Chapter 301: First Gathering of Lingering Souls

(Ao Li leads the Dragon Clan to emerge)

Ao Li, alone, stands within the Dragon Abyss forbidden zone, surrounded by a thick, almost tangible chaotic aura. This forbidden zone is the final resting place of the ancient Dragon Clan's lingering souls, dark and damp, the air filled with a mingling scent of decay and mystery. From time to time, ghostly green flames flicker in the corners, as if ancient eyes are watching the intruder.

Ao Li tightly grips the Dragon Scale Treasure Mirror in hand, a heirloom of the Dragon Clan passed down through countless ages; its surface is composed of innumerable tiny yet resilient Dragon Scales, emitting an ancient and mysterious glow. The mirror's rim is etched with ancient runes, each rune containing great power. Ao Li knows well that this mirror is the key to awakening the lingering souls, bearing the Dragon Clan's faint hope of revival.

"With my Dragon Clan bloodline as guide, with the essence of heaven and earth as medium, ancient lingering souls, hear my summons!" Ao Li cried delicately, her voice echoing through the silent forbidden zone. As she shouted, the Dragon Scale Treasure Mirror in hand blazed brighter, its dazzling light piercing the chaotic aura and illuminating the entire zone. Illusory figures began to coalesce within the light, at first only vague outlines, then gradually becoming clear—these were the ancient Dragon Clan's lingering souls.

Yet the souls, upon appearing, emitted painful howls, their voices filled with great resistance to the present world. Their forms twisted as if pulled by an invisible force, faces contorted in agony and ferocity. Some souls were surrounded by black mist, the embodiment of resentment, which looked especially eerie under the mirror's light.

"Esteemed seniors, the Dragon Clan now teeters on the brink of extinction; I hope you will temporarily set aside your worldly grievances and lend me a hand!" Ao Li said urgently, eyes full of sincerity and resolve. She knows that after countless calamities the Dragon Clan has reached a critical moment of life and death. The Observer and the Correctors loom like hanging blades, constantly threatening the Dragon Clan and the safety of the entire Open Heaven universe. Awakening these ancient lingering souls is a crucial step for them to strengthen themselves and confront powerful foes.

But some souls remain restless, trying to break the mirror's restraint. They frantically strike the luminous cage formed by the mirror, emitting bursts of angry roars. Sweat beads dotted Ao Li's forehead, large droplets sliding down the cheek. She knows that if these souls cannot be pacified, the subsequent plan cannot proceed, and the Dragon Clan will lose its last hope.

Ao Li inhaled deeply, suppressing inner tension and fatigue, and began to recount the severe situation the Dragon Clan now faces. She detailed the numerous atrocities of the Observer and the Correctors, and the massive destruction they have wrought upon the Dragon Clan and the entire universe. Every word, every sentence, was laden with Ao Li's concern for the Dragon Clan's fate and her steadfast dedication to justice.

"Seniors, our homeland is undergoing an unprecedented crisis; countless Dragon Clan citizens are struggling in pain under the enemy's oppression. If we cannot unite as one, the Dragon Clan will face extinction, and our glory and legacy will be severed." Ao Li's voice carried a hint of choking, yet her gaze grew ever more resolute.

Under Ao Li's narration, some souls gradually ceased their restlessness, a hint of emotion flashing in their eyes. Yet a portion of souls still harbored doubts, their resentment toward the present world too deep to easily release.

"Hmph, what do the worldly disputes have to do with us? We have long transcended; why must we still become entangled in this endless trouble?" a soul emanating a faint blue glow said coldly.

Ao Li looked at the soul, replying earnestly: "Senior, though we exist in different times and spaces, the Dragon Clan's bloodline binds us tightly. This crisis concerns not only the present Dragon Clan but also the entire history and future of our kind. If we allow the enemy to run rampant, the Dragon Clan's fame will vanish from the universe, and how can we face our ancestors?"

At that moment, a fierce wind suddenly rose within the forbidden zone, stirring the chaotic aura into even more turbulence. Amid the wind's howl, a deep, resonant dragon roar drifted faintly. The roar seemed to pierce the barrier of time and space, bearing endless majesty and sorrow.

All the lingering souls, upon hearing the dragon roar, fell silent, awe evident on their faces. Ao Li felt a stir in her heart, realizing the roar might be the key to breaking the stalemate.

As the dragon roar grew clearer, a massive dragon silhouette flickered in the wind, half‑visible. The silhouette radiated multicolored light, illuminating the entire forbidden zone and dispersing the chaotic aura. The dragon silhouette slowly opened its eyes, electric in gaze, scanning every lingering soul and Ao Li present.

"Junior ones, Ao Li's words are not false. The Dragon Clan's destiny has never truly transcended; we share the same roots and blood with the present Dragon Clan. Now the Dragon Clan faces a crisis; how can we stand by idly?" the dragon silhouette's voice boomed like a great bell, echoing through the forbidden zone.

Hearing the dragon silhouette's words, those doubtful souls bowed their heads, seemingly persuaded by its authority and speech.

"Since that is so, we will temporarily set aside our grievances and lend you a hand!" the previously blue‑glowing soul said. Other souls also responded, and for a moment the forbidden zone resonated with low dragon roars, indicating willingness to obey Ao Li's command.

Ao Li's heart swelled with joy; she bowed deeply to the dragon silhouette and the gathered souls, "Thank you, seniors, for your assistance. Ao Li will not disappoint you; I will restore the Dragon Clan's former brilliance!"

With the souls' consent, the Dragon Scale Treasure Mirror's light softened further, and the souls' forms steadied. Ao Li began communicating with the souls, learning the powers they possessed and how to better integrate those powers, preparing for the upcoming battle.

During this process, Ao Li discovered that although these souls had passed many years ago, they still retained great power; if harnessed properly this power would become a formidable aid against the Observer and the Correctors. However, merging these powers with present‑day forces perfectly is no easy task; it requires complex rituals and prolonged refinement.

Just as Ao Li and the souls were discussing the details of power integration, a commotion suddenly arose beyond the forbidden zone. It seemed a powerful force was approaching, shattering the long‑standing tranquility of the Dragon Abyss.

May I ask whether you wish me to continue writing the subsequent chapters?