After crushing the entire elite force of the Sky Spear Battalion, Aether, Yuan Jin, and Hu Xue moved swiftly toward the center of Planet Xizhuang. Ancient ruins and massive rocks lined their path, as if the planet had once been a fierce battleground.
"We're almost at the planet's center," Yuan Jin said, scanning the horizon with caution.
Suddenly, the sky above them rumbled violently. Aether immediately halted his steps, sensing a tremendous energy gathering around them. The ground quaked, and a deafening roar shattered the atmosphere. Emerging from the thick dark mist, a colossal figure appeared.
It was a massive dragon with emerald crystal-like scales that shimmered with an eerie glow. Its body stretched for thousands of meters, and its blazing red eyes radiated immense power. The dragon lifted its head to the sky and unleashed a roar that shattered the air.
"What is that?" Hu Xue asked, holding her breath.
"System detecting," Aether said calmly.
[System Detected]
Name: Emerald Sky Dragon
Type: Planet Xizhuang Guardian Dragon
Class: Highest Dimensional Guardian
Power: Master of Cosmic Energy
Status: Protective Formation of Ji Wutian
"I knew this would happen," Aether muttered. "Ji Wutian wouldn't leave the planet's center unguarded."
Emerald Sky Dragon glared at them fiercely, its mere breath enough to stir a violent tempest. Aether frowned and turned his gaze toward Yuan Jin and Hu Xue.
"I'll handle this dragon," Aether stated firmly. "The two of you, head straight to the planet's center and complete your mission."
Yuan Jin hesitated. "But..."
"Don't argue," Aether interrupted swiftly. "Our time is precious. Leave the dragon to me. I'll catch up after I'm done."
Gritting her teeth, Hu Xue nodded. "Understood."
Aether glanced at them one last time. "Don't worry. It's just a formation—it won't take long."
Without wasting any more time, Yuan Jin and Hu Xue sped off toward the center of Planet Xizhuang, leaving Aether standing firmly before the colossal Emerald Sky Dragon. The dragon snorted, releasing green smoke from its mouth.
"Pathetic beings, how dare you challenge me?" the dragon's voice boomed like thunder.
Aether merely gave a faint smile. "There's no point in talking to a mere formation illusion. If you were truly alive, maybe I'd give you a little respect."
The dragon growled in fury, slamming its claw into the ground, creating massive cracks. From its mouth, it unleashed a stream of cosmic energy that coiled through the sky. Aether raised his hand, and a white light emanated from his fingertip.
"If you think you can block my way, you're gravely mistaken."
Aether took a deep breath and activated his system. Suddenly, a dazzling light engulfed the entire universe. The light spread in all directions, colliding with the void with immense power. This light was called "Cosmic Warning Light".
[Supreme System Activated]
Effect: Warns All Cosmic Entities
Name: Cosmic Warning Light
The light enveloped the dragon, making the Emerald Sky Dragon tremble. It realized how terrifying Aether's power truly was, yet it still insisted on protecting the planet as per Ji Wutian's command.
"Feel the power of the planet's guardian!" Emerald Sky Dragon coiled its body and unleashed a green energy beam shaped like a dragon spear, shooting swiftly toward Aether.
However, Aether merely raised his right hand and flicked the space in front of him. The dragon spear shattered like broken glass before disappearing entirely.
"Stop wasting my time," Aether said coldly. "I'll destroy you in an instant."
Aether activated "Infinite Cosmic Domain", creating a transparent energy layer that expanded and fully enveloped the dragon. The Emerald Sky Dragon's body became completely immobilized, unable to move at all.
"Absolute Destruction," Aether whispered.
BOOOOMMM!!!
In an instant, the dragon shattered into countless fragments, like pieces of broken glass, leaving behind a swirling green energy that vanished immediately. Aether lowered his hand with a calm expression.
"Truly insignificant," he muttered.
After ensuring the area was secure, Aether tore open the space and moved toward the center of Planet Xizhuang, following Yuan Jin and Hu Xue.
---
At the Center of Planet Xizhuang
Yuan Jin and Hu Xue arrived at a massive hall with towering black pillars. At the end of the hall stood Ji Wutian, his confident smile unwavering, while his 100,000 elite soldiers were already prepared with drawn weapons.
"You arrived faster than I expected," Ji Wutian sneered. "But unfortunately, you only came here to die."
Without any warning, the elite soldiers charged forward, shaking the hall with a thunderous roar. Yuan Jin unsheathed his sword, and Hu Xue summoned heavenly flames, shielding themselves from the relentless attacks.
"I'll hold them off!" Hu Xue shouted. "Yuan Jin, focus on Ji Wutian!"
Yuan Jin nodded, unleashing a sword energy wave that cut down dozens of enemies at once. Ji Wutian only laughed at their efforts to withstand his army's onslaught.
"Foolish humans. You think you can defeat me with such pitiful strength?" Ji Wutian mocked, folding his arms.
Suddenly, the space above the hall split open, and Aether appeared with an imposing aura that made everyone tremble.
"I didn't expect you to welcome them so warmly." Aether remarked with a sly smile.
Ji Wutian's eyes narrowed. "So you managed to defeat the Emerald Sky Dragon, huh? Interesting. But this is just the beginning of your downfall!"
Aether remained indifferent to the provocation, staring coldly at Ji Wutian and his army.
"I'll make you realize how pointless your resistance against the supreme system truly is."
To be continued...