The Legend of Knight: The Flames Of The Dragon.

Winter came early to Cloud City this year. White snow began to cover the stone roofs of the Dragon Heart Clan's buildings. However, the cold weather was not as cold as the atmosphere in the main square at the entrance to the Dragon Heart Clan's residence. Today was the sacred Dragon ritual, the day that would determine the fate of the entire younger generation of the Dragon Heart Clan. In the middle of the square stood a heirloom of the Dragon Heart Clan, a golden dragon statue with a diameter of approximately two meters. It was said that the golden dragon statue was made of pure gold. Under the dragon's feet was written the complete genealogy of the Dragon Heart Clan. Under the genealogy was a drum that was said to be made from the skin of an ancient dragon. Underneath the drum is written a rule: strike the drum. If someone has cultivation talent or is a descendant of the dragon, the drum will resonate and emit the dragon's roar. "Next, Shen Long!" The shouts of the senior examiners broke the silence and the freezing cold. From the ranks of students, a sixteen-year-old youth stood up and stepped forward. He wore a faded blue robe made of cotton. It was slightly unsuitable for cold weather like this. His face was very handsome, although a little pale, with a pair of black eyes that hinted at deep fatigue. Whispers immediately spread like poison among the crowd. "Look, that loser is here again!" one of them sneered. "Huh, he's failed three times already. Why does he still bother embarrassing the clan chief?" "I heard the Zhuang family has sent an envoy. Maybe they're tired of waiting for this loser to rise up." Shen Long ignored their whispers, even though every word that came out of their mouths was like a sharp knife stabbing his heart. He climbed onto the stage, stood in front of the giant drum under the dragon's feet, his hands clenched tightly. 'This year,.... I beg you. Just once..' Shen Long thought hopefully. He took a deep breath, gathered all his strength, and struck the surface of the drum with all his might. BRUGHH.... The sound of a blunt object hitting something was heard. The drumhead vibrated slightly, then fell silent. Silence. No roar. No light. No resonance. The drum remained silent, as if refusing to acknowledge Shen Long's existence. "Shen Long, you failed!" declared the leader. His voice was flat and cruel. Shen Long slumped down, his shoulders slumped, his face bowed, unable to look up. Failed! He had failed again... His body felt as if it had fallen into a bottomless pit. "Hahahaha! I knew it! He failed again..." Arrogant laughter erupted from the front row. Xiao Che, Shen Long's cousin, stood with his arms folded. Next to him, the servant Zhu, smiled mockingly. "Why are you beating that drum like a woman beating a pillow, cousin?" Xiao Che shouted loudly. "My advice is, you'd better go to the pigsty now and see if your presence might be more useful there." Laughter echoed throughout the building when Xiao Che finished mocking Shen Long. Shen Long's face flushed, not with anger, but with embarrassment that burned his pride. He was about to turn and leave when a clear, cold voice cut through the laughter. "Shut your mouth, Xiao Che!" The crowd fell silent instantly. From the guest of honor's seat, a young girl stood up. Her white robe fluttered gracefully, and her beautiful face looked as cold as ice. She was Sun Zhi. Sun Zhi walked up onto the stage, ignoring her grandfather's gaze, Elder Ming, who looked disapproving from the VIP stands. Sun Zhi stood right next to Shen Long, facing hundreds of people there. "Sun Zhi..." whispered Shen Long, feeling guilty. "Don't do this. You'll make your grandfather angry." Sun Zhi did not turn to look at her grandfather. She looked at Shen Long, her eyes softening. She took Shen Long's hand, which was red from hitting the drum, and held it tightly in front of everyone. "Let them be angry," Sun Zhi said firmly, then he looked at Shen Long. "A person's talent is not only measured by this old drum. Shen Long has a determination that no one else here has. Anyone who dares to insult him, it means that he has also insulted me, Sun Zhi." That statement was a hard slap in the face for Xiao Che and the elders of the Dragon Heart clan. Xiao Che gritted his teeth, his face red with jealousy. How could that piece of trash still get defense from the most beautiful and talented woman in this city? In the VIP stands, Elder Ming snorted rudely, "Stupid girl! She's making things even more difficult. We must accelerate 'the plan'." Fu Yang, Sun Zhi's father, only sighed heavily, "We will discuss this matter in the Orchid Pavilion." Xiao Che heard the elders' murmurs and saw the disgust in Elder Ming's eyes. He knew that Sun Zhi's defense today only delayed the execution, it did not cancel it.