Immortal Tribulation

Chapter 2: The Transforming Jiao

In the magical forest of the Divine Martial Continent, a fantastical presence existed, holding significant meaning for the Dragon Soaring Dynasty. Their ancestors had gained great fortune here, establishing a vast martial sanctuary that attracted visitors from all directions, revered by all corners of the realm.

"Something's amiss here. It seems there's trouble brewing. Creatures of this caliber shouldn't be appearing in this place," remarked the old Royal Tutor, puzzled after an uncertain duration of travel. Tianfan observed a wolf-man corpse at the old man's feet, its brow pierced by a bloodied hole, a single strike proving fatal.

"Alright, let's continue further inside. Aotian, remember, stay vigilant at all times. Or, you can send your children back," the Royal Tutor instructed as Dragon Aotian turned to glance at the princes.

"Fear not, Father. We can fend for ourselves. To retreat at the slightest sign of trouble would be a disgrace. How will we face the world in the future?" Dragon Batian declared confidently, standing proudly and shooting a disdainful glance at Tianfan.

"I stand with my brother!" proclaimed the second prince, standing shoulder to shoulder with his elder sibling.

"What about you, Eighth Brother?" Dragon Aotian turned to the youngest prince.

"I'll press on as well," replied the youngest prince, unwilling to fall behind, puffing out his chest defiantly.

"Very well. You are all worthy heirs of the Dragon Aotian. Courageous and bold. But remember, bravery alone is not enough. Sometimes, one must also know when to retreat. Understood?" Dragon Aotian's gaze swept over his children, delivering his words with authority.

"Yes, Father!" they all echoed in unison.

Tianfan observed silently, making no comment. Dragon Aotian didn't spare him a glance or question him. Perhaps even if he were to die on the spot, Dragon Aotian wouldn't say a word.

He had grown accustomed to it. Once, he worried, feared, and felt heartbroken. He had even angrily questioned Dragon Aotian why he treated him like this, reminding him that he too was his child. But all he got was, "My children will inevitably excel in the realm of cultivation. Since you cannot cultivate, you lose some rights as a descendant of the Dragon Soaring Dynasty!"

Since then, Tianfan had become indifferent, learning to endure. Nothing could break his calm demeanor.

The group continued deeper into the magical forest. They had already traveled nearly three miles, cutting down numerous creatures along the way, some even approaching the realm of Return to Void, which was utterly unreasonable.

"There!" Suddenly, Dragon Aotian exclaimed, his face filled with shock as he looked ahead.

Given his status, just one step away from the Return to Void Realm, the fact that he exclaimed indicated whatever lay ahead was truly extraordinary. Following his gaze, everyone froze in place, even Tianfan, usually calm, displayed a look of astonishment.

Tree limbs lay scattered around, corpses of creatures strewn everywhere. Among them were beings almost reaching the Return to Void Realm. Among the countless bodies, lay a colossal creature, weakly sprawled on the ground. With a horse's face, a snake's body, deer's antlers, eagle's claws, and fish scales, it was a dragon!

"A dragon!"

Everyone was speechless, feeling a dryness in their throats. Dragons in this world were as rare and revered as phoenixes, occupying the pinnacle of the pyramid.

Although there had been descriptions of dragons on the Divine Martial Continent over the years, no one had truly seen one. Once they appeared, they would undoubtedly be revered as deities.

"No, this isn't a real dragon. This is a Jiao, on the brink of surpassing its essence as a Jiao, evolving once again!" the old Royal Tutor was also greatly astonished. In just a moment, he realized what was amiss.

Legend had it that Jiaos were descendants of dragons, but the bloodline of the divine dragons had become extremely rare. Only through immense power and fortuitous circumstances could the divine dragon's bloodline within them be activated, providing the opportunity for them to transform into dragons.

Though Jiaos were also rare on the Divine Martial Continent, they were still sighted occasionally. However, no one had ever witnessed a Jiao activating its bloodline. And now, the Jiao lying on the ground was evolving towards becoming a dragon, aiming to ascend in a single leap.

"A Jiao? A Jiao about to evolve?!" Dragon Aotian echoed the Royal Tutor's words, initially shocked, then displaying a look of wild excitement. The Jiao before them was currently in a weakened state due to its evolution, and judging by the corpses around, it had attracted numerous formidable enemies with its activated bloodline, all seeking to seize its essence. However, they had all been struck down, leaving it severely weakened.

What an immense opportunity! Dragon Aotian thought. If he could refine the essence of this Jiao now, he could undoubtedly break through to the Return to Void Realm!

"No, it cannot be. Since this Jiao has the chance to evolve into a dragon, it cannot be refined. You and I will stay here to guard it!" When Dragon Aotian conveyed his thoughts to the old Royal Tutor, the old man adamantly refused! He demanded that Dragon Aotian stay with him to protect the creature.

"Aotian, as a cultivator, strength is important, but what's more crucial is the heart! If this Jiao can successfully evolve, it will ascend to the heavens, transforming into a dragon. By forming a positive connection with it, it will surely be grateful. Then, it can become a mighty guardian dragon for the Dragon Soaring Dynasty, complementing your dynasty perfectly!" The old Royal Tutor, having witnessed Dragon Aotian's disappointed expression, imparted his wisdom. He had a deep bond with Aotian's father and thus took great care of his descendants.

As a potential ruler, Long Aotian was no incompetent. In a moment, he grasped the key to the situation. Just as the old man had said, there might be other opportunities for him to enter the Immortal Realm, but the dragon before him was currently striving to awaken its divine bloodline. Once successful, it would be the sole divine dragon in the Divine Martial Continent. If he could seize this opportunity, the Dragon Soaring Dynasty would have a great chance to elevate itself by gaining the favor of this supreme dragon. It could become the foremost power in the Divine Martial Continent.

"Yes, Grandmaster, you are right. I will guard this dragon together with you," Long Aotian respectfully said to the old man, understanding the significance of the situation.

As they conversed, the dragon lying on the ground suddenly woke up, opening its lantern-like eyes. Seeing the humans before it, it was filled with unease. The previous battle had depleted much of its strength.

When it looked at the old Grandmaster, it trembled noticeably. The dragon keenly felt the old man's power and couldn't help but despair. In its prime, the old man might not have been its match, but now...

It struggled to stand but found itself powerless. As it watched the old man approach, it let out a feeble roar, a sound of unwillingness.

"Don't worry, Brother Dragon. We mean you no harm. You may focus on awakening your divine bloodline, and we will safeguard you here," the old Grandmaster reassured upon seeing the dragon's reaction.

Upon hearing the old man's words, the dragon was taken aback, seemingly incredulous that such a powerful human would speak thus. Its eyes were filled with distrust.

Tianfan, observing the dragon on the ground and listening to the old man's words, couldn't help but feel a profound respect for the old man. Although unable to cultivate, he had some knowledge of ancient texts, and he deeply respected the old man's mindset.

"Brother Dragon, rest assured and focus on breaking through. If we had ill intentions, we wouldn't be saying all this to you," Long Aotian stepped forward and bowed to the dragon, speaking earnestly.

"Roar..."

Suddenly, a distant roar echoed, signaling the approach of an unknown, formidable presence. The eyes of the dragon were filled with urgency.

"Fear not, Brother Jiao, I shall guard here," said one of the group reassuringly.

The roar drew closer, and soon, a demon ape appeared in their midst. Tianfan looked upon the creature with trepidation, knowing he possessed no martial skills. Though he maintained a calm facade, his heart fluttered with unease.

The demon ape was cloaked in thick, snow-white fur, radiating a faint white light, a clear sign of profound cultivation. It was a pinnacle existence of the Yuan Dynasty, on the brink of breaking into the Gui Xian Secret Realm, a formidable creature indeed.

Upon seeing the dragon, the demon ape, sensing the aura akin to that of a true dragon, displayed excitement on its pitch-black ape face. It lunged towards the dragon, causing the latter to recoil in fear, now powerless in the face of such a threat.

Yet, just as the demon ape's palm was about to grasp the dragon, a sword aura descended from the heavens. Brilliant white and soul-shattering, it locked onto the demon ape with overwhelming pressure. The white demon ape, startled, could only see the image of the dragon in its eyes, ignoring the seemingly insignificant humans. It hadn't expected such a formidable presence among them.

Terrifying pressure enveloped it as it struggled to evade the fatal strike of the sword, feeling as if trapped in a swamp, movement greatly hindered.

Despite nearing the Gui Xian Secret Realm, it burst forth with a surge of dark magic in this dire moment, making its movements somewhat easier. It swiftly shifted aside, but at that moment, the white sword aura descended, severing its right arm before it could retract it.

"Ahhhh!" A blood-curdling scream erupted from the demon ape as its arm, covered in white fur, was forcefully hacked off, blood spraying in all directions.

Tianfan's face held a mixture of surprise and admiration. The old man had merely waved his arm lightly, yet he had managed to sever the demon ape's limb. Though unable to cultivate, Tianfan longed for such strength.

"The bloodline of the divine dragon is awakening. A true divine dragon shall soon appear in our Shenwu Continent. Those who dare obstruct shall perish!" The old man's expression turned solemn, and in his hand, a blood-red war sword materialized.