The vibrant crimson radiance of the Dragon's Heart slowly receded. Tran Kien stood there, in the center of the ancient sacrificial altar. Though the glowing halo no longer enveloped his body, the aura he exuded was ten times more majestic and formidable than before. His bronzed skin now possessed a jade-like luster, his long black hair fluttered slightly without the presence of wind, and his pitch-black eyes were as calm as an autumn lake—yet deep within them, it seemed as if a sun was secretly burning.
Peak Qi Condensation Realm! In a single inheritance, he had crossed a distance that other cultivators would require decades of bitter cultivation to achieve. However, what he had reaped was far greater than mere cultivation levels. He had obtained the recognition of the Dragon Vein and could now borrow a portion of its power. More importantly, his mind was now filled with the complete mantras and the most profound insights of the Lac Viet Cosmic Array.
He stepped down from the altar. His footsteps remained as light as before, yet they carried the immense weight of the mountains and the earth.
"Tran... Big Brother Tran..." Lam Vy was the first to speak. Her voice held joy, but also a hint of unfamiliarity. The youth before her seemed to have undergone a complete metamorphosis.
Tran Kien looked at her, the majesty in his eyes softening into a familiar, warm smile. "I am still me."
He turned to look at Uncle Sword, Ly Tin, and Trinh Cong, then bowed solemnly. "This time, I offer my gratitude to you seniors for guarding my path."
"Do not say such things!" Ly Tin hurriedly waved his hand, his attitude completely transformed. "We are merely followers who have benefited from your fortune. You are now the master of this sacred ground, shouldering the destiny of the entire Lac Viet legacy. There is no need for such formalities with us."
"No," Tran Kien shook his head, his voice resolute. "Being the master or not is unimportant. We are companions who have faced life and death together. This is a point that will never change."
His words warmed the hearts of the three elders and filled them with admiration. To possess such terrifying power at such a young age yet remain humble and true to his original heart—this youth's character was truly precious.
"Good!" Uncle Sword nodded, his eyes filled with satisfaction. "If that is the case, Master of the Sacred Ground, give your orders. What should we do next?"
Tran Kien looked toward the two stone doors. "As planned. We will depart through the Gate of Life. We cannot evade the chessboard of the outside world forever. It is time to return."
"What about the Dragon's Heart?" Lam Vy asked anxiously. "Are we just going to leave it here?"
Tran Kien gazed at the colossal crimson crystal that was still slowly pulsating. He could feel a profound connection to it.
"It is not an object that can be taken away," he explained. "It is the core of this entire secret realm and the source of the Great Viet Dragon Vein. If it leaves this place, it will lose its protection and gradually weaken. Our mission is not to possess it, but to protect it, and use its power to revitalize the Dragon Veins of the outside world."
He closed his eyes, using his spiritual sense to connect with the Guardian Dragon still hidden in the sky. Senior, I trouble you to continue guarding this place. When the descendants possess enough strength, we will surely return and make the legacy of our ancestors shine under the sun once more.
A low, thunderous dragon roar echoed from above as if in response.
With the decision made, the group did not linger. Tran Kien took the lead, with the other four following, stepping toward the Gate of Life which emanated a warm aura of vitality. The four Bronze Warriors stood as motionless as statues, silently seeing their master off.
As Tran Kien stepped through the gate, he turned his head to look at the mystical secret realm one last time. He looked at the Dragon Mountain, the beating heart, and the world that had completely altered his destiny.
I will certainly return!
The stone doors slowly closed behind them. A blinding light washed over them, forcing everyone to close their eyes. The familiar sensation of the world turning upside down reappeared.
When they opened their eyes, the surrounding scenery had completely changed.
They were no longer underground. They were standing in a vast, dry cavern. Sunlight streamed in from the cave entrance, bringing with it the scent of greenery and the fresh air of the outside world. Birds chirped and the wind rustled through the canopy.
They had returned.
"This place is..." Ly Tin looked out from the cave entrance, attempting to determine their location.
"It is somewhere within the Endless Mountain Range," Uncle Sword replied, having already swept his spiritual sense over the surroundings. "About three days' journey east of Lam Kinh. It seems this Gate of Life not only brought us out safely but also helped us bypass most of the enemy's encirclement."
"Then must we leave right now?" Lam Vy asked.
"No rush," Tran Kien shook his head. He looked toward Uncle Sword. "Uncle Sword, I believe the chess game in Thanh Province has not yet ended. Marquis Vinh An and the Black Dragon Stronghold will certainly not give up easily. They couldn't find us here, but sooner or later they will guess that we have headed for Lam Kinh. The path ahead is likely still filled with traps."
"You are right," Uncle Sword nodded, his expression grave. "Then in your opinion, what should we do?"
Tran Kien looked at his palm. The power of the Peak Qi Condensation Realm was surging within him. He now possessed strength, wisdom, and a legacy. Now was no longer the time to run.
"Before we reach Lam Kinh," he said, a cold light flickering in his eyes, "we must pluck out a few annoying thorns first. Marquis Vinh An is in the distant capital, and we cannot touch him for the time being. But the Black Eagle Fortress—his hunting dog in this region—must be taught a lesson."
He turned to Ly Tin. "General Ly, do you have a detailed map of the Black Eagle Fortress? I want to know exactly where their lair is."