The sky was washed clear, like a flawless blue gem stretching to the horizon.

Sunlight poured down without reservation, gilding the Red Iron Dragon’s scales.

The dark edges of those scales shimmered with gold, brightening and dimming with the slow rise and fall of his chest, making his mountain-like bulk even more imposing; even when perfectly still, he radiated an authority that needed no anger to assert itself.

“Experiencing being extremely close to death, even truly dying, provides an extraordinary stimulus to the Eternal Death path.”

Garoth stood atop that towering peak, pondering inwardly.

He had spent the entire morning sorting through his power systems.

The Wild Path and the Star Path, since not long had passed since the last breakthrough and due to already being at high tiers, required much more accumulation.

Even after the fierce battles with several powerful Crowned Legendaries some time ago, neither had shown an obvious change.

Instead, the Eternal Death path had made a major leap.

It jumped directly from level eight to level eleven, a three-tier increase.

“Only by fighting genuine powerful enemies and experiencing death at the brink of life can the Eternal Death rank be stimulated to rise.”

Garoth’s tail gently swept, sending a shower of loose stones drifting down.

“Otherwise, if I had thrown myself into death so many times earlier, the Eternal Death path would have reached Legendary long ago.”

“The Eternal War Eternal Progress trait is similar. Ordinary sparring lacks that desperate life-or-death urgency and so cannot trigger deeper potential.”

He thought silently, without regret.

There are no shortcuts on the road to power; shortcuts and clever tricks ultimately do not outweigh steady, grounded effort.

Garoth reached where he was not only through innate talent, but more through day-after-day, year-after-year accumulation and tempering. His strength was not instantaneous; it was forged over nearly two hundred years, piece by piece from flesh, bone, and will. 𝚏𝕣𝕖𝚎𝚠𝚎𝚋𝚗𝐨𝐯𝕖𝕝.𝕔𝐨𝕞

Notably, after the Eternal Death path reached level eleven, he gained a new skill.

Master Life and Death: Your familiarity with death allows you to evade its pursuit.

When an Eternal Death Dragon’s life flame is completely extinguished, this skill consumes a vast amount of Dragon Qi to forcibly retain the tiniest minimum of life, while maximizing the triggering of Life Extraction and Claim Life effects, restoring the user according to the abundance of life energy in the surrounding environment.

This is another life-reversal ability,

but different from Rage Without Fear of Death. Master Life and Death revives directly from the state of death, restoring a certain amount of life, rather than allowing continued fighting while technically dead.

There is an essential distinction.

What they share is their ability to trigger the Born from Death trait.

“After this, among the three major paths I mainly cultivate, there are no more new death-reversal skills,” Garoth stretched his neck; his joints made soft cracking sounds, “but what I already have is enough. Don’t bite off more than you can chew.”

He nodded with some satisfaction, then sank into contemplation.

“Let me think, in an ideal scenario, how many times could I theoretically resurrect.”

Garoth began to map out his own resurrection sequence.

Previously, in a calm fight, at initial death there was a small chance that Master Life and Death would trigger first.

That would be the first.

If, after revival by Master Life and Death, he died again, Rage Without Fear of Death would trigger, allowing continued combat while technically dead.

This counts as a kind of “resurrection,” and can be treated as the second.

When the Rage Without Fear of Death state ended, if he still faced utter doom, then the Dragon Pearl would trigger.

That was almost a full restoration resurrection.

After that, Master Life and Death and Rage Without Fear of Death could both trigger again.

If the final time in the Rage Without Fear of Death state he could end the fight, he would be formally revived; if not, total death would arrive.

“So, theoretically I now have five ‘resurrection’ opportunities; before I had three.”

“Among them, the only true complete resurrection is the Dragon Pearl-triggered one; the others are special states, or shifts from death to near-death.”

Garoth summarized quietly.

Aside from the Dragon Pearl, those resurrection states placed on other beings would not be outrageously abnormal.

Each had harsh conditions and were not cost-free resurrections; many countermeasures existed, such as sustained purification energy, soul-targeting attacks, or sealing abilities.

However, that was for others.

On Garoth, things were entirely different.

His Undying Life trait directly turned rot into wonder, greatly weakening the effectiveness of most counters aimed at undying traits and resurrections, making his resurrection chain difficult to interrupt.

More importantly,

each resurrection triggered a round of Born from Death explosive state, and the Unyielding Perseverance effect would basically maximize, granting a massive short-term attribute surge beyond limits.

Unless an opponent was far stronger than him and could still overwhelm him during his burst, Garoth’s chained Born from Death surges usually forced enemies to face increasingly fierce counterattacks, ultimately leaving them dead without revival.

Furthermore, he had Eternal War Eternal Progress.

The longer the fight, the more exhausted his opponent became, and that was when Garoth was at his strongest. This was a key reason he could bridge enormous level gaps and rival Crowned Legendaries.

Garoth would not arrogantly claim he could defeat every Crowned Legendary.

Each Crowned Legendary is a veteran who mastered unique powers over long ages.

But at least, aside from those at the absolute apex—beings at Mandate of Heaven levels—he could not think of any ordinary Crowned Legendary who could reliably withstand five rounds of his full Born from Death onslaught.

That was not merely five attacks, but five state resets, five attribute spikes, five waves of desperate counterstrike.

Moreover, these surges were not only useful in combat.

When he sensed true peril, such as facing an unbeatable foe, he could use the speed and power increases of a burst to make a strategic retreat, evading danger.

Survival is worth more than dying recklessly.

After sorting through his condition, Garoth felt reassured.

“I am the Undying Dragon.”

The Red Iron Dragon lifted his head, chest swelling slightly, “This world may be large, but who dares kill me? Who can kill me?”

That swelling pride lasted only an instant.

“...Mandate of Heaven could, Immortal could, even the higher True Gods could.”

He quickly calmed himself and cautioned inwardly, “Wise and powerful Garoth, you still have a very long road ahead. Keep your composure, don’t get too smug.”

“Those who die from that smugness would have bones enough to fill the Abyss.”

Garoth shook his head, casting off that fleeting restlessness. “My mood sometimes jumps around; it must be the lingering influence from the Serene Spirit Wilderness.”

He blamed it thus.

After settling his mind, Garoth refocused on the present.

Hoo!

He inhaled deeply; his chest swelled inch by inch, the muscles between his ribs taut as steel plates. He held that breath to the limit, then slowly exhaled.

A white vapor, condensed and tangible, spewed from his mouth and nostrils, visible in the sunlight.

He stood on the summit like that, repeating the cycle again and again.

The force of his breathing created a massive airflow vortex centered on him; nearby grass bowed, loose stones rolled, and even distant perching birds were startled into retreat, unwilling to approach.

Garoth was conducting specialized training for his lungs.

Legendary beings can generally draw energy from the air directly, but compared to their consumption, the intake is still too small to meet daily needs, let alone replenish combat losses.

Besides efficiently converting food energy, Garoth valued this aspect as well.

It meant greater endurance in protracted fights and survival capital in harsh environments.

Time passed silently between inhales and exhales.

The sun slanted toward the west, staining the clouds orange; dusk flowed in like a tide from the east, gradually devouring the daylight.

Garoth finished his breathing regimen and began to gnaw at the mountain rock for a meal.

As he ate, a rhythmic gust blew from a distance.

It carried a strong draconic presence.

The Metal Dragons were returning.

Deborah, Alberto, Nasha, and the Silver Dragon Isanora.

They had departed from the Vophal Dragon Domain and returned to the lands of the Aola Kingdom.

The people living in the Ser Wilderness looked up.

Children pointed and cried out at the sky, while adults found the sight commonplace.

Dragons soaring the heavens was rare in other kingdoms, but here it was Aola’s daily life; since establishing the nation, dragons frequently traversed the kingdom’s skies.

The dragonflock circled briefly, then lowered their altitude, landing one after another in Garoth’s vicinity.

“Good day, Father.”

Isanora approached the Red Iron Dragon and looked up at her dragon father.

A note of admiration flashed in her eyes, and then in a lively tone she praised, “Your form is as mountainous and mighty as ever; your dragon might grows by the day. I think you have the bearing of a Dragon King.”

Garoth lowered his gaze to the young Silver Dragon.

Compared to her childhood, Isanora’s scales shone more brilliantly now, a dazzling silver sheen.

Her body was proportionate and athletic; when she moved one could make out faint muscle striations. Even with her wings folded, the sheer potential wingspan was clearly above normal dragon norms.

Young Silver Dragon: level 15.

That rank equaled the average standard of an adult Red Dragon and was not small among the wider dragonkind—she had entered the stage of a truly strong adult dragon.

But among Garoth’s offspring, this was currently the lowest level.

As Garoth knew, his eldest son had the highest rank at level 17, comparable to a strong adult Gold Dragon.

Other offspring were mostly level 16; only Isanora still leisurely sat at level 15, her progress noticeably a step behind.

“Isanora, you’ve become somewhat lazy.”

The Red Iron Dragon spoke plainly, without much reproach, merely stating the fact.

“Father, you’re far too powerful,” the Silver Dragon flicked her tail, seeming nonchalant, “No matter what I do I can’t surpass you. Even getting close seems hopeless; it’s better to honestly enjoy your glorious protection and do things that make me happy.”

“Pursuing power isn’t the only value, right?”

“Besides, Garcro and the others are diligent enough already.”

At that she paused, winked playfully, and continued with a grin:

“If I laze a bit, it helps diversify your lineage. If all your children were training maniacs, battle maniacs, or workaholics, our family would be dreadfully boring, like a forest of only one color.”

Hearing this, Garoth let out a low chuckle, his chest rumbling in response.

“Whether chasing strength or enjoying comfort,

my daughter, you have the right to choose your own path. I will not force you, only so long as you understand what your choice entails and take responsibility for it.”

Garoth thought, if he had had a truly great father who could hold up the sky for him, perhaps he would have felt comfortable enjoying leisure and entertainment. Sadly, his dragon father had only ever “laid bare his heart” for his children—literally.

Now Garoth’s expectations for his offspring were not high; he wanted them to possess independent will and a backbone to face storms. Beyond that, they were free to follow their own inclinations.

He raised his head and turned his gaze to the other Metal Dragons.

Deborah, Nasha, Alberto—they had all already reached the Legendary tier.

Their bodies were larger than before, their presence more solid and composed, and their scale luster deeper. Time’s polishing had taken away youthful naivety and given them the calm of Legendary power.

“I visited the Serene Spirit Wilderness a while back.”

Garoth’s eyes finally settled on the brass-silver dragon and he added, “Because Vira summoned me.”

At this, Deborah perked up.

She stepped forward and asked eagerly, “Vira? How’s the little one?”

She knew Vira had gone to the Serene Spirit Wilderness after dusk.

In the Material Plane, aside from Garoth, the brass-silver dragon and Vira were the closest friends; their bond ran deep.

“She’s fine, sometimes even a bit too fine.”

“She’s been pretending in the Serene Spirit Wilderness...”

He briefly recounted Vira’s deeds and his plan to develop the Serene Spirit Wilderness.

“I knew it. With her temperament, even in the Serene Spirit Wilderness she wouldn’t stay put. She’d certainly stir up trouble,” the brass-silver dragon smiled, nostalgia in her eyes. “Claiming you’re her avatar... such brazen, imaginative mischief is exactly her style. But it sounds like she’s very happy, and that’s enough.”

“So the place you mentioned is the Serene Spirit Wilderness.”

The Gold Dragon Nasha’s eyes showed surprise and eagerness. “I didn’t expect your claws to have reached the Outer Planes. From what you say, the fey there need protection and there are also many evil creatures—there will certainly be fights.”

Nearby, Alberto fell into thought.

“Stories spun by a Faerie Dragon can spread widely... Could I create my own stories in the Serene Spirit Wilderness?” His eyes brightened. “The Tale of the Golden Emperor!”

At the thought, the Gold Dragon’s breath grew heavy.

In a blink, he had drafted an outline.

The great Golden Emperor, lifelong rival of the Red Emperor, often challenged him only to be bested repeatedly; after establishing a flawless Golden Order in the Material Plane and feeling the loneliness of the heights, he handed his nation to loyal ministers and drifted off to the mysterious Serene Spirit Wilderness to seek a defeat, to find stronger opponents and deeper philosophy...

Alberto wore an enraptured expression, swaying his head, drooling a little with pleasure.

“What are you thinking about?”

Garoth looked sharply at the Gold Dragon; his dragon pupils narrowed slightly.

“Nothing, nothing.”

Alberto hurriedly wiped his mouth and said with a smile, “Just remembering something pleasant.”

Isanora also grew curious about the Serene Spirit Wilderness.

She asked, “Father, can I go too? Maybe I’d sleep even better there.”

She yawned as she said it, as if merely imagining the place made her want a cozy nap.

Garoth gave a small nod.

“When the planar channel is complete you may go together. The Serene Spirit Wilderness will be relatively comfortable for Metal Dragons; the fey will like and even worship you.”

After more conversation, the Metal Dragons spread their wings and rose into the sky, returning to the dragon court.

Garoth remained.

His training was not yet finished.

Night deepened and stars lit one by one on the clear firmament like diamonds scattered on black velvet. A breeze brought the scent of distant forests mingled with earth and night flowers.

Garoth lay on the summit, feeling subtle changes in his body from continued tempering.

The night wind was cool, passing through scale seams and calming his thoughts.

At that moment, a softened wingbeat approached from afar.

A glittering golden figure descended silently to the summit’s edge, landing almost without a sound.

It was the Gold Dragon Nasha.

She folded her wings and approached with light steps.

“Hey, naturally evil Red Iron Dragon.”

The Gold Dragon bared her teeth, making a mock-ferocious little face.

“I, the righteous Gold Dragon Nasha, have said it before: one day I will represent justice and light to punish you, evil dragon! Now that the night is deep and dragons sleep, it is time for judgment! Accept my chastisement!”

As soon as she finished, she lunged straight at the Red Iron Dragon.

Garoth shifted slightly; his body barely swayed, letting her crash into him.

The Gold Dragon then used her foreclaws to hook his shoulder armor and lightly bit his neck.

She mumbled, “Ha, I bit you! The Red Emperor is no different; justice will... temporarily suppress evil!”

Garoth laughed softly and curled his tail around her waist.

During this playful tussle, another rushing sound cut through the sky.

Another figure descended not far away, landing slowly.

It was the brass-silver dragon Deborah.

She saw the two giant dragons “wrestling.” She hesitated, then said quietly, “It seems... I didn’t arrive at the right time.”

She turned, letting her wings spread slowly.

But as she had merely turned halfway, the wing membranes not yet fully open,

whoosh!

A sudden gale rose.

Deborah’s vision blurred; a gentle but irresistible force enveloped her. Before she could react, she found herself cradled in the Red Iron Dragon’s broad embrace, his forelimbs gently wrapped around her.

“No, you arrived at the right time.”

Garoth’s voice was low and calm.

His wings rose, blocking sun and moon, casting near-total shadow over the two comparatively smaller Metal Dragons.

Deborah stiffened for a moment, then relaxed and rested her head against Garoth’s chest.

The Gold Dragon dug her claws in tighter and adjusted her posture to be more comfortable.

The three great dragons nestled quietly on the peak, saying nothing for a long while, only the faint sound of night wind brushing scales and their steady breathing.

Time seemed to thicken and flow slowly.

Sun rose and moon set, seasons changed.

For dragons with long lives, time always moved unhurriedly and with composure.

In New Calendar year 420, the Aola Kingdom moved its capital to the Rhen Plateau.

The new city was named Red Emperor Capital, while the old capital retained an important status and was downgraded to Red Flame City as the central hub for the Ser Wilderness region.

That same year, the Red Emperor celebrated his 200th birthday and formally entered the prime of dragon adulthood.

At this stage dragons have peak reproductive capability, and Garoth could clearly feel the surge of life energy within him.

In New Calendar year 421, the planar channel connecting the Material Plane and the Serene Spirit Wilderness was completed.

The Aola Kingdom launched the Serene Spirit Wilderness Development Project, and the first pioneering legions passed through the channel into the Outer Planes. Within the kingdom’s designated safe zones they established outposts, traded with the fey, and began cautious exploration.

Afterward, the nations on the Romanian Plains entered a period of peaceful development.

Countries slowly healed from the wounds of hegemonic wars, populations grew gradually, towns prospered again, and the Aola Kingdom enjoyed tributary offerings, growing ever stronger. In military, economic, and alchemical technology fields it became the unmatched hegemon of the plains.

Blue Dragon Zoraya and Gold Dragon Nasha successively birthed offspring, totaling five.

The brass-silver dragon Deborah bore two more offspring.

The phoenix Anqiya also paired with the emperor, producing a dragon-phoenix hybrid.

Thus, excluding adopted children later recognized, the Red Emperor’s true offspring reached a total of twelve.

These offspring had different talents and personalities: some trained diligently, some focused on governance, some immersed in the arts, and some simply wanted to enjoy life...

Time quietly reached New Calendar year 461.

Over these forty years the world’s pattern shifted subtly.

On the Arotala Continent, the war between orcs and elves escalated, turning the continent into a battlefield of scorched earth for thousands of miles.

In contrast, the Atlantis Continent remained like a pure land.

Halden still hung high in the sky; all cities under the empire had completed aerial transformations, becoming a true “cloud nation.” They largely ceased contact with other kingdoms, disdainful of mixing in the orc-elf war, and increasingly displayed the posture of the First Empire on the planet Bernardo.

On the Romanian Plains, the dividends of peace and development continued to unfold.

Thanks to war spoils and resources from planar development, Aola’s national power reached unprecedented heights.

Aside from lacking a Mandate of Heaven being present, in terms of territory, population, alchemical industry level, and knowledge dissemination, it had surpassed Lothrian Kingdom’s most glorious period.

A powerful kingdom led by dragons and coexisting with multiple races now stood firm on the land.

That autumn, news arrived from the western coastal regions.

The Helmod Dragonflight landed at Storm Point.

This dragonflock, dominated by Blue Dragons with a mix of other evil dragons, announced the founding of the Breckton Kingdom. “Breckton” in the draconic tongue means “Thunder,” and the kingdom was also called the Thunder Kingdom.