Chapter 176 The Ancient Earth Dragon's Legacy

Chapter 178 — The Ancient Earth Dragon's Legacy

Aether stepped through the opening beneath the ancient stone structure.

The passage descended deep underground, its walls covered in ancient formation patterns. Faint golden light flowed through the engravings, illuminating the path ahead. Despite the structure's age, the formation remained functional, although its energy had weakened considerably over countless years.

Aether continued forward, his Origin Sense carefully examining the surroundings.

The passage eventually opened into an enormous underground chamber.

At its center stood a circular stone platform. Above it floated a transparent crystalline container, within which rested a thick golden-white substance. Countless tiny particles moved through it like stars suspended in a miniature universe.

The moment Aether entered, he felt an unusual fluctuation of Origin Energy.

It was pure, dense, and possessed extraordinary vitality.

His attention immediately focused on the treasure.

[Ancient Primordial Origin Treasure Detected.]

[Name: Origin Genesis Marrow.]

[Classification: Primordial Origin Treasure.]

[Condition: Preserved.]

[Energy Concentration: Exceptionally High.]

[Properties Identified:]

[Origin Body Tempering — Strengthens muscles, bones, organs, blood, marrow, and internal physical structure.]

[Physique Nourishment — Nourishes and harmonizes existing physiques.]

[Foundation Reinforcement — Strengthens cultivation foundations and improves their stability.]

[Origin Energy Purification — Provides highly refined Origin Energy suitable for cultivation and energy reserves.]

[Physical Potential Expansion — Gradually expands the body's capacity for future physical development and physique integration.]

[Additional Information: Contains sufficient essence for multiple stages of physical tempering. Complete absorption in a single session is neither necessary nor recommended.]

Aether's eyes brightened.

This was considerably more valuable than an ordinary cultivation resource.

The treasure could strengthen his physical foundation, nourish his existing physiques, and improve his body's ability to accommodate further integration.

For someone possessing the Infinite Origin Physique, its value was extraordinary.

However, Aether didn't immediately approach the platform.

Something was watching him.

His gaze shifted toward the far end of the chamber, where an enormous dragon sculpture rested against the wall.

Its body was covered in thick scales, its four powerful limbs supporting an imposing frame. Even in its motionless state, the sculpture radiated an ancient majesty.

Then its eyes opened.

Golden light illuminated the chamber.

The stone covering its body gradually crumbled, revealing an enormous translucent dragon silhouette.

Aether calmly examined it.

"Another visitor..." The ancient voice reverberated throughout the chamber.

The dragon lowered its head, studying the young man before it.

"I have waited for an immeasurable amount of time. I never expected someone to discover this place."

Aether remained composed.

"You're the guardian?"

"That is correct. I was once an Ancient Origin Earth Dragon. My cultivation reached the twenty-sixth major realm before my physical body perished."

Aether's attention sharpened slightly.

Origin Overlord Realm, Stage 26.

That was an existence far beyond anything he had personally encountered.

[System Analysis]

[Target: Ancient Origin Earth Dragon — Residual Consciousness.]

[Former Cultivation: Origin Overlord Realm, Stage 26.]

[Current Condition: Deceased.]

[Consciousness Preservation: Ancient Guardian Formation.]

[Remaining Authority: Limited control over the protective formation and inheritance chamber.]

[Current Combat Capability: Severely diminished. Cannot be accurately compared to its former cultivation.]

[Threat Assessment: Limited.]

Aether finished reading the information.

"So you've been protecting the treasure all this time."

"Indeed. It was entrusted to me during an ancient era. My responsibility was to protect it until a suitable inheritor appeared."

The dragon's gaze shifted toward the crystalline container.

"Many beings discovered this place throughout the ages. Some desired the treasure's power. Others attempted to force their way through the formation. None possessed the necessary compatibility."

Aether looked at the dragon.

"And what makes me different?"

The dragon's golden eyes narrowed.

For several moments, it examined the energy circulating within Aether's body.

Then its expression changed.

"Strange..."

Aether waited.

"Your physical foundation contains several distinct characteristics, yet none appear to conflict with one another. Such a thing should be impossible."

The dragon's consciousness examined him more carefully.

"Even powerful beings who attempt to forcibly possess multiple physiques eventually suffer the consequences of their incompatible foundations. Yet your body maintains a harmony that defies common understanding."

Aether smiled faintly.

"Perhaps I'm an exception."

The dragon released a deep rumble.

"Perhaps."

Its gaze lingered on him before it finally spoke again.

"The treasure is compatible with your foundation. You may receive it."

Aether stepped closer to the platform.

However, before he could reach the crystalline container, the dragon raised its head.

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"Wait. There is another inheritance you should receive alongside it."

Aether turned toward the enormous silhouette.

"Another treasure?"

"Not a treasure. A technique."

The dragon moved its enormous head toward a smaller stone pedestal beside the main platform.

A weathered jade scroll rested upon it.

"This inheritance was created by the First Origin Sovereign himself."

Aether's expression became slightly more attentive.

The First Origin Sovereign.

The name carried considerable significance, even though Aether knew little about the ancient existence.

The dragon continued.

"The Primordial Origin Body Tempering Scripture. It was personally developed by the First Origin Sovereign to refine and strengthen the physical foundation through the power of Origin."

Aether approached the pedestal and picked up the scroll.

[Ancient Inheritance Detected.]

[Name: Primordial Origin Body Tempering Scripture.]

[Creator: First Origin Sovereign.]

[Classification: Supreme Origin Body Tempering Inheritance.]

[Condition: Preserved.]

[Description: An ancient cultivation scripture personally created by the First Origin Sovereign. Utilizes refined Origin Energy to progressively strengthen and evolve the practitioner's entire physical foundation.]

[Primary Functions:]

[Physical Refinement — Strengthens the body's internal and external structures.]

[Origin Harmonization — Improves the body's ability to accommodate and harmonize different Origin Energy characteristics.]

[Physique Nourishment — Supports the development and strengthening of existing physiques.]

[Foundation Evolution — Gradually expands the physical foundation's capacity for further evolution.]

[Compatibility with Infinite Origin Physique: Exceptional.]

Aether examined the information carefully.

This was precisely the kind of inheritance he needed.

The technique wasn't created specifically for the Origin Genesis Marrow. Rather, the two complemented each other exceptionally well.

One provided the ancient essence required for physical development.

The other provided a method to refine and strengthen the body using that essence.

"Why were these two preserved together?" Aether asked.

The dragon's gaze returned to the treasure.

"Because the Origin Genesis Marrow was one of the precious inheritances entrusted to the guardians during that ancient era. The First Origin Sovereign created the scripture, while the treasure was prepared as one of the resources that could help its future inheritor."

Aether's eyes narrowed slightly.

"How many such inheritances exist?"

The dragon remained silent for a moment.

"More than one."

That answer immediately caught Aether's attention.

"Can you tell me where the others are?"

"I cannot. My knowledge is limited to the inheritance entrusted to me. Even during my lifetime, I wasn't informed of every detail surrounding their creation."

The dragon looked toward the Origin Genesis Marrow.

"But I know that these inheritances were prepared for a purpose far greater than ordinary cultivation."

Aether didn't press further.

He had already obtained two extraordinary inheritances. There was no reason to demand answers from a consciousness that might not possess them.

Instead, he approached the crystalline container.

The moment his hand touched its surface, the ancient formation beneath the platform illuminated.

Golden patterns spread across the chamber before converging toward the container.

A faint resonance emerged from Aether's body.

His Infinite Origin Physique responded instinctively.

The dragon observed the phenomenon with visible astonishment.

"So it truly recognizes you..."

Aether glanced toward it.

"Recognizes me?"

"Nothing. Perhaps an old guardian has finally witnessed something worth remembering."

The dragon lowered its enormous head.

"Take the treasure. Its essence is yours to use. However, remember this: don't attempt to absorb everything at once. Even with your extraordinary foundation, proper refinement takes time."

Aether nodded.

"I understand."

He carefully collected the crystalline container and the jade scroll, storing both inside his spatial ring.

However, the dragon didn't disappear.

Instead, its enormous head turned toward the opposite side of the chamber.

"There is something else."

Aether followed its gaze.

Behind the main platform stood a smaller stone structure, partially concealed by the shadows. Unlike the other objects in the chamber, it was surrounded by a faint golden formation that remained completely untouched.

The dragon moved its tail.

The formation gradually opened.

Inside rested a collection of objects.

The first was a golden scale, approximately the size of Aether's palm. Its surface carried intricate natural patterns, and a dense Earth-aligned Origin Energy fluctuation radiated from within it.

The second was a small golden crystal.

The third was a dark golden ring engraved with an ancient dragon symbol.

Finally, at the very back of the structure, something moved.

Aether's attention immediately shifted toward it.

A small creature emerged from behind the crystal.

It resembled a miniature dragon, with soft golden scales, four tiny limbs, a pair of small horns, and a long tail. Its eyes were bright amber, and faint golden patterns covered its forehead.

It looked around curiously before noticing Aether.

The little dragon tilted its head.

Then it slowly approached him.

Aether looked at the creature before turning toward the guardian.

"What is this?"

The dragon's enormous eyes softened.

"A young descendant of my lineage."

The little dragon reached Aether's feet and looked upward.

"Before my physical body perished, I entrusted its egg to this inheritance chamber. The formation preserved it through the ages, protecting its vitality until it could hatch."

Aether crouched slightly.

The little dragon sniffed his hand before rubbing its small head against his fingers.

Aether's expression softened.

"You're giving it to me?"

"Only if you accept."

The dragon's voice became more serious.

"It is young and has yet to develop its abilities. Its potential is considerable, but its future will depend on its own growth, experiences, and opportunities. Do not treat it as a tool or expect it to become powerful overnight."

Aether gently touched its head.

"I don't intend to."

The little dragon immediately climbed onto his hand.

Its tiny tail curled around one of his fingers.

Aether couldn't help but smile.

"Well, looks like you've already made your decision."

The dragon released a deep, satisfied rumble.

"Then I entrust its future to you."

[New Companion Detected.]

[Species: Ancient Origin Earth Dragon.]

[Age: Young.]

[Current Cultivation: Origin Manifestation Realm.]

[Bloodline: Ancient Origin Earth Dragon Descendant.]

[Bloodline Purity: High.]

[Current Abilities: Earth Affinity, Basic Earth Manipulation, Enhanced Physical Constitution.]

[Potential: Extraordinary.]

[Compatibility with Host: Exceptional.]

[Additional Information: The companion absorbed an enormous amount of accumulated Origin Energy while developing within the ancient protective formation. Its cultivation advanced considerably before hatching. However, its physical maturity, combat experience, and control over its abilities remain limited.]

Aether examined the information.

An Origin Manifestation Realm dragon.

Its cultivation was astonishing for such a young creature, but the System's analysis made one thing clear: its cultivation didn't reflect its actual experience or maturity.

It had accumulated enormous energy while developing inside the chamber, rather than reaching this realm through years of deliberate cultivation and battles.

He looked at the little creature.

"Do you have a name?"

The dragonling blinked.

It obviously couldn't answer.

Aether chuckled.

"I'll think of one later."

The guardian watched the interaction before directing his attention toward the remaining gifts.

"The golden scale belonged to my original body. It contains a portion of my Earth Dragon Origin Energy. It can gradually nourish your physical foundation and strengthen your affinity with Earth-aligned energy."

Aether picked it up.

The moment his fingers touched the scale, a powerful yet stable Earth Origin fluctuation spread through his palm.

[Ancient Origin Dragon Scale Detected.]

[Source: Ancient Origin Earth Dragon.]

[Properties: Concentrated Earth Dragon Origin Energy, Physical Nourishment, Earth Affinity Enhancement.]

[Compatibility with Infinite Origin Physique: High.]

Aether stored it carefully.

"The crystal contains a portion of my accumulated insights."

The dragon continued.

"It holds my understanding of Earth principles, physical combat, defensive applications, and terrain manipulation. It will not grant you instant mastery, but studying it should save you considerable time."

Aether picked up the crystal.

[Earth Dragon Insight Inheritance Detected.]

[Contents: Earth Principles, Physical Combat Insights, Defensive Techniques, Terrain Manipulation.]

[Inheritance Condition: Preserved.]

He examined it briefly before storing it.

Finally, he picked up the dark golden ring.

"This is my personal treasury ring. It contains resources, materials, cultivation records, and various treasures accumulated throughout my existence."

Aether's eyes brightened slightly.

An Origin Overlord Realm existence's personal treasury was certainly worth examining.

He slipped the ring into his spatial storage for later inspection.

"There is one final gift."

The dragon raised its enormous head.

A golden symbol appeared between Aether's eyebrows before descending toward his chest.

It briefly illuminated his body before disappearing beneath his clothes.

[Ancient Dragon Recognition Acquired.]

[Source: Ancient Origin Earth Dragon.]

[Effect: Recognition of the Ancient Origin Earth Dragon lineage. May facilitate interactions with related inheritances, bloodline resources, and certain members of the lineage.]

[Additional Effects: Unknown.]

Aether examined the notification.

"Recognition, huh?"

The dragon nodded.

"It is not a power that will immediately increase your combat strength. It is a symbol of my acknowledgment. Should you encounter descendants of my lineage in the future, this recognition may prove useful."

Aether nodded.

"Understood."

The dragon's enormous silhouette flickered briefly.

The dragon's enormous silhouette flickered briefly.

"My duty is finally complete."

Its voice carried a trace of relief.

"My physical body perished countless ages ago. This consciousness has remained only because the formation sustained it. I have no desire to continue existing indefinitely."

Aether looked at the dragon.

"You've guarded this inheritance for a very long time."

"Longer than I can remember."

The dragon's golden eyes shifted toward the little dragon resting in Aether's hand.

"Take care of that little one. It is the last young descendant I managed to preserve before my death."

Aether glanced at the dragonling.

"I will."

The guardian seemed satisfied.

"Then I have nothing left to regret."

Its enormous silhouette flickered once more, but the ancient formation continued supplying the remaining energy necessary to preserve its consciousness.

Aether observed the formation for a moment.

"You said this formation has been sustaining your consciousness since your physical body perished?"

"Correct. Without it, this remaining consciousness would have disappeared long ago."

Aether's gaze lingered on the ancient dragon.

He didn't immediately respond. Instead, he glanced at the formation and considered something.

"I see. There's something I want to consider."

The ancient dragon watched him, its golden eyes carrying a trace of curiosity.

Aether carefully stored the little dragon inside his Origin Beast Space before turning toward the passage.

He had obtained far more than he initially expected from this inheritance chamber. However, something the guardian had just revealed had given him another idea.

He took a few steps before stopping.

Then he turned around and looked directly at the ancient dragon.

"I have a proposition for you."