59. The Crumbling Farum Azula
"Hey, you! Why did you have to come to this hellish place?" Xiling's question was practically gnashed out through his teeth. He pinched Houraiji Kyuushou's delicate cheek with one hand, so tightly that it left a red mark on the girl's fair skin.
"It hurts, it hurts, it hurts—! Xiling! Let go! It really hurts!" Houraiji Kyuushou's eyes welled up in pain. She clasped her hands together in a perfect plea for mercy, her voice distorted comically by the pressure on her face. She tried to twist and break free, but Xiling's grip was like a clamp, unmovable.
"Do you feel the pain now?" Hearing Houraiji Kyuushou's wails, Xiling's anger grew even more intense. "You know the pain, and yet you dare come to a place like this?"
But he finally let go. No matter how angry he was, he couldn't really crush this foolish child's face. With her cheek free again, Houraiji Kyuushou immediately covered the aching area with her cold hand. Guilty, her gaze averted from Xiling's scorching gaze, drifting to the cracks in the broken stone slabs beneath her feet. But Houraiji Kyuushou seemed to think silence would be worse, so she hummed in defense, "Um... well... maybe it wasn't painful before...?"
"It doesn't hurt?!" Xiling nearly choked on the heartless response. He glared at the completely clueless, middle school brat.
Just a few minutes ago, he had been happily watching Kevin bravely (and sadistically) engage in a combat sparring match with Malenia in the training grounds.
Malenia's combat skills were undeniable. Without using the blessings of Day and Night, Kevin could only fumble with his greatsword to block. Then, like a ball, he was repeatedly struck by the immense force, landing on the ground with a heavy, muffled thud. Xiling was watching with rapt interest, a hint of gloating even playing on his face. He was practically ready to eat some sunflower seeds.
But just as he watched Kevin being sent flying again, a message from Houraiji Kyuushou rang through the chat group.
It was a picture.
A dilapidated city hung in the sky, engulfed by a storm, and crimson thunder crackled through the city.
Xiling recognized the image instantly.
Isn't this the Sky City of the Elden Ring!
The moment he recognized the image, Xiling's composure shifted.
There were dragons up there!
Why would Houraiji Kyuushou end up there?
So he immediately requested a transfer to Houraiji Kyuushou's side. When he emerged from the light portal, he saw Houraiji Kyuushou, standing on the edge of a broken platform with a look of "Wow, this place is so spectacular!" Her hair fluttered in the wind, and her Starry Cloak rustled. Far below her feet, a massive black shadow swirled beneath the clouds, stirring up a gust of fishy wind! Thus, the current scene unfolded.
"I don't know whether to say you're a skilled and daring individual, or a young girl who's foolish and reckless!" Xiling felt his blood pressure soar again as he watched Kyuushou rubbing her face, her eyes averted, and seemingly aggrieved.
Xiling couldn't help himself, so he thrust his finger again, fiercely poking at the smooth forehead of Houraiji Kyuushou's.
"You've come across a place that's clearly the top-tier dungeon on the map, and your first reaction isn't to run away, but to rush up excitedly to investigate?! I'm truly impressed! Is that a spirit of exploration? You're just throwing yourself in the face of danger!" His voice cracked with anger.
He'd repeatedly warned her, reiterating like an old woman: "Run away when you encounter danger. Don't rush forward foolishly!"
And what happened? The child simply ignored his words! It went in one ear and out the other! This wasn't just a matter of not listening; it was completely contrary to what he was saying, the opposite of what she was supposed to do!
Even he would have to be thoroughly prepared before charging into a place this obviously dangerous.
And yet, this foolish child, in her excitement, soared into the sky, following the dragon. Even with the thick clouds, she wasn't afraid of bumping into anything. Xiling felt that the best thing he had done was to drape the Starry Cape on this middle school kid.
Houraiji Kyuushou closed her eyes tightly, her hands still pressed against her recently "ravaged" cheeks.
She could clearly feel Xiling's fingers, with force and reluctance, poking at her forehead, as if to hammer the wisdom of "don't be reckless" and "pay attention to safety" directly into her brain.
Only when the prodding finally stopped, leaving only the whistling wind and the low roar of distant thunder in the air, did Kyuushou cautiously open her eyelids a little.
What she saw was Xiling's face. Worry, fear, and helplessness mingled with dissatisfaction with herself.
Houraiji Kyuushou's heart shrank as if stabbed by that gaze. A familiar feeling gripped her without warning.
This look of worry, reproach, yet resignation, ultimately transforming into a heavy protectiveness... where had I seen it before?
It was... family.
The unique bond between family members, the feeling of disappointment, yet an unbreakable bond, was now crystal clear on Xiling's face.
Looking at Xiling like this,
Houraiji Kyuushou's body reacted almost without thought; her words preceded hers. She thrust out her hands, no longer clasping them together as she had pleaded for mercy, but grasping Xiling's arms with both hands. "Don't be angry, Xiling..." Houraiji Kyuushou's voice softened, and with a practiced, coquettish tone, she tilted her head and said to Xiling, "I won't do it again next time. Really! I promise!"
Xiling sighed, looking at Houraiji Kyuushou, who was hugging his arm with a bright smile.
"Really? But why am I so unconvinced?"
"Then tell me what to do." Houraiji Kyuushou's smile faded slightly, and she looked directly into Xiling's deep eyes, which now held only pure seriousness.
Xiling was slightly startled. He clearly felt the solemnity conveyed by Kyuushou.
It wasn't a perfunctory promise, but a determination seeking answers, recognition, even some kind of contract.
Xiling took a deep breath, slightly suppressing his turbulent emotions. He raised his other hand and pinched his brows firmly, as if to crush away his worries and fears.
"Kyuushou," Xiling's voice deepened. "I don't mean to restrict you or deprive you of the right to explore this vast world. You have your own path, your own adventure as a savior. This is your destiny and your choice."
Xiling's gaze returned to Kyuushou, who was looking up at him, and his tone became more cautious.
"I just hope... I hope that before you decide to embark on this journey, which is clearly beyond your current capabilities, you'll give a moment's thought to the people standing behind you. Tell us all... at least me..."
"We are partners," Xiling's voice was clear and powerful. "We are partners, perhaps lifelong partners and trustworthy partners."
"We are your forever friends who can trust each other's backs."
Every word Xiling spoke weighed like a promise.
"So, learn to rely on us a little, even if it's just when you feel it might be a bit much, but I can handle it. Think about how worried we, the people who care about you, will be."
Xiling looked Houraiji Kyuushou in the eye.
"As long as you call my name, no matter where I am, no matter what the enemy you face, I will answer. If you seek my help, no matter the cost or the obstacles, I will do my best."
Xiling's words echoed through the cold ruins like a vow, carrying a determination to sever all illusions.
"So..." Xiling's gaze locked with Kyuushou, not allowing her even the slightest glimmer of hesitation. "Next time, don't be so reckless. Understand?"
"...Understood."
Houraiji Kyuushou lowered her head and whispered, gently lowering her arms from around Xiling. Seeing the girl's lowered head and her barely audible response, Xiling hesitated.
"Am I a little too harsh? After all, we've only known each other for less than a month."
Xiling thought his words were a little too harsh, but then he thought, if he wasn't, what if she continued to behave this way?
Although he knew she would face countless dangers in her world, as he had said before, if she asked him for help, he would help. Wielding the holy sword, he would avert those tragedies, even if it meant expending his last breath.
This was not just because he was a hero, but also because he was her friend and partner.
However, Houraiji Kyuushou didn't bow her head because Xiling's words were too harsh.
As she bowed her head, her cheeks flushed! She unconsciously clutched her burning cheeks tightly with both hands. The alarming heat beneath her palms made her even more panicked. Her heart pounded so loudly in her chest that she feared Xiling might hear.
"Ugh... What's going on? What's going on?" Houraiji Kyuushou cried silently from deep within her heart, a wave of shame and confusion threatening to overwhelm her. "Why is my heart beating so fast? My face is burning... It's all Xiling's fault! It's all because of those weird things he said! Lifelong partners, forever friends!"
Those resounding promises echoed in her mind, each word like a stone dropped into a lake, stirring ripples.
"And you looked at me with that... serious look..."
"Damn it! That's so unfair! How can I respond?"
The overwhelming shame made her want to bury her face in the ground. Houraiji Kyuushou stealthily, quickly lifted her eyelids and glanced at Xiling like a thief—she saw that the culprit seemed to express deep agreement and affirmation with his own "righteous" words.
"Damn it! This guy doesn't even think there's anything wrong with what he said. Am I the only one feeling embarrassed?"
Houraiji Kyuushou took a few deep breaths, trying to cool the heat on her face.
Finally, barely suppressing the surging shyness, Houraiji Kyuushou raised her head, her hands still awkwardly entwined, her fingertips unconsciously kneading each other, revealing her inner turmoil. Although Houraiji Kyuushou tried to maintain composure, a soft, barely perceptible tremor and a hint of embarrassment inevitably lingered in her voice.
"I... I understand," Penglai Temple Jiuxiao's voice was low but clear enough. "From now on... I'll never do this again."
Here, Houraiji Kyuushou took a deep breath, as if making some kind of resolution. She forced herself to raise her head and meet Xiling's eyes.
"If I have any troubles... I'll ask for your help..."
Hearing Houraiji Kyuushou's words, Xiling's face returned to a smile. He gave Houraiji Kyuushou a thumbs-up. "Isn't that right?"
Just as Xiling was congratulating the senior chat group member for successfully guiding its junior... Just as the problem child, Houraiji Kyuushou, was feeling a surge of relief at being teachable—
Boom!
It wasn't a sound, but a tangible shadow suddenly descended.
Xiling and Houraiji Kyuushou simultaneously felt the light dim, and a soul-shaking pressure from an ancient time crashed down like an invisible mountain!
Xiling looked up and saw a massive ancient dragon hovering above them!
Its ferocious head lowered, its huge, vertical pupils glaring coldly and indifferently at the two humans below, as tiny as dust.
Countless raging crimson lightning bolts raced, leaped, and roared across its massive body like living creatures! The shadow cast by the dragon's outstretched wings seemed capable of engulfing an entire city block!
"Roar—!!!" "
A deafening dragon roar exploded! The surrounding ruins trembled at its roar, as if they would crumble completely at any moment!
Accompanying this roar, the ancient dragon raised a massive claw, covered in sharp bone spurs and thick scales! The crimson lightning coursing through its body frantically converged, compressed, and condensed towards the claw!
In an instant, a massive lightning blade composed purely of destructive crimson lightning, over tens of meters long, materialized from thin air! Dazzling electric snakes danced across its surface, emitting a crackling sound that distorted the air!
Without a moment's pause, the thunderous blade, with crushing force, tore through the air and slashed down towards the tiny Xiling and the immobilized Houraiji Kyuushou below—it with a fierce blow!
Houraiji Kyuushou was completely unaware, but the Starry Cloak that had been silently draping her shoulders instantly intertwined and swirled before her, forming a transparent barrier flowing with the radiance of the Milky Way!
At the same time—
"Clang!"
Holy Sword, unsheathed!
Magic energy gathered within the blade, and Xiling slashed forth!
The Holy Sword and the Thunder Blade collided, unhindered, and the Holy Sword unleashed the devastating scarlet Thunder Blade—severing it in two!
"!!!" The ancient dragon's pupils contracted violently for the first time!
It couldn't comprehend! This ant-like race, this seemingly ordinary weapon... could so easily shatter its concentrated lightning?
After shattering the lightning, Xiling remained standing, the stone slab beneath his feet untouched. The Holy Sword pointed diagonally at the ground, not at the ancient dragon, and Xiling waved towards it.
"Sorry for trespassing on your territory. We meant no offense."
"What!" Houraiji Kyuushou's eyes widened when she heard Xiling speak and waved at the dragon.
Can humans and dragons communicate?
Probably not.
As if responding to her shock, the ancient dragon's massive body shifted. It didn't attack again. Instead, like a moving mountain, it landed with a weight so heavy it shook the earth!
"Bang!!!!!" The entire platform shook violently! Houraiji Kyuushou was briefly lifted off the ground by the terrifying shockwave, stumbling several steps before landing with barely a steadfast grasp.
Xiling, his feet rooted to the earth, remained motionless! He calmly tilted his head upward, staring directly at the slowly lowering, ferocious dragon head, several times larger than himself!
The enormous dragon's pupils were so close, carrying a soul-searching pressure!
Houraiji Kyuushou's heart leaped into her throat. She almost expected the fang-filled maw to snap shut and crush Xiling to pieces in the next second!
However, the air froze for a moment.
A disembodied voice echoed from above the empty platform, vibrating the air as it reached the two people's ears: "Why are you here?"
"!!!" Houraiji Kyuushou's eyes stared at the behemoth in disbelief!
The voice! Truly emanating from its enormous, toothy mouth! A dragon... can speak human language?!
Faced with the inquiry, Xiling flicked his wrist and sheathed the holy sword with a swift motion.
"Let's call it an accident."
"Accident?!" The enormous dragon's head suddenly lowered, its deep dragon voice rising sharply, its voice filled with intense distrust and anger at being offended!
"I don't think there's a chance of an accident. I'll give you one more chance. Why are you here?" Accompanied by a deafening roar, scarlet lightning, even more violent than before and as dark as solidified blood, once again raged and entwined across the ancient dragon's mountainous form! Lightning crackled and exploded between its thick scales, and the destructive energy waves caused the surrounding air to distort and groan!
Its massive body crouched slightly, a warning unmistakable—if the next response doesn't satisfy it, the thunder's wrath will be merciless!
Facing the ancient dragon, ready to attack at any moment,
Xiling still showed no hostility; instead, he was casually looking towards Houraiji Kyuushou.
"We're probably here because my friend saw a dragon flying towards the thick clouds in the sky, and driven by curiosity, she followed it through the endless sea of clouds and arrived here."
Xiling looked at the ancient dragon above him.
"Then she told me about it through some special means. I was worried about her, so I came here too."
Xiling thought for a moment and added, "I promise you the above is true as the current Elden King."
When Xiling mentioned the current Elden King, the ancient dragon's eyes changed noticeably. "You are... the current Elden King." Even its ethereal voice was now tinged with disbelief.
Xiling offered no further explanation, just speaking clearly and firmly, "I am not lying." The ancient dragon gazed at Xiling in silence for a long moment. The thunder within him subsided, and it seemed to have concluded. The self-proclaimed Elden King exuded a natural openness, composure, and an indescribable, compelling aura that made people trust him.
"The current Elden King? Has the Elden Ring been restored?" the ancient dragon asked with a certain emotion, as if reminiscing or lamenting something.
"No, the Elden Ring has not yet been fully restored," Xiling replied in the negative.
Then Xiling added, "Also, I am the first King of the Silver Rule, my name is Xiling."
"As for the Golden Rule... I have already abandoned it."
The ancient dragon's massive head jerked back dramatically! The entire movement was filled with utter astonishment and disbelief!
All those memories of the past, the weight of the past, were shattered in that moment! Only a nearly blank, pure horror filled its enormous eyes!
What had it heard?!
The Golden Rule... was replaced?!
Now... it was the era of the Silver Rule!
It wasn't some fabrication that had been heard, right?
Looking at the tiny king below, the ancient dragon felt a wave of disbelief. It didn't deny this... The king's might, the fact that the opponent could easily sever its thunderbolt, was already a testament to its immense strength.
But the idea of a change in the rule was too much for the dragon to believe.
But as previously stated, it didn't think the opponent was deceiving it.
In other words... the rule... had truly changed!
The golden rule that had crushed their ancient dragon clan had been defeated!
Xiling found this dragon quite interesting. Initially somewhat lifeless, it suddenly became animated, with an expression of disbelief.
Xiling smiled and said, "If you don't believe me, it's actually very simple to prove what I said. You only need to fly over this obscuring sea of clouds to witness it yourself—the era of the Golden Erdtree has ended, replaced by... the Silver Erdtree, a symbol of the new order."
However, in response to Xiling's kind reminder and smile, the ancient dragon simply shook its massive head slowly and heavily.
It raised its head, gazing at the all-encompassing, thick cloud dome that seemed frozen in time. Its deep voice echoed again, but this time, it wasn't filled with anger or surprise, but with a deep, almost tangible sorrow... or was it despair?
"Impossible..." the ancient dragon muttered, a weariness that pierced through the years.
"This... is no longer the Lands Between you were at. I don't know how you got here."
"This is the Sky City, the Crumbling Farum Azula."
The ancient dragon's head turned to Xiling again.
"This is a rift in time and space, or perhaps... it's also... Our final destination."
"What do you mean?" Xiling looked at the ancient dragon in confusion, hoping to get an answer from him.
Xiling didn't know much about this ruined sky city. He only knew there was a boss called Black Blade, and another boss...
Xiling looked toward the center of a massive storm.
Dragonlord Placidusax.
"This is a very long story."
Xiling patted himself. "I'm a qualified listener."
The ancient dragon stared at Xiling for a long moment, then slowly lay down on the ground. Xiling also sat down, watching him.
Houraiji Kyuushou suddenly felt a little redundant here, but she still trotted over to sit beside Xiling.
The two humans and the dragon sat and lay like this, and finally, the ancient dragon began its story.
A story about—the pursuit of the king.
The former king of the ancient dragon clan, the king who disappeared during the Ancient Dragon War.