"Awwooo~~~" Just then, faint yet distinct animal cries echoed from the surroundings.
Dan Heng turned around and was surprised to find that among the ruined remnants of the Tree Court, a great number of small animals had taken refuge. They huddled, trembling, between charred roots and cracks in the rocks.
And... there was a figure of extraordinary height, utterly out of place amid the surroundings.
"Who are you...?"
Dan Heng looked at the Mountain Folk standing there like an iron tower, silently gazing down at him, and felt puzzled.
He had not expected that, at this point in time, there would be another survivor besides himself.
The Mountain Folk's profound gaze rested on Dan Heng from afar, carrying scrutiny and heaviness.
After a while, he spoke. His voice was low and slow, like boulders grinding together:
"That blaze destroyed the Tree Court and disturbed the slumber of all living things..."
"And you, Doomsday Beast... you could not even be bothered to listen to the lament of [Earth]."
Seeing Dan Heng still studying him, the Mountain Folk spoke frankly:
"Surprised?"
"Golden Blood and Demigods are not exclusive to Kephale's children."
"Georia's descendants should naturally become its backbone."
"I am Huang Di, the incarnation of Earth and guardian god of countless lives." He announced his name with pride born of bloodline.
Dan Heng's expression remained calm.
"What a coincidence. Someone just warned me to watch out for you."
He looked sharply at the other party.
"Answer me. Why has the king of earth beasts from myth, a Demigod who should have fallen, appeared in human form?"
"You already know the answer." The Mountain Folk's voice was low, tinged with impatience.
"Isn't the Dragon Transformation Divine Method your signature skill, Dragon-kin of [Permanence]?" he countered, exposing Dan Heng's hidden origins.
"?"
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