Dragon Nation Chapter 17: Divine Dragon City

Amy stood under the dim yellow light, her silhouette stretching long and casting an undeniable aura of resolve. Her eyes were like the sharpest blades of ice piercing through the faint surrounding glow, locking onto Ailu before her, then flickering across Ye Heng’s tense face. Her voice was low and ruthless, as if the words were squeezed out from an icy cellar in the depths of winter, carrying an irresistible chill: “Shall we kill Ailu?”

The moment those words were spoken, the entire space seemed to freeze under an invisible force. Even the air solidified, heavy and suffocating.

The candlelight flickered, casting mottled shadows that only deepened the eerie unease. Every breath became labored, as if the very oxygen in the room had been stolen by that sentence, leaving only oppression and fear silently spreading.

Ye Heng did not respond immediately. His eyes flickered in the dimness like the most distant stars in the night sky—bright yet filled with the unknown. His heartbeat pounded wildly within his chest, each thump like a war drum shaking every nerve, making it impossible to find calm. Instinctively, he clenched his fists so tightly his knuckles whitened. The rough leather glove in his palm seemed to be his sole support, conveying a strange strength and comfort.

Time seemed to stand still at that moment. Ye Heng’s thoughts spun rapidly like arrows seeking the best path forward.

He understood deeply that the answer to this question concerned not only Ailu’s life and death but also the fate of all of them. He closed his eyes, inhaling deeply, trying to find a thread of reason within this suffocating atmosphere.

The brief silence stretched interminably in the confined space, becoming an endless torment. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Ye Heng exhaled and declared, “We cannot do that.” His words burst forth like thunder, shattering the silence and ringing painfully in everyone’s ears.

“Sister Amy, Ailu, we cannot kill her.”

Amy trembled slightly at his words, surprise and confusion flickering in her eyes. She stared at Ye Heng, searching for any clue in his deep gaze. Yet his eyes were like a fathomless, inscrutable pool—still on the surface, but hiding untold truths beneath.

“Why?” Amy could no longer hold back.

Ye Heng did not answer immediately. He glanced at Ailu, then slowly turned to Amy. “Because she is our clue, the key to uncovering the truth. Besides, Ailu is an S-rank traitor. If we can bring her back to the Martial God Kingdom, it would earn us great merit for this mission.” A resolute light sparkled in his eyes—a blend of wisdom and strategy. Amy looked at him, astonishment giving way to deep understanding. She nodded softly, no words needed, as respect quietly took root in her gaze. She knew that Ye Heng had shed the indecisive youth he once was and grown into a man with unwavering conviction.

Amy nodded gently, her eyes reflecting a worried understanding of Ye Heng’s resolve. They both knew they had to proceed with utmost caution; even the slightest slack could sow disaster. Only by skillfully leveraging Ailu’s identity could they weave an invisible safety net for themselves.

Acknowledging Ye Heng’s purpose, Amy watched as he slowly produced a faintly glowing Locking Ring from his spatial ring. With practiced skill, he began to seal the turbulent Martial God power surging within Ailu’s body, neutralizing the potential threat.

With this thorny problem properly handled, the path ahead remained fraught with unknown dangers and hidden perils, yet they were prepared and undeterred.

As sunlight gradually brightened the sky above, the group quietly departed from Dragon Claw City. Their steps were firm and swift, as if propelled by some unseen force. Ye Heng led the way, while Ailu, her powers sealed, was placed in the middle of the group, tightly guarded by two members. Though restrained, her eyes still flickered with defiance and anger, unable to break free from the Locking Ring’s grip.

The group moved beneath the sun, the scenery around them taking on a mysterious, eerie quality in the light. They passed through dense forests and crossed rugged mountains, finally arriving at Shenlong City, deeper within the Dragon Kingdom.

Shenlong City was vast, its towering buildings magnificently grand under the sun’s glow.

Yet, the city was suffused with an oppressive heaviness, as if some hidden secret lurked deep within its heart.

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Shenlong City was the capital of the Dragon Kingdom and once the pinnacle of urban splendor. Though the Dragon Kingdom once ruled the entire planet, they loved humanity dearly, treating humans as their own people.

At the city’s center stood a towering structure called the Dragon Heart Tower. Built from a rare material known as Starstone, the tower emitted a soft glow each night, like a brilliant pearl set at the city’s core. Though centuries had passed, the tower still stood firm, a testament to the greatness and mystery of the Dragon Kingdom.

At that moment, atop the Dragon Heart Tower, a middle-aged man in black robes gazed down at the city. His eyes were sharp and profound, seeming to pierce through all illusions to see every corner of the city.

“This city was once the pride of our Dragon Kingdom,” he murmured, his voice tinged with nostalgia and sorrow. He reached out to touch the Starstone beside him; its coldness stirred memories.

“I was once the pride of the Shenlong clan. But I was too weak to defend the Dragon Kingdom, allowing the Demon Dragon clan to exploit our weakness. The Shenlong clan was repeatedly struck down, and when the aberrant beasts suddenly descended upon the continent, we could not withstand them and perished…”

“This land was once a paradise of clear rivers and lush mountains. The winding streams were so clear they seemed like silver ribbons weaving through green peaks. The water babbled over the pebbled banks, telling ancient tales.”

“I still remember the towering mountains, thick forests, and the joyous songs of birds mingling with distant pastoral flutes, creating a beautiful musical tapestry. The air was fresh and sweet, as if every breath could cleanse the dust from one’s soul.”

“Yet, time flies and years pass swiftly; this beautiful land gradually changed and faded away into the river of time.”

As the mysterious man spoke, he cast a brief glance at Ye Heng and the others. His deep gaze sparkled enigmatically like stars in the night sky, a faint, barely perceptible smile playing on his lips, as if mocking their ignorance and insignificance. He whispered softly, “Don’t disappoint me.” Then, with a swift movement, he vanished into the tower like a shadow.

Sunlight bathed Shenlong City, making it shine brilliantly. The four figures strolled leisurely down the wide street, like four solitary explorers seeking unknown secrets in this bustling city.

The surrounding skyscrapers, though worn and dilapidated, still stood tall like giants. In the sunlight, their diamond-paneled facades glittered brilliantly, as if each building had its own soul and story. They moved beneath these giants’ shadows, feeling the city’s unique rhythm.

Along the street were myriad shops, their signs faded but still colorful under the sun. One bore the name “Seven Treasures Collection Pavilion.”

Yet behind this prosperity lay deep silence and solitude. As they walked the broad avenue, their souls seemed isolated by the city’s bustle. They sought connection, striving to break this loneliness and stillness.

“It’s clear this place was once magnificent, but it couldn’t withstand the scars left by war and the silent erosion of time.”

As Ye Heng walked, he often glanced back at Aixi, his gaze tender and profound, as if it could cross a thousand miles and touch her soul. His look carried an indescribable affection, making Aixi’s heart race and her cheeks flush with shy pink.

Aixi lowered her head, trying to hide her fluster, but Ye Heng’s gaze was magnetic, drawing her back. She raised her eyes to meet his; their gazes locked, sparking a silent flame between them.

“Why do you always look at me like that?” Aixi asked softly, her voice laced with playful curiosity.

Ye Heng smiled gently, his eyes twinkling with mischief and sincerity. “Because you’re beautiful! Hahaha…”

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Aixi’s cheeks deepened in color as she shyly turned her face away, not wanting Ye Heng to see her blush. Seeing this, Ye Heng’s heart stirred. He reached out, gently taking Aixi’s hand.

Ye Heng walked at a steady pace, his figure elongated by the dappling light. At intervals, as if pulled by an unseen force, he would slowly turn his head to cast a tender, profound gaze at Aixi behind him.

That gaze was like a warm spring stream—soft and deep—seeming to pierce the distance and reach the softest corner of Aixi’s heart. The feelings within it were like a beautiful but subtle poem, inviting quiet contemplation.

Each time Ye Heng looked at her this way, Aixi’s heart fluttered wildly like a startled fawn, beating faster and faster, nearly bursting from her chest. Her fair cheeks involuntarily bloomed with a faint rosy blush, like a breathtaking sunset.

Though Aixi tried to lower her head to hide her nervousness, Ye Heng’s gaze was like a magnet, firmly holding her in place.

Eventually, she could not resist and lifted her eyes to meet his passionate stare. At that instant, their eyes met, and a brilliant yet silent spark burst forth, illuminating everything around.

“Why… why do you always look at me like that?” Aixi bit her lip and whispered, her voice clear and sweet, tinged with a faint coquettish curiosity.

Ye Heng’s lips curved into a charming smile. His bright, star-like eyes gleamed with playful mischief, yet held undeniable earnestness. “Haha, it’s because you’re too beautiful! Hahaha…” He laughed heartily.

Aixi’s face flushed deeper, like a ripe apple full of allure. She instinctively turned her head, unwilling to show her shy expression to Ye Heng. Yet nothing escaped his eyes.

Watching her adorable bashfulness, Ye Heng felt a sweet ripple in his heart. After a brief hesitation, he summoned courage and slowly raised his right arm, moving gently as if afraid to disturb this beautiful woman before him. Then, cautiously, he reached out and took her delicate, jade-white hand in his palm.

Aixi’s hand was warm and soft, brimming with tender affection that enchanted him.

Yet her hand trembled slightly in his grasp, betraying a mix of unease and shyness. She gently tried to withdraw, but when she felt the warmth and passion radiating from Ye Heng’s palm, a flicker of hesitation and reluctance stirred deep within her. This conflicting emotion left her momentarily lost. After a brief inner struggle, she chose to yield.

So they walked hand in hand, slowly down the golden sunlit street. Ye Heng’s deep, bright eyes never left Aixi’s delicate face. He gazed at her with profound love and tenderness, as if the entire world had shrunk to this woman who stirred his heart.

And Aixi? Under Ye Heng’s ardent gaze, she gradually surrendered to the gentle atmosphere. Her beautiful eyes sparkled with happiness, and her once-fair cheeks bloomed with a shy blush, like peach blossoms in spring—radiant and tender.

At this moment, the sound of their heartbeat was clearly audible, intertwining in this quiet city into a wondrous melody. The beating notes danced like lively sprites in the air, adding romance and poetry to this precious time.

Bathed in warm sunlight, their figures gradually faded into the distance, leaving behind a dreamlike tapestry of light and shadow…