Just then.
A calm voice rang out, not loud, yet clear enough to drown out the two Dragon Kings' argument.
"No need."
The speaker was Lan, seated cross-legged in the center of the spring.
He slowly opened his eyes, their depths as still and unfathomable as an undisturbed lake.
"Both at once."
The moment he spoke, the entire cave fell silent.
The Fire Dragon King, who had been roaring, abruptly stopped. Its enormous golden slit pupils contracted sharply.
The Ice Dragon King, which had refused to yield an inch, felt the chill around it falter. Its icy blue eyes were filled with astonishment.
"Both at once?"
The Fire Dragon King sounded as if it needed to make sure it had heard correctly.
"Boy, do you know what you're saying?"
"I am Ultimate Fire, and it is Ultimate Ice. Fire and water cannot coexist; yin and yang oppose one another!"
"A single inheritance would be enough to make an ordinary Titled Douluo explode!"
For the first time, genuine gravity entered the Fire Dragon King's voice.
"Accepting both at once, when their natures are completely opposed... do you want to turn to ashes on the spot?!"
The Ice Dragon King recovered from its shock as well, and a rare note of urgency crept into its voice.
"Human, this is no time to show off."
"Our origin powers will tear you apart from within. Not even a god could save you!"
"Since time immemorial, no living being has ever dared attempt such madness!"
Nearby, Ice Empress felt her heart leap into her throat.
She instinctively wanted to try to stop him.
"Lan..."
But Lan merely turned his head and gave her a reassuring look, then turned his gaze back to the two Dragon Kings' souls.
"I'm sure."
The Fire Dragon King and the