A vast red light suddenly tore across the sky.
The clouds split apart as if sliced by an invisible blade, and the air trembled with a deep echo that rolled across the heavens.
Renewal's face twisted in shock.
For a brief moment the crimson light illuminated the entire sky… and then it vanished.
Silence returned.
Renewal slowly lifted his hand and stroked one of his long tusks from bottom to top, his eyes narrowing as he gazed at the sky.
"It seems the heavens have sent another inheritance," he said quietly.
"A treasure… to prepare us for the coming world tribulation."
His voice carried across the air.
"In this world, whenever the great tribulation approaches, the heavens send a strange oyster shell. Inside it are writings that explain the coming disaster."
"And when it appears… a red light splits the sky."
Mingyin stood among the dragon army.
His posture remained calm and relaxed, but his expression betrayed him.
His face was serious.
The Dragon Leader flew toward him, teeth grinding.
It hovered above him, staring down with a cold gaze.
"Just follow us," the dragon growled.
"But don't expect us to help you through every stage of becoming immortal, boy."
Mingyin sighed.
He didn't even look at the dragon.
"Just bring me to the place, Dragon Leader."
"Explain the instructions. After that, everything depends on me."
He paused slightly before continuing.
"And if you decide not to kill me…"
"Then maybe I'll release her."
The dragon's expression briefly showed relief before quickly turning angry again.
It turned its head and muttered several curses under its breath.
"Follow me."
Its voice was low and rough.
The entire dragon army began flying forward.
Mingyin whistled softly.
A crane nearby immediately flew toward him.
The bird landed beside him, its wings still gently flapping.
Mingyin leaned closer and whispered something into the feathers near its ear.
The crane's eyes suddenly sparkled with intelligence.
It nodded before flying away to join the other cranes.
Moments later, Mingyin and the flock followed the dragon army.
His dagger still rested beneath the woman's throat.
A faint starlight glimmered along its blade.
The Dragon Leader glanced back.
It saw Mingyin staring directly at it.
With a smirk.
The dragon could only puff its cheeks in irritation.
Soon the sky rippled open again.
Below them appeared a strange realm.
Mingyin's eyes widened slightly.
A massive mountain range floated in the air, glowing faintly with light.
Countless dragon eggs rested across red, rugged peaks.
Many dragon mothers lay across the mountains, carefully guarding their eggs so they wouldn't fall.
Suddenly one egg rolled off a cliff.
It crashed below and shattered.
The yolk spilled across the red stone.
A dragon mother rushed down desperately.
When she saw the broken shell… she collapsed and cried bitterly.
Tears fell from her eyes.
Mingyin watched silently.
This scene reminded him of many things.
"Life… is just like that," he murmured.
Soon they arrived at the awakening palace.
A massive jade palace stood before him.
Ancient dragon carvings covered its walls.
Black jade glass shimmered across its surface.
At the top, a giant dragon statue coiled around the roof.
Dragon hatchlings flew around the palace while their parents called them back nervously.
A human standing near their sacred place shocked them.
Mingyin simply smiled.
"Open the palace."
The dragon army hesitated.
But eventually the massive jade doors trembled…
And then they collapsed to the ground with a thunderous sound.
The awakening chamber had opened.
Inside the palace, Mingyin froze.
Four massive jade pillars stood around the hall, each carved with ancient dragons.
Golden dragon ornaments floated in the air, hanging from red ribbons.
But Mingyin's eyes were locked on the center of the hall.
A massive sphere of energy floated there.
Black and white energy swirled together endlessly.
It looked like the ancient symbol of Yin and Yang.
The dragon woman finally spoke.
Her voice was weak.
"That…"
"Is the Dao Soul Core."
"The most powerful soul core in the entire mortal world."