Serre Wilderness, Northwest Region.
The black-red Dragon stood like a mountain, and at this moment, its powerful body was covered with magnificent armor pieces, shining brightly as if cast entirely from gold.
Golden Dragon Nasha and Gold Dragon Alberto stood to the side, their gazes intently fixed on the process.
Nasha's golden eyes reflected the Red Iron Dragon's figure.
She watched as piece after piece of armor precisely fitted the rugged lines of the Red Iron Dragon's body, and saw the intricate runes on key parts like the breastplate and shoulder pads light up one by one, emitting a warm and majestic golden glow.
When the last arm guard perfectly covered Galos's Dragon arm, the entire set of armor was perfectly formed.
Galos's already mighty physique was made even more formidable and towering, radiating a mixed aura of the Dragon's primal ferocity and the armor's solemnity, enough to inspire awe in any beholder.
He softly uttered a few words to activate it, then stretched his body.
After a period of adaptation and fine-tuning, under the Red Iron Dragon's control, the excessively dazzling magical glow on the armor's surface gradually receded and calmed down.
"Indeed, even with the strength of my current body, the amplification effect of this armor is still quite considerable."
Galos's deep voice echoed in the air, carrying a hum of satisfaction.
Nasha's gaze remained firmly fixed on the Red Iron Dragon, scrutinizing him from head to tail.
Compared to the Red Iron Dragon she first met thirty years ago, the Galos before her had undergone earth-shattering changes.
The deep black base color and crimson patterned scales, exposed directly after shedding the disguised scales, the uniquely structured Dragon wings—dangerous yet beautiful—and the profound Dragon Might, almost reaching its limit below the Legendary realm, all spoke of his metamorphosis.
"Galos, your changes are truly immense."
"Just a long period of slumber? This is truly incredible."
She carefully sensed Galos's aura, her tone filled with unconcealed astonishment.
Beside them, Alberto, who habitually held his head high, glanced at his Dragon Sister, giving her a 'country bumpkin' look.
Nasha directly ignored Alberto's gaze, her eyes still focused on Galos.
"It seems this armor can truly unleash its proper brilliance and realize its true value only when worn by you."
Golden Dragon Nasha's gaze shifted as she slowly spoke.
The Red Iron Dragon's huge head nodded, indicating agreement.
Then, he grinned, revealing a smile: "I very much agree with your statement."
"So, Nasha, can you give it to me? It suits me so well."
Upon hearing this, Nasha's golden eyes widened instantly, as if she had heard something preposterous, and she impatiently flicked her tail, stirring up a gust of wind.
"Galos! How dare you say such a thing? You truly live up to the shameless and greedy nature of an Evil Dragon!"
Her voice paused, then she explained: "This armor belongs to my father. Lending it to you to deal with a powerful enemy is certainly fine, but I cannot give it away without his permission."
"If you truly want it, it's not impossible."
"If there's an opportunity in the future, you can personally visit Fubo Dragon Domain and ask my father directly."
"Of course, the prerequisite is that you can persuade him."
Galos shook his head slightly upon hearing this, no longer dwelling on the topic.
He always lacked a sense of security and disliked being around those stronger than himself.
The Red Iron Dragon then steered the conversation back to the armor itself, saying: "Nasha, no matter what, this armor is very important to me."
"Your generous loan, this friendship, I will remember it."
Upon hearing this, Nasha's eyes immediately sparkled with excitement, and she quickly said: "As long as it's useful!"
"However, I am very, very much looking forward to what intense sparks will fly when you, wearing this armor, encounter that human Legendary Sword Saint."
As a Golden Dragon with battle-heated blood flowing in her veins, who revered strength and glory, feats like challenging a Legendary, which were only recorded in legends, held an unparalleled attraction for Nasha; it was almost her dream.
She deeply wished she could take Galos's place and fight a Legendary.
Unfortunately, she was self-aware and clearly knew her current strength level. If she were to go, she probably wouldn't last long before having to send an emergency distress signal to the Dragon Domain in a sorry state.
However, as a secondary option, the Red Iron Dragon wearing the armor she personally brought and lent out to face a Legendary was, in Nasha's eyes, also a unique way of participating.
If Galos won, she would naturally share in the glory, indirectly participating in this grand feat.
If Galos unfortunately lost, then she and Alberto would immediately appear, jointly blocking that human Legendary, to buy Galos a chance at survival.
If the opponent disregarded the identity of the Golden Dragon clan and the potential consequences, insisting on continuing the attack, they would not hesitate to call for help from the Dragon Domain.
With two Golden Dragons in danger simultaneously, Fubo Dragon Domain would never stand idly by, and rescue forces would surely arrive at the fastest speed.
Of course, neither Nasha nor Alberto secretly wished it would come to that.
Alberto had essentially escaped from the Dragon Domain and had grown accustomed to his freedom outside. He truly didn't want to be caught and dragged back to face potential punishment.
As for Nasha, her initial mission was to arrest Alberto and bring him back, but she herself had become so happy staying in the wilderness that she forgot all about returning.
Not only did she fail to complete her mission, but she also stayed, just like Alberto, and during this time, she repeatedly hung up or perfunctorily dealt with her old father's remote communications.
Once they called for help from the Dragon Domain, the two of them would most likely be forcibly taken back to the Dragon Domain, losing their current freedom.
"Galos, you must win."
"At least achieve a draw."
Alberto said, "Nasha and I don't want to return to the Dragon Domain so soon."
The Red Iron Dragon turned his huge head towards Alberto and said, "I'll try my best."
"However, Alberto, when do you plan to go home?"
Upon hearing this, Alberto puffed out his chest and solemnly declared: "When I, Alberto, successfully reach the Legendary realm through my own efforts and talent, becoming a powerful Golden Dragon renowned far and wide! At that time, I will return to the Dragon Domain in glory, with supreme honor and power!"
Just then, Iron Dragon Sorog's steady yet urgent mental message once again rang in the Red Iron Dragon's mind.
"Galos, latest intelligence, the battle commotion on the Fungus King's Territory side has subsided and disappeared."
He reported: "Some of our flying bird and beast scouts deployed nearby observed that the fungal mats that originally covered the ground have all lost their vitality, becoming shriveled and withered. Those human soldiers are currently carrying out battlefield cleanup and burning operations."
"Based on this, it's judged that the Fungus King has either fallen or completely abandoned that territory and chosen to withdraw."
The Red Iron Dragon remained calm and responded: "I understand."
Iron Dragon Sorog continued to request instructions, saying: "I have already issued both the war and withdrawal plans to the heads of the various vassal races and territory lords. They are all awaiting further instructions."
"When do we officially start the war?"
The Red Iron Dragon pondered for a moment, then responded.
"This war is completely different from any we have experienced before."
"The key to victory lies in whether I can contend with that human Legendary."
"Soon, I will actively issue a one-on-one challenge to that 'unfinished sword'. I believe he will not refuse such an opportunity to quickly decapitate and eliminate a regional king."
After a brief and efficient communication with Sorog via their mental link, the two quickly finalized the general strategic framework for this battle.
The main members of the Dragon Group, the lords of the various territories, and the elite leaders of the vassal legions… all will follow beneath the Red Iron Dragon's wings to the agreed battlefield, to personally witness the duel between the King of Molten Iron and the unfinished sword.
This is both to demonstrate the unity and strength of the tribe and to respond to unforeseen circumstances.
If Galos showed signs of being outmatched in battle, then the Dragon Group and elite vassals would unhesitatingly swarm forward, providing support at all costs.
Conversely, if the Legendary Sword Saint was on the verge of defeat in battle, his human legion would never stand idly by; they would certainly try to intervene and rescue him by any means necessary.
At that time, it would depend on which of the two legions could provide more assistance to their respective leaders.
"Sorog, the specific deployment of the legion, the formation arrangement, and the command during battle will be your responsibility to coordinate."
The Red Iron Dragon finally instructed, "Now, I need to select a suitable envoy to formally deliver the challenge letter to that human Legendary."
Immediately, he ended this urgent communication with Sorog.
The Red Iron Dragon looked at the Phoenix and said, "I need an envoy to invite the Legendary to a challenge on my behalf. Anqia, choose a suitable intelligent creature from your bird and beast legion."
The Phoenix was preening her feathers.
Hearing this, she looked up, a hint of eagerness flashing in her eyes, and then happily said, "Galos, I can be this envoy myself."
Golden Dragon Nasha flicked her tail and said, "Anqia, what if the other party is hot-tempered and unreasonable? Aren't you afraid of being cut down with a sword before you even finish speaking?"
"Although you have the skill of rebirth through Nirvana, if a Legendary truly wants to kill you, you probably won't even react in time."
The Phoenix showed no fear; instead, she proudly raised her neck and said, "With my beauty and sacred demeanor, even a human Legendary, as long as his aesthetic sense is normal, will surely feel appreciation and be reluctant to strike a killing blow."
With that, she added, "Besides, I recently comprehended a new talent skill that allows me to condense a clone. If the clone is destroyed, it won't cause fatal damage to my main body; at most, it will consume some energy and spirit."
Among the lords under Galos, Phoenix Anqia's growth potential was undoubtedly the highest, and reaching the Legendary realm in the future was almost a certainty.
Next was the Amethyst Dragon Lion, followed by the Holy Spirit Deer.
Clearly, Anqia had not been idle these past years, and her abilities had improved significantly.
The Red Iron Dragon pondered for a moment, then nodded, making his decision: "Good, the task of delivering the challenge letter to the Legendary Sword Saint will be entrusted to you."
He then explained to Anqia in detail the specific location of the duel and the agreed-upon time, along with other crucial details.
Afterward, Phoenix Anqia asked, "When do I depart?"
Galos raised his massive head, looked towards the southern direction of the Serre Wilderness, and said in a deep voice, "Now."
Phoenix Anqia happily accepted the order.
She elegantly spread her beautiful wings, composed of light and fire, and pure, dazzling golden-red flames ignited around her. As the flames flickered, her main body's figure slightly blurred, and a magnificent clone, almost identical to her main body in solidity and appearance, gracefully detached from the flames like a reflection in a mirror.
This clone also possessed the Phoenix's nobility and beauty.
With a flap of its wings, it transformed into a brilliant streak of light that tore through the air, soaring high into the sky and speeding towards the direction where the human legion was stationed.
On the other side.
At the edge of the Fungus King's Territory, the temporary encampment of the human legion.
Soldiers, under the command of officers, were methodically clearing the last of the battlefield, burning stubborn remnants of fungus carpets, and collecting fungal specimens that might have research value.
On a specially cleared, flat open space stood the most conspicuous command tent.
Inside the tent, Legendary Sword Saint Kaelos stood with his hands behind his back, listening to an officer's bowed report.
"Sir, the perimeter patrol reports that a giant bird of peculiar form, wreathed in flames, has appeared at the edge of our legion's Vigilance (alert) range. It specifically asked to meet you."
"Flaming giant bird?"
Kaelos raised an eyebrow, a flicker of interest on his face: "Let it approach."
"Yes, sir!"
The officer bowed in acknowledgment and quickly withdrew to make arrangements.
The Legendary Sword Saint no longer lingered in the tent, walking calmly out into the open air.
Not long after, at the edge of the sky, a fiery flaming bird tore through the air, instantly drawing the gaze of all the soldiers on the ground.
With an innate elegance and composure, it slowly descended under countless watchful or curious eyes, finally coming to a steady stop in mid-air not far in front of the command tent, hovering.
The flowing light gradually receded, revealing the true form of the creature within.
It was a creature of breathtaking beauty.
Its body was graceful and slender, its feathers a golden-red gradient like a solar corona, and its long tail feathers and other plumage were composed of flames, possessing an indescribable beauty.
"Phoenix..."
A hint of surprise flashed in Kaelos's eyes.
This creature was even rarer than a Dragon.
The wilderness changed greatly during the civil war, and the Exotic Strategy Department's intelligence primarily focused on regional kings, with only general information about the creatures under their command, not very specific details.
Kaelos hadn't expected to encounter a Phoenix here.
"I am the envoy of the King of Molten Iron, Garos Ignis, the Phoenix, the most beautiful of beings, Anqia."
The Phoenix elegantly raised her beautiful head, her clear, melodious voice, imbued with natural nobility and pride, distinctly echoing through the encampment.
The envoy of the King of Molten Iron?
Under an Evil Dragon, there was actually a creature like a Phoenix pledging allegiance... Kaelos's eyes flickered, and many thoughts instantly raced through his mind.
To be able to attract a Phoenix meant that the King of Molten Iron, who occupied the Central and Northwest Regions, was by no means a simple Evil Dragon in the usual sense.
This caused him to raise his assessment of the opponent he was about to face, if only slightly.
However, it was only a slight increase.
As long as the opponent wasn't a true Legendary, then in his eyes, there would be no fundamental difference between him and other so-called regional kings.
The chasm between Legendary and non-Legendary could not be bridged by a few special subordinates.
"By command of my King, I have come to deliver a challenge letter to you."
Anqia's clone continued, her tone neither humble nor arrogant: "My King, Garos Ignis, invites you to a battle!"
"The location is in the vast area known as 'Silent Plain,' at the junction of the Central and Southern Regions."
"The terrain there is open, perfectly suited for a Dragon to spread its wings, and it will not hinder a Sword Saint from unleashing his peerless sharpness. Do you dare to accept the invitation?"
On the other side.
Kaelos listened to the challenge message conveyed by the Phoenix envoy, the surprise on his face gradually turning into an expression of keen interest.
His original plan was to rest briefly after clearing out the Fungus King, then lead his legion to the King of Molten Iron's territory to eliminate him. However, he hadn't expected the other party not only to avoid retreating into defense but to proactively come knocking, and to formally send an envoy of extraordinary status to issue a challenge.
"Quite daring."
"However, it also fits my impression of those Dragons: proud, arrogant, and oblivious to death."
Kaelos smiled, muttering to himself.
The opponent chose the Silent Plain, an open area with no cover, as the battle location. This clearly took into account the massive scale of destruction that could result once both sides clashed, and at the same time, it made it clear that no ambush had been set.
The King of Molten Iron's straightforward attitude, in this regard, made Kaelos view the opponent with a bit more respect.
"Go back and tell your master."
Kaelos looked up and said, "His challenge, I, Kaelos, accept."
"Seven days from now, at noon, in the Silent Plain, tell him to be ready to face my sword."
"This will be his last battle as 'King.'"
He did not consult with any of his adjutants or strategists.
A Legendary's will was, in itself, a decision.
Anqia's clone nodded slightly: "I will faithfully convey your reply to my King."
Having said that, this magnificent clone, condensed from light and fire, transformed into specks of brilliant light, gradually dissipating into the air, as if it had never appeared.
Kaelos gazed at the spot where the Phoenix had vanished, his eyes deep.
King of Molten Iron... Phoenix envoy... He felt a stronger interest in the upcoming battle than he had when facing the Fungus King.
That Dragon, who occupied the Northwest and Central Regions, seemed to be much more interesting than he had anticipated.