Chapter 34: Toward a New Horizon

  In truth, that old man at the fifth level turned out to be an important figure in later events—after William’s story. He had been one of the companions of the next protagonist to appear after William.

  It was said that he bore the title of “The Last Red Dragon Tamer,” and that he had once kept the final red dragon as his familiar.

  With that revelation, all my doubts about what had happened to Mia in the original story were finally dispelled. She had been tamed… This was the very man who had captured and enslaved her as a pet.

  At that moment, the ancient serpent spoke sharply:

  “You were reckless to face them alone—especially against someone wielding fifth-level magic! What were you thinking?! What if it hadn’t been fire magic, but wind or some other element? If you had taken a strike from a higher tier, even if it didn’t kill you instantly, it could have left you gravely injured—and in the end, you’d have lost your life! And what if I hadn’t been here? What then? Even if you’d managed to wound him severely, he could have inflicted fatal damage on someone else—or killed one of you outright! Have you gone mad?!”

  I replied lazily, “Old man, I know they have fifth-level magic.”

  Anyway, they’ve been dealt with… but I’m tired — my bones are somewhat broken, and I’ve lost several scales. I want to go back and rest until I recover.

  The old serpent replied firmly, “This is not the time to rest. You need to think about how to deal with the Green Empire. After you kill the prince, they will certainly send someone powerful to exact revenge. What will you do then?!”

  I looked at the body lying on the ground and answered calmly, “Fine, nothing… I won’t do anything now. But I’ll go to the Poison Swamp.”

  In any case, it will take them at least a month before they send someone strong. So I’ll use that time to dive deep into the forest and explore the ancient tomb, then move to another place until I’m strong enough to face the Green Empire… or destroy it. For now, while I’m weak, it’s better to stay away from the borders of that empire.

  Meanwhile, I had a specific place in mind to go. I turned to the serpent and said, “Do you want to come with me — you and the little girl? After all, you’re involved too. You killed the fifth-level mage, and I don’t think the sect he belonged to will let you slip away easily.”

  “Didn’t you see the emblem on his robe? That’s the Sword-and-Magic Sect! If you don’t want trouble, follow me to where I’m going — you might get a great opportunity!”

  I continued in a calm voice, “You’re the only one in the history of the Black Serpent Clan who managed to raise your bloodline to the Emperor level. Even your ancestor who I told you about didn’t possess an Emperor-level bloodline; he was inferior because his fate didn’t allow him to cross the World Barrier to become an Emperor, and he was sealed before reaching that stage. But look at you — you have a bloodline far superior to his, and your talent is greater than it seems.”

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  The old serpent answered hesitantly, “Well… I don’t know. Still, you’re very strange; are you a clone of someone from that era?”

  I replied indifferently, “No, I’m not. What matters now is that the little girl is luckier than you; she now has two bloodlines at the Emperor level. She’s extremely gifted! If nothing befalls her, she will be able to break the constraints of this age… she might become the next leader of the Turtle Clan.”

  I heard the old serpent respond in shock and anger, “The Turtle Clan? What do you mean? Are you planning to use my little girl as a tool for yourself? You’re delusional! And what clan are you talking about? I’ve never heard of it before.”

  I spoke in a tone mixed with anger and frustration.

  “Old serpent, don’t worry. I have no intention of turning the little girl into a tool for my schemes. But you know well that this world shows no mercy to the weak. You won’t be able to protect her in the upper realms forever, so it’s better to have strong support than to wander aimlessly without one. Do you agree with me now? Or do you still think I plan to exploit her? I won’t hide it from you — I have my own plans, but not in the way you imagine… I see her as my dear sister. So I hope you understand what I mean.”

  The serpent remained silent for a moment before speaking in a calm voice.

  “…Alright… I’m sorry. I overreacted, and I didn’t mean to hurt your

  feelings. I know how much you love and care for her, but she’s all I have left after my wife passed away — I can’t bear the thought of losing her.”

  I answered in a quieter tone, “It’s fine. What matters is that you don’t doubt my intentions again. I consider you a close friend — I hope you won’t forget that.”

  The old serpent finally smiled, his tone softening.

  “Alright, my young friend. I promise I won’t do that again.”

  Silence fell between us for a while — only the whisper of wind through the trees broke it — until the serpent finally spoke again.

  “So… what’s your next move? You must be planning something big.”

  I looked up at the clouded sky and replied, “Of course I have plans… but they’re complicated. There are many things I’m watching closely. I’ll need some time before I act.”

  The serpent gazed at me intently and said in a deep voice,Whatever you’re planning… I hope you won’t regret it later.”

  I chuckled softly.

  “Regret? That word doesn’t exist in my dictionary.”

  Then I slowly walked toward the lake formed by my breath during the battle. The little turtle lay beside the water, sleeping peacefully, as if this entire world had nothing to do with her.

  At that moment, I heard the serpent whisper to himself,I’ll protect you… no matter the cost.”

  I approached her quietly and began waking her up. She stretched lazily, showing no concern for what had happened around her, then trudged out of the cave with sleepy steps, barely opening her eyes.

  I smiled.

  “You lazy turtle, time to wake up. You’re coming with me this time.”

  Her bright green eyes blinked open, and she looked up at me. Then, taking small steps, she climbed onto my back.

  Meridian spoke in a soft, childish voice,Big brother dragon, where are you taking me this time? To the peacock’s nest? Or to hunt rabbits?”

  I answered with a faint smile,No, this time I’m taking you somewhere you can grow stronger — both you and your father.

  Meridian flapped her tiny arms joyfully.

  “Really?! Is Daddy coming with us this time? Last time you left me sleeping and went off without me! Fine, big brother, let’s go!”

  Then she pointed her little hand forward while sitting on my head, like a tiny commander giving brave orders.

  “Forward!” she shouted cheerfully.

  The old serpent, Zelthan, sighed in exasperation.

  “You reckless girl… Is all you ever think about sleeping and playing? Where’s the wisdom you gained after your advancement?”

  Meridian puffed her cheeks, glaring adorably.

  “Daddy! I’m not stupid! Why would you say that?!”

  I spoke while spreading my wings, preparing for flight.

  “Alright, enough arguing. Let’s go — no time for sleep now.”

  With a powerful beat of my wings, we soared into the sky — toward a new journey… toward a future uncertain, one that might lead us to greatness… or to the abyss.

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