Wings of the Sky

At dawn, the three bid farewell to the Fire Tribe and embarked on their journey to Sky City. King Yan Jin personally saw them off and provided three Fire Lizards as mounts—creatures that could traverse molten terrain as if it were flat ground, moving three times faster than ordinary horses.

"Head east along the Molten Mountain Range, and you'll reach the Thousand Islands Alliance in seven days," Yan Jin said, pointing to a map. "From Coral Harbor there, you can find a way to Sky City."

Ning Xiaochuan thanked him solemnly and accepted the Fire Tribe's specially made water-repelling pearls and several bottles of ointment for treating burns. The Sacred Spirit Dragon seemed fascinated by the Fire Lizards, constantly circling above their heads, making the reptiles tremble in fear.

"Stop messing around," Ning Xiaochuan said, gently flicking the little one's dragon horn. "We're in a hurry."

After leaving Flame Capital, the terrain gradually changed from barren volcanic rock to lush forests. Although the temperature dropped, the humidity increased significantly, making it feel like a steam bath. Su Linger's Profound Ice Power acted as a natural air conditioner for the three, and the Sacred Spirit Dragon would occasionally spray ice mist to cool them down.

On the evening of the third day, they arrived at the outer outpost of the Thousand Islands Alliance—a treehouse village built on a giant tree. The guards nearly attacked when they saw the Fire Lizards, but Yun Yi quickly presented her Tianyuan Sect token.

"Sky City?" The guard captain, a dark-skinned, burly man, frowned upon hearing the name. "That's just a legend."

Ning Xiaochuan revealed the Sacred Source Markings on his arm. "Not for us."

The guard captain's expression changed, and he immediately became respectful. "Emissary of the Sacred Source! Please forgive my rudeness." He turned and shouted to his subordinates, "Quick, prepare the Flying Fish Boat!"

It turned out that the Thousand Islands Alliance and Sky City had a secret connection. The so-called "Flying Fish Boat" was a uniquely shaped airship with a gondola made of fish bones hanging below, capable of sailing through the sea of clouds.

"Follow the monsoon upwards, and you can reach the realm above the clouds in a day," the captain explained. "But only those recognized by Sky City can find the entrance."

Ning Xiaochuan thanked him for his help and left the Fire Lizards at the outpost. The Flying Fish Boat was more crowded than expected; the three of them and the dragon squeezed into the narrow gondola as the airship ascended into the clouds.

"I hope I don't get seasick," Yun Yi said, her face pale as she tightly gripped the railing.

The Sacred Spirit Dragon, however, was exceptionally excited, flying in and out of the porthole, sometimes diving into the sea of clouds, sometimes soaring high into the sky. Ning Xiaochuan noticed that as the altitude increased, the little one's scales gradually turned pale blue, blending with the sky.

"It's adapting to the environment," Su Linger also noticed. "Just like it turned red when we were with the Fire Tribe."

Ning Xiaochuan nodded. "The resonance between the Inverse Scales is getting stronger."

The Flying Fish Boat passed through layer after layer of cloud sea, and the temperature dropped sharply. It was a white expanse outside the porthole, making it difficult to discern direction. Just as Yun Yi was about to give up, the boat suddenly jolted and stopped.

"Are we here?" Ning Xiaochuan looked out the window, but there were still only clouds and mist.

The fisherman piloting the boat shook his head. "No, we've been intercepted."

As soon as he spoke, the Flying Fish Boat shook violently, as if grabbed by something. The clouds outside the porthole suddenly parted, revealing a massive dark silhouette—a bird-like creature larger than the Flying Fish Boat, with silvery-white feathers and eyes as sharp as knives!

"A patrol beast of the Yun Yi tribe!" the fisherman exclaimed. "Don't resist, they'll take us to a checkpoint."

The giant bird grabbed the Flying Fish Boat with its talons and dragged it towards the clouds higher up. After passing through the last layer of mist, the sight before them was breathtaking—

Sky City! The entire city was built on a colossal floating stone, with neat rows of white buildings and a central spire piercing the sky. Most striking was the "Cloud Harbor" at the city's edge, where dozens of aircraft of various designs were docked—fish-shaped, bird-shaped, and even dragon-shaped.

"It's always this spectacular," the fisherman sighed.

The Flying Fish Boat was brought to a platform in the Cloud Harbor. Several guards clad in silvery-white light armor with wings on their backs approached. Leading them was a female winged person, with golden hair and blue eyes, exuding an air of heroic spirit.

"Outsiders, state your purpose," her voice was as clear as a bell.

Ning Xiaochuan stepped forward. "We are seeking the fourth Inverse Scale to fight the Void Master."

Upon hearing the words "Void Master," the female winged person's expression changed drastically, and she immediately signaled the guards to be on alert. "How do you know that name?"

"Because we have already collected three Inverse Scales," Ning Xiaochuan said, taking out the Dragon Soul Jade, its three-colored light swirling. "From the Well of Origin, the Ice Soul Sect, and the Molten Mountain Range."

The female winged person carefully examined the Dragon Soul Jade, her expression gradually softening. "I am Feng Yu, captain of the Yun Yi Guard. Follow me, the Elder Council wishes to see you."

They passed through winding sky corridors and arrived at the central spire. Unlike the solemnity of the Sacred Source Tower, this tower was crystal clear, as if carved from crystal. Instead of a floating crystal at the top, there was a vast platform where over a dozen elderly winged people stood.

"Son of Sacred Source," the white-haired elder at the forefront nodded slightly. "I am Yun Xiao, guardian of Sky City."

Ning Xiaochuan bowed. "The Elder knew we were coming?"

Yun Xiao pointed to the crystal ball at the top of the tower, which displayed the scene of Three Moons Shining Together. "The prophecy is unfolding. When the three moons fully align, the Void Master will break the Seal."

He spread his wings, signaling them to follow. "The Inverse Scale of Sky City is called 'Wings of the Firmament,' hidden within the Eye of the Storm. But recently, there have been anomalies there."

On the platform at the top of the tower, the crystal ball switched scenes, showing a rotating vortex of clouds with a giant eye-shaped formation at its center.

"The Eye of the Storm has been corrupted," Yun Xiao said worriedly. "Our scouts sent there haven't returned."

Ning Xiaochuan observed the image closely. "It's the Void Master's power. It's trying to stop us from collecting the Inverse Scales."

"We depart tomorrow morning," Yun Xiao decided. "You will rest tonight and recover your strength."

That evening, the three were arranged in a VIP room. The room floated at the edge of the city, and through the curved floor-to-ceiling windows, they could overlook the sea of clouds below and the occasional glimpses of the ground.

"Look there," Su Linger suddenly pointed into the distance. "The northern part of the Open Source Continent."

Ning Xiaochuan followed her gaze and faintly saw a black rift stretching across the sky—it was the same rift north of the Sacred Source Land, now so wide it could be seen from here.

"Time is running out," he murmured, stroking the Dragon Soul Jade. "We must obtain the fourth Inverse Scale tomorrow."

The Sacred Spirit Dragon lay on the windowsill, curiously observing the world below the clouds. Suddenly, it bristled its scales and let out a warning "grumble."

"What is it?" Ning Xiaochuan became alert.

The little one pointed to a spot outside the window. Ning Xiaochuan narrowed his eyes and saw an unnatural black mist spreading through the clouds, heading directly for Sky City!

"Enemy attack!" He immediately pressed the alarm button in the room.

A piercing alarm instantly echoed throughout the city. Yun Xiao and Feng Yu arrived quickly, their expressions changing drastically upon seeing the black mist. "Corrosive clouds from the World Devourers! How did they find this place?"

Guards swiftly activated the defense system, and a blue light shot from the top of the spire, forming a hemispherical shield that enveloped the entire city. The black mist hit the shield, emitting a "hissing" corrosive sound.

"This is no coincidence," Yun Xiao said gravely. "They know you are here."

Ning Xiaochuan looked towards the Eye of the Storm. "We have to leave immediately, while their main force is tied down here."

"That's too dangerous!" Feng Yu objected. "The Eye of the Storm at night is ten times more ferocious than during the day!"

"Precisely because of that, the enemy won't expect us to go now," Ning Xiaochuan had already made up his mind. "Please show us the way."

Elder Yun Xiao pondered for a moment before finally nodding. "Feng Yu, you take them to the Flying Wing Depot. I'll stay and command the defense."

The Flying Wing Depot displayed all sorts of flying equipment, from simple gliders to complex airships. Feng Yu selected three sets of "Thundercloud Wings" for them—lightweight, agile, and capable of withstanding the storm's impact.

"Follow me," she demonstrated how to wear them. "Control your center of gravity at the waist, steer with your wrists."

The Sacred Spirit Dragon didn't need these. It excitedly unfurled its four wings, eager to test them.

Once equipped, the four people and one dragon quietly departed through the emergency exit. Outside the defensive shield, black mist had already enveloped half the sky, with lightning-like red flashes occasionally streaking across—the attacks of the World Devourers.

"Hold on tight!" Feng Yu dove, plunging into the clouds.

Ning Xiaochuan followed closely behind. The Thundercloud Wings were more responsive than he imagined, allowing for near-instinctive turns. Su Linger and Yun Yi quickly grasped the technique as well, the three flying in an arrowhead formation.

The Eye of the Storm was about a hundred miles from Sky City. In the darkness, it resembled a swirling ball of black cotton candy, its central eye-shaped vortex emitting an eerie red glow.

"That's the corrupted Eye of the Storm," Feng Yu said through the communication stone. "Under normal circumstances, it should be blue."

As they approached, the air currents became extremely unstable, and the Thundercloud Wings began to buck violently. The Sacred Spirit Dragon suddenly accelerated, flying ahead of Ning Xiaochuan to shield him from the strongest turbulence.

"Careful!" Feng Yu suddenly warned. "Something's coming out of the storm!"

Several pitch-black flying creatures burst from the storm, charging straight at them. They resembled winged humanoids, but their bodies were covered in scales instead of feathers, and their eyes were pure blood red.

"World Devourer scouts!" Feng Yu drew her bow and arrow, shooting the leader through the throat.

Ning Xiaochuan and Su Linger also launched their attacks, but it was difficult to exert their full strength while flying. The Sacred Spirit Dragon, however, was in its element, weaving nimbly through the storm, its dragon breath accurately hitting the enemies.

After breaking through the interception, the Eye of the Storm was within reach. The swirling cloud wall was like solid matter; to enter, they had to find a passage.

"Follow me!" Feng Yu made a sharp turn, heading towards a specific spot on the cloud wall.

Just as they were about to collide, the cloud wall parted, revealing a narrow passage! The four people and one dragon entered one after another, immediately caught by the violent currents, spiraling down like falling leaves towards the center of the storm!

"Control your posture!" Feng Yu's voice was barely audible over the howling wind.

Ning Xiaochuan desperately adjusted his Thundercloud Wings, finally managing to stabilize himself. Su Linger and Yun Yi weren't as fortunate; they were flung in different directions. The Sacred Spirit Dragon rushed to save Su Linger, while Ning Xiaochuan pursued Yun Yi.

The interior of the storm's eye was more bizarre than expected—relatively calm, but filled with black lightning. A crystal platform floated in the center, holding a bird's nest-shaped container, which should contain the "Wings of the Firmament."

"Look up!" Yun Yi suddenly exclaimed.

Ning Xiaochuan looked up and saw a massive dark shadow hovering at the top of the storm. It resembled a bat but had three heads and six wings. Its claws were pressed against the crystal platform, seemingly absorbing energy from it.

"A high-ranking general of the World Devourers!" Feng Yu's face turned pale. "We're no match for it!"

Ning Xiaochuan, however, noticed that the monster was mostly focused on the platform, only sending a few minions to deal with the intruders. This was an opportunity.

"Distract it," he transmitted to Su Linger through the Primal Covenant. "I'll go for the Inverse Scales."

Su Linger understood immediately and, along with the Sacred Spirit Dragon, launched an attack. Profound Ice sword energy and dragon breath intertwined, blasting towards the monster's eyes. The pained monster roared, temporarily loosening its grip.

Ning Xiaochuan seized the chance and charged towards the platform with all his might. Just as he was about to touch the bird's nest, a black light shot from the side, hitting him directly in the shoulder!

"Ah!" The intense pain caused Ning Xiaochuan to lose his balance and fall from the air.

Feng Yu quickly swooped down to catch him, but the Thundercloud Wings were already damaged, and they both plummeted towards the edge of the platform. At the critical moment, Yun Yi threw out a rope, which wrapped around a crystal pillar, stopping their descent.

"Your shoulder!" Feng Yu gasped.

Ning Xiaochuan's right shoulder had a bloody hole corroded by the black light, its edges already turning black. Gritting his teeth, he tore off his sleeve and used Sacred Source Power to temporarily seal the wound.

Above, Su Linger and the Sacred Spirit Dragon were in a fierce battle. The monster had recognized the threat and flapped all six wings simultaneously, creating black tornadoes. The Sacred Spirit Dragon was hit by a black light and fell with a pained roar.

"Little guy!" Su Linger tried to rescue it but was blocked by another of the monster's claws.

Ning Xiaochuan knew he couldn't wait any longer. Enduring the searing pain, he climbed along the crystal pillar, approaching the platform again. The monster, busy dealing with Su Linger, didn't notice this "severely injured" target.

The bird's nest was within reach. Ning Xiaochuan reached out to touch it but was blocked by an invisible barrier—another field that repelled Sacred Source Power!

"Su Linger!" he shouted. "I need your Profound Ice Power!"

Su Linger understood. She feinted, tricked the monster, and dove down. Both of them placed their hands on the barrier simultaneously. Sacred Source Power and Profound Ice Power merged, and the barrier shattered!

The Inverse Scales in the bird's nest revealed their true form—a transparent, feather-shaped scale, so light it seemed weightless, yet containing terrifying energy.

"Wings of the Firmament..." Ning Xiaochuan carefully took it out.

The Inverse Scales automatically flew towards the Dragon Soul Jade, embedding themselves perfectly. The four energies converged, erupting in a blinding four-colored light that shot straight into the sky!

The monster let out a deafening shriek, directly hit by the light, half of its body instantly vaporizing! The remaining part fled in panic towards the top of the storm and disappeared.

The Eye of the Storm began to collapse. The blackness receded, returning to a pure blue. But what was even more surprising was that after the Sacred Spirit Dragon came into contact with the light, its injuries healed instantly, and its size increased again, with feather-like scales appearing on the edges of its four wings!

"We did it!" Su Linger joyfully hugged Ning Xiaochuan, then noticed his wound. "Your injury..."

"It's nothing," Ning Xiaochuan managed a weak smile, but his face was already pale from blood loss.

Feng Yu and Yun Yi rushed to support them. The four people and one dragon quickly left the Eye of the Storm. The return journey was much smoother than the outward one; the currents were as gentle as lambs after the storm subsided.

In the distance, the battle at Sky City had also ended. The defensive shield remained intact, and the black mist had been completely purified. Elder Yun Xiao personally welcomed the victorious team. Upon seeing the four Inverse Scales on the Dragon Soul Jade, tears streamed down his aged face.

"A thousand years of waiting, and finally, we see hope."

Ning Xiaochuan, however, had fainted from his severe injuries. In a daze, he felt Su Linger's cool hand on his wound, her Profound Ice Power gently neutralizing the corrosive energy.

"Don't die..." her choked voice was like a distant call, "You promised you'd take me to see the Green Pine Forest..."

The Sacred Spirit Dragon also came closer, licking the wound with its warm tongue. The energy from the four Inverse Scales flowed through the Primal Covenant, beginning to repair the damaged tissues.

When Ning Xiaochuan opened his eyes again, he found himself lying in the infirmary of Sky City. Outside the window, the first rays of dawn pierced through the clouds, gilding the white city with a golden edge.

Su Linger was asleep, slumped by the bedside, her silver hair spread out, tear drops still clinging to her eyelashes. The Sacred Spirit Dragon was curled up on her lap, and as soon as it saw him awake, it immediately pounced over with a "gū jiū" sound.

"Shh..." Ning Xiaochuan gently stroked the little creature, not wanting to wake Su Linger.

But it was too late. Su Linger had already woken up. Seeing that he was fine, tears immediately welled up in her eyes: "You... you idiot!"

She hugged Ning Xiaochuan tightly, the force of it making his wound ache. But Ning Xiaochuan didn't push her away; instead, he hugged the stubborn girl back.

"I'm fine," he comforted her softly, "We still have the last Inverse Scale to find."

Su Linger looked up, her eyes teary but smiling, "If you try to be a hero like this again, I'll freeze you into an ice sculpture with my Profound Ice Power!"

The Sacred Spirit Dragon also echoed with a "gū jiū," waving its little paws menacingly.

Elder Yun Xiao appeared at the opportune moment, bringing both good and bad news.

The good news was that with the four Inverse Scales gathered, the Dragon Soul Jade had already revealed the location of the fifth one—the Abyss of the Deep Sea, the sacred land of the Merfolk Tribe.

The bad news was that Sky City's observation instruments showed the Three Moons Shining Together phenomenon was accelerating, and it was expected to fully converge in less than ten days.

"Time is tighter than we anticipated," Yun Xiao said with concern, "The Void Master is accelerating the process."

Ning Xiaochuan tried to sit up, "Then we'll depart immediately."

"No!" Su Linger and Yun Xiao objected simultaneously.

"Rest for at least one day," Yun Xiao advised, "The underwater environment of the Merfolk Tribe places a great burden on the body. You must recover completely."

Ning Xiaochuan knew they were right. He looked out the window. The sky was a clear azure, showing no trace of the fierce battle from last night. But the black rift stretching across the horizon in the distance reminded him that the real final battle was imminent.

"One day," he finally compromised, "And then we'll go see the Merfolk Tribe."

The Sacred Spirit Dragon flew to the windowsill, gazing in the direction of the deep sea, letting out a long dragon's roar, as if declaring war on the unknown challenge.