Extraordinary Rise: Starting Contract with the Silver Dragon Countess

In an instant, Cohen's words stirred up a storm in this world filled with the oppressive power of the gods and the aura of demigods and saints.

Roosevelt Harper, the representative of the Central Empire's House of Nobles, a demigod known for his composure, dignity, and unfathomable depths, subconsciously turned his head slightly to look at Joren Wertheimer, who had come with him, after hearing Cohen's words.

Joren had the most dealings with Effie and was the person most familiar with Cohen. Chief Heisenberg had asked him to come along this time to provide intelligence.

Roosevelt began by asking:
"How old is this Cohen Corleone this year?"

At this moment, the expression on Joren's face was even more fascinating than that of Roosevelt Harper.

He stared intently at the young emperor in the arena, who had closed his eyes and was concentrating, with strange energy ripples emanating from his body. His lips parted slightly, but he couldn't utter a single syllable for a long time.

After what felt like an eternity, several seconds passed before Joren took a deep breath and said in a trembling voice:
"She...she should be...not even...twenty-five years old yet, right?"

He seemed to be questioning Roosevelt, or perhaps himself, then, as if realizing something, his voice suddenly became incredibly shrill:
"How is this possible?"

How could he possibly reach the legendary rank so quickly...?

A year ago, during the All Nations Nobles Martial Arts Festival, he had just broken through to the Gold rank.

In just one year, he went from the initial stage of Gold to the middle stage, then to the advanced stage, and finally to the peak... This is a leap of three stages.

This speed is unprecedented and unheard of.

Now... now he's even going to... break through to the legendary level!

Joren's eyes widened, and he shook his head violently, as if trying to shake the absurd idea out of his mind.

The Legendary Rank is the biggest and most difficult threshold to cross in the Extraordinary Rank.

It is the dividing line between the ordinary and the truly strong. It requires not only the accumulation of energy, but also a profound understanding of one's own path, an initial touch of the rules of the world, the condensation of legend, and the transformation of the soul.

Cohen is only in his early twenties. Where did he get the time to build a legend, or the insights to challenge the rules?
His experiences, his battles, everything about him... even counting from the time he was born, it's still far from enough!
This...this is completely illogical and doesn't conform to any known rules of promotion!
By the end, Qiao Lun's voice had almost turned into an unconscious murmur, filled with a dizzying sense of his worldview being shaken.

Roosevelt Harper, standing beside him, had a face so dark it could drip water. The Cohen Corleone before him was beyond being described as a "genius"; he was a monster, an existence that defied all reason.

Before arriving, Grenus Tang had already obtained sufficient intelligence from Prince Shazo, and couldn't help but speak up:

"Standing beside him was the youngest legend on the continent, his queen... no, now it should be said, his empress."

Five years ago, at that exchange meeting in the Northwest region, Adele Angelion, at less than thirty years old, broke through to the Legendary level on the spot, shocking the entire continent.

He became the youngest legendary figure in the history of the Great Human race.

Now, it's him.

Cohen Corleone, Adele's husband, Emperor of the Effie Empire

He is about to break through to the legendary level. Moreover, he will do so even earlier and faster than his empress.

If the intelligence is correct, he really is under twenty-five years old... then he will break the record held by Adele.

To become the new, youngest legend on the mainland.

No, considering the speed of his rise, perhaps he should be called... the youngest legend in history?

Immeasurable potential, unimaginable future—the Effie Empire actually possesses such a couple?

The gods in the sky reacted just as violently.

The golden light in Tina King's eyes flashed rapidly, as if she were reassessing Cohen's value.

The flames of war burned fiercely in the eyes of Ares the God of War, but there was also a strong interest and surprise in them.

Elon Wise, the wise sage of the Elven race, had his snow-white beard fluttering without wind, and his wise eyes were filled with shock and deep thought.

Leonard Augustus put away his cynical smile, narrowed his eyes, and carefully examined Cohen.

Meanwhile, the murderous intent in the heart of Erebus, the god of darkness, instantly soared to its peak.

Only now did everyone belatedly realize—

Why would Cohen Corleone, a peak Gold-tier warrior, dare to so arrogantly propose a "one-against-four" challenge against four legendary powerhouses?
They even dared to challenge a past incarnation of a deity.

It wasn't because he was crazy, it wasn't because he was blindly arrogant, and it certainly wasn't because he wanted to die.

Rather, it was because he had already stood before that threshold, and he already possessed the qualifications and confidence to push open that door.

If he truly succeeds, right here, right now, under the watchful eyes of everyone, and in the gaze of the gods, he will break through that insurmountable barrier and step into the realm of legend…

So, based on the combat power he displayed when he was at the Gold rank, which was enough to fight opponents of higher ranks...

Once he advances to legendary status, to what extent will his combat power increase?

Sweeping aside those of the same level would probably be a piece of cake.

Even when facing seasoned legends, he might not be without a fighting chance.

One against four doesn't seem entirely impossible.

So this was his trump card, the source of his confidence.

He doesn't want to defy legends with his golden body; he wants to complete the ultimate leap in his life level under the witness of everyone, and then crush all enemies as a newly crowned legend.

Pairs of eyes were fixed on the young figure in the arena whose energy fluctuations were becoming increasingly intense, as if he were about to break through some invisible barrier at any moment.

Breaking through the legend is by no means easy; it is fraught with unknowns and dangers.

But Cohen's calm, almost indifferent expression revealed a terrifying sense of control and absolute confidence.

Can he succeed?

The atmosphere instantly became more tense than ever before!
Cohen ignored this and was already in the zone.

He still kept his eyes closed, his posture upright like a pine tree, but the aura around him began to undergo a dramatic change.

It is not a violent outward expression, but a profound and intense inward transformation, like a tectonic shift.

The ceremony for ascending to legendary status has officially begun!

Crossing the threshold considered an insurmountable barrier from the Gold rank to the Legendary realm is not something that can be achieved overnight.

Rather, it is a systemic transformation process filled with both dangers and opportunities.

The first stage, which is also the most basic and indispensable step, is the complete transformation and sublimation of magic and the physical body.

The magical power and quality of legendary experts are worlds apart from those of Gold-rank experts.

It's not a simple addition of numbers, but a fundamental leap in the form of energy, like water vapor condensing into flowing water, and flowing water freezing into solid ice.

The legendary magic is more condensed, more powerful, and closer to the form of the world's primordial energy; its operational efficiency and explosive potential far surpass those of the Gold rank.

Correspondingly, the physical body capable of bearing and harnessing such transformative magic must also undergo a transformative baptism.

Tendons, bones, skin, membranes, blood, marrow, and even the smallest cells all need to be cleansed by magic and permeated by fragments of rules to break free of old constraints and be reshaped into more resilient, stronger, and more capable containers of power.

Only when both magical power and physical strength reach a certain "limit" are you qualified to touch the barrier of the next stage.

At this moment, the magical energy emanating from Cohen clearly proclaimed to all beings just how profound and astonishing his accumulation in this first stage was.

The massive magical energy fluctuations, like a dormant volcano, began to awaken under the influence of the ascension ceremony.

Its sheer volume and purity are so immense that even the slightest ripples from its natural dissipation cause visible distortions in the surrounding space.

The light seemed to be unnaturally deflected as it passed by him.

The amount of magic power has far exceeded people's understanding of the "peak of the gold tier," and even makes many legendary beginner and intermediate level experts feel terrified when they compare themselves to it.

In terms of magical power and physical strength, these two key indicators, Cohen not only met the requirements for advancing to the legendary level, but was also strong enough to make ordinary legendary powerhouses feel ashamed.

If the crowd was only shocked by the possibility of "breakthrough in the face of battle" and "youngest legend" before, then at this moment, when they truly felt Cohen's unfathomable strength, the shock was even more chilling.

Immediately afterwards, an extremely oppressive ancient aura erupted from Cohen.

That wasn't a deliberately released aura, but rather a natural pressure generated by the resonance between the soul and body when a leap in life level is about to occur.

But within this oppressive aura lies an even more distinct and domineering quality—the might of the dragon!
A pure, powerful dragon's might, seemingly originating from the source of his bloodline, slowly spread out from Cohen at his center.

The air was filled with the arrogant aura of the predator, causing many weaker creatures or those naturally sensitive to the dragon's might (including some non-human races and those with certain magical beast bloodlines) to feel a sudden tightness in their chests, and even to feel an instinctive sense of awe and fear.

That was not a dragon's might simulated by external objects or magic; it was the majesty emanating from the very source of life, belonging to a truly superior dragon race!
In the direction of the Eastern Empire, led by the demigod Genus Tang, and including the generals and guards behind him whose aura was rich with dragon blood, everyone's expression changed drastically after sensing the pure and powerful dragon might emanating from Cohen.

They looked at each other, both seeing the same shock in each other's eyes.

That dragon's might...that aura...

So pure!

It was so pure that it was unlike any "secondary" dragon might that could be obtained through baptism by dragon blood, cultivation of dragon vein techniques, or making a pact with the dragon race.

The feeling was more like... facing a truly noble and powerful dragon!

Even more so than the aura of many mixed-blood dragons or ordinary dragons, it is purer, more ancient, and... more aloof!
During the All Nations Nobles Martial Arts Festival, when Cohen fought against Xia Zuo, everyone noticed that the dragon power within Cohen was extremely pure.

At the time, many people thought that Cohen had obtained a higher level of dragon blood, but today, the clearly discernible bloodline pressure he generated when breaking through to the legendary rank tells everyone the truth.

This is no longer just a matter of high or low bloodline level; this is clearly the taste of the bloodline's origin!

How can this be?

How could Cohen Corleone, a human and the emperor of Efein, possibly possess such a pure dragon aura?
The most intense reaction came not from the dragonborn on the ground, but from Bahamut, the dragon god who had always remained majestic and silent in the sky.

The Dragon King, the source of wealth, protection, and power in the Dragon God system, showed a brief but intense fluctuation on his face after Cohen's dragon might was fully revealed. Bahamut lowered his massive head slightly, his gaze sweeping over Cohen's body inch by inch, as if trying to see through him inside and out, and his breathing seemed to quicken.

The silence lasted for a few breaths.

In those few breaths, Bahamut's gaze never left Cohen, as if confirming something.

Finally, he abandoned his enormous dragon form and transformed into a robust middle-aged man.

Immediately afterwards, a gentle force precisely enveloped Gnus Tang.

The demigod of the Eastern Empire trembled slightly, and then his figure disappeared from the spot. The next moment, he appeared in front of the dragon god Bahamut, hovering in mid-air.

Grenus Tang bowed slightly, his face filled with respect and solemnity, awaiting divine instructions.

Bahamut's deep, authoritative voice resonated directly in Genus Tang's mind:
"Gernus, this Cohen Corleone, his job is the ancient secret profession—Dragon Seal Weapon Master, right?"

In response to Bahamut's question, Genus Tang quickly replied:

"Yes, Your Majesty Golden Radiance, His Majesty Corleone holds the ancient secret position of Dragon Seal Weapon Master, which is why he carries the aura of a dragon."

"Dragon Seal - Weapon Master..."

Bahamut repeated the word in a low voice, then continued:
"This profession has a great need for dragon blood."

Not only is it the key to initially opening up one's professional path, but every increase in power also requires the participation of dragon blood.

So, Grenus, with the information you have, and with your investigation of His Majesty Corleone.

Where does the dragon blood he's consumed to maintain his professional advancement to this point come from?

Grenus Tang's breath hitched almost imperceptibly. His respectful expression remained unchanged, but a subtle ripple of being stumped flickered deep in his eyes.

Then, looking at Prince Xia Zuo not far away, a concise and clear divine thought transmission directly entered Xia Zuo's mind.

The moment Xia Zuo received the telepathic message, his body visibly tensed up. He then composed himself and approached the human and the god.

This was also the first time Xia Zuo had the opportunity to communicate face-to-face with a deity, so he couldn't help but feel a little reserved.

Have a direct, face-to-face conversation with a living deity, especially Bahamut, the Lord of Wealth, Protection, and Dragons.

This was also a first for Xia Zuo.

Even though he possessed the noble blood of the imperial emperor, he could still clearly feel an almost instinctive tremor and sense of insignificance emanating from his own soul in the face of that vast, star-like divinity.

Shazzo hovered slightly behind and to the side of Genus Tang, bowing deeply with impeccable poise:

"Prince Xiazuo Tang of the Eastern Empire pays homage to His Majesty the Golden Radiance. May your glory forever illuminate the path of the Dragonborn."

His voice was as steady and clear as possible, but if you listened carefully, you could still detect a subtle tension hidden beneath it.

Bahamut's gaze fell on Shazo, not stern, but Shazo felt as if he had been seen through from the inside out.

The next moment, the Dragon God's voice resounded directly in Xia Zuo's consciousness:

“Shazo, Gnus told me that you know quite a bit about that Cohen Corleone.”

Xia Zuo's heart tightened again, but he forced himself to concentrate.

"So, based on your understanding and knowledge, where exactly did this Cohen Corleone get the dragon blood necessary for his advancement to 'Dragon Seal Weapon Master'?"

Prince Xia Zuo felt his throat was a little dry.

He glanced quickly at Genus Tang beside him, who gave him a very subtle look.

He refocused his mind, faced the Dragon God's all-seeing gaze, cleared his throat, and spoke in as calm and objective a tone as possible:

"Reporting to Your Majesty the Golden Radiance, several years ago, a rather large-scale conflict broke out in Florence."

Cohen Corleone clashed fiercely with the then-enemy force, the Black Tomb.

At the end of that incident, Cohen successfully extorted a whole bottle of high-purity dragon blood from the Black Tomb.

As Xia Zuo spoke, he slightly raised his eyes, seemingly wanting to observe the Dragon God's reaction, but Bahamut's gaze was as deep as an ancient well, without any ripples.

He had no choice but to continue:

"As for what happened after that... based on his rapidly rising status and the various inexplicable means and resource acquisition abilities he demonstrated."

I believe that it shouldn't be too difficult for him to obtain more dragon blood through some clandestine channels later on.

"Your Majesty, Cohen has the support of the ancient and intelligent Winged Elves, as well as the assistance of the Pale Wings, the continent's premier commercial organization."

After listening to Shazo's account, Bahamut calmly shook his head:

"That's not enough. Even if a master of Dragon Seal Weapons uses the oldest and purest dragon blood for baptism and infusion, it's still insufficient.

It wouldn't be like him, radiating a pure dragon's might that seems to come naturally from the source of his bloodline.

This level of aura requires immersion in an incredibly rich dragon-like environment day after day, year after year, and living alongside truly powerful dragons.

Only then is it possible to leave such a profound and natural imprint on the deepest parts of the soul and body.

This cannot be achieved with just a few bottles of dragon's blood.

Xia Zuo was stunned. He cautiously raised his eyes to look at the Dragon God, his voice unconsciously lowering slightly:
"Your Majesty, Cohen does indeed have a dragon by his side."

But... according to our intelligence, it was just a juvenile red dragon.

He is the Red Dragon Prince of the Effiin Empire, and Asuna Iliad's mount and companion.

"Red dragon? Juvenile stage?"

Bahamut's eyes dimmed, disappointment showing on his face, and he shook his head, saying:
"No, it's not the red dragon..."

But then, the light that had just dimmed in Bahamut's eyes flickered again, even brighter than before, as if he had grasped a crucial clue that had been overlooked.

Bahamut spoke much faster:
"Wait, you're saying this Red Dragon Prince can ride a dragon?"

Could she be a 'Dragon Rider'?

"Yes, Your Majesty." Xia Zuo nodded quickly in confirmation.

The Dragon God's gaze suddenly shifted to Xia Zuo, fixing on him intently:
"'Dragon Warriors' are not simply dragon tamers."

This is an ancient, sworn profession imprinted in one's bloodline. Only those who possess dragon blood are qualified to take up the job and have the opportunity to gain the dragon's approval and stand shoulder to shoulder with it.

"Then tell me, this Asuna Iliad, the red dragon princess of Eifine, is she... a dragonborn?"

Xia Zuo was somewhat confused by the Dragon God's persistent questioning.

He couldn't understand why this great dragon god would be so interested in the bloodline of one of Cohen's "lovers".

But he dared not delay and immediately replied:
"Yes, Your Majesty, according to our investigation, Asuna Iliad is indeed a dragonborn."

Bahamut's expression suddenly changed, and he immediately asked the next question:
"What is the relationship between Asuna Iliad and Cohen Corleone?"

He paused slightly, seemingly choosing his words, but ultimately used the most straightforward and essential term:
"Did they ever get together or mate?"

This question, which was almost gossipy and completely out of place with the majestic identity of the Dragon God, made Xia Zuo and Genus Tang, who was standing next to him, freeze instantly.

Xia Zuo's face twitched uncontrollably a few times.

He never expected that a majestic, ancient, and high-ranking dragon god would ask such a... such a private, even somewhat vulgar, question.

He instinctively looked at Grenus Tang, who also looked astonished, clearly quite taken aback by the question.

Xia Zuo's throat bobbed violently, feeling his mouth dry.

He opened his mouth, then closed it again, seemingly struggling to organize his thoughts, his face flushing red and then turning pale.

Several seconds passed before he stammered, his embarrassment barely concealed, and explained:
“Your Majesty the Golden Radiance… I, my previous statement may not have been accurate enough.”

Princess Asuna Iliad was one of Cohen Corleone's many lovers.

Their relationship had long transcended the simple distinction between ruler and subject or ally.

This is something that everyone on the continent tacitly understands.

After Xia Zuo finished speaking, he immediately lowered his head, not daring to look at the Dragon God's expression. He was uneasy, wondering what kind of reaction his answer would elicit.

However, the displeasure or questioning he had anticipated did not come immediately.

His response was an even longer silence.

Upon hearing Xia Zuo's reply, the Dragon God Bahamut's usually dignified and calm face revealed an extremely obvious change in expression for the first time.

Bahamut did not look at Shazo again, nor at Gnus Tang.

His gaze pierced through the barriers of space, through the increasingly violent and astonishing turbulent energy currents surrounding Cohen, and locked firmly on the young figure who was concentrating with his eyes closed, at the most crucial stage of his advancement.

Then, Bahamut withdrew his gaze and said in a deep voice:
"Go and bring me a copy of everything you have about Asuna Iliad, down to the smallest detail."

Her background, her family history, when she came into Cohen's life, all her demonstrated abilities, every known detail about her relationship with Cohen—remember, every single detail.

Bahamut paused, then added, emphasizing his words:

"Immediately!" (End of Chapter)