Chapter 467: Reunion with Zi Yan

Around the island, numerous figures patrolled the void, their sharp gazes sweeping back and forth. As soon as anyone appeared and showed any sign of aggression, they would be met with a storm of attacks. These troops formed an impenetrable net, protecting the island.

Somewhere above the island, a group of around twenty people hovered in the air. Their eyes scanned the surroundings incessantly. In the center of this group sat a burly figure cross-legged. This man was Hei Qing, who had previously interacted with Xiao Ming.

Whoosh!

Hei Qing's gaze swept tightly over the island. Suddenly, his ears twitched, and he turned his gaze toward a distant, empty space. He stood up abruptly and exclaimed in a deep voice, "Be alert, someone is approaching!"

A streak of light flashed from the depths of darkness just as he finished speaking. It appeared not far from the group of people in an instant.

"Xiao Ming!"

Hei Qing's sharp eyes caught sight of the figure amidst the streak of light. He quickly signaled his subordinates to hold back and then looked at Xiao Ming who had appeared beside him in astonishment.

"Brother Hei Qing, it's been a long time."

Coming to a stop beside Hei Qing, Xiao Ming smiled and greeted him. He noticed that Hei Qing's aura had grown much stronger than before.

"Indeed, it has been quite a while. It's been over two years, hasn't it?"

Coming back to his senses, a smile appeared on Hei Qing's face. He warmly said, "Why did you come all of a sudden this time? You should stay on our island for a while. It just so happens that Eastern Dragon Island has had some good news, and we can celebrate together."

"Good news?"

"Hahaha, about a month ago, we defeated the remaining Three Dragon Islands. And now, the Ancient Void Dragon Tribe has been unified. Our current vigilance is just to prevent any stray fish from slipping through the net."

"That is indeed a cause for celebration. I came this time because I happened to hear some rumors in the Nine Serene Deep Ground Python Tribe. However, it seems I've arrived a bit late; the matter has already been resolved. But that's a good thing." Xiao Ming smiled faintly, not showing too much surprise.

"Indeed, you've come a bit late, but just your presence makes you a good friend of our Ancient Void Dragon Tribe. I believe the Dragon Emperor will be very pleased to see you."

"Enough talk, let's go. I'll take you to meet the Dragon Emperor."

Saying this, Hei Qing instructed his subordinates and waved his hand, leading Xiao Ming directly into Dragon Island.

The island bore clear scars of a major battle; many mountain peaks had collapsed.

As they flew, Xiao Ming keenly noticed that the experts on the Ancient Dragon Island were far stronger than last time. There were many auras that even gave him a sense of unease.

'The number and quality of these experts are truly terrifying. Is this the true foundation of the Ancient Dragon Tribe? It seems that many of those predecessors who used to roam the void have returned.'

Xiao Ming couldn't help but think in amazement. The fact that even he could feel a sense of unease meant that these experts were intermediate-star Dou Saints or higher, which meant they were at least five-star Dou Saints.

During their flight, Hei Qing also briefed Xiao Ming about the events of the unification war that occurred several months ago within the Ancient Void Dragon Tribe. The other three islands had no idea about these elders returning from the void. The outcome of this war was never in doubt from the very beginning.

Of course, the three Dragon Kings from those islands had some royal bloodline, so only the Dragon Emperor Zi Yan could deal with them.

The final result was naturally Zi Yan's victory, leading to the formal unification of the Ancient Void Dragon Tribe.

As Hei Qing spoke, a glint of excitement flashed in his eyes. Everyone from each Dragon Island hoped for the unification of the Ancient Void Dragon Tribe, but each island wished to be the dominant force.

The victory of the Eastern Dragon Island was undoubtedly an inspiring event for all the ancient dragons. Zi Yan's personal prestige within the Ancient Void Dragon Tribe had reached its peak as a result.

"Here we are!"

Hei Qing suddenly spoke, bringing Xiao Ming with him as they flew to the outskirts of a grand palace. He notified the guards, and before long, footsteps could be heard approaching.

Almost instinctively, Xiao Ming looked towards the entrance of the palace.

The first thing that entered his vision was a familiar figure, along with those alluring strands of purplish hair. That unmistakable fragrance - aside from Zi Yan, who else could it be? However, the current her bore no resemblance to the little girl of the past; she had completely transformed into a stunning beauty.

Her slender and tall figure was encased in a suit of dark golden, form-fitting battle armor. The armor clung tightly to her delicate and well-proportioned body, outlining her exquisite and sensual curves. A bone-chilling coldness as sharp as a blade lurked beneath the subtle allure. Years had passed, and the little girl had blossomed into a captivating and enthralling woman.

Her exquisite facial features, however, were now imbued with a touch of coldness due to the slightly raised willow-like eyebrows.

Though still young, between those eyebrows, a faint air of authority could be glimpsed. The true maturity she had attained as the reigning Dragon Emperor of the Ancient Void Dragon Tribe was accompanied by the regal aura of a ruler, enough to make people awe-struck with reverence.

Accompanying Zi Yan were three white-haired elderly men.

The unsettling aura emanated precisely from these three white-haired elders. At this moment, their gazes were relatively friendly, but they appraised Xiao Ming from head to toe, their eyes carrying a sense of scrutiny. Among them was the figure of Zhu Xun, whom Xiao Ming had once met.

Upon seeing Xiao Ming, a profound delight flashed across Zi Yan's eyes. On her supremely dignified face, a faint smile emerged, temporarily dispelling her imposing and regal demeanor as the Dragon Emperor.

"Xiao Ming!"

After calling out, Zi Yan rushed straight towards him.

"Zi Yan."

Xiao Ming chuckled as he embraced Zi Yan who approached him. Embracing the mature Zi Yan was quite different from holding the little girl he remembered.

However, due to the presence of her battle armor, they didn't remain in each other's embrace for long. They simply shared a brief hug before separating.

Having not seen each other for a while, Zi Yan naturally wanted to be close to him. She took his arm and linked it with hers.

Observing Zi Yan for a moment, Xiao Ming sensed her aura was smooth. It meant she hadn't been harmed during the Ancient Void Dragon Tribe's unification. He sighed in relief. But soon, he sensed more intense gazes directed at him.

Xiao Ming's gaze was drawn to the three white-haired elders. He clasped his hands respectfully and said, "Xiao Ming greets the three esteemed seniors. Zi Yan, these seniors are...?"

Among these three people, Xiao Ming only recognized Zhu Xun. Even regarding Zhu Xun, they hadn't conversed during his time on the Ancient Dragon Island. When he left the island, he didn't even know the exact extent of Zhu Xun's strength. All he knew then was that Zhu Xun was a high-star Dou Saint.

It was only in his most recent simulation that Xiao Ming learned that Zhu Xun was an eight-star Dou Saint. This revelation had truly surprised him.

"These three are former elders of the Ancient Void Dragon Tribe. When my father went missing and couldn't be found anywhere on the Dou Qi Continent, they searched deep into the void. However, due to internal divisions within the tribe, they never returned."

Walking beside Xiao Ming, Zi Yan introduced the three to him.

"This is Elder Zhu Xun," Zi Yan said, beginning with the elderly man in the forefront, a kind-looking elder with a gentle and warm gaze. "Elder Zhu Xun is an initial eight-star Dou Saint. You've met him before. He's currently one of the pillars of the Ancient Void Dragon Tribe."

Zhu Xun slightly bowed and calmly said, "I am not deserving of such praise from the Dragon Emperor. I am merely an old man. I hope that my frail body can still contribute something to the Ancient Void Dragon Tribe."