Meanwhile, on the Everlasting Continent, a dragon in human form opened his eyes. An eerie inner light shone from within them.
*I have been in this position for a little too long. It is time to stretch this old body.*
He began stretching his stiff body.
Crack.
Pop!
Pop!
**POP!!!!**
The room was simple—a few small couches, a wooden table, and several figures seated across from him in quiet conversation. One of the figures noticed the commotion in the middle of the room.
*Yesssss. That felt amazing. Let's catch up on business.*
He turned his head toward one of his attendants, waiting for the young servant to speak.
"First Elder, how was your cultivation?" one attendant asked.
"It was good. I feel my opportunity will come soon, and when it does, I cannot miss it. I'll break into the next minor realm. One must not remain stagnant for too long." The First Elder's voice remained calm as he continued. "Has anything new happened since I awakened from my meditation?"
Another attendant responded to the First Elder's question.
"No. Except the Nine Dragon Empress has been meeting with the Phoenix Clan leaders much more frequently. Apparently, one of their elders keeps asking for Xenesis to join an upcoming operation. Yet, the Empress has not said whether she agrees or not."
"Have the Phoenix Clan leaders gotten into contact with different dragon clans?"
"From what we have gathered, there is some strong support from Sidu of the Water Dragon Clan."
The First Elder's brow rose with bewilderment.
"Oh? That is surprising. The Sidu Clan usually doesn't get their hands dirty."
"It seems like there is something in the area that has piqued their interest."
"Hmm… Do you know what it is?"
"No, First Elder."
"Go and find out. Report to me about any rumors or intel."
The attendant got up and bowed to the First Elder before leaving quickly.
*Interesting. I knew the Nine Dragon Empress was grooming a successor, but I didn't think it would be…*
The remaining attendant, who was still sitting beside him, broke into his thoughts.
"First Elder, the Crimson Fire Clan and the Zhou Clan of Eternal Flames Fire Dragons have requested a meeting with you regarding Xenesis."
"The Zhou Clan of Eternal Flames? Shouldn't they be in the Fallen? Why would they need to have a meeting with me?"
"Is there something wrong, First Elder?"
"No. Just strange. Usually, the Fire Dragon Clans are among the most aggressive dragon clans outside of the Black Dragon and Thunder Dragon Clans."
A slight grin flickered across the First Elder's face.
"And Crimson Fire of the Fire Dragon Clan has always loved getting his hands dirty. One of the best partners in crime."
"Do you want me to set up the meeting, First Elder?"
"No. It is too soon to meet with both of those clans. Plus, the Nine Dragon Empress would never allow me to meet with both of them by myself."
"Let us watch how the Empress and Phoenix Clan handle this situation. Meanwhile, go and investigate why these clans are interested in Xenesis."
"Yes, First Elder."
The attendant got up and bowed toward the First Elder before leaving, leaving him alone with his remaining underlings.
*The Empress is no fool, and neither are those clan elders. I wonder what they are truly planning. I wonder who else is scheming in the dark alongside me. This has become more and more interesting as I uncover more information.*
The First Elder looked at his underlings like mere pawns, ready to be discarded at any given moment.
*Still, power is necessary to carry out any scheme in high-level affairs. We dragons only care about power and who has the biggest fist. Yet, being around humans has allowed me to see the other side of things—the arrow in the night.*
For a moment, he subtly shifted his body into a more comfortable position, placing one of his scaly claws against his chin.
*For as many generations as I can remember, dragons and phoenixes have always been symbols of power and wealth. They both have a long history of conflict, both overt and covert. Even their joint efforts to suppress certain nations and control economies have done little to erase their ancient rivalries.*
*The Empress has been in conflict with their True Emperor. I wonder if I can stir the pot even more with the information…*
*No. Better not stir the pot just yet. There are things I still need to do before that.*
Nothing pleased the First Elder more than seeing two of the strongest overlords at odds.
One of the dragon underlings stepped forward, piquing the First Elder's curiosity about what this little fool might want to say.
"First Elder, there have been rumors saying that you are more human than dragon. Yet, how can a dragon be weak and fragile like a human?"
"Human? Dragon? Weak? Strong?"
The First Elder suddenly burst into laughter.
"Hahaha! I will teach you something today. What matters is living and striving toward tomorrow. Do you think your brethren won't eat you if you don't have enough strength? Laughable! Extremely funny."
His smile faded.
"Do you think I cannot send you to some unknown place where your life would be dancing on the edge of a blade?"
The underling began to shake in horror.
"Yet, you are worrying about rumors instead of your own power. You better start worrying about what is most important and how you are going to live."
The First Elder's eyes narrowed.
"We dragons are a warring race. I think you know what that means, right?!"
A sinister grin appeared on the First Elder's face.
The young dragon lowered his head, no longer daring to meet the First Elder's gaze.
"Since there is no pressing matter at hand that needs my attention, I'll retreat into seclusion and try to break through this bottleneck. Tell me if the Grand Elder or our Empress needs me."
"Yes, First Elder," the underlings echoed.
The younger dragons remaining behind merely sneered. Their disdain was plain.
He schemed where they fought. He preferred plots over glory. He lacked the proud ferocity expected of a dragon of his rank.
To them, he looked less like a true dragon and more like an interloper.
--
Amaterasu Prefecture
Chang'An: Ten Thousand Dragon Nest
In a glorious cave mansion where the elites of the elites of the Black Dragon tribes would gather. The current Nine Dragon Empress and current True Emperor of the dragon race Kagayaku Kurai sat in glorious stone throne. Where one could see the vastitudes of eras when looking at glorious stone throne.
Kagayaku were surrounded by her three personal guards, Ōkina Ikazuchiryū of Lightning Dragon tribes, Reiko Kuna Shi of the Earth Dragon tribes and the current Guardian, and there was Hyōfū Kyodaina of rare but powerful Ice Dragon tribe. All of them would only take orders from Kagayaku herself. Her will were their command and they took great pride in finishing off the task they was given to them thoroughly.
"How is Xenesis training going Guardian Reiko?"
"My Empress, Xenesis training is going quiet smoothly. There has been some issues with his Dragon Forging Art of his soul bond weapon. But, those are trifling matters and will be resolved very soon."
"Good. Guardian Reiko, you are the best at Dragon Forging Art and I expected nothing less from your training methods. What kind of weapon did Xenisis pick?"
"My Empress, Xenesis has pick a sword to be his soul bond weapon of choice. When we figure out his affinities. Then we will be able allocate the resources for his soul bond weapon to made."
Kayaguka nods in approval. Looking at Ōkina on right side of her. "Okina, what is the progress with that matter?"
"Empress, why do I must go on this mundane task instead of destroying a city or maybe a nation?" A evil grin appear on Ōkina face.
"How dare you question the Empress commands Okina! Her will is our wills! Nothing should be question!" An awe-inspiring coldness came out of Hyōfū. Who was currently on Kagayaku's left side of her. Meanwhile Guardian Reiki could only shake his head and look at Kagayaku. While other two dragons bicker back and front like two kids on the playground.
"Silence!"
An overwhelming pressure descent on everyone. Leaving no one able to speak or move. Kagayaku look at everyone with her cold eyes.
"If those you are my royal guards and I left you talk freely in my presences. Don't forgot who presence you are standing in front of. The NINE DRAGON EMPRESS!."
All three of the dragons bow and gave their sincerity
"Empress, the elders of the phoenix clans want to meet again. They say, we must have join operation to keep the Midnight clan subdue."
"Oh really!?!" A sharp glint appear in Kagayaku eyes.
"Yes, Empress. Especially this one elder. He is pushing for it. While the First Elder is pushing to have Xenesis to join as well."
Kagayaku grip her stone throne arm
Crack...
Crack...
Boom
When she released her grip
Crumble...
Dust fell from her hand.
"How dare he First Elder..." Kagayaku gritted her teeth.
"My Lord, please calm down. This might be a good way to see how far Xenesis training came along."
Yawnnnn...
"Let me know when I can destrory something." Ōkina replied lazily.
"You!"
Guardian Reiko raise his hand and silence them both.
"My lord, you know the road cultivator is tough even among us dragons. Plus, my lord you are not one who like hearing failure."
Kagayuka cut a look at Guardian Reiko. Then a small amount of smoke came out of her nose.
"Fine. When I see that First Elder I am going to beat him up."