In a void of darkness—an empty space where no mountains, water, or trees exist. Instead, it is filled with terrifying astral winds that could scatter souls and chaotic spatial currents capable of shredding even a powerful Dou Venerate. At the center of this chaotic storm resides a massive, purple beast, hundreds of feet long. These spatial currents causing no harm to it, instead, it appears that the beast's body is being tempered by this harsh environment, growing stronger and more resilient.
Suddenly, the beast, coiled within the chaotic space, turns its massive head, its mountain-sized pupils glowing with a ghostly purple light. This enormous creature is revealed to be a purple dragon, its scales harder than steel by several orders of magnitude.
"This is... the aura of royal blood!"
The purple dragon senses the long-sought aura of royal blood, its gaze locking onto a specific direction. It opens its mouth and, shouts in a voice full of excitement.
...
"Connected to Ziyan's bloodline? Could it be... someone from the Ancient Void Dragon Tribe has arrived?"
At this moment, Gu Fei, riding on the Lion King's back, hears Ziyan's words and quickly deduces the situation. In the original story, Ziyan was sensed by members of the Ancient Void Dragon Clan and was taken back to their clan shortly after arriving in the Central Region.
However, Gu Fei cannot be certain whether this Ancient Void Dragon is a friend or foe, given the clan's current chaotic state. Since the old Dragon Emperor's disappearance, the clan has splintered into four factions. Among them, the Western, Southern, and Northern Dragon Kings harbor greedy ambitions to become the sole ruler of the clan. Only the elders and members of the Eastern Dragon Island remain loyal to the royal bloodline, tirelessly searching for it.
"Ziyan, could this mean there are members of your clan nearby?" Qing Lin asks, her voice gentle and shy.
Ziyan, though uncertain, nods hesitantly, her eyes full of doubt. She then looks to Gu Fei, hoping for some reassurance. Although thrilled by the sudden connection to her bloodline, she also feels a nervous apprehension and seeks Gu Fei's confirmation.
"Ziyan, if you've already sensed it, then your clan members should also be able to sense your presence. There's no need to worry," Gu Fei reassures her with a smile, easing her mind a little. Ziyan responds with a nod before falling into a contemplative silence.
Shortly after, a rift suddenly tears open in the space before them. Ziyan's eyes flicker as she senses the bloodline connection growing stronger and closer, allowing her to clearly perceive it.
A robust figure steps out of the rift. As soon as this figure appears, an overwhelming pressure descends upon the area, causing the Lion King- a peak sixth-rank magical beast- to tremble in fear.
"An eight-star Dou Venerate!"
Having just regained his physical form, the Heaven Flame Venerable immediately detects the newcomer's strength, his expression unusually serious.
Gu Fei also feels the robust figure's aura but remains unperturbed. Although he cannot yet defeat this person, he is not worried. Ever since his recent breakthrough to Dou Venerate, Gu Fei had sensed a familiar aura momentarily. Though he couldn't identify it at the time, he now suspects that the Ancient Clan elders may be secretly tracking and protecting him.
If he's wrong, Gu Fei is still confident in his ability to crush the spatial jade slip provided by his grandfather. Despite the formidable presence of this eight-star Dou Venerate, Gu Fei remains calm and unafraid.
"Haha, it really is the royal bloodline! I've finally found it!" The robust figure, a middle-aged man in leather armor, exclaims excitedly, his gaze locked onto Ziyan. For some reason, Ziyan's eyes are also fixated on him, her emotions uncertain.
After a moment, the man laughs heartily, his voice booming like thunder across the sky, filled with overwhelming dragon might. Ziyan, her eyes wide with a mix of surprise and joy, feels an instinctive sense of kinship with this man.
"Are you one of my clan members?" she asks, hesitantly smiling.
"Yes, we are both of the Ancient Void Dragon Clan, and you are of the royal bloodline!" The man nods, smiling, and says, "Allow Hei Qing to escort you back to the clan. The Grand Elders will be overjoyed to learn of your return!"
"Hei Qing?" Gu Fei's remaining doubts vanish upon hearing the name. He recalls this Ancient Void Dragon member well, as Hei Qing appeared frequently in the original story. He even sacrificed his life to protect the royal bloodline during the Dragon Clan's rebellion.
Ziyan takes a deep breath and looks at Gu Fei. Seeing him nod in approval, her eyes reveal a trace of reluctance.
Ziyan feels reluctant, emotion value +100
Since someone has come for her and Gu Fei has confirmed it, Ziyan knows she must leave. Although she had longed to uncover her true origins, now that the opportunity has arrived, she finds herself unwilling to part.
"Goodbye, Brother Gu Fei! Farewell, Sister Xiao Yi Xian, Qing Lin. Until we meet again!" Ziyan, struggling to contain her emotions, bids a tearful farewell to Gu Fei, Xiao Yi Xian, and Qing Lin.
"Goodbye!" Xiao Yi Xian and Qing Lin respond, their eyes misty with unshed tears.
"Ziyan, until we meet again!" Gu Fei waves as they watch Ziyan follow Hei Qing into the space rift. In the blink of an eye, they disappear from sight.
"The royal bloodline of the Ancient Void Dragon Clan..."
"Who would have thought? The women Gu Fei associates with are all extraordinary- one with the Woeful Poison Body, another with the Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils..."
In a distant void, a white-robed elder watches with a look of astonishment.
"Sigh... Compared to Gu Fei, Xun'er's judgement of people is truly lacking!" The elder sighs, thinking of certain matters, unable to hide his disappointment.