Swallowed Star: Lord of the Wolf

The journey was uneventful, with only occasional minor incidents that brought unexpected joys and insignificant troubles.

Xu Yang and his two companions, carried by the Dark Night Aurora Boat, flew steadfastly southward towards the territory known as the "Fulong Kingdom," like an inconspicuous shooting star streaking across the Origin Continent.

Time slips away as it passes.

After an unknown amount of time, as the flying boat swept past a vast mountain range burning with an eternal, inextinguishable flame, Xu Yang turned his gaze to the distance.

At the horizon, the outline of a colossal city, too vast to describe, loomed in the scorching heat.

The city was built nestled against a massive mountain range that stretched and rose like the spine of a dragon. The mountain range was dark red and radiated terrifying heat, as if it were connected to the Earth's core furnace.

Dragon Ridge Mountains!

Dragonspine City!
We've arrived in the Kingdom of Fulong!

The Mountain-Sitting Guest's hidden treasure, worth fifty billion cosmic sands, is located in the "Flame Dragon Mansion" under the shadow of that mountain range!

……

Yanlong Mansion is located in the heart of Dragon Ridge City and covers a vast area.

The mansion's architectural style is both rugged and luxurious, and it is constructed using a large amount of "Flamestone," a unique mineral from the dark red Dragon Ridge Mountain. The naturally formed flame patterns on it seem to be flowing, radiating a scorching aura.

On the massive gate of the mansion, a ferocious, roaring, and lifelike fire dragon is carved. Its eyes are inlaid with two huge gems containing terrifying fire-elemental law fluctuations. Just gazing at it is enough to make the Void True God's mind tremble.

This is the behemoth ranked among the top three in Dragonspine City—the Flame Dragon Mansion, which boasts over twenty Eternal True Gods within its own clan! Furthermore, it has more than a dozen powerful guest elders serving and offering their services!
Its influence extends throughout Dragonspine City and the surrounding mines and trade, making it a true behemoth.

Lord Yanlong, the Lord of the Palace, is mysterious in his whereabouts, has a fiery temper, and unfathomable strength. He is a top-tier Eternal True God in the entire Fulong Kingdom.

Deep within the Yanlong Mansion, in an elegant courtyard planted with exotic fire-attribute spiritual plants, an old man dressed in a gray robe, with a slightly hunched figure but eyes as sharp as a hawk, was carefully pruning a "Dragon Saliva Crystal Vine" that was crystal clear and resembled red coral, using specially made jade scissors.

He was none other than Yan Bo, the head steward of Yanlong Mansion.

Although his strength as an Eternal True God was not outstanding among the many Eternal True Gods in Yanlong Mansion, everyone in Yanlong Mansion, from the Mansion Lord Yanlong Divine Lord to the newly arrived servants, treated him with heartfelt respect.

There's no other reason than that Yanbo has served the Yanlong Mansion for countless epochs!

He witnessed the rise of the lord of the manor, and the birth, growth, fall, or soaring of countless direct descendants. He was familiar with every brick and stone of the manor, and knew and managed the origins and uses of most of the treasures in the treasury. He was steady and meticulous in his work, managing the manor in an orderly manner, and was the lord's most trusted confidant.

In many people's minds, Yanbo is the cornerstone of Yanlong Mansion's operation and an integral part of the mansion's prestige.

"Grandpa Yan! Grandpa Yan! You must help me, Grandpa Yan!" A voice filled with sobs and utter grievances, like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, suddenly shattered the tranquility of the courtyard.

A young man, dressed in extremely luxurious clothes and adorned with glittering ornaments, with a handsome face but now filled with panic and anger, stumbled in.

His name was Yan Qi, a direct descendant of the Yanlong Mansion. His grandfather was a cousin of the Yanlong Divine Lord, and also a powerful Eternal True God. Relying on this identity, Yan Qi had always been a domineering figure in Dragon Ridge City. At a young age, he had already become a Void True God. Although his realm was built up by resources, he was still considered to have good talent.

Yan Bo steadily cut off an extra branch before slowly turning around, his cloudy yet sharp gaze falling on Yan Qi.

He saw a clear handprint on Yan Qi's face, his magnificent brocade robe stained with wine and dust, and his hair somewhat disheveled.

"Young Master Qi, what's the matter that has caused such a panic?" Uncle Yan's voice was slightly angry.

"Grandpa Yan, you must stand up for me!" Yan Qi rushed to Uncle Yan, tears streaming down his face. "I was drinking with some friends at 'Drunken Immortal Abode' when I fell for that new 'Fairy Qingyue.' I even paid the deposit! But then some brute from out of town showed up, relying on his status as an Eternal True God, completely disregarding our Yanlong Mansion. He not only stole my fairy, but also... he even slapped me in public! Grandpa Yan, he didn't just slap my face, he slapped the face of our Yanlong Mansion!"

Yan Qi embellished his story with exaggerated words, concealing the fact that he had been verbally provocative and tried to intimidate others, only to be taught a lesson in return.

Yanbo listened quietly, his wrinkled face showing no change in expression.

He looked at Yan Qi and seemed to see him as a newborn baby in swaddling clothes, as he fell down and cried when he was learning to walk and was helped up by him, as he saw the excitement when he first used his divine power... To Yan Bo, every direct descendant in this mansion, regardless of their character, was a child he had watched grow up, and a continuation of the bloodline of Yanlong Manor.

The dignity of Yanlong Mansion cannot be violated, and the children within the manor... must not be bullied by outsiders.

This is a belief etched into his very bones.

As for right or wrong?

For Yanbo, the interests of the Yanlong Mansion's disciples and their loyalty to the Yanlong Mansion are the only matters of right and wrong.

A hint of coldness flashed deep in Yanbo's eyes.

How dare they slap the face of the Yanlong Mansion's direct descendants in Dragonspine City? Regardless of whether Yan Qi provoked the trouble, the fact that they made a move shows they don't take the Yanlong Mansion seriously. Especially at this crucial time when the Mansion Master is in seclusion for enlightenment, they can't let outsiders think the Yanlong Mansion is weak and easily bullied.

However, Yanbo was extremely cautious in his actions.

The other party is an Eternal True God. Anyone who dares to attack Yan Qi knowing his identity is either a fool or has something to rely on. He cannot rashly make a move and cause trouble for the Lord of the Manor.

"Young Master Qi, please don't be hasty," Uncle Yan's voice remained calm. "How many people are on the other side? Have they revealed their origins?"

“He’s all alone! He seems like a rogue cultivator from out of town, and he’s incredibly arrogant!” Yan Qi said hurriedly.

"A rogue cultivator..." Yan Bo had a plan in mind. A rogue cultivator at the Eternal Realm level couldn't cause any trouble in Dragonspine City. "Where is he now?"

"Still at Zuixianju! Right in Yuqiong Pavilion!" Yan Qi's eyes flashed with resentment and the pleasure of impending revenge.

Yanbo nodded and asked no more questions. He put down the jade scissors and slowly straightened his back.

"Young Master Qi, please wait a moment." Uncle Yan turned around and walked steadily toward the side gate on one side of the courtyard.

A moment later, the space above the courtyard distorted slightly, and a dark red war shuttle, shaped like a ferocious dragon's head and exuding a chilling aura of killing intent, appeared out of thin air.

The shuttle was small, able to accommodate only a few people, but its surface was covered with dense, ancient runes. At its prow was a massive gem, like a blazing dragon's eye, radiating energy fluctuations at the peak of an Eternal True God. This was an extremely powerful mechanical war artifact—the "Dragon Eye Shuttle." Even an ordinary Eternal True God could contend with a peak Eternal True God!
The shuttle door slid open silently.

Yan Bo, his hunched figure the first to step forward, was followed by two men with imposing auras, dressed in the robes of guest elders of the Yanlong Mansion. The man on the left carried two swords on his back, his aura sharp as a drawn blade, clearly a late-stage Eternal True God! The man on the right was burly, his fists clad in metal gauntlets covered in spikes, his aura heavy as a mountain, indicating he was at the peak of the Eternal True God level!
"Young Master Qi." The two guest retainers nodded slightly to Yan Qi, indicating that they had met him. Clearly, Yan Qi's status in the manor was not high enough for them to bow down.

"I'll trouble you two to accompany me on this journey," Yan Bo said with a smile, his eyes sharp as an eagle's. "Go to Zuixianju and 'invite' a stranger who doesn't know the rules back for Young Master Qi."

"Yes," the two guest ministers replied in deep voices, a cold glint flashing in their eyes.

Dealing with an Eternal Rogue Cultivator, especially with the Dragon Eye Shuttle in reserve, is like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut. But they understood that Yan Bo's deployment of such a force wasn't about efficiency, but about ensuring absolute success, and more importantly, about flexing the muscles of the Yanlong Mansion.

Incidentally, this is also a warning to certain forces in Dragonspine City that have been making moves recently.

They are willing to do such a thankless job of showing off their abilities in front of others.

Yan Bo then looked at Yan Qi, who was beaming with joy and smugness: "Young Master Qi, come up. Remember, you only need to point out the person later, no need to say anything else."

"Yes, Grandpa Yan!" Yan Qi couldn't wait to follow Uncle Yan onto the Dragon Eye Shuttle, which exuded a terrifying aura.

Om-!
The dark red Dragon Eye Shuttle emitted a deep hum, ignoring the flight ban of Dragonspine City, and transformed into a streak of crimson light, tearing through the air with a suffocating sense of oppression as it hurtled towards the city's infamous den of iniquity, "Drunken Immortal Abode".

The cold, metallic shuttle reflected the scorching sunlight of Dragonspine City, resembling the fangs of a ferocious beast ready to devour its prey.

Yan Bo stood at the head of the shuttle, his gray robe motionless in the high-speed airflow. His cloudy old eyes looked in the direction of Zuixianju, his gaze filled with only a cold indifference and an unquestionable protectiveness.

How dare they harm the children of Yanlong Mansion?

No matter who you are, you will pay the price!

As for that foolish stranger... if he knows what's good for him and surrenders, he can at least be spared some dignity. If he dares to resist, the Dragon Eye Shuttle will turn him into ashes, a warning to others.

The domineering nature of Yanlong Mansion was on full display at this moment.

……

The Dark Night Aurora Ship, having retracted most of its power, slowly descended like a black fish into the designated docking area inside the massive east gate of Dragonspine City.

The moment it landed, a wave of scorching heat, carrying the smell of sulfur and metal, hit it.

Dragonspine City, this colossal city nestled against the Burning Mountains, possesses a ruggedness, heat, and power that are completely different from the atmosphere of West City.

"Wow, it's so hot and lively!" Guji jumped out of the flying boat, looking around curiously. The city gate was teeming with people, with cultivators of all colors and varying strengths of aura flowing by, including many powerful Eternal True Gods.

Most of the buildings in the city are dark red, blending into the Dragon Ridge Mountains, as if the whole city is on fire.

Xu Yang's gaze swept over the towering city walls and the ancient runes shimmering on them. "First, find the location of Yanlong Mansion." His purpose for this trip was very clear.

Just as the three were about to inquire, suddenly—

Boom! ! !

A deep, resounding bang, enough to stop a person's heart, suddenly came from a certain direction deep within the city, like a muffled thunderclap from the heavens exploding underground!

Immediately afterwards, an incomparably powerful energy wave, carrying a destructive aura, swept out like a tsunami.

Even from a great distance, Xu Yang and the others could clearly sense the terrifying energy fluctuations; it was the Eternal True Gods fighting!
"Hmm?" Xu Yang's eyes narrowed, a hint of surprise appearing between his brows. Encountering such a commotion so soon after entering the city?
Om-!
Like an enraged beast, countless visible crimson energy barriers lit up instantly above the entire Dragonspine City, layer upon layer, forming a massive defensive array that covered the entire city.

Countless mysterious runes flowed across the barrier, radiating a powerful protective force that effectively contained the destructive energy aftershocks within a specific area of ​​the city, preventing them from spreading beyond that area.

"Someone actually made a move inside the city! And it was a battle between Eternal True Gods!"

"What a powerful force!"

"Let's go see what's going on!"

Countless cultivators in the city stopped in their tracks, looking with astonishment and uncertainty towards the center of the energy eruption—the very direction of the city's infamous den of iniquity, "Drunken Immortal Abode."

At this moment, the scene above the neighborhood where Zuixianju is located is even more terrifying!
An invisible spatial barrier, like a giant overturned bowl, completely sealed off the entire block. Inside the barrier, space was violently distorted, light was refracted into bizarre shapes, and violent energy turbulence raged like an out-of-control tornado.

A crimson, spindle-shaped streak of light, like a furious fiery dragon, could be vaguely seen weaving and bombarding through the distorted space!
Each impact unleashed devastating power, while a cold and aloof sword light, like an indomitable dragon, stubbornly dodged, blocked, and counterattacked amidst the storm-like attacks. Each collision burst forth with dazzling light and deafening roar.

Outside the sealed-off area, a large number of city guard soldiers surged in like a red tide.

They wore uniform crimson armor, exuded a powerful aura, and were at least at the Void True God realm, with the leading captains being even Eternal True Gods!
Teams quickly formed formations on the outer perimeter, activating a portion of the city's protective array to create thick walls of fire and light, preventing the aftershocks of the battle inside from spreading and harming innocent civilians and buildings.

"Listen up, everyone inside! Stop fighting immediately! Fighting is strictly prohibited within Dragonspine City! Violators will be severely punished!" A city guard commander, whose aura had reached the early stage of Eternal True God, hovered in mid-air, holding a command token. His voice, like thunder, pierced through the spatial barrier and entered the sealed-off area.

His voice carried an official air of authority, but his eyes were filled with solemnity and a hint of apprehension.

Because he recognized that crimson, shuttle-shaped light—the iconic war treasure of the Yanlong Mansion, the "Dragon Eye Shuttle"!
Within the sealed-off area, the fighting showed no signs of abating.

Instead, it became even more intense.

The Dragon Eye Shuttle's attack light was blindingly bright. A thick, crimson pillar of light, powerful enough to severely injure an ordinary Eternal True God, slammed into the sword light. The sword light suddenly erupted with unprecedented brilliance, clashing head-on with the pillar of light. The violent explosion almost tore the space within the sealed area open with tiny cracks.

"This is business at Yanlong Mansion! All irrelevant personnel, please step aside!" A cold, domineering, and unquestionable voice came through the spatial barrier; it was Yan Bo's voice.

This voice was not only a response to the city guards, but also a declaration to the entire city, carrying the consistent domineering and powerful aura of Yanlong Prefecture! (End of Chapter)