The Wish of the Dragon

Chapter 132:

(AN: Thanks for the donation, Joseph Lawrence and also thanks for all of your support and understanding everyone, I hope all of you enjoy the chapter).

Flames billowed and flooded the skies within the God Burying Inferno Prison, reminiscent of the descent of a final doomsday. As Issei's party appeared, what welcomed their arrival is the whining sound on the ancient horned dragon...

The fiery scales covering the ancient horned dragon's entire body stood on end as its aura turn submissive. Mu Xuanyin who saw this remembered about her own Saint Dragon that acts almost the same way as this ancient horned dragon before her.

When she remembered about Issei's identity, she thinks that it's not so weird after all. But the same cannot be said for the flame gold realm's inhabitants.

They're at complete lost seeing this scene... where's the fierce fight they were anticipating? What they witnessed is completely different from their imagination...

Amidst the raging Inferno Prison, the ancient horned dragon's meek voice resounded: "H-H-How can I help you, king?"

Mu Xuanyin who's by Issei's side had her eyes widen slightly.

King?! This Ancient Horned Dragon actually called him 'King'?!

Issei silently gazes at the Ancient Horned Dragon before he said lightly: "I want to go to the bottom of this inferno prison. You don't need to worry, I won't harm you nor your wife that is currently hiding."

...What?

Mu Xuanyin's brain blanked slightly when she heard what Issei just said.

Its wife? This Ancient Horned Dragon has a wife?

Even the onlookers' from above are confused by what Issei just said. Is he telling them that there's a second Ancient Horned Dragon? How is that possible?!

But then the three Divine King discovered something out of place.

"...It feels like something is not right," Yan Juehai suddenly said.

Yan Wancang glanced at Yan Juehai as he said, "It seems like Sect Master Yan has also discovered it."

Yan Juehai slowly nodded, "Its dragon fault contains no traces of any injuries it is so strange. It if were the other parts, it would not be so strange for the injuries to recover but the dragon fault, how could it be possible for it to recover to such an extent in just one thousand years!?"

"Ah?" Huo Poyun confusedly turned around, "How could it be? Shouldn't it be impossible for the dragon fault to completely recover in a thousand years?"

The injury which the horned dragon had suffered a thousand years ago was an important factor for their success in killing the dragon this time.

However, as of this moment, the dragon's dragon fault was completely devoid of any injury, as if it had never been injured in the slightest!

"This" Huo Rulie's expression also changed.

Does that mean that... there really is a second Ancient Horned Dragon?!

"B-But... That human beside you... and... those humans from above is..." The Dragon growled lightly at Mu Xuanyin since she's the one who injured him in the past and it can also sense that Yan Wancang is currently "peeking" at them.

"After I'm done with this place, they won't try to hunt you both any longer. You have my word." That is what all Issei said to convince the Ancient Horned Dragon.

When she was still dazed by what Issei said, a second shadowy figure emerged from below them.

Everyone's heart almost burst apart from the shock. Yan Wancang retreated several steps, appalled, while Yan Juehai and Huo Rulie's hair stood on end, their eyes wide to the point of breaking apart.

Even Mu Xuanyin is also shocked to her very core.

If she were to fight this Dragon... She would surely get taken by surprise and she could be injured as a result... or even worse... dead!

She couldn't help but glance at Issei and feel thankful of his presence. If it wasn't for him here with her then... she doesn't dare to think of the consequences...

"A Ahhh..."

"H...How can there be such a thing!?"

The second figure is none other than the second Ancient Horned Dragon which looks extremely identical to the first one.

The second Ancient Horned Dragon joined its mate position. It curled itself trying to make itself look smaller than Issei which is clearly impossible since Issei is in his human form.

The Ancient Horned Dragon could take shape of a human as well but they don't want to transform themselves into the form that they hate the most.

Issei doesn't really mind since he can understand their sentiment quite a bit. If anyone were to suddenly just barge into his home and start attacking him, he would also feel pissed.

"We welcome your arrival, Dragon King..." The second ancient horned dragon said softly. Its voice belonging to a female.

"Although we welcome your arrival... as for the woman behind you..." It narrowed its eyes at Mu Xuanyin.

They don't mind Xue'er or Caiyi since both of them are basically enveloped with Issei's aura but not for Mu Xuanyin.

Not only that, but she's also the same human that injured it in the past...

To say that they don't bear a grudge over it is a complete lie.

Mu Xuanyin's body tensed slightly after being exposed to their murderous intent.

"What happened between you two in the past is not my business," Issei said flatly.

"Then..." The Dragons narrowed their eyes at Mu Xuanyin while they bared their teeth at her.

"But can you even kill her at this point now that you lose your element of surprise?" Issei asked flatly.

The two ancient Dragon froze for a moment before they started contemplating their odds against Mu Xuanyin...

Mu Xuanyin might not be a match for two ancient horned dragons, but if she were only fleeing, let alone two, even three ancient horned dragons wouldn't be able to keep her from doing so.

If she were to come back in the future... it will be their doom...

The two Dragon expression turns dire when they thought till here.

"No need to worry. I already said that when I'm done here they won't be trying to hunt the two of you any longer, didn't I? The two girls beside me will be the new realm king for the <Flame God Realm>, they will put an order to not harm any of you but that's only if the two of you don't try to do the same in return. Of course, you're free to defend yourselves if you're the one that got provoked first." Issei said calmly.

Then he turned his head towards the projection direction: "Did you all hear what I just said?"

His voice is still calm but there's an inexplicable pressure coming from Issei which they sensed clearly.

The three sect master can only nod their head in agreement although they feel a bit bitter about it...

"Since we have come to an agreement, there's nothing else to see here." Issei waved his hand and the projection was cut off which startled Yan Wancang again.

"Wh-Why is the projection suddenly..." Huo Poyun asked in confusion.

"...To think that he could easily cut off our connection just like that..." Yan Wancang smiles bitterly.

"But sect master... is it wise for us to follow his words just like that?" One of the elders asked with a frown.

"What can we do even if we disagree? Do you dare to go against him? He can easily defeat the three of us in mere seconds." Huo Rulie said with a scoff.

That elder who just spoke instantly shut his mouth.

Huo Rulie already decided to pledge his loyalty towards Issei so he doesn't really mind if Issei becomes their realm king.

Even though Issei said that their realm king is that two girls beside him, they all know that the true ruler is Issei himself.

"Well, we can only abandon our initial plan... alas... perhaps by accepting him as our realm king, our realm will rise even further..." Yan Juehai said with a sigh.

...

"Mu Xuanyin, it's better if you leave now. We will go deeper." Issei said simply towards Mu Xuanyin.

"...Alright." Mu Xuanyin nodded slightly before she started to go upwards.

It looks like she's not allowed to come with them... Mu Xuanyin thought disappointedly inside her mind.

Chi Wuyao received another crucial information from their short interaction...

"He's called Dragon King by those two dragons... It looks like his identity is beyond my expectation..." She muttered in a low voice.

After Mu Xuanyin disappeared from their sight, Issei went deeper into the inferno prison... The two dragon sees them off with a respectful gesture.

They were falling straight down inside the sea of fire. The fire element in their surroundings grew increasingly violent and terrifying, but it was unable to hurt the three of them in the slightest.

Issei guessed that there must be a Divine spirit existing at the bottom of the God Burying Inferno Prison. Xiaotao and Lieyan themselves also confirmed his guess that there is indeed a Phoenix and Golden Crow lies beneath this place.

Although that was a long time ago... But Issei only sensed a single divine spirit left.

It looks like one of them has already passed away.

Although the people of the Flame God Realm believed that no divine spirit existed in their realm now, they thought so because no one had ever succeeded in reaching the bottom of the God Burying Inferno Prison. The remnant spirit of the Ice Phoenix True God at the bottom of the Heavenly Netherfrost Lake was also able to somehow maintain its existence by relying on the cold vein. The flame vein of the Flame God Realm was undoubtedly more powerful than the cold vein of the Heavenly Netherfrost Lake, so it would be only normal if the remnant soul of a divine spirit was able to exist until now by relying on it.

Falling straight down for over fifteen thousand meters into the inferno prison, They arrived at the bottom as fast as possible. This place was such a terrifying purgatory that no ordinary person would be able to imagine it. The fire elements in this place were so violent in nature that it would be far beyond the understanding of even someone as great as a Divine Master. Just a small mass of flames from this place was enough to evaporate all the oceans of an ordinary world.

The spirit aura of flames rushed into Issei's body like a storm as they transformed into his own strength... but it's barely useable for him. So he transferred those energies towards Huan Caiyi and Feng Xue'er instead.

Even if he didn't do anything in this world made of extremely pure and high-level flames, their profound strength would increase at a far greater rate than others cultivating with great effort.

They inherited Xiaotao and Lieyan's legacy after all.

The two of them gratefully look towards Issei. Their gaze looks like they could melt him any second with how affectionate it is...

Issei never realizes their feelings for him until now so he felt a little awkward being gazed at them in this way.

Whereas for the two of them, their eyes shone a little after seeing Issei awkward look. It looks like their crush finally started to realize their feelings.

Both Huan Caiyi and Feng Xue'er already know that Issei has multiple wives from Xiaotao and Lieyan's mouth but they don't really care since it is completely normal for a man of his caliber own multiple wives.

Doesn't need to look too far, even Feng Xue'er father, Feng Hengkong himself has multiple concubines.

"...Xue'er, Caiyi..." Issei called out.

"Yes, Young Master/Grandmaster?" The two of them responded in a sweet tone.

"...Nevermind." Issei finally said with a wry smile. He somehow has a feeling that even if he told them that he already has a wife, they still wouldn't let go of their feelings for him...

Issei decided to just let nature take its course.

Issei's gaze then locked onto the extremely distant but clearly visible arc of red light.

Over there was the location of the primordial flame vein.

Not only Issei but Huan Caiyi and Feng Xue'er can also sense a divine energy signature similar to Xiaotao.

Passing through layer after layer of the divine flames, they made their way straight to the flame vein.

The God Burying Inferno Prison spanned over five hundred thousand kilometers. If it wasn't for Issei's extraordinary sense acting as their guide, it would have been extremely difficult to identify the correct direction. As they went forward, Feng Xue'er could feel the soul reaction even more clearly.

They traveled as much as fifty thousand kilometers without resting for even a moment as they slowly neared their destination.

After a while, they finally stopped in their tracks. Before their eyes was an arc of red light that looked like a coiling dragon in the midst of this world of flames. It meandered as far as they could see and appeared to have no end.

There was no doubt that the primordial flame vein was an existence on the same level as the primordial cold vein of the Heavenly Netherfrost Lake. Both of these energies were left behind from the primordial Era of Gods.

However, the Heavenly Netherfrost Lake only had a short cold vein, but the flame vein before their eyes seemed to be endless. But for Issei, it can only be considered as not bad.

Perhaps, no one could think that such absolutely terrifying energy was hidden in a middle star realm such as the Flame God Realm.

If the energy here were to be poured down, it should be enough to easily destroy an upper star realm, or maybe even a king realm...

They continued walking ahead when two crimson flames suddenly shone from in front of them.

"Greetings, Godking and... the two inheritors of my and the Golden Crow legacy. I have been waiting for your arrival."

A weak and indistinct but clearly audible voice resounded in their mind, causing them to raise their head. Far above them, two long, narrow, and golden eyes opened little by little Then the light of the flames around him immediately dimmed, and the pair of eyes seemed to be the sole existence in this vast purgatory.

The two girls don't seem too surprised hearing that the Phoenix spirit just called Issei a Godking. They have long anticipated his true identity before this...

At the same time, the golden eyes were far more long and narrow than the Golden Crow Divine Spirit's.

Seeing this pair of eyes, Issei instantly thought back to the moment when he had come into contact with Xiaotao for the first time.

The eyes of the phoenix in the trial grounds of the Phoenix Clan, in the Ten Thousand Beast Mountain range of the Blue Wind Empire.

The instant this pair of eyes appeared, the divine aura of a phoenix flame also descended from above but it's not domineering in the slightest.

"You seem different from Xiaotao old form... It looks like you're a direct soul fragment of the original Phoenix." Issei mused calmly.

"Xiaotao?" The Phoenix repeated.

"That will be me..." Xiaotao emerged from beside Issei which made the Phoenix eyes widen slightly.

"Nice to meet you... my kin," Xiaotao said softly.

"...How fascinating... to think that you, who's supposedly a simple soul residue could become alive... no, I should say 'reborn' instead... I guess it's not that surprising considering the Godking is helping you..." The Phoenix soul fragment said in awe.

"Indeed... my newfound life is granted by Master." Xiaotao nodded at her statement.

"And I am but a mere soul fragment of the phoenix that has been left behind in this world. I perceived your arrival the moment you stepped into the <Flame God Realm>, Godking. It seems that we don't have to be worried about the 'Great calamity' anymore... Other than that, I am the last remaining strand of Phoenix soul in this world. However, I can only maintain my existence by relying on the God Burying Inferno Prison. Once I leave this place, I will die away very quickly." The Phoenix said.

"Yes... Master said that he will take care of the 'Great calamity' and you can have the same fate as me if you want. All you have to do is to accept my master as your master." Xiaotao advised.

"That's reassuring. With how powerful your excellency strength, taking care of the 'Great calamity' will be quite easy." The Phoenix said with gratitude.

"But... No, I have to refuse your offer... It would probably be better if we fuse our soul. I don't have any attachment left behind in this world... The only reason why I forced myself to stay alive until now is because of the 'Great calamity'. But since there's no need to worry about it any longer then I can finally have my long awaited rest..." The Phoenix stated.

That isn't a calamity anyone can fight against. If everyone in the entire God Realm can set aside their racial prejudices, bias towards other star realms and individual grudges, if everyone can work together without selfish intentions and pour every ounce of power into resisting the enemy, then they may just have a sliver of a chance at surviving this but alas...

This calamity is a test for the entire God Realm. The reason they've all chosen to grant all their remaining power to the humans is to leave as many seeds of hope as possible. It is also the only thing they can do. Few are capable of utilizing the full extent of their power, but individual strength is naught but a speck of dust before that terrible disaster.

"...I see..." Xiaotao said with a sigh.

Unlike Xiaotao who still wants to live, it looks like this Phoenix soul fragment only wanted to find peace...

By fusing their soul together, the Phoenix basically will give away all of her divine energy to her.

Xiaotao looks at Issei wanting to say something but Issei beat her to it: "It's fine. I don't need her divine energy... You can have it, Xiaotao."

"...Then Xiaotao thanks master." Xiaotao said with a bow.

"May I ask if you know anything about the 'Great calamity' or the 'Crimson crack', Godking?" The Phoenix asked in curiosity.

"Oh? Why do you want to know about it?"

"It is because I feel endless fear every time I perceive the aura of that crimson crack... The energy that it is emitting is something I have never seen before... Although 'we' are all are but soul fragments, we also have the extremely high dignity of a god. Normally, we absolutely wouldn't do anything for the sake of a human that would cost us our existence but this calamity is something that will cause our whole world perish..."

The 'we' the Phoenix talking about is the other Divine spirits.

"...The energy you sensed is an energy called <Chaos> energy. It is something extremely powerful but also extremely dangerous at the same time... If you were to be exposed to it directly then you will become a mindless beast that only wants to bring destruction..." Issei explained.

'Hmm... That is only my <Chaos>... but as for your <Chaos>. It is a completely different thing you know, dear husband~? Ufufufufu~' Nyarlathotep chuckled inside her mind.

Then Issei released a tiny bit of his <Chaos> energy.

Bright purplish-red energy emerged from his palm.

The Phoenix who saw this shuddered for a brief second since the energy signature is extremely similar to the one she sensed on the 'crimson crack' before... albeit there's a minor difference that it's almost negligible.

"...I see..." The Phoenix heaved a sigh of relief after knowing that Issei could perfectly control this malevolent energy... but somehow... she felt like... she felt like she wanted to be dominated by Issei when she's exposed to his <Chaos> energy. How weird... She only felt fear when she inspected the 'Crimson crack'.

"So she's your chosen one... And also the Golden Crow's chosen one?" The Phoenix then set her gaze on Feng Xue'er and Huan Caiyi.

"Greetings, Lord Phoenix God." The two of them then greeted the Phoenix soul fragment.

"If only you had shown up a few years earlier. The Golden Crow Spirit would've chosen you, and not Huo Poyun."

The Phoenix Spirit obviously sounded a little regretful when it said this.

"Then... I shall grant you the last seven drops of my divine blood, seventy percent of my divine soul, and The complete version of the World Ode of the Phoenix. After that, you can fuse our soul together, Xiaotao..."

The phoenix's pupils suddenly glowed several times brighter. Then the sea of flames parted, and a fiery dot burned brightly between its pupils like a star. The pure, powerful, and divine presence of a phoenix could be sensed from it.

"This is the final power the phoenix left behind in this world. O' human who shall the full legacy of the Phoenix and also blessed by the Godking. This noble one shall now grant to you both the Phoenix's power and its will!"

At the end of the phoenix spirit's sacred cry, the starry dot flew towards Feng Xue'er and entered her forehead without resistance.

Seven drops of primal phoenix divine blood and a portion of the phoenix's divine soul entered Feng Xue'er's body. The other phoenix divine soul inside her body immediately let out a long cry, and the phoenix divine blood she had from a long time ago boiled up automatically, causing her to be covered in phoenix flames for a very long time.

Feng Xue'er could clearly detect the powerful strength and the complete version of the World Ode of the Phoenix that was inscribed inside the phoenix's divine soul.

However, the light in the Phoenix Spirit's pupils turned dim, and its divine presence suddenly became nearly ten times weaker than before.

"The divine soul this noble one gifted you contains the complete version of the World Ode of the Phoenix and the last of my powers. Unfortunately, it is so weak that it can only increase your profound energy by half a small realm. It should, however, be of some use to you."

"Also, you should be able to refine the divine soul and divine blood perfectly without any difficulty."

The Phoenix Spirit sounded was as dignified as ever, but the weakness in its voice was unmistakable.

Feng Xue'er quelled the resonating reactions inside her body and bowed deeply towards the Phoenix Spirit. "Thank you for your gift, Lord Phoenix God. Xue'er will not disappoint you."

"You don't need to thank me. What I did is something negligible and I know you won't disappoint me... Someone who's chosen by the Godking such as his excellency is surely more than worthy." The Phoenix smiled softly.

Feng Xue'er cheeks reddened slightly when she heard the Phoenix compliment.

The Phoenix who saw this thought that Feng Xue'er is really innocent... which is a good thing in her opinion.

The Phoenix Spirit suddenly let out a long sigh. "I suppose I am destined to betray my final promise to the Golden Crow Spirit."

"Are you talking about the Golden Crow Sacred Sword?" Xiaotao asked.

"Yes, the Golden Crow Spirit entrusted me with the Golden Crow Sacred Sword just before it perished completely. A long time ago, it was a precious heritage of the Golden Crow, who survived the death of gods and devils, because it happened to be stored at the bottom of this inferno prison. In fact, that is why it has lasted to this very day. However, since there is less and less primordial energy every day, most of its power is long gone. That being the case, it is still an incredibly powerful sword in this era and it cannot be wielded by any ordinary person."

"The Golden Crow Spirit had no choice but to keep the weapon here because it is the only way to slow down the loss of its divine power. I was supposed to gift it to its wielder once a qualified person showed up."

"That human boy named Huo Poyun is the only one in the entire world who is qualified to wield this sword. However, this noble one can no longer wait until he has fully grown into his power. I can only hope that he hasn't forgotten about the legend of the Golden Crow Sacred Sword and that he'll come to the bottom of the inferno prison and seek it out one day."

The Golden Crow and Phoenix were two creatures who were incompatible with each other, but the Phoenix Spirit had never forgotten the final task the Golden Crow Spirit had entrusted it with just before it vanished entirely. The Phoenix Spirit clearly sounded regretful and sad when it said this.

"No need to wait for that Huo Poyun brat to come. Just give it to this noble one inheritor!" Lieyan suddenly emerged and said with a scoff.

The Phoenix was briefly taken aback before she sighed wryly to herself. It looks like somehow the Godking is 'reviving' the Divine spirits... Not that she minds though. If anything she thinks that it's great that Issei is benevolent enough to give them a new life.

"I assume that you're the same as her? The soul residue of the Golden Crow?"

"Indeed. My name is Lieyan given by my new Master. Now give it to her!"

"You should know the qualifications necessary to wield the Golden Crow Sacred Sword?"

"A powerful profound strength, and a certain level of attainment in the art of the Golden Crow flames which is the <Nine Suns Heaven's Fury>!"

The Vermillion Bird's 'Thousand Feather Nether Annihilation Song', the Phoenix's 'World Illuminator Red Lotus', and the Golden Crow's 'Nine Suns Heaven's Fury' represented the absolute limit of the three divine flames. It is very, very difficult for a human to cultivate these techniques, and it is absolutely not something that can be done with just a high level of perception.

That being said, if there's a human who has cultivated the Golden Crow's divine power well enough to execute the Nine Suns Heaven's Fury, they'll be acknowledged by the Golden Crow Sacred Sword.

Needless to say, Huan Caiyi is anything but normal at this point...

"Alright... since you basically the second Golden Crow more or less, I'm sure the original Golden Crow wouldn't mind either... Go ahead and try pulling the sword out then." The Phoenix said with a sigh. It then opened a path...

The sea of flames grew turbulent, and the fiery waves parted once more. Three kilometers away, in front of him, They spotted a scarlet golden light that was incredibly glaring despite its fiery surroundings.

It was a huge golden sword. Half the sword was covered in reddish-gold flames, while the other half was plunged into the scarlet rock and hidden from view

Huan Caiyi looks at Issei wanting to ask for his permission but Issei gestured towards her with a small smile.

Huan Caiyi also nodded at his gesture.

She then passed through layers upon layers of fire before she stopped in front of the huge Golden Crow sword. As she approached, a terrifying sword aura and an equally powerful Golden Crow flame aura brushed past her face.

It felt as if an active volcano that could erupt at any moment was hidden inside this sword. Although only half the sword was in clear view, its aura was still many, many times stronger than most divine treasures Huan Caiyi has seen.

Of course, Issei's treasury is a different matter...

Just when Huan Caiyi about to put her hand on top of the sword.

"Eh? Eeeeeeeeeeeh? What's that smell? It smells so good so good!"

An anxious voice of a girl suddenly rang behind her. The owner of that voice is Hong'er who suddenly winked into existence. Her vermillion eyes were darting everywhere urgently.

"Hong'er?" Issei called out feeling confused as to why Hong'er suddenly pops out from the <GoB>.

They were at the bottom of the Ancient God Burying Inferno Prison right now but Hong'er looked completely untouched by the fiery prison around her.

She was completely absorbed in the act of sniffing with her dainty nose. "It's so, so good! Even though it doesn't smell as good as big brother 'food' it still smells really good! Where is it where is it eh?"

Hong'er's gaze became fixed on the Golden Crow Sacred Sword.

"Wah!" Hong'er let out a cheer of absolute happiness and pounced towards the Golden Crow Sacred Sword like lightning.

But Issei caught her mid-air before she had the chance to jump away...

"Ah! Big brother, let go of me! I want to eat that!" She struggled in Issei's hold but to no avail...

"Hong'er... that sword is not for you. Didn't big brother already give you a lot of 'food'?" Issei said wryly.

"But big brother! It smells really good! Please let Hong'er eat it... pleaseeee..." She pleaded with her puppy eyes.

"Err..." Issei flinched slightly seeing her begging eyes.

"...Big brother can give you something even better you know?"

"No! I want to eat that!"

Although Issei tried to lure her with another 'food', Hong'er adamantly refuse it.

"...Fine... Caiyi, let Hong'er eat it. I will give you a better replacement... You don't mind either right, Lieyan?" Issei finally relented seeing Hong'er being so adamant like this...

He has a premonition that the reason why Hong'er seems so adamant about eating this sword is because of her constitution or some sort.

Although Hong'er seems not very obedient, she actually always listen to Issei's words... most of the time. There's only a select few where she tries to disobey his words.

"I don't mind. After all, my belongings are Master's belonging." Lieyan said simply. Caiyi also consented right away without the slightest hesitation.

It's not like she has an attachment to this sword anyway. And what's more, her master treasures are far stronger than this sword.

The only reason why she wanted to make Caiyi have this sword is because she doesn't want that Huo Poyun brat to be the inheritor of this sword.

"Yayyy! Thank you big brother! I loves you the best!" Hong'er skipped in joy and give Issei a quick hug which earned a wry smile from him.

"You little rascal..." Issei gives Hong'er head a gentle pat which earned a giggle from her: "Ehehehe!"

The girls smiled warmly at their sight... it always heartwarming seeing how gentle Issei towards Hong'er and the others are.

Hong'er then pounced on the Golden Crow Sacred Sword with a "whoosh," with such a speed that even Xiaotao and Lieyan have some trouble to properly see her.

It looks like she becomes stronger every time she ate a sword to her liking.

Saliva was dripping down from her open mouth all of a sudden, as it was drawn to the blade of the sword.

Clack!

Following a loud and clear sound, a tooth-shaped hole appeared on the Golden Crow Sacred Sword.

The piece of sword was being chewed like a golden cracker.

Hong'er had her cheeks puffed out, as her mouth moved in a chewing motion. Her eyes shone with excited scarlet light, "Wow! So good. So yummy!"

"Sss.."

The inferno prison abruptly grew very restless, and even the eyes of the Phoenix in the sky shrank all of a sudden, "She She What exactly is she!?"

The divine voice of the Phoenix was actually trembling in shock It was because the scene before its eyes was something that even someone of its level was unable to comprehend.

Clacking sounds could be heard constantly all this time as she kept on biting and chewing the sword

It also seemed as if a faint cry of fear from the original Golden Crow's soul was coming from it...

Of course, there's no soul inside the sword or Issei wouldn't have let Hong'er eat it...

In the short time of ten-odd breaths, the particularly huge Golden Crow Sacred Sword had been fully eaten by Hong'er. When the blade of the sword completely disappeared, the Golden Crow flame that had been burning for an unknown period of time also died out completely. There was only a dull and lusterless hilt left behind.

Hong'er played with the hilt, as she walks towards and then stood in front of Issei while looking at him with her pretty face. Her cheeks were puffed out, and she chewed the last of the sword blade while smiling broadly: "Big brother! I'm done eating it!"

"Jeez, what should I do with you..." Issei said while he pinched her cheeks lightly.

Gulp! Having swallowed the last of the blade, Hong'er narrowed her eyes with an intoxicated look on her face, "So, so good. It's so yummy, although it's still not as tasty as big brother 'food'. Big brother, if you find more tasty stuff like this, you must tell me!"

The 'food' she's talking about is a special food that Issei made combined with the essence of his treasures. It's shaped like a cookie and sometimes cakes but only Hong'er can eat it since it is extremely durable just like a piece of iron instead of an actual cake.

"Good good... If big brother found another one then big brother will give it to you..."

"Great! I know big brother loves Hong'er the most!"

She grinned widely at Issei.

"She was actually able to eat the Golden Crow Sacred Sword She actually"

The voice of the Phoenix Divine Spirit was trembling There were no gods in this world now, so it was inconceivable for a True God level being to shudder in fright.

"Who is she? What is she?"

"It's a long story but all you need to know is that she's Master's little sister. Nothing more nothing else." Lieyan huffed at the Phoenix.

"...Alright..." The soul voice of Phoenix said in confusion. The last of its soul power was locked onto Hong'er. It could see the existence of Hong'er, but unexpectedly, its spirit sense was unable to perceive her existence.

Well, she can sense there's some sort of connection between her and the Godking but it's not a connection or bond between siblings but rather something else...

The main body of the Golden Crow Sacred Sword was forged from the "sacred bone" of the Golden Crow Sacred Ancestor, that was born from the primordial energy in the Primal Chaos, after it met its death. It is almost impossible for even the power of a True God to break it. So, how is this possible? Just how did she?

It was at this time that Hong'er suddenly let out a light cry of surprise. An unusual golden light flashed in her pupils, after which a layer of golden flame ignited on her as it spread throughout her body.

"Woah! This fire almost feels the same as big brother. It's so warm." Hong'er spread open her arms, as her shining eyes looked at the flame that had ignited on her body on its own. Very soon, she slowly narrowed her eyes again, as her voice gradually became soft, "Hmm I feel so tired all of a sudden. I really want to sleep."

After stretching her waist as she yawned, Hong'er said with sleepy eyes. "Big brother... carry me to bed..."

"Sure." Issei smiled softly before he cradled Hong'er in his arms. It looks like his premonition was correct... Whenever Hong'er is feeling asleep like this after she ate something specific, she always grows slightly stronger.

"Ehehe... big brother you're so nice..." She giggled lightly before she closed her eyes with a happy smile adorning her face.

After seeing her fast asleep, Issei went inside the <GoB> to put Hong'er on the bed... On his way out, Issei carries a single golden sword in his hand.

"Caiyi." Issei called out lightly.

Huan Caiyi flew towards Issei's direction and responded in a soft voice: "Yes, young master?"

"Here, you can use this as replacement for the sword from before." Issei passed the sword in his hand towards her.

"This is..." Huan Caiyi who grasped the sword suddenly felt like her strength just increased by ten, no, a thousandfold! It felt like she can cleave the sun itself with this sword!

The sword shape is quite foreign to her but it's not the first time for her either to see it.

The Phoenix had her eyes widen when she sensed the sword Issei just brought out...

'That sword!' She shouted in surprise in her mind.

That sword is immensely powerful and it can easily surpass the Golden Crow sword that Hong'er just ate. She almost couldn't believe that such a powerful sword could exist in this world...

"How is it? Do you like it? Try pulling it out." Issei said.

Huan Caiyi obeyed his words and pulled out the sword from its golden scabbard.

When the sword is pulled out, it is an ancient double-edged sword, uniquely the blade itself appears to be almost fused with it guard and a two-handed hilt.

There's a faint glow of crimson red aura that looks similar to Issei's draconic aura surrounding the sword.

"...It's beautiful..." Huan Caiyi murmured in a daze. She felt closer with her young master just by holding this sword.

"Um, I'm glad that you like it... It is called <Ame-no-Murakumo-no-Tsurugi> and also known as Sword of the Gathering Clouds of Heaven. It's a sword from my homeworld..." Issei explained.

In the past, during his small journey to DxD world to visit Kunou and Yasaka, Issei stumbled upon this sword in the nearby temple of Amaterasu.

Unlike other Holy Swords which are said to forge by Gods, Ame no Murakumo no Tsurugi was found inside the corpse of the eight-headed Evil Dragon Yamata no Orochi after his death by the Shinto Storm God Susanoo, later given by the God to his sister Amaterasu as a peace offering.

Ame-no-Murakumo-no-Tsurugi is a Holy Sword of Shinto legends that rivals the True Excalibur and Durandal. It is capable of unleashing powerful holy aura like other legendary Holy Swords.

Issei wasn't really planning to bring the sword along with him but it practically flew towards him hence he decided to just recast it to his liking and also as an experiment.

Yasaka who saw her new husband carrying the sword let out a small gasp of surprise but made no further movement to stop Issei from carrying it away.

The sword itself is basically cursed even though it is called a holy sword by many. It can't be used by anyone except Amaterasu and Susanoo themselves.

Others can still carry it but they can't really pull the sword out from its scabbard.

And it is said that the lingering spirit of Orochi is residing within that sword...

Issei makes a quick work of that 'curse' and made it into a true holy sword in its truest sense.

"Young master's homeworld... <Ame-no-Murakumo-no-Tsurugi>... Sword of the Gathering Clouds of Heaven... Caiyi will surely treasure it. Thank you, young master." Huan Caiyi smiled blissfully at Issei.

"Um. Then Phoenix spirit, since there's nothing else... Let's get this over with..." Then they proceeded with their original plan...

The Phoenix had her soul combined with Xiaotao and a few moments later, the three of them comes out from the God Burying Inferno Prison.

During their journey back to the surface, Issei saw that Feng Xue'er is pouting slightly. He smiled wryly at this since it seems that she's feeling a little jealous at the beaming Huan Caiyi...

It looks like he needs to give her something as well...

And also during that moment that the <Flame God Realm> finally have their realm king...

"We greet the great realm king!" The three sect master paid their respect towards the trio.

Behind Issei's party, the two ancient horned Dragon can be seen hovering behind them. Since they don't need to hide anymore, they can freely go anywhere within the Flame God Realm.

Their king himself promised them that there will be no one is allowed to hunt them so for what reason do they need to hide.

"Huo Rulie." Issei called out.

"At your command!" Huo Rulie respectfully responded and without any hesitation, "I won't even frown at anything you ask of me."

Huo Rulie was a man who absolutely hated owing favors. After living for more than ten thousand years, Issei saving Huo Ye's life is the biggest favors he had ever owed in his life. Therefore, he couldn't be happier at the fact that Issei needed him for something.

"You better remember your promise. I want you to assist the two of them with everything you have. I want you to be their loyal servant."

"I obey!"

And just like that, one of the great sect masters of the <Flame God Realm> has become two young girl servant... But not a single person there dares to say anything or even want to retort since they have clearly seen just how powerful Issei is.

After a brief conversation, Issei left behind Huan Caiyi and Feng Xue'er to properly cement their position as the new realm king.

They can contact him at any given time through the protective charm within their possession.

Then Issei returned to the <Snow Song Realm> along with Mu Xuanyin. And a few days later, Issei departed towards the <Darkya realm> to find the <Wood Spirit Race>...

He found out about them from Mu Xuanyin.

...

Lower star realms made up thirty thousand of the vast God Realm's forty thousand star realms, far more than seventy percent of the entire region.

Even though they could not compare to middle and upper star realms in terms of overall strength, inheritance, resources, and background, they were the main bulk of the God Realm, based on quantity alone.

Amongst the many lower star realms, the Darkya Realm was an extremely special existence, especially in the Eastern Divine Region. Although its strength wasn't in the upper echelons, its reputation was not inferior to anyone of them.

Out of all the Eastern Divine Region's lower star realms, it possessed the most merchant guilds.

If profound practitioners lacked any strange objects or treasures, they would never return empty-handed if they went on a trip to the Darkya Realm the only prerequisite is that they brought along enough purple stones or crystals.

Darkya City was located at the center of the Darkya Realm. The entire city region was five hundred kilometers wide, with many famous merchant guilds of the God Realm gathered within and as for the medium and small-sized merchant guilds, those were innumerable. There weren't many sectoral forces within the city and it didn't contain the Realm King's forces either, yet it was able to take on the name of "Darkya", the exact same name of its star realm. Just by that alone, it was obvious what kind of status Darkya City possessed in the Darkya Realm.

Issei appeared above the skies of Darkya City, looking down upon this unfamiliar star realm's main city for a very long time.

The <Snow Song Realm> was covered in perpetual snow year round, its population was sparse. It was a unique realm in itself. The Darkya Realm below him however, was bustling with activity.

"So this is the <Darkya Realm>." Issei muttered.

"Shall we eliminate the merchant guild when we found its location, Master?" Esdeath who's beside Issei asked with a grin.

"No need. Even if we destroy them, another one will replace them soon enough. It's better if we just extract some information from them about the location of the <Wood Spirit Race>." Issei said lightly.

It will be too much of a hassle if they were to eliminate every single one of them when the time comes. It's better if they just save the <Wood Spirit Race>.

Issei can just provide them a place within his <GoB>. That way they don't need to be worried of being hunted any longer.

"As you wish." Esdeath responded with a smile. Ah... Too bad she can't get more rats to experiment on... but her master's wish is the most important.

Issei then took out the black jade Mu Xuanyin handed him and his gaze suddenly focused.

This black jade will help him find the merchant guild that sells the <Wood Spirit Orb>.

When he had received it from Mu Xuanyin, it was just a lifeless black jade. But now, the center of the jade suddenly lit up like a feather, dark as the night, appeared upon it.

"A black feather?" Issei slightly focused and felt a weak fluctuation coming from its surface. Then, his gaze quickly shifted toward his front as he walked over the profound energy fluctuation on this black jade's surface was clearly pointing in that direction.

Even though it was his first time in the Darkya Realm, the difference between a lower star realm and a middle star realm could be seen with a single glance. The density and purity of the spiritual energy here were far inferior to the Snow Song Realm and the Flame God Realm Though it was still far above the Blue Pole Star.

The stream of people within Darkya City was huge; it was extremely lively, no matter where he went. It was obvious that this place prohibited the use of profound arks and mounts because although there was an unceasing number of human figures flying past overhead, not a single profound ark or beast was in sight.

The profound practitioners were mostly at the early stage of the divine way. The city guards that were visible everywhere were mostly in the Divine Origin or Divine Soul Realm.

In the Darkya Realm as well as any other lower star realm, being able to enter the divine way and reach the Divine Origin Realm was shocking, and being able to reach the Divine Soul Realm put one above the masses. Being able to reach the Divine Tribulation Realm meant that one was qualified to establish their own sect and if one was able to pass through the Divine Tribulation Realm, into the Divine Spirit Realm, they could be overlords of a region.

Entering the Divine Master Realm obviously meant that they could become rulers of a realm!

If one or more Divine Sovereigns appeared within a lower star realm, then the entire star realm would subsequently be promoted and rank up to become a middle star realm.

This was why Issei's party who consists of a <Divine King Realm> and three <Divine Spirit Realm> is attracting a lot of attention to themselves. Especially because of Esdeath, Altair, and Sirius's beauty.

But not a single person dares to block their way. No one wants to court death by blocking these four mysterious cultivators...

Following the black jade's weak profound energy guidance, Issei sensed Darkya City's aura and the traveling profound practitioners as he walked toward the heart of the city.

As expected of the star realm of trade, within the thirty thousand lower star realms that was even well known within the middle star realms. Wherever they went, what they saw the most were merchant organizations of various sizes. Aside from the merchant guilds, there were also countless small stores and stalls selling all kinds of different oddities.

Issei casually meandered for several hours and that was still what he saw.

The entire Darkya City was like an enormous bazaar.

When Issei's footsteps finally stopped at a certain location, the reaction coming from the black jade completely disappeared.

Before them was an extremely tall building of an antique style. In Darkya City, this was definitely a conspicuous monstrosity.

This was a large merchant guild. Several tens of entrances could be seen at a glance and the stream of people going in and out was endless.

Issei raised his head high and read the few words that nearly reached the clouds in a low voice, "<Black Feather Merchant Guild>."

The black feather outline that appeared on the surface of the black jade was exactly the same as the huge merchant guild's engraving.

The Black Feather Merchant Guild before them was the biggest building out of all they had seen on their way here. From its vast, ancient style of construction, it definitely possessed a deep background and history.

"Is this the place, master?" Altair asked.

"Um." Issei nodded lightly.

Issei didn't bother to think much as he headed toward the Black Feather Merchant Guild's most outer hall. A young girl stood inside the hall's entrance, welcoming every visitor with a smile.

But her smile froze when she saw Issei's party although only for a brief second.

"Welcome to the Black Feather Merchant Guild. Esteemed guests, please come in. If you need something, feel free to say what you need at any time," the girl said with a bow when she saw Issei's party coming over.

This girl was at the Emperor Profound Realm. In the Blue Pole Star, she could be a respected master of a generation. Here, however, she could only be someone who greeted guests. Issei didn't answer and instead came to a stop before the girl and silently took out the black jade.

Upon seeing the black jade in Issei's hands, the girl's expression slightly changed. She bowed even deeper as she spoke even more respectfully, "So it's actually an esteemed guest visiting, please follow me."

How much profit does an underground transaction make?

Issei doesn't know nor does he care. Issei may lack anything but one thing he doesn't lack is wealth.

The amount of treasure inside his <GoB>, even just 1% of it could easily make him the richest person in this universe.

The four of them followed the girl and walked a considerably long distance. After walking through many floors of staircases, the surroundings completely quieted down with not a single sound to be heard.

The girl stopped at a tightly shut door to a hall. At a single glance, Issei noticed that this great hall was covered with many large-scale profound formations. There were so many that sound, sight, and even auras were completely isolated. However, this isolation was only one-sided. The people inside were able to clearly see and sense everything outside.

"Mister Ji, an esteemed guests has arrived," the girl said respectfully before the hall door.

After a brief silence, the hall door slowly opened.

"Esteemed guests, please enter. Mister Ji is waiting for you inside."

The girl gently bowed and then turned to leave.

Issei's party didn't hesitate as they walked in with large strides. As soon as they entered, the hall door tightly shut behind them.

The hall was rather spacious and an old man sat before a wooden table. This old man ought to be the "Mister Ji" the girl had mentioned. Seeing Issei's party, he rose and welcomed them with a smile, "This esteemed guests looks rather unfamiliar, may I ask what you have come to seek from my Black Feather Merchant Guild?"

"I heard that you're selling a <Wood Spirit Orb>, I want to buy them. The purer the better." Issei got right to the point.

Since the <Wood Spirit Orb> is basically the <Wood Spirit Race> soul, he can just 'ask' them about their other kinsman location.

Issei's words caused the smile on the old man's face to disappear. It was replaced with a slightly angry look. "What does esteemed guest mean? The hunting of wood spirits brings the resentment of both men and gods, it is an act that goes against the heavenly law! My Black Feather Merchant Guild has a history of several hundred thousand years and has never done any dishonorable business. How could we possibly do such a repulsive thing? Esteemed guest, if you are here for Wood Spirit Orbs, I'm afraid you're in the wrong place.

Issei's face doesn't change under his mask while Esdeath's group snickered at this old man... what an old fart. Does he think that his act can fool them? Even Esdeath's group can tell that this old fart is clearly only putting a show needless to say about their master who can see through a person's soul.

Issei walked forward and silently placed the black jade Mu Xuanyin had given him on the table.

The old man also did not say a single word as he picked up the black jade and used his profound energy to brush across its surface. He asked calmly, "Do you have proof?"

Issei stretched his hand out again, taking out the command tablet Mu Xuanyin had given him. He said expressionlessly, "If you know who the original owner is, then you ought to know his strength, so it's impossible for me to have stolen this."

Esdeath almost burst out in laughter when she heard their Master's words. Even Altair and Sirius's mouth twitched slightly...

Once he saw the Ice Phoenix command tablet, the old man's expression eased into a smile. "So it is a recommendation from the <Snow Song Realm> realm king, Sect Master Mu Xuanyin. I apologize for my previous behavior. Sect Master Mu is one of my guild's most important customers, so anyone she recommends is obviously the most esteemed out of esteemed guests. Please have a seat."

Mu Xuanyin herself never really come here on her own. It's usually Mu Huanzhi who comes in her place.

"No need," Issei said bluntly. "I want to purchase a <Wood Spirit Orb>."

The old man looked into his eyes as if he's trying to see through Issei's mask and asked, "May I ask for this esteemed guest's name?"

He automatically put Esdeath's group as Issei's maidservant so that makes Issei the one in charge.

"You don't need to know that." Issei said offhandedly.

"Hohoho," laughed the old man: "Indeed, it seems that I have been rude once again."

"But no matter. A name isn't important, for it is only a means of address and nothing more. In a transaction with an esteemed guest, both parties maintaining confidentiality and trustworthiness is the most important principle. Please be at ease... Esteemed guests can be at ease and comply with us," the old man said with a smile.

"You can just call me 'Heise(Black)'." Issei said lightly.

"...Very well, sir Heise then." The old man nodded.

As he cast a few more glances at Issei. When he withdrew his gaze, a deep complexity flashed through his eyes and he said, "As for Wood Spirit Orbs, your timing is impeccable but at the same time, unfortunate."

"What do you mean?" Issei asked.

"What's impeccable is that our merchant guild has just obtained a Wood Spirit Orb and is preparing to sell it tomorrow. What's unfortunate is that this Wood Spirit Orb is very special no, extremely special! It is the most special Wood Spirit Orb our merchant guild has ever obtained all these years. As such, it is very expensive! So expensive that you can't afford it even if you sell an entire family's fortune."

Issei continues to ask: "Special in what way?"

"Hoho, this old man has no authority to inform you in that regard. I have said what I am allowed to say." The old man smiled and said, "If you are confident in your pocket, then leave behind your sound transmission imprint and I will inform you of the exchange location tomorrow night."

"Alright." Issei slowly nodded, "Then I'll wait until tomorrow."

After leaving behind his transmission imprint, Issei's party left the place... Issei could just destroy the place and find the Wood Spirit Race but it will attract too much attention to themselves which is something he finds bothersome to handle.

It's better if he just goes with the normal procedure as to not cause something out of the ordinary.

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