Dragon Kingdom Arc, Chapter 24: Searching for the Dragon Spring (Part I)

As the power of the black ring erupted, it surged forth like a ferocious flood, whipping up a whirlwind that sent dust swirling into the air. Ye Heng and Aishi felt minuscule before this overwhelming force, like a solitary boat caught in a tempest. Ruthlessly swept up, they were instantly cast into an abyss of endless darkness.

Clenching their fists and gritting their teeth, Ye Heng and Aishi steeled themselves to face the unknown trial side by side. At this critical juncture, an indescribable power exploded like a violent storm, flipping them over as if they were mere specks of duckweed tossed about by the merciless waves of a vast ocean. Their bodies drifted weightlessly, appearing small and helpless under the impact of that immense energy.

Just as despair threatened to consume them entirely, a sudden, powerful suction miraculously appeared, acting like a lifeline from the depths of the abyss, dragging them back into the embrace of reality. When they opened their eyes again, they found themselves sitting safely in their original positions. Everything around them remained unchanged, as if the heart-stopping scene they had just experienced were nothing more than a phantom dream.

This transition was both abrupt and incredible, yet it stirred an inexplicable tremor in the hearts of Ye Heng and Aishi. They exchanged a smile, their eyes glinting with an unextinguished fighting spirit, knowing full well that the true challenge had perhaps only just begun.

Everything felt like a dream, yet it lacked the quality of an illusion because the sense of reality was so profound, as if they had experienced it firsthand. They felt as though they had personally endured that breathtaking collision, sensing the power’s immense and ruthless nature.

However, they understood that this was not merely a simple dream. The impact and sensations of that power seemed to have been etched into their minds in some form. They knew this experience would be forever engraved in their memories, becoming the most precious treasure of their lives.

Upon returning to reality, they saw Amy and Ailu staring at them. Ye Heng scratched his head and said with a somewhat awkward laugh, "Why… are you both staring at me?" His voice carried a trace of unnatural trembling as he tried to mask his inner agitation and unease.

Amy and Ailu’s eyes were filled with deep concern and confusion. Then, Amy spoke softly, "Heng, Xi’er, what happened to you? You both looked like you were in great pain just now, and a sudden wind whipped up around you. We were worried something had happened."

Ye Heng and Aishi exchanged a look, and a knowing smile blossomed on their lips. It was as if they were both guarding an absolute secret that could not be shared with the world, a mystery whose key lay only in the distant Kingdom of the Martial Gods. Ye Heng slowly straightened his posture and brushed the dust from his lapels, his every breath seemingly deliberate, as if to imprint that indescribable shock and power deep into the depths of his heart.

He turned slowly, his gaze landing on Amy with tenderness and resolve. Stars seemed to shimmer in his eyes, conveying an unquestionable sense of calm: "It’s nothing, Amy. We were just exploring some new aspects of our power. Don't worry, we are perfectly fine."

Though Ye Heng knew deep down that this was a well-intentioned lie, the secrets hidden within were known only to him and Xi’er. These matters belonged to a domain beyond their current understanding. In this chaotic world, keeping this secret was the only way to protect everything they held dear. Thus, he chose to let this heavy responsibility remain a silent, shared vow between them, to be revealed only upon their return home.

Amy and Aishi locked eyes. Though her lingering doubts had not entirely vanished, seeing that Ye Heng and Aishi were both unharmed eased her anxiety. Amy nodded gently, a soft curve touching her lips as she whispered, "As long as you are well. Seeing you both sitting as still as statues earlier, unable to rouse you, I was truly worried that your Martial God power had been swallowed by some inexplicable force."

Aishi giggled at this, a radiant smile blooming on her face: "Sister, you worry too much! Not only is our Martial God power intact, but we’ve actually had a bit of a breakthrough due to a stroke of luck. If you don't believe me, I’ll show you right now!"

With that, Aishi slowly released her Martial God power. It shone with a brilliant, intense light—far stronger than before—proving that her words were no exaggeration.

"Could such a miraculous thing truly exist?" Amy, full of curiosity, leaned impatiently toward the glowing crystal ball, her fingers gently brushing its surface in hopes of feeling a reaction. Unexpectedly, the ball remained silent, as if asleep, showing no response to her touch. Amy frowned slightly and tapped it a few more times, muttering to herself, "Could this little thing be broken, or has it run out of energy?"

Ye Heng covered his face, a helpless, bitter smile tugging at the corners of his mouth: "Sister, stop wasting your effort. Xi’er is just teasing you. Is the growth of Martial God power really that easy? If it were that simple—just touching a sphere every day to achieve invincibility—then why would anyone in the world bother with such arduous cultivation?"

Hearing this, Amy turned to Aishi, her tone a mix of reproach and playfulness: "You little rascal, you dare to tease me?" With that, she stepped forward nimbly and tickled Aishi’s waist, filling the air with the playful atmosphere unique to sisters.

(At Lisa’s home)

Lisa stepped slowly out of the bathroom, which was still wreathed in hazy steam. Tiny droplets of water clung to her long hair, shimmering with a soft, clear light like morning dew as they slid down her graceful form, outlining her endless, delicate curves. She wore a robe as light as a feather, which only served to highlight her snow-white skin and slender figure, her every step radiating an effortless charm.

She walked gracefully toward the sofa, where another stunning beauty sat lazily, lost in a sea of book pages, completely oblivious to the world around her. Lisa let out a subtle, well-timed cough, which gently pierced the stillness of the room like a breeze.

"What brings you here, Lisa?" the woman immersed in the fragrance of books slowly looked up, her eyes sparkling with curiosity and concern, as if she had just returned from another world, carrying a hint of a mysterious, unresolved expression.

Lisa wore a gentle smile and shook her head slightly. Her bright eyes wandered leisurely around the room before finally settling on the soft moonlight outside the window. She whispered in a soft, delicate voice, "Nothing, I just saw you so immersed that I couldn't help but remind you that it’s time to give your mind a little vacation."

The beauty slowly set down the book and stretched her body with a lazy, elegant grace, her movements revealing an effortless charm that seemed to make the very molecules in the air dance. She turned to Lisa, a mischievous glint in her eyes, and teased, "What, are you jealous that I can find such joy between these lines?"

Lisa responded with another smile, one filled with warmth and understanding. She walked lightly to the window, resting her hands naturally on the frame, letting the soft moonlight brush against her fingertips and casting her slender silhouette onto the floor, looking like a fairy in an ink wash painting—elegant and mysterious.

She turned to look at the beauty, her eyes full of warmth and care: "How could I be jealous of you? I just want you to enjoy every moment of life." Under the soft light of the lamps and the moon, Lisa’s smile bloomed like a spring flower. She shook her head gently, her gaze wandering around the room before resting once more on the moonlight outside. The bright moon hung high in the sky, casting a silver radiance that rendered the room as picturesque as a poem. She said softly, "It’s nothing; I just saw you so focused and wanted to remind you to take a break."

The beauty closed the book with an elegant, casual motion and walked slowly toward the table. She picked up her half-full glass, savored the last few drops of the mellow red wine, and drank it in one gulp. Her demeanor was marked by both poise and a woman’s delicate alertness. In the soft light, her figure was bathed in a charming glow, her skin seeming to breathe in the dim light, every inch of her radiating the satisfaction of having finished a good read.

Turning to face Lisa, a playful spark flashed in her eyes, and her lips curled into a mischievous smile: "What, are you starting to envy my joy of being immersed in the ocean of books?" Her words contained both friendly banter and a hidden pride in her pure love for reading.

Lisa’s eyes shimmered with complex emotions as she watched Anlan’s playful smile—a smile as warm and dazzling as the spring sun, impossible to resist. The innocence and mischief in that grin felt like a naughty little sprite, constantly tugging at Lisa’s heart and making her mood lighten as well.

She couldn't help but clench her fists, a certain emotion boiling within her. She stepped forward and gently grasped Anlan by the neck; the gesture seemed like a playful prank, yet it revealed a certain firmness and strength within her. A playful light shimmered in her eyes, as if she were engaged in a silent contest with Anlan.

"How could I be jealous of you, my dear sister Anlan?" Lisa’s voice carried a hint of teasing, but it was mostly sincere. Her words revealed her appreciation and affection for Anlan—a feeling like a clear stream flowing between them, warm and profound.

Anlan giggled at Lisa’s actions and words, her smile growing even brighter, like a flower in full bloom. She struggled gently, trying to break free from Lisa’s "restraint," but her eyes were filled with playfulness and enjoyment. She knew that Lisa’s gesture was not out of genuine anger or jealousy, but a sign of intimacy and banter.

"Hahahaha... Sister, let go, hurry and let go!"

"Hahahahaha..."