The evolution had completely drained the Life Energy Xingyan had stored up. Although the changes looked dramatic, this time he had still evolved within the bounds of an ordinary wyvern, so while it had consumed a great deal of Life Energy, it was still bearable.
That is, except for evolving his forelimbs and steel hide. Those two traits had been paid for by Old Steel Dragon, so Xingyan hadn't been completely drained.
Now he was back to accumulating Life Energy. Having tasted Elder Dragon flesh, Xingyan had a rough idea of how much Life Energy he would need to truly evolve the signature abilities of an Elder Dragon.
It was an astronomical amount, the difference between a sea and a lake compared to what this latest evolution had consumed.
No wonder Nergigante hunted Elder Dragons. The Life Energy stored in an Elder Dragon far exceeded that of ordinary wyverns. One was worth more than six. If he tried to accumulate Life Energy by hunting ordinary wyverns, he might use up more than he gained.
Since Nergigante had already given him the formula, all he had to do was follow it.
After making a round of his territory, Xingyan settled on a hilltop above his lair, where he had a clear view. He narrowed his eyes, watching the Cats below bustle about as he considered which Elder Dragon to target next.
Hmm... The hunters had discovered the New World because the Guild had observed the Elder Dragon Crossing, which happened once every ten years. The First Expedition Team had set out following Kushala Daora, and on the way, they'd encountered Lava Dragon, who had once again tried—and failed—to enter the Leyline Corridor.
How long until the Second Expedition Team set out?
Each new expedition meant an Elder Dragon nearing the end