The Grand Masters Across Eras: Blood and Fire.

Chapter 516 The Grand Masters Across Eras: Blood and Fire.

Dusk Plains, the headquarters of the Aura Legion.

The crimson iron dragon lay prostrate on the high platform, its vertical pupils reflecting the horizon where twilight met the plain. Its breathing was steady and long, each exhale bringing with it a scorching airflow that swept across the battle flags at the edge of the platform.

Around him were legends belonging to Aura.

Iron Dragon Sorog, Red Dragon Samantha, White Dragon Beskar, Aura's Fang, Aura's Edge, and the two legendary lords, Amethyst Dragon Lion and Phoenix.
They stood or sat, each in a different posture, and each one exuded a strong sense of oppression.

However, their eyes were all focused on the red iron dragon in the center.

At this moment, Gluttonous Demon Karu licked his fangs and looked at the Red Iron Dragon.

"Your Majesty, please go one more time! Throw a few more suns down!"

His voice was rough, filled with an eager fighting spirit, as he continued, "That tiny human who plays with time looks so fragile, how many times can he withstand a hit? Once he's exhausted and dies, you, with the power of a dragon, can flatten the entire Lorthene Northern Expeditionary Army and their royal city. I, Karu, will definitely be at the forefront, cheering you on!"

After saying that, Karu pounded his chest with his fist, making a dull thud.

His words also garnered the approval of some of the surrounding Aura Legends, and several low growls echoed throughout the camp.

"Your Majesty, you have already reached the level of a crowned dragon, a level that many ancient dragons may not be able to achieve."

White Dragon Bescal raised his head, offering a flattering compliment in a calm voice.

“Dealing with Lorthorn’s human Grand rank is a piece of cake.”

Beside it, the phoenix let out a clear cry, flames swirling among its feathers.

She tilted her head and said in an elegant tone, "Powerful, domineering... especially the way you hold up the sun in the sky, it's truly captivating, even comparable to my beauty."

Given the Phoenix's level of narcissism, this is already the highest level of recognition she could receive.

The legends around them were already used to this and didn't even lift their eyelids.

However, despite enjoying the praise around him, Galus did not lose his mind.

He shook his enormous head slightly.

"No, the strategy needs to be changed."

Beside them, a giant dragon, several sizes smaller than Garos and covered in black scales, gazed toward the direction of the Lorthen Legion.

Iron Dragon Sorog narrowed his eyes, his pupils shrinking to a thin slit.

"Things shouldn't happen more than three times."

Sorog continued, "His Majesty's two previous greetings, the first being a surprise attack and the second taking advantage of the other side's unstable foothold, both achieved a deterrent effect."

"However, Lorthorn is not a fool, nor is anyone who can achieve the status of a Grand Legend."

The legendary path after the Grand rank is not a step-by-step distribution.

All legendary beings that can reach the Grand level are essentially beings with an immortal appearance.

As long as one is tough enough and long enough, every Grand Legend has a very high probability of breaking through destiny and reaching immortality. Unfortunately, the vast majority of Grand Legends do not have this fate, including even the long-lived dragon race.

However, reaching the Grand rank is already the best proof of talent, luck, and hard work.

These are all indispensable.

"Lotharne's championship team should have realized that they can no longer continue to play defensively."

Iron Dragon's gaze swept over every legend present, finally returning to Garoth.

"If our king still goes alone, what awaits him will not be just Sodrian's Shield of Time alone, but more likely a meticulously planned ambush that gathers all the high-level beings of Lortheon."

Galos nodded slightly, agreeing with the analysis from the perspective of blood relatives.

"Sorrog is right."

"It is foolish to underestimate your opponent, especially when facing a powerful nation with a legendary Grand Slam title and a rich history."

“They have already witnessed my power, the might of the setting sun. Next time, they will be prepared to prepare against me.”

He raised his dragon head, his gaze sweeping over the rows of Aura banners standing in the camp, and the pairs of eyes looking at him.

Therefore, there was no third individual greeting.

"Next time, when I fly toward the Lorthorn Legion, the entire Aura Legion will be on my flanks. We will no longer probe or intimidate, but launch a full-scale attack."

"Victory or defeat hinges entirely on this moment of brilliance."

His voice gradually rose, like the beating of war drums.

"My kin and lords, you will follow me to crush Lorthorn's legions on the Dusk Plains and secure victory in the war between our two nations!"

Roar!
Karu paused for a moment, then grinned and let out a deafening growl filled with pure excitement.

"Good! Good! Watching Your Majesty unleash your power is exhilarating, but it's not as satisfying as fighting myself! War! Smoke! Screams! My minions are itching for battle!"

Karu stood up, casting a long shadow.

He pounded his chest harder, the impact producing a dull thud.

Beside her, Elvie, the Centaur legend who had been silent all along, finally spoke up.

She stroked the bow arm of the longbow in her hand and said softly, "My arrows will snipe away the troublesome insects for you."

Because of the Red Emperor's overwhelming power, the legends of Aura often joke that their very existence is meant to cheer for His Majesty and witness the King's might.

However, they all had a warlike spirit burning within them, yearning to display their legendary power.

For so long, the brilliance of Garus has been so dazzling that they have rarely had the opportunity to fully unleash their power. But now, the opportunity is coming, and they will be fighting alongside their king.

Iron Dragon Sorog looked at Garros, his usually calm gaze becoming slightly more intense, and the muscles beneath his scales tensed slightly.

"This will be the first time we've truly fought side-by-side since we all entered the Legendary realm."

"That's right!"

A scorching heat emanated from it.

Samantha, the red dragon, gritted her teeth and grinned, "Let other races remember the fear of being dominated by dragons! Our giant wings will blot out the sun!"

She spread her wings, the fiery red dragon wings like burning banners in the twilight.

On the other side, several legends from Theo also stood up.

Led by Henderson, these newly joined legends of the Aura faction stood solemnly, their right hands on their chests in a salute.

"We too will fight for Aura!"

Henderson said in a deep voice.

These legends knew very well that Theo's future, and whether he would be truly accepted by Aura after surrendering, depended mainly on this battle.

They need to prove their worth and that they deserve Aura's acceptance.

The battlefield is the best test.

Galos's gaze swept over the new faces, and he nodded slightly.

"Aura welcomes every warrior willing to fight alongside her."

He said it briefly, but this simple recognition gave Theo's legends a boost.

The red iron dragon looked back towards the direction of the Lor'then Legion, its vertical pupils reflecting the distant firelight of the camp.

Night is falling, and stars are beginning to appear on the horizon.

He knew that while he was changing his tactics, Lorthern's officers were also plotting and scheming against him amidst those campfires.

War is never a one-sided game.

"This battle will not be easy for me, even."

Hong Tielong thought to himself.

But this is for the best. He hasn't exerted all his strength and fought with all his might for a very long time. He's been too comfortable for too long, and he needs to know where his limits really are.

Lorthorn, Valdor, Royal Court.

The royal court was brightly lit late at night, but the atmosphere was as oppressive as the calm before a storm.

The guards stood beneath the pillars, their armor reflecting a cold light in the firelight. Their expressions were serious, and their eyes were wary.

King Raymond sat on his throne in the palace, before whom was a huge magical projection displaying the terrain of the Lyon Plateau and the troop deployments of both sides.

His face showed slight anxiety, his brows were furrowed, and his fingers were tapping on the edge of the table.

On the other end of the communication was Sodrian, far away in his military tent on the Ryan Plateau.

"The power shown by the Red Emperor far exceeded our initial predictions."

Sodrian’s voice came through the projection, slow and heavy, each word carefully considered.

“Every time his sun sets, although I can reverse it with the shield of time, it comes at the cost of burning my already limited life essence.”

"This kind of consumption... cannot be sustained for long."

He paused for a moment and took a deep breath.

"My time... is running out. If I just play defensively, he'll just wear me down."

"Whatever your ultimate expectations for this war, whether it's negotiation, conquest, or something else... we must make changes."

Raymond held his breath, leaned forward, and said in a deep voice, "Ancestor, please... speak."

The other ministers in the palace also held their breath, their eyes focused on Soderrian's projection.

“Following O’Brien’s dying wish, and based on my own judgment, if the Red Emperor becomes an insurmountable obstacle for Lorthorn…” Sodrian’s voice suddenly became sharp, “then… at all costs, behead him.”

After a few seconds of silence, the king asked, "Are you... sure?"

There is no absolute certainty.

Sodrian frankly stated without any attempt to conceal anything, "But if we continue to delay, and my form declines, and the Red Emperor figures out the limits of my abilities, our chances of winning will only decrease."

He looked directly at Raymond.

"Now, while I am still in good condition and can still fight, the only chance is to gather all the kingdom's top forces and win in one battle."

"This is no longer about the glory of victory, but about the survival of Lorthorn."

Across from him, Raymond closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

He could hear his own heartbeat pounding in his ears and feel the fine sweat seeping from his palms.

The instincts of a king, the desire for the glory of his fathers, and the deep fear of that ferocious beast clashed fiercely within him. He recalled his father's dying words, the faces of the past kings of Lortheon, and the kingdom's thousand-year-old foundation.
Ultimately, reality and a sense of crisis overwhelmed everything.

When he opened his eyes again, the anxiety in them had completely disappeared, replaced by determination.

“I understand, ancestor.”

Raymond said decisively, his voice firm, "I will give you all my support. The kingdom's trump card will be revealed for you. If we win this battle, Lorthorn will clear away the biggest obstacle; if we lose... at least we fought."

He paused, then continued, "Ancestor Elliot, I will personally awaken him, and he will fight alongside you."

"The Holy Spirit... will also respond to your will and descend upon the battlefield."

A suppressed gasp echoed through the palace.

The senior officials exchanged glances, all understanding what this meant.

Elliott, on the other hand, is a veteran.

He was the first descendant of the Holy King and was active during the most glorious and prosperous era of the Kingdom of Lorthen. When his life was nearing its end, he chose to seal himself off and sleep through a secret method, waiting for the day when he could fight for the kingdom.

Years ago, when Lorthorn was on the verge of collapse, this legend intervened, expending his already limited resources.

He then fell into a deep sleep, with only one chance to awaken. He was not awakened during the Second War of Nations, because the next awakening would ignite the last flame of his life.

Sodrian was also slightly moved, and the image in the projection blurred for a moment.

“Ancestor Elliott… he was older than me and had seen countless battles. Awakening him might mean…”

Given Sodrian's condition, he might not necessarily die if this battle could end quickly. However, for the ancestor Elliot, who has awakened from his slumber, his life will begin its countdown as soon as he wakes up.

That was a truly ancient legend, a living history of Lorthorn.

"It means that, regardless of victory or defeat, he will burn out his last breath."

Raymond interjected, his voice low, "But you are right, Ancestor. This is for Lorthorn. Every citizen of Lorthorn is prepared to sacrifice themselves for the kingdom in critical moments, including the royal family, including... me."

He straightened his back, his gaze intense, and swept over each of his ministers.

"Furthermore, I will follow in my father's footsteps and personally lead an expedition to the front lines of the Ryan Plateau."

The king spoke in a deep voice, each word carrying weight.

"Your Majesty, no!"

"This is too dangerous!"

"The front lines are not a place for you!"

During the communication, the faint voices of other ministers offered their advice, and several senior officials also spoke up, their tone urgent.

Sodrian frowned slightly and shook his head: "Although you are also a legend, you are unlikely to play a key role in this war. It would be better for you to stay in the rear and maintain stability."

"The kingdom needs you to function, and the people need to see their king in the capital."

"This is my decision."

The king said earnestly, "This battle concerns the fate of the nation, and the king must stand with the soldiers."

"On the one hand, this can boost our morale; on the other hand..."

He paused for a moment, then continued: "I myself will also become bait to attract the Red Emperor."

“A living king is a highly symbolic trophy and the best target for any conqueror. If we set a trap, I am the best bait.”

"This is too risky! That dragon is smart; it will surely realize this is a trap!"

One of the ministers couldn't help but shout.

"Yes, I did not underestimate the Red Emperor; he will know this is a trap."

Raymond smiled. "But even so, I think he'll most likely still come."

"Throughout the life of the Red Emperor, he was very steady in his work, but he was never timid or hesitant. Perhaps he appeared calm and cautious, but deep down, he was also a proud dragon, even if this pride was different from that of other dragons."

He walked to the window, looked at the stars in the night sky, and turned his back to his ministers.

“If we lose, Lorthorn will be crippled and may even face annihilation. I, Raymond, will have no face to see my father and ancestors again.”

"Since that's the case, let's bet everything."

The king turned around again, his eyes burning with a resolute flame.

"If we win, Lorthern will clear away the biggest obstacle, and the new Federation and even a broader hegemony will be within reach; if we lose... it's just an early end, at least we fought to the last moment and didn't cowardly hide in the rear."

There was a long silence on the other end of the communication.

“Raymond...you’ve really grown up.”

Sodrian finally spoke slowly, his tone complex, "In that case, I will wait for you and the ancestor Elliott on the plateau."

"Together, we will pave a path to the future for Lorthern."

The communication ended immediately afterward.

After a long silence, a minister's voice broke through.

“Your Majesty, the iron dragon of our royal court…Gorton Ignas, is a blood relative of the Red Emperor.”

The minister's voice was clearly hostile: "Now that the two countries are at war, I suggest that we execute him first to boost morale and use the blood of the Iron Dragon to consecrate our army's flag!"

"This will not only boost morale, but also cut off the Red Emperor's spies within our ranks!"

As soon as he finished speaking, many voices echoed his sentiments.

Several ministers nodded in agreement, their faces filled with dissatisfaction with the strange dragon.

Lorthene's crystal is more accurately described as the Fire Spirit Princess.

Her original intention was to transform into an elemental life form and then protect Lorthene with a long lifespan.

However, since transforming into a fire spirit, her personality and mindset have gradually changed. She has become less concerned about worldly opinions and royal dignity, and less interested in Lorthion's affairs. Instead, she pursues her own strength and her relationship with the iron dragon has become increasingly close.

This caused dissatisfaction among many members of the royal family.

The presence of a giant dragon, especially one related to the ruler of an enemy state, in the royal court for an extended period is itself a security risk.

However, Princess Fire Spirit was not alone.

Because of her unconventional identity, she was isolated by the royal family. However, in recent years, legendary figures have emerged from the Starfire Monastery, which she invested in in her early years. These figures basically only obey the commands of the Fire Spirit Princess.

This made the attitudes of other nobles towards her complicated; they could neither easily harm her nor truly trust her.

As a result, most of the discontent among Lorthern's subjects was transferred to Iron Dragon Gorton.

This dragon became the target of everyone's anger, and at every court meeting, someone proposed to imprison or execute it.

On the throne, Raymond observed the reactions of his other ministers but did not nod.

Although he was somewhat dissatisfied with his aunt who was no longer human, as king, he had to control his emotions and think about the problem from a more macro perspective.

"Do not."

The king rejected the idea without hesitation, and said sternly, "Until the dust settles, whatever you do, treat that iron dragon well! Take good care of him, but also be on high alert."

The ministers looked at each other, then bowed and said, "Yes, Your Majesty."

Several days later, on the Ryan Plateau, at the Lorthern camp.

One after another, beams of teleportation light lit up, tearing through the thin morning mist of the plateau and startling birds in the distance. King Raymond, accompanied by a squad of elite guards, stepped out of the teleportation array.

He changed into a magnificent and protective suit of royal armor, with a holy sword symbolizing royal power at his waist. His expression was solemn, and his brows conveyed determination and gravity.

Accompanying him was another being, exuding an aura of melancholy yet unsettling.

He was an old man with white hair and beard, and a thin, frail body.

He was wearing a monk's robe, which was so loose that it made his hunched and thin frame appear even more prominent.

His face was etched with deep lines left by the years, his skin was like dried tree bark, his eyelids drooped, and his steps were slow and unsteady. He looked very old, as if a strong wind could blow him over and a violent cough would kill him on the spot.

However, just by standing there, the elements around him became unusually active.

Earth, water, wind, fire.

Four elements, four colors... intertwine behind his head to form a slowly rotating four-colored halo.

The halo may not be dazzling, but it is impossible to ignore.

Elliott, the Holy King's son.

He was an ancient Grand Master active during Lortheon's most glorious era, a powerful monk who had honed the human body to its limits and mastered the balance of the four elements, and was also known as the 'Crown of the Four Elements'. At the same time, he also explored the Astral and Scattered fighting styles, and in his long life, he integrated the essence of various combat techniques.

Now, the aura of this former champion of the Four Symbols is as faint as a candle flickering in the wind.

But before the candle goes out, it can still unleash a blazing heat that burns everything.

Sodrian, who had been waiting there, came forward to greet them.

His gaze lingered on Elliott for a moment, a hint of respect and sadness flashing across his face.

This ancestor was older and of a much higher generation than him, a true living legend, a witness to Lorthorn's glorious era, and now, he was to fight with his last breath for this kingdom that he might already feel unfamiliar with.

Although Elliott's initial intention in falling into a deep sleep was to burn his last breath for Lorthorn.

However, Sodrian felt that this was essentially due to the incompetence of his descendants, who could only rely on the protection of their ancestors to send the old man, who should have been at rest, back to the battlefield.

"Ancestor Elliot, thank you for answering the call."

Sodrian bowed slightly.

Elliott slowly raised his eyelids.

His eyes were cloudy, but a sharp light gleamed in their depths. His gaze swept over Sodrian's young face and then over Raymond.

"For Lorthorn's sake, it is fortunate that my crippled body can still be used."

"I have been asleep for many years, all for this day."

He paused, then asked, "Raymond has already given me a general overview of the situation... Is that red iron dragon, the so-called Red Emperor, really that powerful? Can it rival a Grand Dragon at the level of a high-level legendary?"

Elliott's voice was calm, but the question itself showed how seriously he took it.

High-level legendary dragons, among which the best can rival human crown lords.

This is not an isolated case; there are many records of it in the history of various ethnic groups.

After all, the difference in species is undeniable. Dragons of the same level consume many times more resources than humans and require a much longer growth period, so their strength is only natural.

However, this power also has its limits.

The so-called "crossing over" usually refers to dealing with one person, and it's a one-on-one situation.

Lorthorn positioned the Red Emperor as comparable to a Grand Dragon, rather than a Grand Human.

This makes all the difference.

This means that at least three to four human Grand Masters of the same rank are needed to reliably defeat it.

Sodrian said in a deep voice, "I have personally experienced it, and it is even more so."

"That Red Emperor... is an existence that transcends the norm even among dragons."

Just then, another beam of light, different from the previous one, descended.

This beam of light was purer and more sacred, carrying a certain reassuring power.

As the light faded, a phantom yet majestic figure slowly materialized and appeared.

He was dressed in ancient royal attire, his face was majestic yet indistinct, his figure was tall and shrouded in light, and his body was in a tangible spiritual state, exuding an aura and aura that made people want to worship him.

It is Lorthorn's guardian, the Holy Spirit.

When the Holy Spirit was fully manifested and his gaze swept over the crowd, Elliott's emaciated body trembled.

His eyes cleared of all cloudiness, and he stared intently at the face of the Holy Spirit.

Although blurry, the outline, the scent... were exactly the same as his father in his memory.

He knew in his heart that this Holy Spirit was the manifestation of his Father's soul through special magic.

"……father……"

The four-element crown-ranked person hesitated, his voice fading away at his chapped lips.

His eyes held remembrance, pain, and a touch of filial piety, but more than anything, a profound sorrow.

Because he could clearly sense that although the Holy Spirit before him possessed some of the Father's image and power, it lacked that vibrant emotion and wisdom, and only operated according to certain instructions.

This is why nations view the Holy Spirit as a strategic weapon, rather than as a crowned life.

The Holy Spirit's gaze lingered on Elliott for a moment.

A smile seemed to appear on that blurry face, and the voice was gentle.

"Elliott, it's been a long time. You look much older."

It sounded friendly, but there was no genuine emotion in its eyes; it was as if it were just reciting lines from a script.

"Father, your majesty remains unchanged."

Elliott remained silent for a few seconds, all his unspoken words condensed into this simple sentence, before closing his eyes and taking a deep breath.

When he opened his eyes again, his gaze had become calm, and he had suppressed his personal emotions.

They are now all blades fighting for Lorthorn.

Moreover, being able to fight alongside the remnant spirit of the Holy King he revered before his death could, to some extent, alleviate some of his regrets.

"And the other one?" The king looked at the Crown of Time.

“Grant is adjusting his condition; he needs to bring his mind, body, and Unyielding Sword to their peak,” Sodrian replied. “Well, he should be almost done.”

Soon, as if in response to his words, another figure emerged from the depths of the camp.

He was clad in heavy holy-patterned plate armor, with a broad, heavy two-handed greatsword engraved with countless runes on his back. His armor was covered with scratches from battle, but each mark seemed to tell a story of glory.

Grant, a new Grand Slam legend who broke through during Lorthene's rapid post-war development.

This is a Holy Knight who perfectly combines honor and combat skills. He represents the new generation of Lorthorn and is known as "the Crown of Lorthorn's Glory".

All things considered, he is not as unfathomable as the Grand Prince Sodrian, nor as profound and resourceful as the Grand Prince Elliott.

However, in terms of offensive power alone, because he made a glorious oath to "slay powerful enemies and defend honor," his offensive power is outstanding among the three human Grand Masters, making him an absolute sharp weapon for attacking.

"Your Majesty, Lord Sodrian, Lord Elliott."

Grant bowed solemnly to the King and his two ancestors, and said solemnly, "It is an honor to fight alongside you for Lorthorn."

"This will be my glory."

At this point, all of Lorthen's top figures had arrived.

A tense and heavy atmosphere filled the air; everyone knew what the impending battle meant.

Not long after, inside a military tent that had been heavily fortified.

The three Grand Masters, King Raymond, and the Iron-Fisted General gathered together, with the Holy Spirit standing silently among them.

The tent was simply furnished with only a strategy table and a few chairs, but the light from the barrier flowed across the tent walls, preventing any prying eyes from prying into its interior.

"First, we must distinguish between primary and secondary tasks and clarify responsibilities in order to cooperate effectively and maximize our strength."

Sodrian spoke first, "In the battle against the Red Emperor, I will lead the charge. Although his body is strong and his defense is astonishing, I have the power of time and the means to tear him apart. It just requires certain conditions and timing."

He looked at the iron-fisted general: "Varecia, tell me your opinion on the Red Emperor."

Upon hearing this, Varesia stepped forward somewhat reservedly.

This general, known for his iron fist and ruthlessness and enjoying high prestige in the military, was unusually cautious at this moment. His face showed none of its usual coldness and hardness, but rather obvious tension.

After all, neither the strength of a high-level legend nor the status of General Lorthorn are impressive here.

He could barely participate in the meeting.

"The Red Emperor, Garo Ignas."

Varecia cleared his throat to steady his voice, and continued, "He is also known as the Crimson Star, the King of Molten Iron, the Lord of Aura... and the Undying Dragon."

When it came to serious matters, the iron-fisted general gradually got into the zone, speaking faster and becoming more focused.

"Besides his ridiculously strong physical strength and the long-range attack methods he has recently demonstrated, the most unbelievable thing that has ever happened to him is that he can be resurrected from death and fully restored at the same time."

He unfurled a magical image that recreated a scene from the Battle of Norton.

"At the Battle of Norton, he was witnessed by many people being struck by the Lifehunter's concentrated attack."

"His head and heart were pierced and destroyed at the same time, but he did not die. Instead, he became extremely strong in a short period of time, and then his aura increased sharply, returning him to a completely intact state."

The image of the red dragon falling to the ground and then getting back up made everyone present look solemn.

Elliott exhaled and said slowly, "A legendary dragon that can be resurrected is indeed remarkable."

He was well aware of the difficulty of resurrecting legendary beings, especially races like dragons.

Therefore, the fact that the Red Emperor could be resurrected seems even more incredible.

Raymond asked, "If he can keep resurrecting, how exactly do we kill him? Through a spell that can prevent resurrection? We lack Grand Spellcasters. Although our Holy King Ancestor was proficient in both magic and martial arts, the Holy Spirit was not, and was unable to retain any spell skills."

"However, our kingdom's treasury has a stockpile of these one-time use spell scrolls."

For human legends, the greatest challenge in moving to the next level is often lifespan.

Unless they choose to use life-extending methods that come at a great cost, spellcasters, who are relatively physically weak, tend to have shorter lifespans than other physical professions that can enhance their bodies.

Therefore, at higher legendary levels, spellcasters are even rarer, and Grand Spellcasters are extremely rare.

None of Lorthorn's Grand Masters are pure spellcasters.

The iron-fisted general looked at Raymond: "Your Majesty, the Red Emperor has a high level of spell resistance. We will use spell scrolls that target him, but we cannot rely on that."

He switched the images, showing a close-up analysis of the Red Emperor's chest.

"Furthermore, based on detailed footage of the Battle of Norton, and after numerous simulations and analyses, it can be concluded that the Red Emperor is not truly immortal."

"His weakness is in his left chest, specifically between the third and fourth ribs, on the inner side."

On the magic diagram, the left chest area is marked in red, indicating an unusually concentrated flow of energy.

"His rapid increase in strength is probably related to some kind of legendary trait, but his ability to revive and return to his peak strength is essentially due to a hidden energy organ in his left chest that stores a large amount of life energy."

"Moreover, he didn't actually die and then come back to life; he was just on the verge of death at the time."

Varesia looked around at everyone: "If we can behead him, truly cut off his head, or simply tear him to pieces, or even pierce his energy organs beforehand, we can kill him completely."

Upon hearing this, the Glory of Champions spirit was roused.

He said in a deep voice, "Now that we know where our weakness lies, our chances of winning are much greater."

On the other side, Sodrian shook his head slightly: "Don't forget, during the Battle of Norton, the Red Emperor did not have the ranged means of 'Sunfire' to condense, nor did he show the oppressive feeling of a Grand Dragon that he has now."

“He has grown after a long period of slumber, and the extent of his growth far exceeds what ordinary people can imagine.”

"His weaknesses in the past do not mean they remain weaknesses now."

The iron-fisted general nodded and echoed, "Yes, Lord Sodrian is right. However, in any case, beheading and dismemberment are still the best ways to kill the Red Emperor."

He paused for a moment, then continued, "Perhaps his weakness is gone, and he can still be resurrected."

"However, judging from his performance after his resurrection, he has actually become weaker and has not fully recovered to his peak condition. As long as we can kill him twice, we can end the battle."

The king asked, "Twice...that's just speculation."

"If he can be resurrected and is in basically perfect condition, how should we deal with it?"

The iron-fisted general smiled and said, "That means the heavens are going to destroy Lorthorn."

There was a moment of silence.

Then, Sodrian broke the silence: "There is no perfect life in this world."

"No skill is used out of thin air; there is always a price to pay. The difference lies in the amount of the price. Moreover, it doesn't matter how many times the Red Emperor can be resurrected. In this battle, we just need to do our best."

He stood up and gestured with his finger across the strategic table.

"First, we'll use Raymond as bait to lure the Red Emperor here. If he doesn't come, then we'll break through the defenses of the other Aura Legends and surround him. It'll just cost us more."

"At that time, the Holy Spirit's divine mandate domain needs to be deployed immediately."

Unlike heroic spirits who do not have domains, holy spirits retain their domains from their previous lives. Although their power is slightly weaker and each time they are activated, a large amount of spiritual crystals must be burned, the power of their domains is undeniable.

"Within the realm of destiny, we besiege the Red Emperor."

"The Holy Spirit and I will stand at the forefront. Ancestor Elliot has mastered the Way of the Four Symbols and can cast some spell-like skills. He is also involved in the Star Self and the Scattered Strike path. He has a variety of methods and will be responsible for keeping the Red Emperor occupied."

"Grant will be the main attacker; you'll be responsible for inflicting the most damage on the Red Emperor."

The Holy Knight of Glory was slightly taken aback: "Me?"

Frankly, he didn't have that confidence.

Although he is a Grand Rank 1, he is facing an existence comparable to a Grand Rank dragon. He has considerable attack power, but in other aspects, he is inferior to any of the Grand Rank beings here.

"You're just feinting. I've already said I'll take care of the fatal blow."

Sodrian's gaze sharpened. "People think I am good at defense and evasion, but I am ultimately a swordsman with unparalleled sharpness. It's just that attacks using the power of time come at a greater cost and require the most opportune moment."

Among the various titles, Soderian is neither the youngest nor the oldest.

But without a doubt, he is the strongest.

The power of time is extraordinary.

Time passed gradually as the discussion continued, and the morning light completely dispelled the darkness, turning the horizon of the plateau pale white.

The group's plan was gradually finalized. Although they couldn't say they were completely confident, they had a solid foundation.

With the power of the four Grand Masters, including one Grand Master of Time and one Holy Spirit of Destiny.

This combination is more than enough to defeat a Grand Dragon. Using it to deal with the Red Emperor shows that it takes him very seriously and is being treated as a Grand Dragon for the sake of safety.

But in any case, the Red Emperor is still not the crown dragon.

He's still a bit lacking compared to a true Grand Dragon.

The advantage lies with Lorthorn.

At this moment, the paladin knelt on one knee, his fist pressed against his chest.

He said in a deep voice, "Guided by honor, my sword will surely arrive! The indomitable sword will cleave the path for Lorthorn!"

Elliott slowly exhaled, his voice deliberate: "With my crippled body, I will pave this final journey for Lorthorn."

King Raymond gripped the hilt of his sword, his gaze sweeping over the powerful figures from different eras before him.

The ancient heirs of the Holy Prince, the Crown Prince who has guarded the kingdom for hundreds of years, the new generation of glorious paladins, and the Holy Spirit who represents the legacy of the Holy King.

A resolute light shone in his eyes, and he said in a deep voice, "Then, I entrust everything to you all."

"This battle is not for the empty glory of victory, but for the future of Lortheron! For our shared future, for the tomorrow of millions of Lortheron's people!"

At this moment, the Lorthene Grand Masters, spanning multiple eras, have gathered together.

They set aside generational barriers and ideological differences, focusing on a single goal.

Time continued to flow by.

After that, the Red Emperor did not launch a solo raid on Lorthorn's base camp again.

Because of his deeply ingrained image of caution, the legends of Lorthorn were not disappointed; on the contrary, they became even more vigilant, on high alert, and ready to fight at any moment.

At the same time, the presence of the Holy Spirit and the King, especially the arrival of the Holy Spirit, is the best encouragement to morale.

Having witnessed the kingdom's final guardian, the Lor'then warriors' faith was strengthened, their morale returned to its peak, and the legion assembled and trained on a large scale. Their fighting spirit was high, and they were united as one, awaiting the clarion call for the final battle.

This tranquility was shattered at dusk on the fifth day.

As the setting sun painted the Lion Plateau crimson and twilight spread across the eastern horizon, the horns of the Kingdom of Aura roared from afar like muffled thunder.

Deep, desolate, one sound after another, continuous and endless.

Immediately afterwards, a dark silhouette appeared on the horizon.

Looking into the distance, one can see that, under the leadership of the Red Emperor, the wings of dragons blot out the sky and the moon, and the iron hooves of warriors trample across the earth like a giant wave sweeping across the world, engulfing the Lorthorn camp.

Lorthen's legion also came out in full force, led by their own Grandmaster, to meet the Aura Legion.

At that moment, satellites shone brightly, like eyes watching this scene together.

The other nations watched coldly as the flames of war raged.

They knew that regardless of who won or lost, the situation on the Romanian plains would be overturned, and a new era would stumble in amidst blood and fire.

(End of this chapter)