“Oh? I’m all ears?” You raised an eyebrow in surprise.
“Well... it’s like this,” Seranox began after a brief silence. “During the battle just now, I felt that Cantia seemed to have tampered with the core of the Dragon Nest’s magic formation. I need to go down and see exactly what happened. Before I finish, I hope you can help me guard the entrance.”
“Fine. We also need to rest and recover here to prevent those guys from doubling back,” You agreed decisively to the Gold Flame Dragon King’s request.
Seranox nodded slightly, a flicker of approval in his eyes. He turned to Salenzo and said in a deep voice, “You come with me and Aidanach to the core area.”
“Yes,” Salenzo replied. His form began to shrink, transforming into a somber middle-aged man clad in a black robe.
“As for you...” The Gold Flame Dragon King’s gaze swept over Starlight’s group, finally landing on Yserazor. “You are responsible for leading Imira and the others to guard the entrance. Also, search for any surviving kin. If there’s anything unusual, signal us immediately.”
Yserazor’s face took on a rare serious expression, his round body standing bolt upright. “Leave it to me, big brother.”
Just as the two Dragon Kings were about to set off with Little Gold, Seranox suddenly stopped and looked back at Starlight and the others. “You four, come along as well.”
“Huh? Us?”
Po Kong’s eyes widened, and he pointed to himself in disbelief.
“Yes. I heard Aidanach mention you earlier, and your abilities might come in handy.” Seranox nodded slowly. Without further explanation, he continued toward the passage ahead.
“This...” Xia Duo was also a bit dazed, completely unsure of what the Dragon King was up to.
It wasn't until Moen gave her a gentle nudge from behind that she snapped out of it.
Starlight, on the other hand, remained very calm. He didn't particularly care about Seranox’s motives; after all, given the other’s status and strength, there was no need for him to make things difficult for a few juniors like them.
And for some reason, he had a feeling that following along wouldn't be a bad thing.
So, after a brief farewell to Lian and You, the four members of Starry Moon Shadow followed the two Dragon Kings deep into the passage.
...
As they ventured deeper, the slope of the passage became steeper, and the temperature gradually dropped.
Soon, a massive cavern appeared before them.
Unlike the sweltering and humid Hatching Hall from before, this place was dry and cool, with a faint fragrance lingering in the air.
Starlight looked at the exquisite reliefs carved into the surrounding rock walls and the smooth stone platforms scattered about, realizing that this was the resting room Imira had mentioned earlier.
However, there wasn't a single soul in sight now. Only a few massive magic crystal lamps flickered on the ceiling, making the empty resting room look somewhat desolate.
“Isn't the atmosphere here a bit strange? They call it a Dragon Nest, but there really isn't a single person... I mean, a single dragon here?” Po Kong muttered in a low voice as he looked around curiously.
“This was originally a place for temporary rest; not many of our kin stay here. Besides, for us, this place isn't exactly spacious,” Seranox, walking at the front, chimed in before anyone else could answer.
Po Kong nodded in agreement. This hall was indeed a large space for them, but for adult dragons who could easily reach dozens or even hundreds of meters in length, it would be quite cramped.
If nothing else, the two Dragon Kings before them would take up nearly half the space if they were to revert to their dragon forms.
However, the two Dragon Kings had no intention of staying. They led the group straight through the hall to a spiral staircase leading downward.
Curiously, all the spaces they had passed through before were designed for the passage of giant dragon bodies, but here, the stairs were noticeably narrow, only wide enough for three to five people to walk side by side.
“Next, you will enter the most core area of my Dragon Race. Remember, do not touch anything, and do not look around aimlessly...” Salenzo suddenly turned around, staring at them with his pitch-black eyes, his tone extremely stern.
His cold and oppressive aura gave Starlight and the others goosebumps.
“Enough, don't scare them. I allowed them to come along,” Seranox waved his hand, signaling him to stop.
“I'm sure you’re all curious why I’m bringing you to this place.”
“Yes. If it’s just because we saved Little Gold... I think that would be a bit unreasonable,” Starlight nodded and answered truthfully.
“Hahaha, it’s good to be cautious. Actually, it’s no big deal. There are a few reasons why I asked you to come,” Seranox laughed heartily, explaining directly without hiding anything.
“First, the favor of bringing Aidanach back to the Dragon Nest is far more important than you imagine.” His voice suddenly became low and solemn. “You might not know what this boy’s bloodline means to the Dragon Race—it is more precious than even the lives of us old fogies.”
“Second, I have some history with this boy’s elders. I believe the bloodline of the House of Mars wouldn't do anything out of line.” Seranox pointed at Po Kong. “By the way, I haven't asked yet. Is Cang Lan your grandfather or your great-grandfather?”
“Uh... he’s my grandfather. Your Excellency Dragon King, you know him?” Po Kong’s eyes lit up as he asked curiously.
“Yes. I’ve sparred with that fellow several times. He is one of the few humans I respect.”
“Oh? Then who won between you and my grandfather?” Hearing this, Po Kong quickly pressed for an answer.
However, the Gold Flame Dragon King did not answer him directly. Instead, he continued, “Since the Age of Gods, our Dragon Race has always maintained ties with the House of Mars. I believe you’ve noticed that your family’s War God Battle Qi actually shares similarities with the power of my Dragon Race.”
“Then you and my...”
“According to our clan records, the War God of that time—Mars—learned his power system from our ancestor, the Dragon God Versolion.”
“Then you and my grandfather...” Po Kong still wanted to press the issue, but Seranox interrupted him.
“You little brat, shouldn’t you be more concerned about your ancestor? Why are you so fixated on the outcome between me and Cang Lan?!” Seranox looked at Po Kong with a hint of annoyance. “We were both in human form when we sparred, so we couldn't use our full strength. He was always slightly superior, so don't dwell on those details.”
“Ahem... Anyway, just know that my Dragon Race has deep roots with your House of Mars!” Realizing he had lost his composure, Seranox coughed twice and suddenly pointed at Starlight. “The third reason is because of this human boy.”
“Me?” Starlight was slightly stunned. He hadn't expected the third reason to involve him.
“Hmm... the Elemental Saint Body, or what you call the Radiant Elemental Body, right?” Seranox’s eyes were calm as he spoke plainly.
“Yes...” Starlight subconsciously clenched his fists. He hadn't expected this secret to be seen through by the Gold Flame Dragon King at a glance.
“Relax, I have no intention of harming you,” Seranox shook his head gently. “During the Age of Gods, your constitution was known as the ‘Son of Elements,’ and the Dragon God Versolion was the first recorded Son of Elements in history.”
This shocking information exploded in everyone’s ears like a thunderclap.
Po Kong’s mouth hung open in surprise, Moen’s fingertips unconsciously twisted the corner of her clothes, and Xia Duo looked at Starlight with a face full of curiosity. Even Salenzo’s eyes widened slightly.
“I know there have always been rumors among you humans about a Cursed Body, but in my view, that is absolute nonsense. My ancestor once ascended to godhood with this power. Humans may be weak, but they aren't entirely without a chance!”
“My King, these matters...” Salenzo reminded him in a low voice.
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