"The Fungus King's Territory has been attacked, and war has broken out."
Upon hearing Iron Dragon Sorog's urgent message, the Red Iron Dragon's eyes narrowed slightly, gleaming with thought.
The Fungus King's Territory was vast, almost occupying the entire Southern Region of the Serre Wilderness.
And the south was precisely the area closest to and most directly affected by the Southern Kingdoms.
If any kingdom were to decide to carry out a so-called 'cleansing plan' in the wilderness, the Fungus King's domain would undoubtedly be the primary target.
Moreover...
With the ground covered by constantly spreading fungal mats, and numerous creatures controlled by fungal spores, resembling walking corpses... from the perspective of superficial threat and visual impact, the Fungus King was also the regional king who most needed to be eradicated first.
In previous internal discussions, Galos had already anticipated this.
Therefore, the Molten Iron Tribe had long prepared for a rainy day, deploying a large number of scout dependents in the areas surrounding the Fungus King's Territory.
Among them were intelligent creature scouts skilled in concealment and judgment, as well as many domesticated or utilized flying birds and beasts, all for the purpose of being prepared for any eventuality.
Once the Fungus King's Territory suffered a large-scale attack, the Molten Iron Tribe would be able to receive an early warning immediately.
In terms of intelligence gathering and deployment, the Molten Iron Tribe had always been the most thorough among the regional kings.
And the prior arrangements made then were finally paying off now.
"Forward scouts witnessed with their own eyes sword light tearing through the sky, soaring straight into the clouds, even ripping huge holes in the cloud layers."
Iron Dragon Sorog's voice grew heavier.
He added, "Based on this display... I believe it's highly probable that a Legendary has personally intervened."
None of the regional kings of the wilderness were easy to deal with, and for those human kingdoms to handle them safely and efficiently, sending a Legendary powerhouse to oversee was almost the only option.
"Legendary." Chewing on this word, the Red Iron Dragon felt a little uneasy.
Only a Legendary could deal with a Legendary.
A Legendary was difficult to defeat.
Below a Legendary, all were mortals.
Similar sayings echoed in his mind, making him nervous, uneasy, feeling his life threatened, and his gaze instantly sharpened.
Such emotions had not appeared in Galos for some years.
This matter was no small feat.
Sorog quickly drew Iron Dragon Gordon and Red Dragon Samantha's minds into the mental network as well, explaining the general situation at the fastest possible speed.
"Should we go immediately to support the Fungus King?"
Immediately after, Iron Dragon Sorog said quickly, "If the Southern regional king is swiftly defeated, the next target will likely be our Central Region. If the regional kings can temporarily join forces, perhaps we can buy some time to jointly resist the Legendary's offensive."
Galos suppressed the surging thoughts in his mind, and his huge head shook slightly.
He said, "Sorog, you're getting a bit anxious again."
"Rashly joining forces with other regional kings at this moment has no practical significance."
Hearing this, Iron Dragon Sorog took a deep breath, allowing his agitated mind to gradually calm down, slowly regaining his usual composure and rationality.
Compared to Galos, he still lacked some tranquility in the face of a great crisis.
"You're right, I was indeed a bit impatient just now."
Sorog admitted.
He calmed down and thought carefully, also realizing there was no need to join forces with other regional kings.
Not to mention whether the regional kings could truly set aside past grievances and unite against an external threat without reservations.
Most importantly, there was an insurmountable chasm between a Legendary and a non-Legendary.
The power of a Legendary could absolutely not be resisted by a simple alliance of a few non-Legendary powerhouses.
If a Legendary could be overwhelmed by sheer numbers, then this life threshold, which had troubled countless heroes and required even Dragons to accumulate for long years to break through, would not appear so solid and despair-inducing.
"The power of a Legendary is undeniable, but our Dragon Group is by no means weak!"
Red Dragon Samantha's fierce voice rang out in the mental network: "Just like when we teamed up to hunt Gorsas, gathering the strength of the Dragon Group for an encirclement, we might just be able to jointly kill a Legendary!"
"No, Samantha, the situation this time is completely different from when we ambushed Gorsas."
Sorog immediately rejected this overly optimistic idea, stating rationally: "Firstly, we no longer have a precious magic item like the 'Duel Array Disk' that could restrict movement. Secondly, even if we did, it couldn't trap a Legendary."
"Moreover, the opponent did not come alone; he also has an organized legion accompanying him."
A Legendary powerhouse leading a legion was far more dangerous than the isolated Red Dragon Gorsas back then.
At this moment, the Red Iron Dragon's steady voice rang out again: "Immediately dispatch more elite scouts, and use all available surveillance methods to monitor every movement in the Fungus King's Territory."
Sorog immediately responded, "Understood!"
He paused, then asked, "So, do we need to simultaneously summon all major lords and the entire Dragon Group to a state of readiness? Or... should we first prepare for a necessary evacuation from the wilderness?"
The Red Iron Dragon did not answer immediately.
This was a major strategic decision that could affect the future fate of the tribe, and even his own path, and had to be made with extreme caution.
At the same time, Iron Dragon Gordon, who had been silent in the mental network for a moment, suddenly spoke, bringing unexpected information.
"I just informed Elena of the general situation and asked her for relevant intelligence."
"Elena used the Astrolabe to remotely observe the situation in the Fungus King's Territory for us, and then relayed some key information to me."
He paused, then stated clearly: "The one carrying out the cleansing operation and attacking the Fungus King's Territory is the Legendary Sword Saint of the Kingdom of Theos, 'unfinished sword' Kaelos."
"This person broke through and ascended to Legendary during the previous Lossern Federation civil war, amidst the flames of war."
"He is a relatively 'young' Legendary, level 21."
With the end of the Lossern Federation's civil war, the trading relationship between Elena and the Dragon Group had, in fact, ceased.
However, perhaps due to her special connection with Gordon, or perhaps her personal long-term investment perspective in the Dragon Group and Galos, she seemed not to intend to completely sever this line.
At least, the information she provided at this moment was extremely crucial for Galos.
The Red Iron Dragon's spirit suddenly lifted, and he immediately said, "Tell Elena that there will be a reward in the future."
Immediately after, he said to Sorog in a deep voice, "Prepare both war and retreat plans simultaneously."
His voice was steady, containing a certain firm resolve, having already made his choice.
Preparing both plans simultaneously also meant that the Red Iron Dragon was inwardly inclined to confront this invading Legendary Sword Saint head-on! As for whether a retreat would ultimately be necessary, they would fight first and then decide.
Before this, he had hesitated to make a decision, with the greatest uncertainty being his complete ignorance of the enemy Legendary's background.
The unknown was the greatest fear.
But now, he knew the opponent's identity, profession, and exact level—level 21.
This was critically important for the Red Iron Dragon.
There were also differences in strength among Legendary powerhouses.
While the gap between a level 21 and a level 22 or 23 Legendary was not a chasm like that between mortals and Legendaries, there were certainly different levels of power.
If a seasoned, high-level Legendary had arrived, then temporarily avoiding their might and preserving strength would undoubtedly be the best option.
But, a level 21, and a newly promoted human Legendary Sword Saint?
Galos was cautious by nature, but he would not be timid without reason.
Through the knowledge inherited from the Dragon race, through various collected information, and through the accumulation of his own experience, he had a general understanding of the Legendary realm.
He knew deeply that for beings at the peak of mortality, a Legendary was indeed powerful, but not entirely irresistible.
For example, a normal level 20 Dragon, while unlikely to defeat a level 21 human Legendary, could potentially endure for a period of time by relying on a Dragon's naturally powerful physique and immense vitality.
It would certainly not be instantly killed upon meeting.
With Galos's Dragon body, the peak of mortality at level 20, and the power forged by repeated adaptation and evolution...
Aside from their domains, the numerical attributes of a Legendary creature were definitely far lower than his.
Moreover, a Sword Saint was an advanced warrior path, strong in attack and damage, but very lacking in supportive and control-type skills such as large-area control, strange curses, and spatial lockdown.
This meant...
Even if he ultimately lost in a direct confrontation, Galos was quite confident that he could immediately retreat by relying on his evolved, stronger, and swifter Dragon Wings.
At the same time, Sorog perceived his intention from Galos's words.
He did not offer admonitions such as, "It's too risky to antagonize a Legendary."
For a long time, he had observed his brother's way of doing things.
Galos never fought a battle he wasn't confident he could win.
Since he decided to fight a Legendary, it at least meant that he believed he had the means to save his life, and perhaps... even a chance to win the battle.
Sorog did not hesitate, responding solemnly, "Good! I'll go arrange it now and pass on the orders!"
After a brief and swift exchange, the urgent mental communication temporarily ended.
In the Borderlands, on the training ground, the Red Iron Dragon slowly exhaled a scorching breath, which condensed into a fleeting white mist in the air.
He did not immediately panic and fly into the wilderness upon learning of the Legendary's arrival; instead, he remained in place, systematically stretching and relaxing all the muscles and joints of his body, his massive frame covered in black and red scales reflecting a cold, hard metallic luster, like a war machine warming up.
At the same time, he contacted his dependents developing in the Southern Kingdoms through a communication tool.
Recent developments in the Kingdom of Theos and intelligence on the unfinished sword were quickly collected by the Gemstone Merchant Group and Spark Monastery, then reported to him through Nick.
"What happened? Your aura suddenly became very heavy."
Gold Dragon Alberto, who was nearby, noticed the change in Galos's state, stopped his training, and came over to inquire.
"I might soon be in direct confrontation with a human Legendary."
Galos did not hide anything, briefly explaining the attack on the Fungus King's Territory and the appearance of the Legendary Sword Saint of the Kingdom of Theos to Alberto, then he asked, "When I fight a Level 21 Legendary Sword Saint, what do you think my chances of winning are?"
Alberto had personally witnessed, and even felt, the might of a Legendary Dragon.
His understanding of the Legendary realm was more direct and profound than Galos's, and Galos was well aware of this, not ashamed to ask for guidance.
"A human Legendary... that's good, it's not a Dragon Legendary."
Alberto showed a thoughtful expression upon hearing this.
He carefully examined Galos's formidable and strong physique, saying, "I can't guarantee for other Dragon Domains, but as far as I know the Fubo Dragon Domain, among all the Youth Dragons and Adult Dragons, besides those seniors who have already entered the Legendary realm, no other Dragon has the same oppressive presence as you."
He weighed his words, carefully assessing, "You might still not be a match for those Legendary Dragons."
"However, facing a Level 21 human Legendary Sword Saint? I think... you should at least be able to contend with him, perhaps fight to a draw, and at worst, with your defense and speed, escaping alive should not be a problem."
Galos pressed, "Just a draw or a loss? Is there no possibility of me winning?"
Alberto shook his head, his expression becoming serious: "Galos, you must understand, that is a Legendary after all!"
"The existence of a Domain itself makes them almost invincible; it's a qualitative change brought about by a leap in life-level. Take the Holy King of Lossern as an example; when he was Level 20, he could only fight a regular Legendary powerhouse to a draw, unable to completely break through the opponent's Domain."
The Gold Dragon solemnly warned, "You haven't encountered a Domain, so you don't know how impregnable it is."
"You can fight a Legendary, but you must not get carried away, sacrificing your retreat for a momentary thrill."
Galos was noncommittal about this.
A Domain, he wasn't entirely unfamiliar with.
It was indeed incredibly tough, but not truly impregnable in the absolute sense.
Otherwise, even a weakened Domain, he wouldn't have been able to break it at the time.
However, Alberto's reminder was also good.
Galos was not a hothead willing to fight to the death just to show off; living meant having a future.
The Red Iron Dragon turned his gaze to Alberto and extended an invitation: "Will you join me in challenging a Legendary? If successful, this would be an extraordinary feat."
Alberto's face showed great eagerness upon hearing this.
But in the end, he sighed and shook his head regretfully.
"Galos, I really want to fight alongside you. If I had also reached Level 20, I would definitely confront the Legendary with you without hesitation! But right now, the level gap is too great."
"Rashly participating in a battle of this level would not only be unhelpful but would also make me a burden."
As he spoke, he changed his tone, saying with grandeur, "However, rest assured! Since we are allies, I, Alberto, will never stand by and watch you face a powerful enemy alone, or even be brutally killed by a Legendary without reacting!"
"At that time, I will go to the vicinity of the battlefield to observe the situation."
"If you are completely outmatched by the Legendary, or if even retreating becomes difficult, try to contend with the Legendary and buy time! I will immediately send out a distress signal to the Fubo Dragon Domain."
Very good, this Gold Dragon was not taken in for nothing.
Reliable at crucial moments.
Galos felt a hint of satisfaction inwardly and nodded.
Given his cautious nature, since he decided to challenge a Legendary, he naturally had to go to great lengths to increase his leverage and set up multiple layers of insurance.
Alberto's presence was undoubtedly an important safety valve.
Furthermore, he knew that this battle was very necessary.
Its purpose was not to verify the extent of his own strength, nor was it to pursue the hollow glory of defeating a Legendary; Galos was practical and not interested in such superficial things.
The most crucial issue was this:
If the Molten Iron Tribe wanted to preserve its current foundation in the Serre Wilderness, this battle was unavoidable!
Now, the Lossern Federation had disbanded, and the nominal joint rule of the wilderness by various nations no longer existed. The future struggle in the wilderness, to put it plainly, was a naked survival of the fittest, each relying on their own abilities.
In the coming wilderness, the weak and backward would be beaten and arbitrarily carved up!
Galos needed to use a victory to show the Molten Iron Tribe's muscles and fangs to all the Southern Kingdoms coveting the wilderness! To tell them that he was by no means a soft persimmon to be easily manipulated!
— Strike one punch to avoid a hundred!
Only by demonstrating strength sufficient to make opponents wary could they win space for survival and development.
"Vera."
The Red Iron Dragon called out in a deep voice.
"Here!"
A subtle ripple appeared in the air, and the Fairy Dragon's petite figure instantly materialized, her face showing surprise at being called.
Then, she flapped her wings with some confusion, circling Galos for half a turn.
"Galos, how did you know I was just around here? Has your perception become so strong that you can even see through my perfect stealth?"
The Red Iron Dragon simply replied, "Intuition."
He paused, then instructed, "I am preparing to set off for the wilderness. You pass the message to Deborah, reassure her, and at the same time, notify all the Relatives headmen in the valley to raise their alert level, but without my command, they are not to act rashly."
"Okay! Mission accomplished! Loyalty!"
Fairy Dragon Vera immediately puffed out her small chest, her face stern, and responded with feigned seriousness.
Immediately, the Red Iron Dragon no longer delayed, his broad Dragon Wings suddenly flapped, stirring up a violent current of air, and his massive body shot straight into the sky like an arrow released from a bowstring.
Gold Dragon Alberto, seeing this, also flapped his wings without hesitation, following closely behind, transforming into a golden streak of light.
High in the sky, biting cold winds and swirling ice and snow assailed them.
Gold Dragon Alberto asked amidst the howling wind, "Are we going straight to the Fungus King's Territory to fight that Legendary Sword Saint?"
"No, there's no need to be so hasty."
Galos shook his massive head, looking towards a certain direction in the wilderness, and said, "Before we officially meet the Legendary, we'll go to another place first."
Alberto asked in confusion, "Where? What for?"
Galos said, "To meet your sister, Nasha."
He wanted to add another layer of insurance for himself.