Defeating the World with the Power of One Dragon! Chapter 527: The Sky City Plummets to the Earth 57

The Red Emperor Capital.

This capital, nestled in the heart of the Rhen Plateau, was like a colossal beast crouching upon the earth. Having weathered over forty years of storms, it had beco the most magnificent urban wonder on the Romanian Plains.

To the south of the capital stood a super-giant, obelisk-shaped structure.

It was cast from magical alloy, its entire surface engraved with intricate dragon patterns. The building stood hundreds of stories high, each floor's observation platform wide enough for a dragon to turn around.

Countless dragons soared and circled around the structure.

Young red dragons, black dragons, and blue dragons flapped their wings, causing gusts of air as they landed on the platforms or took off from them, their wings spreading to blot out small patches of the sky.

The higher one looked, the fewer the dragons, but the more massive their builds and the more intense their life auras.

Near the cloud layer, one could occasionally catch a glimpse of legendary dragons slowly gliding past.

Its highest point, however, already pierced into the clouds.

And this was the supre symbol of authority for the entire Aola Kingdom, the Dragon Court located within the Red Emperor Capital.

Below the Dragon Court lay the glorious kingdom: farmlands spread out like a chessboard, mines operated day and night, and caravans crawled like ants along the roads. Within the Dragon Court were the mighty dragons themselves: they dwelled, fought, and bred, forming the kingdom's pillars. And above the Dragon Court was the Red Emperor who controlled everything.

Whoosh!

A fierce current of wind swept past the floating clouds, brushing against Garoth's scales with a faint friction sound.

At this mont, he stood at the highest level of the Dragon Court.

From here, a sea of clouds churned beneath his feet, occasionally parting to reveal the mottled colors of the world.

Compared to over forty years ago, the red iron dragon's body length from head to tail had reached forty-eight ters. His skeleton was more refined, the exaggerated, oppressive muscle bulk from before had receded sowhat, making his overall appearance denser and more formidable.

The once outwardly exposed ferocity and sharp edges had been tempered inward.

Yet, the majestic aura befitting a monarch was stronger than ever.

This change was achieved through a diet of nearly three days of hunger followed by nine als, drinking black oil like water, and pushing through intense training.

Even so, Garoth's life level had still risen by one rank.

Although he controlled his eating, he hadn't held back on consuming high-energy substances like black oil, gemstones, and precious tals.

Furthermore, his respiratory and digestive systems had undergone profound strengthening.

Each of Garoth's long, drawn-out breaths could draw more ambient energy from the air. During als, his digestive system's efficiency in converting food energy had greatly increased, with minimal waste.

"In terms of energy absorption and conversion efficiency, it currently seems to be rely an accumulation of 'quantity' and an increase in 'intensity.' There's still so distance from triggering a qualitative change."

"This level of evolution will most likely still require slumber to complete."

Garoth gathered his thoughts, assessing himself.

As he had grown over these years, his evolution talent had also strengthened.

The problem was, his current body was too powerful.

The difficulty of remodeling and reshaping a legendary physique was not on the sa plane as that of a mundane body.

Given the current strength and resilience of Garoth's body, completing a significant qualitative evolutionary leap still required ti to accumulate change.

However, he never lacked ti.

For a normal dragon, the ti he needed for evolution was rely a noteworthy ripple in the long river of life.

Imdiately after, Garoth turned his gaze westward, towards the direction of the Arotala Continent.

By now, the true nature of the calamity sweeping across the Arotala Continent could no longer be concealed.

As the conflict between the elves and the orcs intensified, many pieces of information surfaced, reaching the Atlantis Continent via rchant ships, wandering spellcasters, and transnational intelligence networks.

It was an invisible plague of destruction, terd the "Frenzied Curse" by elven scholars.

It would lie dormant within a host, behaving normally when the host wasn't angry, even enhancing the host's combat instincts.

However, it possessed extrely high contagiousness and penetrating power.

An angry glare, blood splattered during combat, or even briefly sharing a confined space could beco transmission routes.

Even legendary Domains could not completely block it; a mont of carelessness could lead to infection.

If it were rely the Frenzied Calamity, it might have been manageable.

The Nausil Empire itself possessed a highly advanced magical civilization. After the initial chaos, they had already researched barrier arrays to curb its spread, even developing so potions and purification rituals to alleviate symptoms.

However, the orcs arrived.

After the orcs of the Kantum Empire set foot on the Arotala Continent aboard their massive fleets, they imdiately launched a fierce assault on the elves.

The flas of war disrupted the elves' epidemic prevention deploynts, bringing disaster response efforts to a standstill.

The Frenzied Curse spread once more, even reaching the orc armies.

Helpless, the elves released detailed information about the calamity, attempting to make the orcs realize the severity of the situation and temporarily cease hostilities to jointly address the crisis.

But the orcs paid it no heed, even growing more excited.

Most of these savages were warlike; eight out of ten were employed in professions like berserker or war priest.

Many orcs actively sought infection with the Frenzied Curse to beco stronger.

They discovered that in a state where frenzied fla scorched their reason, combat instincts were amplified to the extre, and pain could instead stimulate the eruption of potential.

They quite enjoyed the sensation of their brains being seared by rage.

Thus, the Arotala Continent descended into complete chaos.

The elves wanted to control the epidemic but had to deal with war; the orcs fought while actively seeking infection; ordinary civilians struggled to survive amidst the dual disasters.

"The frenzied fla on cos from Gorthax, and he obtained it from a fallen teorite."

"The elves explored the stars. Subsequently, a teor shower struck the Arotala Continent, bringing the calamity, bringing the Frenzied Curse. And this Frenzied Curse is most likely also frenzied fla."

The red iron dragon silently thought.

That the frenzied fla originated from the vast starry sky was basically confird.

Interestingly, in the information released by the elves, it was explicitly ntioned that infected individuals would feel a powerful instinct to spread the frenzied fla.

The thod was also simple.

Infecting others through the fury of combat.

But Gorthax, suspected to be the first infected on the Atlantis Continent, did not spread it.

That mad dragon used rage radiation in combat, but primarily through "Wild Dragon" spell-like abilities combined with frenzied fla to produce ntal shocks, rather than truly spreading the source of his own frenzied fla.

Garoth later adopted a similar thod of use.

Thinking about it carefully, he could probably guess that mad dragon's thoughts.

"Mine! The power of the frenzied fla is all mine! It belongs only to , Gorthax!"

It was roughly this kind of twisted possessiveness.

That fellow Gorthax, with his chaotic thinking, had forcefully suppressed the frenzied fla's instinct to spread, only failing to continue the suppression when he was finally killed, thus infecting Garoth.

And Garoth could not tolerate being influenced either.

After being infected, he imdiately set aside other matters, concentrating all his ntal energy to adapt to the frenzied fla until he could suppress it.

This pair of dragon father and son, for their own reasons—one due to insane possessiveness, the other due to extre rationality—both confined the frenzied fla to themselves. If it had been other creatures, perhaps the Frenzied Curse would have swept across the Atlantis Continent first.

Now, the frenzied fla was no longer a trouble for Garoth.

Gazing in the direction of the Arotala Continent, he could feel an intangible call, as if a fla of the sa origin in the distance resonated. Yet, the frenzied fla in his heart did not boil over because of it; it rely burned quietly, completely obedient to his will.

Through the isolation of the Serene Spirit Wilderness from the frenzied fla's source, Garoth had completely mastered this power.

Even when the frenzied fla burned at its most violent and intense, he would still not lose his reason.

His Wild State had also undergone a qualitative change because of this. When activating it, he no longer needed to worry too much and could let the frenzied fla burn freely, purely converting it into an amplification of combat power.

Most crucially, the frenzied fla could also cooperate with psychic skills.

Crackle!

Within the red iron dragon's eyes, faint strands of spiritual energy light shimred.

Under his gaze, an invisible ball of frenzied fla ignited in mid-air.

It had no temperature or light, invisible to the naked eye.

But if a living being stood in that spot, they would feel rage rise from the depths of their heart for no reason, their reason scorched, combat instincts overriding all thought.

"I can ignore the weakening of magical domains and directly ignite frenzied fla within a target's heart, scorching their reason. This move can deal well with those mages who rely on calm spellcasting."

A mont later, the light in his eyes faded.

Garoth had taken up the Mind Sorcerer path as a secondary cultivation. His current level was not high, nor had he mastered many powerful psychic spells.

But with the cooperation of his True Eye and the frenzied fla, he could already achieve excellent results.

However, Garoth's primary purpose in cultivating this secondary path was not combat.

Things that could affect the mind, like frenzied fla, emotion fruits... were not few in number.

Even with his "Heart Like Iron" trait, Garoth could not completely immunize himself against all influences; he would be disturbed to so extent.

Cultivating the psychic path allowed him to better control his own thoughts, minimizing such influences to the lowest degree.

And this, in essence, was still to better harness his own power.

Using reason to harness power remained one of the tenets Garoth steadfastly adhered to.

It was dawn.

On the distant horizon, the colossal sun was slowly rising, pouring out the light and heat accumulated throughout the night unreservedly onto the boundless sea of clouds.

In an instant, the world was set ablaze.

Cloud waves rolled, like liquid fire and gold boiling and colliding. Shadows and dazzling patches of light chased and played across the cloud sea, composing a magnificent, grand painting.

"A path to heaven paved by fiery clouds, only the red crown rides the morning star."

The dragon murmured softly.

Then, he lowered his massive head, his gaze piercing through the gaps in the cloud sea.

From here, he could look down upon the entire Red Emperor Capital without obstruction. His vision extended further; the undulating mountain silhouettes of the Rhen Plateau rose and fell like a dragon's spine. Even farther, the blurred outlines of other nations at the edge of the plains flickered on the horizon.

Almost all dragons favored this feeling of being at the highest point, looking down upon everything.

The status of Aola's dragons was, in fact, also reflected in their height position within the Dragon Court.

Ordinary dragonkind resided on the lower levels, elite dragonkind in the middle, and legends and high-ranking mbers on the upper levels.

And the highest point of the Dragon Court belonged to the Red Emperor.

He was above all other dragons.

However, when this dragon monarch looked down upon the earth, although he felt his mind broaden, he did not feel pride because of it.

Because he knew he, too, was among those being "looked down upon."

Garoth raised his head again, gazing into the far distance.

In the higher, more distant airspace, above the sky of the central continent, he could see so faint, hazy outlines of giant cities.

Those were Halden's Sky Cities.

Just as Garoth looked down upon the Romanian Plains, the people of Halden seed to look down upon the entire Atlantis Continent.

"This behemoth has grown even stronger in recent years."

Garoth's dragon pupils contracted slightly, adjusting focus to see more detailed things clearly.

"The Abyssal developnt project... has brought Halden nearly limitless resources. They've even grown disdainful of contending with other empires, focusing solely on their own developnt."

Over these decades, the Aola Kingdom had achieved trendous developnt.

Behind this, besides the dividends of war, the developnt of the Serene Spirit Wilderness also contributed greatly.

Therefore, he clearly understood what benefits Halden could reap from the Abyss.

The Abyss was indeed dangerous.

Demons, evil gods, dangerous rules, sanity-eroding auras... each was enough to collapse a mortal nation.

But great risks often ant enormous returns.

Halden had already benefited imasurably, now completely adopting an aloof, transcendent stance.

They no longer intervened in continental hegemony, no longer paid attention to other nations, as if the entire Material Plane was beneath their notice.

As if sensing sothing, the red iron dragon suddenly narrowed his eyes.

Imdiately after, he retrieved a communication device flickering with lightning from his spatial storage.

This was a communication device given to him by the Helmod Dragonflight—no, now it should be said, by the blue dragons of the Breckton Thunder Kingdom.

"Your Majesty Ignas, good day."

A familiar draconic tongue ca through after the device activated.

Garoth recognized this voice.

It belonged to the Ancient Blue Dragon Kaelzorg. When Breckton established its kingdom, he had contacted Garoth, expressing congratulations on the Aola Kingdom's dominance of the Romanian Plains. Garoth had also offered ceremonial congratulations on their kingdom's founding.

"Kaelzorg,"

The red iron dragon responded calmly, "The Thunder Kingdom was established not long ago. How have you been faring recently?"

"Quite well."

The other side paused briefly; faint thunder and the sound of surging waves could be heard in the background, as if he was by the sea. "Though there are so minor troubles, they are all under control."

This was another voice.

Deep as rolling thunder, more profound and dangerous than Kaelzorg's, like a thunderstorm churning over the sea, making one imdiately imagine dark clouds pressing down, lightning tearing the sky.

Garoth's expression grew a touch more serious.

"How should I address you?"

"That na is Lamorein."

The voice said, "Nowadays, more call the Lord of Thunder." After a pause, the voice continued, "Red Emperor, from now on, I shall speak with you directly."

"Kaelzorg, you may withdraw."

"Yes, Father." The blue dragon's voice faded into the distance.

Lamorein Helmod, Lord of Thunder.

He was the eldest of the three Helmod brothers, an Ancient Blue Dragon.

After the simple introduction, Lamorein got straight to the point: "The coastal nations have ford an Anti-Evil Dragon Alliance, attempting to destroy my kingdom. You should already know this."

A month ago, several western coastal kingdoms jointly announced the formation of an allied army.

They assembled a large number of legends and legions, using the slogan "Purge the evil dragons, restore peace to the coast." This matter had caused quite a stir across the Atlantis Continent; Aola's intelligence departnt naturally had detailed reports.

"This is a challenge the Breckton Kingdom must inevitably face."

Garoth stated.

On the other side, the Lord of Thunder seed to grin, a thunder-like reverberation coming through.

"I have never feared challenges, much less those self-proclaid righteous alliances."

"Heh, they ca with the glory of the crown-level and vows of dragon-slaying. And I, just monts ago, together with my kin, delivered them destruction."

"Anti-Evil Dragon Alliance?"

"When the last crown-level's body was crushed beneath , its banner burning in the torrential rain, it had already fallen apart."

"The routed army is fleeing back to their respective nations. My forces are in pursuit, but not to slaughter—to drive them, to let them carry the news of defeat back."

"Fear shall arrive at their walls ahead of my wings."

Garoth listened quietly.

This event must have just occurred; Aola's intelligence network hadn't received the news yet.

However, regarding this outco, there wasn't much ripple in his eyes.

The fact that the Helmod Dragonflight could previously stir up trouble under the pursuit of dragon domains and various nations already proved their strength and capabilities.

Moreover, they had entertained the idea of founding a kingdom a century ago but always restrained themselves, only taking formal action recently. Since they dared to establish a kingdom, they must have made thorough preparations or gained corresponding confidence.

The only thing that puzzled Garoth sowhat was: the Raging Tides Dragon Domain seed not to have intervened.

The Purification Faction dragons, led by the Bronze Dragon Lord, hated evil and loathed evil dragons. They absolutely would not sit idly by while their hostile Helmod Dragonflight established a kingdom.

If the tal Dragons had joined the battle, the Breckton Kingdom's current situation would be hard to predict.

Had sothing happened within the dragon domains? Or had these blue dragons long anticipated this, knowing the tal Dragons would remain silent?

Find ti to ask Ovis; he might know sothing.

Garoth silently thought to himself.

"Congratulations, Lord of Thunder."

The red iron dragon collected his thoughts and said, "Using the bones of enemies as foundation stones is the best way to solidify a kingdom. However, you specifically contacted ; it shouldn't be rely to share the joy of victory."

"Of course not."

Lamorein's voice regained its steadiness, but the sharpness of an apex predator did not fade.

"Having cleared the weeds before my doorstep, it's ti to look at the scenery farther afield."

"Red Emperor, Garoth Ignas, your Aola Kingdom is now the undisputed uncrowned king of the Romanian Plains, the ruler of the vast northern lands. And my Breckton Kingdom, having swept aside the obstacles before us, will not take long to truly control the long western coastline and the fertile river valleys, becoming the hegemon of the western region."

Here, his tone shifted.

"But we both know the true stage has never been limited to the regions beneath our feet."

"In Atlantis, the central continent is the land of abundance, strewn with gems and gold, with the most fertile plains, the richest mineral veins, the greatest wealth."

"That is where dragons should have their hunting grounds."

Garoth fell silent for a second.

He asked, "What are you trying to convey?"

Lamorein spoke slowly, his pace deliberate, each word enunciated heavily: "We should turn our gaze towards places that can let us advance further. For example, letting the central continent fall under the shadow of our wings."

Hearing this, Garoth suddenly offered congratulations:

"Then, first, I must congratulate you, Lord of Thunder Lamorein. Congratulations on officially stepping into the Immortal realm."

The other side was clearly taken aback.

Lamorein said, "Hmm? Immortality is one of my pursuits, but I am still far from the Immortal realm..." As his words fell, he also discerned the red iron dragon's subtext.

[You haven't beco Immortal, yet dare to provoke Halden? How many lives do you have?]

After a brief silence, a low chuckle ca from the communication device, devoid of anger.

"Heh, you worry about Halden."

"All their cities have detached from the earth, residing high in the sea of clouds, like palaces of deities looking down upon mortals. But this also ans..."

"The surface? Red Emperor, you should know they no longer value the central continent at all."

"All Halden outposts located on the surface have been abandoned: mines sealed, farms deserted, even the cores removed from magic towers. Those lands await our occupation."

Garoth revealed a contemplative expression.

Within Aola's intelligence network, collecting information on Halden was of paramount importance.

He did indeed know Halden's current state.

Since the last ground-based city ascended into the sky twenty years ago, they had abandoned all surface industries.

It seed the resources obtained from the Abyss could fully et their needs, and in a more convenient manner than acquiring them in the Material Plane.

The central continent now appeared to be ownerless land.

Forr Halden mines were overgrown with weeds, their forr pastures occupied by beasts, their forr fortresses reduced to empty walls.

But who could guarantee Halden truly didn't care?

Other nations, especially those bordering the central continent, though sowhat covetous, hadn't truly extended their claws.

Everyone was watching and waiting, afraid this might be so sort of test by Halden.

From the Lord of Thunder's aning, he seed to want to be the first to try.

And pulling him in was most likely to share the risk.

"I know what you're concerned about."

The Ancient Blue Dragon's tone carried a hint of amusent. "However, I can assure you, Halden will not care about gains and losses on the surface."

"At present, they have more pressing matters to deal with."

Lamorein's voice lowered slightly as he said with a chuckle, "Transcendent and aloof? Heh, rely a temporary brilliance."

Was this fellow truly privy to so secret, or was he being deliberately mysterious?

Garoth pondered thoughtfully.

If it were true, it was indeed an opportunity.

The resources of the central continent were enough to elevate the Aola Kingdom another step.

But if it were false, or if Lamorein's intelligence was mistaken, then the nation first setting foot on the central continent would inevitably bear Halden's wrath.

However, as the saying goes, kings should not et.

Regardless, while the Halden Empire still existed, he would not rashly set foot on the central continent.

The Aola Kingdom's developnt montum was excellent; steady and solid progress was the correct path.

Garoth prepared to flatly refuse.

But at that mont, his pupils suddenly contracted.

The Lord of Thunder on the other end of the communication device also fell silent, as if noticing sothing, holding his breath temporarily.

"This?!"

The red iron dragon raised his head, staring intently at the sky.

In the high, distant airspace, among the outlines of those Sky Cities, a small black dot began to sway.

It wasn't a star, nor a bird, but sothing detaching from a Sky City. It tilted and fell, its speed increasing under gravity's pull, its originally tiny outline growing clearer and larger.

It was a tower.

A spire falling from the edge of a Sky City.

And this was only the beginning. This Sky City shook violently. Then, accompanied by the collapse of more structures, the entire Sky City began to tilt, began to plumt towards the earth.