novelraw 992. Dragon Clan Responsibility
992. Dragon Clan Responsibility
Following this decisive victory, the situation on Donglong Island was excellent. The only worry was that the alliance of the three islands eventually withdrew completely. They were, of course, part of the Ancient Dragon of the Void, and even knew some of the alliance's secrets. If not dealt with, they would remain a threat.
After stabilizing her strength, Zi Yan, who had reached the late stage of a four-star Dou Sheng, decided to take action personally. As long as she could find the Three Islands and then kill the leading Northern Dragon King and Southern Dragon King, she could absorb the remaining members of the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan.
The fact that a significant number of the ancient dragons of the Void returned to the Eastern Dragon Island after the death of the Western Dragon King also proves that they are essentially the same race. Zi Yan is strong enough and has no flaws in her bloodline, making her capable of leading the entire dragon race.
After confirming that he didn't need to participate in this operation, Xiao Yan asked Zi Yan about something.
"You need a training ground with extremely high energy levels?"
Xiao Yan nodded and said, "Because of my current cultivation, I need as much violent power as possible to assist me. Are there such areas within the Ancient Dragon Clan of the Void?"
Zi Yan thought for a moment and nodded: "Of course there are such places, it's a lake of lightning, but its intensity is somewhat insufficient for you now."
Everyone has witnessed Xiao Yan's strength; he is an absolute standout even among two-star Dou Sheng.
"No problem, a slightly lower level won't matter, it'll be fine as long as it's acceptable."
Xiao Yan didn't care much about this, since he had already obtained the truly important energy, which was the essence blood he obtained by killing four Dou Sheng-level experts from the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan.
The reason for finding that particular spot is to receive some external stimulation, so that the internal and external stimuli can work together to make the absorption of one's essence and blood smoother.
Then Ziyan took the initiative to say, "Since you're going there, I'll go with you."
Upon hearing Zi Yan's words, Elder Qingshan of Donglong Island, who had been with Zi Yan, also took the initiative to advise, "Your Majesty, if it's just about going to the Void Thunder Pool, there are many clansmen you can bring along..."
Before he could finish speaking, Zi Yan turned around and asked, "It's just a trip to the Thunder Pool. With our combined strength, we definitely won't encounter any danger. Can I come back right away after we're there?"
Zi Yan's words carried a hint of pleading as she looked at Qing Shan. As an elder of Donglong Island and an important subordinate of the Dragon Emperor, the latter naturally couldn't refuse after hearing Zi Yan's humble attitude.
"If Your Majesty wishes to go, that is naturally not a problem. However, Your Majesty is still needed to oversee the situation on Donglong Island. Everyone else can only temporarily assume the authority of the Dragon Emperor. We hope you will return soon."
"No problem, don't worry!"
Having received permission, Zi Yan's expression clearly relaxed considerably, and she took the initiative to lead Xiao Yan outside.
The two left Donglong Island side by side, their pace measured and unhurried. Xiao Yan wasn't stupid; he could tell that Zi Yan intended to come out, but he truly had no idea what she wanted to do.
However, Zi Yan quickly let him know. During their time alone together, Zi Yan suddenly asked Xiao Yan, "Xiao Yan, do you think I'm capable of being a good clan leader?"
Such a simple question, but it had been weighing on Zi Yan's mind for a long time. Facing Xiao Yan, she finally opened her heart and asked the question.
"I don't know," Xiao Yan answered sincerely, "but I believe you can!"
Zi Yan murmured, "I have never met my father, but I have heard countless people talk about his deeds. When he was alive, he was a famous powerhouse throughout the continent, leading the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan to become the strongest magical beast force on the continent. To this day, the reason why Elder Qingmu and the others support me so much is largely because of my father."
Hearing this, Xiao Yan nodded in understanding.
So many ancient dragons on Donglong Island remained utterly loyal to Zi Yan, even unto death. This loyalty wasn't simply due to bloodline; as Zi Yan herself said, it was because she had such a powerful father that it wasn't surprising she always enjoyed the support of the ancient dragon clan.
"In the mouths of these elders, that man seems omnipotent. But I think he's useless, utterly useless!"
"He abandoned me at Canaan Academy, and I never even saw him once. I returned to Central Continent hoping to find my people and learn some information about my parents, but what I was left with was such a huge mess."
"I'm so annoyed, I'm so annoyed!"
Hearing Zi Yan's complaints, Xiao Yan wisely chose not to speak and simply listened quietly to her vent.
Xiao Yan knew that this was Zi Yan's inner voice, spoken to him out of trust. Because of her identity as the Dragon Emperor, she couldn't possibly say these things to any member of the Ancient Dragon Clan.
"What I truly yearn for is to explore the vast continent with you and do those carefree things. But whenever I express these thoughts, I can clearly see the disappointment in Elder Aoki's and the others' eyes."
"I can't describe that look in your eyes, but once you see it, you simply can't continue talking."
Zi Yan seemed to have opened a floodgate, pouring out all the emotions she had been holding back to Xiao Yan: "I can't tell them that I don't actually want to be the Dragon Emperor at all, nor do I want to lead the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan. If it weren't for the fact that the Northern Dragon King is so despicable, it would be fine to give him the Dragon Emperor's throne... I sound like I'm being unambitious by saying this."
"But it's my bloodline, and their sacrifices for me, so I can't just not do these things..."
Xiao Yan listened, unable to comment on Zi Yan's decision. After all, Zi Yan wanted to escape, but he had also witnessed the actions of the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan, and they were indeed a group that could not be let down.
But as a friend, Xiao Yan was well aware of the pressure Zi Yan was under. Even coming out with him required her consent, which was definitely not the kind of life Zi Yan wanted.
The reason Zi Yan was so conflicted was, of course, because her own wishes clashed with the expectations of the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan.
Not to mention, Xiao Yan also thought of himself because of this matter, and had already agreed to the Yan Clan's request to compete for the position of Alliance Leader. In Xiao Yan's own opinion, he naturally had no intention of striving for such a position, and he would certainly not shirk any of the responsibilities that would come with it.
However, Xiao Yan was also very clear in his heart that he could not keep running away. He had responsibilities to the Starfall Pavilion, the Xiao Clan, and the Alliance. He couldn't be unwilling every time, only to end up making others take the blame for him.