Torch Dragon was the Grand Elder of the Elder Dragon Race and Ancestral Dragon's younger brother. Years ago, Ancestral Dragon had repeatedly suppressed Ao Yue, even refusing to name him Crown Prince. It was Torch Dragon who had rallied the elders, mediated the dispute, and protected Ao Yue, allowing him to ascend smoothly to the Crown Prince's seat. Ao Yue therefore felt deeply attached to him, and upon hearing Meng Zhang say that he was nearing his end, he had rushed back as fast as he could.
"Roar!" The shout had barely faded when a dragon's roar rang out. A divine dragon millions of feet long passed through the barrier and flew into the minor world, arriving before the jade steps. Then purple light flashed, and he transformed into a young dragon in white immortal robes.
"Uncle!" The moment Ao Yue landed, he looked up at the old man atop the jade steps and called out, his eyes filled with worry.
"Roar!" A moment later, an azure dragon flew in. Meng Zhang also assumed the form of an innate Dao body and bowed with clasped hands to the old man seated above. "Grand Elder, I have brought His Highness back," he said respectfully.
"Good." Torch Dragon nodded, then raised a hand toward Ao Yue and said hoarsely, "Child, come here. Let your uncle... have a good look at you."
"Yes, Uncle." Ao Yue hurried up the jade steps and ran to Torch Dragon's side, taking his hand. "Uncle, Meng Zhang said your injuries..." he said worriedly.
"Heh, I only have this century left. Your imperial father, Primordial Phoenix, and Primordial... cough, cough, Primordial Qilin have all fallen. Holding on this long already counts as... borrowed time." Torch Dragon managed a strained smile.
"Uncle!" Hearing those words and seeing Torch Dragon's