Nine Star Hegemon Body Arts

Chapter 5508 The Qualifications to Challenge

Seeing them, the Dragonblood warriors couldn’t help but feel some sympathy. These warriors had proven themselves in the crucible of battle. This victory marked their rise—a transformation that unlocked their limitless potential.

“We won! We’ve earned the approval of our ancestors! We’re no longer trash!” Mo Yang roared, raising his spear high. “We’ll show our ancestors our unbending spine. We are ready to spill blood for the dragon race’s glory!”

The Dragon Domain’s experts echoed his cry, their voices unified in triumph. The patriarchs watched, deeply moved. Finally, true successors of the Dragon Domain had emerged.

Meanwhile, the race leaders shared mixed emotions. They were proud of the new generation, but they also felt sad. They were aware that their era was over; the future now belonged to the young.

At this moment, Long Chen and the others also crossed the bridge.

“Thank you,” Mo Yang said, looking at Long Chen gratefully.

Perhaps others didn’t understand why Mo Yang would thank Long Chen, but the other monstrous heavenly geniuses knew.

Long Chen and the Dragonblood warriors had not participated just now, showing that they had neither selfish motives toward them nor the desire to control the dragon race.

This bloody bridge battle was, in truth, a test to determine the future valley master of Sovereign Dragon Valley. The patriarchs were too old, and the race leaders’ powers were waning. The responsibility of leadership would fall on the next generation.

All of them wanted to lead the dragon race as the valley master. Yet, this leadership wasn’t about fame or status—it was about raising the banner of the dragon race and charging into battle until their final breaths. They would become the dragon race’s eternal glory.

Smiling, Long Chen patted Mo Yang’s shoulder and said, “We’re all brothers. In the future, I don’t want to hear another thank you.”

The Dragon Domain’s experts were all incredibly moved by this. From initially looking down on Long Chen, they now revered him. Being called a brother by someone of his stature felt like a supreme honor.

“Hahaha, that’s right, we’re all brothers, so there’s no need to stand on courtesy!” Guo Ran magnanimously laughed, pulling Mo Yang and the others into his embrace.

Hugging was not a custom among the dragon race, leaving Mo Yang and the others momentarily stunned. But as they were embraced, they felt an undeniable sense of trust and camaraderie. Only then did they realize that a simple hug could convey so much trust.

“Big sister, can I hug you too?” Bai Xiaole shyly asked a female dragon race expert.

Blushing furiously, the woman fled, leaving everyone in uproarious laughter.

After this battle, the Dragonblood warriors gained newfound respect for the Dragon Domain’s experts. Likewise, the Dragon Domain’s experts apologized for their earlier rudeness. With past misunderstandings resolved, camaraderie flourished. They called each other brothers and sisters without hesitation.

After that, the Dragon Domain’s experts gathered the bodies of their fallen brethren—fellow brave warriors of the dragon race. They had sacrificed themselves for the dragon race. Without them, Mo Yang and the others might not have reached the end.

Though only a simple ceremony could be performed now, their names would later be immortalized on a commemorative stele, ensuring their sacrifices would never be forgotten.

Despite the heavy losses, the future they had won justified the cost. The dragon race’s heavenly geniuses had given their all, and their sacrifices were not in vain.

“Let’s go and see what’s inside. What treasures did the dragon race’s seniors leave behind for us? I can’t wait to find out,” said Guo Ran, rubbing his hands.

The dragon race’s experts were filled with anticipation as well. However, once they entered this gigantic Ten Thousand Dragon Nest, they were all dumbfounded.

It was an extremely spacious hall—empty save for tens of thousands of gates, with a barrier around each gate. Seeing these barriers, the dragon race experts almost despaired. So many of them had bravely sacrificed themselves on the bridge, and they couldn’t take more losses.

“There are so many barriers. How many times do we have to fight?” Guo Ran asked.

He and the others were also stupefied by the sheer number of the gates.

“Everyone, don’t worry,” Long Chen reassured them. “Each barrier here leads to a minor world, and every minor world contains more gates. These gates hold treasures of the dragon race, including magical arts, divine abilities, weapons, essence blood, and things beyond your imagination. Only the most precious items are stored here. After all, this Ten Thousand Dragon Nest is the seed of the dragon race’s revival.

“Every gate is guarded by the heroic spirits of our ancestors. To open a gate, you must defeat the spirit guarding it. But don’t worry—your lives won’t be at risk. If you can’t win, you can retreat. However, once you fail, you’ll have to wait three days to challenge that gate again.”

Hearing that, the dragon race experts were revitalized. If there was no danger to their lives, then they could freely challenge the gates.

“Each barrier has unique dragon runes,” Long Chen continued. “Try forming a resonance with them. If the rune responds, it means the treasure inside is connected to your branch of the dragon race.”

“I... I can sense it!” cried out one heavenly genius.

Feeling a powerful summons, this genius charged into one of the barriers without hesitation.

“Wait!” Long Chen shouted.

Before anyone could stop this impulsive genius, he was flung back violently, coughing blood as he collapsed on the ground.

Long Chen was speechless but continued to explain. “Wait for me to finish speaking. Not just anyone can challenge these barriers. Before challenging them, place a drop of your core essence blood onto it. If the dragon rune protrudes, it means you can challenge it. If there is no reaction, it means you are not qualified to do so.”

“I’ll try it,” Chi Wufeng said, stepping forward.

“You just fought an intense battle...”

“It’s fine. I have a special constitution and have already recovered to eighty percent. I’ll scout things for everyone.”

Chi Wufeng approached a barrier, flames flickering within it. Even from the outside, it was clear this barrier housed something related to fire. Carefully, he placed a drop of his essence blood on it.

To everyone’s shock, the essence blood was rejected.

“What?!”

Gasps of disbelief rippled through the crowd. Even someone as powerful as Chi Wufeng wasn’t qualified to challenge this trial?