The Dragon Kingdom Saga Chapter Twenty-Eight: The Dragon Spring Treasure (Part Two)

The group passed through the Divine Fire Zhuwu Hall, heading straight toward the nearby Imperial Qian Hall. Ye Heng murmured as he walked, “The dome of Emperor Kun soars into the clouds, radiating imperial majesty that commands awe for thousands of miles, bending countless subjects and millions of citizens to their knees...”

Finally, after nearly an hour of searching, they found what they sought.

As Ye Heng stood before the Imperial Qian Hall, his steps suddenly faltered. His body trembled slightly, as if struck by an invisible force. A flood of images instantly surged into his mind, accompanied by a warm current. “My sea of spirit... hmph... it feels like it’s about to burst.”

At that moment, Aixi Amy noticed his strange behavior and quickly moved to his side, concern etched across her face as she supported him gently. “Ah Heng, what’s wrong?”

Ye Heng furrowed his brow deeply, his face as pale as paper, beads of sweat rolling down his forehead. He closed his eyes tightly, seemingly struggling against some immense pain. Aixi Amy’s heart filled with unease. She clasped his hand firmly, trying to convey strength and courage.

“Ah Heng, tell me, what’s happening?” Aixi’s voice was laced with worry and urgency.

But Ye Heng still did not answer. Amy gently touched his forehead; his temperature was normal—clearly not a fever. Amy mused, “If it were just exhaustion, that would be understandable. After all, Ah Heng’s battles have been beyond taxing. But after these past few days of rest, given his constitution, it’s clear he’s been affected by some kind of external force.” With no other choice, she declared they would rest here until Ye Heng awakened.

Inside the palace, the layout was elegantly ancient, the incense burning thick and fragrant, filling the air with a soothing sandalwood scent. Golden walls gleamed brilliantly, intricately carved beams and painted rafters adorned the space with resplendent colors, evoking an aura of magnificence. At the center stood a solemn statue of the Dragon Emperor, majestic and dignified. Its eyes shone with piercing clarity, as if seeing through all things in the world. Held firmly in its hand was a divine sword that shimmered with golden light, the blade radiating a dazzling brilliance that seemed to hold infinite power.

Aixi gazed upon the statue, an inexplicable reverence swelling within her. She felt as if she were bound by countless invisible threads to this temple and its deity. Taking a deep breath, she approached the statue with hands clasped in prayer, devotion shining in her eyes.

The group stood in awe before the towering figure. The Emperor’s majesty and power seemed to emanate from every stone surface, overwhelming all who beheld it. Those profound eyes appeared to penetrate the very fabric of existence, instilling a profound sense of respect and awe in everyone present.

After several minutes...

Ye Heng slowly opened his eyes, his blurred vision sharpening on Aixi’s concerned face, close enough to see the gentle worry in her clear eyes. His heart quickened, a faint blush coloring his cheeks.

“Xi’er, you...” Ye Heng’s voice trembled, uncertain how to express the gratitude and fluttering emotions within. Seeing this, Aixi’s own face flushed slightly as she lowered her gaze and softly replied, “It’s... it’s nothing, right?”

Ye Heng looked at her lowered eyelids and rosy cheeks, a surge of indescribable feeling rising in his heart. He reached out and gently took Aixi’s small hand, feeling its warmth and softness. In that moment, the distance between them seemed to vanish, the air thick with an unspoken intimacy.

Amy quickly coughed, “Ahem, now that Ah Heng’s awake, there’s no need to waste any more time.”

With that, Amy was the first to step forward, though she soon returned to wait quietly for Ye Heng. Leaning closer, she asked, “Your sudden collapse really worried everyone. If your body can’t bear it, you can always ask to rest. We’re a team, comrades and family. Ever since we moved into your home, we’ve been one family.”

Ye Heng glanced at Amy, whose eyes were bloodshot. Slowly, his head bowed, heavy with pain. “Yes, we are family. Ever since my parents embarked on the path of Martial Gods, they rarely came home. Not even for New Year’s... or my birthday... They always broke their promises. I acted out, throwing tantrums just to make them spend more time with me. But every time, they said, ‘Baby, forgive Mom and Dad, okay? They have missions and can’t be with you now. Once this mission ends, they’ll come back.’ I’ve heard that excuse for six years. I’m tired of it. What kind of mission is more important than your own son? Once, my father lost his temper and slapped me hard. I held my burning cheek and ran away crying—that was my so-called ‘running away from home.’ Hahaha,” he laughed bitterly, “Looking back, how childish I was.”

Ye Heng gave a faint smile. “Amy sister, I’m fine. Just a bit tired. But more than that, there’s something strange about this Imperial Qian Hall. The first time I saw it, something felt off. Once I stepped inside, my mind went blank, then my sea of spirit expanded uncontrollably, flooding with images of Dragon Kingdom’s history.”

Amy gasped. “Oh! So the legendary Dragon Spring treasure must be here?”

Ye Heng shook his head. “Not certain, but I hope so. Also, I can feel the power here—it’s strong. I don’t know how to use it yet, but it’s gentle and bears no hostility toward me. Perhaps this is another clue to the Dragon Spring treasure.”

They quietly stepped across the cold stone floor, approaching the statue. Each face bore expressions of piety and awe, as if a sacred bond had formed between them and the Emperor. They clasped their hands and bowed deeply before the statue, praying for the Emperor’s protection and peace.

Amy glanced at Ye Heng. “When you fainted, fragments of Dragon Kingdom’s memories echoed in your mind. I want to hear about them—heehee.”

“Ha ha... ha ha ha... Sis, it’s not that I won’t tell you, but you’re standing a bit too close. Mind the distance, mind the distance...” Ye Heng leaned toward Aixi.

Amy smiled. “Why run so far away? I’m not going to eat you. Or do you think I’m going to compete with your sister for your attention?”

Ye Heng chuckled. “Competing for you is impossible, but your temper... not so sure. At home, you get mad just for me calling your cooking ‘dark cuisine,’ and then you make me cook for a week.”

“And?”

Ye Heng thought for a moment. “Also, you throw things everywhere after your bath.”

“Shh...” Amy whispered, her eyes warning. She glanced around cautiously, even though no one was nearby, wary that someone might overhear.

“Even if no one’s around, you can’t say that,” Amy insisted firmly. “If that got out, it would ruin my reputation. I’m a proud A-class Martial God. If people heard this, they’d mock me for being lazy. I simply cannot tolerate such ridicule.”

Amy added, “Besides, that guy can hear everything.”

At that, Ailu’s laughter rang out, filling the space with teasing mirth. “Ha ha ha ha ha... Yes, an A-class Martial God, yet so lazy. And living under someone else’s roof, no less, daring to toss things around carelessly.”

Amy’s cheeks flamed crimson, as if ignited by fire. “Ailu, you have some nerve!” she retorted, a mixture of helplessness and embarrassment in her voice. But then a mischievous smile crept onto her lips, recalling something amusing.

She chuckled softly before continuing, “Who was it that spent days obsessing over Junior Brother Liang, huh?” Her words struck like a bomb, silencing the room instantly. Ailu’s smile froze, struck dumb by the remark.

Ye Heng grinned quietly at that moment, though Ailu noticed. “Laughing, laughing, is it really that funny?”

Ye Heng smiled warmly, eyes gleaming with admiration and respect. “Nothing much, just that I suddenly realized our strong and handsome senior Ailu also has a tender side.”

His words caused Ailu to pause, then a gentle smile softened her usual stern expression, like spring sunshine melting the ice.

At that moment, a melodious bell tolled from deep within the temple. Its sound seemed to transcend time and space, resonating within everyone’s hearts. Each note carried a mysterious solemnity, drawing them into the sacred atmosphere. The bell’s call felt like the Emperor’s summons, guiding them to a higher spiritual realm.

As the bell echoed, the temple’s light grew softer, the air thick with an enigmatic aura. The group imagined the Emperor watching them from his lofty throne, filling them with gratitude and reverence, strengthening their faith in the Emperor and Dragon Sovereign, and deepening their love for the Sacred Land.

The bell’s chimes gradually faded, but their echoes lingered in their hearts. Slowly, the group rose, faces alight with devout smiles. They knew this moment of prayer and awe would become an eternal memory, inspiring them to strive for the world’s peace and prosperity.

Deeper inside, the scene grew ever more breathtaking. A towering stairway stretched skyward like a bridge to the heavens. Each step was broad and sturdy, seemingly able to bear any weight. The steps were carved with exquisite designs: golden dragons soaring through the skies, crimson dragons revered among the people, and more—each image vivid and lifelike.

They ascended the stairs, each step propelled by an unseen force. The air grew thin, as if they had climbed beyond the clouds. Amy was reminded of ancient heroes scaling the Heavenly Mountains, her heart swelling with an inexplicable pride.

As they climbed, the surroundings changed wildly—a dense forest here, a vast grassland there, towering peaks beyond. These scenes displayed nature’s masterful craftsmanship, filling them with a sense of life’s boundless possibilities.

After an unknown time, they reached the top of the steps.

Unexpectedly, a majestic throne stood there, solitary and grand like a towering mountain piercing the clouds. Embedded with countless dazzling gems, the throne sparkled under the faint firelight, casting a mesmerizing glow. Crafted entirely of pure gold, it was intricately engraved with dragon patterns, each detail refined and solemn.

The group was deeply moved by the sight, as if immersed in a world steeped in mystery and legend. They stared at the radiant throne, hearts filled with awe and curiosity. At that moment, they could almost feel the throne’s powerful aura, as if a mysterious force beckoned them toward an unknown future.

As they drew closer, the throne’s glow intensified, as if awakening a hidden power.

Ye Heng spoke, “This throne shines so brilliantly, adorned with countless dragon motifs, all five-clawed golden dragons. According to ancient imperial garments and decorations, the five-clawed golden dragon symbolizes the true Son of Heaven, the Emperor of Men, the ordained ruler—he who is the child of Heaven, and Heaven itself is the Dragon Sovereign.”

Aixi said, “So beneath this Dragon Throne might lie the Dragon Spring treasure. Ah Heng, are you sure?”

Ye Heng took a deep breath and nodded. “I’m certain. In the fragments of time-etched memories in my mind, there was indeed mention of the Imperial Qian Hall. It was once a place where emperors trained in martial arts, solemn and sacred. But why a throne is placed here, I don’t know.”

He knelt and gently brushed away dust beneath the Dragon Throne. Amidst the swirling dust, faint ancient characters emerged: “Dragon soul seeks its master, awaiting the sword’s unsheathing.” The scene matched perfectly with the memory fragments.

Ye Heng frowned, confusion flickering in his eyes. “Dragon soul seeks its master... What could this mean? I understand the dragon soul as the mysterious power within the Dragon Spring treasure. But who is the ‘master’? A human? Or our legendary Dragon Sovereign? And what is this ‘awaiting the sword’s unsheathing’?”

The mystery hung heavy in the air.