For a moment, everyone stopped what they were doing and looked toward the sky in unison.

"ROAR!"

A high-pitched, resonant dragon’s roar rolled down from above the clouds, shaking the very earth until it hummed.

A golden Giant Dragon blotted out the sky overhead. Its massive, hundred-meter-long body was bathed in the afterglow of the setting sun. Each and every scale, as if forged from pure gold, reflected a sacred and majestic light.

In its ferocious and powerful claws, it clutched a creature of equally enormous size, yet one that looked utterly wretched.

It was none other than the once-unbeatable Corrosive Poison Wing Dragon.

Its scales were now covered in massive claw marks and tears. Half of one wing had been brutally ripped off and now hung limply.

Its head drooped low, the eyes that once glinted with savage light now completely devoid of life.

The deadliest wound was on its chest—a huge, bloody hole that pierced straight through its body. Golden Dragon Flame still burned at the edges of the injury.

The life force of a Domain Level Powerhouse had completely dissipated.

Sun circled above the camp. Its golden, slitted pupils swept across the faces below—faces turned upward, filled with awe and fervor—and it let out a satisfied roar.

Then, it loosened its claws.

BOOM!

With a tremendous crash, the ruined, mountain-like body of the Corrosive Poison Wing Dragon was unceremoniously dropped onto the open ground in front of the camp, kicking up a cloud of dust. 𝗳𝐫𝚎𝗲𝚠𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝘃𝚎𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝗺

Having done this, Sun’s enormous body transformed into a streak of golden light and landed steadily beside Raylo.

"Well done, Sun," Raylo praised.

Sun wore a smug grin.

"When I caught up to it, I noticed something was off. It was as slow as a half-asleep turtle, half its body was stiff, and there were still ice shards clinging to its wings."

"That Snake Woman, Najasha, was decisive, though. The moment she saw the Winged Dragon had become a liability, she abandoned it and dove deep into the swamp to escape."

Raylo understood.

’So, I lucked out and picked up an easy kill.’

A great weight was finally lifted from his heart.

The Jade Swamp had suffered a crippling blow in this battle. Not only was its entire army annihilated, but even one of its top combatants, the Tier Five Corrosive Poison Wing Dragon, had fallen here.

Even if that Snake Woman Najasha managed to escape, as a general without an army, she couldn’t stir up any more trouble.

The value of a Tier Five Magical Beast was immeasurable.

Its hide could be used to craft top-tier Magic Leather Armor, its bones and sinews were perfect materials for forging a Divine Weapon, and its blood was a precious ingredient for Alchemy Potions.

As for its Tier Five Magic Core, it was just what he needed to replenish the Soul Horn.

Not long ago, after summoning the Starfall Knight in the Demon Serpent Temple, the energy of the inlaid Tier Five Magic Core had been completely depleted. This new one was the perfect replacement.

Raylo’s mood relaxed.

He looked up toward the western sky.

In the south of the Jade Swamp, the last cobbled-together legion had been annihilated by the cataclysm summoned by the Head of the Demon Serpent.

In the west, the Blood Throat warband had been defeated by the "Black King" of the Black Stone Mountain Range.

To the south, the Eternal Giant Turtle had cut off the supply of water vapor while single-handedly holding off two ten-thousand-strong Snake-man warbands.

The Jade Swamp—that massive power, the greatest threat to the Black Stone Territory.

For the foreseeable future, they would be powerless to launch any meaningful attack against the Black Stone Territory.

"My Lord, the battlefield has been cleared."

Ed had returned to report.

"All the spoils of war have been counted and stored."

Not far away, Coal Ball patted its round belly and let out a satisfied burp.

Raylo nodded and looked around.

"Pass down the order: we rest here for the night. First thing tomorrow morning, we return to Black Stone Castle!"

"Yes, my Lord!"

...

The next morning, sunlight pierced through the thin mist, shining down on the Black Stone Army as it broke camp.

After a night of rest, the Knights were refreshed and their morale was high.

Raylo sat astride Baofeng. The Storm Griffin King stretched its tawny Iron Feathers and let out a clear, sharp cry.

Before the army set out, Raylo called Bolin to him privately.

"Bolin, you will lead the Black Stone Knight Order and remain to guard this camp."

"Yes, my Lord."

Bolin accepted the order.

Raylo’s gaze shifted to the dark green swamp in the distance as he gave his instructions.

"Although we’ve won the war, the threat has not been completely eliminated. I want you to keep a close watch on the Jade Swamp’s movements. Report any and all activity to me immediately."

"I will leave ten Griffin Guards and one hundred Pegasus Knights under your command. Be sure to strengthen aerial reconnaissance and ensure we are aware of every single move the Jade Swamp makes."

"As you command, my Lord!"

Bolin saluted.

"We’re going home!"

Banners snapped in the wind.

The army’s iron-shod hooves trod on familiar soil. In the distance, the solid silhouette of Black Stone Castle grew clearer in the morning light.

The weariness on the Knights’ faces was washed away by the joy of returning home. Even their mounts’ steps seemed a little lighter.

Raylo reined in Baofeng. The Storm Griffin King let out a high-pitched cry, as if announcing its master’s return.

He gazed out over his territory, a sense of peace settling in his heart.

The smoke of war had cleared. The fruits of victory would take time to digest, but for now, all he wanted was to return to his solid castle and get a good night’s sleep.

When the army arrived at the square before the castle, the soldiers who had remained on guard and the townspeople who had heard the news erupted in thunderous cheers.

They chanted their Lord’s name, throwing flowers and colorful ribbons at the triumphant procession.

Just as he finished arranging the defensive posts, the Scribe, Evan, hurried over to Raylo.

"My Lord, an envoy from Baisha Port has been waiting for you for a day."

Raylo raised an eyebrow.

"Show him to the reception hall."

Inside the reception hall of Black Stone Castle, a fire blazed in the hearth.