East Dragon Island.
As Liu Xi entered the depths of the island, the entire East Dragon Island grew increasingly vigilant. Countless Ancient Void Dragon Tribe experts—both visible and hidden—gathered in every direction.
The sheer number of these powerhouses alone was enough to rival any of the continent's top factions—and even triumph over them. And this was merely the weakest among the Four Dragon Islands.
The day after Liu Xi began refining the energy for Zi Yan, news spread quickly. Emerging from the Dragon Tomb, Qing Lin's aura surged wildly—powerful yet still unstable. Her cultivation had already reached the 7-Star Dou Zun level, a pace of progress that defied belief.
Upon learning of Liu Xi's and Zi Yan's situation, Qing Lin stubbornly chose to remain in the depths of East Dragon Island, becoming one of its protectors.
Zhu Li naturally approved. With Qing Lin's current strength, she was already on par with many high-ranking dragons, and once she fully awakened the Ancient Heaven Serpent, her power could rival even a peak Dou Zun. Having such a powerful ally stand guard over Zi Yan and Liu Xi could prove invaluable at a critical moment.
Ten days passed quietly. Deep within the volcano, Liu Xi continued his careful work, refining the Dragon Phoenix Origin Fruit's energy for Zi Yan. Waves of violet mist filled the cavern, so thick they seemed almost solid.
The violet crystal encasing Zi Yan was gradually melting under the steady burn of the azure flame. The true problem, however, lay within her body—where the fruit's unrefined energy had solidified, clogging her meridians and preventing it from being transformed into Dou Qi.
Even for an Ancient Void Dragon, the body's inner channels were fragile. Liu Xi had to keep the Heavenly Flame's temperature perfectly stable to avoid harming her, which demanded immense control over his Dou Qi and Spiritual Power.
Ten days of continuous focus without rest drained him severely. His Dou Qi and Spiritual Power were nearly exhausted, but he didn't intend to hold back for Zhu Li's sake.
He pulled out the jade vial Zhu Li had given him earlier and sent one drop of Ancient Dragon Blood into his mouth. The moment it slid down his throat, warmth spread through his entire body. Fatigue faded; his energy roared back to life.
A torrent of pure power burst forth, swiftly refined into Dou Qi as his cultivation method circulated. The blood's potent vitality even tempered his body—bones, flesh, and meridians subtly strengthening with each breath.
Though its purity couldn't compare to the Dragon Emperor's blood, its sheer quantity made up for it. It replenished his strength in moments, allowing him to continue.
The steady progress filled Zhu Li with elation, and the entire East Dragon Island began to buzz with hope.
After all, not every dragon had trusted Liu Xi at the start. His proximity to Zi Yan had been allowed only because of her own request and Zhu Li's insistence. But now, as Liu Xi worked tirelessly without error, the dragons' eyes began to show respect—even reverence.
Even Elder Qi You, whose face was always cold and stern, allowed a faint smile to surface. To them, Zi Yan represented not just the future of East Dragon Island, but proof that their long-held faith in the Dragon Emperor's lineage had not been in vain.
Suddenly, a furious roar shattered the calm, and the joyous atmosphere turned to killing intent.
"Xia Ao! What are you doing here?"
At the edge of the volcano, Zhu Li and Qi You exchanged glances. Zhu Li's face darkened, while Qi You's eyes gleamed with cold murderous light.
"So… they've come."
A thunderous crack split the sky. The heavens themselves seemed torn apart, revealing the endless black void beyond. Streaks of light flashed through it, descending from the distant horizon. When the radiance faded, figures clad in armor appeared—each exuding a terrifying dragon's might.
Most wore dark-golden battle armor etched with dragon patterns that shimmered faintly, as if alive. Dragon-shaped shadows coiled across their surfaces, radiating overwhelming pressure.
Among them were also bare-chested figures, massive and muscular, radiating raw physical strength that shook the air itself.
"It's the people from West Dragon Island and South Dragon Island!"
Angry shouts erupted across East Dragon Island.
"Xia Ao, you dare bring your men to invade East Dragon Island? You've got quite the nerve!"
The sky twisted as Elder Qi You appeared, his figure towering and imposing. His stern face carried no hint of mercy; an aura of suppressed fury and authority rolled from him like a storm.
"Ha! Elder Qi You, don't waste your temper on me," the burly man in golden armor laughed, stepping forward. "I'm merely following orders—to invite the one with royal blood to visit West Dragon Island."
Qi You's expression turned frosty. "Invite? Hmph, you mean imprison! The West Dragon King dares to style himself as royalty when he's merely a distant branch of the imperial bloodline. Has he no shame?"
Xia Ao crossed his arms lazily. "Whether you like it or not, Elder Qi You, the West Dragon King does possess royal blood. That makes his claim stronger than yours. Of the Four Islands, yours is the only one without a ruler of royal descent. Tell me—why should East Dragon Island even exist?"
"Whether we're recognized or not is not for you—or your so-called Dragon King—to decide," Qi You snapped coldly. "Among the Ancient Void Dragon Tribe, there is only one sovereign—the Dragon Emperor! No self-proclaimed island king has the right to rule in His stead."
"Heh… and yet, the Dragon Emperor has been missing for ten thousand years," Xia Ao sneered. "Who's to say he still lives? I'm here under orders—hand over the one bearing royal blood. Otherwise, things will not end peacefully."
"Impudent! How dare you speak of the Dragon Emperor with such disrespect? You deserve death!"
Qi You's voice turned glacial as crushing power erupted around him, distorting the air itself.
Xia Ao's grin widened. "Careful now, Elder Qi You. Among the Four Islands, East Dragon Island is the weakest. If my West Dragon Island's Dragon Armor Army moves against you, I doubt your defenses will hold for long."
At his gesture, the golden-armored warriors behind him stepped forward in unison, their combined aura surging like a tidal wave across the island.
Zhu Li's expression hardened. His gaze flicked toward the jade-green cauldron where Zi Yan lay, then toward Liu Xi outside it. His voice carried a steel edge.
"Protect Master Liu. No one is to approach him."
From all around the volcano, hidden voices answered in unison:
"Yes!"
(End of Chapter)
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Hello Guys, It's me again, new month is upon us. First of all I would like to thank all of you from the bottom of my heart, if you guys wouldn't have supported me then I wouldn't be her today, so thank you.
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