The Dragon Kingdom Arc Chapter Seven: The Sovereign's Majesty (Part One)

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Under the fierce clash between the two, moonlight darted like sword shadows, instantly slicing through space and leaving behind only the engulfing void of black holes. Although they employed the same dual techniques, the power they displayed had long since transcended the boundaries of an SSS-rank Martial God.

Yet, at this very moment, this similar scene of battle reflected two entirely different expressions. Lisa, though defeated, was glorious in her loss; no trace of panic crossed her face. She knew that while King Kai remained standing, he was also heavily wounded—his injuries were far from light.

Under the moonlight, their silhouettes intertwined as if narrating an immortal legend. Each strike held boundless power, and every clash was enough to shake the heavens and the earth. Nevertheless, in this intense battle, Lisa had fallen once again.

King Kai gripped his longsword, his footsteps steady and measured as he approached Lisa. His gaze was as cold as ice, seemingly capable of piercing through all hypocrisy and pretense. The tip of his sword pointed directly at her resolute and stubborn figure.

"You have indeed grown stronger, Lisa," King Kai’s voice was low and calm, as if stating an undeniable fact. "However, if you wish to defeat me, your flaws remain as numerous as the stars. Before absolute power, even the smallest flaw can be fatal."

He lifted the sword tip slightly, pointing it at her chest, right where her heart beat. "I will not kill you, Lisa," he continued. "That does not mean I still harbor any affection for you; it is simply because you are still useful to me. Your existence still holds value in my eyes."

Lisa’s face was as pale as a sheet of paper, yet she held her head high with resilience. Her eyes, like the brightest stars in the night sky, pierced deep into King Kai’s profound pupils. She knew that the once-burning affection had long since cooled in the river of time, turning into intangible dust. Yet, deep within her heart, she still harbored an unspeakable love for him—a spark buried deep underground, covered by time but never extinguished.

"If you truly are determined to take my life, then please, the next time you hold your sword, drive it deep into my heart, my foolish Lisa," King Kai’s voice was cold and decisive, like the biting, merciless north wind of midwinter.

"As for the Child of Light, I will come looking again. But for now, you remain my primary concern." His words seemed to hide a profound helplessness and pain, yet were masked by a burst of arrogant laughter.

"Hahahaha..." The laughter echoed through the night sky, sounding like a tragic requiem or the roaring waves of the apocalypse. As the laughter faded, King Kai’s figure gradually dissipated at the edge of Minatas City, leaving behind only a faint trace, as if he had never existed at all.

Lisa stood silently in place, her eyes filled with complex emotions. She knew that this encounter might well be their final one. But even so, she could not forget the man who had once made her heart race and ache. That love was branded upon her heart, impossible to erase.

Lisa’s movements were like a scroll slowly stretched by time. She rose with difficulty, each step accompanied by the sound of her armor shattering. The iron-clad armor stripped away with her motions, turning into fragments and finally into powder that scattered across the ground.

"Concerned for me? How utterly ridiculous," her voice was filled with self-mockery and coldness, like a frozen lake reflecting the chilling moonlight.

She pressed her left hand tightly against her right arm, where a shocking wound left by King Kai’s blade ran a centimeter deep, soaking her combat uniform in blood. Her left leg had also been severely injured in the clash, and the pain of the fracture made every step feel like dancing on the edge of a blade.

Yet, even in agonizing pain, Lisa did not give up. She gritted her teeth, enduring the torment, and struggled to stand once more. Only one thought echoed in her mind: "So many years have passed; how can I fall here?"

However, the limits of the body were hard to defy. Before she had taken ten steps, the intense pain surged like a giant wave, knocking her to the ground again. But even so, an unyielding light flickered in her eyes, as if saying: "No matter how many times, I will stand again."

King Kai’s departure seemed to have taken the soul of the city with it. The aberrant beasts vanished as well, leaving Minatas City in ruins, a silent wasteland.

Once upon a time, this city had been bustling with life. Now, the streets were filled with the scars of war—broken walls and shattered homes. Although most residents had fled before the war erupted, half of the population had been devoured by the terrifying beasts, as if the entire world had plunged into endless darkness.

War, that cruel word, brought not only death and destruction but also deep wounds to innocent people. They did not seek wealth or power; they only longed for a peaceful home where they could enjoy family life and watch their children grow up healthy under the sun. This was their simplest, most sincere wish.

Yet, reality was cruel. War made all of this seem unreachable. But in Lisa’s heart, such a dream remained. She believed that as long as there was love and hope in people’s hearts, they would surely rebuild their homes and bring life back to these ruins. This was her goal, her firmest belief.

"For you, for the peace of the world, I must be strong, I must become stronger." Her powerful inner resolve once again stimulated her mind, and her immense willpower forced this woman to shoulder the burden.

"Though I was defeated today, when we clash next time, I will face you with the same determination and courage, leaving no room for error!" Lisa’s words were full of resolve; yet, deep in her heart, a trace of tenderness for King Kai remained. Her words were firm, but her eyes revealed respect and understanding—she did not truly want him dead.

When King Kai returned to his familiar base, the combat robe he wore was no longer a symbol of glory, but a mark of the battlefield’s cruelty. With a light flick, the damaged garment fell to the ground.

His perfect body was revealed—slender and fluid, every muscle group radiating power and beauty. His demeanor was like an ancient knight, elegant yet unyielding. In particular, his eight-pack abs seemed gilded by the sunlight, emitting an irresistible charm.

He silently picked up a towel, his gaze resolute, as if he could pierce through any pain. He gritted his teeth, enduring the stinging sensation of his wounds, and carefully wiped away the blood and grime. Every movement was focused and earnest, as if performing a sacred ritual upon his own body.

After cleaning the wounds, he unhesitatingly took a bottle of alcohol and poured it slowly over the unhealed cuts. The stinging sensation swept through his entire body, but he seemed not to feel it, merely furrowing his brows and bearing it in silence. Only when the pain became truly unbearable did he let out a low growl, filled with toughness and defiance.

"Master, what is the meaning of this?" Long Gongye’s voice betrayed confusion.

King Kai tilted his head slightly, his gaze piercing through the faint mist toward the source of the voice, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Long Gongye, you have yet to step into the abyss of emotion, so naturally, you cannot understand. When you truly know what it means to have your heart stirred and to feel deeply, you will understand my actions today."

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Long Gongye fell silent, his heart churning like the sea. He looked at that retreating figure, feeling a deep and complex emotion surging within.

King Kai chuckled, as if mocking himself or sighing: "Deep love is short-lived; excessive wisdom invites injury. I am tired. Help me to the Qi-Cultivation Platform; I need to go into seclusion to heal and calm my spirit."

Long Gongye said nothing more, stepping forward to support the slightly weary figure as they slowly made their way toward the Qi-Cultivation Platform.

A month passed in the blink of an eye...

Lisa’s injuries had fully healed under the soothing touch of time, yet her heart remained heavy. Her worries were like stars in the night sky—flickering and restless—and the brightest of them all was undoubtedly Ye Heng. Ye Heng’s vast, uncontrollable power, which even he could not harness, had become an insurmountable obstacle that left her uneasy.

She stood atop the high tower of the Martial God Nation. Her wounds were gone, but the weight on her heart had not diminished. Her gaze traversed the layers of clouds, looking into the distance as if searching for a power that could answer her doubts. Ye Heng, the person she cared for most—his power was so vast that he could not control it; how could she ever be at ease?

Lisa’s brows were tightly knit as she pondered, trying to find a solution. However, time seemed unusually slow; her thoughts were bound by invisible shackles, unable to find a breakthrough.

Just then, hurried footsteps broke the silence. Amy rushed over, her face full of anxiety: "My Lord, it's bad! The Great Envoy of the Southern Nation, Guding, has arrived with a massive army! Our people are doing everything they can, but they cannot stop their advance!"

"Guding? Is it for Heng again? We must not let Guding take Heng away! This is the bottom line of the Martial God Nation!" She took a deep breath, thinking calmly. "Amy, take Heng and hide him immediately. We cannot let him fall into Guding's hands."

Amy looked troubled. "But My Lord... although the Martial God Nation is vast, hiding Heng is no easy task. You know how formidable Guding’s Insight Art is—where could we possibly hide him?"

Director Lisa frowned, thinking for a moment before sighing helplessly: "You are right. Guding’s Insight Art is truly troublesome. But we must do everything we can to protect Heng. Amy, you are one of the people I trust most; I believe you can find a suitable place."

Amy took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. She closed her eyes, quickly recalling the terrain and layout of the Martial God Nation. A moment later, she opened her eyes, a glimmer of resolve in them: "Director, I’ve thought of a place! Perhaps it’s worth a try."

Director Lisa asked urgently: "Where?"

Amy said in a low voice: "The Dragon Nation behind the Forbidden Grounds of Martial God Mountain. It is the most mysterious and dangerous place in the world; even Guding’s Insight Art cannot peer into it. Moreover, there are many powerful seals in the Dragon Nation; even if Guding forced his way in, he might not find Heng. Besides, the Five Elders guard the Forbidden Grounds—the Southern Nation wouldn't dare be so brazen."

Lisa’s expression changed drastically, shock written all over her face: "You mean... the 'Dragon Nation' that was once glorious but long ago vanished into the dust of history?"

Amy nodded firmly: "Exactly."

Lisa frowned, as if unable to comprehend: "Are you joking? The Dragon Nation no longer exists. What is the point of going there?"

Amy took a deep breath and said slowly: "My Lord, I understand your hesitation. But haven't you been worried about Heng's growing power? The Dragon Nation, though now a ruin, shares a deep, inextricable bond with our Martial God Nation. Within those ruins, there may still be inscriptions and ancient civilizations that can control that power."

She paused, her eyes shining with resolve: "And the Martial God power we practice shares a similar essence with the Dragon Qi of the Dragon Nation. I believe that if we explore deeply, we will surely find a way to control Heng’s power. The Dragon Nation may be gone, but those inscriptions and that civilization are as brilliant as the stars and will never be drowned by the river of time."

Lisa: "Is this reliable?"

Amy stood tall, her face showing determination and confidence. She patted her chest as if to emphasize her words: "My Lord, you can trust me completely. I have thought this through. The Dragon Nation is treacherous, and the Dragon Qi is dense—Guding’s Insight Art would be almost useless there. Even if he finds us by chance, we have the Instant-Shift Art as a retreat to ensure we escape unscathed."

Lisa nodded slightly, but her eyes still held a trace of worry: "But things are unpredictable, what if..."

Amy interrupted her, her voice firm and unquestionable: "There are no 'ifs.' If we truly encounter unforeseen trouble, we can ask the Five Elders living in the Forbidden Grounds to help. They were once of the Dragon Nation, their power is unfathomable, and they would certainly resolve everything."

Lisa finally felt at ease. She took a deep breath, as if preparing for the journey ahead: "Good, then proceed according to your plan. Amy, Aishi, take Heng and leave the Martial God Nation now. This mission is of great importance; be careful, and do not let a single word leak out! Even Kana must not know."

Amy nodded, her expression serious: "Yes! Director Lisa, we will complete the mission and live up to your trust!" With that, she turned and walked out the door, ready to begin this journey full of unknowns and danger.

At this moment, Lisa finally set her heart at ease and went to meet Guding.

Guding’s gaze followed Lisa as she walked out of the Martial God Palace. His usually sleazy face was now as bright as a blooming flower. His smile grew wider, almost overflowing from his eyes, as he whispered: "Ah, long time no see, great Director of the Martial God Nation. You are still as radiant as ever."

Lisa glanced at his smile; though the corners of her mouth turned up slightly, her eyes revealed a trace of imperceptible disgust. She parted her lips, her tone cool: "After all these years, you are still as repulsive as ever. Speak, what do you want this time?"

Hearing this, Guding moved his gaze from Lisa and scanned the surroundings. His eyes revealed a complex emotion, seemingly touched by what he saw. He sighed, his voice tinged with sentiment: "This place is truly beautiful... every corner is filled with the traces of time and endless legends."

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Lisa frowned impatiently. Her eyes were like two sharp swords, staring intently at Guding as if to see through him. She said coldly: "Enough nonsense. State your purpose. I don't have time to reminisce with you."

Guding was interrupted. He withdrew his gaze and looked at Lisa again. His face returned to that signature sleazy smile, but a flash of cunning crossed his eyes: "Alright, since you are so direct, I won't beat around the bush. I've come to strike a deal with you..."

Guding’s lips moved slightly, his words flowing like a stream, while deep in his eyes a faint, ghostly light flickered—he was using his Penetration Art, trying to see through every inch of the space around him. However, it turned into a frustrating challenge for him.

He tried hard to probe the depths of his mind, attempting to capture a trace of Ye Heng’s aura. But no matter how hard he tried or how much he concentrated, that familiar aura remained like a drop of water lost in the vast ocean—nowhere to be found.

Guding’s brows furrowed, and a flash of doubt and unease crossed his eyes. He knew the importance of Ye Heng. If he couldn't bring him back to the Southern Nation, the Poison Emperor would surely make him pay the price.

"What kind of deal?" Lisa’s voice carried a trace of imperceptible annoyance.

Guding smiled slightly, trying to mask his urgency with that smooth tone: "Oh, Director Lisa, it’s just a small proposal. I hope the young master of your nation might do us the honor of visiting our Southern Nation. We are willing to offer our Crown Prince to exchange studies with him; this way, the two nations can maintain an unbreakable cooperative relationship."

However, Lisa’s eyes remained cold, as if Guding’s words were nothing but passing smoke. Her reply was equally concise and direct: "Envoy Guding, I am afraid I cannot accept your proposal. As for the 'Child of Light' you speak of, there is no such person here. If you truly intend to break the alliance between the Five Nations for the sake of a phantom 'Child of Light,' then I can only say your decision will be your own undoing."

Hearing this, Guding’s face sank. His face, usually so sleazy, became gloomy. His voice was filled with threats: "Director Lisa, do you really think I don't know? The Child of Light is in your hands. Hand him over, otherwise..."

Lisa interrupted him without fear: "Otherwise what? Envoy Guding, you should know that the alliance between the Five Nations is not just a piece of paper, but the bottom line we all guard. If you break this peace for your own selfish desires, the consequences will be more than you can bear."

The dialogue between the two was like needles meeting sharp edges; the atmosphere instantly reached a breaking point. Behind it lay the delicate political balance and endless schemes between the two nations.

"You..." Guding was burning with rage, nearly choked by his own anger. He struggled to calm his internal fury, trying to use reason to combat the predicament.

He took a deep breath, adjusting his emotions, and tried to make his voice sound calm and firm: "You are still as stubborn and unreasonable as ever. I, Guding, though an Envoy of the Southern Nation, have my roots and my blood deeply planted in this land of the Kimang Star. None of us wish to see those terrible beasts erode our home step by step, pushing us into the abyss of despair."

His words were filled with love for his home and longing for the future. He continued: "The appearance of the Child of Light is our last hope, the key to defeating the beasts and guarding our home. Therefore, I implore you, hand over the Child of Light. He does not belong only to your Martial God Nation; he is the hope and future of all mankind."

Guding refused to give up, trying to sway Lisa in the name of the greater good: "The Child of Light is the embodiment of justice, yet you remain stubborn and refuse to hand him over. If he is captured by those evil beasts, it will be an irreversible catastrophe. Please set aside your personal grudges and think twice for the sake of the big picture and justice!"

However, Lisa just gave a cold laugh, her eyes filled with disdain and firmness: "Keep your hypocritical words, Guding. Do you think I don't know what your Southern Nation is planning? Don't think a few slogans of justice can blind me—everyone knows the history of your Southern Nation. Coupled with the grievances between our two nations, a few empty words won't bridge the gap. While our goals may be temporarily aligned, we have to be on guard. As for the Child of Light, we will handle him properly; you need not worry."

Guding’s mouth curled into a sneer, his teeth clenched tight, as if trying to condense all his anger into this moment. He spoke in a low voice, full of determination: "You forced my hand. The Poison Emperor gave me a two-year deadline. If I fail again this time, my fate will be miserable. Since you insist on not handing him over, I have no choice but to take the final measure."

Lisa didn't even turn her head back, letting out a cold laugh filled with contempt for Guding’s strength: "With just your mediocre skills, hahahaha... you dare to act brazenly here? Don't forget, this is the Martial God Nation, not your tiny Southern Nation!"

Before the words had faded, Lisa slammed her left foot down, and the ground seemed to tremble beneath her. A massive wave of Martial God power surged from her body, spreading outward. The powerful force instantly scattered the Southern soldiers like autumn leaves in the wind.

Lisa’s figure appeared even more towering under the shroud of Martial God power. She spoke slowly, her voice filled with majesty: "Martial God Divine Armor!" As she spoke, a suit of brilliant divine armor slowly manifested on her body, shimmering with dazzling light, as if forged from countless stars, filled with endless mystery and awe.

She stood in the hall, looking down at the people of the Southern Nation below, her eyes revealing unquestionable resolve. Her voice rang out again, filled with firm and irresistible power: "I warn you one last time: if you do not immediately lead your army to withdraw from my Martial God Nation, then what awaits you will be the wrath and destruction of the Director."

Her voice echoed through the hall like thunder, shaking everyone to their core.

Guding’s face was as cold as thousand-year-old iron. His fists were clenched, his veins bulging, as if he were trying to suppress his full fury deep within. His gaze was like a raging fire, staring straight at Lisa’s graceful figure, his eyes flashing with indescribable emotions—anger and resentment.

Suddenly, Guding lunged forward like a leopard ready to pounce, rushing toward the entrance of the towering Martial God Bureau. However, the moment he was about to cross that sacred threshold, a wave of energy like a stormy sea surged from within the hall, like an invisible hand, pushing him back violently.

Lisa’s eyes glowed with golden radiance, as if they held the power of endless stars. The twin blades in her hands traced sharp, peerless arcs through the air, like meteors crossing the night sky, brilliant and dazzling. Her golden battle armor shone in the sunlight, each plate seemingly cast from divine power, emitting a terrifying pressure.

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