“Phew.” Zi Yan’s body did not move as the three, led by the Northern Dragon King, fled. Her cold purple eyes stared at the spot where they vanished. After a while, the golden sword, seemingly formed of liquid in her hand, slowly dissipated, and with it, a mouthful of blood spewed from Zi Yan’s lips. Her body then started to fall backward. Seeing this, Xiao Yan was alarmed and hurriedly caught her, cradling her in his arms. Gazing at her deathly pale face, he couldn’t help but feel a twinge of concern. It seemed that the effort of using the Dragon Slaying Sword had been too much for Zi Yan, and it wasn’t just a simple expenditure of Dou Qi.
“I’m fine…” Zi Yan, lying in Xiao Yan’s embrace, looked up at him with her purple eyes, a forced smile creeping onto her pale cheeks.
Xiao Yan couldn’t help but shake his head. He carried her and sat down on the air, his condition equally dire. If it weren’t for the bloodline power from his heart repairing his broken meridians, he, too, would now be like a cripple. But even so, he was already drained. The injuries from battling the three dragon kings were too severe.
“Here, eat this. It’s your favorite healing pill.” Xiao Yan took out a jade bottle from his Storage Ring and poured out a few smooth elixirs, holding them up to Zi Yan with a smile.
“Do you still think I’m a little girl?” Zi Yan shot him an annoyed look before snatching the pills and stuffing them into her mouth. She was much more graceful compared to her past self, no longer eating like a ravenous child.
“Your Majesty, the Eastern Dragon Island,” the elders of the Eastern Dragon Island, including the Great Elder, flew over and stopped respectfully in front of Zi Yan. They bowed their heads, showing their respect.
“Great Elder, is everything well on the Eastern Dragon Island?” A faint blush rose to Zi Yan’s pale cheeks as she struggled to stand, her voice weakened yet still carrying a sense of authority.
“Your Majesty, the island is safe. The people from the three major islands have fled, but many of our ancient dragon clan chose to stay with us.” The Great Elder replied humbly.
“Take them in temporarily, and keep a close watch on them to ensure there are no spies from the three major islands,” Zi Yan nodded slightly.
“Yes, what about the three major dragon kings?” The Great Elder asked hesitantly, knowing that the survival of the three major dragon kings was the biggest obstacle to unifying the ancient dragon clan.
“The Western and Southern Dragon Kings had their limbs severed by me. Even if they recover, their strength will diminish. With only the Northern Dragon King, they can’t achieve anything. Once the Eastern Dragon Island has recovered, we’ll launch a counterattack and unify the islands,” Zi Yan’s eyes glinted with a fierce determination. Her words carried a natural air of authority, making even Xiao Yan silently marvel at how the little girl transformed into such a commanding figure.
“Yes, Your Majesty!” The Great Elder and the others sighed in relief and bowed, leaving without further delay. The recent display of the Dragon Slaying Sword left them in awe and fear.
As the elders left, Zi Yan turned back to Xiao Yan, noticing his curious gaze. “What?”
“Ah, the hat of Dragon Empress is quite big, isn’t it?” Xiao Yan shook his head and sighed. He still preferred the young, innocent, and carefree girl who used to tag along and share his food.
“You didn’t need to act so formal, why the sigh?” Zi Yan smirked, moving closer to him. “Wasn’t this what you loved? I’ve seen how often you ogled Sister Cai Lin.”
“Ah, nonsense,” Xiao Yan blushed, looking at Zi Yan. Her tone reminded him of the greedy and carefree little girl she once was.
“Hehe.” Zi Yan laughed, then grew serious, looking at Xiao Yan. “Thank you. Without you delaying and weakening the three major dragon kings, my unperfected Dragon Slaying Sword wouldn’t have been so intimidating.”
“Thank me later. I went through a lot for your sake,” Xiao Yan rolled his eyes, recalling the efforts he made to ally with the Nine Hells Earthly Serpent Clan, intercept and threaten the experts of the Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan, and then battle the three dragon kings, nearly breaking his meridians. If not for his strong constitution, he might have perished.
“Let’s go back to the Eastern Dragon Island.” Xiao Yan waved his hand, but as he moved, intense pain shot through his meridians, causing him to grimace and inhale sharply.
“Still so reckless, rest and heal on the Eastern Dragon Island…” A fragrant breeze drifted as Zi Yan supported him, flying toward the island. Her purple hair danced, lightly brushing Xiao Yan’s face, bringing a sense of comfort.
The battle on the Eastern Dragon Island ended with a significant victory due to the terrifying power of the Dragon Slaying Sword. The island’s strength would soar, far surpassing the other three. Doubts about Zi Yan’s identity would vanish, and the call of the true Dragon Empress, with its inherent bloodline pressure, would lead the clansmen to make a final decision. From then on, the other three islands would never again attack the Eastern Dragon Island and would become defenseless, unable to stop the island from gathering strength and eventually unifying the ancient dragon clan. However, this process would still take time.
After the three major dragon kings retreated, the Eastern Dragon Island buzzed with activity. Post-battle affairs were numerous, especially with the addition of new residents. Meanwhile, Xiao Yan found a secluded room and declared himself in seclusion, focusing on recovering from his severe injuries to avoid any hindrances to his strength. In the quiet chamber, sandalwood incense wafted, and Xiao Yan sat on a cold jade platform, his eyes closed, and dense energy swirling around him.
Days passed, and his critical wounds gradually healed, but Xiao Yan remained in a state similar to a statue, motionless. No one knew that while Xiao Yan appeared calm, his insides were far from it.
*Thump, thump!*
In his chest, his heart beat slowly, releasing a stream of purplish-red blood with every beat. This blood flowed through his veins and muscles, causing them to boil. Yet, this heat didn’t cause pain but rather a sense of rejuvenation.
Though puzzled, Xiao Yan didn’t intervene, allowing the strange blood to do its work. Over time, he entered a state of deep sleep, his heart steadily pumping, and the lifeblood flowing relentlessly, washing over his body, strengthening and refining it, and gradually increasing his power.
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