Chapter 1806: Escape

Dragon Shadow did not know the final outcome of that battle because it was under immense suppression at the time and was moved away along with the Nine Provinces.

It mused that the cultivators who remained in the Nine Provinces likely met a grim end.

Ten thousand years have passed, and the cultivators of the Nine Provinces have seen countless generations come and go, long forgetting the glory of the Pre-Nine Provinces era. Yet, when faced with crisis, they still display the same resolve and determination as the cultivators of that ancient time.

With two eras separated by ten millennia, and vast differences in cultivation levels, yet the same choices were made. Dragon Shadow wondered if such qualities could be inherited.

Or was it a fundamental quality embedded deep within the human spirit?

It had sensed the great battle back then. It had struggled to break free, wanting to assist the Pre-Nine Provinces cultivators, but ultimately did not succeed.

The powerful beings of the Pre-Nine Provinces era must have sensed its struggles, especially the companion who had sealed it. However, that individual had no intention of releasing it, as they understood each other intimately and knew that, if freed, Dragon Shadow would undoubtedly make the same choice.

If the human race could fight to the death without retreating, there was no reason why the noble dragon race should not.

Thus, it was moved away along with the Nine Provinces. That companion left it within the Nine Provinces, a decision that served as both a form of protection and a profound entrustment.

The relocated Nine Provinces were entrusted to it. Though no one explicitly told it, Dragon Shadow understood its companion’s intention.

Over the course of ten millennia, after countless recollections, it had discerned several anomalies. Even its own sealing seemed peculiar, as the mistake it had committed back then was not grave, yet its companion had insisted on sealing it.

Perhaps, even then, the cultivators of the Pre-Nine Provinces era had already foreseen an impending great crisis. This calamity was a consequence of the actions of the Pre-Nine Provinces humans, and it was naturally their responsibility to resolve it. No one wished to implicate an innocent dragon.

Sealing it beforehand was a definitive way to prevent its participation in the conflict.

A postnatal supreme treasure like the Heaven’s Secret Plate could not be forged overnight. No matter how powerful the cultivators of the Pre-Nine Provinces era were, its refinement would still consume a vast amount of time. Thus, at the very moment it was sealed, those individuals had already begun the process of forging the Heaven’s Secret Plate.

Many matters gradually became clear to it much later. This is why, in the Post-Nine Provinces era, it became willing to communicate with Little Nine. However, the artifact spirit seemed quite wary of it and had never released it.

This was normal, as its power was ultimately still too immense for this world.

“Senior, if you truly wish to be freed, this is your only opportunity; such a chance will not come again. If you are truly unwilling, then I shall depart now,” Lu Ye urged, seeing no reaction from Dragon Shadow.

Although he generally understood Dragon Shadow's thoughts, Lu Ye remained uncertain of its final decision and knew he could not interfere.

However, as he had previously stated, the Nine Provinces currently faced only two paths. If Dragon Shadow did not agree, then the Nine Provinces would have no choice but to commit everything to a battle against Yue Xin.

This would undoubtedly lead to an extremely tragic outcome, yet no one would retreat because of it. At the very least, the current Star Constellation cultivators would not!

“Boy, you think you have me cornered, don’t you?” Dragon Shadow remarked, looking at Lu Ye with a hint of displeasure.

“Not at all, I’m merely presenting the facts and reasoning with you, Senior,” Lu Ye replied, his expression sincere.Dragon Shadow then said, “Are you not afraid that once I am freed, I will bring chaos to the Nine Provinces?”

“What good would fear do?” Lu Ye countered. “The Nine Provinces are already in a terrible situation, so no matter what, it won’t get any worse than this! Of course, if Senior is willing to swear a Great Bloodline Oath before being freed, that would be even better. I, your junior, would offer my thanks on behalf of the Nine Provinces human race.”

Dragon Shadow chuckled. “A Great Bloodline Oath! You and that Heaven’s Secret Plate are quite audacious, truly daring to scheme!” Its laughter ceased, and it stated with a deep voice, “Then quickly help me break free!”

Lu Ye immediately understood that the matter was settled.

Although Little Nine had previously instructed him to have this powerful dragon swear a Great Bloodline Oath, it was clear from the current circumstances that such a request was unrealistic. Ultimately, the Nine Provinces were seeking assistance, and simply releasing the entity swiftly and smoothly might prompt a reciprocal favor. Attempting to negotiate conditions would only cause discomfort.

As for what the entity might do to the Nine Provinces after being freed... there was no time to worry about it. They could only take this one gamble.

Since Yang Qing was the companion of a powerful figure from the Pre-Nine Provinces era, even if it wished to vent anger, it likely wouldn't take things too far.

To free Yang Qing, Lu Ye did not need to do anything; Little Nine would handle everything. From the very beginning, Little Nine possessed the ability to release the entity, but had simply chosen not to.

If a Sun-Illuminated realm cultivator had not suddenly appeared in the Nine Provinces this time, Little Nine would not have revealed Yang Qing's existence. For the current Nine Provinces, both Yue Xin and Yang Qing posed too great a danger.

Lu Ye emerged from Dragon Spring and ascended into the air.

Moments later, spiritual energy from all directions surged wildly towards the location, collectively funneling deep underground.

Hundred Peaks Mountain began to tremble, and cracks appeared in the earth. The entire region for thousands of miles became a chaotic mess, with countless buildings collapsing in Qingyu Mountain, Tailuo Sect, and even the three strongholds of the Qin clan. Ruins and rubble lay scattered everywhere.