Chapter 435: Loyalty Isn't Absolute
Following the Fire Elemental Elder, the Players crossed the narrow stone bridge spanning the Lava Pool, ascending to the very peak of Barras Volcano. Before them loomed the towering Red-Brown Tall Tower, standing defiantly atop the volcanic summit. Rising over thirty meters high, the structure was forged from solidified lava flow—igneous rock—its surface sculpted with a dynamic sense of motion. Flares of flame flickered through its windows and cracks, while white steam and gray smoke curled lazily into the air. Around the tower’s exterior, thick red-enchanted iron chains coiled like the bindings of a colossal beast, radiating an aura of raw, primal power.
To construct such a grand edifice in a realm where lava flowed endlessly and life was forbidden spoke volumes of the Master’s terrifying might.
“Seriously… here?”
“Look at how high it is!”
“Is this built with magic?”
The Players murmured in awe.
Xia Ye Qiu Yu tilted her head upward, her heart pounding with quiet excitement.
“This is it—the legendary Tower of Conflagration. The advancement site for the Hidden Profession: Dragon Oath Mage.”
Please, let me succeed… Lord Kai Xiusu, protect me.
She whispered the prayer in her heart.
As a female Player, she disliked the brutal, draconic appearance of the Crimson Scale Conqueror. But she was utterly captivated by the elegance and nobility of the Dragonblood Sorcerer. The delicate horns framing her temples, the golden vertical pupils, the subtle scales adorning her eyelids like exquisite makeup—each detail was perfectly balanced. And the Human Form Transformation of the “Emperor of the Ashen Flame,” Kai Xiusu, was nothing short of perfection in her eyes.
Dragons were born with unmatched charisma. And any being touched by dragon blood—human, elf, or otherwise—carried that same magnetic allure.
At the base of the Tall Tower, the Fire Elemental Elder slammed his blazing fist onto the stone door. Turning slightly, he spoke in a low, commanding tone:
“Trial Participant. Master’s Command: Enter.”
Boom—
A deep groan echoed as the massive stone door slowly creaked open. A torrent of steam and smoke burst forth, stinging the Players’ eyes and forcing them to shield their faces.
“Quick, enter!”
“Advancement time!”
“Heh, this time, Royal Power has three Sorcerers passing the Trial—guaranteed success!”
“The Crimson Scale Conqueror and Dragon-Bound Holy Knight are already strong, but this Dragon Oath Mage Trial? It’s insane. The power must be god-tier!”
“Right! The first mage-class Hidden Profession!”
Haha, I wonder what reward the Guild Leader will give me after this… I’ll definitely make a fortune!
The Players erupted in excitement, already dreaming of their glorious futures.
【Royal Power】Guild differed from others in one crucial way: their Guild Leader wasn’t just a powerhouse in Ailezegai—they were a real-world tycoon with immense wealth. That was why 【Royal Power】Players fought with unmatched ferocity, obeyed commands without hesitation, and displayed a far starker hierarchy within their ranks. For them, this wasn’t just a game—it was gold farming.
But Xia Ye Qiu Yu stayed silent, her eyes scanning the surroundings with cautious precision. The tragic failure of that reckless Player still loomed in her mind.
Something felt… off.
This wasn’t going to be simple.
To succeed in advancing her Hidden Profession, she had to gain the favor of that special Female Non-Player Character.
Maybe this isn’t the final trial… There could still be another elimination round.
Inside the Tower of Conflagration, the hall stretched wide and open, its walls adorned with grotesque, twisted Monster Heads—preserved in red-brown stone, their expressions frozen in eternal agony.
“Trial Participant.”
“This way.”
The Fire Elemental Elder led the way, guiding them up a spiral staircase. Though newly built, the tower lacked ornamental decoration, giving it an open, almost hollow feel. The second and third floors were nearly empty. Yet, dancing flames flickered across every surface, ember sparks floated like fireflies, and in some corridors, Fire Elemental Creatures served as silent guardians.
“This place is fascinating.”
“Yeah.”
“Is that a Magma Stone Golem? Can you actually tame one? I want one too!”
The creature walked without pause, climbing floor after floor, until it finally brought the Players to the very top of the Tower of Consuming Flame.
Before them stood a thick stone door, its surface carved with a lifelike, intricate motif of a two-legged flying dragon—complete with the Sigil of Flame and vertical pupil.
In the Empire of Ashen, only the Imperial Palace, the Imperial Council Hall, and other official institutions were permitted to etch the Ember Emblem onto their main gates.
“Arrival.”
“Enter.”
The Fire Elemental Elder stood at the threshold like a majestic gate guardian, his cold gaze sweeping over the Players. Even through the thick door, the heat radiating from the upper level felt like a steaming furnace.
Xia Ye Qiu Yu thought: This must be the top level of the Tower of Consuming Flame—the residence of the mysterious Non-Player Character. And the final trial for the Dragon Oath Mage.
As the destination neared, the Players grew increasingly excited. Conversations buzzed with anticipation.
“It’s coming! It’s coming!”
“My Hidden Profession of Mad Pride is about to awaken!”
Hehe, I’ll show this off on the forum—watch the newbies look up in awe!
Boom—
The Fire Elemental Elder pushed the door once more.
The final gate swung wide open.
Smoke and searing heat surged forward, filling the air with the pungent stench of sulfur.
As the haze cleared, the mysterious chamber revealed itself—leaving every Player wide-eyed in stunned wonder.
“Whoa—”
“This… this—”
“This is insane!”
In the vast, opulent room, two exquisitely crafted statues stood at either end—depicting Emperor Kai Xiusu in both human and dragon form.
The statue on the left, draped in rich robes, wore a serene smile, nearly flawless in appearance, with subtle red dragon features that lent him an air of noble mystery.
The statue on the right spread its vast wings, seated upon a grand throne, majestic and awe-inspiring. Its dragon eyes gazed down with undeniable intimidation. Every scale, every tooth, every detail was carved with such precision it seemed lifelike.
The two statues faced each other across the chamber—two sides of the same being, masterfully sculpted with extreme luxury. Even their golden eyes were inlaid with solid gold spheres.
Dozens of large-scale oil paintings hung along the walls, depicting legendary tales from the Empire: The Beginning of the Ember Nest, The Apocalypse That Destroyed the Legion, The Battle of the Glacier’s Fall, The Battle of the Twin Dragons, and The Coronation of the Ember Emperor.
Before the statues, towering piles of gold, silver, pearls, and enchanted gear were neatly arranged—glowing with magical auras.
“So much money! There must be over ten thousand gold coins here!”
“Wow… I’ve never seen so many coins in my life!”
“Whoa? Blue gear!”
“What’s this? Look at that ring! Ring of the Fire Titan Noble! Rare-grade accessory!”
“Wait… this… this is… Purple gear!”
“And that one! Whip of the Fire Elemental Elder! Also a Rare-grade weapon!”
The Players gasped in disbelief, nearly blinded by the treasure. They felt like Grandma Liu stepping into the Grand View Garden for the first time.
By the end, some voices were thick with greed—these were [Rare] items, unaffordable without thousands of gold coins. Just one piece brought back to the Guild would send shockwaves through the entire community.
But Xia Ye Qiu Yu frowned. Something was wrong.
The room hummed with that familiar ‘Loyalty’ aura—like a sanctuary built by the most devout followers of Kai Xiusu.
Could this… really be the final trial?
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(End of Chapter)
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