"But... Yinyue, how does a female dragon lay an egg?"
Bai Ze grasped onto a peculiar question.
There was only one dragon, Yinyue. Surely she didn't... well... you know...
"Is it possible," Yinyue countered, "that this wasn't laid by her at all?"
As the planet's creator, Yinyue had long since observed certain behaviors.
The Forest Dragon's constant slumber didn't seem like true exhaustion but rather a deliberate preparation for something.
Other creatures had their clans and communities, yet the Forest Dragon was always alone. Surely she craved some form of companionship?
Yinyue had noticed the dragon channeling her innate wood energy into something within the forest, drawing upon its abundant magical energy. This process required long periods of rest to recover from the energy depletion, explaining her frequent hibernation.
Initially, Yinyue assumed the Forest Dragon was trying to assist smaller tree-dragons in evolving.
Unexpectedly, she had gone ahead and directly produced an egg, a more personal and profound effort.
"So, that's likely how it happened," Yinyue explained to Bai Ze.
Nodding in partial understanding, Bai Ze replied, "Got it."
Looking down, they observed the scene below.
Aurora stared at the dragon egg, which was almost as large as herself and couldn't hide her surprise.
"This child," the Forest Dragon explained, "was cultivated using the abundant wood-element magic of the forest and infused with my bloodline."
"However, I know that keeping it with me would limit its future potential."
"Thus, I wish to present it as a gift to you. Whether as a companion or a mount, it will have a brighter future under your care."
Aurora understood the reasoning behind the dragon's words.
Her planet's environment was indeed far more suitable. If she nurtured the egg, it could even undergo a mutation, unlocking greater potential.
"Aurora, this is a gift from an ally. You should accept it," came Bai Ze's voice from above.
Hearing this, Aurora's thoughts were interrupted. Without hesitation, she nodded and made her decision.
"As you command, my lord," Aurora replied.
She raised a hand, making two graceful gestures in the air. The ground responded as enormous vines emerged, gently lifting the dragon egg and placing it by her side.
For now, it was safest for Aurora to guard the egg personally.
The fragile nature of an unhatched dragon egg meant leaving it to the treants could risk accidental damage.
"By the way, everyone," Aurora said, addressing the crowd.
"I have a suggestion."
"Our planet is rich in resources. Why don't you stay here for a few days and learn from us?"
"We can teach you some basic technological knowledge to aid in the development of your civilization."
Hearing Aurora's words, members of both clans immediately lit up with excitement and readily agreed.
"Of course! We accept!" they responded almost in unison.
As intelligent beings, they were well aware of the magnificence of the Wood Nation's capital.
Even learning the basics from this advanced civilization would be incredibly beneficial.
"Since nothing is pressing at the moment, why not let your people stay here and train for a few days?" Bai Ze suggested to Yinyue.
"It'll be good to enhance their combat abilities, too."
Yinyue nodded eagerly.
"Absolutely! I've been meaning to improve their skills. Plus, I'd like them to learn about the weapons here. I'll leave it to you."
The two quickly reached an agreement, deciding that Yinyue's people would temporarily reside in the Wood Nation's capital for training and education.
Aurora promptly assigned the treant king to arrange housing and accommodations for the visitors, while she focused on preparing to incubate the dragon egg.
"Aurora," Bai Ze's voice whispered directly into her mind, "this egg is a pureblood green dragon egg, holding immense potential."
"It's now in your care, and it's likely to become a member of the Wood Nation in the future."
"I hope you can personally nurture it, pushing its evolution to create an entirely new dragon species!"
Understanding the importance of the task, Aurora made her decision.
The egg would be placed in the exclusive Spiritwood Forest to absorb its rich wood-element energy. Aurora would also use the power of her Sacred Wood Heart to accelerate the incubation process.
"I understand, my lord," Aurora replied.
With everything set in motion, Bai Ze and Yinyue relaxed and began discussing the future development of their respective creatures.
However, outside this peaceful world, dark clouds loomed on the horizon.
The calm before the storm was fleeting.
Both Bai Ze and Yinyue, being mere students, were unaware of the massive ripple effects caused by the extermination of the Liches.
The Federation's upper echelons were now fixated on Su Lin Province.
Even the prodigies from the imperial capital were growing restless, turning their gaze toward this previously unremarkable province.
Meanwhile, aboard a private jet, a young man with chestnut hair and a mischievous grin lounged comfortably, sipping on a glass of red wine.
Beside him stood an elderly man in a butler's uniform, his head bowed respectfully.
"Young Master, the Lord explicitly forbade us from seeking out people in Su Lin Province," the elderly man said, his voice laced with concern.
"You're directly defying his orders by secretly heading there. Are you sure this is wise?"
The young man let out a dismissive snort.
"What's the big deal? I'm just going to look for someone, not stirring up trouble."
"Even if the old man finds out, what can he do to me?"
The young man waved him off impatiently, but the butler's face remained worried.
"But, Young Master..."
"Are you questioning my decisions?" the young man interrupted, glaring at him.
"You're acting more like a eunuch panicking before the emperor even gets upset."
At this, the butler fell silent, retreating with a troubled heart.
"I only hope the Young Master truly intends to find someone and not cause chaos," he thought.
"After all, if a commotion breaks out, the youth of Su Lin Province likely won't be able to stop him."
Meanwhile, the young man sipped his wine with a carefree grin.
"Ah! Spicy! So spicy!" he suddenly exclaimed, grimacing from the drink.
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