Golden Dragon: Six Thousand Years of Empire

"Of course, I'm not afraid, but which Divine have sent forth their power to attack you?"

Alexander did not doubt the truth of his uncle's words. Only beings on the level of the Divine would dare to act against the Ancestor Dragon today.

"Do you really need confirmation on which Divine dare to make a move?"

Noah showed a playful smile, his dragon eyes slightly narrowing.

"Of course not. I am your Favored; no matter which Divine opposes you, I have only one choice."

"There are currently seven Divines!"

Each of the seven God Hunters is linked to a Divine. Although Ophelia had mentioned that most Divines, restricted by a certain agreement, sent out God Hunters, only a small number truly harbored malice against him. But Noah believed that the number of Divines truly wanting to move against him far exceeded this count.

"Seven? The Elf God System!? I will prepare for war against Central Earth immediately, and with..."

The youthful visage of Alexander bore a murderous aura, and he immediately declared his stance, his eyes gleaming with an aggressive golden light.

"Not Central Earth, nor the Elf God. Though they, in my eyes, are of no good stock, this time, they are uninvolved."

"Then which Divines?"

"Flame Sun Sovereign, Heliers."

"A Medium Divine Power? I will order the suppression of his sect immediately!"

Alexander immediately responded.

To offend a Divine and to please his uncle were not choices for him; they required no further thought.

"Just suppression?"

"Please instruct me, uncle. I am willing to follow your arrangements. My sword is your sword; my army is your blade."

The Master Atlas pledged his stance forthwith. Even if it involved opposing the Divine, he showed no fear, for the Augustus family inherently had the audacity to disdain the Divine.

A mere Divine — people said he bore the Dragon Blood of Augustus, even if the Family Head of Augustus had awakened the Titan Bloodline, they would never sever ties with the Holy Dragon.

"The Flame Sun Sect Country exists on the Alviss Continent. I intend to erase this nation from this plane entirely."

"I shall gather all Royal Knight Orders for a seaborne expedition at once."

"Not so many are needed; deploying seven Directly Affiliated Knight Orders will suffice."

Noah was very satisfied with his nephew's proclamation. The courage to declare war on the Divine was enough to demonstrate his and the Augustus family's stance.

Nevertheless, mobilizing all armed forces of the Royal Family was slightly excessive. Noah requested a symbolic batch. Just relying on Fairies under his command to annihilate the sect country destined to gain full Divine support was truly a challenge for them.

"I will now return to organize the Knight Order, awaiting your orders!"

"Go!"

After the departure of the Master Atlas, those arriving were numerous Ancient Dragons hidden within the Noah Territory, along with several Paladins.

However, compared to the straightforward stance of the nephew, many Ancient Dragons learned from Noah that the opposition against him was due to the Divine. Some old dragons remained silent, while others attempted reconciliation, advising Noah to relax and not provoke the authority of the Divine.

The majesty of the Divine deeply penetrated the Dragon Heart. In facing the Divine, even a millennia-old Ancient Dragon's behavior was no better than a drunken, publicly cursing Dragon-Man.

Towards these Ancient Dragons trying to act as peacemakers, Noah responded politely, arranging for some Dragon Elves to see them off. In the situation of facing life and death, still hoping to mediate showed a lack of pride and dignity befitting the Dragon Clan.

It must be known that even some retired aged Paladins, upon reaching the mountaintop and witnessing the fierce traces left among the mountains, remained speechless. Not a single Paladin attempted reconciliation.

Noah did not trouble those who chose to remain silent. After all, it involved the Divine, and Noah understood the weight the Divine brought. Moreover, the unique position of Paladins did not permit them to draw a blade against a proper god.

Noah could tolerate the silent observers who refrained from taking sides but could not endure those advising him to retreat.

"Ah, Noah, you're still too young, unaware of the terror of the Divine!"

"Indeed, I am quite young, but my youth surpasses your decay inching towards the grave!"

"You..."

Faced with Noah's blunt and irreverent response, the old dragon, who intended to continue persuading, was rendered speechless by anger.

"No need to say more. Have you not heard the voices of the people in my territory? Even the Divine must pay for their actions!"

Noah respected those elders of his kin who had seen long years, but this respect was contingent upon their ability to exhibit wisdom tempered by experience and exceptional character.

The world has always needed ability to convince the heart. Trying to overpower others based solely on seniority and rank, using it as leverage to sermonize and issue commands, would only make others inwardly curse them as relics.

Generally, maintaining a stance of respect was to preserve one's own dignity, not out of deep respect for the other. If some utterly useless elder felt complacency in this, they were truly ignorant.

After hosting and dismissing numerous Dragons, including those who resided in hiding on his land, Noah found himself with less company,

"From now on, many old dragons might leave my territory. Here isn't considered safe anymore, not a place to live securely."

While there were some old dragons advising Noah to back off, there were equally those indicating a willingness to stand by his side, albeit with the note that participation in a war that might involve Divine appearance required extra payment.

Though such straightforward demands made Noah feel both amused and gratified, it was reassuring. Not all ancient dragons who have lived through long years were entirely cowardly, seeing the Divine as unchallengeable.

"Uncle!"

After entertaining the last wave, a figure like night-drawn slendric appeared atop the mountain, carrying an inexplicable charm on an incredibly handsome face, lacking some of the reasoned heroism and masculinity.

"Lord of Eternal Night, you have finally completed the transformation. How does it feel?"

Seeing this nephew, Noah couldn't help but sigh. Under the threat of Hell's will, he eventually took the step. Though not self-destructive, it destined him for a path of great difficulty towards eternal immortality.

"Better than I anticipated."

Wayne bowed in response.

"Is that so?"

"You might not believe, but I can show you."

"Oh? How do you plan to show it?"

Noah extended his Dragon Claw, moving it gently. Since awakening from slumber, he hadn't moved much, and it was rare for someone to witness his true form and still have the thought to challenge him.

"Naturally, by demonstrating in the Flame Sun Sect Country what kind of power I wield as Lord of Eternal Night."

Wayne, whose features surpassed even a woman's in beauty, gave a confident smile.

"Are you sure?"

Noah's expression was a bit complex; this was the first one to proactively demand without being asked.

"What do you mean? Striking a Divine's sect country? The Undead are inherently opposed to the Divine, haven't you forgotten?"

Wayne wore an open smile.

"However, I will go first. You may be already against the Divine, but it's only part of them. To be openly tied with me, an Undying King, is not very desirable."

"Prioritizing self-preservation."

Noah advised him.

"Please delay announcing war against the Flame Sun Sect Country a little longer. After you officially declare war, I will withdraw."

Despite this, three days after Wayne's departure, Noah appeared as the Holy Dragon in Elisium City with his progeny and numerous Dragon Lords, announcing a declaration of war, formally waging war.