The sun was brilliant, and the cloudless sky looked like a solid piece of sapphire without a single trace of discoloration. Sunlight poured down, illuminating the platform at the highest point of the Dragon Court, making it transparent and warm.Two dragons stood facing each other.One had a majestic and imposing figure, its muscle lines like cast steel and iron; even just standing there quietly, it exuded a suffocating sense of oppression.The other had an elegant and slender physique, with emerald green scales layered one upon another."Red... Garros, I saw the traces you left on the Central Continent."The Green Dragon Serol spoke first, calling the other by name.She slightly raised her head, her gaze falling upon the Red Iron Dragon before her, a trace of undisguised admiration flashing in her eyes:"Truly... breathtaking.""The Orotara continent is in the midst of war almost every day, with flames of war everywhere. The intensity of the conflict is extremely high, far exceeding the imagination of the beings of Atlan. I had thought that I had already witnessed enough destruction and devastation.""But even so, the traces you left after sweeping through the Abyssal Rift..."She gently swayed her slender neck and continued, "Still left an indelible impression on me. When I flew over that area, even though many days had passed, I felt as if I could still sense the impact of that time."The Red Iron Dragon listened quietly, no significant emotional fluctuation visible on his face.He was lost in thought for a few seconds, then asked: "Green Dragon Queen, how do you think it compares to the might of the Heaven's Mandate?"Serol blinked, not answering immediately.She gently flicked her tail and countered: "We are allies now, and perhaps we will have a closer relationship in the future. Is such an address too distant?"Garros glanced at her.A few seconds later, he nodded, not being pretentious."Fine."He responded simply, then asked the question again, just changing the address: "Serol, you know that in Atlan there are no wars involving Heaven's Mandate. I am very curious, how much Heaven's Mandate might can my ultimate strike actually compare to?"Serol lowered her head and thought carefully for a few seconds."I have observed battles of the Heaven's Mandate.""Not once or twice, but many times.""I have witnessed quite a few of those Heaven's Mandate battles with my own eyes. To be honest, based on what I saw in those scenes of war, in terms of destructiveness alone—pure range of destruction and intensity of ruin... no Heaven's Mandate can compare to you.""It is hard to imagine that you are not yet Crown Rank, and have not even undergone the Prime Age slumber."The destructiveness of the ultimate strike even surpassed the Heaven's Mandate...A look of satisfaction flashed in Garros's eyes.But that was all.He did not feel proud because of this, nor did he get carried away.The power of this strike was indeed strong, but the prerequisite restrictions were too many; in many situations, it simply could not be unleashed.Moreover, to judge whether a creature is powerful, the key lies in its overall condition, not a single aspect. A true battle is not about whose ultimate move is flashier; the contest of comprehensive strength is more important."Compared to a true Heaven's Mandate, I am still far behind."Garros thought to himself.He knew his position and knew how long the road ahead still was.Just then, the Green Dragon's gaze fell back upon him, and she said: "After you become Crown Rank, perhaps... most of the Heaven's Mandate will not be your opponents.""This kind of powerful combat ability that can span huge Ranks, to be honest, makes me envious.""Among the Dragon Clan, there are many who can fight across Ranks, but I have never seen anyone like you... who can span so far, and so thoroughly."Garros responded calmly: "You also have your own powerful talents."He paused, a hint of thought flashing in his pupils: "I am curious, what is your current life rank?"The Green Dragon's state was quite special, and his True Eye could not see through it completely, but Garros was certain that her life rank was higher than his own; he just didn't know exactly how many Ranks higher.One must know that the Green Dragon Queen was also a prime-age dragon.Her age was not much greater than Garros's, yet her life rank was higher.This truly made Garros feel surprised.Because he knew very well how much blood and sweat he had put in, and how many life-and-death battles he had experienced, to reach his current life rank.Hearing this question, Serol slightly raised her chin, a hint of a smile flashing in her pupils."I have already slept once during my prime age, and I am infinitely close to Crown Rank."Garros's gaze narrowed slightly.He asked: "Such a high life rank, is it related to your talent?"Serol did not answer immediately.She pondered for a few seconds, her eyes circling Garros, then the corners of her mouth curled up slightly, revealing a smiling expression."If other dragons asked me this, I certainly wouldn't say.""However, since it is you... I will make an exception and tell you."She stepped forward, leaning in toward the Red Iron Dragon.Until the distance between them gradually shortened, shortening to something rather intimate, rather than a normal social distance, did Serol stop her steps, lower her voice, and speak again."I can shorten the slumber cycle.""To be more specific, it can make the slumber period of us Dragon arrive sooner, increase the efficiency of the slumber, and shorten the slumber time. In the same slumber cycle, I can gain more growth; for the same degree of growth, I need less time."This... shortening the slumber cycle.It sounds very simple, and for many races, this talent is barely better than nothing.But when placed on a dragon, this is undoubtedly a powerful talent, and can even be said to be one of the top-tier talents.A dragon's lifespan is long, but much of that time is spent in slumber, and if the slumber time is too long, it is very easy to encounter various accidents, or fail to keep up with the changes of the era while sleeping.There are countless dragons who missed their era while sleeping, and upon waking up, discovered that the world had changed beyond recognition.Being able to shorten the slumber cycle... Garros knew better than anyone what this meant."Are you envious?"As Serol spoke, she quietly leaned forward another step, the distance to the Red Iron Dragon now less than ten meters.This distance, for a dragon with a body length of tens of meters, was already like being pressed against one another."Let me tell you another secret."Her voice was lowered even further, carrying a mysterious tone, and she said: "This talent of mine can not only be applied to myself."Garros turned his head to look at her.Serol continued: "The specific situation varies according to different targets."She deliberately paused and did not continue.Then, she paced slowly around the Red Iron Dragon, her slender neck slightly lowered, her tail gently swaying, her pace unhurried. Finally, she stopped beside Garros, stretched out her neck, and almost reached the Red Iron Dragon's ear."If it were you... I could at least shorten your slumber time by half."Her voice was very soft, carrying an elusive, bewitching quality.And upon hearing these words, even with Garros's Heart-Nature, he couldn't help but be jolted.Shortening the slumber time by half... what did this mean?It meant he could complete his evolution in a shorter time, accumulate strength at a faster speed, and use more of his waking time to train, accumulate, explore the unknown, and pursue stronger power.The Red Iron Dragon's breathing became heavy for a moment.But it was only for a moment.The next second, it returned to normal.He turned his head to look at the Green Dragon who was almost pressed against him."Speak, what is the condition?"Serol blinked.She tilted her head, making an innocent expression, and asked a question she already knew the answer to: "What condition?"Garros did not beat around the bush with her and said bluntly: "To use your talent to help me shorten my slumber time, what price do I need to pay?"Serol continued to tilt her head.She raised a front claw, tapped her chin with the tip of her claw, and looked at the sky, as if she were really thinking seriously."Hmm..."She drew out the sound and said: "What if I said it was free, gratuitous, and didn't require any conditions?"Garros looked at her and did not speak.Serol waited for two seconds, and seeing him have no reaction, asked again: "You don't believe it?""I don't believe it.""Why?" Serol pressed.Garros said calmly: "There are no free gifts in the world; things that are free are often the most expensive."Upon hearing this, Serol blinked her eyes."That sounds very reasonable..."She stepped back two steps, again using the tip of her wing to tap her chin in a thoughtful posture, her gaze turning back and forth on Garros.Then, her eyes lit up."Then how about this."Her voice became light, and she said: "I want to go to a place, but I haven't been here long, and I'm a bit lost in Atlan. If you can tell me how to get there, I will shorten your slumber time for you."Garros looked at her and asked: "Hmm? What place?"A cunning light gleamed in the Green Dragon Queen's eyes.She straightened her neck solemnly, and in the most serious tone, said: "You only need to tell me how to walk the path that leads into your heart."Just as the words fell.The wind from high above whistled past at the right moment, whipping up a current of air that swept between the two dragons.Garros was silent for two seconds.Then, he slowly opened his mouth: "Are you joking? This is not funny.""Fine."Serol lowered her head somewhat dejectedly, "I paved the way for this sentence for a long time; from the moment I leaned in close to you earlier, I was thinking about how to say this naturally, but I didn't expect..."She raised her head and sighed, "It turned out to be very boring."Immediately, the Green Dragon reined in her emotions, flicked her tail gently, and changed the subject."I am returning to the Orotara continent."Her voice returned to normal as she said, "When are you going? Perhaps we could travel together."Garros shook his head slightly."Not for the time being."He said, "Things here haven't been dealt with yet. Although the Abyssal Rift has been temporarily resolved, there are still many follow-up matters."Serol nodded, indicating her understanding."Fair enough.""Whenever you come, I will welcome you."She lowered her head and used her front claw to gently scrape at her neck.An emerald green scale fell off, hovering in the air and shimmering with a dreamlike, peculiar light.She used the tip of her claw to lift the scale and presented it to Garros."You can use this to contact me.""When you decide to go to Orotara, or if you make up your mind before entering a slumber and wish to shorten your sleeping time, you can inform me in advance. No matter when or where, as long as you carry this scale, I will be able to receive your message."Garros raised his claw and took the scale.It was very light.The texture was warm and smooth, carrying a faint trace of heat.Serol watched him pick up the scale, the tip of her tail flicking with pleasure.Then she said, "It's your turn to give.""What?""Your scale," the Green Dragon said righteously, staring straight at him. "I gave you mine, surely you won't give me one?" She paused, then added, "It can't be that only I give to you, while you give nothing in return, right? That's not fair."This logic...Garros thought about it and it seemed there was no problem with that.If body parts like dragon scales were obtained by those with ill intentions, they might be used to curse the owner. In past fierce battles, many of Garros's scales had shattered, and some had been scattered elsewhere.This was unavoidable.However, there was nothing to worry about.Curses?Garros would welcome them.Although he was cautious, he was not timid. If anyone truly thought they could deal with him using a single scale, then one could only say the other party was too presumptuous.He raised his front claw and pressed it gently against his chest.A dark red scale fell off; it was several times larger than Serol's, shimmering with a metallic luster. The edges of the scale were sharp, and the center was a deep, dark red, like solidified lava.He handed the dragon scale to the Green Dragon.Serol took it and held it in her palm, examining it carefully.She turned the scale over, rotated it, looked at it again and again against the sunlight, and then suddenly held it to her nose and took a deep sniff.Seeing this, Garros frowned slightly.He wanted to ask the Green Dragon for it back.However, before he could speak, Serol's body began to emit light.Starting from the edges, her entire body became dreamlike. All her scales were glowing, the emerald green light growing stronger, while simultaneously seeming to be diluted by something, vanishing into the air bit by bit.The light grew more intense, and her figure became increasingly faint.Just then, she spoke."Oh, right, Garros."Her voice also became ethereal as she continued, "Tell me, isn't this just like what they say in many love stories..."At this point, the Green Dragon's figure was fading, almost completely gone."Exchanging tokens of love?"The last word fell.The light dissipated.She had also completely disappeared.The sunlight remained brilliant, the sky remained deep blue, and Garros stood alone at the summit of the Dragon Court.He lowered his head and looked at the emerald green scale in his palm."Serol, Orotara continent, Green Dragon Queen of the Greenfield Kingdom."Garros whispered to himself.Was she truly infatuated with him, being so attentive?Or did she have other motives?A dignified Green Dragon Queen, an existence ruling over a kingdom, should not have such an emotional personality. Which of those who reached this position hadn't experienced countless storms and witnessed the sinister nature of many hearts?But it was also possible that he was overthinking.Garros shook his head slightly. He collected his thoughts and stopped thinking about this issue.Regardless of her thoughts and motives, time would prove everything. Caution did no harm, but there was no need to dwell on it excessively. The priority was to handle the matters at hand.Subsequently, he closed his eyes.Blood Kin Bond.This invisible bond was the most direct way for him to communicate with all his blood kin.His consciousness extended outward, traversing space, and finally touched upon a familiar aura."Laria."He spoke on the mental plane.The next second, a steady voice responded to him."Father."Through the mental response, Garros could perceive Laria's general state.He was not fighting or busy, just resting quietly, gathering strength.But he also knew that as long as he gave the order, Laria would immediately rise, spread his wings, and rush to any place he designated, without hesitation.Garros asked, "How are your preparations?""Ready."The son of the Emperor's response was concise, and his spirit still carried a hint of undisguisable excitement.All along, Laria had wanted to venture out on his own, rather than relying primarily on the protection of his elders. He wanted to prove himself, to carve out his own path, and to leave behind his own legend in the vast world.But in the current Atlan continent, there were not many opportunities left for him.Although the situation here was complex, the factions that needed to be divided had already been divided, and the order that needed to be established had already been set. To carve out a world here required not just strength, but also opportunity.Orotara was different.It was full of danger, but also full of opportunity.Garros nodded slightly and asked again, "How much do you know about the situation in Orotara?""I know a little."Laria said, "It is a land of war, divided among many heroes. Elves, Orcs, and various factions that have risen during the chaos—there is no absolute overlord, and there is fighting every day."He paused, then added, "I have collected all the intelligence I could find. Although it is not yet comprehensive, it is enough to handle the initial situation."Garros asked, "What is your mission?""To take root."Laria answered without hesitation, "Establish a stronghold in Orotara, stabilize the situation, and make it our foothold in Orotara. Don't be in a hurry to expand or compete for hegemony; first, take root and stand firm."Garros nodded and then said, "Regarding that Green Dragon Queen, inquire more and collect information about her."Laria responded, "Understood."He didn't ask why, nor did he need to.Since his father said so, there was naturally a reason for it."Remember."Garros's voice deepened a bit as he said, "If you encounter danger, prioritize saving your life."He paused, then added, "I know you want to rely on yourself more and want to prove your ability, but a true wise man should know how to reasonably utilize all the resources that belong to him.""Is Father worried about me?"There was a moment of silence on the other side.Then, the low voice sounded again."Just a reminder.""I will be careful," Laria said. "Does Father have any other instructions?""No."Garros said, "You may depart.""Yes."The bond slowly faded away.Bottomless Abyss.A certain small layer.The air here was scorching, and huge volcanoes sat upon the land; some were erupting, while others were silent.Countless cracks extended across the surface like a giant web, and lava could be vaguely seen flowing within them. Orange-red light shone through the cracks, illuminating the sulfur-filled land.On the parched earth, a figure was prostrate.Six-Armed Serpent Demon Verishika.Her six arms were all spread out, her body pressed tight against the ground, her forehead resting on the scorching rock, her posture humble to the extreme.Before her was a cyan-black humanoid giant shadow.That figure was as tall as a mountain, with four pairs of horns winding toward the sky. The bulging muscles seemed ready to tear through the skin, especially the arms, which were incredibly thick and long, with countless veins rising like snakes, pulsing slightly with each breath.Slaughter Demon, Abaddon.At the same time, this was also a Great Demon.A former Great Demon.His might was still terrifying, and that sense of oppression originating from the depths of the Soul still made people unable to breathe. However, if a true powerhouse were here to perceive carefully, they would find that this Great Demon's aura had dropped to the level of an Advanced Demon General."This time... I will descend in person to the Material Plane!"His voice rolled out, echoing across the land, carrying extreme hatred and anger."With blood, I will wash away the previous failure; with fire, I will burn away the previous humiliation.""With countless wails and deaths, I will prove my return!"Verishika did not say much.She only pressed her body lower, her forehead almost sinking into the rock.The previous failure had turned the Slaughter Great Demon into a laughingstock among other Great Demons. Some existences who had once bowed before him were now mocking his incompetence, and the King's punishment had caused him to lose all dignity.Now, Abaddon was filled with anger.In order to return to the Material Plane and wash away his humiliation, he did not hesitate to voluntarily downgrade himself, allowing him to penetrate the restrictions and descend once again onto that land that had brought him shame.