Dragon Gun was a firearm shaped like a winding dragon, its open mouth serving as the muzzle. The entire design was incredibly domineering.
[Treasure: Dragon Gun.]
[Grade: middle grade xuan tier divine weapon.]
[A firearm shaped like a dragon, capable of launching true energy fireballs. Has infinite ammunition when infused with true power.]
The grade of weapons were divided into four ranks: Heaven, Earth, Xuan, and Yellow.
"Wow, a dragon-shaped musket! I love it," Zhao Hao said, overjoyed. On Diaolong Island, equipment of this quality was rare. Unexpectedly, the stone-spitting dragon had yielded such a valuable weapon.
As Zhao Hao withdrew the dragon-shaped gun from its holster, a smirk of satisfaction tugged at his lips. The firearm, resembling the fierce visage of a dragon, resonated with his domineering persona. The weapon, larger than a standard pistol yet more compact than a rifle, possessed a weightiness that felt empowering in his grasp.
"Young Master, exercise caution," Huang Diewu's voice cut through the air, a note of concern laced within.
Abruptly, she darted forward in a blur of colorful streaks, reappearing by Zhao Hao's side in an instant. Without warning, a massive boulder hurled from the water's edge, hurtled toward him with formidable force.
"What in the world?" Zhao Hao's initial delight faltered as he raised an eyebrow. "Is this some kind of prank? Surely, it can't be this dramatic."
With practiced precision, he aimed the dragon gun, infusing it with his qi, before pulling the trigger shaped like a dragon's horn.
"Boom!"
An explosive blast erupted from the dragon's maw, propelling an energy-infused bullet that shattered the incoming boulder into fragments. Satisfied with the display of power, Zhao Hao couldn't help but grin as a notification chimed in his consciousness.
[Experience points gained: 2000 points.]
"Talk about a hard-hitting shot," he muttered, bemused.
"Even the boulders yield experience points?" Zhao Hao's surprise mounted as he surveyed the debris-strewn ruins. Employing his 'danger prediction' ability, he discerned the hostile intent emanating from the scattered stones. Many glowed red within his mind's eye, signaling a threat to his safety.
In a flash of realization, Zhao Hao pieced together the truth: These stones harbored remnants of the slain Stone Dragon's soul. Though the dragon itself was dead, its lingering anger imbued these stones with a malevolent intent.
As the crimson stones surged towards him, Zhao Hao's resolve hardened. With a Tier 4 warrior realm cultivation base and his trusty weapon in hand, he was more than equipped to handle the onslaught.
"Let's make this interesting," Zhao Hao declared, brimming with confidence. With each shot, he relished the surge of experience points flooding his awareness.
[Hint: 1900 experience points gained.]
[Hint: 600 experience points gained.]
[Hint: 2600 experience points gained.]
[Hint: 1200 experience points gained.]
...
With each successive blast, Zhao Hao's marksmanship proved impeccable. The airborne stones detonated in a cacophony of destruction.
Yet amidst the chaos, a small, fist-sized rock eluded his notice. Only when all other threats were neutralized did he realize its presence.
In a swift motion, he aimed and fired, obliterating the rogue projectile.
[Experience gained: 88 points] the notification chimed.
"Not bad for a parting shot," Zhao Hao remarked, satisfied with his prowess.
Utilizing 'danger prediction' once more, he confirmed the absence of hostile stones within his vicinity. Taking a moment to collect himself, he cast a contemplative gaze towards the ancient gates.
With the Stone Dragon vanquished and the path to the Dragon Vein clear, Zhao Hao's ultimate objective lay within reach.
"This journey promises danger," Huang Diewu cautioned.
"The greater the risk, the greater the reward. I'm ready for whatever lies ahead," Zhao Hao asserted, steeling himself for the challenges ahead.
As he prepared to enter the Dragon Vein, a sudden interruption drew his attention.
"Who goes there?" he demanded, scanning his surroundings.
"…" His expression darkened as he recognized the approaching figures: disciples of the Heavenly Dragon Gate.
"These persistent scavengers never learn," Zhao Hao muttered under his breath.
Aware of his recent encounter with the Stone Dragon, the disciples trailed him eagerly, hopeful for a share of the spoils.
Dismissing their presence, Zhao Hao acknowledged Wang Hao with a nod of gratitude. "Thanks for the tip-off. Without your help, I wouldn't have known about the dragon."
Wang Hao's response was muted, his expression a mix of pride and admiration. As Zhao Hao moved towards the gates to the dragon veins, the disciples exchanged astonished glances, convinced of his prowess.
Unfazed by their scrutiny, Zhao Hao focused on the mysteries that lay beyond the threshold.
With determination in his heart and the dragon gun at his side, he stepped through the gates, disappearing into the unknown depths of the Dragon Vein.
---
"woosh!"
The resounding crash of immense waves assaulted Zhao Hao's senses, akin to the tumult of thousands engaged in battle, reverberating through his mind.
In a daze, Zhao Hao found himself amidst a surreal landscape, flanked by towering walls. These colossal walls, stretching for miles reaching thousands of meters in height, converged to frame an ancient bluestone pathway.
Ahead, the path extended majestically between the towering walls, culminating in a lengthy staircase. The stairs resembled a supine dragon, each step akin to the creature's formidable spine, leading to a breathtaking vista.
Atop the thousand-step ascent, flanked by pillars reminiscent of dragon horns, a radiant purple light soared skyward. Above this luminous beacon, ethereal rays converged, forming a mesmerizing and boundless divine illumination.
This divine radiance, crowning the summit of the ladder, seemed to beckon toward an uncertain destiny.
"This is remarkable," Zhao Hao murmured, his gaze fixed upon the dragon-like spine of the ladder. An inscrutable allure emanated from its imposing structure, hinting at unfathomable mysteries.
As Zhao Hao pondered, the mirrored fog behind him shifted, revealing the arrival of Mu Jianping, Wang Hao, and other disciples of the Heavenly Dragon Gate.
Dragon veins, each held the promise of boundless treasures. With the dragon veins now accessible, these disciples seized the opportunity for a golden venture.
Yet Zhao Hao's countenance darkened at the sight of the others. It seemed they were keen on scavenging every scrap within the dragon veins. Such audacity! Unless he drove them off, they'd likely follow him even to the palace.
"Behold, the Dragon Spine Ladder!" Wang Hao's exclamation reverberated through the space, stirring the gathered onlookers.
Zhao Hao's eyes widened incredulously. "Seriously?"
"Just as the legends describe," Wang Hao continued, his excitement palpable. "This is the Dragon Spine Ladder! Our fortunes are about to change."
Contemplating the sudden turn of events, Zhao Hao quipped, "Fortune favors the bold, or so they say."
Mu Jianping and the others listened intently as Wang Hao, assuming an air of authority, regaled them with tales of the ladder's legendary significance.
According to legend, the Dragon Spine Ladder, forged by ancient dragons, possessed the power to gather the spirits of valiant ancestors. Over millennia, these heroic souls imbued the ladder with their blood, will, and knowledge, offering future generations a chance at enlightenment.
Eager anticipation danced in the eyes of the disciples. "To ascend the ladder is to undergo a transformative baptism," Wang Hao explained. "Each step enhances one's potential, culminating in the attainment of various treasures and blessings."
The disciples were enthralled by Wang Hao's words. "To become a genius in ten steps!" they exclaimed, their enthusiasm palpable.
As they clamored to ascend the ladder, Zhao Hao observed with amusement. These treasure hunters, oblivious to the reality of their situation, were about to encounter a rude awakening.
In a sudden display of authority, the Dragon Spine Ladder emitted a formidable aura, repelling the advancing disciples with an unseen force.
Confusion and embarrassment ensued as the disciples found themselves unceremoniously thrown to the ground.
Undeterred, they rallied once more, only to be met with the same resolute resistance from the ladder.
Amused by their futile attempts, Zhao Hao couldn't help but smirk. The audacity of mortals to challenge the might of dragons!
Empowered by his innate connection to the dragon's essence, Zhao Hao felt an irresistible urge to test his mettle against the ladder.