The Dragon Kingdom Arc Chapter Eleven: The Scorching Sun’s Heavenly Path (Part Two)
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Ye Heng’s gaze pierced through the raging flames, fixating on the land of Ailu, now mercilessly consumed by a towering sea of fire. A long-lost glimmer of victory and an unmistakable joy quietly surfaced on his face.
“This technique, Solar Path of Heaven, though a divine martial skill I conceived, is immensely powerful and drains a tremendous amount of divine martial energy. I’ve only used it twice before. This time, thankfully, I’m not utterly exhausted like the first.”
“It’s very likely that the increase in my divine martial rank has enhanced its effect. If I were an A-rank divine warrior now, perhaps I could unleash it four or five times!”
“Likewise, upon reaching A-rank divine warrior, I would gain two additional divine martial skills. Sister Lisa once said that every divine warrior at S-rank possesses five divine martial artifact skills—one at B-rank, three at A-rank, and five upon reaching S-rank.”
The furious blaze had ravaged like a raging dragon, sweeping all in its path, yet it vanished in an instant, leaving only a scarred wasteland and scattered embers faintly flickering amidst the ashes. Amidst this desolation, a solitary figure stood silent and unmoving atop the ruins, causing Ye Heng’s heart to tighten sharply as he exclaimed in disbelief, “This... how is it possible? She still lives!”
As the last flicker of flame dissipated, Ailu’s true visage slowly emerged. Several streaks of dried blood adorned her face, only highlighting her resolute spirit and unyielding will. She lightly wiped the corner of her mouth, her composure and calmness suggesting that what had just transpired was less a life-or-death battle and more a trivial trial.
Almost simultaneously, Ailu transformed into a streak of light, swiftly appearing behind Ye Heng. Her speed was so immense that not even a trace disturbed the air; Ye Heng could not sense her presence and could only stare in astonishment.
“Such a mere B-rank divine warrior dares to challenge the majesty of an S-rank divine warrior,” Ailu’s voice was cold and imposing, each word striking Ye Heng’s heart like a heavy hammer.
Before he could respond, she raised both hands, and an overwhelming aura surged around her—an energy unique to an S-rank divine warrior: the Crimson Lotus Inferno. Flames coalesced in her palms, forming a magnificent and deadly sea of fire, seemingly capable of devouring all sins and life, surging fiercely toward Ye Heng and everything around him.
Ailu declared, “Before my inferno, human desires will expand infinitely within my flames until they are completely consumed.”
“Let me see if you deserve the title of ‘Child of Light.’”
Encircled once more by firelight, Ye Heng’s figure appeared frail beneath its glow. His tattered clothing bore numerous slashes and bloodstains mingled with dirt, a testament to the hardships and battles he had endured. Yet, despite his seemingly fragile form, gripping the longsword tightly in his hand, he stood unwavering—as an unshakable monument.
“Sin? Ha ha ha...” Ye Heng’s laughter echoed through the night sky, tinged with sorrow and indignation. His hoarse yet forceful voice emanated from the depths of his soul, “What fault have I? I only seek to provide an innocent refuge in this chaotic world, a place to call home. The ones truly deserving death are those who sow war and despair—the ones like you who uproot innocent lives and tear families apart!”
“I may be playful, but that does not mean I am ignorant. Others say I am gifted, but I hardly believe it. If I truly possessed such divine talent, why would I be alone in the silent stars, burning the midnight oil, striving relentlessly to master the peak of martial arts while others dream?”
“As I stroll through life’s long corridor, deep within my memories is a peaceful pastoral scene—people resting under towering trees, children gathered in a circle sharing fish roasted by their parents, the aroma blending with the sweetness of fresh fruit juice, their laughter bright and carefree, weaving the enchanting stories of childhood. The scene is warm and radiant, like the gentlest brushstroke painting life’s sweetness and innocence.”
“Yet around the corner lies a starkly different sight—cruel and heart-wrenching. I have witnessed flames mercilessly devour that tranquility; children who should be playing beneath the sun lost all shelter and joy amid the wildfire’s wrath. Their terror-stricken faces illuminated by the fire’s glow have seared into my heart forever. This stark contrast is like a double-faced mirror of fate, reflecting both life’s beauty and cruelty, planting in me a resolute belief—to cherish every moment, to pursue ceaselessly, to wield knowledge as a shield and courage as a sword, and to protect what is truly worth guarding.”
Ailu, stunned, found it hard to believe Ye Heng would speak such words. Yet upon reflection, she understood why he was called the ‘Child of Light.’
Ailu said, “I am pleased by your awareness, but without strength, how can you change this chaotic world?”
Ye Heng shouted, “We must face death a thousand times over; it may not always be as we wish, but we must remain true to our hearts!”
With Ye Heng’s roar, his nearly depleted divine martial energy miraculously surged anew, compelling Ailu to applaud in admiration.
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Ailu said, “Your divine martial artifact skills are strong, but your divine energy is scant. With more diligence, you might unleash your Solar Path of Heaven again.”
“With your talent and perseverance, reaching SSS-rank divine warrior is within reach, but...” Ailu’s eyes suddenly deepened, “As one of the Ten Heads, how can I allow a potential threat to my master’s reign to grow unchecked?”
Though she spoke thus, her inner voice gently echoed, “You are right, Lord. Humanity will indeed turn the tide this way.”
“Lord, do you see? I see his silhouette receding into the light. That feeling is truly warm.”
“Rather than burden me with guilt, I prefer to believe in the light and justice within him; I trust he will forge a unique path, proving to me and the world that true strength is not only power but the strength to protect and love.”
“Though this is our first meeting, I sense he is truly dependable.”
At this moment, watching Ye Heng grasp his artifact and charge again, Ailu had no hesitation—only a firm resolve to honor their pact.
Likewise, Ye Heng harbored no distractions; his sole aim was to defeat his opponent.
Both warriors’ spirits soared anew, the battle’s momentum reignited.
This strike was formidable, channeling a third of Ye Heng’s divine energy. Its sharpness and imposing power were not to be underestimated. Ye Heng now stood reborn on the threshold leading to the glorious hall of A-rank divine warriors, each breath a prelude resonating with heaven and earth. Yet, though A-rank and S-rank seem but a step apart, countless warriors dream endlessly of crossing that chasm. Many spend their lifetimes trapped outside the threshold of S-rank, gazing longingly at its heights.
S-rank divine warriors, though not the ultimate pinnacle, reside above the clouds. Their names shake the lands, and their power can carve domains and establish immortal legacies. Yet, in this divine martial nation, these titans have chosen a different path—they have not indulged in expanding power nor wielded strength as a weapon of conquest but steadfastly upheld dreams and beliefs passed down since ancient times, shining like stars, humble yet profound.
This is more than a pursuit of power; it embodies the martial spirit’s essence—though at the peak, never forgetting the original aspiration, continuing to explore the unknown and distant ends of martial arts. Ye Heng is another brave soul on this long journey, burning with fierce dreams and determined to ascend even higher. Every effort, every sword swing, is a solid step toward the supreme realm.
The flame of martial spirit endures, passing from generation to generation...
At this moment, Ye Heng finally understood: this relentless flame is not unique to Lisa but deeply engraved in every divine warrior’s soul. Their shared conviction shines like brilliant stars, transcending temporal bounds to transform the yearning and cherishing of peace into an eternal blaze passed down through the ages. This is not merely a tribute to past glory but a prayer for future tranquility.
Peace—a seemingly simple yet weighty word—is backed by countless divine warriors building an unbreakable fortress with flesh and blood. Some are in their prime youth, some still inexperienced; some, mere fourteen years old, have resolutely taken up arms. Every drop of sweat, every shout, every fallen life is the deepest hymn to peace, proving its preciousness and fragility.
On this land baptized by the blood and sweat of divine warriors, peace is no longer a mere gift of time but a faith, a precious legacy that each must protect with heart and action. This inheritance’s significance exceeds imagination; it concerns not only historical memory but future hope and each generation’s shared pursuit and longing for a better life.
“Sister Lisa, I am sorry. Looking back, I know my youthful arrogance then, my words and deeds like sharp blades, deeply wounded you and betrayed the care and high hopes you and others placed in me. In those days, I only sought to prove myself, to be the strongest and brightest divine warrior admired by all, thinking that was the whole meaning of youth.”
“However, time flies. Amid countless missions, slaying many supernatural beasts over these three years, each battle was a trial of life, gradually stripping away my naivety and arrogance. I began to understand that true strength is not sudden brilliance but resilience and growth through storms.”
“I have traversed mountains and rivers, witnessing both breathtaking beauty and desolation. Every pause and step forward deepened my appreciation of life’s weight and variety. Leaves sway gently in the autumn breeze before returning to dust, yet the ‘martial flame’ within me grows ever fiercer and unceasing.”
“Now I see that past mistakes and regrets have become my driving force and wake-up call. I am grateful for those experiences, for they taught me humility, perseverance, and self-reflection. Sister Lisa, please forgive my past ignorance and impulsiveness.”
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“Leaves yellow and fall with the wind; the martial flame lives on.”
Ye Heng clenched his teeth as an indomitable will surged from his heart, propelling him to pounce on Ailu like a leopard. In that moment, death’s shadow seemed unable to touch his soul; instead, a resolute faith surged like a tide, crowning him. His eyes shone with unprecedented determination. Even before Ailu’s overwhelming power, which could crush others like insects, he showed no retreat, pressing forward bravely.
Ailu smiled with a hint of amusement, softly saying, “Fighting spirit, huh? Your resolve is commendable, but sadly, the gap in strength cannot be bridged by will alone—it’s just... a billion times too much.”
As their blades neared collision—
In that decisive moment, Ye Heng moved faster than time’s constraints, like the brightest meteor streaking across the night sky, or a forest ghost silently executing a flawless sword withdrawal. His form twisted as if pulled by an unseen hand, shifting to an impossible position behind Ailu.
The next moment, two divine skills erupted again, but once more, Ye Heng fell.
Looking at his sword, a wave of bitterness swept over him; only he knew all that had just transpired.
His heart brimmed with unwillingness—a regret that his power had not reached its peak, and guilt for failing to protect what mattered most.
“If I were an A-rank divine warrior now, perhaps you would be the one lying down.”
Ailu’s lips curved gently into a warm smile, expressing recognition of Ye Heng’s strength and admiration for his tenacity. “Indeed, young one, your talent is astonishing. Within just ten rounds, you not only discerned my attack patterns but quickly analyzed my general information during battle. Such acuity and wisdom are rare even across the entire divine martial world.”
“Likewise, your insight into human nature and tactics is impressive; you predicted my instinct to use my artifact as a shield, which is why you fully focused, creating a deadly blind spot behind me.”
“Unexpectedly, on my mission for the Dragon Kingdom, I encountered such a fortunate event. If I can bring you back, it will further enhance the prestige of the Six Protectors—after all, you are the talent my master desires most.”
Gazing into Ye Heng’s eyes filled with mingled reluctance and stubbornness, she sighed softly, her voice tinged with resignation and temptation: “At this point, no divine warrior in the world is willing to stand by your side, Ye Heng. But if you join my master’s ranks, you will gain unprecedented opportunities—countless legendary training sanctuaries await your footsteps, making your cultivation path smoother and easier than ever.”
Ye Heng’s lips curled with a complex smile, laughter rising from low to high, finally bursting into wild abandon: “Ha ha ha ha... ha ha ha!”
His laughter mocked fate yet upheld his faith.
“Supreme training sanctuaries?” His gaze burned like a torch, as if piercing illusions to face his true heart. “Is that radiant halo truly the home I seek? What I, Ye Heng, desire is not a path of ease to bind me.”
His words struck firmly, each syllable radiating unwavering resolve: “Even if the road ahead is strewn with thorns, each step paved with blood and sweat, I will steadfastly tread this cultivation path. The enmity between the Divine Martial Nation and supernatural beasts is irreconcilable; this hatred and duty have long fused into my mission, marking me indelibly.”
He shifted tone, colder and more resolute: “As for you, traitors to the divine warriors have no right to reason with me. No temptation can shake my heart. For my martial path is never defined by others, nor swayed by any power. The Divine Martial Nation and supernatural beasts are mortal enemies; your betrayal means you are enemies to us. Between you and me, only battle can reveal the truth!”