subdued the Jackal-Wolf Folk at Wailing Cliff. Initially, the Jackal-Wolf Folk pretended to submit, only to launch an attack on him.

But Galos saw through their intentions.

Before the Jackal-Wolf Folk could attack, he demonstrated his power and changed their plans.

The main reason the Iron Dragon was deceived was because he wasn’t strong enough. If he were as strong as Galos, the centaurs wouldn’t have faked submission but would have genuinely offered their loyalty.

There was also the pride that belonged to the Dragon Race.

If it were Galos.

Faced with a life form of higher status suddenly swearing allegiance, he would certainly be extremely vigilant, testing it again and again, not easily falling for it.

“Solrog, you’re very adept at managing territories and followers.”

The Red Iron Dragon calmly commented, “But you’re not cunning or vigilant enough. You need to recognize this.”

He didn’t blame Solrog for it. After all, he was just a young dragon, and making mistakes occasionally was normal. Even with Galos’ cautiousness, danger was inevitable, and it was hard for everything to go smoothly, not to mention with other young dragons.

The key lies in whether one can learn from their mistakes and grow, rather than remain stagnant.

The young Iron Dragon had actually shown some growth; this time, he didn’t cling to the fight and wasn’t overwhelmed by the illusion of advantage.

Solrog nodded, not refuting his brother’s words.

He said solemnly, “I will find a way to awaken my spiritual energy as soon as possible and become a Mind Mage, which will allow me to compensate for my deficiencies in this area with a keen sense of perception.”

Pausing for a moment, the Iron Dragon asked, “These centaurs, there should be more warriors in their tribe.”

“How do you intend to handle it?”

There was little expression on Galos’ dragon face as he said, “It’s very simple—submission or destruction. I’ll give them the opportunity to choose.”

The Border Area is mainly flatlands.

Centaurs are natural cavalry, and their momentum when charging on open ground is formidable. In large-scale frontal conflicts, their effectiveness is not inferior to ogres, and their overall caliber is even better.

There’s value in recruiting them as followers.

But if they don’t know what’s good for them, Galos won’t force it, and he’ll try to completely eradicate the clans he has already offended, leaving no room for them.

The Red Iron Dragon’s simple yet dangerous words made all the centaurs bow down even lower.

At this moment.

Two centaur commanders, heavily injured by Galos, struggled to get up.

Galos had previously held back from delivering the fatal blow, sparing their lives.

The Iron Dragon looked at the two centaurs who had attempted to kill him and left several wounds on his body. With a chilly gaze, he slowly walked forward, grinning as he asked, “Foolish and vile creatures, is this result what you desired? Are you satisfied?”

Ironhoof and Silver Mane were pale, their breaths weak.

After being crushed by Galos, they realized they had made a grave mistake.

The Iron Dragon was not solitary; behind him were dragons so powerful they couldn’t be contended with.

If they had known this, they would never have dared to offend. But who would have thought that the Evil Dragons would group together?

In the centaurs’ impression and understanding, dragons like the Iron Dragon were known for being solitary; there hadn’t been any known instances where they lived together.

“Warriors of the White Mane Clan, stand up!”

Ironhoof, in a resurgence of strength, stood and shouted.

“The glory of the centaurs lies in battle! To face death and live!”

He roared, picked up a broken spear, and charged at the Iron Dragon.

Those kneeling centaurs grew restless, attempting to follow his charge.

Swoosh!

Unexpectedly, before the Dragons could act, Silver Mane threw a greatsword fiercely, piercing through Ironhoof’s chest, halting his charge and silencing the stirred centaurs.

“You?!”

Ironhoof fell to the ground, coughing blood, staring wide-eyed at his former companion and rival in angry confusion.

“Fool, you would get us all killed. There’s only glory if we live.”

Silver Mane sighed and said softly.

Ironhoof did not respond, his pupils fully dilated. Having already sustained a grievous wound from one of Galos’ claw strikes, he now succumbed to the sword piercing his chest, dying on the spot.

Galos and Solrog silently watched the centaurs’ internal conflict.

Then, Silver Mane took a few deep breaths and knelt on the ground, enduring his severe physical pain.

He understood that there was still a slim chance for survival.

“Honorable King of Iron, mighty……. Master of Red Wings.”

He forced a humble and flattering smile on his face, lowered his head, and said, “I was blind to reality and acted foolishly; please forgive me. I am willing to pay any price for it.”

Galos remained silent, simply watching him quietly.

Silver Mane, enduring intense pain, heavily knocked his forehead on the hard metal shards, letting blood flow down his brow without concern.

“Our White Mane Clan has lived for generations in the Border Area, migrating through different regions, familiar with every water source and mineral vein, knowing how to survive on this land.”

His voice trembled from the pain, but he maintained the most respectful tone he could.

“Look, our strong forelegs can crush the skulls of giant wolves; our charges are unstoppable. Our eyes are sharp as eagles’, and our archers can shoot down birds from hundreds, even thousands of meters away. If you are willing to show mercy…”

Silver Mane raised his bloodied, thorn-pierced arm with difficulty, pointing to the kneeling warriors.

“These elite warriors will become your sharpest spear.”

Pausing for a moment, he finally said respectfully, “I hope to offer—”

The Iron Dragon interrupted, “Loyalty?”

“Foolish centaur, in my eyes, you have already lost your credibility.”

Silver Mane fell silent, then gritted his teeth and said, “I made the wrong choice, and I’m willing to atone with my life. I only ask you to forgive the other warriors.”

The Iron Dragon first looked at Galos.

Galos remained indifferent, saying, “They have inflicted wounds on you; their lives are yours to decide.”

Silver Mane’s face turned ashen.

The Iron Dragon stepped in front of Silver Mane, his form casting a shadow over him in the moonlight.

Wearing a cruel smile on his dragon face, he said, “Centaur, as you said, atone with your life. After your death, I will not trouble the other centaurs anymore.”

Silver Mane was silent for a few seconds, then forced a smile on his face.

“Thank you for your mercy.”

He picked up a broken spear from the ground. After hesitating slightly, he took a deep breath, finally gritting his teeth, closing his eyes, and thrusting it toward his heart.

The spear tip pierced through skin and flesh.

But just before it could harm his heart, it stopped abruptly.

The Iron Dragon extended a hooked claw, gripping the broken spear.

Feeling the prevention from the Iron Dragon, the centaur’s eyes opened wide in astonishment.

The Iron Dragon coldly said, “Your life now belongs to the Molten Iron Clan, to us, the Ignatius Brothers.”

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