The sudden news of the Dragon Emperor from Zi Yan left the middle-aged burly man utterly shocked. Seeing his incredulous expression, Zi Yan didn't bother with further explanations and simply reverted to her original form.
As Zi Yan transformed into the Ancient Void Dragon, a powerful dragon's aura emanated from her. To outsiders, her presence might seem akin to a sixth-tier magical beast, but to the middle-aged man, also an Ancient Void Dragon, her bloodline exuded a venerable pressure.
Only a royal-blooded Ancient Void Dragon could exert such dominance over others of its kind.
Before the middle-aged man could recover from his shock, dozens of formidable figures emerged from the void.
"It's the Dragon Emperor's aura!"
"Truly a royal bloodline!"
"The Dragon Emperor is finally returning..."
Led by Elder Zhu Li, the strongest of the East Dragon Island, the group was overwhelmed with excitement upon sensing the royal pressure from Zi Yan. Despite being the weakest among the four dragon islands, East Dragon Island remained the most loyal, always believing in the Dragon Emperor's eventual return.
"Child, what is your name?" asked the elder, second only to Zhu Kun in age, as he flew to Zi Yan, his face a mix of excitement and worry. "Where is the Dragon Emperor? Why hasn't he returned with you? Could it be..."
The division of the Ancient Void Dragons into four islands was largely due to Zhu Kun's prolonged absence, leading many to believe he had perished. Otherwise, the North, West, and South Dragon Kings, mere three-star Dou Saints, would never have dared to split the dragon clan.
Seeing Zi Yan, a royal descendant, return brought joy to the elder, but her apparent weakness raised concerns about the Dragon Emperor's fate. After all, if Zhu Kun were alive, he would have surely nurtured Zi Yan into a Dou Saint by now.
"My name is Zi Yan. My father sent me back to reunite with our ancestors," Zi Yan reassured the elder, sensing his concern. "Don't worry, my father is fine, just trapped in the Ancient God Tuoshe's cave."
"Ancient Emperor Tuoshe's cave?" The crowd's expressions shifted dramatically, then turned to realization.
"No wonder! So the Dragon Emperor is trapped there."
"I always said the Dragon Emperor is invincible. With no current Dou God, no one could threaten him."
The East Dragon Island's dragons firmly believed in Zhu Kun's survival, knowing his immense power. As a nine-star Dou Saint, even rivals like Hun Tiandi and Gu Yuan might not best him, especially with his mastery over spatial forces, making him nearly as elusive as a Dou God.
"If you wish to see the Dragon Emperor, I can transport you to him," offered Xiao Feng, understanding that seeing is believing. Only by witnessing Zhu Kun's presence would the elders fully support Zi Yan.
"Thank you, young friend," the elder responded, then turned to two other Dou Saint elders. "Qing Mu, Qing Shan, accompany me to see the Dragon Emperor."
"Please stay close and do not resist during the teleportation. My imperial tool's spatial pathway can't withstand much disturbance," Xiao Feng instructed before activating the Dimensional "Dragon Emperor, it's truly you! You're alive!" Elder Zhu Li's doubts vanished upon seeing the massive Zhu Kun, his eyes brimming with tears.
"You... you're Zhu Li?" Zhu Kun recognized the now white-haired elder and joked, "You've grown so much, yet you look older than me! Haha!"
Though Zhu Li appeared older, he was actually much younger than Zhu Kun, having been a mere youth when Zhu Kun led the dragon clan.
"Dragon Emperor, you jest. I've been slow in my cultivation, only a three-star Dou Saint after all these years, nowhere near your prowess," Zhu Li replied humbly, then urged the stunned Qing Shan and Qing Mu, "What are you waiting for? Pay your respects to the Dragon Emperor!"
"Greetings, Dragon Emperor!" the two quickly bowed.
"At ease," Zhu Kun nodded, then asked Zhu Li, "I don't recall these two. New Dou Saints? Are there no others? Why didn't you bring them?"
"Well..." Zhu Li hesitated, then explained, "After your disappearance, we searched for you for over two centuries without success. Many believed you had perished, and with the young princess also gone, the throne remained vacant..."
Hearing about the clan's division due to the power vacuum, Zhu Kun sighed, "It's not entirely your fault. Had I not taken Yan'er, the clan wouldn't have split so."
"Thank you for your understanding, Dragon Emperor," Zhu Li sighed in relief.
"Zhu Li, inform the North Dragon King and others to come pay their respects," Zhu Kun instructed, a glint in his eye as he half-truthfully claimed, "I've nearly broken through the spatial restraints left by that scoundrel Tuoshe. In twenty to thirty years, I should be free."
(End of Chapter)
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