The young Blue Dragon Akzhi crossed the border between wakefulness and dreaming, stepping onto the mountaintop, and then stood a few paces behind Karon. Like other young Giant Dragons, Akzhi was not repulsed by waking dreams.
After transitioning through the sleep phase between a young dragon and adolescence, Blue Dragon Akzhi continued to develop.
Although the physical development speed was not as rapid as during the hatchling stage, the adolescent phase is the last period in a Giant Dragon’s life when they can develop quickly.
Once they reach adulthood, a Giant Dragon’s physical growth slows down, shifting toward exploiting their bloodline talents.
Most ordinary Giant Dragons may only awaken one or two magical abilities during the lengthy stage from hatchling to adulthood.
However, once reaching adulthood, regardless of the talent level, they can use Evil Dragon Blood to accelerate awakening of corresponding magic, making every adult Giant Dragon a magic adept.
But the innate magic awakened in dragons is quite subjective, for example, dragons with aggressive tendencies often awaken powerful spells capable of significant destruction.
In contrast, dragons with relatively calmer dispositions tend to awaken more control-oriented and practical spells. Regardless, the magic awakened in dragons aligns with their nature and is far more fearsome than the same spells cast by other mages.
This is one reason dragons sit atop the food chain; dragons have vulnerable hatchling periods when human adventurers, if numerous enough, can tip over young dragons with clever use of tools and schemes.
But dragon growth and the development of strength are disproportionate; at certain critical stages, a dragon’s strength suddenly explodes in growth.
For instance, dragons in the adult stage, with strong innate talents, can already contend with legends at their peak, possessing the power to destroy kingdoms; naturally, this is achievable only by dragons with exceptionally outstanding talents.
Some adult White Dragons remain enslaved by Frost Giants or pursued and fleeing from human adventurers; in essence, the adult stage is the watershed of dragon strength, where the strong grow stronger, and the weak remain weak.
The young Blue Dragon Akzhi is, of course, aware of this; ordinary Evil Dragons might wish to challenge Karon for the position as Master of the Dragon Clans upon reaching adulthood, but Akzhi has no such thoughts.
During the rapid development phase of adolescence, Akzhi’s body has reached over fourteen meters; Blue Dragons are not weak like the White and Black Dragon species.
Thus, Akzhi’s body is now also quite formidable, especially the massive, sturdy horn growing between his head and above his nose, which looks particularly intimidating.
Yet as Akzhi stood beside Karon, he felt overshadowed by the Red Dragon before him, whose wings exceeded the proportions of ordinary Giant Dragons, appearing broad enough to shelter the Blue Dragon from a storm.
"Akhzi, since when did you learn those human-like ceremonial gestures, haha," Karon glanced at the tranquil eyes of the young Blue Dragon and spoke casually.
"Karon, you are the Master of the Dragon Clans, the supreme ruler of the Land of Golden, the king of this earth, deserving of respect and reverence from all, even from dragons." Blue Dragon Akzhi responded calmly.
Among dragons, there has always been a distinct hierarchy; in some particularly strict Giant Dragon families, a lower-ranking dragon showing even a slight lack of respect toward higher-ranking dragons could invoke merciless retribution from them.
Even among Blue Dragons known for gathering together, there is a clear hierarchy within families. Young dragons within the dragon group during the hatchling stage also realized this through Blue Dragon Akzhi’s presence. At that time, Akzhi was proud and lofty.
Even Karon’s flattering could hardly move the demeanor of Blue Dragon Akzhi.
Red Dragon looked at the peaceful eyes of Blue Dragon Akzhi, shook his head, clapped the broad shoulder of the Blue Dragon with his robust dragon claw, and said in a deep voice, "Between dragon groups, don’t need to bother about these formalities. Tell me, Akzhi, why have you come to find me?"
"Centaur Warriors have escorted the Jackal Wolfman Tribe here, but the tribe’s former leader, the one named Yougu, said he wishes to offer the tribe’s treasure to the dragons,"
"Ha, I saw something called ambition in the eyes of that Jackal Wolfman. He’s different from regular Jackal Wolfmen; he’s quite clever, Karon." Blue Dragon Akzhi’s eyes flickered like the waves of the sea, showing interest.
Karon nodded; although he had only briefly seen Jackal Wolfman Leader Yougu once, for a Jackal Wolfman Tribe with a social structure as loose as Green-skinned Army to coalesce into such a formidable fighting unit with clear division of labor, the Jackal Wolfman Yougu must be extraordinary.
"Originally, I didn’t plan on seizing the wealth of the Jackal Wolfman Tribe, but since they offered it to the dragon group, I won’t refuse. I’ll give him a chance to see how much value his ambition can create for me, hoping his abilities match his ambition."
"It appears the dragon group’s treasure vault will be replenished with some fresh novelties."
Red Dragon smiled, revealing his long, white fangs. As a superior, he is not deterred by nor seeks to crush the ambition of subordinates; he even hopes that the Dragon’s Beloved possess their own ambitions.
Ambition means action; Karon guides the action brought by ambition toward the correct direction.
Moreover, Karon is not afraid of betrayal or other small maneuvers. As Red Dragon, he surveys these beloved from a high perch, ensuring he always remains atop the mountain.
"Hmm, then I’ll patrol the territory," Blue Dragon Akzhi spread his wings, preparing to soar.
Red Dragon extended his right wing to stop this diligent Blue Dragon somewhat out of place among Five-Colored Evil Dragons, smiling, said, "Akhzi, since the beginning of the dragon group’s agreement, you’ve been part of the dragon group,"
"This Jackal Wolfman’s wealth includes a part belonging to you. Go, summon the dragon group for me; today is the dragon group’s small feast, the Jackal Wolfman’s treasures will adorn our nest!"
The young Blue Dragon Akzhi looked at the Red Dragon, then nodded, and soared from the mountain top. The blue lightning darted through the steaming hot winds and thick clouds like the wind of freedom.
"Awoo," the young Blue Dragon flew in the sky, roaring angrily, the sound of the dragon booming like rolling thunder spreading across the vast sky.
This is the signal for the dragon group assembly long ago, and today, young Blue Dragon Akzhi summons the dragon group!