The gold light was pure and holy, seeming able to scour every inch of darkness from creation. Within it coiled the translucent shape of a Golden Dragon, head lifted, eyes vast as the sun and moon, surveying every soul below.
The dragon’s power was a hundred times greater than the Flame Dragon’s. It was the suppression of a king toward his subjects. Mid-dive, the Flame Dragon froze as though lightning pinned its wings. Terror, and something close to reverence, widened its eyes. It let out a pleading roar and started trembling.
A strict hierarchy existed among the Draconians. The Golden Dragon was the leader of the dragons, and the Flame Dragon did not dare to fight back. Even though it was at the Top Level Heavenly Immortal Realm Level Nine, its bloodline was only at the Middle Tier. Facing the Golden Dragon Bloodline, the Flame Dragon was terrified.
Jared seized the opening. He strode forward, and the Golden Dragon flowed with him, each step amplifying the dragon’s power. He pointed at the Flame Dragon and uttered the ancient Draconian: “Back off!”
The words were an imperial edict, carrying power that brooked no doubt or defiance. A guttural, wounded cry tore from the Flame Dragon’s throat. Its vast body recoiled, scale by scale, until it slipped back into the Lava Lake. Its eyes fixed on Jared, filled with confusion and reverence, before it finally vanished into the lava.
The peril was over.
Jared withdrew the bloodline power. The Golden Dragon faded. Color drained from his face, and his knees threatened to fold. Unleashing the Golden Dragon Bloodline had drained nearly a third of his life force and celestial energy.
“Jared!” Lindsay hurried to steady him, her crimson eyes wide with worry. “Are you all right?”
“I’m fine,” he panted. “I have only suppressed the Flame Dragon. It could return soon. Bring along Elder Flameheart and leave!”
Lindsay dashed to Ferdinand’s side. Though unconscious and grievously wounded, he still breathed. She slid a crimson pill past his lips, then looked toward the basin’s rim where Elliot stood frozen. “Elliot, help me!”
As if waking from a dream, Elliot hurried over, supporting Ferdinand with Lindsay while casting Jared a look filled with awe, jealousy, fear, and murderous rage. He realized Jared possessed the Golden Dragon Bloodline.
No wonder he is so powerful. No wonder Lindsay favored him… I need to get rid of him. If not, my status in the Earthfire Pavilion will drop and Her Highness will fall for him.
Yet Elliot’s face wore only gratitude. “Mr. Chance, you saved us. Earthfire Pavilion will remember this.”
Jared met his gaze and replied, “Let’s escape first. Thanks can wait.”
They supported the unconscious Ferdinand and left the Flame Spirit Basin quickly. Along the way, Lindsay clutched Jared’s arm, eyes shining with unshed tears. “Thank you, Jared. Without you, I would have…”
“You’re welcome, Your Highness,” Jared replied calmly. “Since I accepted the mission, I will protect Your Highness.”
Lindsay’s gaze lingered on Jared’s face. A surge of conflicting emotions rippled through her chest. Moments earlier, Jared had protected her from the Flame Dragon by unleashing his bloodline. The scene had embedded itself in her mind. He was like a god to the rescue.
“What was that just now?” Lindsay was unable to hold back her curiosity.
“It’s just my trump card. Your Highness, please keep this a secret. I don’t want to invite trouble,” Jared quickly answered.
Lindsay blinked, then nodded. “I understand. You have my word. No one will hear of it from me. Elliot, you should also not tell anyone.”
Elliot managed a stiff smile. “Of course. Mr. Chance is the Earthfire Pavilion’s savior. I won’t put him in danger.” Yet, the thought of eliminating Jared grew stronger.
Later, they reunited with Vermilion Demon Lord, Lyndon, Ethan, and the others. The escorts had escaped except for Lyndon and Ethan. Seeing them alive, Vermilion Demon Lord exhaled in relief. “Good, you’re alive. That dragon’s roar we heard… Did you use the Power of Bloodline?”
Jared nodded. “It was a desperate measure.”
Vermilion Demon Lord flicked a glance toward Elliot and asked through telepathy, “Did he see what you did?”
“He did,” Jared admitted.
“That’s bad… I doubt he’ll keep the secret,” Vermilion Demon Lord said.
“We’ll see what we can do,” Jared answered, letting the matter rest.
No one wished to linger. They left Flame Gorge hurriedly. Luckily, the Flame Dragon did not follow them out. Two hours later, they left the Flame Gorge and returned to safety. Ferdinand woke up after Lindsay healed him. He was badly injured but managed to survive.
Ferdinand looked at Jared with a complex expression. “Mr. Chance, thank you for saving us. The Earthfire Pavilion owes you big time.”
Jared shook his head and replied, “Elder, I accepted the mission. Saving you was simply part of the work.”
“No, this is different.” Ferdinand’s gaze fixed on Jared. “The Flame Dragon is at Top Level Nine. You saved us from it. This is way beyond the escort’s job scope.” He paused, then continued, “Rest assured, young man. The Earthfire Pavilion will reward you handsomely. You can choose three treasures from our vault. I’ll also help you search for the Jadeheart Marrow.”
Such a promise weighed more than any coin the Pavilion had ever minted. Jared bowed and said, “Thank you, Elder…”
