After an hour, Ross's hovercar halted. "We've reached the palace, General. Please disembark," the major general said politely, opening the door. Stepping out, Ross was stunned—not by the majestic palace, but by the Palace Guard warriors gripping laser rifles, clad in silver Dragon Armor. Though Sky Dragon's palace differed from Kangjia's, both symbolized supreme imperial power, so the architecture didn't faze a seasoned general. But those silver-armored warriors? A soldier's instinct told Ross they were formidable. If someone said they were all fourth-tier mid-level or higher, he might not react—military tier concepts were still foreign to him.
The major general showed credentials to a silver-armored guard, who verified them and said, "Enter."
The guard's voice floored Ross. Living warriors, not robots? As he climbed the steps, even without martial skills, he felt a crushing aura enveloping him. One wrong move, and laser rifles would riddle him. The six Kangjia junior officers trailing him fared worse, sweat beading on their foreheads. Glancing at the major general, Ross saw him frowning, resisting the same pressure. Gods, how many shocks can Sky Dragon throw at me? Ross feared his heart might give out.
He'd never found twenty steps so grueling—not even Kangjia's emperor exuded such presence. Reaching the top, Ross and his men hoped for relief, only to face a corridor flanked by six guards in silver-gold armor, their aura dwarfing the thirty-plus silver guards below. The sudden intensity made Ross want to vomit. As he faltered, the major general pressed a hand to his back, sending a cooling wave through him, quelling the nausea. Grateful, Ross said, "Thank you." The major general, face pale and sweating, nodded with a strained smile.
Ross initially thought this was a power play to humble him. Now, he saw it was just the guards' natural demeanor. Noticing the major general's struggle, Ross studied the guards, sensing their prowess surpassed even the major general's in some aspects. Sky Dragon's strength keeps rewriting my estimates.
At the palace gates, two towering guards in golden armor stood sentinel. Bracing for worse, Ross was shocked—the oppressive aura vanished. The major general saluted them enviously, saying, "The guest has arrived." The guards nodded. Ross noted the major general's lack of resentment, even a hint of joy. Strange lot. If he knew these guards could ignore even generals' salutes—tasked with protecting the royal family, always vigilant, exempt from saluting anyone, even the emperor, to avoid sneak attacks—he'd understand. Their nod was a rare courtesy, delighting the major general.
As Ross puzzled, a woman in crystal armor emerged. "You must be Kangjia's honored guest, Lieutenant General Ross. I'm Yang Xiaoyan, wife of Sky Dragon Emperor Feitian."
Ross was floored. The emperor's wife greeting him? In monarchies, this was rare, signaling deep friendship and respect. "I'm unworthy of Your Ladyship's personal welcome," Ross said, bowing. Representing Kangjia, he couldn't falter in courtesy—his actions reflected his nation's honor.
"Hah, don't be so formal, Lieutenant General. Follow me—Feitian's waiting in the garden," Xiaoyan said warmly. Trailing her through corridors, Ross saw no visible guards but doubted the palace's core was unprotected. Try kidnapping the emperor's wife? Suicide. The golden-armored guards were terrifying; this crystal-armored empress clearly outranked them.
Passing through a gate, Ross and his eight-man entourage were captivated by the garden's beauty. Less a garden, more a sea of vibrant, naturally blended flowers, untouched by artificiality. Rabbits darted through blooms, adding life. A distant waterfall shimmered, children's laughter echoing—a homely paradise that moved Ross, long stationed away from such warmth.
"I've never seen a garden so alive," Ross marveled. "You're too kind," Xiaoyan replied modestly.
"No, truly, Your Ladyship. This place erases worldly woes, inviting you to bask in nature's gift," Ross insisted.
"There's His Majesty, waiting for you," Xiaoyan said, pointing to a tall figure in a lakeside pavilion.
Gazing at the imposing silhouette, Ross's heart trembled. Like staring at the sun. Distant, it was overwhelming; up close, unbearable. Yet a voice urged him forward—miss this, regret it forever. (Hah, readers call me narcissistic. Wasn't, but since I'm accused, I'll lean in. Not bad, right?)
In the pavilion, I'd sensed Ross's group approaching. This pose—perfected after a night of tweaking—had floored all ninety-two of my wives. Its allure was lethal. My imperial robe, a custom blend of tuxedo and high-collared gown, showcased my stature and charisma. Later, it became Sky Dragon's iconic attire, earning me a fortune—another story.
As my aura locked onto Ross's group, ten steps away, I turned from the lake, locking eyes with them, offering a radiant smile. "Welcome to Sky Dragon Empire."
Ross and his eight men forgot to breathe. This is Emperor Feitian? His charm was blinding—not just the sweeter-than-a-woman's smile, but the seamless blend of regal authority, martial mastery, and sage wisdom. How can one man embody so much?
From afar, he was staggering; up close, divine. Ross felt stripped bare under that gaze, yet warmed by elder-like care. What is Feitian? Kangjia's Emperor Yeluo VIII, his former idol, seemed a pile of dung beside him. No words captured their gap.
Others felt it too. Xiaoyan, despite last night's "encounter," felt her heart race again, eyes misty. This man—love, hate, obsession. Beyond our kids, he's my core. With him, I forget myself. The major general, forgetting military decorum, stared in awe. Not his first time seeing me, yet each meeting hit harder. If I could see His Majesty daily, I'd ditch marriage. (Gong Shuyun, out here! I don't swing that way. Gong: "Hah, just exaggerating a tad.") He swelled with pride: This is our emperor, Sky Dragon's eternal god.
Ross's six junior generals stood dazed, faces mixing awe, reverence, and adoration. Feitian's smile was spring rain, washing away gloom; his imperial dignity made them want to kneel.
"Hah, why stand there? Come in! I've prepared Sky Dragon specialties to welcome you," I said, grabbing Ross's hand, leading him to the pavilion.
"Your Majesty, Palace Guard First Fleet Commander reports!" the major general announced.
"We've got guests—no need for formalities. Sit!" I smiled. "Xiaoyan, bring the dishes." "Right away," she said, heading off.
"Try our dinosaur meat. Got it back home? It's massive, tough-skinned, but specially cooked, it's a delicacy. Dig in—don't see me as emperor, just a hospitable host," I said, placing a tender slice in Ross's bowl, startling him with the honor.
"How's it taste?" I asked. "Your Majesty, it's incredible. As officers, we get scant natural food monthly—mostly synthetic," a Kangjia junior general said, eating eagerly.
That surprised me. Big cosmic nations rely on synthetics? Later, I learned synthetics were portable, quick to produce, unlike slow-growing, scarce natural foods. Even synthetics were costly, natural foods pricier still.
Their words sparked a business idea. Our trade with Kamet Alliance—natural veggies and meats—raked in fortunes, cornering 20% of their elite market. No shortage of buyers. Now, another opportunity loomed, but Kangjia's distance and our Pandora population boom's food demands made me shelve it.
"No feast's complete without fine wine. This green fruit wine's a Sky Dragon exclusive—rarer than dinosaur meat, rationed tightly. Even I get little. Pair it with the meat—life's peak pleasure," I said. Ross couldn't pin me down—my ever-shifting aura baffled him. Extraordinary men defy ordinary minds. He gave up analyzing, diving into the meal.
"Really that good?" a Kangjia junior general asked the Sky Dragon major general. "Absolutely. We get two bottles every six months, half this size. Today's for you—otherwise, I'd miss out," the major general said, savoring a tiny sip like treasure.
The Kangjia officer mimicked him. The wine, sweet as fruit juice, slid down, leaving a lingering aroma. Hooked, he stashed his bottle in his briefcase for family—a priceless gem money couldn't buy.
"Now that everyone's here, let's hear your thoughts," I said, eyeing the department heads.
Cohen, rarely at political meetings, flew back from Yanhuang Star for this tech-heavy discussion. Seeing my gaze, he said, "From the Earth-captured warship's data, Kangjia supplied Wushite. Dissecting it, their ships' materials slightly outshine ours, but they've no edge otherwise. Their smart computers? Our 'Bi Bi,' fused with Pandora, Kamet, Wushite, and Kangjia tech, has auto-upgraded beyond their league. Our magic-tech fusion—unlike any known cosmic nation—merges both strengths. Our warships' defenses, blending our tech and theirs, far surpass them. Their ships? 20,000 degrees defense. A laser cannon's 10 degrees. Ours? Over 100 million degrees. With endless energy, our shields are unbreakable. Even if not, our six-layer defenses are untouchable."
On energy, our empire's expanding territory, warship count, and future Space Fortresses demand massive power. Last time, I alone consumed half our reserves. Though we're mining, it's tight. "Cohen, can our high-crystal energy keep up?" I asked. He'd know from his institute's surveys.
"Our Flying Dragon Star's underground stores hold 100 quintillion tons, enough for our current fleet for 60 million years. Primordial Eight Stars store 20 quintillion, Divine Realm Star 10 quintillion, Yanhuang Star 20 quintillion. Other garrisoned planets total 10 quintillion. We've mined Flying Dragon System's uninhabited resource stars and debris nearly dry—hence our third defense line's debris abundance," Cohen said.
No energy worries now or soon, but future demands loom. "No high-crystal in Pandora System?" I asked.
"We found some via Pandora's Mineral Bureau's secret maps. They mined a bit but couldn't harness it—conventional science can't handle such energy. Our magic and Flying Dragon energy absorption principles make it possible. Heaven itself can't stop us," Cohen chuckled.
"Look who we are—gods and demons!" Flying Dragon Clan's Fifth Elder, sneaking a swig of green fruit wine, boomed.
"Fifth Elder, drinking in a meeting again?" I chided.
"Clan Chief—er, Majesty—this aids my thinking. Wine's my energy," he slurred. That's his excuse? The thirty-something elder looked like a lovesick youth drowning sorrows.
Cohen, ever the jester, teased, "Didn't know wine fueled such power. Fifth Elder's found a new energy source—Majesty should reward him."
"Kid, don't get cocky. I won't bicker with you," the elder huffed. Arguing in a meeting?
"Enough, Cohen, continue," I said, halting their banter.
"Yes, Majesty. Per their maps, Pandora's high-crystal yields 100 billion tons—small. Kamet's ceded resource planets include a few rich ones; we're mining full-throttle. Our Space Fortresses use four 1,000-ton high-crystal reactors and a 10,000-ton backup. In combat, they last 500 years; cruising, over 10,000," Cohen said.
"Such energy hogs. From now on, scout every place for high-crystal or similar crystals. Stockpile them. Now, discuss our Kangjia alliance," I said, sipping tea.
"Why bother? Their tech's inferior," the Fifth Elder slurred.
Noticing some officials shared his view, I said, "Don't just weigh tech. The First Cosmos is a mystery—Kangjia's visit is a key to unlock it. Our tech might rank mid-tier or higher there, or just edge out Kangjia. As we expand, we'll clash with them. Ignorance will cost us. This alliance lets us study the First Cosmos. Plus, friends beat enemies. If Wushite attacks, Kangjia's troops would stretch us thin. We can't fully trust them yet—post-Wushite, we'll share tech. For now, propose mutual fleet exchanges and mutual aid against third-party attacks."
Seeing the elders and officials buzzing, I added, "Any additions? Opposition's pointless—this alliance is all gain, no loss. To grow, we must venture out, see our gaps. Fear losses in their conflicts? Sacrifices are necessary. No nation thrives without blood and fire. Look at Kamela System—dozens of states due to political splits, abnormal for one system. Bordering them, we can't avoid friction. We must strengthen ourselves. This secret Kangjia alliance is crucial. Discuss and refine details for our talks in two days."
Three days later, strolling the palace garden with Ross, I said, "Lieutenant General, any issues with the talks? Suggestions for smoother future cooperation?"
"Your Majesty, you're too kind. Your terms exceed our hopes. Though not immediate, it's soon enough. Your people are lucky to have such an enlightened, wise emperor," Ross said.
"Hah, you're a smooth talker. The delay? You understand our position—not petty suspicion, but caution. Sky Dragon's only eight years old, with heaps of issues. Expansion piles on more. We can't tackle external problems until internal ones are settled. On Wushite tensions, I deeply thank Marshal Nixev and your generals for not fanning flames but quelling them. I'm grateful. If we clash with Wushite, don't follow the contract—my elders and I agree. You've been close to them; as we say, don't ditch old friends for new. Our strength can handle Pandora's fugitives and Wushite. If others join, then we'd need your aid. What say you, General?"
Ross looked up at me, a head taller, and said, "I'm grateful for Your Majesty's understanding of our bind. If it comes to that, Kangjia will honor our pact, aiding Sky Dragon."
From the pavilion, watching the sunrise, I asked, "General, know why we're called Sky Dragon Empire?"
Puzzled, Ross hesitated. "Because you have dinosaurs?"
"Hah, wrong!" His earnest guess amused me.
"Then why?" Ross scratched his head, embarrassed at his ignorance of his host's basics. At least talks went well.
"Sky Dragon Empire's name comes from our people—over 90% are dragons," I said, smiling at Ross's stunned silence.
"You jest, Your Majesty," Ross said, eyeing me. "You don't look like a dinosaur."
"Hah, you're funny. Would dragons eat their kin's meat?" I teased. This guy's a riot.
"No, I mean, you must share traits with them," Ross said, waving frantically.
"Exactly. Like dinosaurs, our bodies can grow massive," I said. Ross scanned me, verifying. I knew his drift.
"No need to stare. This is our normal state. In battle, we transform into dragons—or stronger. We're a peace-loving warrior race," I said passionately.
"Your empire has a god, right?" I asked suddenly. "Yes, we worship Klotus, the Cosmic God, though we've never seen him," Ross said wistfully.
"You view gods as omnipotent, able to cross the cosmos physically, yes?" "Indeed," Ross nodded.
"By that logic, our dragons are gods' kin. Sky Dragon Empire's a divine tribe. Seen our palace's wall carvings? Those are dragons," I said calmly.
My words left Ross speechless. He'd been struck by those massive, fierce wall creatures, asking the major general, who called them "totems." Now, the emperor claimed his people were those beings, with godlike powers to traverse space bodily. Madness.
Seeing a flicker of fear in Ross's eyes, I smiled. "No need to fear. As I said, we're a peace-loving warrior race. Contradictory? Maybe. We love peace to avoid slaughter, craving free lives. Fighting's our instinct, key to our survival. Your Kangjia humans evolved from other creatures, yes?"
"Yes, the cosmos is mysterious," Ross sighed.
"True. It's vast, unknowable. Dragons emerged at the cosmos's dawn, older and stronger than most. Notice a pattern? All creatures evolve toward our human form," I said, turning to him.
"Seems so. Even Pandora's folk, just with extra bits," Ross chuckled.
"Exactly, their evolution's result. Given billions of years, they'd be like us. Their ancestors were sea fish. Sky Dragon's people evolved from dragons, retaining our instincts fully—a cosmic rarity," I said.
Ross nodded, grasping it. Suddenly, a 20-meter golden dragon soared from the garden's edge. Focusing, I saw it was Feilong, training in dragon form. I shouted, and he, spotting guests, showily descended on a cloud.
Though I'd explained, Feilong's display startled Ross, who'd braced himself. Seeing a colossal creature up close was daunting. "This is my eldest, Feilong, nine years old. Kid, shift back—mind your manners. Meet Uncle Ross," I said, laughing.
"No trouble," Ross said humbly. Feilong reverted to human form, bowing. "Feilong greets Uncle Ross." Ross's flustered reaction told me my point landed.
Talks ended warmly. Today's revelations hit Ross's strained heart hardest. Without coming, he'd never know such secrets. Dragons, godlike beings. Kangjia's tech, once his pride, paled in every way.
Thinking of Wushite and Pandora opposing Sky Dragon, Ross silently prayed for them. Turn back, or no nation can match Sky Dragon. Their rise wasn't random. Pandora likely provoked them, invading their domain, forcing their cosmic debut.
Why reveal their dragon nature to an outsider like him, even an ally? Concealing strength ensures survival. Recalling Feilong's massive form and cloud-riding, Ross's heart shook. Then it clicked—Feitian was subtly flexing Sky Dragon's might, fearless of any foe or betrayal. Brilliant. Ross shook his head, wryly smiling. Feitian's goal was clear—he'd quashed any rebellious spark.
If Ross knew Feitian could destroy a star system single-handedly, what would he think?
After a week in Sky Dragon, Ross and his Kangjia officers boarded their return, elated. Noticing their love for green fruit wine and dinosaur meat, I gifted a million tons of frozen meat and 100 cases of wine for Emperor Yeluo VIII. Accompanying them was Sky Dragon's Divine Clan Second-Class Lieutenant General Gaga, with 100 warships.
"Your Majesty, thank you and your people for your warm hospitality. Visit Kangjia when you can," Ross saluted.
"Thank you. We'll meet soon," I said, clasping his hand. Border reports suggested Wushite was stirring.
A month later, Ross's group reached Kangjia's capital planet. Kangjia greeted Gaga's delegation with top honors, docking Sky Dragon's warships directly at the capital's cosmic port. The welcoming crowd included Emperor Yeluo VIII and Marshal Nixev, a staggering lineup.
Ross was shocked—they valued Sky Dragon highly. Relieved, he knew Gaga's return would cement ties.
Ross introduced Kangjia's emperor, marshal, and officials to Gaga, who returned salutes. Sky Dragon's arrival sent shockwaves through Kangjia. Crowds flocked to the port, admiring Sky Dragon's artistic dragon-shaped warships.
"Your Majesty, on behalf of Emperor Feitian, I extend warm greetings to you and your people. May our friendship endure," Gaga said, saluting Yeluo VIII crisply.
"I welcome you and your warriors on behalf of Kangjia's people and send greetings to Emperor Feitian," Yeluo said, guiding Gaga to meet key figures. Gaga was surprised—Yeluo, barely older than Feitian, seemed more scholar than emperor.
Kangjia Military Headquarters
After settling Gaga's group, Kangjia's emperor, military, and government convened in the military's grand meeting hall, Yeluo VIII at the head, Nixev and the prime minister flanking him.
"Ross, report on your Sky Dragon visit. You urged top honors for their delegation—unusual for you without cause. What's special?" Nixev asked, echoing Yeluo and the officials' burning curiosity. Such protocol wasn't used even for First Cosmos's top nation's leader, let alone an eight-year empire.
"Your Majesty, Marshal, Sky Dragon stunned me at every turn. An eight-year empire, yet its territory—three systems, over 600 inhabited planets—shows its might. But that's not what terrifies. It's their hidden strength, unknown to outsiders, that's truly horrifying. Watch my footage," Ross said, connecting a portable recorder to the hall's interface.
"…Their Emperor Feitian told me they're dragons, godlike beings with unmatched power. I thought he was joking—how does a 100-pound man become a hundreds-of-tons dragon soaring through clouds? Science only muddies it. But when his eldest son appeared as a dragon, then reverted, I knew it was true. Dragons—mighty cosmic beings—exist, and Sky Dragon's their home, with billions of their kin. Why unseen before, yet active now? Pandora disturbed their lives. In Flying Dragon Star, I saw joyful, carefree people, as if worries fled. A freedom-loving race wouldn't start wars. Feitian said they're a peace-loving warrior race, fighting only when survival's at stake…
"I don't know what force could stop them. Facing dragons who cross space bodily, we can only ally or destroy. We lack the latter's power. Thankfully, we chose the former—our warriors won't die in futile fights. Aligning with a non-aggressive mighty race is our honor, a gift from the Cosmic God. I'd regret missing this visit forever," Ross concluded.
The hall, filled with over a thousand, fell silent, gripped by Ross's tale, as if in a mythic saga. Staring at the screen's colossal serpentine dragon, a being crossing space with its body, they lost thought. Silence suffocated.
"Unbelievable, such power exists. We thought our First Cosmos strength was unmatched. Now, we're ignorant. Beyond their tech, their physical might could crush us," Yeluo sighed.
"Ross, you've done splendidly. Neglecting this ally would curse my descendants. Wushite's in dire straits—we've done our part. Let them be," Nixev said softly.
"I urge secrecy on Sky Dragon's nature to protect our ally. Understood?" Yeluo's imperial authority shone. If Gaga saw this, he'd doubt this was the scholarly emperor.
"Understood," the room echoed. Pleased, Yeluo said, "Meeting adjourned. Tonight, host our allies well—act unaware." He left, lighter than ever. With this ally, he'd reverse Kangjia's decline, ushering in an 800-year peak.
That night, Kangjia's palace hosted a grand banquet for Gaga and Sky Dragon's officers. Gaga's group noticed odd looks—fearful, unlike morning's curiosity. Fear of what? They couldn't pinpoint it.
"Brother, didn't you say we'd spar after the banquet?" a Sky Dragon junior general asked a Kangjia peer.
The Kangjia officer, pale as death, stammered, "Brother, a master like you could flip me with a claw—er, hand. Kangjia trains physically, but we can't match you."
"How'd you know I practice Eagle Claw?" the Sky Dragon officer asked, puzzled.
"I-I heard from Lieutenant General Ross. Your empire's martial craze shows in your hands—guessed you'd know claw techniques. Nailed it, hah," the Kangjia officer said, terrified Gaga might shift and eat him. He looks dragon-like.
Slipping away, the Kangjia officer exhaled, drenched in sweat. I challenged a dragon? Insane. As he relaxed, a slap landed on his back—the Sky Dragon officer. "Brother, why're you alone? I looked everywhere. You said your nightlife's wild—show me later. Earth had it, but now we're too busy. Three wives at home keep me swamped—no time for outside fun."
Relieved it wasn't a spar, the Kangjia officer gaped. "You can have so many wives? Our emperor's capped at ten."
"No big deal. Emperor Feitian's got over 100, and they don't fight. Impressive, right?" he boasted, as if it were him. "Our empire's female-heavy, so it's normal. Now we're planning—two wives max for men, six for the emperor, three for princes."
"You're blessed," the Kangjia officer envied. "Blessed? Hah, I came from Earth clueless. My wives outclass me—I'm no match. Misery," the Sky Dragon officer groaned. Military talks shifted to women, bonding them.
Yeluo, glass in hand, approached Gaga. "General Gaga, Kangjia's produce isn't as rich as Sky Dragon's, but our natural foods have unique flavors."
Tasting a dish, Gaga said, "Truly distinct—rivals Sky Dragon's cuisine."
"Don't worry about going hungry. We know dragons have big appetites," Yeluo teased, probing.
Gaga, no fool—Feitian chose him for a reason—didn't clarify he was Divine Clan, not Dragon Clan. Smiling, he said, "In human form, our appetites are normal. As dragons, we'd eat Sky Dragon dry, even with multiple planets."
"I envy your ability to roam space bodily. We're stuck with ships," Yeluo sighed, eyes yearning.
Gaga couldn't say only Divine Clan's God-King could space-travel unaided; he needed gear. "No need to envy, Your Majesty. Flesh or tools, both mark humanity's cosmic conquest."
"Hah, thanks for the comfort. We crave what we lack. Tell me about Emperor Feitian? I'm curious about a founding emperor of such feats, unlike us, living off ancestors' shade," Yeluo said, earning Gaga's respect. Few emperors admitted flaws, and matching Feitian was rare.
At Yeluo's query, Gaga's eyes glowed with reverence. "Of course. Emperor Feitian conquered Flying Dragon Star at ten, unified the Three Realms by twenty-two—the first peerless hero to do so in eons."
Yeluo, puzzled by "Three Realms"—a planet?—asked, "You said he's a supreme master. How strong?"
"How strong?" Gaga shook his head. "Hard to say. A palm to destroy a planet? Like blowing air."
Yeluo's jaw dropped, staring. "No lie. He's our empire's top master, unmatched in the cosmos. The Dragon Clan's pride for millennia," Gaga said, fired up.
"Incredible. With that skill, I'd skip being emperor to roam the cosmos freely," Yeluo whispered, his boyish dream surprising Gaga. If I had Feitian's power, I might too. Sighing, Gaga thought, Yanhuang dragons are freaks. A thousand years of my cultivation can't match their three.
🔥 Dragons rule the cosmos! Add this epic to your Webnovel library and drop a Power Stone to fuel the saga!
💬 Feitian's godly charm or Kangjia's shocked awe stealing the show? Share your fave moment or bold theory in the comments!
📚 Support the legend to unlock more cosmic triumphs and dragon-fueled battles!