In the Borderlands, the snow and wind continued to rage.
Days passed silently in the howling cold wind.
Like Silver Dragon Edri, Copper Dragon Serena also left this frozen land after a brief stay.
Her main purpose in visiting Dragon Valley last time was to inform the Red Iron Dragon and Copper-Silver Dragon about the Silver Dragon's slumber and return to the Dragon Domain. After a brief exchange and farewell, she immediately set off and returned to the vast, surging Raging Waves Dragon Domain.
At the same time.
Within the Raging Waves Dragon Domain, known for its azure oceans and magnificent storms.
The pure, jewel-blue seawater lapped at the soft sand, and a salty yet refreshing sea breeze gently caressed the shore.
At this time, Silver Dragon Edri had not yet officially entered his adult slumber.
He had transformed into a middle-aged man with silver robes, flowing white hair, and a stern, cold face. He was leisurely strolling along the wet line where the tide constantly kissed and receded, alongside Serena, who wore a colorful long dress and whose honey-colored long hair danced freely in the sea breeze.
"Galos is truly becoming more and more inscrutable, and even more unfathomable to a Dragon."
Serena's eyes sparkled with excitement. As she kicked at the occasional colorful seashells on the beach with her toes, she said cheerfully, "He actually, without a sound, connected with Elder Ovis of the Fubo Dragon Domain and became that mysterious Great Dragon, the focus of all attention in the competition rules."
"The champions selected from the Five Great Dragon Domains through layers of trials ultimately only gained the right to challenge him."
"Hehe, this is really going to be a good show."
"Although I couldn't witness the scene when the rules were announced, I can fully imagine that the arrogant young Dragons in the various Dragon Domains probably had their noses twisted in anger when they heard this rule."
Edri's gaze was fixed on the distant horizon where the sea met the sky.
He said in a steady voice, "Legendary Gold Dragon, Elder Ovis... I have heard of his name."
"Rumor has it that he acts flamboyantly and likes to create a stir, but his vision is sharp. He must have seen the potential in Galos and his distinct qualities, so different from other Evil Dragons."
"His action might be an attempt to win over Galos, even going so far as to modify long-standing competition rules for him."
The Silver Dragon's voice paused slightly, then continued, "However, by doing so, he has also pushed Galos into the spotlight. Now, the young Dragons of the Five Great Dragon Domains are probably all holding back their anger, seeing him as a target they must surpass and defeat."
Elder Ovis himself might not have considered this point, after all, he is a noble Gold Dragon.
In the Five Great Dragon Domains, Gold Dragons, from the moment they hatched, naturally stood at the focal point of all Dragon eyes. They are the nobility among Metallic Dragons, favored darlings specially blessed by the Dragon God.
It is said that the gaze of the great Platinum Dragon God always watches over every Gold Dragon.
But Galos... he is not a Gold Dragon.
No matter how excellent or unique he is, his bloodline, originating from the Five-Color Dragons, still exists within him and is clearly displayed in his majestic and fierce appearance.
Metallic Dragons with deep-seated prejudices against Evil Dragons, though not the most numerous, certainly exist in all major Dragon Domains.
Metallic Dragons holding such views are collectively categorized as the "Purification Faction" within the various Dragon Domains.
Metallic Dragons of the Purification Faction firmly believe that the Evil Dragon bloodline is an inherent "original sin."
Its chaotic, evil, and destructive nature is rooted deep in the soul and cannot be fundamentally changed through postnatal education or guidance. Tolerating their existence is like nurturing a tiger, a potential danger to the ordered world and other good races.
For the peace and safety of the wider world, the Evil Dragon bloodline must be ruthlessly eradicated and purified.
In their view, this is both a noble responsibility and an inescapable destiny.
Edri and Serena, on the other hand, belong to the opposing "Inclusion Faction."
Metallic Dragons of the Inclusion Faction believe that the essence of good and evil stems from an individual's acquired choices and will, rather than mere bloodline inheritance.
Every Dragon is an independent individual, possessing the right to freely choose its path. History has proven that Metallic Dragons occasionally give birth to evil beings who deviate from the path of good, and similarly, among Five-Color Dragons, individuals who choose the path of order and goodness have also appeared.
Therefore, patient education, guidance, and persuasion are more effective than simple, brutal slaughter.
All Dragons, especially young Evil Dragons who have not yet committed major wrongs, should be given a chance to turn to good and seek redemption.
The vast majority of Metallic Dragons conceptually lean towards the Inclusion Faction.
The Purification Faction is merely a minority with a sharper voice.
At this moment, Serena spoke, "You and Galos sparred twice and lost both times. Don't you understand his character and strength yet?"
"Since he agreed, he must have thought it through carefully and has something to rely on."
"Moreover, my dear, when you awaken from this slumber, you will be a Legendary existence. By then, you'll have to look after our Red Iron Dragon son-in-law more, lest he be snatched away by other Dragon Domains. For example, that Gold Dragon Ovis, he might have some ulterior motives."
Edri gave his free-thinking partner a helpless glance, just about to say something.
Rumble!!!
Just then, an anomaly suddenly occurred!
The distant sea, originally calm and still like a giant sapphire mirror, exploded without warning.
A massive water column, over a hundred meters in diameter, as if connecting the sea and sky, shot up into the sky, carrying an irresistible surge of energy towards the clouds.
The momentum was immense, like a volcano that had slept for a thousand years on the seabed suddenly erupting.
At the same time, a surging, powerful Legendary Dragon might, mixed with the Bronze Dragon's unique, clangorous and majestic aura like a war horn, swept out like a tsunami from the center of the water column in all directions.
The seawater recoiled under this pressure.
The clouds piled in the sky were also instantly dispersed by the powerful force of this newly emerged Legendary.
Edri and Serena simultaneously stopped their stroll, their expressions instantly turning solemn, their gazes uniformly fixed on the direction from which the colossal water column rose, sensing the overwhelming pressure and aura.
"This aura... is Siano Sheffield? He succeeded?"
Serena's pupils constricted slightly.
Edri nodded slightly, his eyes reflecting the majestic water column that reached the heavens.
"That's right, it's Siano... he has officially stepped into the Legendary realm."
He said in a deep voice, "Given his personality and way of doing things, after achieving Legendary status, he will likely become even more dogmatic and aggressive. The atmosphere in our Raging Waves Dragon Domain is almost being led astray."
Siano Sheffield.
An outstanding individual among the Bronze Dragons, his life level ascended even faster than many Gold Dragons.
Not only that.
His actual combat performance at the same level was also extremely superior, with a fierce and sharp fighting style, otherwise, he would not have earned such a formidable reputation.
However, Siano is also one of the most representative Great Dragons of the "Purification Faction."
His hatred for the Evil Dragon bloodline and his resolute stance on its eradication reached an extreme level.
Influenced by his words, actions, and powerful presence, some young Metallic Dragons within the Raging Waves Dragon Domain, whose positions were not originally firm, gradually began to agree with and use extreme methods to "eradicate evil."
This made Silver Dragon Edri, who had always upheld the philosophy of inclusion and guidance, feel very displeased and worried.
However, Siano's influence within the Dragon Domain was far beyond what Edri could rival.
He was older and stronger, and his bloodline could be traced back to the Bronze Dragon King who commanded war and storms.
"In our Dragon Domain, after all, the majority are Inclusion Faction Metallic Dragons with normal ways of thinking."
Edri frowned and continued, "But after this fellow achieves Legendary status, the influence of his words, actions, and philosophy will inevitably become even more widespread, subtly swaying some young Dragons whose minds are not yet fully mature, causing them to gradually lean towards the more extreme Purification Faction."
At the same time, the colossal water column connecting the sky and sea slowly descended.
Water droplets poured down like a torrential rain onto the sea surface, stirring up countless ripples.
A massive figure covered in thick bronze scales violently broke through the still unsettled waves, majestically appearing between the sea and sky.
He was robust, his muscles exuding an explosive sense of power.
His pair of Dragon horns were like sharp battle spears forged a thousand times, and his eyes were like molten bronze, burning with a fervent and resolute light.
It was the Bronze Dragon who had just ended his long slumber and successfully reached the Legendary realm.
—Siano Sheffield.
He flapped his huge wings, still adorned with glistening water droplets, circled briefly in the air, and his sharp gaze immediately caught sight of Edri and Serena on the beach.
Immediately, Siano reined in his naturally emanating Legendary Dragon might.
His massive body descended towards the beach, and just before touching the sand, his form also shrank, transforming into a middle-aged man wearing ancient bronze armor, with a resolute face and eyes as sharp as an eagle, landing steadily before the Silver Dragon and Copper Dragon.
"Edri, Serena."
Siano spoke, his voice like clashing metal, carrying a resonant quality and majesty.
He first directed his gaze towards Edri, a hint of recognition for his kin flashing in his eyes, "You are only one final slumber away from the Legendary realm."
"It seems that soon, our Raging Waves Dragon Domain will gain another pillar in the Legendary realm."
"My congratulations in advance."
Towards his fellow Metallic Dragons, his attitude seemed quite friendly.
Even though Edri was not yet a Legendary, a tier below him, his words still carried respect.
Edri maintained the Silver Dragon's usual elegance and courtesy, bowing slightly in response.
"The path to Legendary is long and arduous; I know my accumulation is still shallow and requires more tempering and refinement."
"On the contrary, Siano, you have now successfully ascended to Legendary, possessing even greater power, and will surely be able to do more... the things you believe you must do." He paused slightly at the end of his sentence, adding, "Even if, in the eyes of onlookers, it may not be entirely correct."
Beneath the calm, these words subtly hinted at a clash of views.
If it were before knowing the Red Iron Dragon, with Edri's personality, he would not have expressed disagreement so directly.
But it was his interaction with Galos, witnessing firsthand the wisdom, order, and extraordinary potential displayed by a Red Iron Dragon, who should have belonged to the "Evil Dragon" faction, that made him increasingly convinced that creatures born completely evil were a rare, rare minority.
Consequently, his disapproval of Bronze Dragon Siano's actions grew even stronger.
One could even say it was disgust.
For instance, most other Metallic Dragons, if they happened to discover an abandoned Evil Dragon egg in the wild, would likely choose to bring it back to the Dragon Domain, attempting to take it in, educate it, and reform it, guiding it towards the right path.
Historically, such successful examples were not unheard of.
However, Siano was completely different.
The moment he confirmed that an Evil Dragon's bloodline was gestating within the egg, he utterly crushed it, fundamentally eliminating any hidden dangers.
"Congratulations, Siano."
"The bloodline of the Bronze Dragon King is indeed extraordinary; your power has become so immense that you will surely be able to do more things beneficial to the Dragon Domain and uphold justice in the future."
Serena followed the Silver Dragon's lead, offering a timely congratulation to ease the potential tension.
Siano nodded, accepting the congratulations.
However, his gaze shifted from the faces of his two kin, sweeping across the vast expanse of the sea before him, his tone gradually becoming stern and resolute.
"Power means greater, undeniable responsibility."
"This long slumber has made me more clearly perceive the darkness and evil that permeate this world, and among all evils, those rampant, order-trampling Five-Color Dragons are the worst!"
"As a Metallic Dragon, and also a Dragon, I cannot tolerate their existence, which tarnishes the reputation of the Dragon race."
This undisguised declaration instantly froze the harmonious atmosphere on the beach, as if even the sea breeze blew more cautiously.
Clearly, the Bronze Dragon had acutely detected the hidden dissatisfaction and criticism in Edri's words.
Serena blinked, again attempting to ease the suddenly tense atmosphere.
"Oh dear, the nature of Dragons is as unfathomable, diverse, and complex as this ocean; we can't lump all Five-Color Dragons together... Perhaps among them..."
She wanted to give more examples to elaborate on the views of the Inclusion Faction.
But Siano directly interrupted her.
The Bronze Dragon's gaze was piercing, like a physical presence, directed at Silver Dragon Edri.
"Edri, I know you believe that the good and evil of Dragons should not be simply divided by bloodline."
"But, please look around! Red Dragons rampage across the land, Blue Dragons gather to cause mischief, Green Dragons spread plots and schemes, Black Dragons lurk in shadows and darkness, White Dragons are ignorant and cruel... How many fertile lands have been destroyed by their breath? How many innocent beings have become souls under their claws?"
"The accumulated blood debts are too numerous to record."
"Can a lighthearted 'diverse nature' simply gloss over all of this?"
He took a step forward, and although the Legendary pressure was not intentionally released, the inherent oppressive feeling washed over them.
"Facing such profound sin, only by employing thunderous methods, like a storm cleansing filth, and thoroughly eradicating these cancerous threats to order from the world, can true, lasting peace and justice be achieved!"
"I, Siano Sheffield, having stepped into the Legendary domain and gained the power to act on my beliefs, shall surely carry out deeds of justice, using my claws and the fury in my heart to cleanse the world of evil, especially those Evil Dragons!"
He solemnly extended his hand towards the Silver Dragon before him.
He said in a deep voice, "Edri, abandon your unrealistic fantasies."
"Stop wasting your kindness and consideration on those Evil Dragons destined for destruction; think more about our own Metallic Dragon kin, think about the good races trembling under the threat of Evil Dragons!"
"Join us; we can fight side-by-side and together make this world purer and more beautiful."
Siano's objective was clear: he wanted to win over the Silver Dragon who was on the verge of becoming Legendary.
The number of Purification Faction Dragons was already relatively scarce, even more so among the high-level Legendary powers.
If a Legendary Silver Dragon could join their faction, it would be a tremendous boost, both for strengthening the Purification Faction's influence and for promoting their ideals.
Edri did not take the extended hand.
He straightened his posture, looking directly into the Bronze Dragon's eyes without flinching, his voice clear and steady: "Siano, do you still remember how the First Era, when we Dragons once ruled the entire world, ultimately came to an end?"
"The complexity of worldly affairs far exceeds your simplistic black-and-white division."
"Gray is the most common underlying color of this world."
"In the long river of history, there have been Evil Dragons who awakened, laid down their butcher's knives, and became guardians of order; similarly, there have been noble-born Good Dragons who, for various reasons, went astray and ultimately fell into the abyss of darkness. To solely judge good and evil by bloodline and divide factions by race is an absolute dualism that is too rigid and too dangerous."
"I ask you, if you were to encounter an 'Evil Dragon' that had never committed evil, and even protected a region's inhabitants and maintained order within its territory, how would you deal with it?"
Bronze Dragon Siano sneered at these words.
"The appearance of peace is merely a disguise for a deeper conspiracy."
"That Evil Dragon must be brewing greater trouble, or using this method to lull its prey, waiting for the moment of a fatal strike. For such a potential threat, I would kill it without hesitation."
"Fundamentally eliminating future troubles—that is the greatest responsibility to order and justice."
Edri's brows furrowed deeply.
"What is the essential difference between such an arrogant and arbitrary way of thinking and those chaotic and evil individuals you despise?"
He said, unyielding.
Seeing the conversation between the two becoming increasingly heated, with the potential for a clash of ideals at any moment, Serena quickly stepped forward, standing between them.
"Alright, alright, one of you has just achieved Legendary, and the other is about to undergo a crucial slumber; both are great occasions for celebration. Why argue about these difficult-to-discern matters here?"
"The Dragon Domain has its own laws and justice; when specific situations arise, we can analyze them specifically."
Saying this, she tugged at her partner's sleeve.
Please, my dear Edri, wake up!
The one opposite you is a newly ascended Legendary Dragon!
The disparity in strength is vast; if you really anger him and it comes to blows, our outcome will certainly not be pleasant... Serena thought helplessly.
However, Bronze Dragon Siano was not angered by this.
Towards Metallic Dragon kin with differing ideals, as long as they did not explicitly side with evil, he had always shown great tolerance, believing they were merely temporarily blinded by false compassion.
Edri looked at the Bronze Dragon's firm, even stubborn, eyes and understood that this debate, rooted deep in their core philosophies, could not be reconciled in a short time.
While the Metal Dragon Domain was united against external threats, internally it was not monolithic.
The clash of ideals was a problem that the Five Great Dragon Domains had long failed to completely resolve, and one of the persistent contradictions within the Dragon Domain.
In fact, such problems existed not only within the Five Great Dragon Domains.
Across the vast continent and many other worlds, similar ideological disputes concerning order, freedom, and standards of good and evil existed within almost all major intelligent races, leading to countless upheavals and even bloodshed.
Edri was well aware of this and did not wish to engage in a debate with a newly ascended Legendary that was destined to be fruitless. He ultimately just sighed softly.
"Those with different paths do not conspire together."
"Siano, I congratulate you once again on achieving Legendary. May the justice you uphold be as indestructible as bronze, and as clear as a bright mirror, discerning every detail and distinguishing right from wrong."
With that, he nodded slightly to Bronze Dragon Siano Sheffield, fulfilling his duty as kin, then turned and walked away with Serena along the beach they had come from.
On the beach, only the newly ascended Legendary Bronze Dragon Siano Sheffield stood alone.
But he was not alone for long.
Soon, other Dragons who shared his ideals or came to offer congratulations flew from various parts of the Dragon Domain, landing around him, surrounding the nascent Legendary. The air filled with sounds of congratulations and conversation.