A Dragon against the Whole World

Sel Wilderness, Northwest Region, on a vast clearing surrounded by sparse shrubs.

Iron Dragon Solrog stood silently, raindrops shattering upon contact with his body, while Red Dragon Samantha’s radiant scales shimmered with a fiery luster.

Beside them were Blue Dragon Heryam, Red Dragon Kahill, Green Dragon Ludwig, and Black Dragon Seraphina.

Four juvenile dragons were also gathered here.

Apart from them, the Purple Crystal Dragon Lion, Holy Spirit Deer, Phoenix, and three powerful lords were also present, all waiting for the arrival of the King of Molten Iron.

While waiting, they exchanged low whispers and communicated with each other.

"Lu Xi, you seem particularly fragrant today, did you absorb the essence of some plant?"

Purple Crystal Dragon Lion Ennos approached the Holy Spirit Deer, his nostrils flaring slightly, with a hint of ingratiation, he asked with a cheeky grin.

"Hey, that lion over there whose looks barely make the cut, why did you suddenly start talking? Aren’t you usually the one who likes to maintain an aloof and unapproachable demeanor?"

Phoenix Angela, while grooming her radiant feathers, interjected bluntly.

"In front of those ordinary followers and subordinates, it’s necessary to maintain a certain degree of majesty and aloofness."

Ennos shook his mane, naturally saying, "But we are equals, comrades in arms, no need to constantly put on an act."

He paused, lifting his head to add, "Of course, the Dragon Lord likes my aloof demeanor. If the Dragon Lord were to arrive, you would see me silent and aloof, exuding a majestic lordly aura, which is the proper demeanor of the Dragon Lion Lord."

As he spoke, he unconsciously edged a bit closer to the direction of the Holy Spirit Deer.

"Irritating lion, keep your distance."

Holy Spirit Deer Lu Xi stomped her hoof in annoyance, "Don’t forget, there’s still an unresolved duel between us!"

The Purple Crystal Dragon Lion showed a troubled expression on his face.

"A duel... Alas, I really don’t want to hurt you."

He spoke sincerely, "However, out of basic respect for a powerful opponent, if we truly must duel, I have to give it my all, without reservation."

"This indeed makes me feel conflicted, why not give up the idea?"

In the previous fierce battle to besiege the Mad King Gorsas, the Flower Lord Shire unfortunately fell, his soul sealed in a life box, and besides Shire, the Purple Crystal Dragon Lion Ennos sustained the most severe injuries.

He had almost one foot in the realm of death at that time.

Holy Spirit Deer Lu Xi expended her lifeblood, nearly fainting from exhaustion, to drag him back forcibly from the gates of death, and slowly healed him afterwards.

After this ordeal, all previous animosities the Purple Crystal Dragon Lion held towards the Holy Spirit Deer had long dissipated, replaced by strong gratitude and a deeper fondness, yearning to transform enmity into friendship with her.

"Stop bragging."

Holy Spirit Deer’s front hooves impatiently scratched the ground, producing a dull sound, "If it’s a duel, I’ll use these hooves to crush that freshly healed head of yours again."

The Purple Crystal Dragon Lion tilted his head, contemplating for a few seconds, before saying, "You’re very determined, I can agree to a duel with you."

"However, if you lose, all previous grudges between us will be wiped clean, how about that?"

Seeing the sincerity in the Purple Crystal Dragon Lion’s eyes, the expression on the Holy Spirit Deer slightly softened.

She nodded, saying, "Agreed."

Hearing this, the Purple Crystal Dragon Lion was overjoyed and immediately said, "Haha, with your word, I’m relieved!"

"When the time comes, I promise to go all out, show you the utmost respect, and show no mercy until you concede or beg for mercy."

In an instant, that slightly softened expression on the Holy Spirit Deer’s face once again froze over at a visible speed.

Meanwhile,

Blue Dragon Heryam looked around at the many powerful creatures gathered, and inquired Iron Dragon Solrog, "Lord Solrog, why did the leader summon us all here so urgently?"

At these words, Iron Dragon Solrog’s gaze slowly swept over the four juvenile dragons.

"It’s for you."

Under the gazes instantly focused on him, he continued, "Or rather, it’s about the dragon group you once defected from— the Dominican Dragon Group."

"Not long ago, this dragon group sent an envoy to the Border Area to meet with our king."

He took about a minute to recount the visit of Blue Dragon Zoraya and the breakdown of negotiations to all the creatures present.

The expressions on the three lord-level powerhouses remained relatively calm upon hearing this.

For them, a breakdown in negotiation would most likely mean war; hence, they would prepare for, face, or even initiate battle. This is the norm for survival in the wilderness.

However, the mood of the four juvenile dragons could not remain as calm as that of the lords.

"Dominican Dragon Group! Damn it! They dare to appear again, still deluding themselves to execute us?!"

Red Dragon Kahill was the first to be unable to suppress his anger, letting out a low growl, with fire blazing in his Dragon Eyes.

"Traitors? They call us traitors?! Haha, what a colossal joke!"

"In that dragon group, they treated us like slaves, using us like those dispensable lower-ranked followers! They still deluded themselves to earn our loyalty?!"

Compared to their lives in the Ignas Dragon Group, their days in the Dominican Dragon Group could only be described as unbearably painful to recall.