261 - Mistress, I Was Wrong

## Chapter 261: Fragrance Lord "Presumptuous!" The girl with purple hair scolded, watching as the Dragon Queen appeared flabbergasted by the human's antics. "How dare you spout such nonsense? How could our esteemed Dragon God have a sister like you?" "Why don't you ask the Dragon Queen herself?" Dongfang Minghui glanced lightly at the Dragon Queen. The Dragon Queen remained composed, her sharp eyes scrutinizing Dongfang Minghui. In just a few breaths, she moved from initial shock to unruffled calm, demonstrating her exceptional adaptability and mental resilience. Dongfang Minghui's mix of truth and lies was a tactic to stall this group. If she were truly taken to the so-called peak of the dragon race, it would be difficult to escape. Moreover, she needed to find Ding Ding first. However, confronting the Dragon Queen, she felt as if she'd met a woman just as challenging as her Seventh Sister. She wondered if she had managed to fool them. "Dragon Queen, this person is deceitful. We should first detain her to prevent any further mischief." Dongfang Minghui unceremoniously retorted to the purple-haired girl who kept staring at her, "What do you mean by deceitful? You're misusing idioms. Have I lied, deceived, or harmed you? I haven't even brought up how you stripped me and groped around, yet you speak as if I ruined your virtue. That's rather irresponsible of you." The nearby young dragons looked at the girl called Zi Yu with curiosity. Despite her youth, she was a skilled healer and had countless suitors initially. But as her medical skills improved over the years, those suitors dwindled. The reason was naturally that she was too fierce—a ferociously bold female dragon—and a bit off-putting to some. Zi Yu didn't mind and enjoyed the peace, not yearning for the decrease in admirers. However, Dongfang Minghui's words nearly drove her to fury. Having just enjoyed Dongfang Minghui's barbeque, the young dragons were both satisfied with their stomachs and their gossipy curiosity. Their perception of Zi Yu shifted. Pig Immortal Grass silently watched the scene, applauding Minghui's combat prowess. "If your Seventh Sister finds out, she'd skin you alive." "No, she'd skin me twice and give this Zi Yu girl a lesson." Dongfang Minghui lit a metaphorical candle for herself, having learned a thing or two from her Seventh Sister to handle emergencies. She placed the grilled dragon meat aside for the Dragon Queen, "Eat." The Dragon Queen did not respond, nor did the guards dare to. Zi Yu, driven to near madness, swatted away the offered meat, "What is this abomination? You think you can poison us?" Dongfang Minghui quickly withdrew her hand, "Fine, don't eat it, but don't waste it." Then she cheekily returned, "Aren't you the self-proclaimed Holy Healer? Can't even tell if it's poisoned? This Holy Healer title must be a hoax." The dragon meat's fiery spirit power was too intense. Minghui never intended to eat it herself but used the aroma to lure Ding Ding out. She shouted, "Anyone else want some?" With the Dragon Queen present, no one dared to answer, despite salivating at the food. Seeing the timid dragons retreat, Dongfang Minghui withdrew the pile of food into her space, slightly troubled by the leftover meat. Being of the wood element... she feared it might ignite her insides. "Wait a moment," Pig Immortal Grass suddenly advised in her soul sea. "Mister Pig, what do you mean?" Dongfang Minghui thought perhaps Ding Ding might appear soon. Instead, she heard a dragon's booming voice, so loud it could burst eardrums. To the rough dragons, such sounds were nothing. "I'm about to ascend." "What." ... What was supposed to be a capture mission turned into an amusing spectacle as someone was about to advance in rank. The crowd gave way, providing ample space for the person to break through. Dongfang Minghui quickly swallowed two anti-noise pills. "No wonder Toothless's dragon roar demands submission. Is it hereditary? Are dragons all booming loud? Could they obliterate everything with their voices?" Pig Immortal Grass seized the moment to advise, "You should slip away now. We might not have another chance later." Slip away? Dongfang Minghui shook her head. Even with her golden fingers, escaping their territory seemed unlikely, especially with her Seventh Sister, Yu Chi Shou, and Ding Ding. Even if she escaped, what of them? "No, I suspect the Dragon Queen might somewhat believe me. Otherwise, she'd never tolerate my audacity." Her guess was half-right. "I'm feeling restless within, too." "Yeah, I wouldn't have noticed if you hadn't mentioned it." Suddenly, the young dragons who had eaten the meat sat cross-legged, quiet except for the one claiming ascension, who sat surrounded by eight more. Zi Yu was dumbfounded, "Dragon Queen, what's happening to them?" The Dragon Queen shook her head, "I'm not certain, but it seems a good omen." "Mm?" Minghui had confidence in her cooking, but she'd never seen meat lead to advancement. If it truly worked, those around her should have soared by now. Dongfang Minghui was struck by the scene's absurdity. "Pig Immortal Grass, something seems off. How can a few pieces of meat cause this? Should I even continue grilling?" The Dragon Queen and Zi Yu pursued her swiftly; she'd barely cut a third of the dragon meat stored in her space. "Grill it more fragrant," Pig Immortal Grass had an inkling of the dragons' plight. "Alright, I'll listen to you." As those cultivating reopened their eyes, joyous and chatting, the sense of gain was evident. "My spirit power's risen a bit; I feel my stagnation has lifted." "Me too." "But—" one hesitated, without the others' cheerful expressions, appearing worried instead. "What’s the matter?" "My spirit power's fluctuating, but I feel like it's receding." "......" The dragons' oddities puzzled the unaware, leaving most in the dark, especially the impatient Zi Yu. "Hey, what's wrong with you all? What did you eat or do beforehand?" "Zi Yu, take a look at me. My spirit power's weakening." "Me too." Suddenly, several dragon companions surrounded Zi Yu, anxiously seeking help. Dongfang Minghui wanted to feign ignorance, but the loud dragon voices, especially those losing power, were impossible to ignore. Guiltily, she busied herself cooking and conversed with Pig Immortal Grass. "Had I known dragon meat's fire spirit was this potent, I'd have fed Toothless daily. These brutes got lucky." "No matter the dragon meat's fire spirit, it doesn't compare to celestial treasures like Fire Lotus, especially since their situation differs from Toothless's." Pig Immortal Grass suspected the dragons' spiritual stagnation had other causes and attributed their breakthroughs to mere fluke. Yet, it seemed exploitable. "What did you eat?" Zi Yu's face darkened, finding a potent force within them damaging their inherent spirit, leading to depletion upon collision. "Nothing much." "I had grilled meat." "Xiao Yu'er, are they alright?" ... Zi Yu shot Dongfang Minghui a fierce glare, reporting to the Dragon Queen, "The meat contains abundant fire spirit power, weakening their power while enabling rank advancement." Her assessment was fair. Fire spirit naturally boosts fire-aligned dragons but afflicts the ill-matched, causing some trouble. Still, with her explanation, Dongfang Minghui became the target once more. When dragons grow fierce, they're truly terrifying. Dongfang Minghui watched the unlucky dragons approaching and promptly warned them, "Listen, let me lay it out for you. Earlier, when you traded for this roast meat, I made it clear that those who haven't awakened any fire spirit power shouldn't eat it, otherwise, you’d only get a taste. Didn’t I say that?" Those menacing dragons exchanged glances, recalling that she might have indeed mentioned it, and suddenly, their desire to cause trouble wavered. "Yeah, this young lady mentioned it before," one righteous dragon defended Dongfang Minghui, primarily because his long-stagnant spirit power had been stirred after eating the meat, and he... well, hoped to get more. "Exactly, she did," another added. "Hey, are you even from the dragon clan? Why are you siding with a human?" Under Zi Yu's reprimand, those righteous dragons fell silent, like chickens. Standing alone, Dongfang Minghui rolled up her sleeves, ready for confrontation, "Oh, Little Feather." An unexpected laugh came from somewhere among the dragon crowd, causing Zi Yu's face to twist in anger. "Do not call me that." "Alright, then Little Yu'er." "No calling me that either!" Zi Yu stomped her foot in frustration, turning to the Dragon Queen in complaint, "Dragon Queen, look at her." The Dragon Queen gave Zi Yu a soft glance, sighing inwardly. If only Xiangjun were here, such endearments would seem quite fitting. "I'm telling you, it's wrong to discriminate against humans. Just like there are good and bad humans, I merely grilled a few pieces of meat, and I was clear about it upfront. If I hadn't been clear, the fault would be mine. But if I was, and they still chose to eat, what can I do? They're each bigger than me; am I supposed to stop them? And besides, didn't they enjoy the meat?" "Yes, delicious!" "I want more." "Miss, can I trade something else for another piece of roasted meat to take home?" The interaction led to more and more dragons, unwittingly diverting the previous topic. Dongfang Minghui shrugged at Zi Yu, then shouted, "Line up! Come on, get in line; this is first come, first served." Silently, she cursed inwardly; it seemed Zi Yu was determined to be at odds with her. Yet, it was curious, for she hadn’t done anything to offend her, or even shown her healing skills… Watching the obedient dragons queuing up, Zi Yu felt a deep sense of exasperation, reluctant to step aside. "Dragon Queen." The Dragon Queen remained composed. "Once their transactions are complete, bring this human girl to my place. I feel quite weary." Zi Yu wanted to protest, but upon seeing the Queen's fatigue, she held her tongue, restraining her impulsive nature. "Understood, Zi Yu hears and obeys." While selling the roasted meat, Dongfang Minghui kept a watchful eye on the Dragon Queen. In her dreams, the Dragon Queen was a heroine who dared to hit even Ding Ding, no less courageous than any man. Yet reality introduced an awkward pause. The grilled meat quickly sold out, drawing more curious dragons. Many asked if Dongfang Minghui would return the next day to sell more. She patiently answered each question, mentioning that her future sales depended on fate. Upon opening a stone pot, a rich aroma wafted out, captivating even the sharp-nosed fire dragons, making their senses come alive. "Miss, what's in the pot?" "Meat broth." "How about I trade something for it?" a particularly shrewd dragon proposed. "Carrying a pot is inconvenient, so let me do you a favor." "No, let me trade," another insisted. "Don't listen to them; I'm willing to exchange this." The dragon produced a glittering object, palm-sized and black, with a bright sheen on its surface. Though she initially wished to make meat porridge, lacking ingredients and time, she hesitated. The big pot seemed inefficient to carry. She looked at the item in the dragon's claws, "Pig Immortal Grass, do you recognize this?" Pig Immortal Grass shook its head, only being interested in formation stones. "Better to trade the pot of meat—either way, you'll not lose anything. If it’s ordinary, no harm done. If a treasure, you gain." Eyes sparkling, Dongfang Minghui grinned, "Alright, but I can't give you this pot. You'll need to bring something to hold the broth; the essence is in it." The dragon beamed with surprise at its success and handed the object to Dongfang Minghui before darting off quickly, like a whirlwind. Watching in bemusement, other dragons regretted missing the opportunity. Zi Yu, restless, had been waiting impatiently. If not for the Dragon Queen’s orders, she’d likely already have dismissed Minghui. "Hey, when are you done with that meat?" Dongfang Minghui held up the dark object to the sunlight, noticing bursts of light welling up inside. "If Toothless were here, her fondness for identifying treasures would come in handy," she mused. Even Pig Immortal Grass didn’t object. True to form, the fast dragon returned with a container larger than the stone pot, eagerly standing at Minghui's side. "Miss." Amazed by the dragon’s speed, Minghui admired their large-scaled items. After filling the pot, she asked, "Would you trade this too?" "Do you want it, miss?" "Well…" With growing eaters at home, even her large stone pots were insufficient. The sight of the massive dragon pot left her envious. Within her mind, Pig Immortal Grass turned over, remarking, "Ambitious." "You reckless human! How dare you keep the Dragon Queen waiting?" Zi Yu couldn't help but scold, glaring the eager dragon into retreat. Remarkably, not a drop of broth spilled—a feat that impressed Dongfang Minghui. "What are you staring at? Disperse, now." "If you're this fierce, how will you ever find a mate?" Dongfang Minghui remarked, casting a sympathetic glance at the retreating dragons, unknowingly hitting a sore spot for Zi Yu. Eyes blazing, Zi Yu snapped, "Not your concern. Someone, escort this human to the Dragon Queen." Curious about the dragon lands, Minghui walked, taking in the picturesque sights. Passing charming female dragons and adorable young ones reminded her of Toothless—if raised here, she too might be just as delightful. "Hey, let me ask something." Still fuming, Zi Yu ignored her, dutifully leading the way. Without the Dragon Queen's protection, she'd have likely turned hostile. Nonchalantly, Minghui commented, "The Dragon Queen is so beautiful, and the Dragon God is majestic. They must have many lovely dragon children, right?" Zi Yu halted abruptly, warning sternly, "If you wish to die, feel free to ask the Dragon Queen more about this. I guarantee you won't have a grave to be buried in." Startled by Zi Yu's imposing stance, Minghui finally understood why the dragons feared her so, noting her fierceness was indeed terrifying. She gave a light pat to her chest, "Pig Immortal Grass, do you think Seventh Sister and the others are detained because of Toothless?" It seemed discussing the offspring of the Dragon God and the Dragon Queen was a taboo topic amongst the dragon clan. No incidents occurred until Zi Yu brought her to a high stone cave guarded by two vigilant dragons. They nodded slightly at Zi Yu, then directed their serious gazes towards Minghui, though their expressions shifted into shock. The dragon's gaze was complex—part excitement, part surprise, and somehow imbued with deep affection. "Pig Immortal Grass, this love-struck dragon seems to recognize me." "Indeed..." Irritated by the dragon's stare, Zi Yu coughed, "The Dragon Queen has awaited long enough. Invite them in, now!" "Yes." Dongfang Minghui broke out in a cold sweat, sensing there was more to her dream from a hundred years ago than met the eye. "Pig Immortal Grass, was I imagining things? It felt like that dragon recognized me, almost as if...” “Congratulations,” Pig Immortal Grass finally said. “Why are you congratulating me?” She felt a shiver down her spine. “Congratulations on successfully fooling them.” “……” This cave was unlike any she had seen before—spacious inside, beautifully arranged, more exquisite than any human dwelling. Overcome by anxiety, she scarcely took in the splendor of the Dragon Queen's abode until she saw the queen reclining on a beauty couch, her dazed state making her seem a little more approachable. The Dragon Queen had piercing, enchanting eyes—a glance that was so alluring that Dongfang Minghui almost felt seduced. Of course, she was sure she was reading too much into it. “Ahem, Dragon Queen.” The Dragon Queen lounged lazily, eyes fixed on her in silence, as if studying some hidden message on her face. So, Dongfang Minghui simply stared back, almost as if they were engaged in a staring contest. “You know Xuan Er.” Dongfang Minghui’s heart skipped a beat. In her haste to deceive, she hadn’t thought about how to cover this lie. If the dream had shown the end, she might have a clue, but it was the invasion that interrupted it, leaving her without direction. "Pig Immortal Grass, if the Dragon Queen finds out I’m a fake, do you think she’ll chop me up for fish food?" “Probably.” Dongfang Minghui: “…” Can’t anyone be an understanding friend here? “Why not make the false true? Put her in a position where she can't question you,” suggested Pig Immortal Grass, sensing the queen was testing how much her friend knew. Make the false true? The problem was, without a script, how could she improvise? Dongfang Minghui bat her eyes innocently, “Dragon Queen, are you trying to find out where Xuan Er is? I could tell you, but I’d like to see Seventh Sister and that wild dragon first.” The Dragon Queen stood abruptly, her bare feet stepping onto the grass-covered floor. The delicate white toes against the green grass only highlighted their beauty. Dongfang Minghui reined in her thoughts, meeting the Dragon Queen’s gaze with clarity. In silence, they tested each other’s will, each waiting for the other to speak first, a silent duel of endurance. “Are you trying to threaten me?” “I wouldn’t dare. This is your domain, and even if I were extremely bold, I wouldn’t dare threaten you on your land.” Dongfang Minghui kept her expression earnest. She’d learned from Seventh Sister to project confidence even when none existed, to bluff her way bravely. The Dragon Queen’s sudden smile was as captivating as a blooming garden, capturing one’s soul. Fortunately, Dongfang Minghui had thoughts only for her Seventh Sister. She wasn't interested in either men or women, only in her Sister, so her mind remained clear, her gaze inadvertently turning to Pig Immortal Grass. “Why does the Dragon Queen seem a bit... unhinged, laughing like that?” Pig Immortal Grass thought, open mockery, and she can’t see it. “Fine, you wish to see your friends; you shall,” said the Dragon Queen, generously. She summoned the confused dragon from outside, uttering a few words. As it exited, the dragon gave her such a longing look it made Dongfang Minghui’s hair stand on end. Dongfang Minghui was uneasy, feeling a heavy sense of foreboding from the Dragon Queen’s ambiguous gaze. “Pig Immortal Grass, something feels off.” Pig Immortal Grass flicked its leafy tail. “You should be happy. You’ll soon see Qian Wanyu.” Dongfang Minghui wanted to feel joy, but no trace of it surfaced within her. A tense silence filled the room as the Dragon Queen paced, examining herself in a weathered mirror. “A Soul-Dispersing Mirror.” “It appears you know quite a bit,” the Dragon Queen laughed, casually holding the mirror and strolling about. Such casualness made Dongfang Minghui's knees nearly buckle beneath her, fearing misuse of the powerful artifact—capable of altering landscapes and famed figures. Did the Dragon Queen understand how dangerous this mirror was? Dongfang Minghui straightened, proudly declaring, “Of course, we repaired it ourselves, naturally I’d recognize it.” “If that’s the case, I owe you thanks. By the way, I’ve realized we haven’t exchanged names.” “……” This was a sticky point. If she admitted to being the Dragon God’s sister, she ought to have a name, but none came to mind. "Dongfang Minghui." "Minghui, Minghui, such a good name." What part of it was good, she wondered silently? It was cumbersome and difficult to pronounce, lucky she didn’t have to say it often herself, otherwise, she’d be frazzled. Internally, she couldn’t help but criticize, growing anxious as staying with such an unpredictable person was wearing on her, a simpleton. “Why did you seek the dragons’ territory?” At last, the Dragon Queen circled back to a relevant question. Dongfang Minghui scrutinized the Dragon Queen, hesitating, “Are you wanting the truth or a lie?” “Is there a difference between truth and lies?” “Of course. A lie might upset you, while the truth might make you laugh—do you see the difference?” She almost wanted to pat herself on the back for her flattery; she’d only ever used such tactics on the Dragon Queen. But unexpectedly, the queen didn’t follow convention, instead sprawling luxuriously over her chair. Never had she seen a woman so captivating, always exuding a seductive aura. Dongfang Minghui didn’t believe she was alluring enough to tempt anyone, so she kept her gaze steady and dignified, even if it swiveled back quickly. “I dislike jokes. Tell me the lie.” “……” Dongfang Minghui wore a wooden face, lost for words. "Pig Immortal Grass, why doesn’t this queen play by the rules. What now?" Pig Immortal Grass, unfazed, whispered in her mind, "Tell her a lie that irks her." “And does a lie take this long to form?” “Of course not, I fear if I’m too blunt, you'll have me chopped up later,” Dongfang Minghui cracked a smile, “Honestly, we heard tales of the dragons’ treasure. If we brought back a piece or two, we’d live worry-free.” Pig Immortal Grass flicked its tail again. "That won't irk her." “Moreover, I was curious about the losses dragons sustained during the past invasion, hence our visit.” With a sudden loud snap, part of the Dragon Queen’s armrest shattered. She swiftly approached Dongfang Minghui. “You do know something!” Dongfang Minghui felt wronged, having barely scratched the surface. She took a deep breath, “Indeed, you’ve worked hard all these years, Dragon Queen.” The Dragon Queen, however, tightened her grip around Minghui's neck, pinning her against the cold wall. “Who exactly are you? How do you know so much?” Minghui had no defense against such an unpredictable reaction; she was suffocating. “Pig Immortal Grass, if you don’t help soon, I’m done for.” “Helping is pointless now.” The truth of that statement came quickly, as the Dragon Queen transformed into a silver dragon, scales gleaming. At the tail was a scar, and its tail curled around her, nearly suffocating her. Even help was ineffective—Dongfang Minghui managed to choke out, “Xuan—Er.” The pressure eased as the Dragon Queen seemed significantly stirred by the name, suggesting importance and the memory of Zi Yu’s earlier warning. Minghui thought, whether dead or alive, this might give the Dragon Queen pause. “If you kill me, you’ll never see your dragon daughter again.” Released, she collapsed to the floor, coughing harshly, unable to stand. The Dragon Queen reverted to her human form, smiling benignly as if the previous assault was a jest. “Really something, this queen’s a bone-devouring entity.” “Where is Xuan Er?” Sitting cross-legged, Minghui caught her breath before saying, “I told you. Let me see Seventh Sister and Yu Chi Shou, and I’ll tell you where she is. Without me, you’ll never find her.” The Dragon Queen’s icy stare conveyed, “You’re threatening me.” Dongfang Minghui nodded repeatedly, slightly smug and defiant, "Yes, I am threatening you. Whether Xuan Er matters more than anything else, that's for you to weigh, Dragon Queen." The Dragon Queen sneered and called out, "Bring them in." Slightly stunned, Dongfang Minghui watched as the dull-witted dragon brought Yu Chi Shou and Qian Wanyu forward. Both had thick iron chains on their feet and bodies. Though they bore no injuries, their faces were pallid. "Seventh Sister." Qian Wanyu glanced at her coldly and then looked away. "Dragon Queen, why have you summoned us?" The Dragon Queen pointed at Dongfang Minghui, who was still sitting on the floor, "Ask her." An awkward silence pervaded the room, tension escalating. The Dragon Queen casually returned to her seat, "I've brought them to you. Now, where's Xuan Er?" "Release them." "Release them." With a mere touch from the dull-witted dragon, the chains binding Qian Wanyu and Yu Chi Shou fell apart as if they required no effort. Qian Wanyu stepped forward, helping Dongfang Minghui to her feet, her fingers brushing the marks on her neck gently. "What happened here?" "Nothing serious." The Dragon Queen chuckled, "You asked to see them; I've brought them to you. You asked for their release; I’ve released them. If you dare deceive me, I'll dismember you, bind you atop the Dragon's Peak, leaving you wishing for death." With Seventh Sister present, Dongfang Minghui felt a surge in her confidence despite the soreness in her throat, "Don't worry. The Dragon God entrusted me with Xuan Er all those years ago. I’ve raised her well, and she’s in your territory. But, there's one final thing you must do to find her." Pig Immortal Grass silently applauded; the lie had grown more elaborate, yet with impressive results. Qian Wanyu understood that "Xuan Er" likely referred to... Toothless, while Yu Chi Shou seemed confused by the unfamiliar name but wisely stayed silent amidst the tension. The Dragon Queen's fists clenched tightly, and just when everyone thought she might lose control, she broke into a wide smile, addressing the outside, “Ke Han, follow her instructions. I want results.” Ke Han, the dull-witted dragon who had fixated on Dongfang Minghui, even under the Dragon Queen’s watchful eye, kept casting glances her way. Qian Wanyu remained calm, her hand tightening protectively around Dongfang Minghui’s waist. Dongfang Minghui shivered, feeling it had nothing to do with her—you couldn't blame her for being clueless. "You have three days. If I do not see Xuan Er by then, I'll cast you into the black hole where you'll meet a fate worse than death." Black hole? That sounded ominous. Nevertheless, having secured three days was a relief, especially with good chances of finding Ding Ding. "Thank you, Dragon Queen." With that, the trio left with the dull-witted dragon, who stopped outside the queen's abode, gazing fervently at Dongfang Minghui, "Xiangjun." Startled, Dongfang Minghui instinctively stepped back, the gaze unnerving her, especially with Seventh Sister nearby. She glanced at her sister, finding her expression dark enough to drip water, "Seventh Sister, listen, I don’t know him." "Hmm?" Qian Wanyu softly hummed. She knew her young sister couldn't have enchanted such a dense dragon so quickly, despite some irritation. She narrowed her eyes at the foolish creature. The dragon, oblivious to the mood, fervently continued, "Xiangjun, I'm Ke Han. We promised to watch the snow at the Dragon's Peak together. Don’t you remember?" Dongfang Minghui shook her head vigorously, "I don’t know you. I’m not some Xiangjun; you’ve got the wrong person. Look closely, I’m human." Far from backing away, the dragon stepped forward, "Xiangjun, people change, but the aura remains. I know, I know you’re Xiangjun." Yu Chi Shou, witnessing the scene, asked, "By aura, you mean you're familiar with Xiangjun’s aura?" "Yes, you are Xiangjun." His words stirred Dongfang Minghui's memory of her previous excursions into the dragon repository, causing a slight hesitation. The foolish dragon seized the moment, "Xiangjun, even if you don't remember now, it's fine. I’ll wait patiently until you do." Unexpectedly, Qian Wanyu drew her Water Thunder Whip and lashed at him. "Oh dear, the show’s just getting started."