"The reaction is bigger than I expected."
"Gek-gegek!"

Of course.

It's understandable for the guardian of another Dragon Gate to fall, but the Ice Bird of the Snowy Mountain is a different story.

Unlike Yongsaengguja, whose strength is slightly weaker, the Ice Bird was my next target.

Besides, I wanted to see it at least once.

A bird that commands ice.

Missing that opportunity is disappointing.

No, think positively.

The fall of Yongsaengguja is probably a more dangerous scenario.

It means there’s an enemy strong enough to defeat it.

But if it was the Ice Bird that fell?

Strong, sure, but not as strong as Yongsaengguja.

Of course, if it managed to defeat the Ice Bird while unenhanced, it might become even stronger after taking the Dragon Gate's power.

Still, I could probably handle it on my own.

And if not, I could team up with the Red Dragon, which counters cold.

“They call it succession, you know. Like how that red lizard stepped down, and the Flame Rat took its place."

The Red Dragon is first-generation.

The Flame Rat is second-generation.

That sort of succession.

Now there's a mysterious figure who has defeated the first-generation Ice Bird.

Who could it possibly be?

“Or maybe it's not exactly like that. It’s more like when you defeated the Flame Rat. The Flame Rat was weaker than the Red Dragon, but the new Snowy Mountain guardian is probably stronger than the Ice Bird.”

A stronger guardian than the Ice Bird has appeared.

That’s the information I have right now.

But on second thought, it’s not necessarily a major issue.

My personal curiosity aside, I don’t have a compelling reason to attack the Snowy Mountain.

Gaining more Dragon Gate power would be nice—it would expedite my growth.

However, it’s more logical to prioritize targets like Yongsaengguja, who possess valuable knowledge and rare elixirs like the Wind Spirit Pill.

The only advantage was that the Ice Bird was weaker than Yongsaengguja, but now that the guardian has changed, even that is uncertain.

“Gek.”

As long as I don’t provoke it, there shouldn’t be a problem.

The only time there would be an issue is if the new Snowy Mountain guardian thinks like me.

It likely absorbed the Dragon Gate’s power and grew stronger.

The Dragon Gate’s power is truly overwhelming.

Although I didn’t evolve immediately after defeating the Flame Rat, I did gain the ability to harness its power after a grueling battle with the Red Dragon.

It allowed me to leap two evolutionary stages at once—an unprecedented level of growth.

Even for someone with my absurdly powerful status window, it was astonishing.

Imagine how it must feel for ordinary spiritual beings.

They would undoubtedly attack other Dragon Gates to evolve further.

However, neither Gongbok nor Chodo would be easy targets.

Though bound by the Dragon Gates, they are in a league of their own.

They’re descendants of true dragons, after all.

So, what would the Snowy Mountain guardian choose?

It’s obvious they would target a Dragon Gate with a weaker guardian.

Unfortunately, that means the only guardian at that particular gate is... me, the humble lizard.

“I can also wield the power of cold, so I know this chill isn’t natural.”

The wind feels strange.

If the new Snowy Mountain guardian invades here, it will be troublesome.

The nest I’ve painstakingly built might be destroyed.

But it wouldn’t be great for them, either.

The combined charge of ten two-horned beasts is a force to reckon with.

With Baekrang’s cold, the Red Dragon’s fire, and even the Awaiting Serpent, any invader would face a predictable outcome.

“Gek-gak.”

But where’s the Red Dragon?

“The red lizard is probably at the volcano. You know, the place it originally stayed at.”
“Gek-gegek.”
“She’s been coming and going a lot while you were away, but this time, she’s taking longer.”

Maybe she’s bringing back something valuable.

“Probably hauling a lot of stuff.”

Although it’s disappointing she’s not here, we’re still more than strong enough without her.

She’ll likely return soon enough.

There’s no need to worry, even if she’s delayed.

Who in their right mind would mess with a Red Dragon?

Let’s summarize.

While I was away bringing the four sisters of the Tang Clan, the Snowy Mountain’s guardian changed.

And there’s a good chance that guardian will invade my territory.

“I also wield cold, so attacking first doesn’t seem like a bad idea. Or, I could just wait until the red lizard returns.”

Option 1: Launch a preemptive strike with Baekrang.

Option 2: Wait for the Red Dragon and attack together.

Option 3: Stay defensive and wait for their move.

I had these choices to consider.

“Gek.”

I’ve decided.

The first thing I’ll do is...

Churp.

“Hmm… slimy… so smooth….”

Wake Tang So-Yeong, who is fast asleep.

“Smooth… kyaaaa!”

A few licks to her face with my tongue, and she shrieks in alarm.

“Y-you’re finally going to eat me…!”

No, that’s not what this is about.

“Gek-gegek.”

Get up.

You’ve got work to do.

Continuation of Chapter 194

"I thought you were just a simple healer, but you're surprisingly capable," Baekrang said in awe.

Sure, I might dismiss So-Yeong from time to time, but she’s no ordinary person—she’s a warrior of the Tang Clan.

That means she’s unmatched when it comes to poisons.

After extracting a bit of my venom, she quickly whipped up some impressive traps.

"Miss So-Yeong, move the spiderweb slightly to the side..."

There’s no immediate reason to invade the Snowy Mountain.

If I need to leave my territory for any reason, eliminating the new guardian would be wise to remove any threats.

But for now, I plan to stay here.

If I do decide to attack, I’ll bring the Red Dragon along.

The sight of flames spewing everywhere will be quite a spectacle.

Even if that’s not possible, gathering more information about the enemy beforehand is the smart move.

Charging in overconfidently, only to encounter an opponent I can’t counter, would end poorly.

For now, I’ve chosen to wait.

And to prepare for any potential invaders, we’ve set traps.

Using the trees I’ve conjured with my powers, we’ve crafted spears and coated them with venom.

The two-horned beasts dug pits, where we strategically placed the weapons.

We also added several more traps using Nephila’s steel-strong spider silk.

The nest is now a natural fortress.

After finishing the traps, there was one more thing we did.

"Am I... perhaps more talented than I thought?" So-Yeong remarked, rolling up her sleeves.

She was preparing a meal.

"Gek-gegek."

Yes, So-Yeong, you’re talented.

Baekrang seemed to be trying to understand her, but she couldn’t completely hide her skepticism.

It might be because So-Yeong is a pure human.

So-Yeong, for her part, seemed a little out of place with Baekrang’s wolves.

To help her fit in, I assigned her tasks she could excel at—creating traps, removing thorns lodged in the two-horned beasts' feet, and now, cooking.

Hisssss.

The sound of meat sizzling filled the air.

So-Yeong’s cooking skills were nothing to scoff at.

I still remember the grilled meat she made back in the swamp—it was so delicious I couldn’t stop eating.

Of course, that might’ve been because I’d only eaten raw meat before.

"Not bad. Much better than that flame-spewing red lizard."
"Really? Hehe... But wait, a red lizard?"

Baekrang, in her humanoid form, seemed to be getting along with So-Yeong.

So-Yeong was still cautious around her, but it wasn’t out of fear anymore.

If anything, it looked like she was waiting for the right moment to touch Baekrang’s white fur.

Sorry, but Baekrang is mine.

"There’s this obnoxious red lizard. Stupidly strong, and... stupidly stupid."

Baekrang seemed to be forming her own faction, though.

Well, the Red Dragon isn’t here to defend herself, so it’s her fault.

"Kieeng!"
"Grrr!"

The spiders and wolves were drooling as they watched the meat cook.

The wolves had probably never eaten anything cooked before.

With Baekrang’s cold aura, even slightly charred meat would freeze over in no time.

Even the two-horned beasts seemed to be drooling over some roasted plants.

No idea how they’d taste, but judging by their reactions, it’d be good enough.

"It’s almost ready!"

Finally.

"Gek."

Time to eat.

"Sniff sniff..."
"Snuffle snuffle..."

Huh?

They were all poised to pounce on the food, but now they’re just... waiting?

"What’s the holdup?" Baekrang asked, looking at me.

"You’re the leader of this group, aren’t you?"

Leader.

She’s right.

I’m the leader of this pack.

"Gek-gegek!"

With our war cry echoing, I dove headfirst into the mountain of meat.

"How did I end up with this lizard...? Never mind."
"Woof woof!"
"Kieeng!"
"Chew chew chew!"

And so, we enjoyed a joyful feast.

Seasoned with salt and spices, the cooked meat was incomparable to raw meat.

"I must admit... this isn’t bad," Baekrang said, despite her icy nature.

"Kieeng!"

Pus and Tus took large chunks of meat and climbed onto my head to eat.

...I’m the leader, not a table.

"Chomp chomp... delicious..."

The two-horned beasts made strange sounds as they stuffed their faces with cooked plants.

Given their massive size, their portions were enormous.

If I hadn’t gained the ability to manipulate plants, I wouldn’t have been able to feed them.

"Haha... I’m glad everyone likes it," So-Yeong said, her voice warm.

She seemed to have fully integrated into the group.

"Grrr..."

Well, except for petting the wolves—that’s still a work in progress.

"Grrr..."

Sigh.

I extended my tail toward her.

"M-Master?"

You like my tail, don’t you?

You can pet this.

"Hehe. As expected, only Master understands me."

She started stroking my tail eagerly.

Tick-tick.

No, wait—she’s trying to pluck a scale off!

Swish!

"Eek! I was just joking!"

Nephila swiftly intervened, blocking her with her web.

I stood still and surveyed the scene.

Someday, everyone I’ve bonded with will gather here.

It’ll be as lively as it is now, with delicious food and laughter.

We’ll gaze at the moon, share drinks, and live a fulfilling life.

Even if I can’t return to being human, such a life would be perfect.

"Master, what’s with that face?"
"Stop trying to look handsome. You’re just a lizard. Why are you acting so brooding?"

Acting? Call it deep in thought, not acting.

"...Annoyingly handsome for a lizard," Baekrang muttered quietly.

But the Awaiting Serpent’s ears caught it.

"Gek-gegek!"

Aw, you’re flattering me too much.

"N-now your face looks sneaky!"
"How does a lizard even make that expression?"

Keep it coming. Who knows? Maybe a divine elixir will fall from the sky if you keep praising me.

"Gek-gegek-gegek..."

And as I basked in their peculiar admiration, a voice interrupted.

"P-please help!"

Everyone fell silent.

Instinctively, I knew.

That voice wasn’t from a spiritual being—it was human.

A human? Here?

Splish splash.

The footsteps grew louder.

"H-hiiick!"

A man, bald and terrified, screamed as he spotted me.

He must’ve thought I was human—mistaken by the nest’s appearance and the smell of cooked meat.

Then he saw me, a lizard the size of a house.

"D-don’t tell me, are you... an elder dragon?"

Who are you, and why are you pretending to know me?

"P-please, stop it... aaack!"

Boom!

...Wait, isn’t that where the trap is?

"Gek..."

I stared blankly at So-Yeong.

"W-why are you looking at me like that?"

You set that trap, didn’t you?

"You’re not saying it’s my fault he fell in there, are you?"

No, but still.

"Gek-gegek."

Just letting you know. Tang So-Yeong, warrior of the Tang Clan, ruthlessly took down a passing human with a trap.

"But you’re the one who ordered me to set it up! Besides, it’s just a pit! Sure, it has some webbing at the bottom to make it harder to escape, but..."

...Fair enough.

I always trusted you, So-Yeong.

"You’re not holding a grudge against ghosts, are you?" Baekrang teased with an exaggerated suspicion.

"Gek-gegek!"

There’s no time for that.

We need to check on the guy who fell.

"For someone who’s a leader... you sure seem busy cleaning up messes," Baekrang sighed.