"You can keep the leftovers for yourself," Muria said flatly. Predictably, he watched as Jiuli's expression shifted from stunned surprise to elation, only to settle into quiet disappointment.
"What's with that look? You're not satisfied?" Muria asked, looking at Jiuli. "What's useless to me is likely a treasure beyond your imagination at your current level."
"But if it's already 'leftovers,' what good is it?" Jiuli muttered under his breath.
"What I call leftovers are merely things that have no value to me. Do you think your strength is anywhere near mine?"
"No, it isn't." Jiuli, recalling the overwhelming battle he had witnessed earlier, honestly shook his head.
"Well, there you go." Muria stood up and clapped his hands. "Alright, let your family know we'll be heading to your territory soon to deal with that demigod."
"Can we delay it until tomorrow? I left my girlfriend hanging without much explanation. I need to talk to her first," Jiuli said, grinning sheepishly.
"Fine, I'm not in a hurry," Muria replied with a lazy yawn.
The recent battle, though resolved without Muria's direct intervention, had drained his reincarnated dragon form. Manipulating the divine-tier weaponry required his own energy reserves to fuel them, and the effort had taken its toll.
"Teacher, are you alright?" Jiuli asked, concern etched across his face as he observed Muria's weary demeanor.
"I'm fine. Don't overthink it. Go handle your own matters." Muria rolled his eyes at him.
"You're not injured, are you?"
"Nope, just drained."
"Alright, then I'll head out now." Jiuli left, still looking worried. His concern didn't escape Muria's notice, prompting the dragon to sigh lightly.
"For someone practicing such a cold and ruthless cultivation method, it's rare to see you remain so pure-hearted. But how long can that last? If you one day ascend to become a high god, can you still hold onto who you are now?"
For weaker beings, the path to power often meant shedding weaknesses and imperfections, steadily refining oneself into an idealized existence. Yet in doing so, it was common to discard things from their former selves: vows, aspirations, even cherished memories.
Those who rose from obscurity to greatness often became completely unrecognizable compared to their original selves, both inside and out.
Of course, Muria himself never had to undergo such a transformation. His path to power was not about evolution or reinvention but growth—like a child growing into an adult. His bloodline alone ensured he could naturally reach the pinnacle of legend, and when he became an epic-tier being, it was simply a matter of building upon what was already perfect.
"Teacher, are you really alright?"
The next day, Jiuli returned, still faintly carrying the scent of perfume. He looked visibly relieved to see Muria in high spirits, as if the events of the previous day had left no lasting effects.
"Of course I'm fine. Let me tell you something: I never lie, so don't waste time doubting me."
"In that case, let's head out right away." Jiuli's face lit up with anticipation.
"You've informed your family, right? This time we might be away for a while. I probably won't be coming back to your house again, so make sure they're clear on that."
"You won't come back?" Jiuli froze momentarily, then a look of visible relief crossed his face.
"Look at your expression," Muria noted dryly, amused.
"Well… it's just…" Jiuli fidgeted, embarrassed.
"You feel uneasy because my strength vastly exceeds yours, making you feel like you can't control the situation, right?" Muria's words struck a chord, leaving Jiuli grinning awkwardly in silence.
After a brief exchange, Jiuli followed Muria downstairs, gave his family an excuse, and they set off.
"What? You plan to drive us there in that?" Muria asked, his tone tinged with disbelief as he saw Jiuli ready to get into his car.
"If not this, what else? Are we just going to fly there?" Jiuli asked in confusion.
"Why not?" Muria tilted his head. "I'm more than capable of flying openly. Do you think anyone here would dare attack me?"
"Well… no one would dare, that's true," Jiuli admitted with a smile. "But wouldn't it be too flashy? I think keeping a low profile would be better."
"Worried about drawing too much attention? That's a weakling's concern. I don't share it."
With a flick of his claw, Muria revealed his true dragon form. A palpable surge of Dragon's Might rippled outward, causing Jiuli to panic and hurriedly transform into his combat form—a giant clad in golden scales.
"Always keeping secrets from your family isn't a smart move. One day, you'll have to face the truth."
Seeing Jiuli's hasty transformation, Muria didn't reprimand him. Instead, he acknowledged Jiuli's actions as those of a young man protecting his loved ones.
The dragon leaped into the air, carrying Jiuli in his claws. With a powerful gust of wind, they ascended into the sky, drawing the attention of everyone below.
Given the previous day's events, Muria's dragon form had become the most recognized and awe-inspiring figure in the region. As he flew off, he left a trail of stunned onlookers in his wake.
"Teacher, why aren't we landing?" Jiuli asked as they crossed the portal into the island world.
"What I need to do will cause a massive commotion. We'll find a desolate place to handle it," Muria explained.
They eventually landed on a barren, rocky island covered in thorny shrubs. Muria set Jiuli down and then pulled out a radiant, star-like orb.
"What's that?" Jiuli asked curiously.
"This is the demigod," Muria said casually.
"Why is it so small?" Jiuli was incredulous.
"Because the space inside is folded. When you grow stronger, you'll understand. For now, it's beyond your comprehension."
Muria tossed the orb lightly into the air. It expanded rapidly, and the demigod Giovanni, bound tightly by the Starforge Chains, appeared. His immense weight caused the entire island to sink slightly.
"What are you planning to do? I warn you, my father is a true god, not someone you can contend with, even with your so-called divine artifacts!" Giovanni bellowed, sensing imminent danger.
Muria, unimpressed, smirked. "Let's find out how much use you'll be after I strip you of everything worthwhile."
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