Inside the Imperial Dragon Divine Nest, under the immense and boundless dragon might, Xi Yuanqing and his companions felt their very souls tremble.
Perhaps it was guilt gnawing at their hearts, or perhaps it was the absolute suppression of their bloodline by the Imperial Dragon Clan, but they found it impossible to sit still. Anxiety coiled around them like an invisible serpent, squeezing the air from their lungs.
Their gazes landed on the white-bearded elder standing beside the grand throne. His overwhelming sacred presence bore down on them, making it so none dared to utter a single word.
Bai Fan looked at Xi Yuanqing and the others, his face a mixture of emotions. Betraying the Imperial Dragon Clan was unforgivable. But was it not also true that the Imperial Dragon Clan had once betrayed them?
In the end, Bai Fan let out a long sigh—a sigh heavy with helplessness, sorrow, and boundless regret.
With a flick of his wrist, a golden token shot toward Xi Yuanqing.
Pa!
Xi Yuanqing caught it, and the moment his fingers wrapped around it, he felt its weight—not just in mass, but in significance. A deep resonance stirred within his bloodline, as if an ancient power had been reawakened.
Studying the intricate patterns on the token, his eyes widened in shock. “The Rhinodragon Token?!”
The Rhinodragon Token had always been the symbol of absolute authority within the Rhinodragon Clan, passed down through generations of clan leaders. But during the Chaos War, the token had disappeared along with their chieftain, who had perished in battle.
Now, seeing it again, Xi Yuanqing trembled with emotion, his throat tight, unable to speak.
“There were always two Rhinodragon Tokens,” Bai Fan explained. “One remained with your clan, while the other was safeguarded by our Imperial Dragon Clan.
“Both tokens carried the power of the Rhinodragon Clan’s faith and recorded all your ancestral divine arts, making them treasures beyond measure.
“During the Chaos War, your chieftain used his token to unleash a final, forbidden technique, perishing alongside a formidable foe. And do you know who that foe was?
“It was none other than the vile Evil Dragon Clan, who had allied themselves with the Nether Dragon Clan.
”
Bai Fan paused, then sighed once more, his voice laced with sorrow.
Thud!
Xi Yuanqing and his companions could no longer contain their shame. They fell to their knees, some even breaking into anguished sobs before the Rhinodragon Token.
They had lost all honor. Their ancestors had been warriors of unmatched bravery, yet they had been nothing but cowards. They had tarnished the legacy of their forebears.
“We have disgraced our ancestors! Today, I shall atone with my life!”
A resolute Rhinodragon warrior, unable to bear the guilt any longer, let out a furious roar. With a swift motion, he raised his sword and aimed it at his own neck.
“No!”
Xi Yuanqing’s eyes widened in horror. That warrior was not only his trusted aide but also his sworn brother. He reached out to stop him, but the man, determined to die, had already shifted behind the others, ensuring that no one could intervene.
Clang!
Yet just as the gleaming blade was about to sever his throat, a shadow flickered. In the blink of an eye, Bai Fan stood before him, the sword now firmly in his grasp.
Xi Yuanqing exhaled in relief before fury overtook him. He shoved his way through the group, his fist slamming into the man’s chest, sending him sprawling to the ground. Seizing him by the collar, he roared:
“Xi Ming, you fool! Do you think death is an escape?!
“Our ancestors endured humiliation and suffering to ensure the survival of our bloodline! Our clan poured all its resources into nurturing us, placing the future in our hands!
“Your life is no longer your own! What right do you have to throw it away?!”
“Brother Yuanqing, I… I just… I hate myself! I hate my own weakness!”
Xi Ming sobbed uncontrollably. If only they had been stronger, the Rhinodragon Clan would never have sided with the Nether Dragon Clan. Their actions had stained their legacy, leaving a mark that could never be erased.
Bai Fan placed a gentle hand on Xi Ming’s shoulder, his voice calm and reassuring.
“Do not grieve, child. The blame does not rest solely on your shoulders. It was we, the Imperial Dragon Clan, who failed you first.
“That is why you need not drown in guilt. Lord Long Chen has brought you here to the Imperial Dragon Divine Nest. That alone signifies that the past is behind us.
“We must not be shackled by regret. We must look forward and walk the right path.
“The Dragon Clan of today is no longer the Dragon Clan of the past. I believe that under Lord Long Chen’s leadership, we will usher in an era of unparalleled glory.”
“Lord Long Chen…”
At the mere mention of his name, Xi Ming and the others were filled with reverence. Now, they finally understood why the entire Dragon Clan revered this lone human as if he were a divine being.
“Lord Long Chen has ordered me to return the Rhinodragon Token to you. Guard it well. The honor of your ancestors must live on through you.” Bai Fan spoke solemnly.
“But, my lord, this token symbolizes our submission to the Imperial Dragon Clan. We cannot accept it!” Xi Yuanqing exclaimed, his voice filled with trepidation.
Bai Fan let out a bitter chuckle.
“Submission? What a hollow word. The token remains, yet trust has long since faded.
“But know this—Lord Long Chen has decreed that the Dragon Clan needs no ruler.
“From this moment forth, there shall be no supreme leader, no divisions of rank or status. The era of a single dragon ruling over all others is over.”
“No ruler? But won’t that lead to chaos?” Xi Yuanqing asked in shock.
Bai Fan smiled.
“This does not mean lawlessness. It simply means that no one shall dictate the will of others.
“For example, I have returned the Rhinodragon Token to you. Whether you choose to stay or leave is entirely your decision.”
“Lord Long Chen…”
Holding the token, Xi Yuanqing was filled with an overwhelming sense of awe. How could they not pledge their lives to such a leader?
Meanwhile, the very man who had just conquered the hearts of the Rhinodragon warriors was currently writhing in agony within a secluded chamber.
“Damn it! You think you can break me?! Bring it on!” Long Chen bellowed, his teeth clenched as he endured the searing pain.
The celestial war armor shimmered around him, its starry patterns still forming. This time, he sought to complete the engraving process using the power of Imperial Flames.
Only once the engraving was perfected would he dare to unlock the Eighth Star Gate.
Hours later, he lay sprawled on the floor, drenched in sweat, utterly exhausted.
“Finally done…”
Forcing himself up, he cleaned himself off, donned fresh robes, and strode toward the grand hall.
“Lord Long Chen!”
As he entered, Xi Yuanqing and the others stood, their gazes brimming with unwavering devotion.
Long Chen’s lips curled into a smirk.
“Come. Let us meet the Outer Evil Dragons head-on.”
Boom!
As his words fell, the gates of the Imperial Dragon Divine Nest creaked open. Blinding light poured in, forcing them to squint.
And when their eyes adjusted… killing intent surged like a tidal wave.
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