Chapter 002: The Dragon of Transformation
Alright, let us continue deeper, Ao Tian. Remember to stay vigilant at all times, or you may call a few of your children to return.
Everyone was dumbfounded, feeling somewhat dry-mouthed. It is important to understand that dragons in this world are undoubtedly as rare as phoenix feathers, existing at the pinnacle of the pyramid, akin to the phoenix itself.
What a tremendous opportunity, Long Aotian thought to himself. If he were to refine the essence of this flood dragon now, he would surely be able to break through to the Immortal Realm!
When it turned its gaze to the old master, it could clearly feel its trembling; this dragon distinctly sensed the old man's power and could not help but feel despair. If it were in its prime, the old man might not have been his match, but now...
However, just as the demon ape's hand was about to grasp the dragon, a sword light that pierced the heavens descended from above, dazzling in white brilliance and exuding a soul-stirring aura. The powerful energy directly locked onto the demon ape. The white demon ape was instantly taken aback; since its appearance, its eyes had been fixed solely on the dragon, neglecting the few weak humans. It had not anticipated that among them was such a formidable powerhouse.
Aowu ... ...
A terrifying aura descended, and the demon ape struggled to move its body in an attempt to evade that lethal sword strike, but it felt as if it were trapped in a swamp, with its actions severely hindered
"Yes, National Master, you are right in your teachings. I will guard this dragon together with you right away," Long Aotian said respectfully to the old man after understanding the meaning behind it.
Although the Jiaos are quite rare in the Divine Martial Continent, they can still be seen, and some people have indeed encountered them. However, no one has ever witnessed a Jiao activating the bloodline within its body. Yet now, the Jiao lying on the ground is actually evolving towards a divine dragon, aspiring to ascend to greatness in one leap.
"Yes, Father!" several people said in unison
As a potential ruler, Long Aotian is not without capability, and in an instant, he grasped the key to the situation. Just as the elder mentioned, there are still other opportunities to enter the secret realm of immortality. However, the Jiaolong before him is currently striving to break through the Dragon Bloodline. Once successful, it will become the only divine dragon in the Divine Martial Continent. If he can seize this auspicious opportunity, the Longteng Dynasty will have a significant chance to gain an unparalleled Dragon God, thus becoming the foremost power in the Divine Martial Continent.
Roar ... ...
Its body began to struggle in an attempt to stand up, but it found that it had no strength left. Watching the old man approach, it let out a powerless roar, emitting a sound of unwillingness
A complete service!
I will go too! No need to say more, Long Yueying absolutely has to follow, as she is famously fearless.
"Brother Jiao, there is no need for concern; we harbor no ill intentions towards you. You may wholeheartedly strive to awaken the Dragon Bloodline, and we shall remain here to protect you." The old national master, upon observing Jiao's demeanor, immediately clarified, realizing that it had misunderstood and thought he intended to take action against it.
Suddenly, a tremendous roar echoed from afar, signaling the approach of an unknown powerful entity. The eyes of the dragon were instantly filled with anxiety.
When Long Aotian conveyed his thoughts to the old national master, the elder resolutely refused! He also requested that Long Aotian stay here with him to guard this place.
Tian Fan quietly observed everything, remaining silent. Long Ao Tian didn't even glance at him, nor did he ask him anything. Perhaps even if he were to die here immediately, Long Ao Tian would not utter a word.
The old national master, seeing the disappointed expression on Long Aotian's face, earnestly advised him that he and his father were close friends through life and death, and therefore he took great care of his descendants
After an indeterminate amount of time, the old master suddenly spoke in confusion. Tianfan looked down at the old man's feet and saw the corpse of a werewolf at the Cloud Heaven realm, with a blood hole in its forehead, having been killed in a single strike
As soon as the Demon Ape appeared, it spotted the Jiaolong, sensing the aura that was close to the essence of the divine dragon. Excitement showed on its pitch-black ape face as it lunged directly at the Jiaolong, instantly startling the creature, which began to retreat, now devoid of any fighting capability.
Brother Jiao, you should focus on overcoming the challenges. If we had any harmful intentions towards you, we would not be discussing so much with you now said the old national master
Ao Tian, as a cultivator, while strength is important, what matters even more is the heart! If this dragon can successfully evolve, it will soar to great heights and transform into a dragon. If you establish a good relationship with it, it will surely be grateful, and at that time, it can serve as a powerful guardian dragon for the Dragon Rising Dynasty, complementing your Dragon Rising Dynasty perfectly
Upon hearing the words of the old master, the giant serpent was taken aback, seemingly unable to believe that such a powerful human before it could utter such words, its eyes filled with distrust
He holds a remarkable status, being a peerless figure on the verge of entering the secret realm of immortals. The fact that he could exclaim in surprise indicates that what he witnessed was undoubtedly extraordinary
The remnants of trees are scattered everywhere ahead, and the ground is littered with the corpses of various monsters. Among them, there are even some that have nearly reached the realm of transcending to immortality. Amidst the countless bodies, a colossal creature lies helplessly on the ground. With a horse's face, a serpent's body, deer antlers, eagle claws, and fish scales, this is actually a dragon
There is something amiss here; it seems that an unexpected event has occurred. Such a level of monster should not appear in this place
A group of people continued deeper into the Enchanted Forest, having already traveled nearly 3 miles. Along the way, they had slain countless magical creatures, including some powerful beings close to the realm of immortality, which was simply unreasonable
It is said that the Jiaolong is also a descendant of dragons, but the bloodline of the divine dragon has become exceedingly thin. Only by relying on powerful strength and fortuitous opportunities can one activate the divine dragon bloodline within, thus having the chance to transform into a dragon.
Long Aotian reflected on the words of the national master, first feeling shocked, then revealing an expression of ecstasy. Currently, this dragon was in the stage of evolution, its strength significantly diminished. Moreover, judging from the corpses on the ground, it was clear that the aura released from its activated bloodline had attracted numerous formidable enemies, who sought to take the opportunity to devour its essence, only to be killed one by one at this location. It was now extremely weak.
An arm covered in white fur was brutally severed from the demon ape, blood splattering everywhere, and a heart-wrenching scream erupted from the demon ape's mouth
Good, you truly are the child of Long Aotian, possessing both ambition and courage. However, you must remember that having courage and bravery alone is not sufficient; sometimes, it is also necessary to understand when to advance and when to retreat. Do you understand?" Long Aotian said sternly, looking at the several children.
Several individuals followed Long Aotian's gaze and looked ahead, instantly freezing in place, even Tian Fan, who usually maintained a calm demeanor, displayed a look of surprise.
The Enchanted Forest, a fantastical existence in the Divine Martial Continent, holds profound significance for the Dragon Rising Dynasty. It is here that their ancestors once received great fortune, subsequently establishing a vast sacred ground for martial arts, attracting visitors from all directions and earning respect across the eight realms
The howling sound grew increasingly closer. Moments later, a demon ape appeared in the sight of several people. Tianfan looked at the creature before him, his heart racing as if it were lodged in his throat. He possessed no martial arts skills whatsoever; although he appeared calm on the surface, he could not help but feel a twinge of worry inside.
I share the same sentiment as my elder brother! The Second Prince also stepped forward, standing side by side with the First Prince, and spoke loudly.
However, it is nonetheless a powerful entity that is infinitely close to the realm of immortality. In a moment of danger, it erupted with a surge of pitch-black demonic light, making its actions significantly easier. It immediately shifted sideways to retreat, but at that moment, the white sword light also arrived, severing its right arm, which had not yet been retracted.
Tian Fan's expression was somewhat surprised, yet also filled with longing. The old man merely waved his arm gently, but he managed to sever one of the magic ape's arms. Although he was unable to cultivate, he still yearned for such combat power
Brother Jiao, you need not worry. I am the reigning emperor of the Dragon Rising Dynasty, and this is our national master. Brother Jiao, as you are currently attempting to awaken the divine dragon bloodline, the danger is exceptionally high. We will certainly guard this place for you.
"Father, there is no need to worry. We can protect ourselves. If we retreat at the slightest challenge, how will we face the entire world in the future!" Long Batian looked at Long Aotian's gaze directed towards him, stepped forward without hesitation, and said proudly, while simultaneously casting a disdainful glance at Tian Fan.
For many years in the Divine Martial Continent, although there have been descriptions of dragons, no one has ever truly seen one. Once it appears, it will undoubtedly be revered by the world as a deity
Tian Fan looked at the creature on the ground, listening to the words of the old national master. He couldn't help but feel a deep respect for the old man. Although he was unable to cultivate, he had read many ancient texts and fragments, and the old man's mindset was worthy of his respect
While they were communicating, the creature lying on the ground suddenly woke up, opening a pair of lantern-like eyes. Upon seeing the few humans in front of it, its eyes were filled with unease, as the previous battle had nearly exhausted its strength
Rest assured, Brother Jiao, I will guard here.
The dragon is about to evolve!
"What about you, Old Eight?" Long Aotian asked the young prince.
After Long Aotian received the words of the national master, he turned around to look at several princes
The bloodline of the Divine Dragon is awakening, and a true Divine Dragon is about to appear in my Divine Martial Continent. Those who dare to obstruct shall be killed! At this moment, the old man had a solemn expression on his face, his demeanor grave, and in his hand, a blood-red battle sword was prominently displayed.
"This is not right, this is not a true dragon; this is a jiao, and it is on the verge of transcending the essence of a jiao. It is about to evolve once again!" The old national master was also immensely shocked, but after a moment, the elder noticed something amiss.
Since then, Tianfan became indifferent, learned to endure, and nothing could break his calm heart
We must continue to move forward as well," the Little Prince declared loudly, straightening his chest and refusing to be outdone by others
Suddenly, Long Aotian exclaimed, his face filled with shock as he looked ahead
It is not permissible; since this serpent has the opportunity to evolve into a dragon, it cannot be refined. Now, you and I shall guard this place together for its protection
He has already become accustomed to it. In the past, he also worried, feared, and felt sad. He once angrily questioned Long Aotian, saying that he was also his child, why treat him this way? Yet the response he received was, "As my son, Long Aotian, you must be a leader in the cultivation world. Since you cannot cultivate, you have lost certain rights as a descendant of the Long family"
The magic ape is entirely enveloped in thick, snow-white fur, shimmering with a faint white glow. It is evident at a glance that it possesses profound cultivation, being a formidable being at the peak of the Hunyuan realm, on the verge of breaking into the Return to Immortal secret realm.