“A beauty contest held by the Temple of the Goddess of Beauty? That sounds interesting.”

Upon hearing Tixil the Amethyst Dragon’s words, Saga, who believed himself to be second to none in appearance, became intrigued.

“What do you say, will you join? I estimate many beautiful creatures from various races will gather at the Temple of the Goddess of Beauty. It will be quite a sight.”

Tixil said with a smile.

The dragon sprawled atop a mountain of gold lifted its head, pondered for a few seconds, and then asked, “When does this beauty contest begin? Where should I meet you and Charlotte?”

With the situation in the Near Seas now stable, Saga had little to do and was rather idle, even bored. Tixil’s invitation to the Yar Continent, coupled with his interest in the contest held by the Temple of the Goddess of Beauty, came at a perfect time.

He prepared to leave the Near Seas to see the Yar Continent.

“About a month from now, which should give you plenty of time to come over.”

Tixil transmitted the coordinates of his and Charlotte the Gemstone Dragon’s current location to Saga through a telepathic command.

“Good, prepare to welcome the arrival of the King of the Near Seas.”

Saga spoke with a deep and commanding tone.

“I shall be honored.”

Tixil responded in kind.

After some time, Saga’s telepathic communication with Tixil ended.

The trip to the Yar Continent was now on Saga’s agenda.

After some thought, he called out to Black Sharks in his mind.

“Tig, I will be leaving the Near Seas for a while to go to the Yar Continent.”

“In my absence, as my Psychic Guard and confidant, you will handle the affairs of Starfall Island, and even the entire Near Seas.”

Black Sharks immediately responded with solemn gravity:

“Your Majesty, I will not let you down.”

Saga trusted Black Sharks’ abilities; having followed him all this way, Black Sharks had always acted as a steward, managing Saga’s territories in an orderly fashion, especially when Saga preferred to be a hands-off ruler.

“A legendary Shark King will assist you,” Saga added.

The Shark King’s combat strength was actually quite decent. Although it had been beaten up for underestimating Saga and showing off right after breaking through to legendary status, once it got serious and gradually accustomed to its legendary powers, it indeed fought Saga fiercely for a while before being subdued. Its strength had earned Saga’s recognition.

Moreover, the Shark King was now stronger than when it had just broken through.

As for why Saga didn’t let the Shark King, currently the strongest under his command, take his place, the reason was simple: Saga recognized the Shark King’s combat strength but not its intelligence.

In Saga’s view, the Shark King simply lacked the ability to manage territories.

The only role fit for the Shark King was that of an enforcer.

And now, Black Sharks’ strength was not weak either.

As Saga’s Psychic Guard, an extension of his personality, it would grow stronger as Saga did.

Typically, a Psychic Guard would be one to three ranks below a Mind Warlock. The better the talent of the Psychic Guard, the closer it could get to the rank of a Mind Warlock. With proper training, a Psychic Guard could even reach the same rank as a Mind Warlock.

Black Sharks was an Outsider with decent talent.

After Saga reached the ninth rank during his slumber, Black Sharks, who had reached high seventh rank after the war of the eight nations, also made a breakthrough to high eighth rank. If faced with a formidable enemy, Saga’s will would descend directly, granting Black Sharks a portion of his power, allowing it to easily contend with ninth-rank beings.

After instructing Black Sharks on many matters, Saga ended their telepathic communication.

Immediately, Saga stood up, floated slightly, and then looked down at the treasure-filled ground.

After some hesitation, he selected some Magic Gems with textures and lusters he particularly liked, picked them up, and tucked them into his scales.

Although he had many space items at his disposal, Saga still preferred the feeling of carrying some gems close to his body. In fact, whether it was a penniless Hatchling Dragon or a wealthy ancient dragon, they would often hide some of their favorite treasures within their scales.

Feeling the fullness beneath his scales, Saga took out a space crystal and placed the more valuable items inside, also carrying them close to his body.

Like most dragons, when going on a long journey, Saga didn’t feel comfortable leaving all his treasures in the Dragon’s Nest Palace.

But it was impractical to take everything with him, so he did as he was doing now, taking with him the most valuable and favored parts.

Quickly, Saga gathered his treasures and then left the Emperor Dragon Palace.

Soaring high in the sky, fine snowflakes accompanied by cold winds fell from the sky, landing on the dragon’s body, only to be scattered by the airflow caused by the dragon’s wings.

Unbeknownst to him, winter had arrived.

Although there was snow, the sun was also present, looking quite bright, but without much warmth.

Saga looked up at the sun casting its light over the ocean, then with a flap of his wings, the increasingly majestic dragon body stirred up a gale, shredding the nearby sunlight and snowflakes, and disappeared from the spot in an instant.

Heading towards the east, where the sun was.

Saga soared through the winds and clouds.

To the creatures below, it seemed as if a golden line pierced the sky, moving at incredible speed.

His wings tore through the wind, rustling loudly.

Saga felt the wind brushing past him, looked down with a lowered gaze, and observed the ocean below, which appeared like a miniature map.

The vast ocean shimmered with glimmering waves, like a broad, striped curtain of sky blue, or like the finest and most beautiful blue gemstone, embedded in the planet, nurturing countless marine lives.

After a while, Saga gazed into the distance.

Where the boundless ocean should have been, a faint boundary appeared.

The continuous coastline stretched for thousands of miles, becoming increasingly clear in Saga’s eyes as time passed.

“This is the coastline where the Yar Continent meets the Near Seas. I’m about to reach the Yar Continent.”

Looking at the massive, looming continent, Saga’s heart began to fill with anticipation and curiosity. After all, he had always been active in the oceanic regions, living on islands of limited size, and had never stayed on a continent before.

After traveling day and night for a while, Saga was now very close to the coastline.

Facing the continent, with his back to the sea.

High in the sky, Saga looked ahead.

The lush forest that remained vibrant even in winter, the long trade roads not naturally made, the mountains coated with a layer of white snow, and the majestic mountains that were rarely seen over the ocean, all came into view.

Muttering to himself, Saga slowed down, filled with a hint of anticipation, and flew over the turbulent shallow reef area below, then headed towards the nearest coastal cliff.

Soon, the Golden Dragon descended upon the coastal cliff.

Lifting a claw and then setting it down, Saga felt the solid sensation of the mountain rock beneath his feet.

It felt no different from the rocks on the islands.

However, his heart felt differently.

“This is the first time I’ve set foot on a continent in twenty years.”

“Although I’m not yet legendary, with strength comparable to legendary, I can be a lord on the continent, not a weakling.”

The young dragon’s eyes narrowed slightly, his spirit high, as he whispered to himself:

“Yar Continent, welcome the arrival of the King of the Near Seas.”

At the same time, as if hearing the young dragon’s whisper, the silent Yar Continent responded.

Three bolts of lightning rose from a nearby bay and then sped towards Saga at breakneck speed.

Saga’s gaze shifted, focusing on the figures wrapped in lightning.

Beneath the lightning were three giant beasts, ranging from twenty to twenty-five meters in size, with scales that varied from light blue, pale blue, to sky blue, and deep blue. A single horn grew on the tip of their noses, and dazzling arcs of electricity covered their bodies from head to tail.

A formidable Dragon Might emerged, and the surrounding atmosphere almost solidified.

“Looks like two eighth ranks and one ninth rank. Judging by their sizes, they’re all mature Blue Dragons.”

Saga assessed the life stages and ages of the approaching Blue Dragons, which didn’t seem friendly.

Seeing a group of Blue Dragons wasn’t surprising to Saga.

Most Chromatic Dragons are solitary, but Blue Dragons are an exception.

Many Blue Dragons live and settle together as families. In terms of danger, they are often more threatening than solitary Red Dragons.

The Blue Dragons, surrounded by surging electricity, flew quickly.

In a blink of an eye, they reached Saga’s vicinity, then circled around him, flying overhead and looking down at the Golden Dragon below.

“What do you want?”

Under the encirclement and hostile gaze of the three Blue Dragons, Saga asked calmly.

The largest and leading ninth-rank mature Blue Dragon exhaled a few strands of lightning from its nostrils, sized up the somewhat stunning Golden Dragon, and instead of answering Saga’s question, it asked back:

“What kind of dragon are you?”

This Blue Dragon was twenty-five meters long from head to tail.

On its blue scales, one could vaguely see some crimson patterns, and the storm-like aura was mixed with strands of scorching heat.

It was a rare mixed-blood dragon, a cross between a Blue Dragon and a Red Dragon.

Mixed-blood dragons are also considered Outsider Dragons.

Because dragon bloodlines are domineering and tend to reject each other, offspring of different dragon kinds often can only inherit the bloodline of one parent.

Mixed-blood dragons that inherit the abilities of both parents are quite rare.

Mixed-blood dragons possess the abilities of different dragon kinds or some special abilities. When facing pure-blooded kin, they always have a huge advantage within the same rank. Although the mixed-blood Blue Dragon didn’t have special abilities, it was quite powerful and had developed an even more arrogant and haughty nature than the average Evil Dragon.

“That’s none of your business.”

Saga remained composed, still sitting with his limbs gathered.

For dragons, this was a relaxed and casual posture, indicating he didn’t take the three mature Blue Dragons seriously at all.

Even if one of them was a ninth-rank mixed-blood dragon.

“Heh, indeed, it’s none of my business.”

The mixed-blood Blue Dragon chuckled, then its gaze suddenly sharpened, with lightning flashing in its eyes.

“But you see, the land you’ve stepped on belongs to our Uval Blue Dragon clan.”

Uval Blue Dragon clan?

When Saga heard this term from the mixed-blood Blue Dragon, his gaze flickered.

Glorithia, the Blue Dragon who was about to reach young adulthood, had mentioned that she was from the Uval Blue Dragon clan. She had been kicked out for stealing from her dragon mother and getting caught.

“So?”

Saga spoke nonchalantly.

His calm demeanor made the Blue Dragons, who were in a superior position and had the advantage in numbers, somewhat displeased.

“So? So you must pay for invading our clan’s territory.”

“What price?”

“Hand over all the treasures on you.”

The Blue Dragon’s eyes gleamed fiercely as it revealed its purpose.

The Uval Blue Dragon clan was notoriously infamous in the coastal area because any creature passing nearby would be thoroughly plundered by the clan’s Blue Dragons, including their own kin.

Saga had heard a bit about this from Glorithia.

“What if I don’t?”

Saga looked up at the few Blue Dragons, inquiring curiously.

“We’ll beat you until you do.”

The mixed-blood Blue Dragon shook its head and quickly replied, experienced in such matters.

At the same time.

One of the eighth-rank pure-blood Blue Dragons, which had been staring at Saga with a puzzled look, seemed to have confirmed something. After a slight start, its gaze suddenly became focused.

“Are you… the King of the Near Seas?”

It spoke out.

Hearing the other’s words, Saga’s gaze narrowed, his horns majestic, and his crouching body slowly rose.

The Golden Dragon stood upright, arms crossed over his chest, and his indifferent gaze swept over the Blue Dragons.

A sudden, overwhelming oppressive force descended, lingering in the hearts of the three mature Blue Dragons, causing them to tense up.

Saga didn’t use his Dragon Might; the mere natural aura he exuded achieved such an effect. This was the kingly presence he had cultivated through countless victorious battles, which made surrounding creatures instinctively fear and even feel submissive.

Saga didn’t answer, but his formidable presence and indifferent reaction had already confirmed his identity.

Moreover, they had all heard of the fame of the King of the Near Seas.

They hadn’t thought in that direction at first.

But now, looking at Saga again, seeing his signature trio of majestic horns and diamond-like golden scales, the three Blue Dragons could confirm that this was indeed the King of the Near Seas, whose reputation was as high as the sun in both the Near Seas and the coastal regions.

In front of the Golden Dragon’s immense presence, the mixed-blood Blue Dragon exhaled a breath, suppressing the turmoil in its heart.

“What’s there to be proud of being the king of a barren place like the Near Seas?”

It scoffed.

Staring at Saga, the mixed-blood Blue Dragon said solemnly:

“No matter if you’re the King of the Near Seas or the King of the Far Seas.”

“If you invade the territory of our Uval clan, you must pay the price.”

With a grin, revealing sharp fangs, the mixed-blood Blue Dragon said:

“Besides, I, Calvo, have a low opinion of those who exaggerate their own achievements.”

“Like you, right in front of me.”

It was actually understandable for it to think this way.

Saga’s achievements were too dazzling, and unless witnessed firsthand, it was hard to believe, leading many sapient beings to think they were exaggerated, including this mixed-blood Blue Dragon.

At the same time, the Golden Dragon looked at the other two pure-blood Blue Dragons.

“What about you? Do you think the same?”

Under Saga’s immense presence, the two pure-blood Blue Dragons exchanged glances and then silently retreated a distance, whispering, “King of the Near Seas, your experiences command our respect and admiration. We acknowledge your strength.”

The mixed-blood Blue Dragon spat out a lightning-filled dragon sputum.

“Cowards,” it scolded its companions.

Ignoring the retreating kin, the mixed-blood Blue Dragon turned to face the Golden Dragon, assuming a battle stance, itching for a fight.

“King of the Near Seas, let me see if you’re as formidable as the legends say.”

With a low growl, the mixed-blood Blue Dragon flapped its wings and dove down.

Crackle!

As it spoke, brilliant lightning and vivid flames rose, entwining around the mixed-blood Blue Dragon’s arms. It reached out, aiming a fierce blow at the Golden Dragon, who stood tall and majestic.

Dragons are massive, their strength profound, and their impact force is astonishing.

A dragon’s charge is a powerful form of attack.

In the mixed-blood Blue Dragon’s mind, facing its sudden charge, the King of the Near Seas would surely be sent flying if he dared to resist head-on, while also being paralyzed and burned by the lightning and flames surrounding it.

However.

Crash!

To the Blue Dragon’s surprise, it was as if it had hit an immense steel mountain. The rebounding force sent it uncontrollably flying backward, while the Golden Dragon stood unmovable like a mountain, his gaze indifferent, looking at it as if it were trash.

He raised an arm, patted his chest, and brushed off non-existent dust.

To the mixed-blood Blue Dragon, which had just stabilized itself hundreds of meters away in mid-air, Saga said in a disappointed tone:

“You can’t even scratch me.”

The mixed-blood Blue Dragon was exceptionally strong among the ninth rank.

But against Saga, who could rival and even defeat legends, it was still far behind.

On the other side, hearing the contemptuous words, the proud and arrogant mixed-blood Blue Dragon was filled with rage.

“Again!”

It roared.

Boom, boom, boom!

Flames and lightning flashed simultaneously.

The mixed-blood Blue Dragon, with its impressive aura, charged again at the Golden Dragon.

Across from him, Saga lowered his arms covered in golden scales.

“King of the Near Seas, let me defeat you!”

The mixed-blood Blue Dragon roared.

The lightning and fire solidified, covering its claws, and with the mixed-blood Blue Dragon’s movement, it aimed a vicious slap at Saga’s head.

Unfortunately, before its attack could hit the target.

Golden brilliance suddenly filled its vision.

The dragon’s golden arm surged, like an angry dragon turning over, instantly outpacing the mixed-blood Blue Dragon’s slap and striking its faceplate.

Thud!

A muffled impact sound followed.

The dragon’s face throbbed with pain, its head spun, and accompanied by the sharp sound of a broken horn and shattered blue scales, the mixed-blood Blue Dragon’s massive body, starting from its head, was flung away like a rag doll, tracing a pitiful arc in the air before splashing into the ocean.

“Hiss.”

The two Blue Dragons watching the battle twitched their eyelids and inhaled sharply.

“Calvo was one-shot!”

As members of the same clan, they knew the strength of the mixed-blood Blue Dragon. None of the other ninth-rank Blue Dragons in their clan could match the mixed-blood Blue Dragon.

But in front of the King of the Near Seas, the powerful mixed-blood Blue Dragon was as fragile as a young dragon, falling at the slightest touch.

“The King of the Near Seas isn’t even legendary yet, right? This is too outrageous.”

“I believe it can defeat legends now.”

“Good thing we didn’t provoke it.”

The watching Blue Dragons were terrified and somewhat relieved.

At the same time, Saga stepped to the edge of the coastal cliff, looking down at the ocean still rippling from the Blue Dragon’s impact, yet to settle.

He extended his claw.

Power Essence surged.

Universal Attraction!

A tremendous gravitational force emanated from Saga’s claw.

Whoosh!

The sea surface bulged, and the mixed-blood Blue Dragon, which had just fallen into the ocean and was still dazed, was uncontrollably lifted into the air until it fell into the Golden Dragon’s claw.

Clutching the mixed-blood Blue Dragon’s neck, Saga lifted the heavy creature with one arm.

“Now, do you think my strength matches the rumors?”

Saga looked down at the mixed-blood Blue Dragon and said.

Crack. His claw slowly tightened, and the suffocating sensation and threat of death shocked the mixed-blood Blue Dragon back to its senses, its eyes clearing.

“You are as renowned as they say, I was presumptuous, please forgive me.”

Saga released his claw.

“Thank you for your forgiveness.”

The mixed-blood Blue Dragon breathed a sigh of relief.

“Forgiveness? I never said that.”

“Hand over all your treasures, as the price for offending me.”

The mixed-blood Blue Dragon’s expression froze.