Julian struck his spear into the ground, bring down a terrifying pressure upon the three leaders, driving them to their knees. Mateo's parents looked on, teary eyed, but proud. The Crown Prince then asked, "you mentioned something about traitors. What is that about?" A bolt of red lightning struck Edu's left arm, revealing a tattoo of The Valdy Sect's insignia. The Valdy Sect is the supreme power of the Veri Imperial Order, one of June's biggest adversaries. "While we were all enthralled with the events of tonight, the entire Tavin Clan was raided and searched thoroughly but the Imperial Guard and Lilac Officers." As Mateo explained, they brought in the operatives sheltered by Tavin.
Mateo released his Death Omen, calling on the Crown Prince, "I pray His Highness look in further!" This was clearly an act of treason, which would gain the attention of the entire Imperial Clan. The Crown Prince ordered them all to be taken away, to await trial before the Imperial Court. Suddenly, a loud boom is heard from the distance, in the direction of downtown. Then, the war bells rang, signaling enemy attack. The traitors and enemies were locked in holding cells in the arena, as everyone else rushed to investigate. It would take some time to get there, but when they did, they saw Valdy Warriors attacking the city.
Without needing an order, everyone jumped into action to defend the city. The area near the docks, were bombarded by cannon fire from the enemy ships. There were many Golden Core Masters amongst them, making the battle very difficult. Dean Ion worked with the Crown Prince to rescue the civilians, while keeping the enemies from reaching the deeper parts of the town. They held the eastern reach of the city, creating a safe point for civilians and fighters. During this task, he faced three peak stage Golden Core Masters, each above the age of 100. They wielded terrifying thunder techniques capable of shattering mountains.
He drew their attacks away from the safe point to avoid more loss of life, keeping them fixed on him. With enough distance made, Ion could now get serious. Three silver chains crawled from his sleeves like snakes from their holes, whipping violently around him. They met every strike of lightning, which only seemed to make them stronger. An epic back and forth of blows were exchanged, with Ion clearly in the dominant position. With every strike of lightning the chains accepted, they became heavier and heavier, until they weighed 50 tons. While they were still very easy for Ion to control, it was very difficult for those three masters to contend with.
Throughout this exchange, they did not manage to land a single blow on Ion, as his chains' defenses proved to be impenetrable for them. Unfortunately, it was too late for them to run. A fourth chain burst from the ground, completely encircling them. Ion declared, "World, Lock!" This fourth chain was different from the others. Unlike the others, this chain is always deployed, moving silently beneath his feet, being refined by the earth. As such, it weighed 200 tons. It is a chain that he had refined from the beginning of his cultivation journey, without end. The three masters expelled all of their power in an attempt to fight of the chain, but it was futile.
Not once during this fight, did Ion use his spiritual power. With just his sky level artifact, he dominated. Not a single trace of those masters was left after Ion's World Lock. Back on the main front, Mateo and Julian realized that the cover from the ships needed to be dealt with. With his qi refreshed, he activated his War Body and charged directly towards the dock. He plowed through everyone in his way, refusing to be deterred. However, they had some special cannons that fired spiritual spheres. He was able to block some of them, but it began to chip away at his War Body. Spirit Cannons are another ancient artifact, not seen on the June Continent in ages, but apparently still used by Valdy.
Reinforcements were still some ways away and more ships were sailing in. Not knowing what to do, Mateo browsed his innate world for solutions, when he felt a powerful and familiar aura. Storm clouds gathered, but there was only thunder. It was an aura that Dean Ion was familiar with as well. He immediately ordered all cultivators out of the sky and settle their minds. It soon became extremely quiet, giving room for a mighty roar to fill the air. That deep resonant roar sent shivers down everyone's spine. Even deaf warriors felt the momentum in their cores. Those who did not heed the warning, burst into flames, instantly becoming ash.
From the four cardinal points of the town, four pillars rose. Each pillar was made of iron, covered in ancient runes. One pillar for earth, one for heaven, one for evil and one for good. Each released a beam of energy that gathered in the middle to activate a super formation. Upon his forehead, a dragon's symbol appeared, giving, Mateo command of the formation. The commander of the Valdy forces ordered a retreat, but it was too late. Another roar sounded, this time however, the source was revealed. It was Mateo's Sapphire Flame Dragon. The dragon stood on the formations top, his roar stirring the winds.
His roar could be heard 160km away, bringing pause to everyone. Every beast and spirit bowed reverently; The King has appeared. Dean Ion remarked, "Royal Class Dragon. Heaven's Will", bowing in kind. Everyone scattered to see who this dragon responded to, but the dragon's symbol concealed his identity to all. As a divine bloodline beast, no one but an Immortal Sage will be able to behold him unpermitted. "This... This is Dragon's Domain", said the Valdy Captain in awe. Even Dean Ion was shocked seeing it here of all places. Soon, the horns of the June Imperial Army were heard, as they charged against the invaders.
They were led by a Great General., declaring that only one ship may be spared to report back to their superiors, that the June Imperial Order will not tolerate such provocation. Mateo and his dragon were both feared and admired. However, despite their feelings, none can act against them under the Dragon's Domain. The next week, Mateo met with the Crown Prince and the Great General, asking them to withdraw the army from the city, not wanting to impose on the residence and visitors. After repelling the Valdy Army and the appearance of Dragon's Domain, the city has grown quite popular and became the place for business.
However, he agreed to the establishment of an Imperial Palace in the city, of equal authority to a June cultivation world's authority, The Lilac Palace. The City Guard will be fifty percent cultivators and fifty percent civilian. The courts will be staffed by the Imperial and Lilac Palace equally. All other matters will be handled by the City Lord, Julian Dyl. He also made very clear, "my Son Clan, unless opposed by the emperor, will be superior here, overseeing and regulating all three powers." The general and the Crown Prince did not know what to say, but considering his special position as an Imperial Guardian, they cannot object if they are not sure he would agree.
While his name is kept out of all official records as Imperial Guardian and Dragon Lord for the time being, The Son Clan is widely mentioned and recognized by the Imperial Order. He would keep his identity as a Dragon Lord secret to use in other ways as a separate figure. During his seclusive cultivation, he was met by the mysterious master, who says, "declaring yourself the dragon lord is a recipe for easy ascension to the top of them realm. I would have used it from the beginning." Mateo laughed and responded, "no you wouldn't." The mysterious master also laughed and sat before Mateo and asked, " what is your plan?"
As the dragon flew overhead, Mateo took a deep breath and said, "the Tavin criminals are locked away for now and the Tavin Clan owes me an incredible dept. Julian and I have held a ceremony for our lost family. I will spread the Son name across this realm before leaving it. In this realm, we will be supreme." He then turned to the master and asked, "does master object?" Of course, he did not object, but he did have some advice. The Will of the World might help you, but you still need your own might.
He explained, "I gave you many rare treasures to do more than fill your innate world. Our meeting was no mere coincidence I must admit. My master once mentioned that during my wandering, I will find a blessed child, cursed. That child is you. You were born with a celestial body and divine qi. The treasures I gave you were always meant for you. I could never use them. It is your birthright to reign over all realms, but also to protect them. There are many secrets that you will have to discover yourself, but I can still give a hand. Until you have achieved immortal status, there are two titles that will gain you influence before then. One is a Dragon Lord, and the other is Sage.
-You are already a Dragon Lord, but I will recommend taking the Heavenly Sage Trial. The second realm is filled with many dangers, hidden and open. Once you've become a Sage and enter the Golden Core Phase, your power will be momentous. However, I have one request. I only ask that you help the Min Clan in the second realm become a Master Clan. If necessary, I will act."