Blood stood in a daze, so much so that the others might have assumed the dragon had paralyzed him simply by being too close to it. The beast's aura was indeed suffocating, and its presence was overwhelmingly powerful.
The dragon possessed a diverse set of skills that was unlike any he had ever encountered, and its cultivation realm was also one he had never even heard of before.
Until now, Blood had only touched upon some secrets below the third realm. His city itself was merely a low‑grade four territory, the Mayor being in the lower stages of the fourth realm.
Although he remained cautious of the dragon, Blood still hadn't taken its realm seriously at first. He had assumed the beast was of same realm as the young lady, and that explained its submissive nature. But now he realized how utterly wrong he had been. The 'Entrance Realm' might well be the realm above the Silver Realm, or perhaps something even beyond.
Blood suddenly felt a wave of trepidation, and forced himself to take a sudden step back, his heart racing. It was no wonder that even with his current strength, he could feel the chill of its breath creeping over his bones. He had to stay clear from the big guy.
The warriors, including Kate, were equally surprised by Blood's sudden change in temperament. What is he so afraid of? Kate wondered.
However, some warriors had already guessed the truth, though none of them were certain. They too would have been intimidated standing so close to such a fearsome beast.
Blood's racing heart that threatened to overwhelm him began to ease, as the Blood Balancing Art kicked in, coming to his rescue. It carefully restricted the flow of his blood, steadying his body before he could lose control. His cultivation art seemed to have been stimulated by the dragon's fearsome aura. Energy circulated swiftly through his veins, calming his nerves and restoring his composure.
He glanced around and saw the warriors staring back at him with strange expressions. Without much thought, Blood flipped his trident, and channeled energy through it to propel himself upward, landing roughly on the dragon's back.
The dragon snorted, clearly displeased. It lifted itself violently, soaring into the sky, while summoning an intense frost wind that sent Blood rolling across its spine.
Dark, frosty spikes erupted from its elongated back, pricking and tearing him apart as he crashed helplessly against them again and again.
Startled, Blood's expression twisted into shock as he struggled to slow his fall!
This beast is too excessive. He quickly gripped the protruded spikes to reduce his falling speed, but his effort was futile. The dragon commanded them to eject, projecting outward soon after and stabbing at him fiercely.
Blood expression changed, his face turning grave as he soon realized he was falling freely through the air. He had been thrown from the back of the beast. The vicious lady tricked me!
The dragon had soared hundreds of meters high with only a few bursts of power. If he were to smash into the ground from such a height, he would surely be reduced to smithereens.
Blood's mind raced, searching desperately for a solution. But before he could act, something long and sinuous approached from the distance. At first glance, it looked like a whip, but as it drew closer, he realized it was not.
It coiled gracefully around his body and yanked him upward with brutal force. His scream was swallowed by the atmosphere, and the cold air tore through him, making his insides quake as though they might burst at any moment.
Moments later, Blood found himself seated once more on the dragon's back. But this time, he was uncomfortably close to the vicious lady, making his heart pound wildly as he glared at her angrily, only to see a derisive smile planted firmly on her face.
What a resentful witch. Did she order the dragon to toy with me using its overbearing skills? Blood was flabbergasted as he muttered inwardly at the cruel realism. The spikes were no joke, but they seemed to hold back their true power earlier.
Blood perceived it had gone easier on him, but anyone might have thought the dragon was excessive. Just one of those spikes at full strength could have shattered his body beyond recognition.
Still, Blood growled in annoyance. The dragon was both pragmatic and impellent, however, he had a rough idea why it had acted as it did. Though he couldn't act now, he wouldn't let this go easily.
"Why did you do that?" Blood asseverated, his voice sharp with displeasure. He knew without her order the dragon would never have acted so loosely.
Kate, with the same scornful smile, waved her hair backward, her silvery eyes shimmering with a faint tint of darkness. She decided not to answer; instead, she turned her gaze forward and directed her mount toward a distant path.
The dragon thundered frantically in that direction, bursting with raw power. It seemed to still be displeased by the weak ant who dared roughen the glittering sheen of its scales.
Blood could only grit his teeth after being ignored. He turned his face away, realizing there was nothing he could do.
Soon after, they arrived before an entrance pulsing with ripples of purple energy that broke out every so often.
Blood's body suddenly convulsed, a strange sensation coursing through him. It felt as if he had stumbled upon a place he had long been yearning for. He didn't dwell on it though, choosing instead to follow silently atop the dragon's back.
___
The warriors of Sand-Scale widened their eyes, watching aimlessly as the dragon tossed the young master about like a rag doll. Galock squinted his gaze, as he approached the Commander, who seem to wear the faintest trace of a smile.
"Sir, I don't think it's wise to leave those two together," Galock said firmly. "She could end up being a bad influence on the Young Master. Furthermore, even under your sight she dared to flip him around as if he were nothing. That shows little regard for you. She's clearly feigning respect." his voice was brimming with resolve.
Although the Marble guards and the city's army stood apart, the Ninth Division had long acknowledged the Commander's offspring as young masters and mistresses. Galock was displeased by the lady's unscrupulous action, his hand twitching. He only needed the command, and he would bring that dragon down with a single gesture.
"Don't let yourself be disturbed by them. You are still too short‑tempered. How could you make their intense show of friendship fall apart so easily?" Salza said softly. "Her earlier actions were not necessarily a feint. You've perceived it wrongly."
His expression changed, becoming more thoughtful. "I have never seen that boy so happy, except when he is with his little sister. And I was told the Young Miss has a cold personality, one that would not let even a fly draw near. It is already a miracle that he could ride with her."
Salza suddenly patted Galock's shoulder, causing him to lower his head. "Don't get the wrong idea. You can see their friendship has improved, perhaps even sealed. It is clear the Young Miss was only punishing him for leaving without telling her, putting his life at risk.
"If that is the case, then perhaps we could rope her in, considering her relationship with my son. It will be difficult, but it is worth the attempt." As Salza spoke, his eyes gleamed with a faint red glint as if in deep thought.