Time swiftly flowed, and another day passed.
Still, the Huang Dragons were in a state of unrest over Cain's group's incredibly promising future.
The more younger and hot-tempered Dragons were fervently supporting Cain's group, wishing to see their Imperial Family rise.
But, not everyone in the younger generation was on the same page. Many older ones from the younger generation still had unwilling sentiments birth within their Martial Hearts.
To them, they could only be thoroughly convinced with a showcase of true strength. After all, no matter how seemingly high one's talent is, they might as well be average without proper utilization of such strength.
If Cain's group were at the appropriate cultivation level, they would undoubtedly be receiving challenges from those Huang Dragons.
But because each of them is mere Innate Lords, nobody could genuinely prove themselves.
Suppressing their cultivations wouldn't help either, as their foundation is fundamentally more evolved than Cain's group. The disparity is simply impossible to overcome.
So now, the Huang Dragons that were still unwilling had no choice but to wait until Cain's group had truly grown up, creating this slight tense and awkward situation.
None of these Huang Dragons had even the idiota of courage to tear off all face with Cain's group.
No matter what, each of them is closely protected by the Dragon Ancestors. Even though Amber doesn't have true Dragon blood, the fact that she is Cain's companion instantly elevated her status to where no common Huang Dragon can offend her.
Although, there are a few small select few that still had quite the different opinions towards Cain's group.
Inside the highest chamber of the Imperial Palace, two of the Huang Dragons' most extraordinary geniuses were meeting.
One of them was a scholarly-looking young man. His presence, bearing, and aura exuded an upfront vibe that made him seem completely honest. With just a smile, anyone would feel inevitably charmed by him.
Nobody would actually believe he has schemes or any hidden intentions within his mind.
Although, this was under ordinary times.
Now, this scholarly young man held a mysterious glint in his eyes, his expression showcasing a threatening indifference. It was as if he was calculating a serious danger right before his eyes.
As for the other genius, she was an astute, straight-laced woman. Despite her high status and genius cultivation, not a single bit of arrogance can be seen within her eyes or feel through her aura.
Even down to her perfectly trimmed brows, neatly braided oceanic blue hair that flowed down to her waist, and conservative golden dragon robes, her appearance was of perfect order.
Everything she has done, she pulls forth her complete focus, never leaving any mistake left behind.
The scholarly man was Huang Zilong, the Crown Prince of the Imperial Family.
While the astute young maiden was Huang Linlong, one of the highest Martial talents out of the Royal descendants.
Between these two, a somber atmosphere settled.
Only a few matters could cause waves in their rock-solid Martial Hearts. And the recent news about two, once zero aptitude cultivation wastes now being the highest talents in hundreds of years, was enough to crack their Martial Hearts all over.
Huang Zilong had a slight sneer slowly forming the more he thought over this situation.
With cold eyes, he slowly said, "I truly do wonder if the Heaven is playing some sort of twisted joke. From here on out, all of our resources will be dramatically cut off. Worst of all, even if we wanted to bother with them, their cultivation is too pitifully low to directly change the situation."
Even though his life has been on the high road for years, Huang Zilong similarly wasn't the one to get overly conceited. He could clearly sense the evident threat Cain, Kali, and Amber pose.
Each was a threat that would directly impede his way of life forever.
And if it were any Royal descendants, even the number one talent Huang Liellong, Zilong would have the absolute assurance to deal with it.
But Cain's group, this whole situation was befuddled with endless mysteries. With such a lack of information, barely anything could be done at this moment.
"Well, let's just review all the information we have now. The crimson-haired girl…I believe her name was Amber? She has talents surpassing yours. Cain and Kali far surpass what was recorded in history. And apparently, it was only until recently that their cultivation mysteriously submerged. The Ancient Dragons and even the Emperor are claiming it was all due to the mysterious ways of the Heavenly Dao. Cain and Kali talent was too great that it needed years to properly manifest. If one doesn't think too deeply, it is a likely story. But…I just feel as if it has far too many flaws."
Huang Linlong slowly explained, her expression continually flashing ponderance.
She was one of the few who initially regarded Cain and Kali with complete indifference, not caring whether they thrived.
But now, they became a top priority in her mind.
Huang Zilong tightly knit his brows together, recalling all that he desperately managed to scourge up. "All that I received from Royal father is that the true oddities started two months ago. Ancestor Wei mobilized a huge scale event about the Phoenixes, providing critical information. But it was also at this time that Cain and Kali mysteriously disappeared. Apparently, they both had gone down to the Lower Realms for some so-called training. And it was also there they got that crimson-haired girl. Before that two months disappearance…did Cain and Kali do anything you would deem suspicious in your eyes?"
"Suspicious?" Huang Linlong closed her eyes. "Nothing really…I believe. Although, thinking about it, their personality dramatically differs compared to two months ago. Both of them were completely submissive and were easily fooled by the others many times. Though, nothing major ever happened to them…"
As she slowly spoke, one strange memory flashed into Huang Linlong's mind, causing her eyes to snap back open. "Say, would this count as something odd? I do believe before two months that I saw Cain finding particularly enjoyment out one ordinary looking Mortal book. He was heavily invested in this book, but if any of my other siblings were to read it, they would claim it was too muddle and confusing to read. Perhaps it could be something…"
Huang Zilong only thought about it for a moment before cluelessly shrugging. "Books? This is far too little of a connection. Even if we were to search the whole entire damn library, I doubt we can find anything relating to an ability that can submerge heaven-defying Martial Talent."
"I suppose not…" Huang Linlong slightly relented before saying, "But still, I do recall seeing Cain and Kali constantly in the library. Moreover, they only casually glanced at others' scrolls and books before squarely focusing on that Mortal Book. It's a weak connection, but the only one we have."
No matter how much wisdom and intelligence both Huang Zilong and Linlong have, how could they ever expect that Cain has the absolute cheat of the Ancient Chaos Book?
All speculations and theories will inevitably fall into a dead end.
The only proper way they could find out more clues would be actually getting close to both Cain and Kali.
Knowing this, Huang Zilong's sneer only increased. "You must know we only have one other option, right? But before this, we should just wait for the Ancestors' decision on their combat prowess. After all, how can we put the whole future on merely potential? Soon enough, those three should be undergoing the illusion killing array."
"Mn…by the time we were Innate Lords, we both can skip three minor boundaries. It was only until we reached the Sacred Sovereign realm could we skip one major boundary. That should be the limit we should judge it by, right?" Huang Linlong earnestly asked.
Huang Zilong lightly chuckled. "Truthfully, neither of them even need to skip a major boundary as of now. Even for the great Heavenly Venerate disciples, the top-tier talents can only skip one major boundary. Their great advantage comes from their incredible cultivation speed and powerful foundations. Only those extreme top-tier talents can skip two major boundaries. But even then, those who can skip multiple minor boundaries aren't anything to scoff at. The Ancestors would surely nurture them if they can simply skip minor boundaries."
"And if they can't? I'm more than aware that their foundations are the farthest from being disorderly. But that's only one part. Who can say they can actually skip even one minor boundary?"
A cold smile blossomed on Huang Zilong's face. His tone was chillingly dark. "If they can't even manage that, then…a silver lining can possibly open up for us. Combat prowess is just as important as cultivation. Just average prowess is nowhere near enough for the Imperial family to pour their resources in. And we can be sure to reinforce this idea if it does happen."
The ominous nature leaking out of Huang Zilong was plain to Linlong.
For the entirety of the Huang Dragons, only a very select few recognize this kind side of Huang Zilong.
Huang Linlong is a case in point. She was the very first one to be clear about his shrewd nature. And with her serious, straight-laced nature, one would think their personality would naturally clash.
However, Huang Linlong never found one problem with colluding together with Zilong. They both can efficiently work together, causing them to gain access to more resources together than if they were split apart.
Their only difference comes in the amount of risk they believed they should take.
When faced with an overwhelming issue like Cain's group, she couldn't help but feel more cautious than she felt with any other task.
Her expression carried slight concern as she said, "Scheming against them even with low prowess…is that such a good idea? Even with the most average of prowess, their base cultivation would still be a valuable asset. You should also be aware that the higher the cultivation, the far harder it is to skip boundaries. Even Heavenly Venerate disciples who could once skip two major boundaries will see a major drop in prowess because of the massive chasm between high cultivation. A zenith limit Divine Ruler, Holy King, and a Primal Sovereign can still directly change the family no matter their prowess."
"Hmm…? Is that right? Heh…" Huang Zilong still had it in him to chuckle even when realistically considering their situation.
He continued to confidently say, "As I keep on saying, your cautious nature is more of a burden than a true benefit. So what if we do scheme against them? So what if we do it if they all have great combat prowess? Are you truly willing to stay under their thumbs, allowing for all of them to greatly surpass us just like that? I know for sure that I am completely unwilling! Linlong, you should be more than aware that we can tremendously grow into blazing experts that can asunder the skies through risks. If we fail, true we fall harder than we flew. But if we don't attempt it…I won't be able to hold the regrets within my Martial Heart."
Listening to him, Huang Linlong fell into contemplative silence. His words were genuinely stirring her Martial Heart.
Even with her personality, Dragon pride was something forged deep within her. Through numerous extreme situations and diligent cultivation, it was only natural for her own set of pride to develop.
To be completely surpassed by Cain's group indeed left a sour taste in her mouth.
Furthermore, just because she is cautious doesn't mean she does not know the advantages of taking risks. By numerous risks, she was able to achieve her current genius cultivation.
When considering all of this, Huang Linlong could only quietly sigh. "Alright, fine. But we should at least take this slow. The worst thing we can do is make a minor mistake that can practically ruin our lives."
"Don't fret. I'm quite clear of that as well. In any case, starting from the illusion killing array will dictate our future."
At this very moment, fiery determination flashed both in Huang Zilong and Linlong's eyes.
Unwilling to accept change, they will forge their paths in this troubling situation.