Chapter 704: Chapter 702: Searching for Clues of the Ancient Dragon Chapter 704: Chapter 702: Searching for Clues of the Ancient Dragon The discourse on the Way of Rules lasted three hours, and Russell did not hold back, revealing all of his insights in great detail.

Not only his own insights, but also those of the Dreamscape Ancient Dragon, the Flame Ancient Giant Dragon, and the Ancient Dragon of Freedom. The only exception was the Revenge Ancient Dragon, which could not communicate; otherwise, even Young Lord Darimu would have been invited for a chat.

The dragons and dragon knights all felt that they had gained a lot from it.

After Russell had finished speaking and gracefully departed, the dragons and dragon knights were still reluctant to leave. They gathered not far from the Amber Great Tree, discussing and reflecting on the discourse and exchanging their own understandings.

“I speculate from His Majesty Russell’s words,” declared King Debuloye confidently, “that aside from the Revenge Ancient Dragon, other ancient dragons must have appeared during the five thousand years of the Warm Age.”

“Consider this,” he continued. “Over the past five thousand years, how many dragons have ventured deep into the Snowfield in search of hope, never to be heard from again? Could it really be that none succeeded?”

“You mean that there were dragons who succeeded, but became trapped within the rules and couldn’t escape?”

“Exactly,” nodded King Debuloye. “His Majesty Russell said that when he and the Shadowflame Crown were ascending, they almost became part of the rules themselves, a testament to the peril within.”

“The king speaks wisely!” a Grand Duke responded. “Were it not for the Snow Soul Blade, this miraculous weapon serving as a vessel, even if His Majesty Russell could have returned, the Shadowflame Crown would have been stuck within the rules.”

“Among the pioneers, only the Revenge Ancient Dragon could be summoned, and that was only because His Majesty Russell pulled it out of the Void Abyss.”

“To ascend as an Ancient Dragon, one must find an appropriate vessel; otherwise, one will be consumed by the rules rather than mastering them.”

“The problem now is, even if there are other pioneers merged with the rules, how do we find them?”

“Other than His Majesty Russell, I fear no one can accomplish that.”

“But we can take proactive steps to look for clues, and once we find them, we pass them to His Majesty Russell.”

“Correct!” said King Ares. “Books, legends, ancient relics, places with unusual phenomena—all could be hiding clues about the ancient dragons… after all, there are ten Frost Titans on the Eternal Frost Star!”

“Let’s take action, we cannot let His Majesty Russell bear the burden of the entire Dragon Sleep Continent alone. We must also contribute.”

“The industrial development of our nations must not cease now; under the power of the Shadowflame Crown, the Volcanic Oasis expands, and Cold Spring Point and Snow Forest are turning into warm areas. It is the perfect time to vigorously develop industry and commerce, to prosper the nations and strengthen dragons!”

“Yes, the Shadowflame Crown’s ascension might be closely tied to the robust industry of the Shadowflame Kingdom!”

“It is indeed related. The authority of the Shadowflame Crown’s rules includes ‘transformation,’ which encompasses the Industrial Revolution!”

After the discussion, everyone returned to their respective countries.

Russell had already returned early to the Shadowflame Volcano, where he received a delegation of foreign Flying Dragon Knights.

“One at a time, no need to rush,” Russell, holding the Burning Sword, signaled to the Flying Dragon Knights to come forward in turn.

A Flying Dragon Knight came up to Russell and knelt on one knee respectfully.

Although Russell was not crowned as Emperor, his status was no different from that of an Emperor. Apart from the kings and grand dukes of various countries, all knights knelt on one knee before Russell to show their respect.

Even the Flying Dragon Knight’s contract partner, a bipedal flying dragon over ten meters long, bent its body and lowered its head in submission upon seeing Russell.

This was the respect towards an Ancient Giant Dragon Knight.

It was also a deep respect for the mightiest warrior of the Dragon Sleep Continent, the knight who had walked the furthest on the Way of the Knight.

“Do not be afraid,” Russell said with a gentle smile.

The next moment, the Burning Sword in his hand transformed into a Flame Whip, lashing into the body of the bipedal flying dragon.

On Russell’s shoulder, the Flame Ancient Giant Dragon had transformed into a palm-sized Elf Little Fire Dragon, whispering beside Russell’s ear, “Its body has clear boundaries between Dragon Breath and Dragonflame, but under the power of my flame, the shackles are beginning to loosen.”

“Mm,” Russell nodded.

“He then sheathed the Burning Sword and said to the Flying Dragon Knight before him, “Very well, in the name of flame, I have granted you the power to move forward.”

The Flying Dragon Knight had already felt this power, especially the Bipedal Flying Dragon, whose eyes glittered with an uncontrollable light.

If it were not for the fear of the Dragonflame Ancient Dragon’s majesty, it would have cried out long ago.

Like a dragon’s breath imprisoned, it finally felt a slight loosening—the hope of breaking free from fate had descended.

“Most exalted His Majesty Russell, thank you for everything!” The Flying Dragon Knight, struggling to contain his excitement, maintained his kneeling position on one knee and pounded his chest vigorously.

“Next,” Russell said.

One by one, this group of Flying Dragon Knights came before Russell, and he used the Burning Sword to break the shackles of Dragon Breath for each of them.

Like the Flying Dragon Knights of Shadowflame Kingdom, they could now embark on the path of dragon-kind.

Of course, for the Bipedal Flying Dragons of Shadowflame Kingdom, their shackles had been completely broken under the burning power of the Rule Power. However, these knights still needed to slowly erode their shackles after returning, until they were completely gone.

“Charles, make a trip to the Amber Council,” Russell called Lord Charles after conducting experiments on this batch of foreign Flying Dragon Knights.

Charles was his early confidant.

After ascending the throne, he appointed Charles as assistant to the Industry Minister, consistently aiding his brother Roland in implementing industrialization.

Now, with industrialization flourishing, Charles, having proven his merit, was adjusted by Russell to be assistant to the Chief Steward. The current Chief Steward Lord Kunbei, already too elderly—if not a Flying Dragon Knight, he should have retired long ago.

Russell intended to have Charles work a few more years in the assistant position and then smoothly succeed Lord Kunbei as the new Chief Steward of Shadowflame Kingdom.

“Your Majesty, please command,” Charles’s demeanor showed none of his former frivolity. He was now a qualified noble and minister.

“Notify Marquis Merlin to send official letters to all nations, arranging a time to liberate those Bipedal Flying Dragons desiring to break free from the Dragon Breath shackles, all to be done at the Shadowflame Volcano by me personally.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Also, gather Eric, Grove, Katie, Catherine, Glontan… all of them. Tomorrow, I will hold a dinner at the Cigar Manor. It has been quite some time since we, the sovereign and officials, have gathered together,” Russell remarked sentimentally.

Upon hearing this, Charles happily responded, “Your Majesty, I will inform everyone immediately. The hidden residences of Wuyao Snake Manor can dine with you again!”

In the past days at Wuyao Snake Manor, officials would come daily to Russell’s place to freeload meals and drinks.

Since Russell ascended the throne, such gatherings had ceased.

After Charles left,

Russell looked around the now-empty Shadowflame Volcano, shaking his head wistfully, “Shadowflame, you understand the feeling of loneliness better than I do.”

“Shadowflame is a dragon, born and nurtured by nature, human emotions aren’t fitting for Shadowflame,” the Little Fire Dragon on his shoulder suddenly leaped into the lava, transforming into the mighty Flame Ancient Dragon hundreds of meters tall.

The Shadowflame Volcano, after its previous two eruptions, had expanded once more, becoming even grander and taller.

The area around the crater had also expanded.

It was now more than enough space to build a city.

“But you understand me, don’t you?”

“Sentimental and sensitive, that’s not Shadowflame’s style,” the Flame Ancient Dragon glanced at Russell and slowly closed its eyes, “Shadowflame… likes dominance, Russell, though you are the strongest among humans, you still lack dominance.”

“Hehe,” Russell chuckled.

Shadowflame always had a way of being contrary.