The projection of the Starsoul Heart seemed to resonate with some purer power deep within this space, its deep blue light flickering like breath.
"The Heart of the Stars, a shared origin," Toby Zan said in a deep voice, holding the fragmented phantom in his palm.
The ripples of stardust light on the fragments began to overlap rhythmically in a certain direction deep within the palace complex, like pointers drawn by an invisible magnet.
"Over there!" Jules instantly locked onto the direction indicated by the light.
The illusory image of the Star Heart fragment guided them like a beacon in the darkness, piercing through the ancient and unfamiliar grand complex of the Dragon Palace.
Grom and his companions concealed their presence and, under the cover of Shadowclaw's Shadow Veil, sped along the direction where the light trembled most intensely.
They were filled with doubt and uncertainty; the failure of their inherited memories made every step feel like walking on thin ice.
However, to everyone's surprise, the expected heavy guards and deadly magical traps did not appear.
This magnificent palace complex, hidden deep in the sea, is eerily silent.
The massive pillars, carved with strange five-clawed serpentine creatures, stood silently, and only their faint heartbeats and footsteps echoed in the empty hall.
The scenes of summoning wind and rain and roaming the starry sky depicted in the murals now seem even more eerie.
"Something's not right... It's too quiet." Jules lowered his voice, his figure sweeping across a high threshold like a gentle breeze, scanning his surroundings warily.
This is inconsistent with the style of the dragons guarding their treasures, and even more so with the level of vigilance that any sacred place should have.
The arc of electricity beneath Toby Zan's hood flickered uneasily, and his muffled voice came through the mental link:
"No magical fluctuations... Apart from that ancient aura, there's no trace of any protective barriers or warning magic. Are the dragons really that confident?"
Shadowclaw's figure blended almost seamlessly into the environment, and he didn't speak to the three of them.
Grom's gaze was sharp as an eagle's, fixed on the endpoint pointed to by the light of the Star Heart fragment.
A main hall that was even more magnificent than those seen along the way.
The palace doors were wide open, as if silently inviting intruders.
His greed and desire to succeed in the mission overwhelmed his unease.
The promised reward from the Abyss Saint and his instinct to devour the power of the dragons made his blood boil.
"Who cares why! The target is right in front of us! Speed up!"
Without further hesitation, the four transformed into streaks of light and instantly rushed into the magnificent main hall.
The interior space of the hall is extremely spacious, with a high dome.
The five-clawed serpentine creatures carved on the giant pillars supporting the dome are so lifelike that they seem ready to come to life at any moment.
However, the hall remained empty, except for a circular altar in the center of the hall, constructed of pure deep-sea blue crystal, which emitted a soft glow.
Above the altar, a sphere the size of a human head floats.
That is the goal of this trip—the Heart of the Holy Dragon!
It is not a beating heart of flesh and blood like the Heart of Stars or the Heart of Bloodvine, but a perfectly round "Dragon Ball".
Its entire body radiates a pure and profound golden light, flowing slowly like liquid gold, exuding a boundless vitality and an ancient dragon's might that chills the soul.
Wherever the light reached, even the air seemed to become thick and heavy.
"The Heart of the Holy Dragon!" Tobizan's voice was filled with barely suppressed excitement.
“Finally…” Jules’ eyes flashed with a sharp light.
The shadow of the Shadow Claw rippled slightly, revealing its inner turmoil.
However, just as their attention was drawn to the Dragon Balls, Grom moved!
He didn't give his companions any time to react or discuss anything!
The thirst for dragon power born from devouring several dragons, and the greed for the power promised by the Abyss Saint, instantly overwhelmed reason and the thought of teamwork.
The moment he saw the Dragon Balls, a voice roared in his mind—These are mine!
"Mine!" Grom growled, his eyes gleaming with a beastly possessiveness and excitement.
He stomped his foot hard, the hard ground thudded, and his burly body shot straight at the altar like a cannonball!
His arm, covered in dark scales, lashed out with a force that tore through the air as he viciously grabbed at the floating golden dragon pearl!
"Grom!" Jules exclaimed in shock and anger. He was the fastest and his figure turned into a blur as he tried to intercept him.
Having witnessed the terrifying power of the Puppeteer after mastering the Heart of the Bloodvine, and the power of the Oracle after fusing with the Heart of the Stars, he knew what the Heart of the Holy Dragon meant!
This is definitely not a treasure that Grom should keep all to himself!
Tobijan was both shocked and furious. A flash of lightning appeared under his hood, and an arc of electricity containing a destructive aura instinctively struck the side of Grom's arm as he reached for the Dragon Ball, trying to force him to stop.
The shadow of Shadowclaw also coiled out like a venomous snake, reaching for Grom's ankle.
The three of them attacked almost simultaneously!
The allure of the Holy Dragon Heart is enough to turn even legendary powerhouses against each other in an instant!
Just as Grom's fingers were about to touch the flowing golden light, and the attacks of the other three were about to land on him—
A sudden change has occurred!
The golden dragon pearl, which had been floating quietly and radiating a majestic light, seemed to suddenly come to life!
It ignored Jules's interception, Tobyzan's lightning strike, and Shadow Claw's restraint!
Just as Grom's hand was inches away from it, the Dragon Ball shuddered violently!
Buzz!
A deep and majestic dragon roar seemed to come from the ages, resounding throughout the entire hall!
Immediately afterwards, the dragon ball, the size of a human head, transformed into a dazzling golden stream of light and, with a speed far exceeding that of everyone else, crashed directly into Grom's outstretched palm!
The golden light instantly receded, like a hundred rivers flowing into the sea, disappearing completely into Grom's palm!
Grom felt a heat in his palm, and a vast, immense power, like a sea of stars, surged into his body, washing over his limbs and bones like a flood breaking through a dam!
The immense sense of satisfaction and power surged within him, causing him to let out a low, exhilarating roar, as if every cell in his body was cheering with joy!
He succeeded! This power is his now!
The attacks from Jules, Tobijan, and Shadowclaw all landed in empty air due to the surge of magical energy from the Dragon Balls!
The three remained in an attacking stance, their faces filled with disbelief, astonishment, and a furious sense of being mocked.
The Heart of the Holy Dragon... actually chose Grom on its own initiative?!
"It...it has chosen its master?!" Toby Zan's voice trembled with shock.
Even the puppeteers and oracles can only suppress and control the power of the other two divine hearts!
But it was surprisingly easy for Grom!
However, before they could even recover from their shock and anger, an even greater disaster struck!
Rumble—!!!
At the very instant the Dragon Ball sank into Grom's palm, the entire magnificent Dragon Palace—no, the entire Dragon Mountain Range hidden deep in the sea—seemed to have lost its most crucial foundation, emitting a deafening wail!
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