Chapter 483 Successful deception

"This pressure... is definitely derived from the dragon might of the Taixu ancient dragon clan." The mini dragon formed by the essence of the Three Thousand Flames stared at the exquisite token in Xiao Ling's hand, with a hint of excitement in his voice that was difficult to conceal.

There was no way it could sense this dragon might wrongly. This was the pure dragon might unique to the Taixu ancient dragon clan.

Moreover, the majestic aura emanating from this token was so strong that it was even more powerful and noble than the dragon power it had once felt from its master.

Then, the mini dragon suddenly turned its gaze to Xiao Ling, its eyes full of disbelief. It asked doubtfully, "Human, what exactly do you mean by what you just said? Since it is the members of the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan who came to summon me, could it be that my master has finally come to find me?"

"Why didn't he come in person? Didn't he know how I spent all these long years? Why did he leave me alone for so long?"

Seeing the Three Thousand Flames respond like this, Xiao Ling raised his eyebrows slightly and thought to himself. Sure enough, when these things were mentioned, the Three Thousand Flames would react, and its wisdom was also quite good, definitely not inferior to that of ordinary people.

The token Xiao Ling showed earlier was obtained from Zi Yan, and the dragon might contained in it came from a Dou Sheng predecessor of the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan. Such dragon might was naturally extraordinary, and was definitely not comparable to the dragon might emitted by the Three Thousand Flames.

Since the Three Thousand Flames had once had in-depth contact with a senior from the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan, the mark of the dragon clan remained in his body, so it could naturally recognize this familiar dragon power easily.

"There is another hidden story behind this. When that senior was traveling around the world, he happened to meet you and subdued you. However, considering that your strength was still weak at that time, he did not take you with him, nor did he want to restrict your freedom. Therefore, he left a dragon mark in your body and then let you go."

Xiao Ling slowly put away the token, and the dragon's might on the token gradually dissipated. He looked directly at the mini dragon and explained in a calm and slow tone.

As soon as Xiao Ling finished speaking, a wave of anger immediately surged in Sanqian Yanhuo's heart. Was he abandoned just because he was weak at that time? Then why did he want to subdue him in the first place?
As if he had seen through the doubts and anger in Three Thousand Flames, Xiao Ling explained before it could ask:

"But all this is not his fault. The senior was preparing to fight a mortal enemy to the death. The level of the battle was so high that even he was not sure of winning. For you who were still weak at that time, such a battlefield was too dangerous, so he chose not to let you follow. If the result of the battle was not satisfactory, not only would he die, but you would also be unable to escape the tragic fate."

Of course, Xiao Ling's explanation was just something he made up, and he himself only had a vague understanding of the real situation. These words were all stories he made up on the spur of the moment.

However, there was one thing he knew for sure, that the elder of the Ancient Dragon Clan did die while passing through the turbulent void, there was no doubt about that. Because of this, even if Xiao Ling's explanation was different, Three Thousand Flames would not be able to find any clues.

In order to easily control the Three Thousand Flames, Xiao Ling had to make up such a story.

If one could avoid all the troubles and potential dangers that might be encountered in subsequently conquering the Three Thousand Flames by force with just some eloquent words, then wouldn't it be a wise move to adopt this strategy?

After hearing what Xiao Ling said next, the anger that was about to erupt from the Three Thousand Flames was instantly calmed, and its emotions stabilized in an instant.

The original rage in its eyes was replaced by a trace of confusion, as if it was trying to understand the meaning of Xiao Ling's words. Then, its expression gradually became clear, as if it began to understand something.

"Human, are you implying that my master has met with an accident? Did he unfortunately lose the duel with his destined enemy?"

As it understood Xiao Ling's words, all kinds of thoughts surged in the mind of Three Thousand Flames. It recalled that it had been waiting alone for all these years, but its master had never given any news.

Such an association made it possible for a terrible guess to emerge in its mind, so it asked eagerly, with a hint of trembling in its voice.

"Tell me, is this true? My master, is he really gone? Did he leave me forever in the decisive battle with that enemy?" Three Thousand Flames of Flame's gaze was fixed on Xiao Ling's face, trying to find the answer from his expression. At this moment, Three Thousand Flames of Flame's heart was filled with uneasiness and anxiety.

Although the years passed by like flowing water, Sanqian Yanhuo could never forget the tall figure that once stood before him when he was still in a fragile period, and that pure and beautiful time. To this day, those memories are still deeply hidden in his heart, becoming a trace of warmth that can never be erased.

"Yes, that elder of the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan, your master, did unfortunately die in that fierce battle with his old enemy, and his soul returned to heaven and earth. Therefore, he was unable to fulfill his promise and failed to come back to lead you back to the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan."

Seeing the sadness revealed by Three Thousand Flames, Xiao Ling couldn't help but feel a trace of sympathy in his heart. He sighed deeply, and his voice became low and heavy:
"After the elder had not returned for a long time, the members of the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan went to investigate his residence. It was there that they found the letter left by the elder. Through the contents of the letter, the members learned about you. Before the elder had a decisive battle with the enemy, he left a last word in the letter. He hoped that if he could not return safely, the members of the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan would take good care of you on his behalf and find a suitable home for you."

"So, the truth behind all this is this... It's not that the master abandoned me, but that he encountered misfortune and could no longer fulfill his promise." After listening to Xiao Ling's explanation, Sanqian Yanhuo felt a little relieved that he was not abandoned by his master. But at the same time, when he learned the sad news that his master had passed away, sadness flooded his heart, adding a bit of desolation.

"After learning about the elder's last wish and clues about you, the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan did send messengers to search for you. But unfortunately, the elder did not leave your exact location information, and the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan subsequently encountered a series of major changes, which resulted in them not being able to find you in time. During this period, you were discovered by the people of Danta and were eventually sealed in the star field of the Holy Dan City."

Xiao Ling paused for a moment, a strange light flashed in his eyes, and then he continued: "Until recently, the tribesmen of Donglong Island learned through some special channels that you were sealed in the star field of Shengdan City. Although the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan is not afraid of the power of Danta, after experiencing many changes, the strength of the clan is no longer as strong as before. Therefore, it is not a good idea to easily go to war with Danta. The most appropriate way is to rescue you from Danta's control through legitimate means."

At this point, Xiao Ling pointed at himself, with a faint beard on the corner of his mouth, and continued: "And I am the envoy sent by Donglong Island for this mission, and I am also the best person to carry out the instructions of that senior. In order to ensure that the plan can proceed smoothly, I went through hardships and finally won the championship of this Alchemy Conference. Only then did I get the privilege of contacting you. As long as you agree to go with me, I have the ability to take you out of the constraints of this star field."

"Human, isn't your real intention to subjugate me?" After listening to Xiao Ling's explanation, Sanqian Yanhuo's eyes were as sharp as a sword, staring at Xiao Ling intently, and his tone revealed a strong dissatisfaction, "How is your behavior fundamentally different from those of other humans who have tried to subjugate me?"

If not for the fact that every word Xiao Ling said before seemed to be well-founded, and if not for the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan token he had previously presented as proof, the Three Thousand Flames would have already spewed out a raging flame and burned Xiao Ling to ashes.

Facing Sanqian Yanhuo's questioning, Xiao Ling looked calm and responded in a calm tone: "I don't deny that I do hope to subdue you. But please understand that this is the best result under the current circumstances. Otherwise, you may never be able to leave this star field and continue to be trapped here."

He paused, looked at Three Thousand Flames firmly, and continued to explain: "The Ancient Dragon Clan has experienced the previous turmoil, and its strength is indeed much weaker than before. We can't conflict with Danta just because of your existence. If you don't cooperate, the Ancient Dragon Clan currently has no other way to take you away."

Xiao Ling's words echoed in his mind, and Three Thousand Flames sank into deep thought. Indeed, if it rejected this human's invitation, as it had analyzed before, the Ancient Dragon Clan's current strength was far less than its peak period, and it was impossible for it to challenge the powerful Dan Tower just for this Three Thousand Flames. If so, it might really be unable to escape the imprisonment of the Holy Dan City.

Although it still had some reluctance and struggle in its heart, it had to seriously weigh Xiao Ling's proposal in the face of the reality. On the inner scale, various thoughts were intertwined, and it was difficult for it to decide whether it should accept the choice in front of it.

As if sensing Sanqian Yanhuo's inner doubts, Xiao Ling immediately began to persuade him, his tone revealing an unquestionable determination: "The Ancient Dragon Clan chose me to inherit the last wish of that ancestor, which in itself proves that I am qualified to lead you. If you follow me, I will never let the reputation of Sanqian Yanhuo be tarnished. I promise that I will respect your will, and at the same time, I will be your shelter so that you will no longer wander alone."

He extended his hand, palm up, in an invitation gesture: "Choosing to walk with me is not only your new life, but also the Ancient Dragon Clan's promise to you. I believe that if that senior still has a spirit in heaven, he would also want to see you free, rather than being trapped here forever."

He slowly extended his hand, palm up, in a sincere invitation, and said: "Choosing to walk with me is a brand new beginning for you; for the Ancient Dragon Clan, it is a solemn promise to you. I firmly believe that if that senior is still alive, he would certainly hope to see you regain your freedom, rather than being trapped here forever."

"Inside the Dan Tower, there are old monsters who have reached the Dou Sheng realm, and you only have the strength of the Dou Zun level. Do you really think you have the ability to escape their control? Three Thousand Flames, you don't want those beings in the Dan Tower to lose patience with you, and eventually the Dou Sheng ancestor will personally take action to forcibly erase your spiritual intelligence and let you end up being conquered by others, right?"

When Xiao Ling's words of persuasion reached his ears, Sanqian Yanhuo's originally hesitant attitude suddenly changed.

It seemed to recall some memories in its mind, its body trembled involuntarily, and a hint of obvious fear flashed across its dragon eyes. This moment of fear made it completely sober and realize the severity of the situation.

It slowly raised its small head, with a determined look in its eyes. It looked directly at Xiao Ling and nodded gently, revealing an unquestionable determination in its tone.

"Human, what you said does make sense. Since the members of the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan have chosen you to inherit my master's legacy and expect me to follow you, then I will accept this fate and fight alongside you on the journey together."

Xiao Ling's face immediately flashed with joy when he heard this. He had only intended to try to persuade her, but he had never thought that this statement would actually work. This result was really beyond his expectations.

However, before Xiao Ling could respond, Three Thousand Flames immediately added his own conditions: "Although I agree to go with you, there is one thing you must understand. You cannot deprive me of my intelligence. I still need to retain my consciousness. In addition, you must take me to the territory of the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan. I want to see what it is like where my master once lived. Also, once we leave this star field, if I find that your previous statements are all false, I will never let you easily escape the punishment you deserve, even if it costs me a certain price."

Sanqian Yanhuo's gaze was firm and sharp as he stared into Xiao Ling's eyes, and he spoke in an extremely serious tone.

If there was any unnatural look in Xiao Ling's eyes at this moment, he would not have agreed to follow Xiao Ling so rashly.

Xiao Ling couldn't help but raise his eyebrows when he heard the conditions proposed by Three Thousand Flames. Although the strange fire can be subdued, the subduer cannot completely control the strange fire.

Even someone as powerful as the Pure Lotus Demon Saint, although he ultimately died due to physical reasons, wasn't he also killed by the backlash of the Pure Lotus Demon Fire that he had subdued?
Sanqian Yanhuo's mention of retaining his own intelligence and his threatening words were undoubtedly a test for Xiao Ling. If Xiao Ling's words were all false, he would definitely show an unnatural expression because of his concern for the possible consequences.

Facing the temptation of the Three Thousand Flames, Xiao Ling simply smiled indifferently, without showing the slightest unnatural expression on his face.

In the eyes of others, taming a strange fire with extraordinary power and its own intelligence, especially when it has not yet completely surrendered, is undoubtedly a risky challenge.

However, the Burning Technique that Xiao Ling mastered could devour the energy of the strange fire and feed it back to himself, thus strengthening himself.

Therefore, even if the original fire of the Three Thousand Flames still retained its independent intelligence, it would be difficult for it to wreak havoc in Xiao Ling's body and could not pose any substantial threat to Xiao Ling.

Xiao Ling's eyes firmly met the Three Thousand Flames, his voice calm and powerful: "I agree to your conditions. Moreover, I have never intended to erase your spiritual intelligence. When I have completely refined you and taken you out of this star field, and when I have finished dealing with the affairs in my hands, I will take you to Ancient Dragon Island."

"In addition, it is worth mentioning that the current royal princess of Ancient Dragon Island is currently in Shengdan City. It is precisely because she and I are engaged that I am qualified to inherit the last wish of that predecessor. If you are curious about the deeds of that predecessor, or have any questions, you can ask her. As for the questions you want to know about the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan, when the time is right, you can also ask her directly to get the answers."

When Sanqian Yanhuo saw Xiao Ling's confident look, he did not find any signs of unnaturalness or cowardice in his expression, and therefore believed what he said about 70%.

So, it immediately said: "Since you are so determined, I will trust you for once. However, I must remind you that even if I am willing to cooperate and not put up any resistance, you still need to have the corresponding strength to subdue me and refine me. If you are unable to do so, then even if I have no intention of obstructing you, this matter will be difficult to accomplish."

"Don't worry, I'm very strong. Although your strength is indeed extraordinary, it's just a piece of cake for me." Xiao Ling nodded slightly, a smile appeared on the corner of his mouth, and his tone was full of confidence.

As he spoke, he raised his hand. On the back of his hand, the dragon seal was glowing with a faint purple light, emitting a vast dragon might. "Besides, you did make a wise choice. If you refuse to obey my arrangement, I will naturally have a way to force you to be subdued and refined. But by then, your ending may not be as ideal as what we are negotiating now."

In order to ensure that the subsequent refining process is foolproof, Xiao Ling naturally has to give it some proper warning. After all, he does not have a deep friendship with the Three Thousand Flames, so there is no guarantee that the other party will not have other plans.

However, Xiao Ling only mentioned the matter lightly, because he knew very well that once the original fire of the Three Thousand Flames was integrated into his body, even if it had any ulterior motives, it would be difficult for it to cause trouble.

"In that case, I have nothing more to say. If you are ready, then you can start the process of subduing and refining me now." Three Thousand Flames of Flame once again looked at Xiao Ling and said calmly. At this time, it no longer had any other thoughts in its mind.

At that time, he would have to let himself refine these three thousand flames, which would become a help in improving his cultivation, and he would no longer have the power to resist.

Three Thousand Flames of Flame glanced at the dragon seal in Xiao Ling's palm, and feeling the mighty dragon power, a trace of awe surged in his heart.

It clearly felt that the dragon seal in its body showed signs of submission when it came into contact with the dragon seal in Xiao Ling's hand. Obviously, the dragon seal held by this human in front of it was far superior to the one in its body.

If it really dared to resist, once the other party activated the advanced dragon seal, coupled with Xiao Ling's own strength, its ending would probably not be too good.

"In that case, I don't have anything more to say. If you are ready, you can start the process of subduing and refining me now." Three Thousand Flames of Fire turned his gaze to Xiao Ling again and said in a calm tone.

At this moment, Three Thousand Flames no longer had any other thoughts in its mind. After all, it had been sealed in this star field for so many years and had long been tired of it. The next action would determine the success or failure of everything.

"Haha, that's what I've been waiting for you to say." Xiao Ling smiled softly, a hint of joy flashing in his eyes. The matter has finally been settled, and his mood is naturally much happier at this time, and even his tone has become lighter. "Next, I will go and say hello to the people outside and inform them of the follow-up plan. Then, I can start refining you with peace of mind."

Regarding Xiao Ling's arrangement, Sanqian Yanhuo just nodded lightly without saying anything. Seeing this, Xiao Ling did not say anything else, but simply greeted him, and then his mind moved, and his mind body withdrew from this empty space, and his consciousness returned to his body.

……

In the star field, Xiao Ling, who was holding the dragon scale in his hand, gradually opened his eyes, which were originally closed, as his consciousness returned.

"call--"

Xiao Ling let out a long breath and slowly moved his hand away from the dragon scales on the forehead of the giant beast in front of him. The corners of his mouth slightly raised, and a look of joy involuntarily appeared on his originally indifferent and calm face.

Xiao Ling's sudden action naturally attracted the attention of the onlookers nearby, and their eyes were instantly focused on him. Curious, puzzled, and inquiring eyes were cast towards Xiao Ling. Seeing his happy expression, all kinds of speculations suddenly emerged in everyone's minds.

Finally, Cao Ying was the first to come back to her senses. She couldn't wait to ask, "Xiao Ling, what's the situation? Has the Three Thousand Flames of Fire recognized you?"

Cao Ying’s question at this moment is undoubtedly the biggest question in everyone’s mind.

Under the gazes of the crowd, some curious, some puzzled, Xiao Ling slowly turned around, a faint but confident smile appeared on the corner of his mouth, and he chuckled and replied: "Of course, if I personally go out, there is nothing I can't accomplish. The Three Thousand Flames are willing to submit to me. Next, I will refine them in this star field and completely subdue them..."

(End of this chapter)