The sky trembled, clouds parting as the dragon soared high, carrying the unconscious baby tightly in her claws. Her name was Xuanlong, a dragon of the Verdant Scales, once a guardian of the outer worlds. She flew with blood trickling down her wounded side, the cries of battle fading into the distance.
Behind her, Bai Yan had made her final stand.
Not just her body — her very soul had been offered up in defiance. Together with a few cultivators who'd chosen to believe in her, she faced the power-hungry sects who chased the prophecy child. Qin Yue, the lone survivor, would later speak of Bai Yan's sacrifice. Of how she smiled even as her soul disintegrated, whispering, "Protect him... whatever it takes."
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Xuanlong crossed into her homeland — Longyan City, the capital of the Dragonfolk. A city forged within a valley surrounded by spirit-forged peaks, its skies sealed by powerful runes. No creature could fly in or out without proper recognition. She descended at the city's front gate, where armored dragonfolk in humanoid form guarded the entrance.
A hulking, crimson-scaled city guard narrowed his eyes.
"Who goes there?"
Xuanlong stepped forward, still in dragon form, though exhausted. "It's me, Xuanlong. I've returned… with someone."
His gaze dropped to the bundle in her claws.
"A human child? Trash! What are you doing, bringing such filth into the sacred Dragon Lands?"
Nearby guards began to gather, whispering among themselves.
Another chuckled, voice filled with scorn. "We scorn cultivators, and you bring a mortal infant with no soul power? Have you lost your mind, Xuanlong?"
She remained calm but firm. "He is no ordinary mortal."
"Oh? Then tell me, how is this crawling thing 'extraordinary'?" the guard sneered.
"It's urgent. Let me pass. I must meet an elder."
The guard's face twisted. "A commoner dares to give orders? You've forgotten your place."
He lunged forward, arm glowing with fiery scales, preparing to strike — but before his blow could land, a shockwave burst forth.
A rift appeared in the city's barrier wall. The attacking guard was hurled backward, crashing into the very runes meant to keep enemies out.
The air fell silent.
Even the wind seemed hesitant to move.
Gasps rang out as more guards rushed to restrain him. Xuanlong didn't move. The child had done nothing… and yet the barrier, forged by ancient dragons, had opened. Not to her — but seemingly to him.
Within minutes, a powerful presence arrived. An elder descended from the sky in golden armor laced with soul sigils.
His name was Elder Ao Shan, a Rank 7 cultivator among the Twelve Great Elders of Longyan. He observed silently, his eyes flickering over the child wrapped in Xuanlong's claws.
"A mortal did this?" he finally asked, voice deep.
"I believe so," Xuanlong replied. "I seek your help."
Ao Shan nodded slightly. "Come with me."
The crowd dispersed as they followed Ao Shan deeper into the city. Yet behind his gentle smile, his thoughts were already racing.
A mortal baby without soul power who affects ancient dragon wards... This child... no, this anomaly—
He hid it well, but inside, Elder Ao Shan was scheming.
He would welcome the child, study him — and if possible, use him.
For the realms were shifting.
And this infant might just be the key... or the spark that would burn it all down.