Chapter 973: Slumbering Breakthrough, the Team of Principle Evolution (I)

At the center of the scorched magma world, a colossal dragon with nine blazing heads loomed, its 12,000-meter-long body appearing as though forged from molten lava. Staring at it, the Destructive Dragon Emperor let out a thunderous growl that shook the world.

Welcome to the Dragon Palace. From this moment on, you are the fourteenth dragon king of the Dragon Palace—the King of the Magma Hell.

Though this Ancient Magma Dragon had been subdued within a few strikes, its strength wasn’t to be underestimated. As a late-stage ancient titan that had refined an entire magma world, it was immensely powerful.

𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝙬𝙚𝓫𝒏𝓸𝓿𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝙤𝓶

Each of its nine heads possessed a unique innate ability. One such ability, which affected perception and awareness, had even caused the Dragon Emperor to feel as if time itself had halted in its Dark-Red Form.

This was why the Dragon Emperor had directly entered its Endbringer Form, overwhelming the magma dragon with absolute force.

Otherwise, even if it could suppress the magma dragon with just the peak-ancient-titan-level strength of its Dark-Red Form, it would have taken time and effort.

The golden-black colossal beast let out a deep growl.

Let's go, Catasthea. From now on, you will follow behind me and help conquer the remaining areas of the Chaotic Region.

According to the Dragon Emperor’s estimation, they had already swept across most of the Chaotic Region. Only about 2.5 million kilometers remained before the conquest would be complete.

The nine-headed magma dragon roared, its flames reigniting.

I shall now become your claw, clearing all obstacles ahead. Under your glorious leadership, the empire’s name shall echo throughout the vast world, striking fear into billions of living beings. Your brilliance shall illuminate eternity, an everlasting presence across the ages.

The Dragon Emperor glanced at the nine fervent heads.

These compliments are unnecessary. They sound hollow and insincere.

Yes, great King Thunder Fiery.

Despite saying that, this creature’s stiff flattery was still far more palatable than those like the Blue Giant Crab, who only knew how to shout things like "so awesome" and "unbelievable."

Before they departed, the Ancient Magma Dragon needed to first devour the world it had refined. As the passage trembled and split, the massive golden-black colossal beast, 11,000 meters long, slowly stepped forward. Each step shattered the ground and sent tremors through heaven and earth.

The moment the Dragon Emperor emerged, a suffocating gravitational force spread across hundreds of kilometers. Countless fragments of rock floated midair, suspended around it.

Within this range, the laws of heaven and earth collapsed, gravity vanished, and the scene became utterly surreal. This was even with the Dragon Emperor consciously restraining its power.

Ao Tian, you were incredible. That moment when you tore apart that big guy even made the great Saixitia tremble with excitement. So bloody, so violent!

The Silver Colossal Dragon howled joyfully, smashing meteoroids in its path as it circled the Dragon Emperor, letting out high-pitched, excited roars.

Compared to the ecstatic Silver Dragon, the Golden-Blue Colossal Dragon remained elegant and composed, standing quietly as it gazed upon the Dragon Emperor’s massive form with a burning intensity in its eyes.

The Dragon Emperor, standing on all fours, had shoulders nearly 4,000 meters tall. Its tail, over 5,000 meters long, stretched across the void like a jagged mountain range. In contrast, the Golden-Blue and Silver Dragons, only 1,400 meters in length and just over 600 meters tall at the shoulder, looked no different from children before it.

Boom!

Suddenly, the magma world embedded in the void behind them began to tremble. The extinguished black volcanic rock shattered, and endless magma erupted from deep beneath the surface.

In the blink of an eye, the entire world was once again engulfed in lava and fire. All of the searing flames gathered together, forming the immense figure of the nine-headed colossal dragon.

As it roared repeatedly, the entire world quaked violently. Chains of fire principle power stretched from earth to sky, and the magma world gradually turned ethereal. Once it vanished, the massive form of the nine-headed colossal dragon reemerged from the raging void.

Immediately, a suffocating pressure belonging to the late stage of the ancient titan level swept outward. The Silver and Golden-Blue Dragons staggered beneath its weight, their inner energies flaring in preparation to resist. Just then, however, an invisible wave of principle power spread across the void and blocked the searing oppression that filled the space.

The Ancient Magma Dragon took a step forward. Its thick claws pressed into the void as golden magma flowed beneath it, dissolving everything in its path and forming a blazing corridor through the sky.

As it approached, its frame even larger than the Dragon Emperor's, it cast a vast shadow across the void. Its nine flaming heads turned to face the Silver Dragon.

Weak draconic beast, before you stands the fourteenth dragon king of the Dragon Palace, the great Catasthea. You’d best show proper respect.

In front of a late-stage ancient-titan-level Magma Dragon, two peak mythical dragons were no different from infants, and in the world of colossal beasts, power determined all. It didn't even take them seriously.

Still, because the Silver and Golden-Blue Dragons had spoken politely and seemed familiar with the Dragon Emperor, the Magma Dragon had taken the initiative to greet them. In its view, introducing its status and asking them to pay respect was already showing them considerable courtesy.

It hadn’t expected that just as it finished speaking, the supposedly weak Silver Dragon would suddenly raise its head and roar.

Before you stands the first dragon king of the Dragon Palace, and also the great dragon king of the empire—Saixitia, King of Storms and Frost.

The Magma Dragon’s nine heads all froze in place, as if doubting whether it had just misheard.

The Golden-Blue Dragon also came forward, letting out a low rumble.

And I am the seventh dragon king of the Dragon Palace—Thorsafi, the Celestial Annihilator Dragon King.

I didn't mishear. These two seemingly weak mythical-level dragons are, in fact, genuine dragon kings of the Dragon Palace. Especially that Silver Dragon. It is not just a dragon king, but the great dragon king. Its title ranks even above that of King Thunder Fiery. How is that possible? What is going on?

In that instant, the Magma Dragon was utterly thrown into confusion. Its nine mouths hung wide open, eyes filled with disbelief.

Watching the Magma Dragon’s stunned, stone-like expression, both the Silver and the Golden-Blue Dragons revealed amused looks in their eyes. As they expected, this ancient dragon was clearly stunned upon hearing their titles.

The Dragon Emperor let out a slow growl.

Saixitia is one of the founders of the empire. Back then, it was level 8 and I was level 7. Together we established the Dragon Palace. Therefore, its identity as the great dragon king is unshakable. Aside from Saixitia, among the fourteen dragon kings of the empire, there are several who are only at the mythical level. They are founding elders who made tremendous contributions. In the empire, the title of dragon king is a symbol of identity, not merely strength. Aside from you and me, Catasthea, there are four other ancient titans among the dragon kings.

The structure of the empire is centered around the Dragon King Palace. Each dragon king holds the right to deliberate and participate in all decisions of the empire. In addition to being the Thunder Fiery King, I also serve as the first Lord of the Dragon King Palace. I possess the authority to veto or decide any matter across the entire empire.

For colossal beasts, the Dragon Palace's structure was too complex. So, in facing this newly inducted dragon king, the Dragon Emperor had to give a full explanation.

The Magma Dragon let out a roar of realization.

So that’s how it is. I was wondering what kind of beast in the empire could hold a status above yours, my King.

It finally gained a general understanding of the Dragon Palace’s internal structure and its own position within it. Including itself and the Thunder Fiery King, six out of the fourteen dragon kings were ancient titans. Beneath them were some titan- and mythical-level dragon kings.

The Silver Dragon’s title as the great dragon king seemed to be honorary in nature. The one who truly held power in the empire was the Thunder Fiery King, followed by the ancient-titan-level dragon kings like itself, then the ordinary dragon kings.

That great dragon king called Saixitia... its talent seems a little lackluster. Back when it founded the Dragon Palace with the Thunder Fiery King, the former was level 8 and the latter level 7. In terms of growth level, it even had one level above the Thunder Fiery King. But now, the great Thunder Fiery King has become a middle-stage ancient titan, while this one is still only at the peak of the mythical level. Too disappointing.

At this thought, the Magma Dragon subtly shook its nine heads and cast a faintly regretful look toward the Silver Dragon.

Instantly, the Silver Dragon flew into a rage, icy mist blasting from its nostrils.

You wretched thing! Catasthea, what kind of look is that? Are you thinking that the great Saixitia is too weak, still only at the mythical level?

The Magma Dragon was startled.

This Silver Dragon’s perception is sharp. It actually guessed what the great Catasthea was thinking.

Suppressing its shock, it quickly shook its nine heads in unison to deny it.

Impossible. Saixitia, for you to become the great dragon king of the empire, you must have great talent. Otherwise, the great Thunder Fiery King wouldn’t have chosen to found the empire with you back then.

The Silver Dragon gave a snort. In its clear yet foolish-looking eyes gleamed a hint of wisdom.

Don’t try to fool me. The great Saixitia has seen that look in your eyes many times on Thorsafi’s face. And what do you mean "back then?" Ao Tian and I founded the Dragon Palace only eight day-cycles ago. In eight day-cycles, the great Saixitia has grown from a level 8 colossal beast to the peak of the mythical level. That growth speed is already very fast, you know!

Eight day-cycles? That’s impossible!

The Magma Dragon roared in disbelief, its nine pairs of eyes nearly leaping from their sockets in shock.

It then thought,

Eight day-cycles to grow from level 7 transcendent beast to a middle-stage ancient titan? Is this a joke? Or do they think the great Catasthea is gullible?

Don’t look so shocked. You’ll make it seem like you’re inexperienced. And tell me, do you still think the great Saixitia has poor talent?

The constantly astonished expression on this fearsome late-stage ancient titan was immensely satisfying to the Silver Dragon.

That’s what you get for daring to look down on the great Saixitia just now,

it thought

.

While the Magma Dragon was still stunned speechless, the Dragon Emperor let out a low growl.

Catasthea, no need to be so surprised. I merely grow a little faster than average.

That’s just "a little faster?”

The Magma Dragon couldn’t help but grumble inwardly as it looked at the calm and collected golden-black colossal beast.

From when it had first evolved from a transcendent fire dragon to its current state, how long had that taken? Five thousand years? Eight thousand? Since most of that time had been spent in slumber, it couldn’t even tell how many years it had truly cultivated. All it knew was that it was a very, very long time.

That was why it had felt such shock and disbelief. Compared to the Dragon Emperor, who had advanced from a transcendent beast to an ancient titan within just a few day-cycles, its once-proud talent now seemed pitiful in comparison.

However, after the shock, a fiery glow appeared in the Magma Dragon’s eyes, replaced quickly by deep reverence.

As expected of the great and supreme King Thunder Fiery. My admiration and respect for you burns hotter than the boundless seas of magma. Under your brave leadership, the Dragon Palace shall rise above the heavens and become an eternal, radiant sun, illuminating the entire world. To become a dragon king of the empire is the greatest honor of my life. Please allow me to—

The Dragon Emperor, watching the Magma Dragon’s endless flattery, grew slightly exasperated and interrupted.

That’s enough. No more bootlicking. Time to get back to work.

The Magma Dragon straightened its body, nine heads lifting proudly.

Yes, revered Grand Lord Thunder Fiery. Your commands are the lighthouse in my heart, guiding me forward.

This scene left both the Silver and Golden-Blue Dragons momentarily speechless. It was their first time seeing an ancient titan behave so lowly and eager to flatter. This was supposed to be an overlord of its own world. A late-stage ancient-titan-level colossal dragon was a dominant force even in the vast world, an existence no one could ignore.

The Golden-Blue Dragon’s mother was only at the late stage of the titan level. The Silver Dragon’s mother had merely reached the peak, yet both ruled territories spanning hundreds of thousands of kilometers. Within their domains, they were revered as supreme dragon gods, dignified and tyrannical.

Forget it. No point trying to understand.

Both dragons shook their heads.

Then the Silver Dragon let out a low growl.

Ao Tian, the great Saixitia wants to sleep.

I feel really sleepy too.

The Golden-Blue Dragon followed with a growl.

As they spoke, an uncontrollable surge of breakthrough energy began to rise from their bodies, stirring the surrounding world. Violent storms howled, and icy crystals scattered through the air. After having remained at the peak of the mythical level for so long, the two dragons were finally about to break through.

However, this was clearly not a suitable place for slumber. So, the two dragons flew onto the Dragon Emperor’s broad back, as the startled Magma Dragon watched. Nestled between three rows of dorsal fins shaped like mountain peaks, they each found a comfortable spot near the wings, then closed their eyes and fell into deep sleep. Their size posed no burden to the Dragon Emperor at all.

Whoosh! Whoosh!

A thick chill spread from the Silver Dragon, quickly freezing into a massive dragon-shaped ice sculpture.

Meanwhile, rainbow-colored light rippled around the Golden-Blue Dragon, gradually forming a vibrant amber crystal. Within it, a powerful energy fluctuation pulsed, nurturing something from deep within.