Chapter 349 Nirvana, White Dragon

"Sorog".

"Based on the current intelligence, is there a more precise determination of the species of the mysterious firebird leader that has occupied the Misty Zelkova?"

The red iron dragon soared beneath the leaden rain clouds, its consciousness engaging in a silent conversation with the iron dragon Sorog, who was stationed far away in the Tempering Highlands, through a solid mental connection.

"It cannot be completely determined at this time."

Iron Dragon Sorog responded: "None of the scouts we sent out actually saw the target in person."

"They only reported that among the huge flock of eagles hovering over Zelin, they observed a huge bird silhouette made of flames, which was suspected to be the leader of the flock."

"However, no material entity was ever seen; it was as if it were a living flame with its own will."

Galos narrowed his eyes slightly, a thoughtful look flashing across his face.

He thought for a moment and asked, "Then, Sorog, with your knowledge and inherited understanding, what do you think this powerful creature that can command flocks of birds and seems to be an elemental being could possibly be?"

Among the powerful creatures that can grow to the legendary level, or even approach the threshold of legend, excluding those exceptional individuals born due to special circumstances and defying classification, the overall race of dragons is actually countable in the vast historical records of the race.

Moreover, each known powerful race has unique and distinctive characteristics.

Although we cannot see its true form at this moment, based on its specific and prominent characteristics such as elemental flames, its enormous firebird shape, its lack of physical substance, and its ability to command flocks of birds, it is possible to deduce its specific species category.

Once the species has been identified.

Whether they choose to wage war and conquer them in the future, or try to seek cooperation and alliance, the dragons can make the corresponding psychological preparations and deployments in advance.

The other side.

Iron Dragon Sorog was lying prone on a huge metal observation platform at the edge of the Quenching Highlands.

He used his nimble dragon tail to scoop up a bucket of honey, tilted his head back, and drank it down in one gulp. As he squinted his eyes in satisfaction at the ultimate sweetness, his calm thoughts murmured within the link.

"Based on all the intelligence and characteristics, I highly suspect that it is very likely a phoenix."

Galos felt a sense of satisfaction from the Iron Dragon Spirit.

He asked, "Sorog, have you eaten honey again?"

Tielong was silent for two seconds before replying, "No, we dragons should drink the blood of our enemies and drink strong liquor. Honey is something that only a few dragons like to eat, but I have given it up."

Galos shook his head slightly and did not ask any further questions.

People generally perceive iron dragons as cold and ferocious, and it's hard to imagine that an iron dragon could be so fond of sweets, especially honey.

Galos returned to the main topic, replying, "I share your thoughts on the identity of the Firebird leader."

"I also believe that it is very likely the phoenix."

The phoenix, this creature has many other names.

Phoenix, also known as the Firebird, the Reborn Demon Bird, the Eternal Bird, and, most notably, the Phoenix—a name most widely known and circulated among many species.

They are pure elemental life forms, usually lacking a physical entity in the conventional sense, their bodies composed entirely of highly condensed, almost tangible, pure flames.

Their numbers are extremely rare in the material world. They are undoubtedly the kings of birds and beasts, possessing supernatural authority to command and dominate the vast majority of bird-like creatures.

They are born with extraordinary legendary talents, and as long as they don't perish prematurely, they will surely become legends sooner or later.

The most crucial point is:

The reason why the phoenix is ​​called "immortal" is because, in the conventional sense, they are really extremely difficult to kill.

This is why all phoenixes are able to live forever.

"Furthermore, according to cross-verification of multiple intelligence sources, when the firebird was engaged in a fierce battle with the giant python king that was entrenched in the Zelin, a magnificent fire cloud that almost covered the entire sky suddenly ignited above the Misty Swamp."

Iron Dragon Sorog continued his analysis: "This scene was witnessed by many creatures."

"They also heard the cries coming from the depths of the fire cloud and saw the flames eventually converge and form the outline of a huge bird."

"This scene matches the Nirvana phenomenon described in the transmitted knowledge very closely."

If the target is indeed an immortal bird, then its fierce battle with the python king was most likely a rebirth.

"Nirvana - the supernatural talent possessed by the phoenix, their most core skill."

Galos's mind sank into the inherited knowledge, searching for detailed records about this talent. He inevitably developed a great interest in it, even to the point of being envious.

"Whenever the phoenix encounters a powerful enemy and is forced into a predicament."

"They will deliberately set themselves on fire, engaging in a magnificent act of self-immolation, exploding into a devastating burst of flames at the cost of a brief death, thus eliminating the threat."

"Then, the phoenix will be reborn from the ashes, returning to fight again in perfect condition."

This is undoubtedly a divine skill among divine skills.

Theoretically speaking, although the phoenix does not have an infinite lifespan, it can circumvent the lifespan limit through the Nirvana technique, thus achieving another form of immortality.

but.

Just like the lich transformation ritual, which is a pursuit of immortality, it is often accompanied by huge flaws.

Unless one's life level reaches true divine immortality, any form of "eternal life" will inevitably come at a price.

The phoenix's rebirth also has its undeniable drawbacks.

The Dragon Legacy clearly states that the Phoenix's rebirth usually takes two forms.

One is for instantaneous rebirth during intense battles.

This method is typically used during intense battles and can be used multiple times in a short period of time, but there is a limit to the number of times it can be used.

Even a phoenix that successfully enters the realm of legend can usually only undergo such rebirth a maximum of three times in a single battle.

Secondly, it is used for rebirth and nirvana at the end of life or in desperate situations.

When a phoenix's natural lifespan is about to end, or when it has undergone multiple instantaneous rebirths but still cannot win and falls into utter despair, it will choose to undergo this final form of rebirth.

In this state, the phoenix's entire body will completely dissipate.

Its soul, its memories, its knowledge... all the information that constitutes its existence will be transmitted to a safe location in an unstoppable way, condensing into an ember egg containing new life power.

After a gestation period that may be long or short, a new phoenix will be reborn from the egg.

It will possess almost all the memories and knowledge of the previous phoenix.

However, for the newly born phoenix, it was more like reading a long story about other creatures from the perspective of an observer.

Its personality, its emotions, and its perceptions will be reshaped and changed.

Although it is still the same phoenix in terms of the essence of the soul and the continuity of memory, it has become a completely different new consciousness for those who are familiar with its previous form.

"The so-called complete rebirth and nirvana is less a rebirth and more a birth of a new consciousness with all the memories of the past on the corpses and ashes of the past."

Galos pondered, "For that phoenix that chose rebirth and nirvana... this is also a kind of death; it has already vanished."

"If it were me, I would do everything possible to avoid being forced into this kind of nirvana."

"However, this is designed as a last resort for survival, and the fact that it can be used means that there is no other way out."

Besides these drawbacks, the Phoenix's rebirth also has some other shortcomings.

For example, even a limited number of instantaneous nirvanas is not truly perfect; each nirvana inevitably results in the loss of some memories and knowledge.

Moreover, Nirvana is not a passively triggered survival skill.

It requires the Phoenix to actively use it. If an enemy so powerful that it cannot react at all launches a surprise attack with a speed that surpasses its perception and reaction, killing it in one blow, then the Phoenix will not have time to activate Nirvana, thus facing true and complete death.

But no matter how many shortcomings and limitations exist, they cannot change the fact that Nirvana is a divine skill.

The mystery and power of the Phoenix Clan are due to their Nirvana talent.

"If I had the opportunity to study the body structure of a phoenix in detail, I might be able to discover some secrets of rebirth and have the chance to evolve similar skills through my talent."

Galos felt that the talent of Nirvana was very compatible with him and should be used by him.

The Dragon Jade can give him a second chance to fight, which is equivalent to a second life. There is no risk of memory loss or personality change. It is an extremely good trump card for survival, but it is still much inferior to the Phoenix's abnormal Nirvana talent.

In addition, the path to eternal death that he plans to cultivate often involves power enhancements closely related to near-death experiences and insights into death.

Even with the Dragon Jade as a safety net, he could never truly experience death; at most, he could come very close to that state, but it would still lack something.

If one could be resurrected through Nirvana, the enhancement effect on the path to eternal death would likely reach an unbelievable level.

"The leader of the flock of birds now inhabiting the Lost Swamp should ideally be an immortal bird."

Galos gathered his scattered thoughts and brought his attention back to reality.

He spoke to Iron Dragon Sorog via telepathy: "Send more elite scout units to disperse and lurk around the Misty Marshland, gather more accurate information about this new map king, and keep a close eye on him."

He was in no hurry to attack the Lost Swamp immediately.

First, the Lost Swamp is located in the northwest region near the central wilderness, which is relatively far from the current core territory of the Ironforge tribe. It also requires crossing the territories of other map kings, making the long expedition risky.

Secondly, the Ironforge tribe currently has a very limited number of air force units.

The dragon horde is stationed at the border, and the number of Korra giant eagles is relatively limited. Currently, they mainly undertake reconnaissance, early warning, and reconnaissance tasks. Moreover, if they encounter a target with the talent to command birds and beasts, they may be turned against them.

If the opponent is truly an immortal phoenix, then it would be an extremely formidable adversary.

While the phoenix's burst damage and destructive power in battles of the same level are inferior to those of higher-ranking dragons, its survivability, endurance in prolonged battles, and resilience are several levels higher than those of higher-ranking dragons.

If it is determined to avoid battle and flee, it would be extremely difficult to capture it, given its elemental properties, flight speed, and ability to control and command flocks of birds.

To reliably take down this suspected phoenix target, Garus needs a more meticulous strategy and a more opportune moment.

Moreover...

Aside from the Phoenix's Nirvana talent, which Garos covets, if the Ironforge could bring its vast colony of flying creatures under its wing, the Ironforge would have its own elite legions and a new lion-beast legion on land; a sky-covering army of raptors in the air; and corresponding talents in logistics, forging, and magic.

It can be said that the Ironforge tribe lacks nothing at this stage.

This behemoth, which has grown strong in blood and fire, will truly possess the formidable strength to contend for dominance over the entire Serian Wilderness.

After communicating with Sorog for some time about the future strategic direction, Galos ended the telepathic communication session.

His body pierced through the rain and soon after landed on a nearby open space.

The surface here is covered with countless huge pits and craters, and the pits and the surrounding land have a glass-like crystalline texture, like a special landform formed by sand and rocks being melted at unimaginable high temperatures.

—It was all caused by Galus.

Upon landing, Galos immediately activated his Frenzy state.

Crackling sounds filled the air as dazzling golden lightning burst forth from between the scales, intertwining and swirling around them.

Immediately afterwards, the red iron dragon began its daily training on the torrential rain and scorched earth, each movement stirring up howling winds and causing the ground to tremble slightly.

And as time slowly passed.

When the heat energy stored in the Dragon Jade within his body was sufficient, Garos temporarily stopped his actions and took out a piece of black oil crystal from his spatial artifacts.

He popped the crystals into his mouth and then drank a bucket of highly concentrated 98 black oil.

After doing all this, Garus took a deep breath of the scorching air and then directly activated his Crimson Lotus form.

Buzz—!

As streaks of eerie fire intertwined and shimmered on the scales covering his body, waves of heat surged around him, the air distorted, and countless drops of rain were evaporated with a hiss, as if the end of the world had arrived.

His blood began to burn inside him, bringing waves of tearing pain, but he seemed oblivious.

On the contrary, Hong Tielong's face even uncontrollably grinned, revealing a chilling 'perverted' smile that mixed pain and pleasure, before he began a new round of extreme intensity training in the Red Lotus state.

Not long after.

When the scales on Garus's body cracked extensively, revealing countless deep, charred cracks, and wisps of white smoke rose from the cracks, he finally exhaled a hot breath carrying sparks. The red lotus patterns on his body gradually dimmed and faded, eventually extinguishing completely.

Rainwater poured onto him, evaporating into countless plumes of smoke due to the residual heat, and continued to hiss and crackle.

"The new batch of investment from Crystal Princess hasn't arrived yet, and the black oil crystals I have in reserve are almost used up."

As Galos braved the wind and rain, he thought to himself, "I need to get Therese to come and bring me all the spare black oil crystals that are temporarily stored in the border warehouse."

This thing can not only enhance the training effect, but also temporarily make him stronger.

The wilderness is becoming increasingly dangerous, so he'd better stock up on some black oil crystals for any eventuality.

With that in mind, he didn't delay and immediately used a communication tool to contact the White Dragon Therese, asking her to bring the Black Oil Crystals as soon as possible.

White Dragon Therese agreed without hesitation and set off immediately with the black oil crystals.

But what she didn't know was that besides the black oil crystals, there was another matter that she needed to deal with.

“It just so happens that Heriam, Cahill, and the others have made more than one formal request to me, hoping that I can approve their revenge against Therese and wipe away their shame.”

"They have recently made many contributions, and I should take their request seriously and approve it."

Red Iron Dragon remembered something interesting.

He grinned widely, a slightly wicked smile appearing on his dragon face.

White Dragon Therese used her understanding of niche theory to severely oppress and frustrate several teenage dragons during their early development. While this was effective, it inevitably aroused rebellious feelings among the young dragons.

Nowadays.

The first batch of dragons had grown strong enough to stand on their own, and were suppressing a burning desire for revenge in their hearts.

Galos was curious to see how the White Dragon Therese would respond to the fierce counterattack from the victims, who had grown stronger.

Should he, as before, rely on his age and life level advantage to suppress the little dragons' counterattack and humiliate them even more intensely; or should he use other methods to eliminate the malice of the increasingly powerful teenage dragons...? Garus decided to see for himself.

(End of this chapter)