The Dragon's Shadow thunderously landed atop the Pyramid, its impact shattering the square stones, sending chips flying, and spawning numerous cracks in its wake. Tainaric leaped forward, dodging Toragotos' massive claws—the Night Lizard Prince of Andasok was cradling a Light Cocoon in his hands, nurturing the resurrection of Salrutaka. The corporeal existence of a deity was nearly indestructible, but as long as it was kept from its source of power—the Divine Fire—the ritual of revival was doomed to fail.

Unfortunately, Toragotos had no intention of letting them accomplish this task. Ever since the Light Cocoon had fallen into Tainaric's hands, the opposition had launched direct attacks. Tainaric attempted several times to approach Fang Hong, but each time his efforts were foiled by Toragotos' interference.

Thankfully, the Dark Giant Dragon was merely a shadow of Toragotos, unable to enter due to the Puzzle Lock Barrier of the Black Holy City. Otherwise, with the sheer strength of a legendary Giant Dragon on its own, they wouldn't even dare to dream of completing their mission, let alone surviving the ordeal.

Due to the Puzzle Lock Barrier, Fang Hong surmised that the clone's Level wouldn't exceed fifteen.

Even so, its displayed strength was nothing short of astounding.

The pressure it exerted midair, the strength and agility, and other Attributes it displayed far surpassed what one would expect of a Level 15 BOSS, approaching that of some lesser world bosses. This exceeded Fang Hong's understanding, but then the Shadow of Nicopolis at Traveler's Rest came to mind, and he relented.

Clones and simulacrums in Eteliria belonged to the Transcendent Domain. Beyond Level 50, Sky Knights and Dragon Knights were each referred to as Saints of the Mortal World, and one step further was true transcendence. Invokers from history rarely ventured into this domain, leaving behind scant records, and most Invokers knew nothing of it—Fang Hong was no exception.

However, among the mortal realms of Eteliria, some folk tales persisted. For instance, in the last era, the deities allowed their Divine Envoys to walk the earth, spreading their doctrines. These Divine Envoys were essentially a type of clone projection and power refraction.

The Dark Giant Dragon before them was evidently a projection of Toragotos. Of course, it had not yet attained divinity, so its clone was much weaker.

Missing with its strike, Toragotos spread its wings, ready to ascend again, but Fang Hong seized the opportunity to unleash all his 'Fire Giants'. A series of golden explosions bloomed continuously behind the Dark Giant Dragon.

However, the blasts did no harm to Toragotos, and Fang Hong saw nothing in the system but a series of white armor damage indicators nullified by dragon scale resistances, barely hitting the tens to twenties mark—practically non-existent against the Dark Giant Dragon's vitality.

But the blast disrupted the air currents, suppressing Toragotos' ascent. It let out a furious shriek, almost losing its balance and tumbling backward, forcing it to lower its center of gravity in helpless frustration, sprawled atop the Pyramid.

Seizing the opportunity, Telaric rapidly closed in and lifted the Light Cocoon in his hands, feigning a throw in his direction.

Just then, the ground shook slightly, as if something was moving beneath them, causing both parties to falter. Tainaric rolled forward with agile reflexes, stabilizing himself. Fang Hong, holding onto a nearby sacrificial structure, felt the underground disturbance and quickly warned Tainaric:

"Run over here, don't throw the Light Cocoon!"

Though their current adversary was Toragotos, Fang Hong was acutely aware that a third party was lurking nearby. Though Salrutaka was an enemy to Toragotos, an enemy's enemy was not necessarily a friend at this moment.

To put it plainly, both parties had the same objective: to take control of Salrutaka's revival. Their conflict lay solely in who held the reins of power. On this point, Fang Hong understood that their purposes were completely opposed—he had no desire to disrupt Toragotos' plans only for Salrutaka to have its way.

Their alliance had effectively ended the moment he arrived at this valley of Pyramids.

Though Tainaric did not fully understand, he knew Fang Hong wouldn't make decisions lightly. He nodded, clutched the Light Cocoon, and leaped in that direction.

Only then did Toragogtos finally ascend with Flapping wings.

But at this moment, the struggle for the Light Cocoon wasn't limited to just Toragotos' side—the Night Lizard People seemed to have come to their senses as well—or rather, since the Light Cocoon was no longer in Toragotos' possession, Salrutaka, with no reservations, started issuing commands to its followers.

The most fervent among them was Prophet Kopan, with its eyes tightly closed, screaming fervently while waving its wooden staff.

This elderly Night Lizard had been badly injured in earlier conflicts with Toragotos. Now with two trails of silvery tears of blood flowing, it seemed to have no regard for its own safety, almost crazed, as if Salrutaka had endowed it with a special foresight, allowing it always to pinpoint the direction of the Light Cocoon amid the chaos.

Thanks to its vocal commands, the Night Lizard People continuously intercepted Tainaric's path.

Fang Hong found this creature quite troublesome. He turned back to locate it among the Night Lizard People, but it was to no avail at first—until he heard a crisp gunshot. Then he saw a hunched figure plummet to the ground in one direction.

With no one to give orders, the Night Lizard People descended into chaos.

A thought struck Fang Hong as he realized it was Hilveld who had found a shooting position and had taken down the Lizardman Prophet. He was glad for his decision to bring her along, but also felt some concern for her safety.

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