"The Dragon Kings?" Hearing this term, Xiao Yan's face slightly tightened. Naturally, he knew that the current Tai Xu Ancient Dragon Clan had split into four branches—besides Zǐ Yán's Eastern Dragon Island, the other three major islands were controlled by three Dragon Kings, who merely held the title of "Dragon King" for these three accomplished island leaders. "Not people sent by Zǐ Yán, but representatives from the three major Dragon Islands." Xiao Yan furrowed his brows. Since leaving the Eastern Dragon Island, he hadn't received any news from the Tai Xu Ancient Dragon Clan. Located deep within the void space, even the most intense battles and conflicts there could not reach the Central Plains. Thus, outside of their own members, few, if anyone, knew that the Tai Xu Ancient Dragon Clan was now suffering from severe internal turmoil. "It's unclear which of the three Dragon Kings dispatched these individuals. They've journeyed all the way from the void space to the Nine-Deep Earth, the Clan of the Earth Serpent—this suggests ambitions far beyond mere visitation."
Xiao Yan's eyes flickered. After all these years, Zi Yan must have smoothly emerged from her cultivation retreat. Upon her return, she would inevitably need to resolve the internal turmoil within the Gu Long clan. To unify the entire Gu Long lineage, however, she would have to eliminate the three Dragon Kings. Though Xiao Yan wasn't certain about the exact strength of these three monarchs, based on the strength of Dong Long Island, he knew they were undoubtedly true Dou Sheng-level warriors. As for their specific Dou Sheng rank—star level—he simply couldn't be sure. "I'll need to find a suitable time to enter the Void Realm and conduct some exploration. Even though Zi Yan's power would undoubtedly surge with the Dragon-Phoenix lineage, the three Dragon Kings wouldn't be easy to outmaneuver. I'll have to go and lend a hand." Xiao Yan murmured to himself. If the Tai Xiu Gu Long clan successfully achieves unification, their strength would undoubtedly grow significantly. With his close relationship with Zi Yan, he was confident in bringing the entire clan into the alliance. Then, not only would the Spirit Palace, but even the Spirit Clan, no longer dare to underestimate them.
Xiao Yan's gaze was fixed far away on those several figures. After exchanging words with some chieftains at the deep ravine, the latter opened a passage, allowing them to enter. "The Tai Xu Ancient Dragon Clan has always looked down upon other beast races. I wonder why the Dragon King would send representatives here..." Xiao Yan slightly furrowed his brow, then waved his sleeve, releasing a dense spatial force that enveloped Cai Lin and the others. With a ripple of space, the group vanished.
"Master Qin, I'm not sure whether we'll receive a response from the Nine-Depths Earth-Mortar Serpent Clan this time. If they agree to assist us, then we'll be able to completely defeat Dong Long Island and secure victory in this war." As they descended, a man turned slightly toward a tall official standing not far ahead. Clearly a strong contender, even with the wind roaring, his voice carried clearly to the official's ears. "We should succeed. Our northern island once held the refined essence of the ancient Sky-Serpent. The Nine-Depths Earth-Mortar Serpent Clan has been frantic in its search for such ancient bloodlines. With the various benefits we've promised, they simply cannot refuse." The official had a broad, dignified face with thick brows, radiating a subtle authority—clearly someone accustomed to holding high office.
"But on Donglong Island, there truly is a Dragon Emperor—our...” One man hesitated, speaking. The royal bloodline of the Tai Xu Ancient Dragon Clan exerted a strong sense of authority over ordinary warriors. Just thinking of their enemy being an ancient dragon of genuine royal lineage made these common ancient dragon warriors feel somewhat uneasy. "Talking about this is useless, and who knows if it's true or not—Lord Dragon is indeed of authentic royal blood. All we need to do is follow his orders!" The tall man frowned, speaking firmly. "Yes." At this, the earlier man could only nod and respond meekly. "Hmph." Qin, the man in charge, muttered under his breath, raising his hand in front of him, about to increase speed—yet suddenly noticed several figures hovering in the space just below, their calm gaze slowly sweeping over them. "These people aren't from the Nine-Youth Earth-Underworld Python Clan. Be careful!"
The tall man was also a thoughtful and alert one. As soon as he saw those several figures, he murmured a command, and at the same time, his entire body muscles tensed instantly, ready to spring into action. "Clear the way ahead!" Qin, the commander, roared, gripping his fists tightly. "Stay here—I have something to ask you." In response to his stern command, the lean figure in the center slowly raised his head. That face belonged to Xiao Yan. Now, with his palm outstretched, he gently clasped it toward Qin and the others. "Fight!" Upon seeing Xiao Yan's gesture, Qin's expression grew cold, and a surge of powerful qi erupted from within him. Yet, as this qi began to rise, they were stunned to find that the space around them had completely solidified—like puppets manipulated by unseen hands—losing all ability to resist, and gradually descending until they came to rest before the lean figure. "Who are you?"
"We're from the Tai Xiu Ancient Dragon Clan!" Seeing that Xiao Yan merely waved his hand and had instantly subdued all of them, the Qin Commander's heart surged with waves of astonishment. Though he himself was a five-star Battle Sovereign, he found himself completely powerless against this display of strength. "Are you from the Northern Dragon Island, the Southern Dragon Island, or the Western Dragon Island?" Xiao Yan glanced at the Qin Commander calmly and spoke softly. Upon hearing this, the Qin Commander's eyes narrowed sharply—how could this human, suddenly appearing, know such a well-kept secret? The Tai Xiu Ancient Dragon Clan had split into four islands, and only clan members were aware of that. "I don't know what you're talking about!" Though deeply shocked, the Qin Commander remained firm, even raising his voice in a sharp tone. Xiao Yan remained expressionless, gently pointing his finger at the Qin Commander. Instantly, a blood-filled rupture burst from the latter's body with a loud 'pop,' and a steady stream of blood gushed out, flowing like a small stream down his body and cascading into the depths below. "You!"
"Under such assault, Qin, the commander, trembled violently and glared at him fiercely. 'Pock, pock, pock!' Despite his firm resistance, Xiao Yan's face remained impassive. With a series of swift finger movements, one after another, blood holes erupted across Qin's body, rapidly flooding him with blood. The sight left the others stunned—so strong was the physique of the Tai Xu Gu Long clan, yet before this young man, it seemed as fragile as tofu, easily pierced by a single fingertip. 'At this rate of blood flow, within five minutes, your internal blood supply will be completely depleted. You should know, what happens to a Tai Xu Gu Long whose bloodline fades?' Xiao Yan said calmly.
Hearing this, Qin, the commander, instantly shivered. The power of the Tianshu Ancient Dragon, like that of other ancient beasts, stemmed from their bloodline. Should the bloodline fade, the dragons would become vulnerable and, even if they eventually recovered, their strength would gradually diminish—something no ancient dragon warrior could endure. "We are from Beidong Island. Who exactly are you? I believe Beidong Island has never encountered a warrior of your caliber before!" Qin drew a deep breath and finally spoke, his voice hoarse. "What is the current situation of the Ancient Dragon clan?" Xiao Yan asked calmly. "The Ancient Dragon clan is now engaged in internal conflict. The three dragon islands are uniting to fight against Dong Dragon Island, though the battle remains stagnant. Dong Dragon Island has recently ascended a new Dragon Emperor, and several ancient dragon elders who had been training in the void have been recalled, significantly strengthening their forces," Qin said, hesitating slightly, yet ultimately speaking honestly after witnessing Xiao Yan's prowess.
"Indeed, it has begun..." Xiao Yan furrowed his brow slightly, softly sighing in his mind. The current situation of Zi Yan must surely be no easier. "What is your purpose in coming to the Nine-Abysmal Earth-Deep-Drake clan?" Xiao Yan asked again. "To form an alliance with the Nine-Abysmal Earth-Deep-Drakes, jointly confronting the Eastern Dragon Island." Qin, the commander, gritted his teeth and replied. "You've completely abandoned the pride of the Tai-Xu Ancient-Drake clan—now, even in the midst of internal turmoil, you're seeking external support?" Xiao Yan's expression darkened, and he exclaimed. "This decision was made by the three Dragon Kings; we cannot control it. Furthermore, the alliance news has already been relayed to the Nine-Abysmal Earth-Deep-Drake clan. Our mission here is merely to secure their formal confirmation. Even if you capture us, others will soon follow." "Besides the Nine-Abysmal Earth-Deep-Drake clan, have the three Dragon Kings also invited any other external allies?" Xiao Yan paused briefly before suddenly asking. Upon hearing this question, Qin's body stiffened instantly.
Seeing this, Xiao Yan raised his finger and spoke in a low, commanding tone. "Then it's settled. We've invited the Celestial Phoenix Clan— they've agreed to assist us at the time, but on one condition: the Three Dragon Kings must promise that if the newly appointed Dragon Queen is captured, she will be handed over to them for disposal!" Feeling the intensity of Xiao Yan's tone, Qin, the commander, grew cold and quickly responded. "You're outrageous!" As soon as he finished speaking, Xiao Yan's expression turned utterly grim. He hadn't expected the Three Dragon Kings to be so unprincipled— not only had they violated their own clan's traditions and brought internal unrest to other clans, but they had also agreed to hand over their own Dragon Emperor to their former rivals, the Celestial Phoenix Clan! "These three rascals..." Xiao Yan's gaze was dark and penetrating. He knew clearly that if both the Celestial Phoenix Clan and the Nine-Deep Earth-Medusa Clan became allies of the Three Dragon Islands, then Zi Yan's Eastern Dragon Island would truly face a critical threat.