Chapter 398: Ancient Dragon Island
At the headquarters of the Nine Nether Earth Python clan, a dim yellow mist filled a heavily guarded hall. The surrounding space occasionally showed tiny black voids, a result of the yellow energy corroding it. Any ordinary person who got too close could be shredded to pieces by these voids. The source of this yellow energy was a man in a black robe sitting at the end of the hall, his eyes closed. His face, with a hint of arrogance, was unusually captivating. The man's dissipating Dou Qi during his cultivation was powerful enough to erode space. He was none other than the current leader of the Nine Nether Earth Python clan, Yao Xiaotian.
Yao Xiaotian's spiritual imprint outside the hall was triggered, causing him to frown and slowly open his eyes. "Come in," he commanded. The clan members knew better than to disturb him unless it was urgent. Those who had disturbed his cultivation for trivial matters had all been thrown into the Serpent Pit, subjected to severe punishments.
The stone doors of the hall slowly opened, and an elder with a serious expression entered. Coiled around his shoulder was a venomous snake, its body a striking crimson. Seeing the elder, Yao Xiaotian raised an eyebrow. "Great Elder, what brings you here personally?"
"Clan Leader, we have a serious problem. Recently, mysterious strong individuals have been targeting our Nine Nether Earth Python clan," the elder reported. "Not only have many of our elders been attacked, but even our subsidiary clans have not been spared."
Yao Xiaotian's brows furrowed deeply at the elder's words. "And the other elders? Are they just sitting by and doing nothing?"
The Great Elder sighed bitterly. "It's not that. The Third Elder set up bait to lure out the attackers. About an hour ago, he went out, presumably having found a clue. But just ten minutes ago, his soul plaque suddenly dimmed, almost shattering. He's likely in grave danger."
"What!?" Yao Xiaotian's eyes widened in shock. The Third Elder was one of the few peak-level experts in the Nine Nether Earth Python clan, an advanced Half-Saint. How could he have fallen to these attackers?
"This attack must be more formidable than we thought!" A cold glint flashed in Yao Xiaotian's eyes. "Summon all the elders. We must make those attackers pay!"
With Yao Xiaotian's order, the entire Nine Nether Earth Python clan mobilized like a massive war machine, launching a hunt for the attackers.
...
In a mountain range outside the Beast Realm, Xiao Ze suddenly appeared, much to the relief of the anxiously waiting Little Doctor Fairy and Medusa.
"Master Xiao Ze, you're finally back."
"We were worried when you said you encountered an advanced Half-Saint."
"We're just glad you're safe."
The women spoke in a flurry of concern. Xiao Ze's eyes glowed with a green and golden hue, and he felt the abundant Dou Qi within him, smiling in satisfaction.
"We should follow our plan and head to Ancient Dragon Island. The Nine Nether Earth Python clan won't let this slide after losing an advanced Half-Saint," Xiao Ze said casually. His confidence was infectious, and the women smiled as well.
"Let's go then. Stirring up trouble in the Nine Nether Earth Python territory and then leaving—it feels quite thrilling," Little Doctor Fairy remarked, glancing at Zi Yan.
Zi Yan's hands glowed with a faint purple light as she constructed a space tunnel in the void. "Don't worry. Once we get to Ancient Dragon Island, those Nine Nether Earth Python guys won't be able to touch us," she said with a grin, stepping into the space tunnel first. The others followed closely behind.
Inside the silver space tunnel, the women looked around curiously, impressed by Zi Yan's spatial abilities.
"The Void Ancient Dragons truly are the supreme beings among magical beasts. This level of spatial ability is enviable," Little Doctor Fairy remarked.
Feeling the admiration from the others, Zi Yan's face lit up with pride. "Of course. The Void Ancient Dragon clan's spatial abilities are unmatched on the Dou Qi Continent!" She then glanced at Xiao Ze and coughed. "Ahem, but my spatial abilities are still not as good as Xiao Ze's. I wonder how this monster trains."
The others shared a look of agreement, knowing that Xiao Ze seemed capable of mastering any skill to perfection. Those who had been by Xiao Ze's side, like Little Doctor Fairy and Medusa, understood this well.
Seeing their looks, Xiao Ze shrugged. He couldn't very well explain that his achievements were thanks to their feedback and contributions. His mastery of spatial abilities, in particular, was due to the Primal Tree's expanded diameter, making his foundation incredibly robust and allowing his spatial control to surpass even Zi Yan's, despite her being a Void Ancient Dragon.
As they chatted and laughed, nearly an hour passed before the monotonous silver light of the tunnel began to change. At the end of their sight, a silver ring of light appeared.
"Are we there?" Qing Lin asked softly, perking up with curiosity about the legendary Void Ancient Dragon clan.
As they passed through the silver ring, the women gasped in surprise. Before them lay a vast land with lush green meadows, towering mountains, and cascading waterfalls—a vibrant and colorful land. The land was so expansive that it didn't seem like an island at all. Above Ancient Dragon Island was a bowl-shaped silver light barrier, covering the entire island.
"The Void Ancient Dragons are so elusive on the Dou Qi Continent because they reside directly in the Endless Void!" Medusa marveled.
"The Endless Void is dangerous, even for Dou Zun experts. The Void Ancient Dragons placing their island here explains their mystery," Little Doctor Fairy added, clearly impressed.
"Heh, come on. As my friends, you are esteemed guests of the Void Ancient Dragon clan. If you're interested, I can show you around Ancient Dragon Island," Zi Yan said proudly, her face beaming with confidence.
"Zi Yan, you said it. I'll hold you to it!" Qing Lin responded with a smile, equally curious about Ancient Dragon Island.
(Chapter ends)