Chapter 241: Lu Lansi's Expectation
Regardless of how much Lu Lansi had prepared himself mentally, the sight of the dragon up close still left him deeply shaken.
Its massive body, fierce head, and steel whip-like tail exuded an overwhelming aura of oppression. Its densely packed ice-blue scales, outlined with streaks of crimson, gave the impression of a creature perpetually bathed in blood. It radiated an aura of savagery and brutality that seemed to penetrate into the soul.
Lulans had encountered many magical beasts over the years—some gigantic, others grotesque—but never one like this. The creature emanated an innate aura of dominance, the kind that could make even the most hardened warrior feel small.
This was no ordinary sense of power. It was a deep, primal pressure—psychological, not physical. Like a mouse frozen in terror before a cat, the sheer presence of this dragon could paralyze.
However, Lulans was a seasoned Meteor Knight, a man who had traversed countless dangers. Though the dragon's aura had momentarily stunned him, he quickly regained his composure. He refused to let fear dominate him.
His magical beast, the Thunder Wind Chaser, however, was not so composed. It trembled uneasily, caught in a limbo of indecision. Unsure whether to flee or remain still, it let out anxious whimpers, seeking reassurance from its master.
Lulans placed a firm hand on its flank, offering a calming presence. Perhaps due to their spiritual connection, the Thunder Wind Chaser began to calm.
Carlos, the dragon, turned its gaze to Lulans and spoke to Luo Ning. "Master, I sense a faint trace of dragon blood in that creature."
Its tongue flicked briefly as it observed the Thunder Wind Chaser. Despite its predatory instincts, Carlos restrained itself, respecting the bond between its master and the beast.
Luo Ning was surprised. He had always thought the Thunder Wind Chaser's supposed dragon blood was mere rumor. This confirmation left him momentarily stunned.
Meanwhile, Lulans watched the dragon's interaction with Luo Ning. He could not understand the exchange, but one thing was clear: the young man before him was destined for greatness.
"How did you tame it?" Lulans asked, curiosity overcoming him.
"Carlos was quite weak when we first met," Luo Ning began. "I climbed onto his back while he was vulnerable. Days of struggle followed, across the skies and seas, until I finally subdued him. Only then could we form our contract."
Though Luo Ning spoke casually, Lulans could feel the danger behind his words. Few would have the courage to mount a dragon, let alone subdue one mid-flight.
"You're brave, kid," Lulans said, admiration evident in his voice. "I'm proud of your courage."
His gaze returned to Carlos, his critical eye evaluating the dragon's physique. "It's smaller than some of the stronger griffins, but while griffins cap at level six, your dragon clearly has far greater potential."
Luo Ning nodded, recalling the griffin escort team he had seen with Blanche. Most of those griffins were level four beasts, far smaller than Carlos. Only the level five griffin belonging to Deputy Captain Broll had approached Carlos' size.
"So Carlos might not have an advantage against a group of griffins?" Luo Ning asked.
Lulans considered the question, then shook his head. "Size is only one aspect. True superiority is determined in battle."
He glanced at Carlos' scales and asked, "May I touch it?"
"Of course," Luo Ning replied with a smile.
Lulans approached cautiously, extending his hand to the dragon's cold, gleaming scales. Carlos, typically unfriendly toward strangers, begrudgingly tolerated the touch at his master's signal, exhaling sharply in protest.
What Carlos didn't expect, however, was for Lulans to flick a finger against his scales. The resulting dong resonated like a chime, and Carlos felt a slight sting.
"Master, he…" Carlos began to protest, but Luo Ning gestured for calm.
Lulans coughed lightly, having overexerted himself with a brief surge of fighting spirit. He inspected the scales where he had struck, noting that they bore no marks.
"Its defense is extraordinary," Lulans said. "Even a level six griffin couldn't compare. What level is it?"
"Carlos just reached level six," Luo Ning answered. "When I tamed him, he was only level five."
Lulans shook his head in amazement. "To think it's only just reached level six and already has such defenses… Truly, the dragon clan is blessed by the gods."
Dragons, Lulans mused, didn't require training like humans. They were born powerful.
"What's its upper limit? Level eight? Nine?" Lulans asked.
"A level nine magical beast would rival a great magician or a Sun Knight," Lulans added. "Your dragon could surely reach such heights."
But Luo Ning's reply exceeded his expectations. "According to Carlos' inherited memory, he is a descendant of a legendary dragon. He has the potential to reach legendary status himself."
Lulans' eyes widened in disbelief. Legendary dragons were creatures of myth, their power unparalleled.
"Do you know what 'legendary' means?" Lulans asked, his voice low.
"What does it mean?" Luo Ning asked, curiosity alight in his eyes.
"It means you could build a nation," Lulans replied, before correcting himself. "No, you could build an empire."
The thought stirred something in Luo Ning, though he remained calm. "How powerful is a legendary being?" he asked.
"Legendary power changes everything," Lulans said. "Below legendary level, even the strongest can be overwhelmed by sheer numbers. But once a being ascends to legend, numbers become irrelevant."
Hearing this, Luo Ning's heart surged with excitement. He yearned to witness and attain such power.
"But what you lack," Lulans said, his tone somber, "is time. It will take centuries for Carlos to reach that level."
Luo Ning nodded. "Carlos is already over 260 years old. It will take another 700 to 800 years for him to reach his peak."
Lulans was stunned. He had assumed decades, not centuries.
"It seems I underestimated the growth of dragons," Lulans murmured. The thought of missing such a future filled him with regret.
"Still," he said, brightening, "a level six dragon is a formidable guardian. You'll be safe in the meantime."
He placed a hand on Luo Ning's shoulder. "Focus on growing your strength, managing your territory, and expanding your influence. I believe your future achievements will far surpass mine."
Though Lulans was frail and aging, his eyes shone with hope. In his mind's eye, he saw a day when the Wushan family would rise to unimaginable heights, perhaps led by a duke—or an emperor.
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