Proofreader: Papatonks

The dragons froze in place, with Bai Long shaking, “Say what? The Sovereigns are still alive? That means humans aren’t finished yet!”

“I can’t claim all ten are around, but there’s still enough of them.” Zhuo Fan snickered.

Their faces twitched with Bai Long sighing, “Just who was it that spread the word the ten Sovereigns and the sacred beasts fell? Aren’t they still alive, here and now? You also mention that the other three sacred beasts are trapped? Our ancestor…”

“Yes, he’s trapped in a place called the mortal domain.”

Zhuo Fan spoke gravely, “You can tell that we have dragon souls. To form it, dragon power is needed. There’s no way for humans to steal it when you’re guarding it with vehemence. With Dragon Ancestor in the mortal domain, only by gathering earth dragon souls to draw out the dragon power will it work. Since he’s your primogenitor, drawing dragon power shouldn’t be hard.”

The others nodded, “I see. So you all came from the mortal domain? Is Dragon Ancestor alright? How do we save him?”

“People, he is very much safe.”

Zhuo Fan appeased, “He can’t go out just yet and sent us ahead to Sacred Domain.”

“Yet?”

“Yes, he can’t break the mortal domain’s barrier, but it’s quite easy to break his cell. He won’t do it, because of one man…”

“Who?”

“The creator of mortal domain, the Heavenly Sovereign!” Zhuo Fan’s eyes shone.

Bai Long cried out, “The top Sovereign? He made the mortal domain?”

“It was meant as a prison, to confine the sacred beasts. The Heavenly Sovereign hasn’t done anything to them all these years, making his situation unknown. That’s why Dragon Ancestor had us go ahead and scout the place for his trail. If the Heavenly Sovereign is weakened, it’ll be the best chance to strike. Also, we’ve made preparations in the Sacred Domain, to help all of them escape the mortal domain.”

“Then you’re Dragon Ancestor’s envoy, here to help them!” Bai Long was excited,

Zhuo Fan nodded without shame, “Yes, this is sir’s intent. To wait or strike true. That’s why I’m saying we’re on the same side. Dragon Ancestor relies on us in the mortal domain and relies on you in the Sacred Domain. Will you help us?”

“Of course! Anything for Dragon Ancestor!” Bai Long roared, the others joining him in standing tall.

It was his life’s greatest honor to lay his life for Dragon Ancestor.

Ye Lin sighed.

[They might look like humans, but they’re as simple as spiritual beasts where it counts. Dragon Ancestor has no trouble getting out and coming to Sacred Domain, but this bro of mine has mislead them.]

[He stands for the humans in the end anyhow, not wanting for the sacred beasts to reign once more.]

If it turned out that the Heavenly Sovereign was their common enemy, they would return. It all came down to Dragon Ancestor’s words, if they could be trusted.

Zhuo Fan offered a hand with a smile, “Do we team up?”

“We’re all doing this for Dragon Ancestor. That makes us family!”

Pa!

Bai Long shook Zhuo Fan’s hand hard, “We will do our all to go with your plan to save Dragon Ancestor. How may I call you?”

“Luo clan’s steward, Zhuo Fan!”

“Dragon clan’s elder, Bai Long!” Bai Long grinned and patted his chest, “You have an impressive body for a human. How did you train?”

“At Dragon Ancestor’s favor, he offered me a scale and reforged my body in the golden flames.”

“No wonder, ha-ha-ha…” Bai Long believed him more. With Dragon Ancestor coming, it was a reason to celebrate.

After pleasantries, Zhuo Fan pointed at his people, “Our investigation is to thwart the Heavenly Sovereign, but first we’ll need more strength. I ask Elder Bai to take these three to the Dragon Lands and teach them. They will act as representatives of our cooperation, and to also gather more men. They are two sacred beasts and Dragon Ancestor’s disciple. They have great authority among the sacred beasts.”

“Of course, Qilin is the head of beasts, Thunder Phoenix and Kunpeng oversee the north and south birds. Sea Ao rules the seas and Dragon Ancestor created his race. Most of all the spiritual beasts came from them, and they were once a force to be reckoned with in the Sacred Domain.”

Bai Long sighed, “Ever since the five sacred beasts fell, us dragons were the only one still putting up a fight against humans, with the birds and beasts scattering. This time is different. With the two of them calling them, attacking the Seven Sacred Mountains will be nothing, ha-ha-ha…”

Zhuo Fan nodded with a smile, “Great, but let’s be subtle about it and not let them catch wind of this. The Dragon Lands are vital in the Sacred Domain, with many eyes on them. That’s why we didn’t come knocking the moment we got here, attracting the enemy’s attention. We thus thought of drawing you out to talk. The sacred weapon from a dragon scale comes from senior Kunpeng. He must’ve forged it from a deceased dragon. I ask for your forgiveness.”

“It’s fine. We’re not petty to mind trifles. It’s all for Dragon Ancestor!” The dragons didn’t mind it.

“It’s unknown when Qilin and Thunder Phoenix will mature, but a war is knocking and we need all the sacred beasts. Is there a way for them to grow faster among spiritual beasts?”

“Well…”

Bai Long hesitated, “We are the only spiritual beasts able to take human form, and that is because of our precious land, Dragonizing Pool! In the ancient past, when humans and spiritual beasts were at peace, Dragon Ancestor and the Shadow Sovereign made it. It contains the essence of Dragon Ancestor and the core of Shadow Sovereign’s path. We are able to find human reflections in its waters, using its power to turn human. Our own strength is greatly improved as well.

“Sacred beasts can turn human by themselves, but if they can go through the Dragonizing Pool, taking in Dragon Ancestor’s power, it will deepen their form. The Shadow Sovereign’s path is truly intricate, not only dividing people into flesh and soul, but shadows as well. By bringing out the power of their shadow, they can maximize their potential. Dragonizing Pool is a true masterpiece of cooperation between a Sovereign and sacred beast!”

Zhuo Fan nodded and rejoiced inside, “Great! Ye Lin, you guys got your wish, receiving a dragon’s favor to make up for your weakness.”

The trio nodded with eagerness.

“Elder Bai, what of the Fountain of Youth?” One dragon spoke.

Zhuo Fan turned to him, “Fountain of Youth?”

“Yes.”

Bai Long wore a heavy frown, “The Fountain of Youth had been passed down in ancient times by its creator, the Child Sovereign. Those that bathed in its waters will remain young and strong for all their lives, even in seniority. The Fountain of Youth helps one’s heart as well, shedding away all worries and attaining inner peace. When humans cultivate in the fountain, their hearts will not be plagued by any negative emotions, heightening their insight towards a Sovereign path to incredible degree. I believe that by taking the young sacred beasts there, they would reach their peak even faster.”

Zhuo Fan laughed, “Not just them, but us as well. But will the dragons share it with us? Ha-ha-ha…”

“Steward Zhuo, you jest. The Fountain of Youth has long since left our hands. What’s there to share?”

“Wha…”

“Five hundred thousand years ago, the Seven Sacred Mountains stole it from us.”

Bai Long sighed, “It is now locked in the Seven Sacred Mountains, with only their most important people going in. Each Sacred Mountain takes up duty to protect it every year. There’s no way for us to enter. But now we have the two young masters and we can amass troops to raid the Seven Sacred Mountains, taking back the Fountain of Youth!”

Nodding, Zhuo Fan’s eyes burned with battlelust, “No matter where the Heavenly Sovereign is right now, we shall take the Seven Sacred Mountains first. Please return and be ready. I will work from my end.”

“My thoughts exactly, Steward Zhuo, Ha-ha-ha…” The elders laughed and cupped their hands.

They would finally get revenge on the Seven Sacred Mountains after all these years of torment.

They couldn’t beat all seven mountains, but with the sacred beasts calling the other spiritual beasts, the mountains wouldn’t stand a chance.

Zhuo Fan talked some more before sending them away. Ye Lin’s group going as well. Only Chi Long’s wounds were a bit problematic, but Zhuo Fan had understanding of the Shadow Sovereign’s path and using reflection and shadows, he left all of them speechless as he performed miracles.

[He really is Dragon Ancestor’s envoy!]

Zhuo Fan eased up with them gone, having found backing in the Sacred Domain at long last. He could go up against the Eight Emperors without worry of other powers blocking him.

[Not even the Seven Sacred Mountains…]