"This, how is this possible?" Lei Dong's heart instantly seized up, staring in utter astonishment at the terrifying, anciently imbued flying dragon. It was colossal. As it slowly ascended into the sky, it resembled a floating island. The earlier probe using a fierce ghost, while demonstrating unparalleled strength, paled in comparison to this manifestation.

An overwhelming pressure, potent enough to render resistance impossible, though not specifically aimed at the three of them, forcibly pinned them to the ground, preventing them from staying airborne.

The Saintess's seemingly permanent veil fluttered away in the turbulence, revealing an exquisitely beautiful face touched with a subtle, exotic charm. But like Tantai Bingyun, her complexion was now deathly pale and filled with despair. Everyone knew that even if a restriction had been placed upon it five millennia ago, such immense growth in power would have long since shattered any such constraints.

The massive, primeval flying dragon seemed to have finally noticed the three minuscule humans. A mere cursory glance swept over them, yet the intensity was enough to threaten to shatter their very souls. Lei Dong managed a wry smile: "Today we've definitely run into an anomaly. The disparity in strength is too vast. That giant dragon could probably eradicate us with a single sneeze."

"Lei Dong, you still have the mind to joke?" Tantai Bingyun’s voice trembled with an unidentifiable quiver. It wasn't that she was excessively afraid of death; it was merely the innate, uncontrollable terror experienced when facing a creature infinitely more powerful than oneself.

"I'm not joking; I'm stating a fact. Oh, the Saintess is quite attractive too," Lei Dong glanced at the Saintess's features and chuckled. "I can't complain about my fate. Dying alongside two great beauties. What a shame, what a shame~"

"Lei Dong~" This was the first time Tantai Bingyun had been teased in such a manner, especially by him. She couldn't help but rebuke him angrily, a mix of embarrassment and fury: "What nonsense are you spouting? Think of a way out! You always have so many clever schemes, don't you?" "Sister Bingyun, don't worry too much," the Saintess murmured, feeling slightly more relaxed under Lei Dong's influence, though her despair remained. "While we can't gauge the true extent of this Ancient Flying Dragon’s power, judging by the pressure it exerts, it must be at least late-stage Nascent Soul, perhaps even Deity Transformation level. Against such absolute power, we don't even qualify to flee."

Tantai Bingyun's face showed clear unwillingness, her demeanor sullen, yet she knew the Saintess spoke the truth.

It was akin to a mortal facing her, Tantai Bingyun—the gap in absolute strength meant escape was impossible. Her spirit, vitality, and essence seemed to drain away in an instant, and she whispered, "Could it be that I, Tantai Bingyun, will perish here?" "Tantai, don't be too saddened. While I know that given your aptitude, you are one of the foremost geniuses among the younger generation in Kang Province. However, throughout history, how many geniuses have faded halfway through their journey?" Lei Dong shrugged with a bitter smile. "We are nothing more than pitiful strugglers in this mysterious and magnificent world."

"Lei Dong, you don't need to think so little of yourself," Tantai Bingyun sighed. "Among the outstanding young cohort in Kang Province, you are likely the leader. It’s a pity our paths diverge. The Yin Sha Sect and the Heavenly Sound Palace are mortal enemies. Otherwise, we might have become good friends."

"Tantai, you are mistaken there," Lei Dong curled his lip dismissively. "Whether I join the Yin Sha Sect or the Heavenly Sound Palace—is that something I get to decide myself? Back when I was young, I dreamed of joining the renowned righteous sects, soaring on a flying sword, cloaked in white, living a carefree life. But what choice do I have, being born within the domain of the Yin Sha Sect? The way you speak, it’s as if I were born in the wrong country." Tantai Bingyun paused. Her monastic teachings had always stressed that Righteousness and Evil could never coexist. Although in her travels and experiences, she had encountered many from the heretical or demonic paths, they weren't all vile wretches. There were even peerless beauties like Ding Wanyan and Dongfang Fu. Still, the absolute divide between Right and Evil had always governed her worldview. Hearing Lei Dong speak this way now stirred an unfamiliar emotion within her.

"If you are willing to turn away from evil and follow the righteous path, I will vouch for you to join the Vajra Temple." Tantai Bingyun's eyes lit up, but this hope quickly turned to regret: "What a pity, what a pity. Now, we are about to die." Lei Dong couldn't help but laugh at this. "Tantai, you truly are interesting. It’s impressive how the brainwashing techniques of the Heavenly Sound Palace could mold such an icy-smart woman this way. Forget it. I, Lei Dong, am quite content in the Yin Sha Sect; no need for you to trouble yourself." His gaze drifted to the dragon, which inspired no will to resist, with a hint of confusion. "This is a bit odd. The flying dragon has been hovering for a while now; it seems to be listening to our conversation?"

The Saintess and Tantai also stared blankly at the dragon, expressions of puzzlement on their faces.

All three were highly intelligent, and they quickly grasped the situation, having been too terrified before to notice. Looking closely, the giant dragon’s eyes held a bright, almost curious glimmer—the unmistakable sign of an intelligent life form. This meant the dragon had transcended mere beastly instinct; at some point, it had awakened its wisdom. This explained why it hadn't attacked them instinctively, as a low-intelligence demon beast would.

The three exchanged glances, recognizing the surge of relief in the other's eyes—a chance to survive this deadly situation. Of course, proclaiming survival was premature. But based on their deductions and observations, the dragon was likely in an early, somewhat nascent stage of wisdom. Perhaps it had indeed advanced significantly over the past few tens of thousands of years. But so what if it had advanced and gained intelligence? Existing alone in this space, unable to communicate or learn, even if its intellect matched a human's, it would remain mentally as innocent as a child, no matter how long it lived. Indeed, some long-lived demon beasts become cunning beyond imagination, but that happens in the normal world where they must constantly defend against kin and other species. This dragon, however, had no such need.

Otherwise, its eyes wouldn't betray such a curious light, fascinated by the dialogue between the three humans.

"Flying Dragon," Lei Dong stepped forward first, grinning, and addressed the beast directly. "Can you understand what we are saying?"

As expected, the great head of the dragon nodded in a distinctly human fashion, and a deep, rumbling voice answered, "I can understand." A terrifying event followed: as it spoke, a tremendously powerful stream of air surged toward them, whipping the three like scattered leaves in a gale, sending them tumbling for hundreds of zhang before they finally stabilized. Their ears were ringing incessantly, and astonishment still etched on their faces. This was too terrifying. Even after five thousand years, the dragon shouldn't have advanced to this degree, even with the rich spiritual energy in this temple zone.

In truth, the three were unaware of several factors. This temple space contained numerous spirit herbs which, over time, had become nourishment for the dragon. Most importantly, there was the Soul Tree; over five millennia, how many Soul Fruits had it borne? Every single one had been consumed by the dragon, repeatedly cleansing and strengthening its divine soul, making its soul power overwhelmingly formidable. Indirectly, this had drastically increased its chances of breakthrough and advancement.

Naturally, the group had also slightly misjudged the beast's true strength. The reason they couldn't even muster the will to resist was primarily due to its soul power, which vastly exceeded its actual cultivation rank. Even so, its actual physical might was far beyond what Lei Dong and the others could oppose—much like three ordinary humans standing before Lei Dong and his companions, who could crush them with a mere flick of a finger, let alone afford them a chance to escape.

Looking somewhat disheveled, Lei Dong nonetheless showed a flicker of joy. To prevent further harm, he quickly urged, "Elder Dragon Boss, please speak a little softer. You've been here alone for many years, haven't you? No one to talk to. If you accidentally kill the three of us, you’ll be lonely again." As he spoke, Lei Dong subtly laced his words with testing elements, hoping the dragon's loneliness might spare them.

Indeed, a feeling of excitement showed in the dragon's eyes. It opened its mouth to speak, then closed it, tilting its head in thought. Immediately afterward, an incredibly pure wave of divine thought projected directly into the minds of the three: "Speaking like this, you will be safe. Thank you for coming to keep me company. I cannot let you die, or I will have to remain lonely."

Hearing this, Lei Dong's tightly wound heart finally relaxed. His back was damp; their lives were likely secured. As long as the dragon didn't outright slaughter them, handling the subsequent matters would become much easier. The Saintess and Tantai Bingyun also felt a sense of relief, like survivors of a near-death experience. Had they encountered any other power this immense outside, the outcome would have been disastrous.

"It's alright; our mission is to ensure you are never lonely again," Lei Dong began plotting against the dragon, a spark of hope ignited within him. If he was lucky, gaining the friendship of this dragon, possessing the bloodline of an ancient divine beast, would mean truly walking the world unhindered. Of course, Lei Dong remained somewhat grounded; he knew it was impossible to absolutely subdue it through mere coercion. Any resistance or backlash would be something none of them could withstand.

The dragon’s eyes seemed delighted, its transmitted voice carrying a hint of agitation: "Are you the ones sent by that little fox who left not long ago? Thank you so much for coming to keep me company."