Surviving the Dragon Transformation Tribulation, Dragon Force's Second Trait: Dragon Pearl! (Extra-long chapter)

A figure blocked Li Xiang's path.

It was Zhao Jia.

A follower of Lu Zaizhou, he was a formidable practitioner of body-hardening arts even among those in the second realm.

He had followed Lu Zaizhou toward the core of the Volcanic Furnace, but failed to enter. Retreating to the outskirts, he watched Li Xiang approach, his brows furrowing into three deep lines.

"Li Xiang, what are you doing?"

Zhao Jia stepped sideways, cutting off his path.

"You're the catalyst for this sealing operation, someone Young Master Lu specifically ordered us to protect. We can't afford even the slightest harm to you. You're not going in."

He folded his arms and pointed at the retreating figures inside. "Besides, open your eyes and look at the people going in!"

"Heirs of the Three Teachings, direct descendants of great clans, rare variants of the Demon Race. A first-realm martial artist like you wants to join that crowd? Don't waste your effort."

There was little malice in Zhao Jia's voice, only the instinctive arrogance born of differences in status and strength.

To him, keeping Li Xiang from burning to death was simply fulfilling his duty. The other man's dignity did not enter his considerations.

"Watch out, or you'll throw your life away and leave us wasting time and effort finding another catalyst."

Li Xiang stopped and looked at Zhao Jia standing before him.

He neither grew angry nor argued. He merely tilted his head slightly, his eyes utterly unruffled.

In this chaotic age where strength reigned supreme, words were the feeblest defense.

Li Xiang took a step forward and raised his right hand.

"First, I'm not a prisoner under your escort."

His voice was soft. His palm descended with seemingly weightless ease and settled on Zhao Jia's shoulder.

Zhao Jia instinctively tried to channel