The Art of Subduing Dragons

Chapter 161

Xuan Ying watched from behind, his eyes fixed on Luo Qingci with a somber expression.

He couldn't understand why, despite the fact that Luo Qingci had been forced into dragon-slaying by the Heaven's Machine, she had still acted, and why Ruan Li trusted her so much. Why had Ruan Li put aside her deep-seated hatred and risked her life to save her?

Was it simply because she had taken her as a master that she regarded her as a true mentor?

He thought about the current state of the Dragon Clan, frowning deeply. He should have realized earlier that Mo Yan was up to no good—using the Dragon Clan's people to refine demons to deal with the Dragon-Slaying Divine Tree was too cruel.

At the time, they had had no other options, and everyone was filled with rage and hatred, willing to pay any price. But now, with the Dragon Clan gaining the upper hand, Mo Yan still refused to give up on the demon clan and even attempted to reopen the gates to the demon realm. This was unacceptable to Xuan Ying.

If the Dragon Clan was being treated so badly by the human race, what would happen if the demon clan returned? Most critically, he increasingly felt that Mo Yan's actions were not for the sake of the Dragon Clan but rather to advance the interests of the demon clan.

Reflecting on what he had seen, Xuan Ying's heart sank. Mo Yan seemed to have fallen into demonic corruption, and the demonic spirits he led filled Xuan Ying with dread.

If the demonic realm's barrier was destroyed, the pure land that humanity and dragons had sacrificed so much for a thousand years ago would be erased once more.

He was filled with inner turmoil. Mo Yan was his adoptive father, and he should have obeyed and supported him. However, Ruan Li was the rightful heir of the Dragon Clan, and she was a golden dragon, destined to be the dragon king.

After a long period of contemplation, he eventually turned and returned to Chaisang.

Meanwhile, Luo Qingci took Ruan Li back to the Su Ling Tavern without pause. As soon as she entered, Cheng Su and Su Yu came to greet her.

"Master, I saw the tribulation outside Fufeng City. Is that A Li..." Su Yu asked anxiously, looking around. "Where is A Li? Was it really her undergoing the tribulation?"

Luo Qingci nodded and slightly moved her left hand to reveal Ruan Li curled up in her arms.

Both looked at the small, three-foot-long golden dragon, their eyes reflecting surprise.

"Why has A Li turned back into a small dragon? Was she injured during the tribulation?" Though Ruan Li looked adorable in this form, Su Yu was worried that something was wrong, feeling tense.

Luo Qingci's eyes softened as she looked at the sleeping dragon and said gently, "The tribulation was a bit unusual. She couldn't endure it for a moment and transformed into this juvenile form. But there's no serious harm. I'll let her rest."

Su Yu was reassured, but Cheng Su scrutinized Luo Qingci's appearance. "You don't look well. Did you bear the tribulation on her behalf?"

Upon Cheng Su's words, Su Yu realized that something was wrong. Luo Qingci's face was pale, her complexion almost colorless.

"Master?" Su Yu grew anxious.

Luo Qingci glanced helplessly at Cheng Su.

Cheng Su rolled her eyes slightly and said, "Don't look at me. Your stubborn disciple wouldn't notice if her master was hurt. Later, she'll be heartbroken again."

Su Yu's face flushed. "I wouldn't..."

Luo Qingci, not wanting to be caught in this emotional turmoil, quickly said, "The tribulation was quite severe. A Li alone couldn't withstand it, so I blocked the last strike for her. Although the tribulation for the Spirit Division stage is fierce, I am already at the minor ascent stage and can endure it. A bit of rest will be enough. You don't need to worry."