Chapter 35: The Silent Dragon's Power
Several relatively quiet days had passed in the shimmering Aether Cavern. Tian Heng was completely immersed in the new world of knowledge that had opened up before him. He spent long hours studying the complete schematics of the condenser, the intricate protocols of the purification unit, and the repair logs of the regulation node, using the [core] to compare symbols and decipher ancient technical terminology. The strange language of the Builders had slowly begun to reveal some of its secrets—especially with the reluctant help of Elara, who recognized some of the runic roots shared with the old Elvish tongue, and Faela, who interpreted some of the energy-based or warning symbols based on her knowledge of dark myths and ancient relics. They helped him cautiously, knowing that his growing power might mean their survival—but they were never fully at ease with his presence or his increasing dominance.
Parallel to his studies, Tian Heng never neglected his training. He regularly practiced the early stages of the Froststar Refinement Style. With each session, he felt the cold aether condense and take shape in his dantian with greater speed and purity. He had also begun to cautiously explore the dark draconic energy linked to his tattoo. He couldn't control it with the same precision as aether, but he could feel it—an immense, raw power dormant beneath his skin, passively enhancing his physical abilities and granting him a sense of primal strength. Summoning and dismissing the black sword had become almost instinctive—triggered by a mere thought.
Lilith watched him closely during his training, her crimson eyes gleaming with admiration and utter reverence. Meanwhile, the other elves—Faelar and Lyra—handled guard duty and resource gathering (water and fungi from nearby tunnels) under direct orders from Tian Heng, supervised by Elara. The three condensers operated steadily, slowly filling the insulated crates with an ever-growing reservoir of purified, concentrated aether.
One day, while Tian Heng, Elara, and Faela were deep in deciphering a particularly complex segment of the purification unit's activation protocol, Lyra's sharp, urgent voice rang from one of the cave entrances:"Intruders! Approaching fast! Not elves… Creatures… Big and fast!"
Everyone rose at once. Tian Heng didn't show the slightest sign of concern—only a cold, analytical calm as he processed the warning."Lilith, Faela—come with me to the entrance. Elara, Lyra, Faelar—secure the condensers and prepare to defend this location," he ordered coolly.
They moved swiftly toward the entrance Lyra had indicated. Moments later, the creatures emerged into the faint crystal light. Five grotesque beasts, resembling massive lizards or armored insects, each about two meters long, moved on six powerful clawed limbs. Their bodies were covered in thick, dark stone-colored scales, and their multiple small eyes glowed with a hateful yellow light. Their mouths were filled with volcanic-glass-like fangs, and they emitted a hissing, screeching noise that grated the ears. These were Deep Crawlers—likely drawn by the strong scent of aether or the noise of the condensers.
The creatures were extremely aggressive, clearly seeing the cave as part of their territory. Without hesitation, they charged the group upon sight.
Lyra, Faelar, and Elara braced to defend the condenser zone. Lilith stepped in front of Tian Heng, her dark aura rising in preparation for battle. Faela drew her twin daggers, her violet eyes gleaming with cold anticipation.
But Tian Heng stepped forward, past Lilith. His snow-white face remained unreadable, his molten golden eyes locked on the oncoming reptiles with perfect composure.
"No need," he said quietly, as though brushing dust off his shoulder.
And in the instant the frontmost crawler was about to reach them, the black dragon tattoo on his right arm flared with dark light. The black sword, dragon-hilted, materialized in his hand, its blade absorbing surrounding light and emanating a chilling aura.
Then Tian Heng moved. It wasn't human speed—nor even demonic like Lilith's. It was unnatural, a fusion of enhanced aetheral agility and primal draconic force. In a blink, he had passed through the charging beasts.
There was no loud clash—just a soft, muffled tearing sound, and a thin line of shadow hanging briefly in the air where the black blade had cut.
When Tian Heng stopped several meters behind where the creatures had stood, the black sword still pulsing with a dim, ominous aura in his hand, the five beasts suddenly collapsed. Not like typical corpses—but sliced cleanly in half with surgical precision, as though cleaved by a supernatural blade. There was little blood; the edges of the wounds appeared slightly charred or frostbitten.
It was over in less than a second. Five formidable monsters eliminated in a single, effortless motion.
Stunned silence fell over the cavern, broken only by the drip of water and the low hum of the condensers.
The three elves—Elara, Lyra, and Faelar—stared at Tian Heng with pale faces and wide eyes, frozen in disbelief. The power he had just displayed was on a completely different level from anything they had seen before—even in his fight with the guardian. It wasn't just power—it was speed, precision, and absolute lethality.
Faela, the dark elven rogue, looked at him with a deeply conflicted expression—a mix of shock, cold appreciation of raw power, and perhaps... the dawning realization that she had allied herself with something far beyond her comprehension.
As for Lilith, her crimson eyes glowed with pure worship. She stepped forward, dropped to one knee before him, and bowed her head completely this time."Your power knows no bounds, my lord," she whispered with reverent awe.
Tian Heng ignored their reactions. He looked down at the black sword in his hand for a moment, studying it, then willed it away. It vanished instantly, the dragon tattoo once again visible on his arm. He cast a quick analytical glance at the crawler corpses.[Core, analyze these creatures. Any useful materials?]Then turned to the others, his voice returning to its usual cold calm—as though nothing had just happened.
"The area is secure. Return to your tasks. We have no time to waste."
The elves returned to their posts hesitantly, the shock still plain on their faces. There was no longer any doubt about who held the true power here. Faela rejoined Tian Heng and Elara, her eyes now holding far more caution. Lilith stood once more behind him—his loyal, lethal shadow.