The new calendar, year 358, late summer.
The sky above the Aura Kingdom was crystal blue, and the sunlight was scorching and bright, illuminating the Royal Court atop the peaks until it shone brilliantly.
The Red Emperor sat upon the wing-membrane-shaped Throne, majestic and serene like a mountain range.
Across from him, Iron Dragon Sorog stood in the center of the Hall, reporting the situation.
"Our mouthpiece has been highly effective in the newly occupied territories."
Sorog said, "Especially in the two newly occupied provinces, after nearly ten years of public opinion manipulation, our reputation has been completely turned around."
"The image of the Red Emperor as powerful and wise has become deeply ingrained."
"The arrival of the Aura Kingdom is also regarded as a stroke of luck by the local residents."
Ten years was but a fleeting moment in the long lifespan of a Dragon.
But for humans, it was enough time to change many people's minds and shape entirely new memories.
Among the humans who submitted to Aura's command, perhaps a few still harbored resentment and hidden indignation, but the majority had accepted reality.
Their lives gradually stabilized, becoming even more prosperous than during the Xio rule.
Because the overall situation was quite stable, many people even began to sincerely support the new ruler.
Various legends about the Red Emperor also spread throughout the towns and streets.
Some said the Red Emperor once used a pebble to shoot down a Satellite from the sky; others claimed that a single spit from the Red Emperor could pierce through the Sky Chasm Pass.
Similar stories spread wider and wider, with details becoming increasingly exaggerated.
Although most people knew that the truth wasn't quite so miraculous, they always smiled knowingly, treating the stories as amusing topics of conversation, sometimes teasing each other about them in taverns and teahouses.
Iron Dragon Sorog did not order strict control over these circulating anecdotes.
Instead, he quietly fanned the flames, deliberately allowing some minor gossip and amusing tidbits about the Red Emperor to spread.
Among these stories, there were truths and falsehoods.
For example, that the Emperor, when young, liked crashing into the ground and mountains, leaving himself covered in dirt, or that once, after waking from a deep sleep, he groggily knocked over a mountain peak.
After realizing the importance of public opinion, Sorog spent time specifically studying human psychological dynamics regarding public sentiment.
Ultimately, he reached a conclusion.
The Emperor's image could be powerful and wise, but it did not need to be overly perfect or aloof.
Having some harmless details that were worth discussing or even joking about would instead make the subjects feel that the ruler was vivid and real, making it easier to generate a sense of closeness.
Of course, all of this had clear boundaries.
'Do not be misled by the Dragon's minions; they are the enemy!'
'Those who are not of our kind are bound to harbor ill will!'
'Humans, unite, remember your race, and do not submit to those monsters!'
...Those teasing remarks, jokes, and playful comments could all be tolerated.
But once sharp rhetoric that incited conflict appeared, the source of the voice would be physically silenced within three days.
The Wolf Guards under Russell's command were never just for show.
The keen-witted and supernaturally perceptive Wolfmen wove a massive and tight intelligence network, covering every corner of the Kingdom like a spiderweb.
They constantly monitored movements in all regions.
As soon as they detected the slightest spark of trouble, they would extinguish it immediately, using swift and decisive methods that left no future complications.
On the other side, after losing two major provinces and paying other heavy costs, the domestic situation in the Xio Kingdom remained turbulent.
In this repressive and crisis-ridden environment, some talented and ambitious individuals did emerge, attempting to turn the tide.
But currently, their efforts were merely a drop in the bucket.
Unless Xio could give birth to a warrior of exceptional strength and charisma, it would be difficult to reverse its continuously declining national destiny.
[Xio is just little Aura]
—This type of rhetoric had long since spread, even circulating secretly among certain strata within Xio, further eroding the will to resist.
"How is the Sanctuary Project progressing?"
Galos's deep voice sounded, shifting the topic from the field of public opinion to another key engineering project.
Sorog's tone lifted slightly as he said, "With the three-party cooperation between the Lothorn Kingdom, the Matna Kingdom, and our own Alchemists, along with the infusion of Kingdom resources, the main framework of the Sanctuary has been completed."
"The progress is about thirty percent faster than anticipated."
Galos's massive head moved slightly, and his vertical pupils focused on the Iron Dragon: "This project is not being completed by us alone; the participating parties are complex, so we must be vigilant."
Sorog responded gravely, "Throughout the entire project, besides myself and Samantha supervising the whole process, we also invited Amethyst Dragon Iselamas to assist."
"The Amethyst Dragon and I do not have a deep understanding of the specific details of Alchemy technology, but the mental fluctuations and emotional changes of all participants are under our surveillance."
"As of now, no obvious signs of disloyalty or destructive intent have been discovered."
"It's still not secure enough." Galos mused for a moment and said, "I will try to recruit a Legendary Alchemist Dragon from the Fubo Dragon Domain to participate in the final construction of the Sanctuary."
"With a Legendary Dragon who specializes in this Dao presiding over it, the risk can be minimized."
The Iron Dragon's spirit clearly lifted: "That would be excellent."
"With a Legendary Alchemist Dragon joining, many difficulties can be solved easily, and the project quality and confidentiality will be greatly improved."
Galos said no more and immediately used a specific item to send a message to Gold Dragon Ovis, who was far away in the Fubo Dragon Domain.
After a brief magical fluctuation, Ovis's lazy voice sounded. In the background, the sound of waves crashing on the shore could be faintly heard, as if he were lying on a warm beach somewhere.
"Oh, the famous Red Emperor of Aura, why do you have time to look for me today? Is something the matter?"
Galos was long accustomed to the other party's teasing tone.
He spoke frankly: "Help me invite a Dragon who has reached the Legendary level in the Path of Alchemy to come to the Aura Kingdom and participate in an important Alchemy project. I can pay a Legendary Quality Item as compensation."
Ovis smacked his lips, his voice carrying a smile: "Legendary Alchemist Dragon... that's quite a request."
"But the compensation is generous enough; quite a few old guys should be tempted. Speaking of which, you seem quite wealthy now, just handing out Legendary items."
Galos's tone was flat and calm: "It's alright, just a little richer than Dragons of the same age, nothing worth mentioning."
This kid. He's really getting richer and richer.
Ovis did not continue to dwell on the issue of wealth.
He knew very well that the resources controlled by the ruler of a kingdom were something even some Ancient Dragons might not be able to match.
Ovis suddenly changed the subject and asked with a chuckle, "By the way, how are your four little brats doing? They caused quite a bit of trouble when they were in the Fubo Dragon Domain; I remember it clearly."
When Galos's four sons were still living in the Fubo Dragon Domain, the Old Gold Dragon often went to tease them.
He had a deep understanding of the temperaments of these juniors.
Compared to their endless "surprises," Alberto, who had given him severe headaches back then, seemed much more agreeable.
Galos slowly replied, "They're fine."
"The eldest's personality is indeed quite rebellious, but the other three are decent."
He paused, then added, "Of course, after a round of education from me, Galkro is also much more obedient now. Perhaps after a while, the rebellion in his bones will surface again, but at least for now, he understands how to respect paternal authority."
"Galkro? That kid is certainly a troublemaker."
Ovis's voice was full of curiosity. "What method did you use to educate him exactly? Tell me the details; maybe I can learn from it and apply it to Alberto so he can be less troublesome in the future."
"Although he is already an adult Dragon, he still always makes me angry."
Galos answered nonchalantly, "Very simple. I personally killed him once."
The other end of the Consciousness Link fell into a brief silence.
It took a few seconds before Ovis seemed to snap out of it.
His tone became somewhat subtle, and he said, "Hmm... that method... it certainly sounds like you. However, I think I'll try to think of other ways."
"Although Alberto is annoying sometimes, his crime is not punishable by death."
Immediately after, Ovis dropped his joking tone and said seriously, "Back to business."
"I heard that the Helmod Dragon Clan officially declared war on you, Galos. This group of Evil Dragons is not to be trifled with; they have occupied the Raging Waves Sea for hundreds of years and have a notorious reputation."
Did this news reach the Fubo Dragon Domain? Galos's heart stirred slightly.
He replied, "The declaration of war is true."
"However, there is a vast stretch of land separating them and me, so the likelihood of direct conflict in the short term is low."
"Don't take it too lightly," Ovis warned, his tone serious. "Although they usually operate at sea, it doesn't mean they can't land. In fact, Blue Dragons can summon storms even on land."
"You must be vigilant. The Raging Waves Dragon Domain has organized numerous campaigns to suppress the Helmod Dragon Clan over the past few centuries, but they have never managed to completely wipe them out."
"Those three Ancient Dragon leaders of theirs are all formidable individuals."
Galos seized the opportunity to ask, "Based on your understanding, what level are the leaders of the Helmod Dragon Clan approximately at?"
Ovis pondered, "As far as I know, one of them is of the Crown Rank, and the other two should be close to the Crown Rank level."
"However, that information is over a century old."
"Their strength may have improved further, so you need to be prepared."
Crown Rank... Galos murmured internally.
Dragon members grow slowly; some Supreme Ancient Dragons might not even reach the complete Crown Rank level. However, the Lord of a Dragon Group is not the same concept as a Wild Dragon; it is normal for them to have faster growth rates and stronger talents.
It must be known that the true value of a Crown Rank Dragon far surpasses that of a Crown Rank expert among humans.
The good news was that his previous tentative contact with the Helmod Dragon Clan had not involved an overly aggressive stance; instead, he had reached a certain tacit verbal alliance with them.
Of course, this relationship was based on the exchange of interests, lacked a foundation of true trust, and could shatter at any moment.
"The Helmod Dragon Clan constantly raids and fights at sea. I don't quite understand why they suddenly pointed their spearhead at the Aura Kingdom, which is far inland."
"Is it merely because they dislike a Dragon establishing a nation, or are they jealous of the resources and wealth you have accumulated?"
"This doesn't quite fit their style of operation."
"Though those Evil Dragons are savage, they are also clever and practical. They rarely make enemies without a good reason."
Ovis said suddenly.
Galos thought for a moment and replied, "I heard an unconfirmed rumor here that you might want to consider."
"I heard that the Helmod Dragon Clan is brewing a plan."
"They are preparing to land and establish a nation belonging to the Evil Dragons."
"Assuming this news is true, then the fact that I, as a Dragon, successfully established a nation first and got ahead of them, means I was likely viewed as a potential competitor, or even a benchmark. Therefore, drawing their open hostility is not difficult to understand."
"Landing? Establishing a nation?" Ovis's voice suddenly became much more serious.
"The Helmod Dragon Clan is an Evil Dragon Group in the traditional sense; they act brutally and disregard order."
"If they truly succeed in establishing a nation and securing a foothold, it will inevitably lead to more Evil Dragons following suit, which would pose a massive challenge to justice and order."
Galos's tone was steady: "I am only proposing a hypothesis."
"The source of this information is not entirely reliable, and its veracity remains to be verified."
"No, since such news has spread, it is definitely not without foundation."
Ovis said in a deep voice, clearly taking it seriously.
"I will report this matter to the other Elders of the Dragon Domain. We must keep a close eye on the movements of the Helmod Dragon Clan."
"If they truly begin preparations to land and establish a nation, we must react immediately, strike them hard, and absolutely prevent them from succeeding."
Galos asked, "The Helmod Dragon Clan is adjacent to the Raging Waves Dragon Domain."
"If a conflict breaks out, the main opposing force should be the Raging Waves Dragon Domain, right? Will the Fubo Dragon Domain also directly participate in the punitive expedition?"
"The Raging Waves Dragon Domain..." Mentioning this Dragon Domain, a hint of complexity entered Ovis's voice.
He paused slightly, then continued:
"In principle, the major Dragon Domains should not directly interfere with the affairs of each other's maritime territories unless absolutely necessary."
"We will most likely first formally notify the Raging Waves Dragon Domain, reminding them to heighten their vigilance and prepare, and then, depending on how the situation develops, we will see whether we need to dispatch forces for reinforcement."
"So, dealing with the Helmod Dragon Clan is primarily the Raging Waves Dragon Domain's own responsibility?"
"You can understand it that way. After all, they are the direct maintainers of that maritime territory."
Ovis affirmed, "Furthermore, our Fubo Dragon Domain has its own troubles to deal with. Unless the Raging Waves Dragon Domain actively requests assistance, or the situation deteriorates to the point of affecting the reputation and safety of the Metallic Dragon Clan, we will not overstep our boundaries."
Hearing these words, the Red Iron Dragon silently curled the corner of his mouth.
A conflict erupting between the Raging Waves Dragon Domain and the Helmod Dragon Clan... this was precisely the situation he was happy to see.
If these two parties truly started fighting, he wouldn't mind secretly providing some aid to the Helmod Dragon Clan—the kind that required a hefty payment, of course.
After all, there was only a fragile verbal agreement between him and those Evil Dragons.
There was no deep friendship between them, merely a pure exchange of interests.
"Regarding the Legendary Alchemist Dragon you requested, I already have a suitable target." Ovis said finally, "I will relay your request and compensation. Given the appeal of Legendary items, it shouldn't take many days for an interested old fellow to set off for your Aura Kingdom. I will have him contact you directly then."
"Thank you," Galos thanked him briefly.
After a brief exchange about recent events, this long-distance communication concluded.
Silence returned to the hall, leaving only the faint sound of the wind coming from outside the window.
Iron Dragon Sorog had stood quietly on the side, listening to the entire conversation.
He opened his mouth thoughtfully: "Should we... reveal the news that 'the Fubo Dragon Domain and the Raging Waves Dragon Domain have noticed the Helmod Dragon Clan's potential nation-building' to the Helmod side?"
"In this way, perhaps we could exchange it for some benefits from them, or deepen our fragile cooperative relationship."
Only informing the other party that they were being watched by the Dragon Domains, without mentioning why.
Galos slightly turned his head to look at the Iron Dragon.
He remained silent for a few seconds, weighing the pros and cons, and finally slowly shook his head.
"No need."
Galos said, "On the one hand, I don't believe those Ancient Dragon leaders of Helmod are fools."
"Such vague information could arouse their suspicion. It is safer to reduce direct communication with them when it's not absolutely necessary."
"On the other hand, even if we informed them, we might not gain substantial benefits."
"It's better not to do things that are meaningless and risky."
The Iron Dragon nodded, indicating his understanding.
"Sorog, I am about to enter my dormancy period."
"This dormancy might last several decades. Based on past experience, shortly after I fall dormant, you and Samantha will also enter dormancy one after the other. At that time, there will be a temporary vacuum in the upper echelons of the Aura Kingdom."
"The number of Legendaries under the Kingdom has certainly increased."
"But during this critical period, we still should not actively involve ourselves in complex external disputes."
One of Galos's main purposes for talking face-to-face with the Iron Dragon this time was to explain his impending dormancy and arrange the Kingdom's operational strategy while he was asleep.
Iron Dragon Sorog's expression was solemn.
"Understood. During our successive periods of dormancy, the Aura Kingdom will continue the practices established during the Tribal Era."
He said in a deep voice, "Externally, stability will be the priority. We will quietly accumulate strength, develop domestic affairs, try our best not to provoke external enemies, and avoid getting involved in unnecessary conflicts."
The Red Iron Dragon on the throne nodded lightly, satisfied with the answer.
"We were the first to achieve a decisive victory in the previous War of Nations, which brought us a lot of attention and drew the gaze of many surrounding powers."
Galos spoke slowly, his gaze seemingly penetrating the hall and looking out over the territory.
"Now, we need a period of concealment."
"This will not only allow us to peacefully digest the spoils of victory and consolidate our rule over the newly occupied territories, but also alleviate the psychological pressure and apprehension of other kingdoms regarding Aura's continuous rise, temporarily shifting their attention away from us."
Hearing this, Sorog opened his dragon maw and smiled.
He agreed, "The kings and nobles of those Short-Lived Races are always keen on competing for temporary gains."
"The outcome of a war, the formation or collapse of an alliance, the rotation of a throne... in their eyes, these are primary events worthy of elaborate documentation and entry into historical records."
"But what we Dragons seek is never temporary glory."
"What we want is the overall landscape ten, a hundred, or even a thousand years from now. What we pursue is glory for countless generations."
"...Galos, I always remember something you said."
Having spoken, he gazed intently at the Dragon on the throne.
Under Sorog's focused gaze, the Red Emperor laughed deeply.
A moment later, the Dragon's laughter subsided.
He slowly opened his mouth and spoke the phrase that had already become a guiding principle for the Aura Dragons: "Be patient, my brother. Time is always on our side."