The Crimson Glow Dragon was preparing for battle, a situation completely outside Li Fan's expectations.
Though of the same species as Little Ming, their behavioral patterns were diametrically opposed; the former was an exemplar of extreme discretion.
Only a deterrent of forbidden caliber could compel the Crimson Glow Dragon to maintain such a state.
This suggested it wished to protect Little Ming.
Li Fan formed this deduction in his mind.
Once it had fully mastered its autocyclic circulation, the Crimson Glow Dragon no longer needed to rely on ecological sustenance for its metabolism.
Having broken free from the constraints of its environment, and given its usual low-key demeanor, it would most likely have chosen to abandon the New World and flee.
However, the still-unfledged Little Ming, both for developmental needs and by nature, would absolutely refuse to leave the Elder's Recess.
Coupled with the fact that the Crimson Glow Dragon had rushed to Little Ming's aid when it was previously gravely injured.
Li Fan believed this was the only logical reason for its potential involvement.
Why did it feel like the scales of victory were tipping towards the New World... No, he couldn't relax. Even if the Crimson Glow Dragon did participate, it was an uncontrollable force.
There was also the possibility of it reneging on its temporary decision and refusing to face the Safi'jiiva.
Li Fan reminded himself that he absolutely could not let his guard down in this battle; any aspect that could be strengthened must be pursued further.
Bidding farewell to Ni Zhen, on his way back to his residence, Li Fan flipped open his notebook, searching for any further possibilities.
"The Shara Ishvalda is on the verge of madness, information on the Namielle and the Kulve Taroth is too scarce, the Elder Dragons Teostra and Lunastra were sent by the Safi'jiiva to participate in the Elder Crossing, they would be more inclined to help the opposing side than hinder it. The only one potentially inducible to join the fight..."
Li Fan's gaze deepened.
"Why is it you?"
Seeing the words "Deviljho" on the paper, and recalling its image bristling with thorns, an impulse to cross it out arose within him.
Of course, Li Fan was merely thinking about it.
Based on the monster's abilities and characteristics, the Deviljho's terrifying power and regenerative capabilities meant it could engage in close combat with the Safi'jiiva.
The only unknown was how long it could last.
Due to some misunderstandings, Li Fan had actually been intentionally avoiding the Deviljho.
Not knowing how to face a monster, this was a first for him.
"It does indeed like to hunt Elder Dragons, but it wouldn't possibly include the Safi'jiiva in its hunting scope..."
Li Fan mused, feeling that how to induce it was a difficult problem.
The next morning, the Crimson Fury ascended from the Astera base, heading for the Elder's Recess.
Two days later, before the colossal crystal pillars.
Li Fan stared at the Barroth guarding Little Ming, utterly bewildered.
Roar~
Little Ming indicated that this was its Royal Guard Captain.
"Alright, when we act together, you pay extra attention to the Royal Guard Captain."
Li Fan feared that if Little Ming were to turn too abruptly one day, it might accidentally swat the Royal Guard Captain to death with a single tail flick.
Roar... Roar!
A dragon like this King... Impossible! This King is a unique existence in the world!
After being informed of the Crimson Glow Dragon's potential participation, Little Ming, with its resolute attitude, refused to even acknowledge the Crimson Glow Dragon's existence.
"But it does exist..."
Li Fan was helpless.
Roar... Roar!
"If it were also a King, it would surely announce itself to the world!"
"Perhaps... the way of the King that the Crimson Glow Dragon follows is different from yours?"
Li Fan speculated.
Roar! Roar!
"Impossible! There is only one way of the King, and that is conquest!" Li Fan had hoped for the possibility of the Crimson Glow Dragon and the Safi'jiiva fighting in coordination.
However, Little Ming refused to acknowledge its existence, and the Crimson Glow Dragon had never sent any signals.
This idea had to be abandoned.
"Alright, I've come this time not only to deliver information but also to borrow your underground palace for a while."
Roar~
"Feel free to use it as you please."
Little Ming said generously.
Li Fan then guided the Crimson Fury to approach on the ground.
Several cat heads emerged from behind the bulwark. Pawchy and the culinary team together observed the Safi'jiiva.
"What a colossal flying dragon, bigger than Wiggler-chan, meow."
Leaf said in surprise.
Before long, the hoisted cargo boxes were lowered to the ground.
Listening to the buzzing sounds from within the boxes, Little Ming sensed a trace of an aura it detested.
Roar?
"What is this?"
"These are Rhenoplos larvae. One of the companions I've recruited has the ability to transform them into dragon-elemental energy. However, these Rhenoplos larvae are still too weak, so I wish to use the environment of the Royal Palace for their cultivation."
Li Fan explained.
He had previously observed that Rhenoplos larvae were significantly strengthened even in the outer regions of the Elder's Recess.
With the life energy intensity of the Sealed Area, even if it couldn't further advance the Rhenoplos larvae swarm, it could at least provide more abundant dragon-elemental energy for Lei Ge.
Roar... Roar~
"Alright... A King never goes back on his word."
Little Ming disliked the Rhenoplos larvae, but since it had spoken its promise, it could only accept.
After setting up several Rhenoplos larvae boxes in the Sealed Area, Li Fan closed his eyes and pondered for a moment, finally making a decision.
Moving away from Little Ming, the team followed the map to a spacious area.
Li Fan took out the Azure Age's Storm Jade and held it in his hand, then stood side-by-side with Eudora.
Both closed their eyes, concentrated their minds, and extended their hands to their sides, gripping each other.
The swirling winds that enveloped the Wind Serpent Dragon's armor and the flashing golden lightning on the Thunder Serpent Dragon's armor were conducted through the contact of their palms, connecting and converging.
A surging energy, a fusion of wind and lightning, radiated outward from their bodies.
This miraculous convergence of energy had always existed, but it became even more intense after the Wind Serpent Dragon's Jade was embedded in Eudora's breastplate.
However, their current objective was not exploration or training, but to use the released energy to attract a certain monster.
Just a few minutes later, a massive figure with flapping wings descended from high above.
"The Deviljho is here, meow!"
Tally urgently issued a warning.
The two opened their eyes and released their clasped hands.
"Why isn't it looking at me at all?"
Although Eudora did not draw her sword, she remained in a vigilant stance, observing.
To her surprise, after landing, the Deviljho did not scan the surroundings; its gaze was fixed solely on Li Fan.
"Perhaps... the lightning from my armor is more conspicuous?"
Eudora noticed Li Fan's voice coming from behind her, so she turned her head to look, and was surprised to find that he had already retreated several dozen steps.
Thump~ Thump~...
The Deviljho, following Li Fan's retreat, began to advance.
"This..."
Eudora immediately shifted sideways and drew her sword, preparing to confront it.
But the Deviljho completely ignored her. Moreover, Li Fan had previously instructed that this meeting should primarily be for negotiation and not to actively initiate combat, so she could only watch helplessly as it walked past her. Li Fan, who was continuously retreating, kicked a crystal rock wall with his heel and realized there was no path behind him.
"Heh heh, the weather is quite nice today..."
Li Fan said with a dry laugh, and a slight wave of his hand.
Roar~
The Deviljho twitched its wings, lowered its head, and let out a sigh, appearing very dejected.
Tally, leaning against the crystal rock wall, couldn't help but ask in a low voice, "Li Fan, what did it say, meow?"
"It said its elder brother, the Kushala Daora, has gone missing. Only a faint trace of its presence remains, and it can no longer pursue. It might not be able to fulfill its promise of love."
Li Fan translated.
"Didn't the Kushala Daora get hunted, meow... Wait! What is the promise of love?" xxs
Tally's eyes widened, appearing extremely surprised.
"Uh... I mistranslated. It should be called... a promise of friendship, yes! A promise of friendship!"
Li Fan corrected himself, emphasizing the category of the promise.
Roar~
The Deviljho pressed its claws down, raised its head, looking as if it had regained its confidence.
"It seems it wants to re-establish a promise of friendship, meow!"
Although Tally couldn't translate, having interacted with monsters frequently, she could analyze some of the more obvious expressions in certain situations.
Facing this great opportunity, all it took was one promise that could never be fulfilled to induce Meow-meow to participate.
But Li Fan remained silent for a moment and ultimately chose to give up.
He did not want to exploit this love that transcended species to make Meow-meow participate in a battle that might cost it its life.
"It's impossible between us, never."
Li Fan said firmly.
"Mmm~ Hmm? Ah..."
Tally was so startled by these words that she even forgot to meow.
The Deviljho's pupils constricted, and its body froze in place.
Roar~
After a long while, the Deviljho left a "Understood" and turned, flapping its wings.
"But I can help you become a peak-level monster."
Li Fan stated calmly.
Roar~
The Deviljho turned back, indicating that Li Fan was too weak and it didn't believe he could help it.
"Tally, the drawing board!"
Li Fan gave instructions, and Tally unloaded her backpack, busying herself.
Soon, an easel was set up, and a drawing board depicting the Crimson Glow Dragon and the Safi'jiiva was placed on it.
Seeing the Safi'jiiva, the Deviljho showed little reaction, seemingly having no impression of it.
But when it looked at the Crimson Glow Dragon, its eyes trembled uncontrollably.
Roar~
Emperor...
The Deviljho let out a sigh.
"This one is called Safi'jiiva, and it is even more powerful than the Crimson Glow Dragon. In the near future, they will meet in the New World, and it is highly likely that one of them will perish."
Li Fan pointed to both dragons.
Hiss~ Hiss~...
The Deviljho's thorns began to protrude and grow.
Its gaping mouth dripped with viscous saliva down its fangs.
Countless fine blood vessels bulged around its yellow vertical pupils, and the ferocity and greed in its eyes were completely unmasked.
Seeing its demonic appearance, Eudora anxiously asked, "Li Fan! Should I intervene?"
"It's fine, a normal reaction."
Li Fan appeared remarkably calm about this.
Roar! Roar! Roar!....
After a roar of catharsis towards the sky, the Deviljho gradually calmed down.
"Regardless of which one perishes, you will be the one who benefits the most. Are you interested?"
Roar~
Facing Li Fan's question, the extremely excited Deviljho indicated its willingness to participate.
"Then prepare for battle as soon as possible. Based on the impact of their fight, I believe you will easily find the battlefield... Oh, right, our enemy is the Safi'jiiva."
After Li Fan's reminder, the Deviljho leaped into the air, knocking over two crystal pillars before ascending and flying away.
"How could this be, meow..."
Tally couldn't understand.
Li Fan had previously firmly stated that it was impossible, and the Deviljho had only shown dejection and sadness.
Then, after a simple introduction, the Deviljho suddenly entered an extremely emotional state.
"The Deviljho can gain energy by devouring monster carcasses."
Li Fan explained.
"Ah! Then if it eats the carcass of a forbidden creature, meow..."
Tally suddenly understood the reason.
"It's likely that unimaginable mutations will occur."
Li Fan speculated.
"Speaking of which, can it really play a positive role?"
Eudora, seeing the Deviljho's ferocious appearance just now, felt it was somewhat unreliable.
"Of course, it's a genuine Elder Dragon slayer."
Li Fan said with great certainty.
The team's next destination was the Coral Highlands.
Due to the worsening miasma, the clean-loving Puffball had to migrate to higher elevations.
Although recent rainfall had been increasing, barely allowing the higher-altitude Coral Palicos to collect some rainwater.
However, this was only enough to cope with daily life; there was no hope of seeing rainbow sprays.
Seeing the deteriorating environment, Puffball also had thoughts of migrating.
Because no matter how much it liked the vibrant scenery before it, survival was still the top priority.
On a Coral Palico slightly lower than Puffball, the Pukei-Pukei was conversing with the Jyuratodus.
The content was largely a beautified version of its experience being chased by the monster team in the Great Ravine of the Great Ravine.
Under the Pukei-Pukei's vivid description, the Jyuratodus, listening with wide eyes, exclaimed, "Awesome!"
If it hadn't glimpsed the Crimson Fury approaching in the sky, the Pukei-Pukei, still in high spirits, might have continued to talk incessantly.
The team used descent ropes to reach the leaves of the Coral Palico.
Puffball spun and slid its body in place, creating a pile of shimmering, iridescent bubbles, welcoming the team's arrival.
"Puffball, I need your assistance in a battle."
Li Fan stated his intention.
Roar~
Puffball said it hadn't participated in a battle for a long time and was looking forward to it.
"Uh... the enemy this time is a bit formidable, you need to be prepared in advance."
Li Fan informed it.
Roar~
Puffball said it didn't matter, it had two friends who could provide assistance.
Li Fan was somewhat speechless; those two little shrimps would likely be scared away directly upon seeing the divine realm.
Hearing Puffball mention itself, the Jyuratodus and the Pukei-Pukei leaped onto this Coral Palico together.
They stood on either side behind Puffball.
Li Fan observed that Puffball's aura was quite imposing.
"These two don't need to act. You just need to go with me."
Roar~
Puffball instructed the Jyuratodus and the Pukei-Pukei to proceed with caution before being taken into the ball by Li Fan.
"If a crisis truly arises, the upper regions of the瘴气之谷 (Miasma Valley) will be relatively safer. You can hide there."
Li Fan was currently unsure of the battle zone, but if there were a final judgment-like area-of-effect attack unleashed in the Coral Highlands, neither surface nor aerial creatures would be spared.
Roar~ Roar~
The Jyuratodus and the Pukei-Pukei exchanged glances and indicated they understood.
The next stop was the Great Ravine of the Great Ravine.
Nine giant circular pits appeared on the desert surface.
"Is Shanshan playing whack-a-mole..."
Li Fan muttered, looking at the pits arranged in a nine-square grid, and descended via cable.
Fearing he might fall into a pit, he called out before touching the ground.
"Shanshan!"
Rumble~ Rumble~ Rumble~...
The ground trembled, and dust billowed.
Before long, the skull of the Serpent King Dragon emerged from the giant pit.
Crack~
Its lower jaw opened towards the sky.
"Don't move, Shanshan!"
Li Fan said, using his body to swing the cable back and forth, and leaped into the giant mouth.
.
Zhao Lala reminds you: Remember to bookmark after reading.