Chapter 575: Zi Yan Emerges from Retreat
The self-destruction of a three-star Dou Saint is naturally terrifying. The dispersal of energy even affected Dragon Island, which had already been distanced from the battlefield. The united forces of the three Dragon Islands were also heavily impacted. Fortunately, the Elders of the three islands did not abandon their subordinates and protected those who had fallen unconscious, whose lives were hanging by a thread.
Despite suffering a heavy soul injury from Xiao Ze's Thunderous Rage, the Elders still retained some strength due to their two-star Dou Saint level and the distance from the explosion site of the West Dragon King. Thus, their losses were not as severe as they could have been.
Qing Lin and Xiao Yi Xian, witnessing the terrible power of a Dou Saint's self-destruction, truly understood the fearsome force behind such an act. Under their restraint, the Elders of the three islands couldn't escape, especially as Xiao Ze's attention turned towards them after resolving the situation. Realizing that matters had settled, the people of Dragon Island hurried towards Xiao Ze's location, their voices reaching him before they arrived.
"On behalf of Dragon Island, we thank Lord Xiao Ze for saving us in our time of need!"
The three Elders of Dragon Island bowed deeply to Xiao Ze, who gently levitated them with his fighting spirit. "There's no need to be so formal, Elders. Dragon Island supports Zi Yan of the Tai Xu Ancient Dragon lineage; naturally, I would lend my full support."
Xiao Ze made it clear that his intervention was for Zi Yan, also giving her additional prestige as a Dragon Emperor. The Elders nodded understandingly, knowing they weren't the reason for Xiao Ze's help and were delighted that Zi Yan could befriend such a powerful ally—a friend not only beneficial for her but also for their clan.
Hearing Xiao Ze's implication, Candle Elder quickly added, "Rest assured, Lord Xiao Ze, Dragon Island will undoubtedly support Zi Yan as the new Dragon Emperor of the Tai Xu Ancient Dragon lineage. If anyone opposes her, I personally will deal with them!"
The other two Elders nodded in agreement. Being less acquainted with Xiao Ze and having only met him that day, they preferred Candle Elder, who had more frequent interactions with Xiao Ze, to communicate on their behalf.
After discussing the future, the topic shifted to the fate of the three islands' combined army. The Elders looked to one another before Candle Elder asked Xiao Ze for his opinion. "Lord Xiao Ze, how do you propose we handle them? After all, you resolved this crisis single-handedly."
"I don't have any specific thoughts; after all, it's an internal matter for the Tai Xu Ancient Dragons," Xiao Ze replied, preferring not to take too much control. If Zi Yan had asked him to intervene, he might have considered it, but with her still in retreat, he felt his current involvement was sufficient.
"Then let's see if the army of the three islands is willing to surrender. If they are, we'll investigate their actions and settle accounts accordingly," Candle Elder proposed after a moment's thought. "Those who harmed Dragon Island or opposed the Emperor will not be spared. But if they haven't caused harm, they can be punished and, if willing, swear loyalty anew to the Emperor."
"That sounds reasonable," Xiao Ze agreed, advising the Elders to make the final decision.
With Xiao Ze's approval, the Elders approached the army of the three islands. "Now that those who falsely claimed kingship are either severely injured or dead, do you still wish to serve them?" they declared. "Zi Yan bears the purest imperial blood of the Tai Xu Ancient Dragon lineage and is the rightful new Dragon Emperor. We offer you a chance to rejoin under her rule. Will you serve her loyally and without regret?"
Addressing mainly the conscious leaders and semi-saints of the three islands, they awaited responses. These dragons, aware of their precarious situation and Xiao Ze's indifference, felt relieved; they knew resistance would provoke his wrath. Given a second wave of Thunderous Rage could annihilate them, they readily agreed to support Zi Yan, voicing their allegiance.
As the Elders were securing the allegiance of the three islands, Xiao Ze sensed a powerful surge from Dragon Island—a magnificent purple-gold column of light rose from the Dragon Palace, its overwhelming royal bloodline pressure forcing all Tai Xu Ancient Dragons to kneel.
Zi Yan had emerged from her retreat, her cultivation reaching the mid-Dou Saint stage.
"Zi Yan has truly soared to the heavens, even surpassing my own cultivation level," Xiao Ze mused, feeling content. "Well, soon I'll have my chance to ascend as well..."
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