Chapter 34: Bathing in Dragon Blood
Sig walked across the vast lands of the Extreme North Icefield. Although his body felt a trace of fatigue from the long journey, his spirit was filled with immense joy and tranquility because he was nearing his destination.
Sig was an adventurer, but not the kind who explored dungeons, labyrinths, and other dangerous regions as a peril-seeking adventurer. Instead, he was more of a traveler, an adventurer whose goal was to witness more beautiful scenery and discover more wondrous places.
Legend had it that this world contained countless breathtaking and awe-inspiring sights, such as the Eternal Lake and the Sacred Life Tree in the Far South, the Cliff of Storm's End in the South Sea, the hidden Emerald Floating Island in the Western Mountain, and the unfrozen Sea of Bewilderment in the Northern Lands. Although this world was dangerous, filled with magical beasts and wars, there were still many beautiful places worth seeing, and this was why Sig loved this world so much.
At this moment, Sig was walking along the road leading to the Sea of Bewilderment at the edge of the Northern Lands. He had been preparing for this for several years.
To reach the Sea of Bewilderment, one first needed to cross the mountain passes and checkpoints in the center of the Empire, then traverse several uninhabited snowfields in the north, before finally arriving at the first supply point on the journey, the main city of Moldavia.
From there, there were two choices. One was to take a detour, passing through Thomas Territory or Moldova Territory to reach Wallachia Territory for a final resupply. The other was to cut straight through the Great Aias Mountains and enter the Extreme North Icefield directly. Without a doubt, the first option was safer. Sig was not a Gold-rank powerhouse, and it was well known that the Black Forest in the Northern Lands was one of the most dangerous black forests in the world, second only to the Central Black Forest. Occasionally, large numbers of dragon beasts would appear there, and even ordinary Gold-rank experts would have to flee if they encountered them.
But regardless, Sig had finally arrived at the Extreme North Icefield.
It was currently summer. Although the icefield was cold, it was not to the point of being unbearable. This was the result of careful planning by the adventurer, calculated down to the details.
In winter, even Gold-rank experts might not be able to safely cross the Extreme North Icefield. Various terrifying blizzards and the occasional white dragon were harbingers of death. However, now that the temperature was gradually rising, blizzards would not appear for at least a few months, and most white dragons would be lazily hibernating through the summer.
The undulating icefield was a vast expanse of pure white. Gazing into the distance at the mountains, a gray mist shrouded them. The towering peaks were majestic and imposing. Sig, dressed in a white snow suit, walked through the snow as if he were one with nature. He was somewhat intoxicated by the scenery before him, his heart filled with indescribable joy.
This was the reason he had struggled so hard until now. Such scenery, so magnificent, it was impossible to look away.
From where he stood, he could see a series of towering peaks ahead. He had never witnessed such a grand spectacle before.
But now, this grand spectacle was unfolding right before his eyes!
He wondered whether he should sit down and continue watching, or leave as soon as possible to avoid the subsequent angry rampage of the Northern White Dragon. Sig didn't think anyone could successfully raid a dragon's nest alone, but for some reason, he had an instinctive feeling that things wouldn't be that simple.
This kind of commotion was not something an ordinary Gold-rank expert could create.
While he was hesitating, several more loud booms came from the snowy mountain. The brilliant radiance of magical power shattered the outer wall of the dragon's nest. This violent (kuangbao) magical energy leaked out, transforming into a multicolored beam of light that even pierced through the clouds, creating a cloudless area several kilometers wide before slowly dissipating in the distant sky.
Even the dragon's nest seemed unable to withstand such an attack. A trace of a crack appeared on its originally perfect and sturdy (jiangu) outer wall.
Not long after, this crack became an omen of reality.
Countless scattered ice shards flew through the air, snow dust swirled like mist, and large chunks of solid ice fell from the dragon's nest. The cracks grew wider and wider.
The top of the mountain peak began to slowly collapse!
And at that moment, inside the dragon's nest.
Joshua, holding a large bottle with one hand and grasping Lin, and holding Ying, who was carrying a storage pouch filled with dragon eggs, with the other, stood at the bottom of the hole he had smashed open.
Earlier, he had smashed through the ice wall from the top of the dragon's nest, then driven the new nest master, a dragon named Agam, down to the second level. Finally, on the third level, he had slain the spellcasting dragon. Along the way, he had created three large holes leading directly to the outside of the dragon's nest.
Now, the dragon's nest was on the verge of collapse, and this was the fastest way out.
"Be careful, Ying, Lin. I'm going to start throwing you now. When you land, make sure you don't get hurt."
Even though he had killed so many dragons and avenged his people, Joshua's face showed no joy. But now, on that face so calm it sent chills down one's spine, a faint smile appeared. "The speed of flight is very fast."
"Master! Can't you just come with us?!"
"Yes, Master! Doing this, you're going to lose us!"
Two wails came from the Divine Mechanism girl and boy in his hands. They seemed to know exactly what their fate would be and what their master intended to do.
"Get ready!"
Ignoring what they were saying, Joshua shouted loudly. Then, he gathered strength in his hands, gave a powerful shake, and hurled them out with force. "Go!"
With these words, he threw his two weapons out with all his might, along with the dragon eggs and the large bottle filled with chaotic mist. Amidst the howling wind and cries of "Ahhhh!", Ying and Lin disappeared from the dragon's nest and flew outside.
Turning to look at his warhorse, a massive steed with dragon blood, Hei shook his head in fear and let out a few helpless whinnies. But did Joshua care about its thoughts? Laughing loudly, he exerted strength in his arms, lifted it, and threw his warhorse out as well.
The surrounding ice walls were collapsing. From time to time, huge blocks of ice fell from the walls, splashing countless cold fragments. The frost stained with blue dragon blood gave off an indescribably fresh scent.
Now, the warrior was alone.
Turning around, he looked at the dragon corpse beside him.
Sometimes, being alone was better than being with a group. At least, there were no concerns about certain things.
It wasn't that he didn't trust the Divine Mechanisms. In fact, Joshua had unconditional trust in Ying and Lin. They were the only 'family' the warrior had left in this world.
But there were some things he truly didn't want his family to see. Joshua was used to doing certain things alone and didn't want others to witness this scene. Moreover, the fragility and collapse of the dragon's nest were unexpected, and these things needed to be completed as quickly as possible.
Even if he couldn't finish, with his Gold-rank strength, the collapse posed no danger. But Hei and the others were a little at risk. Joshua didn't like having people close to him in danger, especially outside of battle. He didn't want to take even the slightest chance.
So, let him face it alone.
Huge blocks of ice fell beside Joshua. Ice collided with ice, creating a loud roar. Countless fragments flew through the air, blocked by the warrior's battle qi.
He walked up to the corpse of the dragon with the most powerful physique, the one named Agam. He raised his right hand, forming it into a hand blade.
Then, with a single stroke, under the enhancement of powerful battle qi, the hard dragon scales were torn open, and the thick muscles were split apart.
Parting the flesh and nerves, he completely tore open the dragon's chest. Removing the large rib plates, Joshua saw the massive heart inside the dead dragon's body.
On the dragon's heart, a white and icy magical power surged. It had not stopped beating. Even though the dragon's blood had almost completely drained, it still pulsed slowly.
The warrior let out a soft laugh. Then, he removed his armor, reached out, and grabbed the massive heart.
(To be continued.)