Chapter 421 Crossing the Continent, Eternal Glory of the Dragon Realm
The blonde woman is Natasha's human form.
Seeing the red iron dragon descend, Natasha raised her arm and waved vigorously at him.
"Hey! Galos, the time has come!"
"It's time to set off for the Dragon Realm and show your skills. Are you all ready?"
Her voice pierced through the wind and snow, reaching the ears of the red iron dragon.
At the same time, the Red Iron Dragon retracted its giant wings and landed in front of Natasha and Deborah.
He lowered his dragon head, looked at Natasha, and asked, "Has the Dragon Realm competition reached its final stage?"
Natasha nodded firmly, her golden ponytail swaying as she said, "That's about it. The intense elimination rounds are over."
"The five most promising candidates for the championship have now been selected."
“Let’s set off now. By the time we reach the Sea of Tranquility, the winner who will ultimately challenge you will probably be decided.”
The final championship battle will be held in the Tranquil Sea, where the Eternal Dragon Domain is located.
As a special challenger, Galos was exempt from the tedious selection process, but he still needed to make a personal appearance in the final round.
"The Tranquil Sea is a long way from here, spanning continents and oceans. Let's not delay, let's set off now."
Natasha continued.
Galos had no objection to this.
Upon learning of the start of the Dragon Realm Tournament, he had already made arrangements for the daily affairs of Dragon Valley and the overall management of the Wilderness of Sel. He only needed to inform Iron Dragon Sorog later.
Since I've already made up my mind, there's nothing to hesitate about.
Hong Tielong is known for his decisive and swift actions; he can leave at a moment's notice.
"Then let's go."
As soon as he finished speaking, he spread his dragon wings and used his powerful hind legs to push off the ground, creating a gust of wind and soaring into the sky.
Behind him, Natasha and Deborah instantly reverted to their respective dragon forms and followed suit, soaring into the air.
"Wait for me! I'm here!"
The fairy dragon Vera exclaimed in surprise and darted out from some corner, pouncing on the crimson silver dragon and tightly hugging the tip of her long dragon tail scales to hold herself in place.
Their destination, the Tranquil Sea, lies in the vast ocean currents south of Atlanta.
The Tranquil Sea is quite far from the land of Atlantis and several other large landmasses.
The Red Iron Dragon and its crew flew straight south, soon crossing the Estonian River, which resembled a winding jade belt, and entering the skies of the Serbian wilderness.
Then, as time passed, the peculiar group consisting of three enormous dragons and a tiny fairy dragon clinging to its tail crossed the border of the wilderness and officially entered the airspace of the southern kingdoms.
After flying away from the wild and desolate landscape of the Serbian wilderness.
The scenery on the ground below gradually became more refined and orderly.
The once endless primeval forests, rugged and sparsely populated mountain ranges, or vast wilderness where wild animals roamed, have gradually been replaced by large tracts of neatly planned farmland, like a green chessboard, crisscrossing irrigation canals reflecting the sunlight, and quiet villages and prosperous towns scattered among them.
Wisps of smoke rose from the village, and countless ordinary people, like busy worker ants, worked diligently in the fields.
Occasionally, farmers or travelers on the ground would look up and see the huge dragon shadows rushing across the sky. Most of them would panic and crawl on the ground or hurriedly hide in the nearest house.
Only after the dragon's shadow completely disappeared from sight did they dare to cautiously continue their previous activities.
Soon after, they flew over the territories of several kingdoms of varying sizes and even more duchies.
On the borders of some kingdoms stand towering magical watchtowers and silent alchemical colossi as majestic as mountains.
The detection crystals embedded at the top of the tower flash with light as they pass by, representing scanning and identification.
However, perhaps because the group included clearly identified metallic dragons such as the Gold Dragon and the Crimson Silver Dragon, these defensive structures did not activate their attack mode, but silently recorded their passage information.
Nevertheless, they tried to avoid flight paths that passed directly over the capital cities of the various kingdoms, opting instead for relatively remote routes.
Regarding flight speed.
For dragons like Garus, supersonic cruising is a piece of cake, especially for the Red Iron Dragon, which can easily reach speeds of more than ten times the speed of sound.
However, they did not choose such a flamboyant approach, but instead maintained a stable subsonic flight.
“The major kingdoms usually have very strict control over the airspace above their main cities.”
"As metal dragons, if we rashly intrude, although we won't be attacked immediately, it will still attract unnecessary questioning and minor diplomatic troubles. In addition, if we fly at supersonic speeds at high altitudes, the sonic booms and energy fluctuations we generate are likely to be detected by the 'Eye of the Stars' in orbit, which would cause even greater trouble."
"Many countries' airspace management regulations contain clauses that explicitly prohibit supersonic flight."
"In addition, some places prohibit the indiscriminate use of large-scale teleportation spells, the use of polymorph, communication with outer planes, and so on. There are many rules."
Natasha and Deborah explained to Galos as they flew.
The legacy knowledge of the Metal Dragon contains rich and detailed records of these rules that are found throughout the world.
In contrast, the records of the rules and regulations of this civilized world are much scarcer in the traditions of the Five-Colored Dragons or the Atheros.
The "Eyes of the Stars" they referred to was the official name used by various intelligent races for those magical monitoring satellites.
After flying for some time, the dragons' route passed through some forest kingdoms established by elves.
These kingdoms are very different from human kingdoms.
Ancient giant trees with interconnected canopies block out the sun, and exquisite treehouses built on thick branches can be vaguely seen in the lush forest, as well as magical barriers that appear and disappear, shimmering with soft runes.
The elves were far calmer than the humans regarding the dragon's passing.
Some highly perceptive high-ranking elves would stand in the clearings of the forest or on the terrace of a treehouse, gazing at the striking golden dragon in the sky with scrutiny and curiosity in their eyes, but never making any move to interfere or obstruct it.
As they continued flying south, the surrounding climate gradually became warmer and more humid.
The permafrost, cold winds, and heavy snow that were once common in the border areas have long since disappeared, replaced by lush, rolling hills, rushing rivers, and vast, fertile plains stretching as far as the eye can see.
The elements in the air became more active and diverse, full of vitality.
Of course, they will also fly over some dangerous areas.
For example, some vast swamps filled with poisonous miasma, rumored to be inhabited by nine-headed behemoths; or some continuous mountain ranges teeming with powerful magical beasts.
These places are often remote and sparsely populated, exuding a primitive and dangerous atmosphere, and are the borders of the civilized world.
It's somewhat similar to the Sel Wilderness, but more primitive.
However, for Galos and his group, these potential threats were not enough to make them deliberately take a detour.
Their powerful dragon might is enough to deter most intelligent creatures, and even those monsters that act on instinct, from daring to provoke them.
What truly made them adjust their flight paths and choose to avoid these areas were the direct territories of the Holden Empire.
Nearly three-quarters of the vast landmass of Atlanta, measured from its geographical center, has been incorporated into the Holden Empire's territory. The remaining quarter is occupied by the former Lorthern Federation states, some neutral free city-states, and independent states scattered in other peripheral areas.
Given the power of the Holden Empire, it could easily unify the entire Atlanta continent if it so desired.
The Nausir Empire, which was on par with it, also possessed such power.
However, the rulers of these two empires seem more interested in maintaining a diversified and mutually restraining world order and are unwilling to easily start a war. Moreover, compared to the conventional resources on the continent, they are now focusing more on the development of the abyss and the exploration of distant stars.
Galos actually longed to see the empire's power and prosperity with his own eyes, but reason ultimately made him abandon this somewhat risky idea.
Caution is necessary until one has sufficient strength to support their curiosity.
Finally, they successfully reached the southernmost point of the Atlanta coastline.
“Look over there,” Natasha lowered her altitude slightly, pointed downwards with her dragon claw, and introduced to Galos, “That is the ‘City of a Thousand Sails’ of the Kingdom of Latona. It is the largest trading port in the southern part of the entire Atlanta Continent, and it is bustling with activity.”
"Culturally, this kingdom regards us metal dragons as symbols of good fortune and auspiciousness. The people generally have a favorable view of dragons. Therefore, many metal dragons like to transform into human form and stay here to experience life. The Kingdom of Latona has also always maintained friendly relations with our Fubo Dragon Domain, and the two sides have stable and mutually beneficial trade relations."
"In their history, one of their kings even specially invited the Silver Dragon King to personally conduct the coronation ceremony for him when he ascended the throne."
Galos lowered his eyes, his gaze piercing through the thin clouds as he looked down.
Along the winding coastline, the harbor berths are densely packed with all kinds of ships. The towering masts resemble an endless forest, and countless ships move in and out of the harbor in an orderly fashion, like a busy swarm of ants.
On the edge of the port, there were even many magical warships that looked like steel behemoths.
The scale and prosperity of the entire port far exceeded any settlement Garros had ever seen in the wilderness, filled with a breathtaking hustle and bustle and a vibrant sense of life.
"The wilderness of Sel is ultimately just a corner of the world; the real wonder lies in the wider world before us."
Hong Tielong thought to himself.
This journey across Atlanta broadened Red Iron Dragon's horizons and expanded his mind, giving rise to more and grander ideas and plans deep within him.
However, many of these ideas need to be kept in mind for the time being.
Only when he becomes stronger in the future will he be able to make it take root, sprout, and become a reality.
"Nusha, Nasha!"
The fairy dragon peeked its little head out from behind Deborah's tail and asked with a grin, "Is there any kingdom that also worships the five-colored dragon or the adamantine dragon as auspicious omens?"
Upon hearing this, Jinlong Nasha subconsciously glanced at the red iron dragon beside her.
She said, "Well... as far as I know, not yet."
Upon hearing this, Galos grinned and said, "No rush, it will be here soon."
Afterward, crossing the busy coastline, they continued south, officially entering the vast, seemingly endless blue sky above the ocean.
A salty, humid sea breeze swept over me.
This is quite different from the dry or crisp air on the mainland; it carries the unique scent of the ocean.
Beneath the dragon's wings, the waves surged ceaselessly, shimmering with a delicate yet dazzling light under the bright sunshine.
Occasionally, one can see the enormous shadows cast by huge sea monsters swimming in the deep sea, or fleets of ships engaged in long-distance trade, like tiny leaves, slowly sailing on the vast ocean.
We had just left the coastline when we passed a remote, deserted island that looked completely uninhabited.
Natasha stopped here.
At the same time, a golden dragon shadow soared into the sky, blocking the flight path of Garos and his group.
He had a body covered in shimmering scales that seemed to be cast from gold, and a pair of magnificent, forked dragon horns that resembled crowns on his head. A golden ribbon that shimmered with light draped over his neck and shoulders.
At first glance, it gives people a sense of sacredness, majesty, and powerful oppression.
It's the Golden Dragon Alberto.
He had been waiting there for a long time.
Strangely, when Galos saw Alberto this time, he felt a strange sense of familiarity, as if he had met a blood relative. Unlike before, when he always felt that this golden dragon had a somewhat annoying aura about him.
Alberto flapped his wings and came to meet him.
"Haha! You've finally arrived, Garus!"
"I can't wait to see your amazing performance on the field next."
As he spoke, he untied the golden ribbon draped around his neck and handed it to the red iron dragon.
"This is a strange, legendary item that the old man specially prepared for you, something he got from who-knows-where."
"It has only one effect: to make other creatures around it subconsciously ignore the wearer's true race and identify them as their own kind, thus creating a sense of closeness."
"Its name... I think it was something like 'All beings share my golden robe'."
"To be honest, this name is really tasteless and unpleasant to hear."
So that's how it is; it's the effect of this prop.
Galos suddenly realized the source of that inexplicable sense of familiarity he had felt earlier.
He extended his dragon claw, took the seemingly light golden ribbon, and asked, "Wear it? It doesn't seem necessary."
Alberto shook his head slightly and explained, "The old man said that you are a specially invited contestant of our Fubo Dragon Domain, the final 'mysterious dragon'."
"Your true face will be revealed at the most crucial moment, of course."
"That way we can bring the biggest surprise to the other dragons."
Galos: "."
Considering Ovis's flamboyant style of doing things, this arrangement may seem strange at first glance, but upon closer inspection, it makes perfect sense and is in line with his style.
Immediately, he put the legendary item on his thick neck and part of his torso.
The golden ribbons seemed to have a life of their own, automatically wrapping around and fitting him, slowly rising and falling on his fierce black and red scales, their surface flowing with a soft, non-glaring light.
The existence of this prop did not diminish his majestic and imposing aura; on the contrary, it added a touch of holiness and nobility to his ferocity.
In a short time.
Natasha the Golden Dragon, Deborah the Crimson Silver Dragon, Vera the Fairy Dragon, and even Alberto the Golden Dragon were all involuntarily drawn to the current appearance of the Red Iron Dragon, unable to look away until the Red Iron Dragon's deep voice rang out, bringing them back to their senses.
"Alright, let's continue on our way."
Galos said this in a steady voice.
After that, their group set off again, heading towards their final destination.
The journey across the vast ocean is a relatively monotonous and tedious time.
Looking around, all you see is the boundless blue of the sea and sky.
Only the ever-changing clouds in the sky, the occasional rain and thunderstorms that we had to pass through, and the large flocks of migrating seabirds or flying fish leaping out of the sea that we encountered along the way added a little embellishment to this journey.
After some time, Galos and his party arrived at their destination.
Eternal Glory Dragon Realm.
The foremost of the five major metal dragon domains, the metal dragon territory inhabited and ruled by the twenty-four-winged golden dragon king.
(End of this chapter)
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