“I’m sorry... this is a secret of our Dragon Race, not something for outsiders like you to know. But I can tell you this: whether we are pureblood dragons or hybrid sub-dragons, our bloodlines are recorded the moment we are born. With Seranox having closed the exit, it is impossible for any dragon to sneak out. Furthermore, based on what you’ve said, there were as many as several hundred monsters appearing in the Star-Song Forest. That simply doesn't make sense!”
The Rift Dragon King’s tone was very certain, but a trace of unease flickered in the way he looked at Little Gold.
Starlight didn't notice the change in Yserazor’s gaze and continued, “If those monsters aren't real dragons, then what could they be? Are they some kind of creature made to imitate the Dragon Race? Or puppets controlled by some power?”
“Regardless, the situation is likely much more complicated than I imagined. It seems we don't have time to rest here,” Yserazor’s voice broke the silence.
He glanced at Little Gold, then his gaze swept over Starlight and the others before he spoke slowly. “I must take Aidanach back to the Dragon Nest as soon as possible. As for the rest of you...” He paused, thinking for a moment, then waved his hand. “Forget it, just come with me. You might even run into the person you're looking for.”
His tone carried a sense of being beyond dispute; he had clearly made his decision.
Before Starlight and the others could refuse, Yserazor sprang up from the ground with an agility that completely belied his stout frame and grabbed Little Gold’s wrist.
“Let’s go. Come with me to see your father. It’s about time you let him know you’re safe,” Yserazor urged, clearly not wanting to waste another moment.
Little Gold was startled by the movement but quickly reacted, nodding silently. Although he felt some rejection toward this father he had never met, he felt in his heart that he had to do something.
Starlight and the others looked at each other, surprised by the sudden arrangement, but they also understood that the situation was complex. Following Yserazor to the Dragon Nest might be their best option.
“Then it’s settled.” Starlight nodded and looked at Xia Duo and Moen. “What do you think?”
Xia Duo and Moen looked at each other, then said in unison, “No problem, let's go together.”
Po Kong shrugged and said with an indifferent expression, “I'm free anyway. It wouldn't hurt to check out the Dragon Nest.”
Seeing everyone in agreement, Yserazor didn't delay any further. He waved his hand and said, “Then let's head out! The Dragon Nest isn't close. We need to hurry.”
After speaking, he led Little Gold out of the cave. Starlight and the others followed closely, beginning their journey to the Dragon Nest.
Outside Yserazor’s cave had originally been a dense forest, with lush trees making the place vibrant. However, due to the latitude and season, the forest had long since lost its summer lushness. While it wasn't snowing yet, the leaves had already fallen, leaving only bare branches swaying in the cold wind, looking exceptionally desolate.
As they stepped out of the cave, Starlight immediately felt the issue Moen and the others had mentioned—the surroundings were far too quiet, so quiet it felt like an indescribable pressure. No birds chirping, no insects buzzing; even the sound of the wind seemed to be swallowed by some force. This deathly silence sent a chill through one's heart, as if the entire forest’s life force had been drained.
“This... this is way too quiet,” Po Kong shivered and couldn't help but whisper, his voice sounding exceptionally clear in the silence.
To bring everyone to the Dragon Nest, Yserazor began drawing a magic formation on the open ground outside the cave. After all, the Dragon Nest was still hundreds of kilometers away. Even as a spatial Dragon King, he couldn't teleport so many people at once. To be safe, he chose to use a formation for assistance.
Although Starlight had read about such simple augmentation formations in books, he had never seen anyone actually draw one. Thus, he stood beside Yserazor, curiously watching his every move. Yserazor didn't show any dissatisfaction with Starlight’s “apprenticeship”; instead, he nodded slightly, seemingly appreciative of his attitude.
However, just as the formation was half-finished, Xia Duo, who had been on guard nearby, suddenly stood up. Her expression turned extremely serious as she stared intently at the withered forest in the distance. She whispered, “Something is coming! This scent...”
Before she could finish, a low boom echoed from afar, like something massive was approaching. Everyone immediately stopped what they were doing and turned their gazes toward the source of the sound.
“What is that? I can feel... a very strong death energy,” Lian asked softly, hiding behind Starlight.
Seeing this, Yserazor stopped drawing the formation and slowly stood up, a cold glint flashing in his eyes. “Hmph, it seems someone doesn't want us to leave smoothly.”
Starlight’s gaze also turned solemn as he barked, “Everyone, be careful. Get ready to fight.”
At his command, Po Kong immediately flashed to the front of the group, holding the Sacred Wood Phantom before him in a defensive stance. Xia Duo and Moen stood on either side of Starlight, tacitly protecting Little Gold and Lian in the center.
“Crack! Crack!”
The booming sound drew closer. Along with the loud crash of falling trees, a giant black shadow slowly emerged from the depths of the forest. The figure was entirely covered in a deep grey aura, its outline somewhat blurred, but it clearly possessed dragon-like features, radiating a suffocating pressure.
“It’s like those monsters from before! But clearly much stronger!” Moen’s expression changed slightly as she warned the group. She had dissected several of the strange monsters Starlight had controlled during the invasion of the elves, so she naturally knew their strength. However, this one was significantly more powerful than any individual they had seen before.
Not only was its body more massive, but the death energy leaking from it was also more violent. Its hundred-meter-long frame was like a moving mountain, charging toward them with suffocating pressure. With every step, the ground shook violently, the very earth trembling beneath its feet.
“This thing is a bit big! But I'm in top form right now. Bring it on!” Looking at the approaching behemoth, a confident smile appeared on Po Kong’s face. Golden War God Battle Qi instantly enveloped his body like a layer of blazing fire, pushing his aura to its peak. The Sacred Wood Phantom in his hand also turned from emerald green to a dazzling gold, tearing through the cold air of the valley.
“Cover me! I'm going in!” Po Kong roared, then lunged forward. His figure was like an arrow released from a bow, hurtling toward the charging monster. His speed was incredible, closing the distance in an instant.
Since there was only this one enemy in sight, Starlight didn't stop Po Kong. Instead, he quickly said to Xia Duo and Moen, “Let's follow him and create an opening!”
“Got it!”
“No problem!”
Moen gave a light wave of her hand, and a layer of pale green aura enveloped the group. Meanwhile, Xia Duo drew the longbow she had already prepared and instantly fired several arrows at the monster’s head.
If the monster was like the ones they had fought before, Xia Duo was confident she could hit its vital points at this range. But this time, her plan failed. The grey monster’s long neck swayed slightly, easily dodging the incoming arrows with unbelievable agility.
“Something’s wrong, this thing has intelligence! Po Kong, watch out!” Xia Duo’s heart tightened as she shouted a warning.
By then, Po Kong had already reached the monster. Without hesitation, he swung the Sacred Wood Phantom, slashing at the creature's leg.
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