[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-ember-dragon":3,"chapter-ember-dragon-ember-dragon-chapter-552":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Ember Dragon",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":20,"prevChapterSlug":21,"totalChapters":22,"novelImage":23},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":16,"volume":17,"translator":18,"content_hash":19},1162747,1504,"Chapter 552: The Audience with the Ancient Silver Dragon","ember-dragon-chapter-552",552,"\u003Cp>>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chapter 552: The Audience with the Ancient Silver Dragon\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After organizing the abundant spoils from the recent battle, Cassius coiled atop the smoke-covered Dragonblood Mountain, his massive body rising and falling with each breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Huff, huff.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In front of his blood-filled maw filled with fangs burned a cluster of silver-white flames, continuously purifying and refining the purple-black flesh, driving out the chaotic black mist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As a force capable of reducing entropy and decreasing systemic chaos, the Breath of Order consumed an astronomical amount of energy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even someone like Cassius, practically a dragon-shaped reactor, had to exert himself fully to maintain the silver-white flames and refine [Pure Ancestral Dragon Blood].\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Pssh.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The red dragon exhaled hot white smoke from his nostrils and jaws, while the core vessels inside him pulsed with faint light, his massive, powerful body like a constantly burning furnace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eventually, the flames slowly faded, and a drop of crimson blood hovered in midair before Cassius swallowed it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Ancestral Dragon Bloodline Purity +0.0001%]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compared to the mountainous corpse hundreds of meters long, this bit of flesh was but a drop in the ocean.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But to Cassius, whose lifespan was long, the time spent was negligible. In the near future, he would digest the entire dragon corpse and become a true ancestral dragon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, Langpu’s magical projection appeared before the red dragon, the ogre’s hideous face displaying a flattering smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Master, the silver dragons from the Melward Clan are still requesting an audience. They have nine adult silver dragons and four young ones.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The leader is said to be an ancient-class silver dragon, rumored to be the brother of Oszedro, quite formidable. Shall we—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Annoying bunch. Those Melward silver dragons always love to meddle.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But I suppose they’ve earned some credit this time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cassius snorted, spewing more hot smoke, and shook his massive head, showing a hint of impatience.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had just been enjoying the thrill of a bloodline breakthrough and power boost, and being interrupted at this critical moment was not a pleasant experience.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Langpu sensed the emperor’s irritation and cautiously asked, \"Then shall I bring them before you, master?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No, Langpu. Don’t forget, Dragonblood Mountain is a forbidden zone.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If they’re that eager to see me—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cassius pushed his heavy body up with his strong limbs, stretched his back, and swayed his long, thick tail.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then I shall appear before them.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Shua—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The red dragon lifted his claw and effortlessly tore open the space before him, creating a flame-wreathed spatial rift, then lowered his head and stepped through.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the edge of the Anstica Mountains, the silver dragons flew in formation, flapping their wings, fully alert.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pabliceko stood on all fours nearby, nervously watching the ogre.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lord Langpu, did His Majesty agree?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pabliceko had come not only to repel abyssal demons but also to fulfill his brother’s task—probing the Empire’s future intentions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>According to the silver dragons’ investigations, the Ember Empire’s military was developing rapidly. Its devastating weapons alone signaled its grand ambitions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They likely wouldn’t be satisfied with just the remote Anzeta Wasteland.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the ogre archmage quietly replied, \"His Majesty agreed to your audience, but... he should be arriving any moment now.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pabliceko was a bit surprised and quickly asked, \"You mean—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Shua—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A massive, sharp dragon claw reached out from the void, gripping both sides of the spatial rift and forcefully tearing it open.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instantly, flame flowed around the rift, sparks danced in the air, scorching winds roared, and a tremendous pressure swept across miles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Awooo!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At once, the flying silver dragons were pressed down as if by an invisible hand, yelping as they crashed to the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These normally powerful adult and young silver dragons now lay groaning like helpless chicks, unable to move.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What is this...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the ancient silver dragon felt an intense wind pressure and a deep stirring in his bloodline, forcing him to lower his majestic silver head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the winds subsided and the pressure lessened, Pabliceko finally raised his head to behold the towering figure, struck with awe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"By Bahamut...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Observing from afar and standing close were vastly different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Standing before the massive red dragon, Pabliceko could now truly feel his terrifying presence and power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A body over forty meters long—nearly fifty—twice Pabliceko’s size.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And this Ember Emperor was even more muscular than typical red dragons, with bulging iron-ball-like muscles beneath crimson scales and pillar-like limbs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet despite his bulk, the red dragon’s proportions were perfect, without a hint of awkwardness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Standing before him, even an ancient silver dragon felt small and weak—like a lamb before a tiger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What? Not happy to see me? I heard you were dying for an audience.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cassius’s deep voice echoed across the plains, sending a shiver through Pabliceko, who quickly responded, \"Of course not.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ancient silver dragon lowered his head, tucked his wings, and slightly bent his forelegs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only then did he respectfully greet, \"Good day, Your Majesty.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pabliceko paused, then continued with a gentle smile, \"I witnessed everything you accomplished. I must say—it was a magnificent battle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On behalf of the Melward Clan, I congratulate you on repelling the abyssal invasion and achieving yet another glorious victory.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’re the old guy’s little brother? Pabliceko, was it?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tch, what a mouthful of a name.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cassius sized up the ancient silver dragon, raising his brow with scaly ridges.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It really was Oszedro’s brother. From a draconic perspective, they looked alike—with sharp silver faces like they were carved from blades.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But this one was clearly smaller than Oszedro, about twenty-four meters long, without the heavily armed gear or runes etched all over his body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just an ordinary silver dragon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was Cassius’s evaluation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, Your Majesty.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing the red dragon’s question, Pabliceko twitched slightly at the corner of his mouth but answered honestly—he didn’t want to offend the emperor over titles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cassius said casually, \"Speak. What do you want? My time is precious.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pabliceko hesitated a moment, then cautiously said, \"Your Majesty Cassius, we of the Melward Clan would like to know your views on the situation across the Feanso Continent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And whether the Ember Empire will get involved in the ongoing conflict.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cassius narrowed his eyes, his pale-gold pupils fixed coldly on the ancient silver dragon, \"That’s the Empire’s internal affair. What does it have to do with the Melward Clan?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pabliceko quickly shook his head, explaining, \"We mean no offense. But the Empire’s stance is important to us. It affects the entire Feanso landscape.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The silver dragon turned to gaze over the vast wilderness, seemingly admiring Anzeta’s grandeur.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, he sighed casually, \"Your Majesty Cassius, you already possess vast lands, millions of loyal subjects, and the world’s wealth concentrated here. If I were you, I’d be content and wouldn’t want to disrupt the south’s order.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cassius bared his teeth and sneered coldly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Heh.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The red dragon caught the implication. The ancient silver dragon clearly meant: you already have so much, why remain greedy for southern territory?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cassius extended a claw, conjuring a magical image of flames in his palm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Burning cities, displaced civilians, weeping mothers, wailing children, shattered corpses, heavy smoke, rivers of blood... these horrific scenes flashed across the image.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—This was the war-torn border between the Kingdom of Therese and the Kingdom of Kassand, the most brutal battlefront.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The war had lasted three years. After endless bloodshed, hatred had replaced kinship—both sides saw each other only as enemies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And enemies were no longer seen as people. Civilians died by the millions under artillery, divine legions, and arcane armies, their lives as insignificant as grass.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cassius said mercilessly, \"This is the order your Melward Clan worked so hard to maintain?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If this is what you call ’order,’ you might as well go to Hell and invite Asmodeus, Lord of the Nine Hells, to rule you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pabliceko replied, \"But your empire sells weapons...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cassius sneered, \"Even without our guns and cannons, do you think they wouldn’t kill each other? I see the divine legions are having quite the time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pabliceko was speechless, but forced himself to continue, \"Your Majesty, that’s a war among mortals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They fight over wealth, land, and power. Right or wrong doesn’t apply. Even we of Melward can’t stop it, and certainly won’t interfere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But order between dragons and humanoids—humans, elves, etc.—we’ve maintained for a thousand years.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For millennia, dragons haven’t meddled. Even when Tiamat incited violence, we quickly stopped it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You are our ally, and we don’t wish to see you stand against our clan.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pabliceko spoke persuasively, watching the emperor’s expression—but saw a trace of mockery on that draconic face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But our treaty says nothing about the Empire submitting to Melward’s order.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cassius lowered his head, grinning at the seemingly scrawny ancient silver dragon before him:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Such arrogance. What gives you the right? Just because you’re dragons, we must obey your rules?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice grew deeper and louder, finally thundering like a storm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Do you realize—even Tiamat and Bahamut, even the lofty dragon gods, can’t control me!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Boom!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His broad wings suddenly spread, unleashing a crushing pressure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Violent gales raged around his massive body, and a soul-crushing oppression flooded the silver dragons’ minds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In that instant, all fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"W-What was that?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pabliceko froze, trembling, voice shaking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In his eyes, he saw dragon silhouettes thousands of meters long—the mythical beings created by His Majesty Io himself!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ancient silver dragon trembled violently, gripped by bloodline-deep fear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But centuries of discipline gave Pabliceko mental fortitude, keeping him from collapsing. He barely stayed standing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"T-They...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though weak under the pressure, Pabliceko could still glance around.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All the adult and young silver dragons were stunned, bodies rigid, eyes dim—utterly crushed by the pressure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"By Bahamut... such dragon might...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In a thousand years, Pabliceko had never seen a dragon defeat adult silver dragons with mere presence—not even ancient golds could.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only true dragon gods could match that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But what happened next shocked and horrified him more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The red dragon folded his wings, calmly opened his mouth, and commanded: \"Circle.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instantly, the silver dragons obediently spun in place like trained hounds, chasing their own tails.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Until the next order came, they would keep circling as if forever.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In mere moments, relying only on ancestral bloodline might, Cassius had controlled multiple silver dragons!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the power of [Ancestral Dragon Majesty]!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pabliceko stood slack-jawed at the sight, never having seen dragons so massively dominated before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cassius, amused, watched them circle and spoke in a deep voice across the plains:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I don’t intend to harm you, my dear ’allies.’ Our pact to resist the Abyss still stands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But know this—if I wish it, the Melward Clan cannot affect the Empire’s actions in the slightest.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dragon might vanished. The silver dragons regained their senses, dazed and confused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What just happened?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ugh, my head hurts.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What did that red dragon do?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pabliceko stood stiffly, terrified, unable to speak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cassius paced before the ancient silver dragon, speaking leisurely, \"Also, if you’ve researched my past, you should know...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I am the kindest of dragons, filled with compassion for all. I can’t bear to see serfs suffer or the people of Fadran ravaged by war.\"\u003C\u002Fp>",1848,"2026-06-03T12:47:18.890Z","2026-06-03T12:47:22.748Z",1,"novelbin.me","a9c5f97970c360e024bae0515c46d6adef134b008b59318111edb7168de41850","ember-dragon-chapter-553","ember-dragon-chapter-551",603,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fember-dragon-cover.jpg"]