Rebirth as a Time Dragon

After the first duel of the Non-War Pact ended, the gods, including the Dragon Gods, had left the Ashura Field.

"I lost this crucial battle. I'm sorry, everyone," Karrix said in a low voice, his usually proud and spirited demeanor now somewhat dim.

The duel at the weak divine power level was supposed to be a must-win for the Dragon God lineage. Winning was imperative because it was nearly impossible for the Dragon Gods to secure a victory at the strong divine power level.

But now, they suffered a crushing defeat in the first duel, a battle they had to win.

Karrix, the Destruction Dragon God, was not the type to be easily defeated and demoralized, but this duel was incredibly important for the Dragon God lineage. It would determine whether the dragons would rebuild their glory or fall into the abyss in twenty years.

With such a heavy responsibility, the initial defeat weighed on Karrix like an immense, unyielding boulder, causing his always-proud wings to droop at his sides.

"Karrix, it's not your fault. You did your best."

"Don't feel guilty or blame yourself."

"The appearance of the Ancient God of Death was something none of us could have predicted."

The Metallic Dragon God looked at Karrix and said slowly. The other Dragon Gods also did not blame Karrix, offering words of comfort. They had all witnessed Karrix's performance, how he almost got killed by the Ancient God of Death yet refused to surrender. Apart from the strong divine power Dragon Gods, none of the others were confident they could defeat the Ancient God of Death.

This included Garon. Without using the time reversal, Garon was not entirely confident he could defeat the Ancient God of Death, even if the latter only displayed the power of a top-tier intermediate divine power.

Garon understood the Ancient God of Death's strength well from the alternate timeline.

The first generation of the Goddess of Magic was at a disadvantage in a head-to-head clash with Jager. Even though Jager's core death authority was taken, causing his divine rank to drop, he regained his strong divine power within decades, becoming the greatest threat to the Nether Empire, according to Karsus.

In the main timeline, Jager divided his authority, creating three strong divine powers. Among them was the God of Tyranny, who even the Goblin God had to serve, showing how powerful Jager once was.

Even if his divine rank wasn't twenty at his peak, it was close. Jager was on a different level than most gods.

"Garon, in ten years, it will be your turn for the Non-War Pact duel," Tiamat said, looking at the composed silver dragon.

"According to the rules of the Non-War Pact, each god can only fight once. Jager won't be coming again."

"A god like Jager, as far as we know, doesn't exist anymore. Even with Haotian's extensive connections, he won't find another 'Jager.'"

"Moreover, Haotian is likely focusing on the strong divine power level duel, as that's the safest way for him to secure victory."

"But you can't let your guard down. With Haotian's way of doing things, he will give his all, finding the best candidate to fight you."

"We can't afford to lose the next duel," she continued. "If Garon loses, the Dragon God lineage will be declared defeated, and the strong divine power duel in twenty years will be canceled."

Garon nodded, his eyes steady. "I understand. I will secure the victory at the intermediate divine power level and turn the tide for the Dragon God lineage."

The Dragon God lineage's loss in the first duel did not shake Garon's resolve to win. Although he was unsure whom the Supreme Emperor Haotian would choose as his opponent, as long as it was within the intermediate divine power level, Garon was confident. Even if Jager came again, Garon didn't believe he would lose.

"As for the strong divine power duel, we still need to prepare."

The Metallic Dragon God and the Immortal Dragon Queen exchanged a solemn glance. Now, the greatest pressure was on them. If the Supreme Emperor Haotian himself participated, he would be a nearly insurmountable obstacle.

The Metallic Dragon God and the Immortal Dragon Queen had been attempting to combine their powers to revive the might of the Nine-Faced Dragon God since the Non-War Pact was established. However, their personalities, thinking, and power attributes were extremely different, making true success difficult due to lingering distrust.

Yet, as remnants of the Nine-Faced Dragon God representing his benevolent and malevolent sides, they had a chance of success. Perhaps the pressure from the Supreme Emperor Haotian would act as a forging furnace, aiding their combination.

Even if they succeeded, they might still be no match for the Supreme Emperor Haotian, but at least they would have a fighting chance.

"Moreover, we must continue to corrupt the Steel Queen."

"If we can revive the Nine-Faced Dragon God during the Non-War Pact period, our Dragon God Lord can challenge the Supreme Emperor Haotian."

The Dragon Gods had never forgotten the Nine-Faced Dragon God. He lived in the hearts of every true dragon, and many other intelligent beings were also his followers. His faith had been accumulating in endless planes, overseen by a dragon demigod to prevent the birth of a god of faith.

Many evil beings or gods had once coveted this faith, pretending to be the Nine-Faced Dragon God, but the consequences of discovery were always dire. Over time, no one dared to impersonate the Nine-Faced Dragon God, and his faith continued to accumulate.

Once revived, the Nine-Faced Dragon God would quickly return to his peak state, reshaping his status as the Lord God.

The Supreme Emperor Haotian, suspected to be an incarnation of the God of Gods, was a top-tier strong divine power. However, this didn't mean he was unbeatable. For example, if a god descended as a saint to the prime material world, even a strong divine power saint wouldn't be absolutely invincible.

At least, the Nine-Faced Dragon God would be on the same level as the Supreme Emperor Haotian.

The gods respected the Supreme Emperor Haotian for his strength, but most importantly, for his status as an incarnation of the God of Gods.

A while later, this temporary meeting ended, and the projections of the Dragon Gods dissipated.

"How to win the strong divine power duel?"

Garon fell into deep thought.

In the main timeline, there were very few beings capable of defeating the Supreme Emperor Haotian or even matching him.

"Bahamut and Tiamat's combination is just a struggle, likely ineffective in the end."

"Reviving the Nine-Faced Dragon God is the best method, but it's uncertain if he can be revived within the Non-War Pact period."

Garon pondered, his silver dragon form surrounded by countless treasures.

"Seek help from the Starforger Dragon King in an alternate timeline?"

"But the Starforger Dragon King might not be a match for the Supreme Emperor Haotian."

"And without developing time power, he can't exert his full strength in an alternate timeline, reducing the chances of victory."

"Or seek other powerful dragons in alternate timelines... no, the same problem as seeking the Starforger Dragon King."

Garon glanced at his mate.

The power dragoness was in the dragon nest, not disturbing her mate's thoughts. She was swinging her tail in front of her, her head bobbing along, her pale purple eyes blank, seemingly in a daze, showing a look of wisdom.

Garon suddenly leaned over and licked Yuna's tail tip.

This was one of the power dragons' sensitive spots.

Like being electrified, Yuna's outermost scales shook, making a crisp sound of steel clashing, then she quickly pulled back her tail, angrily saying, "What are you doing? You scared me. Don't lick there."

Garon shifted the topic, asking, "Yuna, can you contact the Progenitor?"

The Progenitor Power Dragon was unfathomable, possibly capable of rivaling top-tier gods.

Hearing Garon's question, Yuna shook her head, saying, "No, before you mentioned meeting the Progenitor, I even thought he was just a legend."

Garon nodded, not too disappointed, as he hadn't held much hope.

After some playful banter, Garon stayed in the Eternal Hall of Heroes' dragon nest with his mate, closing his eyes and falling asleep. At the same time, he absorbed the river of time, converting it into time power, and absorbed the life energy of the Heroic Domain, mixing it with time power to strengthen his physique.

Endlessly growing, Garon continued to evolve each second.

Stars shifted, time flowed.

Soon, three years passed.

A pair of platinum eyes slowly opened, reflecting thoughtful light.

"Master, a minor demigod from the Heavenly Court wishes to see you."

"Hey, if you don't want to see it, I'll eat it. It looks delicious."

Hearing Urbis' call, Garon awoke.

The Coldforest Serpent Dragon was in the prime material world, on the planet Kara. Now, Kara had developed into the largest dragon gathering place in the prime material world. The dragons ruled the sky, land, and sea, and every adult dragon was a high-ranking lord and king.

"A demigod from the Heavenly Court wants to see me?"

"Is it at the Supreme Emperor Haotian's behest?"

Garon's first thought was that the Supreme Emperor Haotian might want to secretly contact him, trying to coerce or entice him to lose the second duel, ensuring the gods' victory in the Non-War Pact without any surprises.

"Probably not. Haotian wouldn't do such things."

Ha

otian operated openly and fairly, with a love for life and strict justice, earning the gods' trust and willingness to let him lead and establish the Non-War Pact with the Dragon God lineage.

"Anyway, let's see what it's about."

With this thought, Garon's mind descended to the prime material world.

In the prime material world, on the Kara continent.

The northern hemisphere of Kara was covered in a white snowy scene.

Ice covered the rivers, and large snowflakes swirled down in the cold wind. Snowy mountains and thick layers of snow covered the ground, with frost hanging on the branches.

In a dense pine forest adorned in silver, dozens of tall pine trees stood firm even in winter, full of life.

This was not a normal scene.

An ominous dragon aura shrouded the entire pine forest.

Deep within the pine forest, a small demon from the Heavenly Court was trembling under the fierce shadow.

The small demon maintained a humanoid form, with snow-white skin, dressed in a purple flowing fairy gown, accentuating her delicate curves. Her fearful face was pitiful, arousing sympathy.

On the other side, a ferocious dark green giant was eyeing her hungrily.

Droplets of stinking saliva fell, turning into foul green gas that corroded the ground with intense toxicity.

The Coldforest Serpent Dragon drooled, staring at the small demon.

"Hey, little one, you look tasty."

"How about I take a bite?"

The dragon coiled its long body, enveloping the small demon, lowering its head to reveal sharp fangs.

The small demon was pale with fear.

Having secretly tried to contact the Dragon Lord, she targeted the Serpent Dragon Urbis, thinking he might be a good communicator due to his resemblance to the Imperial Dragon.

However, upon arrival, the Serpent Dragon swallowed her. She was only spared after expressing her purpose and being spat out.

Now, as a demigod renowned in war, nurtured by Garon's resources, Urbis had reached demigod status, the strongest of his kind, revered by many as a potential god of serpent dragons.

The small demon, though a demigod, was no match for the Serpent Dragon.

"No, no, I'm not tasty. I'm just a small snake."

Seemingly terrified, the small demon wobbled and reverted to her original form.

A beautiful purple-scaled snake appeared before the Serpent Dragon.

"Human or snake, I don't mind. Being picky won't let you grow big."

The Serpent Dragon licked its lips, speaking in a muffled voice.

It didn't actually intend to eat her, finding her frightened reaction amusing. Otherwise, it would have swallowed her whole.

At this moment, a presence descended, falling on the Serpent Dragon.

The Serpent Dragon paused, its ferocious aura dissipating, its dark green pupils turning platinum, exuding a majestic and steady aura.

"Raise your head."

The small demon, hiding her head in the snow with her tail trembling, heard Garon's calm voice.

His voice seemed magical, making the small demon subconsciously raise her head, looking at the now different Serpent Dragon.

The Serpent Dragon's appearance remained the same, but it felt entirely different. She realized the renowned Dragon Lord, Lord of Heroes, Time Dragon Garon Aurelian, had descended.

The purple snake transformed into a human form, bowing gracefully with Heavenly Court etiquette.

"Greetings, noble Lord Garon."

"My name is Ziling, a celestial officer of the Heavenly Court."

She spoke.

Garon nodded slightly, his expression calm, and asked directly, "Who sent you?"

"Lord Ao Tian sent me with something for you."

She solemnly presented a golden orb.

The orb, only three inches in diameter, shone with a golden hue, containing a long, winding Imperial Dragon, appearing mystical.

"This is a Dragon Pearl, a rare treasure created by Lord Ao Tian."

"Please accept it."

Garon had heard of Dragon Pearls.

Imperial Dragons could produce Dragon Pearls, having various uses like turning the tide of battle or providing energy and strength during breakthroughs.

A Dragon Pearl from an intermediate divine power Emperor Dragon was indeed a treasure.

"Why give me the Dragon Pearl?"

Garon squinted, speculating but still asked.

"Lord Ao Tian hopes you will win the second duel of the Non-War Pact."

"He wants me to tell you that this Dragon Pearl can help you advance further at the intermediate divine power level."

"If you are not the representative for the second duel, please give it to the Dragon God representative."

Garon extended his dragon claw, taking the Dragon Pearl and playing with it lightly.

"Is Ao Tian not afraid of being discovered and punished by the Supreme Emperor Haotian?"

Garon had studied the Heavenly Court.

There was no law in the Heavenly Court to punish Ao Tian's actions since the Dragon God lineage and the Heavenly Court were not technically enemies. However, Haotian's will was the law, and angering him would not bode well for Ao Tian.

"Lord Ao Tian must have made up his mind."

Recalling Ao Tian's demeanor in the Ashura Field, Garon spoke, "I'll accept this Dragon Pearl. Tell Ao Tian I will win."

With or without the Dragon Pearl, Garon was determined to win. However, having it was better, and a Dragon Pearl from an intermediate divine power Emperor Dragon was indeed a rare treasure.

The small demon, completing her task, left.

Garon's presence also departed from the Serpent Dragon, returning to the Eternal Hall of Heroes.

In the dragon nest, Garon, now holding the Dragon Pearl, played with it.

The golden Dragon Pearl shimmered with a gentle light, a dragon moving within.

Garon felt a natural desire, indicating its great benefit to him.

"Giving away a Dragon Pearl, such courage and determination..."

Dragon Pearls were vital to Imperial Dragons, not easily touched even by close mates. Holding Ao Tian's Dragon Pearl, Garon could easily enslave Ao Tian if he had malicious intentions.

Yet, Ao Tian gave this vital treasure to Garon, whom he had barely met.

Garon understood the Imperial Dragons' plight in the Heavenly Court and could empathize with Ao Tian.

Imperial Dragons were true dragons.

True dragons would never willingly submit, be enslaved, or controlled. Ao Tian yearned for a broader world and freedom, and even if other Imperial Dragons were unaware, they shared the same subconscious desire.

Knowing the slim chances of victory, Ao Tian still didn't want to miss the opportunity, giving his most precious Dragon Pearl to Garon to enhance the Dragon God's chances.

The small Dragon Pearl felt immensely heavy.

Garon, the silver dragon, examined the Dragon Pearl, understanding its composition. It was pure energy, easy for dragons to absorb, capable of destruction or revitalization.

"If I were a weak divine power, swallowing the Dragon Pearl would elevate me to intermediate divine power."

"For me now, it will likely raise me six levels, reaching ninety."

These six levels were more valuable than the twenty from sixty to eighty at the weak divine power level, being closer to the peak and harder to achieve. Many gods and demigods remained stagnant for millennia, unable to advance.

Garon went to where the Metallic Dragon God and Immortal Dragon Queen resided, verifying the Dragon Pearl before returning to the dragon nest, deciding to swallow it to enhance his strength before the Non-War Pact began.

The Dragon Pearl transformed into a warm current, flowing through Garon's body, energizing every cell, making him feel rejuvenated.

Garon couldn't help but let out a low moan, the sensation was too wonderful.

The Thorn Flower Crown on his head glowed softly, drawing life energy, while the symbols on his body and wings came alive, absorbing the river of time.

The Dragon Pearl, life energy, and time power combined to nourish Garon.

Time flowed steadily.

The Eternal Hall of Heroes became an energy black hole, with Garon at its center, growing rapidly.

Each year, his biological level visibly increased.

After six years, Garon completely absorbed the Dragon Pearl.

In the dragon nest, even while restraining his form, the silver dragon now stretched over 500 meters, a silver mountain radiating dragon might, shining like a sun.

"Biological level, ninety."

"With the power of Garon the God, in full form, I see no chance of losing."

Clenching his dragon claw, Garon felt the surge of power within, his gaze deepening, hiding his joy.

The Dragon Pearl's energy was pure and easily absorbed, stabilizing his level at ninety.

Another good news arrived.

During Garon's absorption, the Immortal Dragon Queen successfully corrupted the Steel Queen's mind, revealing crucial information.

"As Bahamut and Tiamat speculated, the true soul of the Nine-Faced Dragon God is sealed by the Dark Black Axe, preventing his revival."

"But the Terror Lord is also not truly dead."

According to the Steel Queen, the Terror Lord's situation was similar to the Nine-Faced Dragon God's.

In the Dawn War, the Terror Lord wasn't fully killed.

When the fragments of the Nine-Faced Dragon God, Bahamut and Tiamat, tore the Terror Lord apart, his soul fled into the Dark Black Axe, awaiting revival. However, the true soul of the Nine-Faced Dragon God clung to him, engaging in an eternal soul battle within the Dark Black Axe.

The battle had intertwined their souls, making them almost inseparable.

Half of the Dark Black Axe was already corrupted by the Nine-Faced Dragon God.

This situation prevented both from reviving, as they constantly restrained each other.

The dark gods knew the location of the Dark Black Axe and had been gathering materials to construct a soul array capable of separating beings of their level.

The array was nearly complete in the Scorching Hell, and the dark gods planned to revive the Terror Lord during the Non-War Pact,

 aiding him in devouring the Nine-Faced Dragon God's soul.

To revive the Nine-Faced Dragon God, the Dragon Gods held a meeting.

After much discussion, they decided to wait until the dark gods completed the array, then strike, joining forces with allied gods to help the Nine-Faced Dragon God devour the Terror Lord.

"The Steel Queen's capture might alert the dark gods to their plan's exposure."

"But the array is nearly complete and can't be moved easily."

"They'll likely fortify their defenses, preparing for an assault."

Garon assessed the situation, analyzing the information.

Reviving the Nine-Faced Dragon God would give them a chance against the Supreme Emperor Haotian.

Bahamut and Tiamat temporarily abandoned their combination plan, focusing on the Scorching Hell, preparing as well.

Not wanting to alert the gods, the Dragon Gods didn't make a big move but waited silently.

Amidst the Dragon Gods' anticipation, the second duel of the Non-War Pact arrived a year later.

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