"Young red iron dragon, have you given it so thought? I have high hopes for you, and I truly admire you."
A warm smile hung on Ovis's face as he asked again.
Garoth wasn't moved by the picture the old gold dragon had painted earlier.
He gazed at the old gold dragon and slowly began to speak. "Your proposal indeed sounds quite appealing."
"Being able to spar and exchange pointers with the carefully nurtured elite young generation from the tal Dragon domains certainly holds so benefits for ."
At this point, Garoth's tone shifted.
He tilted his head slightly, revealing a puzzled expression, and asked, "However, besides that, I am also sowhat curious and hope you can clear sothing up for ."
"The competitive festival held among the five great dragon domains should focus more on internal exchange, learning, and mutual encouragent within the domains, aid at promoting the growth of young dragons."
"You are so fervently hoping that I, a 'wild dragon' not born within a dragon domain, would participate, even going so far as to offer additional treasures as an incentive... Is this rely out of appreciation for , or so idea of motivating young dragons?"
Across from him, the smile on the old gold dragon's face stiffened for an instant.
But quickly, he let out a loud, hearty laugh.
"Hahaha! Sharp-minded indeed! Being able to notice these subtle points is a virtue!"
"Excellent, excellent!"
"Besides my appreciation for you and wanting to spur on the increasingly arrogant young generation of tal dragons, I also have a small, personal motive."
He was just about to find a more noble-sounding reason to brush it off when Alberto beside him couldn't hold back a snort.
He rcilessly exposed his own old father's true intentions.
"Give it up, old man."
"Stop putting on an act here! What 'spurring on our kin'? I know you all too well."
Alberto shook his head, still adorned with fake horns, his gaze full of disdain as he said, "You must have made another bet with those old rivals from the other dragon domains!"
"And I'd wager the stakes this ti are absolutely enormous, worth a fortune!"
"You're afraid the young dragons from our Vophal Dragon Domain won't be up to the task and will lose the treasures you've wagered, so you're racking your brains to pull in a powerful external reinforcent to guarantee victory, protect your family assets, and win you more treasures, right!"
Nasha beside him also shook her head helplessly.
She added from the side, "Yes, Father."
"Every ti you win a bet, you have to show off the won treasures in front of us repeatedly for ages, practically wanting the entire dragon domain to know; but if you happen to lose, you'll also sigh and complain for days on end, or sulk by yourself. We're all too familiar with this."
"Out with it, what rare treasure did you bet on this ti? To make you so invested?"
So that's how it is... That explains all the puzzling points.
A flash of understanding passed through Garoth's eyes, and he felt a sudden realization within.
Also, natural-born oddities are ultimately few. To have raised descendants like Alberto and Nasha, whose way of thinking is so different from ordinary gold dragons, their old father himself has so issues.
Having his own children expose him on the spot, especially in front of an external reinforcent he valued quite highly.
Ovis's old face couldn't quite hold up.
He widened his majestic golden dragon pupils and let out a low, reproachful sound. "You two unfilial children! What nonsense are you spouting here! Would your father be the kind to do sothing for re bet stakes..."
However, halfway through his words, he saw the red iron dragon's look of understanding and his children's utterly unconvinced expressions. His voice gradually trailed off and disappeared in his throat.
Finally, the old gold dragon flicked his tail sowhat sheepishly.
"Alright, alright!"
Ovis finally gave up the pointless pretense, muttering under his breath, "I admit it, I did make a little bet with a few old fellows, and I even wagered my 'Glory of Heaven and Earth Blazing Sun Dragon-Patterned Shield' and so other legendary equipnt for it."
After saying this, the old gold dragon turned his gaze back to Garoth, his expression becoming much more candid.
He laid his cards on the table directly. "That's the situation."
"The young dragons erging from our Vophal Dragon Domain in recent generations... well, to be honest, there's a bit of a gap in succession."
"While the elites among them are indeed gifted and talented, and would be considered outstanding and powerful dragons outside, the difficulty of them steadily winning against the other families in the joint competition of the five great dragon domains is extrely high."
"I... truly don't hold much hope for them."
His tone then turned fervent as he stared intently at Garoth, his eyes shining with excited light like a gambler spotting a surefire winning card. "But you are different!"
"As long as you participate, I can say with certainty that the championship is absolutely yours! Without any doubt!"
"If you are willing to represent our Vophal Dragon Domain and help win this crucial bet, besides all the rewards provided by the competition itself going to you! I can also use my special authority as an elder to secure a spot for you, allowing you to enter the 'Primordial Tide Chamber'."
Ovis stared intently at the red iron dragon, awaiting a reply.
Garoth's mind was now as clear as a mirror.
Indeed, there's no such thing as a free lunch. The fundantal reason for this legendary gold dragon elder's enthusiastic invitation ultimately involved his own significant interests.
The so-called appreciation and motivation were mostly just nice-sounding embellishnts.
This was normal too; only when one's own interests are involved can one be so invested.
"Primordial Tide..."
Garoth didn't imdiately agree or refuse. Instead, he seized on this key piece of information and posed a question. "What exactly is that place? What special effects does it have?"
This was a term not detailed in his inherited knowledge.
Seeing Garoth's interest, the old gold dragon perked up and explained in detail. "Just as its na proclaims, it is a place where magical tides have gathered since ancient tis, even involving the domain of ti."
"Any dragon who enters it can receive unimaginably imnse enhancent."
" Its effect is roughly equivalent to undergoing a period of slumber in an extrely short ti."
"It is one of the foundational strongholds of the Vophal Dragon Domain. This opportunity is once in a thousand years."
Ovis didn't forget to emphasize its preciousness.
That powerful?
An effect equivalent to an extra slumber?
Doesn't that an I might reach the Legendary Domain in a short ti?
Garoth's heart gave a slight jolt, stirring with so ripples.
Although he had defeated and killed a Level 21 Legendary Sword Saint, he was deeply aware that wanting to steadily protect the foundation of the Molten Iron Tribe in the upcoming wilderness conflicts was still full of variables.
Those human kingdoms had deep reserves; they certainly possessed more than one legendary powerhouse.
Moreover, there were bound to be legends of higher levels among them.
If he could break through to the legendary realm in a short ti within the "Primordial Tide Chamber," that would be ideal for him, giving him more trump cards for the future.
He was currently stuck at the peak of Level 20, the pinnacle of the mundane, lacking precisely an opportunity.
As for breaking through in a life-or-death extre situation... that was possible, but Garoth preferred a more secure thod.
Nasha beside him also spoke up at the right mont, saying, "Garoth, agree to it. This really is a rare opportunity."
"My father, as one of the dragon domain elders, has perford many ritorious services for the domain over the years, which grants him so special authority. But even so, aside from his direct descendants, wanting to let another dragon enter the 'Primordial Tide Chamber' requires him to pay a sowhat painful price to persuade the other elders to agree."
Hearing this, the red iron dragon pondered for a mont but still didn't nod imdiately.
He looked at Ovis and asked seriously, "If I agree to represent the Vophal Dragon Domain in the competition, does that an I need to abide by the complex internal rules of the dragon domain and be subject to certain restrictions?"
"Or, besides that, are there other hidden costs I need to pay?"
Hearing this question, Ovis shook his massive head slightly, replying in a firm tone, "You can rest assured on that point."
"Our five great dragon domains have always adhered to the principles of inclusiveness and openness since ancient tis, welcoming all orderly and powerful dragons to visit, exchange, or even settle. There are indeed so basic rules that need to be collectively observed, but as long as you don't intentionally cause destruction within the domain or harm other dragons without reason, there won't be significant constraints."
He paused, giving a clearer guarantee.
"Once all the competitions are over, regardless of the outco, whether you wish to continue as a guest in the dragon domain or leave imdiately to return to your territory, it will be entirely your own decision. We will not force you!"
"The gold dragon clan has always valued promises and credibility. You can be completely at ease on this point."
"As for other costs? None needed. This is a fair transaction. You help win the bet; I pay you the deserved reward, including the opportunity to enter the 'Primordial Tide Chamber.' It's that simple."
To be fair, the terms Ovis offered were indeed extrely generous and granted a very high degree of freedom.
Garoth quickly weighed the pros and cons in his mind.
Establishing so connection with the deeply entrenched tal Dragon domains was not a bad thing for him.
This could not only grant access to scarce resources and valuable knowledge, broadening his horizons, but even... allow him to understand those potential, future opponents or allies more deeply.
At this mont, the old gold dragon looked at Garoth and said, "How about this? You seem like soone who dislikes trouble."
"For you, fighting through round after round of competition would just be a waste of ti. I know how strong you are; there's no need to go through those unnecessary elimination matches."
He paused slightly before continuing. "I will personally persuade the elders of the other dragon domains to make a small, reasonable adjustnt to the tournant format."
"Let the young dragons from the other dragon domains first determine a publicly acknowledged strongest contender according to the original schedule."
"Then, this outstanding dragon who erges will issue you the final challenge."
Alberto, hearing this plan beside him, imdiately widened his eyes in surprise. "This... this can work?"
He couldn't help but imagine that scene in his mind.
The young dragons of the five great dragon domains fighting fiercely in the arena, but ultimately, the strongest contender born after round after round of duels, symbolizing the highest level of the young generation of the dragon domains, would only earn the qualification to challenge Garoth... Just thinking about that scene made Alberto feel an inexplicable excitent and thrill.
He wished he could replace Garoth and beco that highly anticipated focal point.
Old Gold Dragon Ovis glanced at his rebellious son's yearning face and said, "If you could also independently slay a legend, proving you possess power that crushes your generation, then you could receive this special treatnt too."
"And by then, I promise I will never interfere with any of your ideas or actions again and will even fully support you."
After saying this, the old gold dragon turned his gaze back to the red iron dragon.
He asked solemnly, "So, Garoth, what do you think?"
No need for tedious competitions; the champion is rely the threshold to et ... The red iron dragon finally hesitated no longer and slowly nodded, saying, "Since you value so highly and have offered such generous and convenient conditions, if I continue to refuse, that would be far too ungrateful and would fail to live up to such great kindness."
Hearing this, Ovis was imdiately overjoyed.
He seed to already see those bet treasures beckoning to him and let out a loud, hearty laugh.
"Good! Excellent! Hahaha! Now let's see how those old fellows can keep acting so high and mighty! The treasures they've hidden for years are all going to beco mine!"
In his great mood, looking at the red iron dragon again, he felt he looked more and more pleasing to the eye.
"Then, it's settled! There are still a few years of preparation ti before the next joint competition of the five great dragon domains officially begins. When the ti cos, I'll have Nasha or Alberto notify you in advance, and they will take you to the Vophal Dragon Domain."
At this point, the old gold dragon's gaze swept over the wounds covering Garoth's body.
"Before that, let treat these injuries of yours a little first."
As he spoke, he raised his dragon claw.
Hum—!
One holy vow rune after another, like ignited stars, lit up in succession on the vambrace of his forearm, densely packed, weaving together into a resplendent and majestic pattern of light.
Clearly, he was a legendary gold dragon on the Saint-Dragon path.
"Divine Healing of the Guiding Spirit!"
Old Gold Dragon Ovis's expression turned solemn as he uttered the skill na in a low, authoritative voice, making a grasping motion with his dragon claw toward the red iron dragon.
In an instant, white light enveloped the red iron dragon from the outside in.
It felt like warm sunlight, yet also like a gentle, flowing stream.
In a comfortable sensation, it instantly dispelled the lingering sword energy within his wounds and, at the sa ti, caused his wounds to heal at a speed visible to the naked eye.
Garoth's condition was rapidly improving.
This ant he no longer needed to recuperate through a lengthy slumber and could return to peak condition faster to deal with any potential incidents.
As Garoth's injuries healed rapidly, the Battle-Hardened Patterns concealed beneath the rolled-back flesh also beca clearly visible.
Ovis's eyes lit up again, flashing with a trace of astonishnt.
"Hiss, he has more of these Battle-Hardened Patterns than I do. Just how many injuries has he suffered? It's a sure thing, absolutely sure!"
The last trace of uncertainty in his heart also vanished, and the smile on his face grew even more relaxed.
After healing Garoth's injuries for the most part, the old gold dragon ended the holy healing spell.
"I look forward to seeing you again in the dragon domain next ti, Garoth. I believe that by then, you will definitely bring an even greater surprise to all dragons."
The old gold dragon said with a beaming smile.
Then, he turned his gaze to Nasha and Alberto, who had been standing by the side all along. The amiable smile on his face instantly vanished, his gaze turning cold and sharp, becoming full of authority.
The old gold dragon asked in a deep voice, "You two, what are your plans now?"
"Do you want to continue staying in this wilderness experiencing life, or... obediently co back to the dragon domain with ?"
Nasha imdiately utilized the innate advantage of being a daughter, twisting her body and speaking in a tone laced with coquettishness. "My dear father, don't be angry. I just couldn't help indulging in a tiny bit of fun."
"Besides, I wasn't purely playing around. I'm Level 18 now, an improvent compared to before."
"And think about it, if it weren't for this, where would you have discovered Garoth?"
"This counts as making up for my mistake, no, it counts as having rendered a great service."
Hearing his daughter's words, the old gold dragon's expression softened slightly.
Clearly, this line of reasoning worked quite well on him.
However, when it ca to Alberto, the atmosphere changed abruptly.
He could be seen raising his head high and puffing out his chest, striking a pose of unyielding integrity, and declaring righteously, "Old man! Put away that act! I tell you, you can force my body for a ti, but you can never control my soul, which pursues freedom and greatness, for a lifeti!"
"I am a dragon destined to build a Golden Order and illuminate a vaster sky."
"The small pond of the dragon domain cannot contain ."
Old Gold Dragon Ovis listened to his rebellious son's grand declaration, the corner of his eye twitching slightly, and a faint trace of bloodshot veins seed to appear in his eyes due to barely suppressed anger.
He stopped wasting words and said slowly, "Good, very good."
"Nasha can continue staying outside to play for a while longer; I won't force her. But Alberto—"
The old gold dragon stated with indisputable authority, "You, must, imdiately, co back to the dragon domain with !"
Hearing this, Nasha quietly winked at Red Iron Dragon Garoth, revealing a pleased, happy, victorious smile.
Alberto, however, reacted like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, protesting indignantly, "No! I belong to a vaster world! I absolutely refuse to go back..."
Thud!
With a clean, crisp thud, Alberto's impassioned speech ca to an abrupt halt.
Ovis had sohow already appeared beside him, his dragon claw gently stroking the back of Alberto's head.
Thus, Alberto's eyes rolled back, his massive body swayed, then his head lolled to the side as he cleanly and efficiently passed out. The world instantly beca quiet.
Ovis extended a claw with disdain, plucked off all those fake dragon horns on Alberto's head that he found utterly unsightly, casually tossed them aside, and then picked up the completely unconscious gold dragon.
"My apologies. I'm not usually such an irritable dragon."
The old gold dragon said slowly.
Garoth: "I understand. If it were , I'd only hit harder."
Imdiately after, the old gold dragon nodded to Garoth, then gave Nasha a few more instructions. Finally, carrying Alberto, he headed back in the direction of the Vophal Dragon Domain.
By now, night had quietly fallen.
The stars and twin moons, real or illusory, suspended high in the firmant, shimred with faint light, taking in this entire scene.
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