"Hand over the Core Flame burning within you to me. Let this body of [Permanence] bear life's crucible for you."
Huang Di was somewhat taken aback, a flicker of uncertainty passing through its enormous eyes.
"Dragon-kin... are you willing to take them to a new world?"
Dan Heng's voice was steady and dependable:
"An empty promise is probably not the answer you want. Let me try answering from another perspective."
His words carried his understanding of the Path:
"[Permanence] is the Path of dragons. [Eternity] is life's deepest desire."
"If you entrust the living beings of this land to me, they will surely coexist with the instincts within my bloodline."
"With this body as their vessel, I will take them to tomorrow in your stead. That place is not at the end of Amphoreus's western winds..."
"It is a vast and boundless sea of stars."
"A sea of stars..." Huang Di seemed thoughtful.
"That's right." Conviction rang in Dan Heng's voice.
"It is a future where all living beings stand together in [Trailblaze], not a prison that uses [Remembrance] as fuel."
Huang Di said solemnly:
"Heh, I underestimated your resolve. I understand now... what the only choice is."
"Look, this Core Flame burning in my chest, born of [Earth]."
"It is the red soil from which life sprouts, the crucible of all things..."
"It tells me to launch one final act of defiance, to entrust the task of reclaiming barren soil and watching over the continent to [Trailblaze] beyond the heavens..."
"And thus, lead those who thrive without end—to distant lands."
"I promise you, Huang Di." Dan Heng made his vow.
"Then all is well." Huang Di was finally at peace, lowering its massive head slightly.
"At the instant divine authority changes hands, this place will surely collapse..."
It gave