Return to the Salto Islands
With the dust of battle settled, the poisonous mist on Shadow Abyss Gate Island gradually dissipated under the sunlight. Fa and her companions, carrying Biqi's corpse and the magic-chained Huanqiao, boarded the water current boat summoned by Yuyuer and sailed toward the main island of the Salto Islands. During the half-day voyage, the sea breeze gently blew, and sunlight sprinkled on the sea surface, refracting rainbow hues that illuminated this weary yet determined team. At the bow, Fa gazed into the distance, her right eye's star pupil flickering with silver light, while her short blade in hand emitted faint glows of earth and water magic, revealing her inner calm and determination. Arya stood beside her, gently holding her hand, with the five elemental crystals of the Storm Bow shimmering faintly. Their silent understanding brought comfort to each other.
Upon arriving at the main island, the dock was already crowded with tens of thousands of reptilian islanders, their eyes filled with awe and curiosity. Fa and her group handed over Biqi's corpse and Huanqiao to the Xuanjia Elder, who wore a back armor engraved with runes and slowly stepped forward, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes. He said in a low voice, "You did it... Biqi's tyranny has finally come to a complete end. We can now revoke their wanted orders." His voice was deep and warm, carrying the wisdom refined by years.
Zhamisi stepped forward, her snake tail lightly tapping the ground, and reported to the elder about the discovery at Shadow Abyss Gate: "Elder, behind that stone gate lies the origin of our reptilian clan—the ruins of the dragon clan. Our ancestors were once the guardians of the world but declined due to the curse of a meteor." Her tone carried reverence, with her golden-green scales glistening in the sunlight and her deep purple hair swaying lightly in the wind.
The Xuanjia Elder was silent for a moment, his gaze falling on Fa, and he asked gently, "Fa, can we tell the other islanders about this?"
Fa nodded, her voice calm and firm: "Of course, this is the history of your reptilian clan; they have the right to know their roots." Her right eye's star pupil glowed faintly, as if recalling the dragon clan skeletons and ancient magic arrays behind the stone gate.
The elder nodded, a hint of relief flashing in his eyes: "Good, then let's do that."
Three Days of Busyness
In the following three days, the Salto Islands entered a busy yet orderly atmosphere. Yuyuer and Zhamisi broadcasted the secrets of Shadow Abyss Gate to the entire island via live stream. In the broadcast, Yuyuer held her staff, with the sapphire shimmering as she accompanied Zhamisi, who spoke in a clear and sincere tone: "Shadow Abyss Gate is the ruins of our reptilian clan's ancestors, the dragon clan. They once guarded the world but retreated due to a meteor's curse. We should remember this history." Yuyuer added from the side: "That island has been designated as a protected area. Everyone can visit to pay respects, but please do not damage it."
Once the news spread, the islanders' reactions surged like a tide. At the dock, a group of young snake people gathered, passionately discussing: "So we're descendants of the dragon clan; this is unbelievable!" One of them excitedly waved their tail and said: "I want to go to Shadow Abyss Gate Island to pay homage to our ancestors' ruins and feel that inherited power!" Not far away, an elderly chameleon fisherman set down his net and muttered to himself: "Dragon clan... No wonder I heard those legends as a child; they were true." A hint of nostalgia flashed in his eyes, and he stood up, deciding to join the pilgrimage group.
In the market, a lizard vendor paused his business and said to a nearby customer: "I heard Shadow Abyss Gate Island has dragon clan skeletons and magic arrays; I have to see it in my lifetime!" The customer nodded in agreement: "Yes, that's our roots; we should go pay respects." Meanwhile, some children played in the streets, imitating dragon roars, dancing and pretending to be the legendary guardians, with laughter echoing throughout the main island.
In the next three days, the Salto Islands entered a busy yet orderly atmosphere. The islanders spontaneously organized trips to Shadow Abyss Gate Island, visiting their ancestors' ruins with awe and nostalgia. Every morning, the dock was filled with boats ready to depart, with boatmen busily greeting passengers, children running around excitedly, and elders sitting quietly at the bow, holding wooden staffs with deep and solemn gazes. During the voyage, the sea breeze blew, waves lapped against the hull, and the islanders conversed in low voices, sharing speculations and respect for their ancestors.
Upon arriving at Shadow Abyss Gate Island, the islanders disembarked in an orderly manner and quietly walked toward the dragon clan ruins. The massive stone gate stood in the center of the island, with the remaining magic array on it emitting a faint glow, as if still recounting past glories. A young turtle clan craftsman knelt before the stone gate, praying in a low voice: "Great ancestors, please protect us and let us revive your glory." Beside him, a snake clan mother pointed at the magic array with her child and said: "Look, this is the power left by our ancestors; you must remember this pride." The child nodded, eyes sparkling with curiosity and reverence.
Within three days, the islanders erected a memorial monument on Shadow Abyss Gate Island, engraved with the dragon clan's glory and decline, the inscriptions vigorous and powerful, as if bearing the memory of the entire race. In front of the monument were placed fresh flowers and handmade ornaments, offerings spontaneously presented by the islanders to express their gratitude and remembrance to their ancestors. Every nightfall, torches were lit on the island, their flames illuminating the monument in a solemn and warm scene. This monument quickly became a new spiritual symbol for the Salto Islands, inspiring the islanders to look toward the future.
Clues to the Wing Clan and the Starfall Land
Meanwhile, Fa, Arya, Salsa, and Kayla wandered around, trying to inquire about the Wing Clan's Light Feather Dome and the whereabouts of the Starfall Land. They visited markets, taverns, and the elder's residence but gained little. An elderly snake merchant shook his head: "Wing Clan? They had exchanges with other races over thirty years ago, but it's been a long time since we've seen them." Another turtle clan fisherman frowned: "Starfall Land? I've lived over a hundred years and never heard of it." Though disappointed, the four did not give up and decided to continue searching for clues.
Tisk and Rex were busy using the dragon scales and bones brought back from the ruins to strengthen everyone's weapons and equipment. They worked day and night in a temporary workshop on the main island, with sparks and magical fluctuations intertwining, showcasing the perfect coexistence of technology and magic.
Fusion and Enhancement with Dragon Bones and Scales
In the workshop, Tisk and Rex each showcased their expertise, integrating the dragon clan's relics into their teammates' equipment. Their collaboration was seamless, with the dwarf clan excelling in forging and magical enchantment, while Rex was proficient in applying ancient technology. Together, they infused the magic of dragon scales and bones into every piece of equipment, greatly enhancing the team's combat power.
Fa's Short Blade
Tisk first focused on enhancing Fa's short blade. This blade originally contained earth and water magic, but under Tisk's skillful hands, it was reborn. He carefully selected the toughest dragon scales and embedded them into the blade. The natural magic of the dragon scales resonated with the blade's original magic, making the edge shimmer with intertwined blue and earthy yellow lights, as if pulsing with life.
The enhanced short blade was not only incredibly sharp but could also release mixed attacks of water-based ice spikes and earth-based stone blades, with doubled power. Tisk handed the short blade to Fa, grinning: "Give it a try, Fa; this thing will make enemies regret crossing you!"
Fa took the short blade and swung it lightly, a water-blue sword qi slicing through the air, instantly splitting a boulder outside the workshop in half. A thin layer of frost condensed on the stone surface, demonstrating the powerful control of water magic. She said in surprise: "So strong! This short blade's magic is much more stable than before, and the attack power has risen to a new level."
Arya's Storm Bow
Next, Tisk turned to Arya's Storm Bow. This bow was originally embedded with five elemental crystals, capable of shooting arrows containing light, dark, fire, wood, and wind elements. Now, Tisk embedded several dragon bone fragments into the bow and wove a new bowstring from dragon scales. The dragon bone's magic complemented the five elemental crystals, making the entire bow radiate multicolored lights.
The enhanced Storm Bow's arrows could transform into even more powerful elemental storms, with astonishing power. Arya test-fired an arrow, which turned into several five-element tornadoes in the air, sweeping through the woods outside the workshop. Leaves flew, and the ground was plowed with deep grooves, as if trampled by a giant beast. Joy flashed in her eyes: "Amazing; this bow's power has risen to a new level! Now I can control the elemental forces more precisely."
Salsa's Mechanical Cat Shell
Rex focused on enhancing Salsa's mechanical cat shell. As a soul entity, Salsa relied on this shell to wield her dark attribute magic. Rex embedded several dragon scales on the shell's surface, which not only strengthened the defense but also absorbed surrounding magic to provide more energy for Salsa.
More importantly, Rex implanted a dragon bone fragment into the shell's core. This bone contained powerful magic, enhancing the intensity of dark attribute magic. The enhanced shell shimmered with dark purple light, allowing the soul entity to enter and exit more flexibly. Salsa tested it, easily summoning several shadow demon wolves. The wolves were larger than before, their roars deafening, as if tearing through space. She said softly: "Thank you, Rex; this makes me stronger. Now I can summon shadow creatures more easily. Next time, I'll try summoning a dragon."
Kayla's Thunder Claws
Tisk then enhanced Kayla's Thunder Claws. These claws were Kayla's primary weapon, capable of releasing dual attacks of lightning and frost. Tisk embedded dragon bones at the claw tips, doubling their power. The enhanced Thunder Claws shimmered with blue-white light, each strike carrying the dragon clan's coercion, as if able to tear through any obstacle.
Kayla excitedly swung the Thunder Claws, sparks flying, instantly blasting a crater in the ground outside the workshop. Amid the flying dust, she laughed heartily: "Now I can fight even more satisfyingly! These Thunder Claws' attack power is unmatched!"
Yuyuer's Staff
Yuyuer's staff was key to her water magic. Tisk embedded a dragon bone gem at the staff's top, which contained powerful water magic, enhancing Yuyuer's control and range over water magic. The enhanced staff emitted deep blue light, as if water flowed on its surface.
Yuyuer tried summoning a water wave, which quickly transformed into a sea dragon shape, coiling around the workshop and exuding strong deterrence. She smiled: "Thank you; this staff gives me more confidence. Now I can control water flows more precisely, even simulating sea beast forms."
Zhamisi's Poison Fang Curved Blades
Zhamisi's dual-wielded Poison Fang Curved Blades were her signature weapons, excelling in fast and deadly attacks. Tisk embedded dragon scales on the blades and infused dragon bone magic, making the poison more intense while adding water attribute attack power. The enhanced blades shimmered with green-blue light, exuding a dangerous aura.
Zhamisi tested a strike, the blade's poison mist intertwining with water flow, instantly corroding a test metal plate with a piercing hiss. She said in surprise: "These curved blades are perfect! Now my attacks are not only faster but can cause more lasting damage."
Tisk's Earthshaker Warhammer
Tisk naturally didn't forget to enhance his own weapon—the Earthshaker Warhammer. This hammer could originally trigger powerful ice-fire explosions; now he embedded a large amount of dragon scales and bones, doubling its power. The enhanced warhammer emitted strong magical fluctuations, with frost and flames intertwining on the hammerhead, as if ready to erupt at any time.
Tisk tested by smashing it into the ground, the massive impact cracking several fissures, from which frost and flames spewed out, shaking the entire workshop. He grinned: "Haha, this is my style! This warhammer can now easily shatter enemies' defenses."
Rex's Tech Equipment
Rex used the dragon bones and ancient tech data from the ruins to upgrade his nano-drones and mechanical insect swarms. The drones were faster, with more powerful laser weapons, providing precise fire support on the battlefield. The mechanical insect swarms had expanded explosion ranges and intelligent tracking, automatically locking onto enemies and causing destructive blasts.
Rex said calmly: "These upgrades will help us face greater challenges. Now my tech equipment is not only stronger but more flexible."
Searching for Clues to the Wing Clan and Starfall Land
While enhancing equipment, Fa and her group did not give up searching for clues to the Wing Clan's "Light Feather Dome" and the Starfall Land. They returned to the main island and continued inquiring with residents. A reclusive sage provided vague clues: "The Wing Clan's Light Feather Dome is above the Cloud End Cliff; it sealed all contact with the outside world thirty years ago. Whether one can enter is still a mystery."
Upon learning this, the Xuanjia Elder suggested: "You can go to the ancient library to check records; there might be information there." He pointed to a tall tower in the southeast corner, with a crystal at the top shimmering with magical light.
In the southeast corner of the Salto Islands' main island, an ancient library stood amid a dense jungle resembling a rainforest.
Fa and her group arrived at an ancient and mysterious library. The library's exterior resembled a massive natural treehouse, woven from the roots and vines of towering ancient trees, covered in thick moss and colorful parasitic plants, exuding a rich aura of life. At the tower's top was embedded a crystal shimmering with magical light, its pale blue halo penetrating the canopy like a guiding beacon. At the entrance, two sturdy mangrove trees intertwined to form a natural arch, with weathered shell wind chimes hanging, producing crisp tinkling sounds in the wind, adding mystery and tranquility.
Entering the library, Fa and her group were awestruck by the sight. The interior was spacious and intricate, with bookshelves carved from mangrove wood, curved branches naturally extending to hold rows of ancient books and scrolls. These shelves were dotted with glowing mushrooms and firefly-like magical particles, illuminating the dim environment. The air was filled with damp earthy scents and the smell of aged paper, with vines climbing the walls, hiding stone slabs embedded with magical runes that emitted faint energy waves. In the center, a reading platform made of crystal and tree roots floated in mid-air, with holographic images flowing on the crystal surface, displaying the history and maps of the Salto Islands.
Fa gazed at it all, her right eye's star pupil glowing faintly, sensing the hidden magic around. She said softly: "This place is full of ancient wisdom; we must find clues about the Wing Clan."
Arya gently stroked the Storm Bow, its five elemental crystals emitting faint light, and responded warmly: "These shelves seem to tell stories of the past; let's begin."
As a local, Zhamisi was quite familiar with the library. She had often brought Yuyuer here to explore knowledge, and now led Fa and her group through the rows of shelves, her snake tail gliding flexibly over the ground, avoiding vines and roots. Yuyuer followed closely, her fish tail tapping the ground lightly, eyes sparkling with thirst for knowledge, her staff emitting faint blue light. The group dispersed, each flipping through scrolls and books on the shelves. Tisk's gaze was drawn to a book with a cover embedded with metal runes; he opened it carefully, muttering: "This material... it's a craftsman's masterpiece!" Salsa's soul entity floated out from the mechanical cat shell, drifting lightly between the shelves, her amber eyes scanning every detail. Rex stood before the reading platform, fingers touching the crystal, his mechanical eye flashing blue light, attempting to hack the holographic system and extract data. Fa gazed around, her right eye's star pupil glowing faintly, sensing the residual magical fluctuations on the shelves, trying to find clues about the Wing Clan and Starfall Land.
After some searching, Zhamisi found a thick ancient tome in a hidden corner. The cover was engraved with flying Wing Clan patterns, the pages yellowed, exuding the breath of ages. She carefully opened the pages, which recorded the Wing Clan's lifestyle and appearance: The Wing Clan possessed various feathers, light as wind, with eyes bright as gems, usually white or black, able to sense wind flows and magical pulses. Their hair was long and flowing, dancing in the wind like clouds, adding an ethereal quality. Their bodies were slender and agile, with skin in faint golden-white, as if gilded by sunlight. Skilled in flight and magic, their wings not only soared the skies but could release faint magical waves through vibration for attack or defense. They lived in the city "Light Feather Dome" suspended in the clouds, built from magical floating stones and light cloud wood, with houses like bird nests hanging between cliffs. Light Feather Dome was perpetually shrouded in mist, with sunlight piercing the clouds, refracting rainbow lights, like a heavenly sanctuary.
The Wing Clan mostly lived on wind and light elemental magic, excelling in controlling airflows and clouds. Their daily lives were filled with songs and dances that resonated with the wind, regulating weather and environment. Their diet mainly came from high-altitude birds and exotic fruits growing in the clouds, containing trace magic to keep the Wing Clan light and agile.
The scroll also mentioned that the Wing Clan revered freedom, power, and peace, but due to a major event—vaguely described in the records—they sealed contact with the outside world thirty years ago, hiding above the Cloud End Cliff. Since then, ground races have rarely seen their traces, isolated from the world.
Zhamisi gazed at the wing totem on the scroll and said softly: "Light Feather Dome... It sounds like a dreamlike place. But why did they seclude themselves?"
Fa frowned, her right eye's star pupil flickering with silver light, trying to glean more clues from the text: "Perhaps it's related to the star fragments. The star pupil power and the dragon clan's decline both stem from this; the Wing Clan's seclusion might also be connected to this energy."
The book further revealed that Light Feather Dome was located above the Cloud End Cliff, a high-altitude secret realm on the northeastern large island "Lairis." Lairis Island was famous for its rugged terrain and mysterious magical ruins, and Cloud End Cliff was one of its most dangerous areas. To reach Light Feather Dome, Fa and her group must cross a frigid mountain range called "Frost Blade Snow Mountains."
The Frost Blade Snow Mountains towered into the clouds, with peaks sharp as blades, perpetually covered in ice and snow, with biting cold winds and temperatures as low as minus one hundred degrees. Cracks crisscrossed the mountains, hiding bottomless abysses, where a single misstep could lead to a fall. The snow mountains were inhabited by ferocious frost giants, massive in size with fur like steel needles, skilled at ambushing in blizzards for deadly attacks. More dangerously, magical storms often raged in the skies above, formed from uncontrolled wind elements, capable of instantly tearing ordinary protective magic and even interfering with tech equipment. The scroll warned that only those mastering wind elements or possessing extreme willpower could survive in this perilous land.
Kayla swung her Thunder Claws, sparks flashing, boldly declaring: "What snow mountain beasts? I can handle them with one claw! This place sounds exciting enough!" Her leopard ears twitched, her fighting spirit high.
Rex calmly analyzed, his mechanical eye scanning the terrain map on the scroll: "The Frost Blade Snow Mountains' environment is extreme; my drones may need additional cold-resistant modifications. We must prepare for the interference from magical storms."
Arya said softly: "My Storm Bow might be useful in the storms; wind elemental magic should help stabilize our path." Her gaze was gentle yet firm, falling on Fa.
Fa nodded, saying warmly and firmly: "Since we have clues, we can't give up. We need full preparation. This journey tests not only strength but our unity." Her voice carried unquestionable determination, her right eye's star pupil flickering with silver light, as if ready to face everything.
Tisk rubbed his Earthshaker Warhammer, excitement flashing in his eyes: "Snow mountains? Sounds fun! My warhammer will come in handy." He patted the hammer, ice-fire magic flowing on its surface, showing his fighting intent.
Salsa's soul entity floated in the air, her amber eyes gazing at the map: "I'll scout the route ahead to ensure safety." Her voice was light and cautious, with dark attribute magic aura surrounding her.
Kayla swung her Thunder Claws, lightning and frost intertwining: "No matter how dangerous, we'll push through!" Her beast ears perked up, fighting spirit high, her leopard tail swishing with strong momentum.
Yuyuer looked at the map, her fish tail tapping the ground: "I'll use magic to protect everyone and help us pass the snow mountains smoothly." Determination flashed in her eyes, the dragon bone gem on her staff emitting deep blue magic.
Zhamisi's snake tail swayed lightly, a hint of worry in her eyes: "The dangers in the snow mountains can't be underestimated, but we must go." Poison mist swirled at her fingertips, showing her readiness for the upcoming challenges.
Fa carefully put away the book, gazing at the group, and said solemnly: "It seems our destination is clear. First to Light Feather Dome, to find the star fragments. This journey won't be easy, but we have each other." Her voice was warm and powerful, giving her teammates infinite confidence.