True Dragon Nine Transformations, Realm Stabilized!

After Ao Qing entered the secluded cultivation grounds alone, he began cultivating according to the memories of the True Dragon Nine Transformations in his mind.

The True Dragon Nine Transformations could turn one into a Nine-Clawed Golden Dragon upon reaching the ninth transformation. More precisely, it was a cultivation technique for magical beasts to advance, one that enhanced their bloodline and potential.

Although Ao Qing was a Five-Clawed Golden Dragon, he was still in his juvenile stage and needed time to grow.

"This True Dragon Nine Transformations is quite miraculous. It can actually improve my bloodline and potential. It is somewhat useful to me, but my immediate priority should be mastering this body's strength."

Ao Qing frowned, but he began cultivating nonetheless.

Nearly liquefied Dou Qi continuously formed vortices and surged toward Ao Qing. At this moment, Ao Qing seemed to have transformed into a Taotie, devouring everything without refusal!

The Dou Qi entered his body, coursed through his Meridians, and finally began circulating slowly according to the cultivation method of the True Dragon Nine Transformations. Countless streams of Dou Qi poured into Ao Qing's Mud Pill Palace, changing from an almost liquefied state into true liquid, and continuing to accumulate.

Time passed continuously. At this moment, Dou Qi raged within Ao Qing's body. The liquid Dou Qi was constantly compressed within the Mud Pill Palace. Soon, a peanut-sized solid appeared, growing larger and larger until it became the size of a fist.

The remaining Dou Qi continuously tempered this solid Dou Qi stone, making it increasingly smooth and round. When Ao Qing examined himself with his soul power, he discovered just how extraordinary the thing was.

"Could this be a Dragon Pearl? Or some so-called golden core?" Ao Qing could not be sure, but he could sense that it was beneficial to him, so he did not pay it much attention.

He continued circulating the technique. More and more Dou Qi entered Ao Qing's body, and from the moment his Dragon Pearl condensed, that Dou Qi began tempering his body.

For the magical beast race, the best way to deal with powerful enemies was to assume their true forms and fight with their formidable bodies. This was also why human experts were generally no match for magical beasts.

As Ao Qing's body strengthened, he transformed into his true form, a Five-Clawed Golden Dragon. The golden dragon's claws and scales began to strengthen, significantly increasing both his defense and attack power.

"As expected, the True Dragon Nine Transformations really is excellent. It has greatly improved me."

Ao Qing had not expected such a tremendous improvement.

Not long afterward, he completed the first transformation of the True Dragon Nine Transformations. Ao Qing then began practicing Dou Techniques.

"The inherited Dou Techniques include the Dragon God Claw, sword techniques, and some strange moves. What should I focus on?"

"The spear! Charging forward without fear, shattering all obstacles—this is the will of a spear wielder!

The Zhao knights wore tasselled caps, Wu Hooks gleamed like frost and snow. Silver saddles shone upon white horses, Swift as shooting stars they flew. They slew a man within ten paces, And traveled a thousand miles without pause. When the deed was done, they brushed off their robes and left, Hiding both their names and forms. At Xinling, they drank in idleness, Their swords laid bare across their knees. They served roasted meat to Zhu Hai, And raised their cups to urge Hou Ying to drink. After three cups, they gave their solemn word, And the Five Sacred Mountains became light as dust. When their eyes blurred and ears burned, Their spirit rose like a rainbow. To save Zhao, they swung their golden hammers, And Handan was the first to tremble. For a thousand autumns, these two heroes shone, Their renown filled Daliang City. Though dead, their heroic bones remained fragrant, Unashamed before the heroes of this world. Who could write of Your Excellency, Growing white-haired over the Supreme Mystery Scripture?

What youth could refuse the martial world Li Bai described? Though he would not roam the martial world with a sword in hand, what man did not carry a White Horse Silver Spear Zhao Zilong in his heart? Given a second life, how could he remain timid and restrained? Even if this world cultivated Dou Techniques and had few spear techniques to follow, so what?

Though opposed by tens of millions, I shall press onward!

Though no predecessor has explored the road ahead, I shall walk the great path of the spear!"

Ao Qing could have chosen to cultivate the True Dragon Spear Technique inherited from the true dragons, but that spear technique was far too advanced and unsuitable for him at present. Trying to fly before learning to walk was a grave taboo. Yet few people on the Dou Qi Continent cultivated spear techniques; everyone simply fought with Dou Techniques. The difficulty of comprehending spear techniques from scratch was imaginable.

After completing the first transformation of the True Dragon Nine Transformations, Ao Qing slowed its cultivation and spent more time studying spear techniques. Day and night, he drew his spear, thrust it, and swung it. Occasionally, he also spent time reviewing the True Dragon Inheritance and learning some methods of fighting in his true form.

Although he did not deliberately improve his realm during this period, his One-Star Dou Saint strength became extremely well stabilized, and he gradually began mastering the terrifying power within his body.

Soon, three years passed, and Ao Qing ended his secluded cultivation.

Outside the cultivation grounds, the seven elders had likewise been guarding him. Ao Qing truly was their last hope. Whether they could touch the realm of the Dou Emperor in this lifetime rested entirely on Ao Qing.

If Ao Qing could become a Dou Emperor, then they only needed to use the method in the inherited memories to draw down Source Qi, and they would succeed. The Ancient Void Dragon Clan would naturally rise again. But if he failed, they and the Ancient Void Dragon Clan would be trapped forever on the Dou Qi Continent!

The world seen by others became a prison for those who had reached its peak, holding back their steps forward.

For example, after the Soul Clan's Clan Leader Hun Tiandi reached the peak of this continent, he wanted more than anyone else to escape this world and head for a stronger one. Perhaps some people considered him ambitious and cruel.

But if one truly stood at his level and considered matters from his perspective, perhaps one would not think so. No one wanted to be trapped to death by a world after gaining such great power.

Cultivation was originally a struggle against heaven for one's fate. Was Hun Tiandi's conduct not also a desperate effort to advance upon the path of cultivation? Even if his methods were extreme and his means ruthless, as Cao Cao had said: better that I betray the world than let the world betray me!

Zhu Kun sought the opportunity within the Ancient Emperor's Cave Abode. Gu Yuan wanted the Xiao Clan's Ancient Jade. Xiao Xuan drained the bloodline of the Xiao Clan in order to break through to the Dou Emperor realm. Fundamentally, they were no different from Hun Tiandi. The only difference was whether it was obvious or not.

At the very least, Zhu Kun, Xiao Xuan, and Hun Tiandi had actually acted. Even if, in the end, some died, some were trapped, and some had their clans destroyed. Gu Yuan, on the other hand, truly seemed somewhat cowardly...

When Ao Qing emerged from the secluded cultivation grounds, the seven elders opened their aged, slightly clouded eyes. Their profound gazes seemed as though they wanted to see through Ao Qing completely.

But unfortunately, when their gazes met Ao Qing's cold eyes, they could see nothing. Still, Ao Qing's aura had become more stable, and that was enough.

"I wonder what plans the Young Master has for the future?"

The Grand Elder asked.

After all, they could act only after there was a plan. Once they knew what Ao Qing intended to do next, these old men could better assist and cooperate with him.

"For now, I do not have any other particular ideas. I should spend a few more years properly digesting the True Dragon Inheritance. I understand many things only superficially, and I am unfamiliar with this world. How could I speak of any plans? However, Elders, you can help me gather some books about this world, so that I can learn about the state of the continent."

Ao Qing did not stand on ceremony. He also knew that he was the key to whether these elders could become Dou Emperors. Without the True Dragon Bloodline, they could not obtain the True Dragon Inheritance. That was why they had guarded the true dragon egg for thousands of years.

But Ao Qing also told himself that if he became a Dou Emperor in the future, he would definitely draw down Source Qi for these elders and help them become emperors! The cycle of cause and effect was also a matter of character.

"That will not be a problem. However, we do not know much about the changes on the continent over these past several thousand years. Still, we will have the Ancient Void Dragon Clan outside the secret realm provide this information as soon as possible." The elders all responded, expressing their willingness to serve Ao Qing.

"Then I shall trouble you, Elders."

Ao Qing cupped his hands toward them.

"Old Eighth, go handle this matter. Have the Ancient Void Dragon Clan outside gather this information as quickly as possible, and ask where exactly Old Second has gone."

"Rest assured, Big Brother. Leave it to me!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the Eighth Elder flashed away from the True Dragon Secret Realm, preparing to head outside and summon the Ancient Void Dragons in the outside world.