As a heavy, oppressive atmosphere settled over the mountain, all eyes remained fixed on the empty space beyond Eastern Dragon Island. Tension filled the air like a drawn bowstring, ready to snap.
Chi!
Within the time it took half an incense stick to burn, a thin crack suddenly tore across the sky. The fabric of space split open—and from within, numerous massive flying ships slowly emerged, their hulls glinting ominously under the sunless heavens.
Moments later, beams of light shot forth from the ships. They arced across the sky before descending steadily toward Eastern Dragon Island. As the light faded, the space around them was filled with powerful figures, each radiating an oppressive aura.
Most of these individuals wore dark-golden armor engraved with coiling dragon motifs. The dragons etched into the metal seemed to shift faintly, as if alive—each emitting waves of draconic might that pressed heavily upon the land below. The pressure was suffocating, carrying with it the weight of a great bloodline and countless battles.
Aside from the people clad in dark-golden armor, there were also several bare-chested figures among the invaders. These individuals were massive in stature, their physiques powerful and imposing—radiating an overwhelming presence with every step. Their arrival struck a visual impact that could not be ignored.
"It's the Dragon Armor Army from Western Dragon Island—and the Barbarian Army of the Southern Dragon Island!"
Cries of recognition and restrained fury erupted across Eastern Dragon Island the moment the figures came into view. The atmosphere instantly grew heavier with anger and hostility.
"Xia Ao, you actually dare to bring your forces to my Eastern Dragon Island? What boldness!"
The skies trembled slightly as the space twisted, and in an instant, a group of figures appeared above the island. Leading them was none other than Elder Qi You—the very same who had spoken with Elder Zhu Li days ago.
At this moment, the calm and quiet demeanor he once carried was gone. His face had turned exceptionally stern, and the aura emanating from him surged with a quiet might. Though he did not raise his voice, a natural pressure spread from his presence—one that carried the weight of authority without needing anger to enforce it.
"Ha ha! Old fellow Qi You, don't direct your temper at me."
A deep, booming laugh echoed through the sky as a burly man in dark-golden armor stepped forward. His thick eyebrows framed eyes full of disdain, and each step he took caused the surrounding space to faintly tremble.
"The Western Dragon King sent me here to invite the one with the royal bloodline to return to Western Dragon Island. Let's not be unreasonable, shall we? It's better to keep the peace."
He glanced at Qi You, who stood calmly within a defensive formation, and let out another mocking laugh.
"Invite? Hmph. I'm afraid what your Western Dragon King truly intends is to imprison her and use her for his own ends. A mere side-branch of the royal bloodline dares to call himself 'king'? Isn't he afraid of choking on his own arrogance, Xia Ao?"
Qi You's gaze turned sharp as his cold voice rang out.
Xia Ao merely shook his head, his tone indifferent.
"The Ancient Dragon tribe has already split into four. Whether you like it or not, the Western Dragon King does possess royal blood, and his ability to gather and lead is far beyond you who lack it. If anything," he sneered, "it's your Eastern Dragon Island that should no longer exist. Among the four islands, yours is the only one not led by someone of royal descent. Such a tribe will never be acknowledged."
"Hmph. The Ancient Void Dragon tribe recognizes only one Dragon Emperor," Qi You retorted, brows slightly raised, voice filled with disdain.
"There has never been a place for self-proclaimed dragon kings. Side branches of royal bloodlines like theirs have no right to decide what is accepted or not. They lack the qualification to dictate the laws of the tribe."
Xia Ao narrowed his eyes but quickly smirked. "Heh… I've no patience to argue with you, old fellow. I've come under orders. Hand over the one who carries the true royal bloodline. Otherwise, this matter… may not end peacefully."
His voice dropped to a low, threatening tone, the atmosphere around him growing heavy with pressure.
"Because of you?"
Qi You's expression turned frosty, his gaze sharp as blades. Clenching his fist, he summoned a surge of formidable energy, causing the air around him to tremble faintly.
"Heh, Qi You, let's not be so quick to act." Xia Ao chuckled lightly, his voice calm yet threatening. "Among the Four Dragon Islands, your Eastern Dragon Island holds the weakest battle strength. If the Dragon Armor Army of my Western Dragon Island were to march in, how long do you think you could last?"
As Qi You prepared to make a move, Xia Ao casually waved his hand. Behind him, the dark-golden armored figures stepped forward in unison, releasing a crushing pressure that swept across the island like an invisible tide.
Sensing this overwhelming force, Elder Zhu Li—seated deep within the island—slowly darkened his expression. His gaze swept toward Xiao Hua, still seated calmly in front of the large cauldron, undisturbed by the rising tension. Then, his eyes shifted to Wei Jie and Mei Ling.
Receiving his silent message, Wei Jie and Mei Ling nodded with composed smiles. Their eyes conveyed a quiet assurance: no one would be allowed to disturb Xiao Hua or interfere with the refinement of the Dragon Phoenix Crystal Layer.
Zhu Li let out a soft sigh, and the weight pressing on his chest eased slightly. Turning toward Hei Qing and the others, he spoke in a deep, steady voice, "Though Master Wei Jie and Lady Mei Ling are present, we must not lower our guard. Ensure Mister Xiao Hua is protected at all costs. No mishap must be allowed to occur."
"Understood!"
Deep, resonant cries echoed from the surrounding mountains in response to Elder Zhu Li's command, each voice filled with resolve.
Only after hearing their reply did Zhu Li nod lightly. His figure flickered, vanishing on the spot. In the next instant, he reappeared before Qi You, standing like an immovable mountain. Lifting his head, his calm gaze swept across the figures floating in midair—finally resting on a group of tall, bare-chested warriors clad in dark-golden armor.
"Man Yan," Zhu Li said flatly, "how much longer do you intend to lurk in the shadows?"
"Haha! As expected of Elder Zhu Li. Even with all my efforts to remain hidden, you still managed to find me."
As his words echoed, the empty space distorted like rippling water. A pale-skinned elder dressed in crude animal hide slowly emerged from the void, his laughter ringing out as he stepped into view within the Dragon Island.
Zhu Li's expression remained unchanged as he stared silently at the newly emerged figure. He had long sensed another presence hidden nearby, but could not pinpoint their identity—at least not until Wei Jie silently transmitted a message, revealing the one in hiding to be Man Yan.
"Elder Zhu Li, hand over the person."
Man Yan sighed and stepped forward, his voice low and heavy. "The Ancient Void Dragon Tribe has already fallen into disarray. The Southern Dragon King will never permit Eastern Dragon Island to unify the tribe—nor will the other two Dragon Kings. Why persist in provoking a war?"
"What nonsense," Zhu Li replied flatly. "Whether the tribe can be unified or not is not something a side branch of the royal bloodline is qualified to decide."
His tone was calm, his words sharp.
Seeing that diplomacy had failed, Xia Ao sneered. "Since there's no room for discussion, we'll settle this through force."
He turned slightly toward Man Yan and said coldly, "Let's begin. We don't have time to waste on idle words."
As his voice faded, the dark-golden dragon armor on Xia Ao's body suddenly flared with golden brilliance. A terrifying aura erupted from within him like a raging tempest. Faintly, a deep and ancient dragon's roar echoed from the golden radiance, shaking the heavens.
"Dragon Armor Army, attack! Bring back the one who carries the royal bloodline!"
With a sudden wave of his hand, Xia Ao gave the order. Instantly, countless figures clad in dragon armor let out a unified, thunderous cry. Fierce auras erupted from their bodies as they transformed into streaks of light, surging forward like a flood as they charged into Ancient Dragon Island.
"Hmph. Barbarian Army—don't fall behind. Attack!"
Man Yan snorted coldly. Seeing the Western Dragon Island forces move, he wasted no time in issuing his own command.
The half-naked warriors behind him gave solemn nods. As they clenched their fists, their arms trembled and rapidly transformed into dragon claws, covered in pale-purple scales that shimmered with a savage gleam. With a flash, they too shot toward Ancient Dragon Island like wild beasts unleashed.
"Intercept them!"
Elder Zhu Li's deep voice rang out, his expression darkening as he watched the enemy forces swarm the island like an invading tide.
"Understood!"
The moment Elder Zhu Li's voice rang out, countless blurry figures shot forth from Eastern Dragon Island. In an instant, overwhelming auras filled the sky as powerful cultivators surged into battle. The dull thud of bodies colliding echoed alongside the thunderous roars of energy exploding in all directions.
Bang!
With a violent impact, the three armies clashed midair, their momentum unstoppable. Figures were sent flying, blood spraying across the sky—only to be followed by another wave of fierce engagement the next breath.
A longsword appeared in Qi You's hand, and a monstrous aura erupted from his body. Without hesitation, he shot forward like a falling star, charging directly at Xia Ao with unstoppable force.
Naturally, Xia Ao responded. With a flicker of light, a long spear appeared in his grasp. He met Qi You's assault head-on, and the two forces collided like ancient beasts awakening.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Each strike sent shockwaves rippling through the void, causing the air itself to fracture. Their terrifying strength tore through space, yet neither side yielded an inch. Every blow was precise, unrelenting—neither allowing a single opening, nor giving ground.
The two turned into blazing glows, streaking across the sky as they continued their battle within the shattered void.
"Zhu Li, let me see how much you've improved over the years. I wonder... have you finally stepped into the Dou Zun class?"
Man Yan's eyes gleamed with a dark-purple hue, the result of his partial transformation. He smiled coldly at Zhu Li, then lightly stepped forward and a violent spatial fluctuation rippled out.
Zhu Li offered no words in return. A monstrous aura erupted from his body, sending tremors through the battlefield as the space around him quivered.
The two shot forward like thunderbolts, instantly closing the distance. As they charged, the space in their path shattered violently. The resulting shockwaves swept across the battlefield, sending nearby soldiers flying like leaves caught in a storm.
In the next moment, they collided.
A dragon claw and a dragon palm met head-on—space itself froze at the point of impact. The silence lasted only an instant before a devastating shockwave burst forth, warping the surrounding void and blasting countless nearby combatants into the air.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Explosions rang out across the entire Ancient Dragon Island. The sky above was filled with chaotic battlefields, streaked with light and blood. The once peaceful island was now engulfed in the roar of war—the tranquility of moments ago utterly shattered.
Two of the Dragon Islands had deployed their elite forces. This level of fighting strength was enough to drown even the top-tier factions of the Central Plains in blood. Fortunately, the Eastern Dragon Island possessed no shortage of powerful experts. After the initial disruption, the battlefront gradually stabilized.
While the island above was engulfed in a fierce clash, the deepest part of the Dragon Island remained shrouded in calm. At the mouth of a massive volcano, a terrifying heat continued to radiate outward. Within the enormous cauldron, Zi Yan's previously rigid body had begun to soften, the hardness melting away. A faint, oceanic surge of energy pulsed within her—boundless and overwhelming, as if a sleeping beast was awakening.
From above, Hei Qing hovered with a solemn expression, his gaze locked on the cauldron below.
"Elder Hei Qing, they are here."
Wei Jie's voice rang out, entering Hei Qing's ears like a whisper carried by the wind. His brows furrowed deeply as he turned, just in time to hear a wave of rushing wind approaching from the distance.
Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh!
In the next moment, ten fearsome auras surged toward them like bolts of lightning—each one sharp and oppressive, charging forward without hesitation.
Hei Qing turned to glance at Wei Jie and Mei Ling, who stood calmly nearby and gave him a faint nod. Taking their silent reassurance to heart, Hei Qing turned back to the approaching figures, his gaze cold as ice.
"Stop them! Do not let a single one get past and disturb Xiao Hua!"
Chi! Chi!
The sharp cry had barely left his mouth when numerous figures shot forward like arrows, intercepting the intruders in midair. In the blink of an eye, a fierce battle erupted, shaking the skies.
Though the enemy was momentarily held back, Hei Qing's expression remained grim. He knew all too well—if both the Western and Southern Dragon Islands had responded, then the Northern Dragon Island would not remain idle for long.
With Eastern Dragon Island's current strength, holding off two Dragon Kings was already a struggle. If the third one were to join the fray… the consequences would be dire.
Clenching his fists tightly, Hei Qing turned his gaze toward the thin, unmoving figure seated before the massive cauldron. His eyes held both worry and hope.
"Xiao Hua… please, be faster…"
…
Xiao Hua, seated before the massive cauldron, seemed entirely unaware of the chaos unfolding beyond the volcanic chamber. His bloodshot eyes remained fixed on the contents within the cauldron, unwavering. His hands, stiff and trembling, continued to form seals, carefully controlling the intense and volatile temperature.
For twenty days and nights without rest, he had persisted in this grueling task—one that would have long since exhausted even a peak Dou Zun expert. Though his Dou Qi reservoir was deep and vast, the mental toll was immense. Exhaustion had quietly settled into every corner of his body, building with each passing breath.
Yet, Xiao Hua clenched his teeth and pressed on. He endured the torment in silence, but his consciousness had begun to blur. His thoughts were slow, his vision clouded. Only his will remained, stubbornly holding him upright against the storm raging within.
Hovering above, Hei Qing's gaze was locked anxiously on Xiao Hua's disheveled form. His fists clenched tightly. He could clearly sense it—Xiao Hua was already at his limit.
Throughout these days, Xiao Hua's mind had remained taut like a bowstring, never once relaxing, never letting go. Hei Qing knew that a single misstep now… could shatter everything.
It was obvious that if he continued like this, Xiao Hua would suffer serious damage and require a long time to recover. Yet he showed no concern for his condition. His entire focus remained on rescuing Zi Yan—never stopping, never wavering.
He cast a glance toward Wei Jie, Mei Ling, and the Little Fairy Doctor. Though their faces remained composed, their eyes betrayed their true emotions—filled with deep worry and silent anxiety as they watched the pale young man before the cauldron.
"This fellow really is ruthless toward himself..." Hei Qing muttered under his breath. "I still remember the day he dared to take a blow from that First Tianzun head-on—just to shield this little girl, without the slightest hesitation. He didn't even consider his own life. That scene… has been etched into my soul."
Hei Qing let out a soft sigh and shifted his gaze back to Xiao Hua's worn figure, his eyes filled with rare solemnity.
"…If we make it through this alive, then I—old Hei—will swear brotherhood with you. No matter who you point your blade at, I'll follow without question..." he murmured, taking a deep breath. For someone as proud as Hei Qing, such words came from the heart—because even he could not help but admire Xiao Hua.
Bang!
Hei Qing's words had barely faded when a deafening explosion erupted from the distance. A fierce, oppressive aura surged forth like a roaring tempest. Before the figure had even appeared, a wild, unrestrained laughter rolled through the skies like thunder crashing across the heavens.
"Ha ha! So this is where it is!"
The wild, unrestrained laughter echoed from the distance, and in just a few flickers, a figure streaked through the air and arrived near the volcano. After drawing near, his speed gradually slowed, and all eyes turned toward him.
The man was clad in dark-golden armor, his golden eyes gleaming with a predatory light. A faint fierceness lingered on his face, as though carved into his very bones.
"The fourth commander of the Dragon Armor Army… Xia Sha?"
Hei Qing's expression shifted slightly the moment he recognized the figure. He immediately frowned and raised his hand. In response, over a dozen figures swiftly emerged from the nearby forested mountains, surrounding the area as they fixed their wary gazes on Xia Sha.
"Hei Qing? Hee hee… what a surprise. I didn't expect to run into you here."
Xia Sha narrowed his eyes as he stared at Hei Qing, a cruel smile playing on his lips. But he wasted no time on words. With a single wave of his hand, a wave of murderous auras surged forth as dozens of figures charged out from behind him. Their bloodlust surged into the sky, and a thunderous dragon's roar echoed across the heavens, shaking the very clouds.
Hei Qing's expression darkened the moment he saw the incoming force. With a firm nod, the dozen-plus experts from Eastern Dragon Island swiftly moved out, intercepting the armored figures clad in dark-golden dragon armor.
"Hei Qing! Hand over that person obediently, or blood will flow like a river across your Eastern Dragon Island today!"
Xia Sha let out a thunderous laugh as his figure flickered, appearing only a dozen meters in front of Hei Qing. The two locked eyes—fierce sparks flying between their gazes as a frightening pressure began to silently build between them.
"Whether you have the qualifications to seize this person… we'll see soon enough, Xia Sha!" Hei Qing's voice thundered, his expression grim and furious. Violent energy surged from his body, and just as he prepared to charge forward—
Boom!
A terrifying and oppressive flame-like aura suddenly erupted behind him. The temperature soared in an instant, distorting the air and causing the very space around them to tremble under the scorching heat.
Startled, Hei Qing turned around.
Wei Jie had appeared without a sound, stepping out from behind him like a shadow surfacing from flame. His expression was calm, yet at the corner of his lips, a faint and chilling smile slowly began to rise.
Just as Hei Qing was about to speak, Wei Jie lifted his head, his gaze locking onto the empty space ahead. His voice was calm, yet carried a sharp edge.
"Another army is approaching. There's a Ban Sheng leading them... I'll have to intercept them."
He paused briefly and turned his head, glancing at Hei Qing behind him.
"I'm not particularly familiar with the Ancient Void Dragon Tribe's techniques, but your spatial abilities are quite troublesome. Stay here and guard Xiao Hua with Mei Ling. Don't let anyone get near him."
"Rest assured, Master Wei Jie. As long as we draw breath, no one will get past us." Hei Qing cupped his hands and nodded solemnly. Although he was startled by the news of another incoming force, he felt a wave of relief knowing that Wei Jie would move to confront them.
Indeed, Wei Jie's presence was like a pillar of stability amid the storm. All of them understood clearly—relying on the Eastern Dragon Island alone, it would be nearly impossible to hold back the combined assault of the other three islands. Without Wei Jie and Mei Ling, the refinement of the Dragon Phoenix Crystal Layer would have already been disrupted.
"It is truly a blessing for Eastern Dragon Island to have them on our side..."
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