Chapter 173: The Descendant
Tianlong uncoiled from his resting position, his large serpent body stretched into the darkness. As he moved. Cloud-like wisps of energy drifted around his serpentine body, and celestial pearls embedded along his spine pulsed with a white light.
The dragon’s mane flowed like liquid. You could see the mana around his body, as it dripped off of him and into the graveyard. Despite having no wings, Tianlong lifted effortlessly from the ground, his massive body towering through the air as if gravity were merely a suggestion.
"Your companions will remain where they are," Tianlong declared, his voice resonating through the cavern. "This trial is yours alone, dragon-blood."
Grim stepped forward, his sword still crackling with azure energy. Fighting bone dragons was one thing—facing the brother of the Dragon Emperor was something else entirely.
"I accept your challenge," Grim said, raising his blade in a formal salute.
"Your companion will live or die based on her own strength," Tianlong interrupted. "That is not your concern during this trial. Focus on proving your worth, or join her in whatever fate awaits."
"She is not my companion. You may eat her if you want."
Without further warning, Tianlong attacked.
The celestial dragon’s movement was unlike anything Grim had ever encountered. There was no telegraphing, no buildup—one moment Tianlong was floating in place, the next his massive claws were sweeping toward Grim with speed that defied his enormous size.
Grim barely managed to raise his blade in time, the azure energy flaring as it met Tianlong’s claws. The impact sent shockwaves through the graveyard, causing even the settled bone dragons to rattle in their eternal rest.
"Celestial Judgment: First Heaven," Tianlong spoke, and suddenly the space around Grim filled with points of light that moved like living stars.