The Chaos Dragon Prince

Chapter 925  Unable To Sit Still

Luo Na found herself momentarily lost for words, a rare occurrence indeed. The shift brought by Cain's simple guidance, the mere act of replicating his soul flow, had triggered a cascade of insights. Her perception seemed to expand; concepts previously hidden now tantalizingly within reach.

A magnificent light bloomed from the soul Saint Flute. Within it thrummed a weight of soul pressure that would make a mid-stage Primal Sovereign tremble from the depths of their being. An irresistible aura surged around her, the flute's mere presence radiating a hypnotic force strong enough to threaten the very wills of others. Even with this mere fragment of its completed form, the power of her refined Saint Art was several magnitudes greater than before!

Luo Na paused her playing, staring at the shimmering flute for a long moment as her mind raced. Then, with deliberate intent, she shifted her gaze to Cain, her usually placid expression replaced by a touch of perplexed fascination. "I'd always believed," she began, her voice barely louder than a whisper, "that delving into another's Dao principles required at least a modicum of comprehension. But you…your abilities seem to have transcended this limitation. Could it be that your…special powers have evolved to such a degree that your mental perception itself has undergone a profound change?"

"Indeed." Cain was impressed by her quick deduction. Of course, she would notice something this significant; they'd been cultivating alongside each other for years now. Still, to arrive at the correct assumption so swiftly was a testament to her intellect. "There's a new level to my abilities, giving me a far broader perception than before. Your Divine Art shows great promise, but as I suggested to Kali, I believe you can take it further. Incorporate elements of the Swallowing principles, and you'll be able to refine the pure energy of outer space directly into your art. It'll not only increase its power but also provide continuous cultivation benefits, strengthening both your Inner World and your mental perception."

"I understand… although-" Luo Na hesitated, then, before she could finish her thought, Cain tossed the drop of his bluish-crimson blood towards her. She caught it, encapsulating it with a protective layer of her essence energy.

The moment her senses brushed against the drop; Luo Na's mind was flooded with a barrage of profound sensations. The crackle of lightning, the biting frost of ice, the all-encompassing vastness of the astral…these Laws thrummed with a primal energy. But even brighter than these familiar forces were the overwhelming intensity of the Soul Law principles and the strange, insatiable suction permeating through it all. A new pathway seemed to open before her, an echo of a concept that pulsed with unfathomable possibility.

"It may be somewhat difficult," Cain said, his tone laced with a hint of caution, "Kali shares our bloodline, giving her a natural affinity to the Swallowing principles. You'll need more time to digest it, but even so, this should be enough to spark some insights. Perhaps you can even pioneer your own, unique method based on this."

"I…see." Luo Na, like Kali before her, found herself captivated by the swirling Dao runes and the sensations that surged through her divine mind. Already, inspiration crackled through her, a premonition of a potential breakthrough. And so, with a brief, grateful nod, Luo Na spoke a quiet, but heartfelt thank you to Cain before sinking fully into a trance-like state.

Cain watched her go, a small smile playing on his lips. He had faith in both Kali and Luo Na's abilities. With this added nudge, he was certain they could create something monumental, pushing their abilities to heights they hadn't dreamed of before. It was a belief that went deeper than just his Chaos Mind; it was an innate trust in the extraordinary women who shared his path.

…

Outside the Tower of Heaven, a year had passed since Cain's group entered its depths. Within the grand halls of the Duke's Palace, a wave of anticipation built, swirling like a gathering storm. The upcoming Talent Discussion meeting, a grand event held only once every few decades, was fast approaching. It was a tradition every talented disciple looked forward to, a chance to showcase their growth and prove their worth. And this year, the stakes felt higher than ever.

In one of the highest chambers in the palace, three of the several powerful Saint Heroes, Kong, Qin, and Yan, held a secret gathering. Kong's usually confident expression was etched with conflict, his thoughts a tangled web of doubts and uncertainties. In contrast, Qin and Yan radiated an unwavering determination. For them, this wasn't just a meeting – it was a declaration of war.

"I understand the concerns but do remember," Saint Hero Yan's voice was cold and calculated, "that a whole year has gone by for us. Even with the Tower's special time dilation, that translates to decades for them. Do you truly believe any of that trio could create even a half-baked Divine Art in that time? In terms of raw power, we still hold the advantage, not to mention the depth of our Law comprehension. We haven't lost the upper hand yet."

"Perhaps your optimism is misplaced." Saint Hero Qin, ever the voice of measured reason, spoke softly, but her eyes held unyielding steel. "Even if they haven't completed their Divine Arts, who is to say they won't make sufficient progress to outpace us? We must take preventative measures, limit their support, or else…" her voice grew solemn, weighty enough to crush any doubts Kong may have been harboring, "…there may be simply no chance for us to ever catch up. The consequences of inaction could be catastrophic, not just for us, but for the Palace as a whole."

Saint Hero Yan nodded in grim agreement. "Qin speaks the truth. It's better to be on the side of caution than face ruin due to unchecked ambition." He narrowed his eyes, focusing on the conflicted Kong. "Martial brother, do you still harbor doubts? Nearly all our peers support this notion, and let's not forget..." His voice took on a subtly manipulative edge. "Martial Brother Zan specifically warned us about the unsettling aura he sensed within those three. Are you willing to gamble the future of our Palace on a hunch that they might somehow align with our ideals?" n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

The mention of Zan, known for his precognitive insights, cast a heavy shadow over Kong's hesitation. However, doubt continued to linger within him, gnawing at his resolve. This trio, Cain especially, emanated a feeling of unpredictable danger. Was he truly willing to make enemies of such powerhouses based on speculation and envy?

A tense silence stretched through the room, broken only by Kong's labored breathing. After a few agonizing moments, he spoke, his voice hoarse. "I'm…simply trying to view this from all angles. It's a leap to assume the worst, yet at the same time, their potential is undeniable. It could benefit us greatly, or it could bring about our downfall. A cautious approach is certainly warranted."

Yan scoffed, the sound laced with disdain. "With that kind of hesitation, how can you call yourself a Saint Hero? At our core, we strive to protect the peace, to fight for the greater good! I, along with many others, will not idly stand by as those who could become tyrannical overlords rise unchecked. In fact," Yan took a step forward, his aura surging with barely restrained power, "I shall inform Elder Zhelan immediately."

He didn't wait for a response, disappearing into the void space without another word. Driven by a mix of righteous conviction and ambition, he was resolved to force the issue.

'That fool…' Kong shook his head, a bitter taste in his mouth. He glanced at Qin, expecting a similar zeal, but her typically stoic expression was laced with conflict. She didn't meet his gaze, choosing to silently follow Yan into the void. As the last of their auras faded, Kong was left alone, the grand chamber suddenly feeling oppressively empty.

…

Meanwhile, Saint Hero Yan navigated the palace's intricate network of spatial passages with practiced ease. Each step carried the weight of his determination. He received preferential treatment due to his status and immense talent, and within moments, he stood before the imposing throne room where the gathering of supreme elders was held.

Elder Zhelan, the leader of the supreme elders, greeted Yan with a raised brow. A flicker of curiosity shone in his ancient eyes. "This must be urgent, for you to have requested a meeting without prior notice. The Talent Discussion draws near; what could be so important to divert our attention?"