Snow fell like countless cold feathers, adding a touch of chill to The Borderlands.
After a brief exchange, Golden Dragon Natasha could not suppress the doubts churning within her.
Her gaze focused on the Red-Iron Dragon, and she asked, "The skills of the Astral Ego Path consume a massive amount of Dragon Qi, yet your... your Dragon Qi seems endless and inexhaustible. How exactly did you achieve this?"
If she could possess such a vast reserve of Dragon Qi, her strength would definitely be several ranks higher than it is now.
Some of the ultimate moves in the Four Symbols Path also require a huge amount of Dragon Qi to be executed.
"The answer is simple: training."
Garros said, "Continuously challenge your own limits, surpassing them time and time again, letting your body become accustomed to high-intensity consumption, and letting the Dragon Qi within adapt to violent output."
"When your body is strong enough to carry a vast ocean, the Dragon Qi will naturally grow and condense along with it."
"It is like a hundred rivers returning to the sea; it happens naturally."
A trace of doubt instinctively flashed in Golden Dragon Natasha's eyes.
The Metallic Dragon Race also values physical training, but usually, it is supplemented by various rare magical potions, pure elemental baptisms, and blessings from elders to accelerate the process.
As far as the body attributes of Dragonkin naturally strengthening with the passage of time are concerned, the benefits brought by purely relying on physical training, in the eyes of many Metallic Dragons, are actually not very efficient, and it mostly just serves as the icing on the cake.
Nasha herself was also more focused on the study and improvement of martial combat skills rather than physical training.
Alberto sensed his sister's doubt and interjected, "Nasha, you haven't seen how he trains on a daily basis."
"That is completely different from the concept you know of waving claws or breathing fire on a training ground."
As he spoke, he raised his strong right forelimb covered in golden scales, flexing the well-defined, powerful muscles on it in a showy manner.
"Look, look closely! My physique, this strength, definitely exceeds the vast majority of Red Dragons at the same level!"
"And this, to a certain extent, is thanks to imitating Garros's training method."
Upon hearing this, Nasha couldn't help but glance at her younger brother.
She noticed that Alberto's physique was indeed much more robust than in her memory, his muscle lines were more bulging, and his Life Level had actually reached level 16, only one level lower than her own.
At this rate, once he gets through his next sleeping period, he will surpass her.
This discovery gave her a slight shock.
She turned her gaze back to Garros.
Although it was not the first time she had looked directly at him, she still felt sincere amazement at his perfect physique, which was full of visual impact and a sense of oppression.
"Can you really reach this level just by relying on training?"
She was somewhat incredulous.
"Be determined enough, persevere, and there is a chance."
Garros answered simply. He paused, then added, "Of course, in this process, perhaps a little bit of talent is also needed."
He did not deny the role his own talent played.
But deep down, he knew better that regardless of talent, without day-after-day, unremitting persistence and effort, he would absolutely not have been able to achieve today's results.
"This is not a place for a long talk. Follow me."
After saying this, Garros said no more. His huge dragon wings flapped, whipping up snow across the sky, and he flew towards the Dragon Valley area first.
Seeing this, the other dragons also spread their wings and followed closely behind.
In the blink of an eye, the group of dragons was already soaring over Dragon Valley.
Nasha's gaze swept sharply across the area below.
Guards standing in the wind and snow were like sculptures, strictly disciplined; those young dragon cubs were undergoing methodical basic training under the supervision of adult White Dragons.
All of this told the story that this place was not a place of disorder.
"In my impression, the lairs of Evil Dragon lords were either barbaric jungles of Chaos and survival of the fittest, or bloody, terrifying places filled with cages, torture instruments, and piles of bones."
Nasha looked at the scene below and said, "But this place is very different; it really surprises me."
These words came from her heart.
In fact, when she first arrived at the periphery of Dragon Valley, she should have noticed that this place was different from where ordinary Evil Dragons entrenched themselves.
But unfortunately, her eyes had been blinded by her long-standing perception of the Evil Dragon group. Coupled with the fact that the first thing she saw was so many Evil Dragons gathered and her own brother being beaten up, her emotions were instantly ignited by anger and worry, making it truly difficult to maintain calm and objective thinking at the first moment.
"Order is the cornerstone of improving efficiency."
Garros's voice came from the front.
"Chaos only breeds unnecessary internal friction, and excessive oppression will inevitably lead to fierce resistance."
He said, "To achieve better development, whether for myself, for the dragons that follow me, or for those vast numbers of dependents, I need an environment that is relatively stable and can continuously provide sufficient resources as support."
To him, order was more like an efficient tool to achieve his goals.
If choosing complete Chaos and destruction could make him stronger faster and more safely, then he might very well be another Evil Dragon symbolizing disaster and Chaos, like his Red Dragon Father.
At the same time, these words moved Nasha.
Garros's long-term vision and thoughts exceeded her cognitive scope of Evil Dragons; he was more like a wise monarch than a brutal monster.
"My previous thoughts were indeed too one-sided and narrow."
Nasha frankly admitted her misjudgment.
Her nature was as arrogant as most Golden Dragons, but it was precisely this deep-seated arrogance that made her disdain to, and unwilling to, hide the mistakes she had made.
"Alberto choosing to ally with you is not entirely because he acted on impulse."
"You indeed have such qualifications."
As she spoke, her gaze finally landed on the other Golden Dragon, with less questioning and more contemplation in her eyes.
Alberto heard this and dissatisfiedly snorted a breath of air carrying sparks from his nose, then quickly changed the subject and asked, "Nasha, why did you suddenly find your way here?"
Golden Dragon Natasha's gaze instantly became sharp, locking firmly onto her younger brother.
"Don't you know in your heart?"
"Father sent me. He told me to make sure to bring you, this unfilial son who never stays home, back to the Dragon Domain."
Speaking of this, Nasha grinned and smiled, "He also specifically instructed that if you are unwilling to cooperate, then beat you until you are willing to cooperate. And honestly, I am also very happy to carry out this family law."
She did not hide her 'malice' at all.
Alberto was unmoved.
"This place is Garros's territory."
He said slowly, "He is my ally, a partner who advances and retreats with me. He won't sit by and watch you run wild here. If you have the ability, beat him down first."
"As long as you do that, I guarantee I will go back with you obediently without a word."
"If you can't..." He spread his claws. "Then don't waste your energy."
Upon hearing this, Nasha laughed even more happily, as if she had heard something interesting.
"I don't mind," she said easily. "Anyway, if I go back alone, the next time someone comes, it will probably be Father and Mother arriving in person. By then... hehe."
Alberto trembled imperceptibly, but the composure he was forcing on his face did not collapse.
He recalled the charisma rank theory Garros had mentioned earlier and felt that at this moment he should display an extraordinary demeanor like a Dragon King, whose expression would not change even if the sky fell, in order to enhance his charisma.
Thus.
Under Golden Dragon Natasha's gaze, Alberto slightly raised his head.
"Heh, avoid their sharp edge?"
His tone was indifferent, filled with a sense of being untouchable.
Nasha: "..."
Garros: "..."
The air seemed to freeze at this moment.
Both fell into a speechless silence.
Not having seen him for decades, this guy was still as punchable as ever, with no improvement at all, still habitually spouting wild words... Nasha felt her claws starting to itch again, and an urge to beat up her little dragon brother right there surged into her heart.
Garros also suddenly understood why other Metallic Dragons would treat Alberto as a negative example.
"A little internal family conflict, can I handle it here for a moment?"
Nasha took a deep breath, suppressing the urge to act on the spot, and turned to look at the Red-Iron Dragon, asking in a polite tone.
The Red-Iron Dragon's gaze lingered on Alberto's expression for a moment, then he nodded slightly and succinctly spat out three words.
"Do as you please."
Alberto immediately widened his eyes, looked at Garros in disbelief, and hurriedly shouted, "Wait! We are al..."
Before he could finish his sentence, it was cut short by a roar of rage that sounded like a volcanic eruption.
"Al—ber—to! Get over here right now!!!"
Nasha instantly changed her appearance, turning into a fierce and terrifying monster.
A flash of golden light shone on her body, and that set of gorgeous golden armor was instantly equipped on her body again.
Immediately after, she lunged with her armored sharp claws, grabbed the dragon tail that Alberto was trying to retreat with, and then swung him around in the air like a windmill a dozen times! Finally, accompanied by a venting roar, she violently threw him high into the sky.
Whoosh—!
The Golden Dragon spread its wings in anger, its Dragon Qi resonating with wind elements, transforming into a golden bolt of lightning as it pursued closely behind.
In an instant, dull crashing sounds erupted from high above, interspersed with Alberto's pained groans and Nasha's angry rebukes. Colorful elemental lights flashed continuously in the sky like festive fireworks, accompanied by fragments of shattered golden scales falling like rain.
If relying solely on their own capabilities, Alberto would not be without room to resist against his older sister, who was one Life Level higher.
However, Nasha's armor provided a massive boost; even Garros would need his Bloodburst State to suppress her, so teaching her own younger brother a lesson was effortless.
"I have heard that within the Metallic Dragon Race, especially among blood relatives, relationships are known for being close and harmonious."
Blue Dragon Zoraia looked up at the one-sided beating in the sky, tilted her head, and a trace of confusion appeared in her eyes.
"But it doesn't seem that way for those two; their method of communication is actually more similar to us Evil Dragons, accustomed to using sharp claws to converse."
Upon hearing this, Red-Silver Dragon Deborah hurriedly shook her head, not wanting to be misunderstood.
"No, please don't misunderstand, they are just an exception."
Her tone carried a hint of helplessness as she explained: "Not all Metallic Dragons are this volatile. Just like among Evil Dragons, there can be unique exceptions like Garros, er, with a unique style, naturally there will be some rather unusual individuals among Metallic Dragons."
Faerie Dragon Vera had revealed her form again at some point.
She flapped her wings nearby and chimed in with a giggle: "Hehe, do you think any 'normal' dragon could stay by our Garros's side?"
With one sentence, she offended all the dragons.
Sensing many unfriendly gazes, the Faerie Dragon innocently did a somersault and then used an illusion to hide herself.
High in the sky, Nasha's strikes were fast, fierce, and heavy.
However, as a Martial Dragon, she knew very well which parts of the body to strike to inflict extreme pain and discomfort, while cleverly avoiding true vital points so as not to endanger his life.
A dozen minutes later.
Bang!
A golden dragon silhouette traced a miserable arc and landed with a dull thud on a training ground within Dragon Valley, smashing out a shallow crater before lying motionless, devoid of sound.
"He passed out already? He's really becoming less and less able to take a beating."
Nasha landed right beside him and used the tip of her dragon tail to lightly lash Alberto's cheek a few times. Finding no reaction from him, it seemed he had truly been knocked unconscious.
She curled her lip, feeling somewhat unsatisfied.
At this moment, the Red-Iron Dragon also descended from the sky, his heavy frame causing the ground to tremble slightly upon landing.
He glanced at Alberto, who was lying in the crater looking miserable and seemingly unconscious, then shifted his gaze to Golden Dragon Natasha.
"I have no intention of interfering too much in the affairs within your Metallic Dragon Race."
Garros said: "If your purpose for this trip is to take him back to the Dragon Domain, then you can take him away now. I promise that I will absolutely not intervene."
When his relatives hadn't come looking, his sheltering of Alberto here could be considered providing sanctuary, which was understandable.
But now that the other party's blood-related sister had come personally, it was best to let them handle their internal problems themselves.
Garros did not want to face the wrath of a Legendary old Golden Dragon.
Opposite him, under the Red-Iron Dragon's gaze, Nasha, who had just been ferocious, instantly softened her expression. The dragon's entire aura became gentle and harmless, as if the violent Martial Dragon from just a moment ago had been an illusion.
"Actually, I'm not that anxious to take him back."
She looked back at Garros with burning eyes and said: "Dragons who choose to embark on the Martial Dragon path are already rare. In the Dragon Domain, I cannot find a Martial Dragon suitable for exchange."
Her voice paused for a moment before she continued: "I hope to have the opportunity to exchange some experiences and insights regarding the Martial Dragon path with you, may I?"
Garros chose the Martial Dragon path because this path was very strong in combat.
Nasha chose the Martial Dragon path because she was innately very warlike.
However, within the rule-heavy Dragon Domain, she had to deeply suppress her warlike heart, only able to vent slightly through some trivial sparring and by disciplining her rebellious younger brother.
Now that she had left the Dragon Domain and encountered a powerful dragon like Garros, who also walked the Martial Dragon path.
Especially after personally experiencing that short but extremely intense battle just now, her long-suppressed warlike soul was thoroughly ignited.
For a moment, she didn't really want to return to the comfortable and peaceful Dragon Domain.
Garros met her gaze and could clearly see the undisguised, burning look in her eyes.
Within it, the blazing, pure Battle Intent was exceptionally clear to his keen perception as a Martial Dragon.
"The inherent nature of this dragon sister of Alberto's also seems not quite normal."
Such an evaluation could not help but surface in his mind.
At this moment, Golden Dragon Natasha continued, her tone sincere: "Besides exchanging Martial Dragon experiences, I am also very curious about your territory. This is my first time seeing so many Evil Dragons. I wonder if I might stay in your Dragon Valley for a while to witness the order and power you have established with my own eyes?"
Garros pondered briefly, weighing the pros and cons.
A moment later, he nodded slightly.
"Very well."
He agreed.
Dragon Valley had never excluded powerful outside visitors, especially those individuals who might bring new challenges, perspectives, or potential benefits.
If a good relationship could be established with a formidable adult Golden Dragon, it would also be an intangible boost to the reputation and deterrent power of Dragon Valley in the outside world.
Moreover, Garros was very interested in her armor.
The Four Symbols Dragon skill could also allow him to improve his resistances in all aspects.
He added: "Dragon Valley welcomes all Dragon Clan visitors willing to abide by the rules of this place. You may observe freely, but you must not interfere with the normal operational order and training plans within the territory. As for exchanging experiences with other Martial Dragons, I am also very happy to allow it."
Nasha nodded slightly, lowering her dragon head by a subtle arc, which counted as expressing her gratitude.
"Vera."
Garros called out.
"Great, invincible King of Molten Iron! Your most loyal Vera awaits your command!"
The Faerie Dragon's figure appeared from the air in response.
This time she appeared very serious, her back straight, as if she were a soldier undergoing inspection.
"You shall guide Ms. Nasha and familiarize her with the basic environment and rules of Dragon Valley."
"Yes, my lord! I guarantee I will complete the mission!"
Faerie Dragon Vera responded loudly, then turned to Nasha and said enthusiastically: "Respected Golden Dragon lady, please follow me."
Not long after, snow and wind continued to howl and swirl tirelessly above Dragon Valley.
The Faerie Dragon excitedly led Golden Dragon Natasha, starting to shuttle through various important areas in the valley, explaining the layout and rules of the place to her.
Garros calmed his mind, contemplating the possibilities for his wings to continue evolving.
His thoughts operated while the Frenzied Flame flickered, and at the same time, he was adapting to the negative effects of the Frenzied Flame.
On the other side, after confirming that his dragon sister's aura had gone far away with the Faerie Dragon, Alberto quietly opened one eye.
Discovering the alarm was cleared, he scrambled up from the crater, deftly shaking off the dust and gravel clinging to his body.
Although his appearance was still wretched, covered in bruises and claw marks, he still held his chest straight, maintaining an expression of "everything is under control" on his face.
At this moment, Garros's gaze swept over and landed on him.
"Your sister has decided to stay in Dragon Valley for a while. What do you think about that?"
Upon hearing this, Golden Dragon Alberto used his dragon claw to brush off non-existent dust from his shoulder and let out an ambiguous chuckle.
"It is but a little wind and frost."
He wanted to carry his theory of charm through to the end.
Additionally, the time until his next slumber period was not far off. As long as he conducted his slumber in Dragon Valley, by then, Golden Dragon Natasha would be unable to forcibly take him back to the Dragon Domain, so he was completely unafraid.
Meanwhile.
Far away in the Fubo Dragon Domain in the depths of the Endless Sea.
Inside a magnificent palace constructed of white marble and shimmering gold.
A super-giant Golden Dragon over thirty meters long, with scales gleaming like ancient gold that had been tempered by time, was lying prone on a high platform covered in soft fabric.
He remained silent for a while, then initiated a message to his offspring in the distance.
"Nasha, have you found that troublesome, rebellious son Alberto?"
A few seconds later, the response from the other side was transmitted.
"I have found him, Father."
"Very good, then bring him back as soon as possible, so he stops causing trouble outside and ruining the reputation of our Golden Dragons."
"Well... let's talk about that after some time, Father. I've discovered an interesting place and plan not to rush back to the Dragon Domain for now. When I am ready to go back, I will just bring Alberto along with me. Don't worry, with me watching him, he won't be able to stir up any trouble."
"Hmm? You..."
The old Golden Dragon was somewhat confused and dissatisfied, preparing to press for more.
However, the transmission on the other side cut off cleanly and decisively at this moment, leaving only the old Golden Dragon's subsequent words to dissipate within the palace, receiving no response.