Chapter 143: Hidden Agendas

As they trekked deeper into the underground, Han Shuo noticed the tunnel widening, branching out into a complex web of paths leading in all directions. He focused his attention, carefully observing his surroundings and committing the route to memory to ensure he would not lose his way back.

When their descent leveled off and Daina, the dark elf, led Han Shuo and the others along a flat passage, Han Shuo looked up. The ceiling was embedded with reddish-brown glowing stones, reminiscent of the evening clouds in the world above. Aside from the dark, brownish stone canopy, the landscape did not differ much from the surface, though it felt slightly warmer and lacked the chill of the upper world.

"The underground world is inhabited by various races," Daina explained, her eyes fixed on Han Shuo with a sultry, affectionate gaze as she noticed him and the old priest observing their surroundings with interest. "Besides us dark elves, there are gnomes, lizardmen, and other races, as well as incredibly destructive super-beasts like the black dragon. While it differs from the surface in some respects, it is not entirely alien."

Dark elves are inherently lustful, and their women are even more so. As the matriarch of her clan, Daina was no exception; Han Shuo understood the meaning behind her gaze with a single glance.

"Why did that black dragon attack your clan, and where does it reside?" Ignoring her advances, Han Shuo asked, his brow furrowed with business-like intent.

"We had no original grievance with it," Daina sighed, her expression turning troubled. "The lizardmen bribed it to attack us. We have been fighting over a patch of fertile land, and after the lizardmen were defeated in several skirmishes, they somehow recruited this dragon."

"How many people did you send against it? What are its attacks? Can we be of use?" Han Shuo pressed.

"Our three hundred warriors have already engaged it once. Its hide is incredibly tough; only its head and neck are vulnerable. It breathes corrosive acid and a fire mixed with molten lava. We used magic and bows to attack from a distance, injuring it, but we lost over twenty warriors. It is currently recuperating in a swamp. With your five hundred forest troll warriors, I am confident we can kill it." Daina replied with newfound confidence.

They continued their journey, and as more dark elves joined them, their party grew from a few dozen to nearly three hundred by the time they reached a dark, murky swamp.

"Pay us first, and we will help you," Han Shuo said firmly.

Daina complied readily. At her signal, several male dark elves pushed two carts forward. Lifting the grey covers, they revealed a cart brimming with gold and another filled with dazzling jewelry. Han Shuo’s eyes brightened as he appraised the haul; it was easily worth tens of thousands of gold coins. He hadn't expected the dark elves to be so wealthy. He stepped forward and, using his spatial ring, claimed the treasure without hesitation. As he did so, he caught a fleeting, cold glint of mockery in Daina’s eyes.

Since reaching the True Demon realm, Han Shuo’s senses had become preternaturally sharp. He grasped the subtle, malicious detail instantly. Heart tightening, he remained stooped to hide his reaction, silently calculating the meaning behind her expression and becoming doubly vigilant.

"The payment is accepted. What now?" Han Shuo stood up, his gaze sweeping over the swamp.

"Our people are not front-line melee fighters; we rely on archers and mages," Daina stated matter-of-factly. "I expect your trolls to hold the front while we provide support from the rear."

Han Shuo shook his head, refusing flatly. "No. The dragon’s hide is too thick. Putting our people in the front is suicide. If you insist on this, the deal is off."

If the forest trolls held the front, they would be caught between the deadly dragon and the treacherous dark elves. Even without detecting Daina's ill intent, he would never agree to such a tactical disadvantage. Given his suspicions, he was even less inclined to comply.

Daina’s smile vanished, and she spoke with a hint of anger. "Someone must hold the front. Would you have our fragile kin die? We have paid you two carts of gold and jewels!"

"Don't worry," Han Shuo replied, his voice chilling. "If you need cannon fodder, I have that covered. Just lure the dragon out of the swamp, and I will handle the meat shield."

With a chant, Han Shuo summoned a zombie warrior. As he continued his incantations, more zombies, skeleton warriors, and ghouls materialized, forming an impenetrable wall of flesh.

"So, you are a necromancer," Daina nodded, though her gaze grew dismissive at the sight of the low-level undead.

Han Shuo ignored her disdain. "Well? Can we proceed?"

"Proceed. I will make the arrangements. Once the dragon leaves the swamp, have your summons engage it immediately. Your trolls will join us in ranged attacks. Do not let the dragon breathe or speak, or we will be in trouble," Daina said, retreating to her kin, where she began whispering in low tones.

With his heightened senses, Han Shuo clearly heard them plotting against the forest trolls. He sneered internally, beckoned the old priest, and whispered instructions. The priest’s initial shock faded into a calm resolve as he departed to relay the orders to the troll chieftain.

A young dark elf girl, stark naked, walked toward the swamp, her voice rising in a haunting, melodic song. Her skin was a smooth, lustrous deep purple, her frame lithe and curvaceous—an eerie, exotic beauty. As she reached the edge, her delicate feet toyed with the black mud, creating ripples in the stillness.

Suddenly, the center of the swamp sank, forming a massive vortex. The girl scrambled back in alarm as the whirlpool pulled at the mire. The vortex shifted rapidly toward her. Just as it reached the bank, a colossal "splash" erupted. A pitch-black dragon head burst forth, its red eyes glowing like lanterns. As its massive, spiked back and razor-sharp claws emerged, its body extending over a dozen meters, Han Shuo, seeing a dragon up close for the first time, was struck with awe.

"Little one, why don't you play with me? Don't run," the black dragon hissed, its voice thick with lust as it lunged toward the dark elf girl.