Beneath the Red Dragon

Uro chuckled, touched his head, and said, ”Actually, it’s not that I’ve found love; the world of the poor is devoid of any color. But after arriving in the Empire, I realized that the world of the poor can also have vibrant colors.”

”In a place where both body and soul can find refuge, love is something no one cares about. Only when body and soul are not comforted does love’s value stand out.”

”I just have a dream of becoming an opera literary scholar,” Uro said with a smile.

The representative from the Central Continent’s merchant group was quietly struck by a feeling, his furrowed brow smoothed, and he softly laughed, ”I didn’t expect that a common fisherman from the Golden Empire could utter words so philosophical. I imagine you must have received some good education in the past.”

Uro shyly shook his head, ”I haven’t received any formal education, but after coming to the Empire, I joined the Empire’s adult literacy academy. And in every city of the Empire, there are national libraries.”

”As long as everyone follows the library’s rules, they can enter and freely browse knowledge of their interest. I just figured out some crude ideas from reading a few books.”

The merchant group’s representative fell silent, in his eyes, the Golden Empire had become particularly terrifying.

But just at that moment, the voices of the Nagas came, ”Your Majesty!”

These people turned back and saw figures approaching in shadows from the avenue.

The Dragon Descendant at the forefront stood out, having reverted to the true Dragon Descendant form of the Ancestral Red Dragon, with massive horns reaching the sky, scales gleaming, and a fierce head, it’s clearly an incredibly formidable form.

Although Karon had reduced the usual seven-meter-tall Dragon Descendant form to about two meters for convenience, it still appeared intimidating, making one instinctively avoid it.

Beside and behind him, the Dragon Descendant of the White Dragon also fully displayed its features. A pair of long, white dragon horns seemed to be formed of frost, and its face, claws, tail, and scales appeared to exude a chilling aura.

Even the membrane wings folded on the side of its body looked like sharp, wide blades forged from centuries-old azure ice.

Following the two Giant Dragons were the Dark Lord and the King of Elves, King Anudale, and further back, the Divine Favor Naga Jaluun, but no one paid any attention.

In the harbor, continuous greetings rang out as sailors, fishermen, and vendors placed their hands on their chests, bowed slightly, and exclaimed, ”Sacred Emperor Gogomola!”

”Sacred Supreme Emperor!”

”Good evening, honorable Sire!”

Karon waved gently in response, drawing some enthusiastic cheers.

The citizens of the Empire did not need to perform any grand rituals, as the Empire decreed that as long as business was concerned, ordinary occasions did not require special obeisance to Empire officials and dragons.

Yet, Karon himself was surprised; he seldom appeared in public, usually residing high on mountain peaks, away from commoners.

As the highest ruler of the Empire, possessing unimaginable majesty, his face and form were so fierce and menacing but did not frighten these commoners; instead, it attracted even more fervent cheers.

Even a young fisherman was frantically shouting on his boat, showing off his catch, loudly proclaiming he wanted to offer it to the Red Dragon for a taste.

However, this young fisherman’s skin was dark; if not for the dragon’s keen eyesight, he might completely disappear in the darkness behind the lamps, truly a natural shadow walker.

The fish vendors and merchant representatives looked worriedly at the fanatical Uro, for Uro was proactively charging towards the Empire’s Emperor, a matter of significant consequence.

Yet, before the guards behind him could stop this crazy human, White Dragon Gomot gently waved his hand, signaling the soldiers not to be tense, as Karon had stopped, indicating some intention of the Red Dragon.

”Ho ho,” Uro panted as he jumped up and down, stopped before the Ancestral Red Dragon, and said nervously, ”Your esteemed Majesty, I am Uro, and I’ve caught a precious Giant Stone Wang Ban. I want to offer it to Your Majesty, as my heartfelt gift.”

”You don’t know, such an eight-foot-long Giant Stone Wang Ban is seldom seen, a fine rarity. Even for a brilliant and lucky night fisher like me, it requires days of effort to catch...”

The innate coldness of the dragon’s face made it hard to discern Karon’s expression, but the raised corners of his mouth revealed the Red Dragon’s thoughts.

Karon gazed at the bold and brave young man before him, despite his fear of Karon’s appearance, he remained resolute, standing tall, proudly showcasing his catch and attempting to persuade Karon to accept his gift.

Though in the dragon’s eyes, no matter how precious, such a catch is merely an occasional snack. If Karon showed favor for this type of fish, the kitchen would be filled with this commonplace item daily.

Yet, what is ordinary to the dragon is exceedingly precious to this dark-skinned youth.

Thus, Karon’s voice turned gentle, he laughed softly and asked, ”Though this is your sentiment, the Empire of dragons does not emphasize such things. Tell me, how much is this catch worth; I shall buy it.”

Uro shyly shook his head, looking up at the Red Dragon’s dark golden eyes, gathered his courage, and said, ”But isn’t that just a transaction? I wish to offer my most precious catch to Your Majesty solely out of my reverence and gratitude. Had I not come to the Golden Empire, I might have long died during my wanderings.”