A shout startled Xu Fang and all the magical artifacts, catching them off guard.
"What kind of ghost are you? No one thinks you're mute if you don't speak! Are you trying to scare magical artifacts to death?"
"Do you know how much psychological trauma your sudden outburst causes a magical artifact?"
"Who's playing tricks and pretending to be a god? Step forward, and I'll pierce you through!"
The magical artifacts spoke up one after another, scolding loudly.
Upon hearing this, Xu Fang immediately found it amusing. This once solemn and terrifying atmosphere was instantly destroyed by you lot.
Besides, what's the use of you shouting so joyfully? Do you really think they can hear you?
However, the sudden outburst did startle Xu Fang. He quickly retreated, watching the spot vigilantly.
"Who is here? Do you dare to reveal yourself?"
"Why would I not dare to meet a junior? Wait, you are not a member of the Dragon race?"
The voice spoke again, and then a figure slowly emerged from beside the Ancestral Dragon Pearl. Under the faint light of the Ancestral Dragon Pearl, a massive dragon head came into Xu Fang's view.
"Dragon race?"
Xu Fang exclaimed in astonishment as he looked at the dragon head illuminated by the Ancestral Dragon Pearl.
When he first heard the voice, Xu Fang had already imagined a horrifying conspiracy, a plot against the Dragon race, this fallen overlord.
However, with the appearance of the dragon head, he realized he had overthought it.
The dragon head remained silent, merely watching Xu Fang.
The surrounding blood mist surged violently, accompanied by loud roars and bursts of light. The colossal figure beneath the dragon head gradually materialized.
Its enormous scales, reflecting the blood-red light, were terrifying. This was only a part of its body; the true extent of its hidden mass within the crimson mist remained unknown.
As the colossal dragon appeared, an incredibly terrifying pressure washed over them, assailing them head-on.
Even with the protection of his various magical artifacts, Xu Fang could feel the dreadfulness of this aura. He was certain that without his artifacts, he would have been prostrate on the ground under this pressure.
"Not of the Dragon race, and yet not even a Hunyuan Golden Immortal, and you can enter this place?"
After scrutinizing Xu Fang, the colossal dragon finally spoke again, filled with confusion. Its gaze was now tinged with hostility.
Hearing the ancient term "Hunyuan Golden Immortal," Xu Fang immediately understood and cupped his hands in greeting.
"Greetings, Senior. May I ask which ancestor of the Dragon race you are, gracing us with your presence?"
Even though the colossal dragon had manifested its form and unleashed its pressure, Xu Fang could clearly see that it was not a physical entity. It was either a residual soul or a mere illusory projection of its will.
"As expected, you have some skill to discern my true nature."
The colossal dragon responded and then raised its proud head, exclaiming loudly.
"Young one, you show some discernment. I am the primordial ancestor of the Dragon race, Ancestral Dragon!"
As these words echoed, they shook the very soul, causing the entire blood-red space to tremble.
"Ancestral Dragon!"
Xu Fang cried out in surprise. While he had suspected it was an ancient ancestor of the Dragon race, he had never imagined it would be the primordial ancestor, Ancestral Dragon himself!
However, Xu Fang quickly rethought his assumption and felt foolish.
With the Ancestral Dragon Pearl appearing here, it was only logical that this colossal dragon would be the Ancestral Dragon.
Seeing Xu Fang's silence, Ancestral Dragon continued.
"Who are you and what is your purpose here? If you cannot give a satisfactory answer, do not mistake me for a mere illusion; killing you would be no difficult task."
Ancestral Dragon's words were full of threat. Xu Fang, startled, quickly cupped his hands and replied.
"So, it is Ancestral Dragon. My name is Xu Fang. I was entrusted by the Dragon King of the Dragon race to investigate the situation here. Please forgive any offense, Ancestral Dragon!"
Facing this legendary being, Xu Fang wasted no words and immediately stated the reason for his presence.
He did not want to engage in a fight with Ancestral Dragon for no reason. After all, they were all kin, and he wished to avoid friendly fire.
Indeed, upon hearing Xu Fang's words, the Ancestral Dragon's illusory eyes softened. It scrutinized Xu Fang with curiosity, and seeing Xu Fang's sincere expression, which revealed no flaws, it nodded.
"I shall believe your words for now! However, you must tell me, what is this Dragon King you speak of? And how is the Dragon race faring?"
Ancestral Dragon was filled with confusion. He, the primordial ancestor of the Dragon race, had never heard of such a thing as a Dragon King. What were these beings?
Seeing Ancestral Dragon's demeanor, Xu Fang couldn't help but sigh.
"Alas, to tell you the truth, the Dragon race has fallen into decline!"
This illusory projection of Ancestral Dragon had been in this place for who knew how long and was completely unaware of the current state of the Primordial Era. Although Xu Fang felt a pang of sympathy for him, he had to tell the truth.
"How can this be? When I was alive, the Dragon race was the strongest among the three great races. Why did they not seize the opportunity to crush the Phoenix and Qilin tribes?"
Ancestral Dragon's massive form trembled with disbelief.
"Could it be that the Phoenix and Qilin tribes eventually united?"
Xu Fang looked at Ancestral Dragon's regretful expression and, despite his reluctance, had to deliver the blow.
"I apologize, but not only the Dragon race, all three great races have declined. Now, it is the Wu and Yao tribes who are in conflict."
As Xu Fang spoke, he proceeded to give Ancestral Dragon a general overview of the Primordial Era.
Ancestral Dragon listened to Xu Fang's words, remaining silent for a long time, appearing deeply dejected.
Xu Fang could understand his feelings. After all, the Dragon race had once been so glorious, vying for supremacy in the Primordial Era, its might revered throughout the land.
Xu Fang remained silent, waiting for Ancestral Dragon to process this information.
After a considerable pause, Ancestral Dragon finally regained his senses and let out a long sigh.
"I never imagined that in the struggle between the three great races, the Wu and Yao tribes would ultimately benefit. Truly, all our efforts were for naught!"
Ancestral Dragon lamented, and after a sigh of resignation, he continued.
"Ao Guang and his brethren were not particularly remarkable back then. I never expected one of them to eventually become the Dragon King of the Dragon race and lead it. That surprises me!"
Earlier, when Xu Fang had recounted the events of the Primordial Era, he had naturally focused on the situation of the Dragon race.
Ancestral Dragon recalled Ao Guang and his brethren, but they had left him with no deep impression, as the Dragon race had been teeming with talented individuals back then, and they had appeared quite ordinary.
Hearing this, Xu Fang immediately became displeased and retorted.
"You still look down on Ao Guang and his brethren? If not for them, the Dragon race would have been finished long ago."
As Ao Guang's close neighbor, Xu Fang naturally had to speak up for his good neighbor.
"Moreover, do you know that the Dragon race was just beginning to flourish again, but because you are down here beneath the Dragon race's treasure vault, doing who knows what, you have caused chaos among the Dragon race!"
While Ancestral Dragon was the primordial ancestor of the Dragon race, what had he truly accomplished besides dragging the Dragon race into disaster and bringing them fleeting past glory?
Wasn't the Dragon race now relying on the hard work of Ao Guang and his brethren to survive?
They were cleaning up after you, a warmonger, and yet you dare to look down on them!