With Zi Yan's emergence, her overwhelming power crushed the dragons of the three islands. Their united assault had ended in utter failure.
Naturally, Zi Yan had no intention of releasing those captured. They were valuable assets, and with East Dragon Island being the weakest among the four, she could not afford to squander such strength.
At present, the traitorous loyalists of the three Dragon Kings were being purged, while the dragons who pledged allegiance to the Dragon Emperor were selectively integrated into the Dragon Guard. Under Elder Zhu Li's command, the island's losses and structural damage were gradually being repaired and restored to their former state.
Atop a high cliff overlooking East Dragon Island, Liu Xi stood with his hands clasped behind his back. His gaze drifted across the lush landscape as he said quietly, "How strong are we now? With so many dragons detained, can East Dragon Island withstand the retaliation that's bound to come?"
Beside him, Zi Yan—dressed in an elegant purple-gold gown—smiled faintly. Her violet-golden eyes gleamed with a wisdom that had never been there before. She had grown—not only in power, but in heart.
Hearing Liu Xi's concern, Zi Yan's smile deepened. "It's nothing to worry about. I've reached the 2-Star Dou Saint stage. Once I fully absorb the remaining energy from the Dragon Phoenix Origin Fruit, I should rise another one or two stars. As for the other three islands, if they dare to come again—let them. Beneath the Dragon Seal, all traitors will lose the power of their bloodline. There's nothing to fear."
Liu Xi chuckled softly. Zi Yan was no longer the playful girl he once knew—she was now the Dragon Emperor, a true Dou Saint, far beyond his current reach. "Good. As long as you stand strong within the Ancient Void Dragon Tribe, I can leave without worry."
Zi Yan frowned and stepped closer. "You're leaving? Did someone offend you—or is it because there aren't enough resources for your cultivation?"
Liu Xi turned to look at her. She stood there, frowning, like a fierce lioness guarding her mate. His eyes softened as he gazed back toward the horizon. "I've been in seclusion for too long. I can't stay here forever. To reach the Dou Saint realm, I'll need my own opportunities. Even the Ancient Void Dragon Tribe can't guarantee a path to sainthood."
Zi Yan fell silent. She knew his ambition and wouldn't stand in his way. Instead, she waved her hand, and a flash of violet light appeared.
A corpse fell heavily to the ground—its throat pierced clean through, wearing a tattered blue robe. Its face was twisted in unwillingness even in death.
"Take him," Zi Yan said calmly. "With him by your side, I'll rest easier. Elder Zhu Li knows about this, but he chose to turn a blind eye. Change his appearance a little—don't provoke the pride of the dragons."
Liu Xi's eyes lit up. The corpse was none other than Qing Yan, the Half Saint of North Dragon Island. Refining such a body into a Heavenly Demon Puppet would grant him an indestructible protector—no threat beneath the Dou Saint could endanger him again.
With a wave of his sleeve, the corpse vanished into his spatial ring. Smiling faintly, he said, "Then I won't be polite."
"Big Brother!" Zi Yan suddenly called out.
"Hm?" Liu Xi turned around—and froze.
Zi Yan's graceful figure glided toward him, her violet-gold eyes shimmering softly. Before he could react, her lips pressed gently against his.
Their gazes met for an instant—then her warmth flooded through him. A surge of immense, gentle energy poured from her mouth into his body, flowing through his throat, spreading through his limbs and bones.
It was like molten gold coursing through his veins. His entire body flushed with heat, his consciousness blurring as the energy intertwined with the remnants of Ancient Void Dragon blood within him.
'So hot… so soft…'
That was his last thought before darkness took him. Zi Yan's kiss had triggered a violent reaction—the energy of a Dou Saint colliding with the bloodline of a dragon. His body couldn't endure it, and he fainted instantly.
Before he lost consciousness completely, he felt himself falling into a warm embrace and heard a soft whisper at his ear:
"Sleep well. When you wake up, the power of the Dragon Phoenix Origin Fruit will make you stronger—my dear big brother."
…
When Liu Xi awoke, he found himself lying beneath a vast domed ceiling. Beside the bed, Qing Lin was fast asleep, her long lashes trembling with each breath.
'Phew… Zi Yan kissed me, and then I blacked out. Unbelievable…'
He sat up, shaking his head. His senses quickly returned, and he felt the tremendous changes inside his body.
"Huh? I broke through… to the 3-Turn Dou Zun? How much of the Dragon Phoenix Origin Fruit's power did Zi Yan give me?"
The surging power within his meridians made his entire body hum.
"Young Master! You're awake!" Qing Lin's delighted voice reached his ears as she stirred awake.
Liu Xi smiled, rubbing her head gently. "I'm awake. Thank you for watching over me. How long was I out?"
"Not long," she said softly, blinking her bright eyes. "You've been asleep for about a month since Zi Yan brought you back."
Liu Xi rose, stretching slightly. "And where's Zi Yan?"
"She went into seclusion after sending you here," Qing Lin replied, eyes shining with admiration. "She said she needed to fully absorb the remaining power of the Dragon Phoenix Origin Fruit."
A small smile tugged at Liu Xi's lips. 'So she's already stepping deeper into her transformation…'
He raised his hand, and at his thought, shimmering scales spread across his skin, forming an unbroken armor of interlocking dragon plates. Even his face was covered, his aura surging with power.
Then, behind him, a pair of radiant, purple-golden wings unfurled. The moment they beat, the air rippled with the sound of thunder.
The room barely contained him—any smaller and the walls would have shattered.
Qing Lin stared, wide-eyed. "Young Master… what is this?"
Feeling the immense strength flowing through him, Liu Xi's smile deepened. "This… is Zi Yan's gift."
Even against a Half Saint—he might not win, but at least now, he could fight back… or escape alive.
(End of Chapter)
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