New Calendar 358, late summer.
The sky at the Aura Kingdom is as blue as a wash, and the sun is hot and bright, illuminating Royal Court on top of the peaks.
Red Emperor sits on a wing-shaped throne, as majestic and calm as a mountain.
Opposite, Iron Dragon Sorog is standing in the center of the hall, reporting the situation.
"Our mouthpiece has played an important role in the newly occupied areas."
Sorog said, "Especially in the two newly occupied provinces, after nearly ten years of manipulation of public opinion, our reputation has been reversed."
"Red Emperor's powerful and intelligent image has been deeply rooted in people's hearts."
"The arrival of the Aura Kingdom is also regarded as a blessing by local residents."
Ten years is just a blink of an eye in the dragon's long life.
But for humans, it is enough to change many people's minds and create new memories.
Those humans who have surrendered to Aura may still be unwilling and resentful, but most of them have accepted the reality.
Their lives gradually stabilized and became even more prosperous than during the reign of Theo.
Because the overall situation was quite stable, many people even began to sincerely support the new ruler.
Various legends about Red Emperor are also spreading in the streets and alleys.
Some people say that Red Emperor once shot down Satellite in the sky with a stone; others say that Red Emperor penetrated the natural pass with a spit of spit.
Similar stories are spreading more and more widely, and the details are becoming more and more exaggerated.
Although most people know in their hearts that the truth is not that magical, they always smile knowingly and treat it as some kind of interesting conversation material, and occasionally they will joke with each other in taverns and tea shops.
Regarding these circulating anecdotes, Iron Dragon Sorog did not order strict control.
Instead, he quietly added fuel to the flames and deliberately let some dirty facts and anecdotes about Red Emperor spread.
Some of these stories are true and some are false.
For example, when the emperor was young, he liked to hit the ground and hit the mountains, making himself disgraced, or he woke up from a deep sleep and knocked down the top of a mountain in a daze.
After realizing the importance of public opinion, Sorog devoted a period of time to studying the psychology of human public opinion.
Finally, he came to a conclusion.
The image of the emperor can be powerful and wise, but it does not need to be too perfect and arrogant.
There are some innocuous details that are worth discussing or even joking about, but they can make the people feel that the ruler is vivid and real, and it is easier to feel familiar with him.
Of course, there are clear boundaries to all this.
"Don't be seduced by the dragon's minions, they are the enemy!"
"If you are not of my kind, you must have malicious intentions!"
"Humans, unite, remember your race, and don't give in to those monsters!"
Those teasing, joking, and joking can all be tolerated.
But once such sharp remarks inciting confrontation occur, the source of the voice will be physically silenced within three days.
The wolf guards under Russell are never just decorations.
Those Werewolf with keen intuition and extraordinary perception have weaved a huge and tight intelligence network, covering every corner of the kingdom like a spider web.
They are always paying attention to what is going on everywhere.
Once signs of fire are found somewhere, they will be extinguished as soon as possible, and the method will be quick and swift, leaving no further trouble.
On the other side, after the Theo Kingdom lost two major provinces and paid other heavy prices, the domestic situation continued to be turbulent.
In this depressing and crisis-ridden environment, some capable people with lofty ideals have indeed emerged to try to turn the tide.
But so far, it seems that their efforts are only a drop in the bucket.
Unless Theo can give birth to a warrior with extremely outstanding strength and charm, it will be difficult to reverse its declining national destiny.
[Theo is little Aura]
--Such remarks have spread like wildfire, even secretly circulating among some classes in Theo, further weakening the will to resist.
"How is the Sanctum Project implementation going?"
Garos's deep voice sounded, turning the topic from the battlefield of public opinion to another key project.
Sorog's tone rose slightly and he said, "Lothern Kingdom, Mattena Kingdom, and our own Alchemist. With the cooperation of the three parties and the Kingdom's resources, the main frame of Sanctum has been completed."
"The progress is about 30% faster than expected."
Garos's huge head moved slightly, and he stared at Iron Dragon with his vertical pupils. "We cannot complete this project alone. The participants are complicated and we need to pay more attention."
Sorog responded in a deep voice, "During the entire planning process, in addition to Samantha and I supervising the whole process, we also invited Amethyst Dragon Iseramathus to assist."
"Amethyst Dragon and I don't have a deep understanding of the specific details of alchemy technology, but the mental fluctuations and emotional changes of all participants are under our monitoring."
"So far, no obvious alien intentions or sabotage intentions have been found."
"It's still not safe enough." Garos pondered for a moment and said, "I will try to recruit a Legendary Realm from the Wave-Subduing Dragon Realm to refine Gold Dragon to participate in the final creation of Sanctum."
"With a Legendary Realm dragon who is proficient in this, the risk can be minimized."
Iron Dragon was visibly shaken. "That couldn't be better."
"With the addition of the Legendary Realm and Gold Dragon, many problems can be solved and the quality and confidentiality of the project can also be greatly improved."
Garos said no more, and immediately communicated with Gold Dragon Orvis who was far away from the Wave-Subduing Dragon Realm through a specific prop.
After a brief fluctuation of Magic Power, Orvis's lazy voice sounded, and the sound of waves crashing on the shore could be vaguely heard in the background, as if he was lying on a warm beach somewhere.
"Hey, the famous Aura Red Emperor, why are you free to see me today? What's the matter?"
Garos has long been accustomed to the other party's teasing tone.
He said bluntly, "Help me invite a dragon who has reached Legendary Realm on Alchemy Path to come to the Aura Kingdom to participate in an important alchemy project. I can pay you a Legendary Realm quality prop as a reward."
Orvis smacked his lips, with a smile in his voice, "Legendary Realm lian Gold Dragon... This requirement is not low."
"But the remuneration is generous enough, so many old guys should be interested. Having said that, you seem to be very rich now, Legendary Artifact can take it as long as it says."
Garos's tone was calm. "It's okay, it's just a little richer than dragons of the same age, so it's not worth mentioning."
This guy is getting richer and richer.
Orvis did not continue to struggle with the issue of wealth.
He knows very well that the resources that the leader of a country can control may not even be matched by some Primordial Dragon.
Orvis suddenly changed the topic and asked with a smile, "By the way, how do you feel about your four little brats? They made a lot of trouble when they were at the Wave-Subduing Dragon Realm. I remember them all clearly."
When Garos's fourth son was still living in the Wave-Subduing Dragon Realm, Old Gold Dragon would often tease them.
He has a deep understanding of the temperaments of these juniors.
Compared with their endless "surprises", the Alberto that gave him such a headache at first seemed a lot more pleasing to the eye.
Garos responded slowly, "It's okay."
"The boss's character is indeed more rebellious, but the other three are pretty good."
He paused and added, "Of course, Galkro is now more obedient after my education. Maybe after some time, the rebellion in his heart will resurface, but at least for now, he knows how to respect the authority of his father's generation."
"Galkro? That boy is indeed a thorn."
Orvis's voice was full of curiosity, "What method did you use to educate him? Tell me the details. Maybe I can learn from it and use it on Alberto, so that he can worry less in the future."
"Although he is already Adult Dragon, he still always makes me angry."
Garos Yun Danfeng replied lightly, "It's very simple. I killed him once with my own hands."
The other end of the conscious connection fell into a brief silence.
After a few seconds, Orvis seemed to come back to his senses.
His tone became a little subtle and he said, "Well... this method... is indeed very your style, but I think I'd better think of other methods."
"Alberto Although it is annoying sometimes, it will not lead to death."
Immediately afterwards, Orvis stopped his joking tone and said seriously, "Let's get back to business."
"I heard that Helmode Dragon Brood has officially declared war on you, Garos. This Evil Dragon group is not a good one. They have been in the Raging Tide Sea for hundreds of years and have a terrible reputation."
Has this news reached Wave-Subduing Dragon Realm? Garos's heart is slightly moved.
He responded, "The declaration of war is a fact."
"But there is a vast landmass between me and them, so a direct conflict is unlikely in a short period of time."
"Don't take it too lightly." Orvis reminded with a serious tone, "Although they are active at sea all year round, it does not mean that they cannot land. In fact, Blue Dragon can also cause storms on land."
"You have to be careful. Raging Tide Dragon Realm has organized many crusade against Helmode Dragon Brood in the past few hundred years, but it has never been able to completely eradicate it."
"None of their three Elder Dragon leaders are simple characters."
Garos took advantage of the situation and asked, "Based on your understanding, at what level is the leader of Helmode Dragon Brood?"
Orvis pondered, "As far as I know, there is one Crown Rank among them, and the other two should be close to the Crown Rank level."
"However, this is information from more than a hundred years ago."
"Their strength may have improved, so you have to be prepared."
Crown Rank...Garos thought silently in my heart.
Dragonkin grows slowly, and some Primordial Dragon may not reach the full Crown Rank level. However, the Lord of the Dragons and the Wild Dragon are not the same concept. It is normal for them to grow faster and have stronger talents.
You must know that the gold content of Crown Dragon is far from comparable to the strong Crown Rank among humans.
The good news is that he did not take an overly tough stance in his previous tentative contact with Helmode Dragon Brood. Instead, he reached some kind of tacit verbal agreement with the other party.
Of course, this relationship is based on the exchange of interests, has no real basis for trust, and may break down at any time.
"Helmode Dragon Brood has been plundering and fighting at sea all year round. I don't really understand why they suddenly targeted Aura Kingdom far inland."
"Is it just because you can't stand the idea of a dragon establishing a country, or because you are jealous of the resources and wealth you have gathered?"
"That doesn't suit their style."
"Although those Evil Dragons are crazy, they are also smart and practical, and rarely make enemies for themselves without any reason."
Orvis said suddenly.
Garos thought for a moment and replied, "I heard an unconfirmed rumor here, you can refer to it."
"I heard that Helmode Dragon Brood is brewing a plan."
"They are preparing to land and establish a kingdom belonging to Evil Dragon."
"Assuming this news is true, then it is not difficult to understand that I took the lead in establishing a country as a dragon and was ahead of them. I may be regarded as a potential competitor or even a benchmark by them. Therefore, it is not difficult to understand that I have attracted open hostility from them."
"Landing in? Establishing a country?" Orvis's voice suddenly became more solemn.
"Helmode Dragon Brood is the Evil Dragon group in the traditional sense. They act cruelly and ignore order."
"If they really succeed in establishing a country and gain a firm foothold, they will inevitably cause more Evil Dragon to follow suit, which will be a huge challenge to justice and order."
Garos said in a calm tone, "I'm just proposing a hypothesis."
"This source of information is not completely reliable, and its authenticity needs to be verified."
"No, since such news has spread, it is definitely not groundless."
Orvis said in a deep voice, obviously concerned.
"I will report this matter to the other elders of the Dragon Realm. We must keep an eye on Helmode Dragon Brood's movements."
"If they really start preparing to land and establish a country, we must respond as soon as possible and give them a heavy blow, and we must never let them succeed."
Garos asked, "Helmode Dragon Brood is adjacent to the Raging Tide Dragon Realm."
"If there is a conflict, the main opposing force should be Raging Tide Dragon Realm, right? Will Wave-Subduing Dragon Realm also directly participate in the crusade?"
"Raging Tide Dragon Realm..." Speaking of the Dragon Realm, there was a hint of complexity in Orvis's voice.
He paused slightly and continued:
"In principle, major Dragon Realm should not directly interfere with each other's maritime affairs unless necessary."
"We will most likely formally notify Raging Tide Dragon Realm first to remind them to be vigilant and prepared, and then based on the development of the situation, we will see whether it is necessary to send reinforcements."
"So, dealing with Helmode Dragon Brood is mainly Raging Tide Dragon Realm's own business?"
"It's understandable. After all, they are the direct defenders of that sea area."
Orvis affirmed. "And we, Wave-Subduing Dragon Realm, also have our own troubles to deal with. Unless Raging Tide Dragon Realm actively requests it, or the situation deteriorates to the point of affecting Metal Dragon Clan's reputation and safety, we will not act out of bounds."
Hearing these words, Red Iron Dragon curled up the corners of his mouth silently.
A conflict breaks out between the Raging Tide Dragon Realm and Helmode Dragon Brood... This is exactly the situation he wants to see.
If the two parties really fight, he doesn't mind providing some assistance to Helmode Dragon Brood secretly, of course, the kind that requires paying a high fee.
After all, there was only a fragile verbal agreement between him and those Evil Dragons.
There is no deep friendship between them, just a pure exchange of interests.
"As for the Legendary Realm refining Gold Dragon you want, I already have a suitable target." Orvis finally said, "I will convey your request and reward to you. Legendary Artifact sucks Gravity. In a few days, an old guy who is interested should leave for your Aura Kingdom. At that time, I will ask him to contact you directly."
"Thank you." Garos thanked briefly.
After a few brief exchanges of recent news, this long-distance communication came to an end.
Silence returned to the hall, leaving only the faint sound of wind coming from the window.
Iron Dragon Sorog stood quietly aside and listened to the entire conversation.
He said thoughtfully, "Should we... reveal the news that "Wave-Subduing Dragon Realm and Raging Tide Dragon Realm have noticed that Helmode Dragon Brood may establish a country" to Helmode?"
"In this way, we may be able to obtain some benefits from them, or deepen the fragile cooperative relationship."
It only informs the other party that they are being targeted by the Dragon Realm, but does not mention why they are being targeted.
Garos turned his head slightly and looked at Iron Dragon.
He was silent for a few seconds, weighing the pros and cons, and finally slowly shook his head.
"No need."
Garos said, "On the one hand, I think those Elder Dragon leaders of Helmode are not stupid people."
"This kind of vague information may arouse their suspicion. It is safer to reduce direct communication with them when it is not necessary."
"On the other hand, even if they are notified, they may not be able to obtain substantial benefits."
"It's better not to do something that is meaningless and risky."
Iron Dragon nodded to express understanding.
"Sorog, I'm about to enter a deep sleep period."
"This slumber may last for decades. According to past experience, not long after I fell into slumber, you and Samantha will also enter a deep sleep. At that time, there will be a vacuum in the top management of the Aura Kingdom for a period of time."
"Legendary Realm under the Kingdom's command has added a lot."
"But at a critical period, it is still inappropriate for us to take the initiative to get involved in complex external disputes."
Garos specially talked face-to-face with Iron Dragon this time. One of the main purposes was to explain the things about his upcoming slumber and to arrange the kingdom's operation strategy during his slumber.
Iron Dragon Sorog looked solemn.
"Understand that while we are asleep one after another, Aura Kingdom will continue the practices established during the tribal era."
He said solemnly, "We should focus on stability externally, quietly accumulate strength, develop internal affairs, try not to actively provoke foreign enemies, and avoid getting involved in unnecessary conflicts."
Red Iron Dragon on the throne nodded slightly, expressing satisfaction with this answer.
"We were the first to achieve a decisive victory in the previous wars between various countries, and therefore gained a lot of limelight and attracted the attention of many surrounding forces."
Garos said slowly, his eyes seemed to penetrate the palace and look towards the country.
"Now, we need to hibernate for a while."
"This will not only allow us to digest the fruits of victory with peace of mind and consolidate our rule over the newly occupied areas, but also reduce the psychological pressure and fear of other kingdoms towards the continued rise of Aura, allowing them to temporarily turn their attention away from us."
Hearing this, Sorog opened a dragon's kiss and smiled.
He echoed, "Those short-lived kings and nobles are always keen to compete for the short-term advantage."
"The victory or defeat of a war, the conclusion or breakdown of an alliance, the succession of thrones... in their view, it is the most important event worthy of being written down and recorded in the annals of history."
"And we dragons never want temporary glory."
"What we want is the pattern in ten years, a hundred years, or even a thousand years. What we pursue is glory for generations to come."
".Garos, I will always remember what you said."
After speaking, he stared at the dragon on the throne.
Under Sorog's focused gaze, Red Emperor laughed lowly.
After a while, the dragon's laughter subsided.
He slowly opened his mouth and said the words that have been regarded as a guideline by Aura Dragons, "Be patient, my brother, time is always on our side."