Bab 165: The Flame Dragon's Lair
The Scarlet Dragon Mountain Range rumbled under the force of the Flame Dragon's roar, a sound so deafening that it seemed to crack the heavens themselves. Raja, perched at a safe distance, felt the vibration in his bones. The sound heralded the eruption of a massive pillar of flame that shot skyward, lighting up the darkened range with a fiery brilliance. The searing heat rolled over the terrain like a tidal wave, scorching everything in its path.
Raja shielded his face with his arm, squinting against the light. Even from his vantage point, he could feel the intensity of the heat. The air shimmered as the ground beneath him grew uncomfortably warm. It was undeniable: the legendary Flame Dragon, or something equally fearsome, had been roused from its slumber.
The Sky Profound Realm Practitioners
Not far ahead, five practitioners from the Burning Heaven Clan reacted quickly. The immense flame pillar caught them off guard, but their reflexes were sharp, and they leaped into the air to escape the worst of the heat. Hovering midair, they formed a defensive formation.
The Flame Dragon's immense form emerged from the cave entrance, its scales glowing like molten steel. Wings stretched wide, trailing streams of fire, while its long tail lashed the air, spreading destruction. Its eyes, filled with ancient fury, glared at the intruders.
"You dare trespass into my domain?" the dragon's voice thundered in a language both primal and articulate, filled with menace.
Burning Heaven Clan's Arrogance
Fen Moli, the senior elder of the Burning Heaven Clan, floated slightly forward, his aura flaring as he addressed the dragon. "A Flame Dragon in such a remote place... how unexpected. Your Profound Core will bring great glory to the Burning Heaven Clan. Surrender it, and we may grant you a swift death."
Raja frowned from his vantage point. He knew the arrogance of powerful sects like the Burning Heaven Clan, but openly provoking a dragon seemed like pure folly.
The Flame Dragon's body trembled, its flames surging outward in a wave of molten fury. "You dare insult me? I will incinerate your arrogance along with your mortal shells!"
The Battle Ignites
The Flame Dragon roared, charging forward with startling speed for a creature its size. Its claws raked through the air as it unleashed five streams of fire, each more intense than the last. The practitioners split into strategic positions, narrowly avoiding the fiery onslaught.
Fen Moli retaliated first, his blade igniting with a fiery glow. He slashed downward, sending a crescent of burning energy toward the dragon. The attack struck the dragon's scales with a resounding clang, leaving only a faint mark.
The other practitioners followed suit, launching their attacks in unison. Blade techniques lit up the sky: "Seafaring Flame Dragon," "Thousand Scorching Suns," "Field Burning Slash," and "Blazing Sun Burns Clouds." The combined force created a vortex of destruction, momentarily forcing the dragon to retreat.
Raja watched in awe as the practitioners coordinated their strikes, their techniques synchronized like a deadly symphony. Yet even with their combined strength, they barely scratched the dragon's impenetrable defenses.
Fen Moli's Strike
With a ferocious roar, Fen Moli surged forward, his blade glowing ominously. He aimed a devastating blow at the dragon's head, forcing the creature to shield itself with its fiery wings. The impact reverberated across the mountains, a shockwave of flame and force sending the practitioners backward.
The Flame Dragon retaliated with a massive explosion of fire that consumed the battlefield. The ground quaked, fissures opening in the earth as the surrounding mountains trembled under the intensity of the battle. Smaller profound beasts fled in terror, their cries drowned out by the roar of combat.
Observing from Afar
From his distant perch, Raja marveled at the sheer scale of the battle. At the Tenth Level of the True Profound Realm, he knew he was far outmatched. This was a fight of legends, the kind rarely seen in even the most powerful empires.
Jasmine's voice echoed in his mind. "You're a fool if you think you can get involved. Even the residual energy from this fight could kill you instantly."
"I know," Raja replied calmly, his eyes fixed on the battlefield. "I'm not planning to interfere. But there's much to learn from observing."
The Flame Dragon's Intelligence
Jasmine's tone grew somber. "That's no ordinary beast. It's a true dragon, not just some mindless Profound Beast. True dragons are highly intelligent, capable of strategy and deceit. This one is toying with them, luring them away from something important."
Raja's eyes narrowed. The Flame Dragon was slowly maneuvering the battle southward, away from its lair. The realization struck him like a bolt of lightning. "It's protecting the cave," he murmured.
Jasmine's voice sharpened. "You're not thinking of—"
"I am."
A Dangerous Decision
Ignoring Jasmine's protests, Raja resolved to investigate the cave. If the Flame Dragon was willing to risk such a dangerous battle to draw the practitioners away, whatever lay inside must be extraordinary. Treasure, artifacts, or perhaps a cultivation-enhancing material—he couldn't let the opportunity slip away.
Jasmine sighed in exasperation. "You'll die if you're caught."
"Not if I'm careful," Raja said, determination steeling his voice.
The Stealth Approach
Raja activated the Star Concealing Grass ability, masking his presence and odor. With practiced stealth, he began navigating the terrain, taking a wide detour to avoid the battle. The roaring flames and clashing energies behind him created a chaotic backdrop, masking his movements.
The heat intensified as he approached the cave. The ground was scorched black, cracks spewing embers and smoke. The cave's entrance loomed ahead, an ominous maw radiating danger and promise in equal measure.
The Lure of Treasure
As Raja stepped closer, an inexplicable pull guided him forward. It was more than curiosity—it was as if the cave itself was calling to him. The sensation grew stronger with each step, filling him with a mix of anticipation and unease.
Jasmine's voice cut through his thoughts. "If there's something valuable inside, it won't be unguarded. Don't let your greed blind you to the risks."
"I'm aware," Raja said, his voice steady. "But this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance."
With one last glance at the distant battle, Raja entered the Flame Dragon's lair.
Into the Depths
The cave was a furnace. Each step felt like walking into the heart of a volcano. The walls glowed faintly, veins of molten rock illuminating the path. Raja's breathing grew labored as the heat pressed against him, but he pushed forward, his resolve unwavering.
The ground beneath him shifted, a faint tremor rippling through the cave. Raja froze, his senses on high alert. He reached out with his Observation Haki, scanning for any signs of danger. The cave seemed empty, but the oppressive atmosphere suggested otherwise.
A faint glow deeper within caught his eye. It was subtle, almost hidden by the fiery light of the cave, but unmistakably distinct. Raja moved toward it, his steps cautious and deliberate.
The Unknown Awaits
The glow intensified as Raja approached, revealing an alcove bathed in fiery light. At its center lay a pedestal, atop which rested something that pulsed with an otherworldly aura. Raja's heart raced as he stepped closer, the pull stronger than ever.
Jasmine's voice whispered in his mind, filled with both awe and caution. "Whatever this is, it's not ordinary. Be prepared for anything."
Raja extended his hand, his fingers brushing against the edge of destiny itself.
PERTIMBANGAN PENCIPTA 
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