Chapter 267: The Ancient Dragon Transformation Pool
Yuan Qian and the others all bowed and said, "Thank you, young friend."
"No need to be polite. Eliminating demons is something all living beings should strive for," Xiao Tian said, waving his hand. "Now, the Demon Suppression Prison is free of demons. However, there's a powerful figure meditating below, so be sure not to disturb her. If she kills someone, there will be no one to blame."
"Rest assured, we will seal this place and ensure no one enters," Yuan Qian nodded. "Since you helped us with this problem, the Ancient Dragon Transformation Pool will be your reward."
Although the Ancient Dragon Transformation Pool was significant to the Dragon Clan, it was less important than the safety of the Dragon Domain. By preventing the demon energy from invading their territory, Xiao Tian had become a benefactor to the Dragon Clan. Naturally, they were willing to grant his request. Additionally, forming a good relationship with such a powerful individual could be beneficial in the future.
"Thank you, Clan Leader Yuan Qian," Xiao Tian said with a smile.
"Follow me, young friend. Today, I will open the Dragon Transformation Pool for you. However, you'll be accompanied by my daughter, Yuan Xin, and another Dragon Clan member, Yan Feng," Yuan Qian said.
As they journeyed, Yuan Qian explained the significance of the Dragon Transformation Pool. It was a treasured site of the Dragon Clan, where elders nearing the end of their lives would enter to transfer their life force into the pool, leaving behind their bones and infusing the pool with their power. Over the years, the energy accumulated in the pool had reached a terrifying level.
Even within the Dragon Clan, not everyone could enter the pool. It opened once every two years, and only three individuals could enter each time. The dragon bones within the pool were classified into upper, middle, and lower grades, depending on the strength of the deceased dragons. Additionally, there were ancient dragon bones from the Dragon Clan's golden era, when they dominated the entire Monster Domain.
Eventually, they reached the vicinity of the Dragon Transformation Pool. The surrounding space was highly distorted, and even approaching it made the air feel viscous.
"Young friend, the Dragon Transformation Pool is impossible to fly over. You must walk," Yuan Qian said.
Despite being capable of flying with his current strength, Xiao Tian chose to follow the rules out of respect for the Dragon Clan's territory. Soon, under Yuan Qian's guidance, they arrived at a basin surrounded by mountains, where a massive black pool lay. The pool, about a thousand meters in diameter, was filled with viscous black water, completely still. Around it grew black trees with trunks covered in what seemed like dragon scales, and even the grass had a metallic sheen, resembling scales swaying in the wind.
"That is the Ancient Dragon Transformation Pool," Yuan Qian said reverently. "To prevent the energy within from leaking, it is sealed by a formation. It requires the combined effort of myself and six elders to open it."
He then addressed the others, "Once the pool is open, be cautious inside. The energy is immense and can help you, but it can also be dangerous. If you feel you can't withstand it, retreat immediately, or your body might be overwhelmed and destroyed."
With that, Yuan Qian and the six elders released energy beams that pierced the formation above the pool. The formation dissipated, and a black pillar of light shot skyward, causing the surrounding space to shatter.
"Swoosh!"
Three figures, including Xiao Tian, entered the pool. Watching him disappear, Yuan Qian remarked, "I wonder what kind of dragon bone Xiao Tian will acquire."
"An ancient dragon bone is quite possible," an elder speculated.
"Indeed, with Xiao Tian's strength, he has a good chance of obtaining an ancient dragon bone."
Suddenly, another elder said, "Do you think he might obtain that dragon bone?"
Everyone shook their heads, unsure. Although Xiao Tian was powerful, acquiring that specific dragon bone was no easy feat—it was the remains of the Dragon Emperor who once ruled the Monster Domain.
...
As Xiao Tian descended into the pool, darkness enveloped his vision, and he found himself surrounded by viscous black water. He sensed an overwhelming energy converging on him, exerting unimaginable pressure on his bones.
He realized he needed to find a powerful dragon bone to endure the energy of the pool. Otherwise, even with his robust body, the pressure could shatter his skeleton.
As the energy surged into him, it was absorbed by his blood and flowed into his heart, gradually strengthening it. Xiao Tian's bloodline contained the essence of the Dragon Phoenix, a combination of the Taixu Ancient Dragon and the Ancient Heavenly Phoenix, which made the energy in the Dragon Transformation Pool incredibly beneficial to him.
Despite the temptation to remain and absorb the energy, Xiao Tian pressed on, searching for the most powerful dragon bone. After a long search, he found nothing.
"What's going on?" Xiao Tian wondered aloud.
"Many in the Dragon Clan don't understand what happens when they acquire dragon bones," Yan suddenly said. "My master once saw the Ancient Dragon Transformation Pool and said that true power isn't just about physical strength."
"But my soul power is already very strong!" Xiao Tian said, puzzled. Finally, he resolved to unleash his soul power.
As soon as his soul power emerged, the surrounding black water surged toward him, emitting a piercing sound. Xiao Tian felt intense pain as if the water was cutting his soul with countless tiny blades. Despite the agony, he sensed that his soul was being tempered.
However, this process caused him to lose control of his body, and his consciousness continued to sink deeper into the pool.
(End of Chapter)