The Dragon's Snare: Part One

Did Du Chen possess the might to subdue Constantine? The question itself was preposterous!

What did the Five Peaks of Myriad Streams amount to? Powerful, yes, but against Du Chen's full arsenal? Should he truly be forced to engage Constantine in a battle to the death, merely employing Andy to tie up the Rebellious Dragon and then unleashing Flaying and Deboning would prove more than sufficient!

But Du Chen did not wish to fight Constantine to the death!

Andy lowered his head, averting Du Chen's gaze, and mumbled softly, “I, Chris Andy, am a Snow Wolf with dreams and an appetite. Yet my grandest dream is simply to eat well... Master.”

Under Du Chen's unwavering gaze, he strained to recall his past experiences...

“It seemed the first thing I, Chris Andy, ever understood was hunger, the need for food... But back then, I was too plump, too small, unable even to reach the wild fruits on the trees, let alone catch a delicious long-haired rabbit. Thankfully, the Misty Forest still offered some roots and dwarf fruits to fill my belly. But even that depended on luck! Seven times? Eight? Ah, I can't recall how many times I nearly starved to death, but I remember the most perilous one: I, Chris Andy, was so famished I drank a bellyful of water to sate myself, only to collapse from exhaustion into the river. I drifted along, able to see only the lone bright moon above... But then, a Grizzly Bear appeared by the riverbank, licking its chops as it eyed me! It, it blocked out the moonlight! It was over. Moon Goddess, save me, don't let me starve before I'm eaten! I, I thought that once inside the Grizzly's belly, I'd bite him once before I died! Even better... if you let me eat him instead! Just then, the moonlight suddenly flashed, and for some unknown reason, the Grizzly Bear died! Ha, it died, which meant I, Chris Andy, wouldn't starve, right? Praise the moonlight! Oh, and another time, the moonlight flashed again, and a Saber-toothed Tiger that was about to eat me collapsed... The moonlight flashed, and a delicious Flame Ox fell... This happened three times, didn't it? Hmm, I'm certain! That's why I firmly believe that I, Chris Andy, am a favored child of the Moon Goddess! So, years later, when I was too fat to walk and on the verge of starving again, I prayed to the Moon Goddess once more... and as a result, I got a roasted Silver Dragon!”

Andy recounted, reminiscing, his memory devoid of even the slightest impression of his parents!

This was Du Chen's first time truly understanding the Divine Pet's past. He narrowed his eyes, gazing at Andy. “Before, you were nothing more than a true Snow Wolf! And all the 'evidence' Constantine had that you were his son was merely something we 'coincidentally' orchestrated... Andy, I now declare that you have no blood relation to Constantine!”

Andy thought for a moment, then vigorously nodded. “Mm, he's definitely not my dad, definitely not related to me!”

Du Chen's gaze swept across the room, noticing Porter attempting to slip away, while Harry tried to hold him back. Du Chen waved him over. “Porter, there's nothing to hide from you about this matter. Constantine is one of the strongest The Masters in this world, one of the legendary 'Five Peaks of Myriad Streams.' I require your counsel on how to apprehend and eliminate him!” He pressed on Porter's shoulder, guiding him to a seat.

As Harry recounted the events in his ear, Porter's heart grew uneasy. This was already Francis's most classified secret; what purpose did it serve for Du Chen to reveal it to him?

To apprehend and eliminate the most enigmatic Rebellious Dragon among the Five Peaks of Myriad Streams, Du Chen genuinely needed Porter's intellect. Furthermore, his trust in Porter stemmed from a single remark from Flaying: 'Sherine would never harm you! Trust her judgment!' And Porter, after all, had been sent by Sherine!

Porter stared deeply at Du Chen, who returned his gaze. Their eyes met, and Porter adjusted his spectacles, then broke into a brilliant smile, speaking clearly. “Firstly, we must establish one crucial point: our adversary is a Rebellious Dragon even more formidable than Mr. Brook. Moreover, his ability to evade the Dragon Clan's pursuit for decades unscathed proves his meticulous planning and flawless execution! Therefore, his solo arrival to seek you out undoubtedly indicates some reliance, and thus, it would be utterly unsuitable for us to act here and now!”

As if to corroborate Porter's words, around the darkening Durkes City, Balu and his brethren had already prepared the Divine Retribution Array, a secret technique originating from Mount Miglio. In the front hall, Constantine, who had been waiting, also rose, gazing out at the evening sky, his hands tucked into his sleeves!

Should the Lord's Manor make even the slightest Disturbance, the Divine Retribution Array would unleash its fury upon Durkes City!

“Furthermore, Constantine is the Third Head of Thistle Valley, a sanctuary for villains across the land! We must act without leaving a single trace; if we fail, Durkes City will face the bloody retribution of Thistle Valley!” Porter gestured to the map of Durkes City hanging on the secret chamber's wall, his eyes brimming with confidence. “If we confront him head-on, it's highly probable we won't be Constantine's match, and the repercussions would be endless! However, Constantine possesses a fatal weakness, one that is simply human nature, and even as one of the Five Peaks of Myriad Streams, he cannot escape it...”

His gaze fixed on Andy; though soft, it sent shivers down the Snow Wolf's spine.

“If we leverage this point effectively...” Porter's nostrils flared almost imperceptibly as he briefly closed his eyes, then abruptly changed the subject. “Francis, Mr. Brook, I wish to know the combat resources at your disposal!”

After listening to Du Chen's almost unreserved disclosure, Porter smiled, gently pushing up his spectacles. “Regarding Constantine, do you intend to capture him alive, or eliminate him on the spot?”

***

Night gradually enshrouded Durkes City, yet the port city of over a hundred thousand people was ablaze with lights. The incessant clanging of hammers echoed from every corner as the city's expansion project officially commenced, a labor that would persist until ten o'clock at night. The only tranquil place in the entire city remained the Lord's Manor in its heart!

“Your Excellency Constantine, I apologize for the wait!” Harry pushed open the red wooden side door of the front hall, and Du Chen strode in, leading Andy. Andy remained as languid as ever, his face a mask of reluctance, while Du Chen sported his usual amiable smile. Seeing this, a cold glint flashed in Constantine's hawk-like eyes. “I hope to hear good news!”

Du Chen sat opposite Constantine, a smile playing on his lips. “Your Excellency Constantine, we share a common aspiration: to see Andy live comfortably and, in the future, achieve great things, to possess formidable strength at the very least. Only then would he truly live up to his identity as a descendant of Constantine, wouldn't you agree?” This statement earned him a nod of approval from Constantine.

“If you were to take Andy and personally instruct him, I believe that under the tutelage of one of the Five Peaks of Myriad Streams, his future achievements would be limitless!” Du Chen gently shook his head. “But can you provide Andy with the comfortable life he desires? Setting aside the infamous reputation of a rebel you bear, constantly fearing pursuit, just Andy's living expenses alone would likely be a significant headache for Your Excellency, wouldn't they?”

Andy smacked his lips, his gaze flitting between Constantine and Du Chen.

“As you've witnessed, his palate and appetite are truly... exceptional. I dare say that, by his dietary standards, few on the Three Continents could afford to keep him fed, apart from myself! At the very least, Your Excellency might find it a challenge!” Du Chen emphasized, his voice growing heavier!

Recalling the meal they had just shared, Constantine fell silent for a moment, then nodded heavily. He forced himself to say, “My son must learn to endure hardship...”

Andy's ears immediately pricked up! He stared resentfully at Constantine, a gaze that sent a shiver down the super-powerful expert's spine, filling him with an inexplicable sense of guilt!

To reclaim a son lost for Thirteen years, only to have him abandon a life of luxury and fine dining just to endure hardship by his side... Constantine subtly turned his head, avoiding Andy's gaze.

Du Chen smiled, retrieving a bill from his sleeve and slowly sliding it across the table towards Constantine. “A bill for ten thousand Gold Coins!?” Constantine glanced at the document, then stared at Du Chen in astonishment. He promptly rose in indignation, exclaiming, “What is the meaning of this? Do you intend to buy Andy with Gold Coins?”

“No, Your Excellency misunderstands!” Du Chen sighed deeply, his gaze lingering on Andy. “As I said, a child of Thirteen cannot be without a father's love! While these Gold Coins are not a vast sum, they will at least ensure Andy's food expenses for the next decade are covered... Even if Andy goes with you, he will always remain my Divine Pet and... friend. I would not wish for him to suffer hardship in the future! Therefore, please accept this money on Andy's behalf!”

Constantine was momentarily stunned! Not only had Francis agreed to let him take Andy, but he had even considered Andy's living arrangements for the next decade!?

Du Chen patted Andy's head. “Tell him yourself!”

Under Constantine's hopeful gaze, Andy reluctantly shuffled over to him, lowered his head, and whispered, “Father...”

*Buzz!* Constantine's mind exploded with a torrent of complex emotions: surprise, desolation, sorrow, elation. “Good, good boy...” He leaned down, patting Andy, using the gesture to conceal the unshed tears in his hawk-like eyes from Du Chen.

Du Chen continued, “You may take Andy, but there are three matters I must clarify. Firstly, Mount Miglio now knows that I fostered your son. While they haven't reacted yet, there's no guarantee they won't take action in the future...”

Before Du Chen could finish, Constantine snorted, “Understood. Should anyone trouble you regarding Andy in the future, I, Constantine, will absolutely not pretend not to see it!”

Du Chen chuckled, “Secondly, no matter when or where, Andy will always be my friend! My home will forever be Andy's home. Should there ever come a day – though I sincerely hope it doesn't – when either your safety or Andy's is compromised, the doors here will always be open to both Andy and you!”

“Understood. My son and I owe you a favor! Moreover, I cannot keep Andy by my side for his entire life. Once he comes into his own, if he wishes to return to you when he ventures out into the world... that is beyond my control!”

“And the third matter... treat Andy well!” Du Chen clenched his teeth, patting Andy, then let out a wistful sigh. “Go say goodbye to Harry and the young ladies. Spend one last night with Beibei, and then depart tomorrow at dawn. Otherwise, I fear Beibei won't let you leave! I won't see you off tomorrow! Take care!” With that, Du Chen shook his head sadly, walking reluctantly towards the red wooden side door!

“Ma-Master...” Andy chased after him, only to be stopped by the resounding *clang* of the red wooden door slamming shut. He clutched at the door knocker twice, whimpering softly, but no one answered! After a long while, Andy, head drooping, circled around and exited through another door...

Constantine remained alone in the luxurious guest room Harry had prepared for him. He sent out a signal to Balu and the others, canceling their midnight operation but ordering them to remain vigilant. He silently stared at the Gold Coin bill in his hand, his brow furrowed deeply. *Francis truly is good to Andy!*

The annoying voices resumed, low and hushed! “That bumpkin really took Young Master Andy away. It's an outrage! I heard he even extorted a fortune from the Master, just because he's some peerless expert, one of the 'Five Peaks of Myriad Streams,' a legendary The Master! Bah, shameless! A The Master? He's just a common swindler...”

A night of whispered gossip left the “bumpkin” sleepless, his mood utterly despondent. It was almost the most unbearable night he'd endured in years!

“Miss Beibei, Andy doesn't want to leave you!” Andy's low whimpers drifted from the courtyard...

Finally, dawn broke, and Constantine, leading Andy, departed the Lord's Manor. However, Constantine now carried a large pack on his back. Harry, seeing them off on Du Chen's behalf due to Du Chen's reluctance to part, explained that the pack contained Andy's favorite foods and sleeping gear...

At noon, Constantine cast a glance back at the mountains behind them, then surveyed the vast, flat plains stretching before his eyes, noting the faint glint of rivers and the hazy outline of a city – the Antwerp Port, currently undergoing reconstruction. He spoke in a deep voice, “We have left Francis's territory!”

Andy trudged spiritlessly behind Constantine, his eyes fixed on the large pack on his “father's” back, swallowing hard. He grumbled, “I'm exhausted! All night, you kept to remote, secluded paths, claiming Master might send people to follow us! How unnecessary! Is Master truly that kind of person? He's the wisest, most benevolent, most magnificent... Master!” Clearly, under Harry's influence and instruction, Andy's flattery skills were already catching up to his teacher's, promising to surpass him before long!

“Only with caution can one live longer! Andy, this is the first lesson I teach you!” Constantine took a deep breath, craned his neck, and let out a resonant, drawn-out Dragon Roar that echoed far and wide. Yet, its sound was meticulously controlled to remain within a ten li radius of uninhabited territory; beyond that ten li perimeter, an invisible sound barrier seemed to rise, preventing even a wisp of the Dragon Roar from escaping!

Immediately after, several figures suddenly emerged from all directions, quickly gathering around Constantine – it was Balu, Adams, and their companions! After Constantine left Durkes City, they hadn't immediately rendezvoused with Third Master. Instead, they had split into several groups, trailing Constantine from a distance, prepared to act as unexpected reinforcements should any mishap occur on the journey! Alas, until they had departed Du Chen's territory, they had encountered not a single unforeseen incident!

Constantine swept a glance over his subordinates and commanded, “Adams, scout the northwest route; proceed as per the old rules!” He then threw down the large backpack from his back. “Balu, inspect these 'gifts' Francis sent; anything you're unsure about, destroy it! Everyone else, be on alert!”