Chapter 207
"It seems there’s no choice," Chen Yang muttered, drifting toward the tallest stone chair at the center.
Hesitation lingered in his heart—he knew nothing about this mysterious space. Earlier attempts to return to the real world had failed, his scattered consciousness meeting only silence. This place was entirely cut off from reality. His spiritual body had been summoned here through something like a "call."
"Fortune or misfortune, neither can be avoided. Let’s try."
Shaking off his doubts, Chen Yang steadied his mind and settled onto the central throne.
Boom!—
Crack! Crack!
The entire hall shuddered.
The dull surface of the stone pillar behind him began shedding large chunks, revealing a glistening jade core beneath. The falling fragments didn’t pile up but dissolved into flecks of Starlight, vanishing into the night sky. When the last speck rejoined the sea of stars, a towering white jade Ascend tower stood before him.
Realization struck. Since his physical body wasn’t present here, summoning spiritual power, divine arts, or true essence was impossible. Instead, he focused on awakening another energy within.
Invisible forces streamed from him, dancing eagerly toward the tower’s glow when they touched it. Within fifteen minutes, all his accumulated power of wishes had been drawn into the jade tower. Through their connection, Chen Yang sensed the wishes being shattered and reformed inside the structure—a process that seemed to both refine them and strip away certain elements.
He observed quietly.
After an hour, the tower returned a transformed energy to him. The instant Chen Yang received it, golden ripples shimmered across Canglan State’s skies. Every middle three realm cultivator—including the Tiger-Chasing national master—sensed the disturbance moments later.
But when they arrived beneath the dome, the auspicious glow had already dissipated completely.
"An unprecedented phenomenon."
"Which Dao Friend received the Dao’s favor this time?"
"Investigate immediately! Check all ancient records!"
Cultivators of the middle three realms exchanged theories in their minds about this bizarre occurrence.
Zhuhu Dynasty, Chongtian Palace, Underground Dragon Vein.
The Tiger-Chasing national master reappeared. The man immersed in molten lava inquired, "Report?"
Though softly spoken, his words carried imperial authority.
The black-robed national master bowed deeply before the golden-flame-wreathed figure.
"Your Majesty, an unknown phenomenon has manifested."
"Does it threaten Tiger-Chasing?"
"I consulted Moon Wuxiang. The phenomenon appears nationwide, not solely in our domain."
The national master added, "Likely caused by a treasure emerging from a secret realm in the central region."
He remained kneeling until permitted to rise.
"Noted. Rise."
"Gratitude, Your Majesty."
As the national master stood, his reflected vision revealed the Tiger-Chasing Emperor seated upon a Golden Dragon’s carcass.
This dragon-form originated from the dynasty’s dragon vein, not true dragon lineage.
The national master had achieved perfect Spirit Communication through Dragon Support techniques and proven True Intent enlightenment via dragon-slaying.
All his accomplishments stemmed from the emperor’s patronage.
A dynasty’s national fortune fades without its dragon vein.
Yet this ruler had defied fate – using mere fragments of inheritance to master dragon transformation method. He became living dragon-flesh, kindling flames with royal blood, sacrificing heirs as fuel to sustain Tiger-Chasing’s bright moon and rivers upon the royal family’s burdened shoulders.
"The burning day approaches. Preparations?"
"All arrangements complete, Your Majesty."
"Summon Tianyang."
The national master flickered momentarily. When still again, four royal offspring materialized – three unconscious, one alert.
The conscious prince wore embroidered dragon robes and winged crown, bearing the emperor’s features.
"Tianyang pays homage to the Emperor."
"Rise."
The Tiger-Chasing Emperor lifted his gaze slightly. "Who are today’s three?"
"Emperor, they’re Qingyue, Erxin, and Changhao."
Murong Tianyang proceeded to recount their birth dates, temperaments, daily habits, and his past dealings with each. Having attended this ritual before, he knew the routine perfectly.
When he finished, the Tiger-Chasing Emperor closed his eyes. "Begin, National Master."
The Tiger-Chasing National Master flicked his finger, awakening the youngest girl first. Murong Qingyue, barely ten winters old, had failed her cultivation potential test half a month prior. The child stared blankly at the molten vista before her, silent as stone, her gaze fixed on Murong Tianyang.
"Shall I carry you, Qingyue?" Murong Tianyang’s voice softened.
The girl nodded without words. He cradled her gently, carried her to the lava’s edge, and tossed her in.
_BOOM!_
The searing current swallowed her tiny form whole, crimson flames erupting skyward.
The National Master roused the second candidate. Murong Erxin’s eyes brimmed with sorrow as they opened. Her lips quivered into a twisted smile aimed at Tianyang.
"My turn, Tianyang?"
"Why ask what you know?"
He turned sideways, gesturing toward the pit. Her eyes held no anger – only lingering affection. They’d shared childhood games, these two of equal age. Now she faced disposal as mere kindling.
After bowing to the Emperor, she inhaled deeply and approached the molten pool.
"You vowed Tiger-Chasing would rule Canglan."
"Yes."
"Keep that vow."
"Yes."
Satisfied, she stepped forward, transformed into a pillar of raging flames.
The last candidate awoke screaming. Murong Changhao clutched the National Master’s robes. "I can reach Condensing Essence! Give me another chance!"
When no mercy came, he scrambled toward Tianyang, grabbing the Crown Prince’s sleeve. "Your Highness! Save me! Last time was a fluke! My Path of Cultivation’s limitless! I won’t be firewood! I WON’T—"