With a wave of her hands, her inner energy surged and instantly transformed into a transparent protective shield, enveloping her entire body. The surface of the shield shimmered with a faint light, as if it could isolate her from all external heat and danger.
Lu Zhaozhao moved swiftly, rushing towards the scalding lava like an arrow released from a bow. Her footsteps traversed the lava, yet they didn't create a single ripple, as if the lava were merely an illusion. Inside the protective barrier, she remained calm and composed.
As she ventured deeper into the magma, the surrounding temperature rose higher and higher, with waves of heat threatening to engulf everything. However, Lu Zhaozhao's protective shield remained as impregnable as an indestructible fortress, keeping all the heat and danger at bay.
A surge of sword intent welled up within her, and the sword she carried rang out. It seemed that Niye had formed a subtle connection with something, guiding her forward relentlessly.
The air was thick with the pungent smell of sulfur, mixed with the acrid odor of burning, making one involuntarily frown. Heat waves rolled out from the lava, like invisible giant hands slapping hard against Lu Zhaozhao's face, causing him a sharp pain.
As Lu Zhaozhao ventured deeper, the scenery within the lava became increasingly bizarre. In some places, lava cascaded down like waterfalls, while in others, enormous lava whirlpools formed, engulfing everything around them. However, none of this could stop her advance.
She landed steadily on the ground when she reached the lowest point of the lava.
The bottom of the lava was not as hot and unbearable as the top; in fact, it had a slightly refreshing coolness.
Before her stood a palace formed from solidified lava. The palace walls were adorned with lava sculptures of various shapes, seemingly telling ancient and mysterious stories. The palace doors were tightly shut, but Lu Zhaozhao knew that endless treasures and dangers lay hidden within.
This should be the Ancient Dragon Ruins.
Submerged deep within the magma, isolated from the outside world and untouched by the passage of millennia, it seems as if everything remains unchanged from yesterday.
Lu Zhaozhao stood in front of the palace, looking at the tightly closed door.
Carved railings and jade steps, displaying thousands of items.
Under her gaze, the door slowly opened.
Passing through the ancient gate, weathered by time yet still majestic, one enters the interior of the Ancient Dragon Ruins. Here, it feels like a secluded secret realm, where time stands still and space is distorted.
The palace's dome soared into the clouds, constructed of an unknown material, emitting a faint glow that illuminated the entire palace as if it were daytime. Above the dome, intricate totems were carved: ancient dragons soaring through the skies, raging oceans, and majestic mountains—each lifelike, seemingly narrating the glorious history of the ancient dragon race.
The palace walls were constructed from massive blocks of bluestone, each meticulously carved with ancient runes and patterns. These runes shimmered with a faint light, seemingly whispering ancient incantations and secrets. Inlaid between the walls were various rare gems and crystals, which, illuminated by fluorescent light, emitted a dazzling array of colors, transforming the entire palace into a dreamlike spectacle.
In the center of the ruins lies a vast circular plaza, its ground inscribed with an intricate magic circle. At the center of this circle is a crystal-clear gem, radiating a soft light that illuminates the entire area. Legend has it that this is a sacred site used by the ancient dragon race for sacrifices and rituals, where only the most esteemed dragons can leave their mark.
Around the square stand several tall stone pillars, each carved with the image of an ancient dragon. Some dragons are soaring high, some are circling in the air, and some are swooping down; each one is vivid and lifelike, as if the ancient dragons were right before your eyes. Between the pillars hang various ancient rune scrolls and magical artifacts that are difficult to decipher, which sway gently in the breeze and make pleasant sounds.
The entire palace is permeated with an ancient and mysterious atmosphere, inspiring awe and reverence. It feels like a forgotten world, a corner forgotten by time, waiting for a destined person to arrive and unveil its mysteries.
Faced with this situation, Lu Zhaozhao couldn't help but become more wary.
The door closed after she came in.
The massive bronze gate was exceptionally majestic, and its weight and size declared that attempting to move it with mortal flesh was like a mayfly trying to shake a giant tree.
Lu Zhaozhao walked around the square, and just as she was about to leave, the ground shook violently.
She steadied herself, lowered her center of gravity, and observed her surroundings.
On a stone pillar not far away, the lifelike dragon carved on it seemed to be moving.
She closed her eyes, shook her head, and opened them again to make sure she wasn't seeing things.
The dragon on the stone pillar is indeed moving.
With a deep, resonant hum, the dragon carvings on the stone pillar seemed to be awakened by an invisible force. Their scales began to tremble slightly, emitting a soft rustling sound, like the earth whispering in its ear.
Immediately afterwards, the dragon's eyes suddenly brightened, like two dazzling stars shining in the night sky. Their pupils contracted slightly, revealing an ancient and majestic aura.
As their eyes opened, the dragon sculptures gradually awoke. They first slowly twisted their necks, then their entire bodies meandered upwards along the stone pillar. Their movements were both elegant and powerful, as if they were performing an ancient ritual.
Soon, they fully revived, their massive bodies completely surrounding Lu Zhaozhao, one of them staring directly at her.
Lu Zhaozhao looked up at it, its bronze dragon eyes gleaming with golden light. At first glance, one might truly believe they were living beings of this world. But after staring at them for a while, Lu Zhaozhao noticed something amiss as she looked at the motionless eyeballs.
Although these dragon sculptures look lifelike, their eyes are lifeless. It seems that they are nothing more than puppets that are being manipulated.
So, where is the true Dragon Soul?
His gaze pierced through the ancient dragon before him, and his right hand touched the hilt of the sword, sensing the sword's perception of its aura.
Suddenly, her gaze sharpened as she looked directly at the plaza in front of her. There was nothing there, but the space there seemed more distorted than anywhere else.
"Even Gu Long, with his formidable reputation, resorts to such concealment and evasion?"
As soon as Lu Zhaozhao uttered those words, the dragon eagles circling around her immediately became agitated, letting out low growls that clearly indicated their intention to attack.
She raised an eyebrow, and the sword was drawn in an instant. The cold light struck the dragon scales, and the murderous intent was self-evident.
"You insignificant human, how dare you invade my territory!"
The dragon's roar was deep and majestic, its loud sound causing eardrums to ache.
Lu Zhaozhao narrowed her eyes, her gaze shining as she stared at the open space.
The distorted space was slowly smoothed out, like unfolding a crumpled piece of paper.
The ancient dragon's body appeared.
With golden scales and cloud-piercing horns, its golden eyes are majestic and dignified. Its limbs are strong, its claws are sharp, and its tail is like a long whip. When it whips in the air, it makes a deafening roar, as if it can shake the heavens and the earth. Each flap of its tail drives the surrounding airflow, forming strong whirlwinds.
The surrounding dragon sculptures bowed their heads in submission to it, exposing Lu Zhaozhao completely to the air.
She met Gu Long's gaze, and for no reason, the thought of submitting arose in her heart.
The ancient dragon roared, its cry carrying a sense of oppression that caused Lu Zhaozhao's knees to involuntarily buckle. She had to use her sword to brace herself against the ground in order to barely stand.
Gu Long met Lu Zhaozhao's gaze. Her eyes were filled with unwavering determination, a gaze that deeply offended him.
Those who offend me shall be executed.
Having said that, he was about to set off.
Lu Zhaozhao hurriedly interrupted, "Senior Gu Long, don't forget that you are now just a remnant soul."
"How dare you, you human brat, be so insolent!"
It was thoroughly enraged, and the fire in its eyes burned ever brighter.
Lu Zhaozhao seemed oblivious and continued, "If you were truly an ancient dragon, I would naturally not dare to offend you. But a thousand years have passed, and your body is frail, with only your head remaining substantial. I think this ruin is where your dragon head is buried. With only your dragon head, don't you think that at most we would both be injured if we were to fight you, let alone kill you?"
Her words made Gu Long stop. Lu Zhaozhao continued, "When I was a human, I also entered a dragon tomb. The tomb was at the bottom of a lake, but I did not see the dragon inside. Later, I read in ancient books that when a dragon perished, its body transformed into mountains and rivers. That's why I was able to sense this place and open that door for me after I had the opportunity there."
She paused for a moment before stating her purpose: "Someone has asked me to slay the dragon. I don't want to do it, but I can't. Whether to sit down and talk is up to you, senior."
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