Journey to Drake Abyss

Vivian Lu even packed ten sets of clothes of every thickness, inside and out. If Ryan Lu hadn’t told her that everyone in the military camp would have to wear standard armor, she’d still think it wasn’t enough.

She also prepared gifts for the Celestial Empress, Azure Dragon Lord's Manor, Guardian Drake Lord’s Manor, Lord Wynn Drake’s Manor, and Lord River Drake’s Manor.

She stocked up on all sorts of medicines, just in case.

There were all kinds of little magic items and trinkets, ready to hand out to comrades or as rewards...

Thank goodness the Storage Pouch was big enough, or it really would have been a disaster.

There were other young disciples from the Lumina Realm heading to Drake Abyss too.

But Lucia Lu and her two brothers didn’t go with them.

Because as the reporting date got closer, Adrian Drake kept nagging them every day to head out early so he could host them and ‘play’ before camp started.

So they set off a few days ahead of everyone else.

Before leaving, Qilin Divine Lord Soren Lann sent word for them to come to the Radiant Palace and gave them a stern lecture.

“Joining the army isn’t like staying at home, where your Divine Father and Divine Mother protect you if you mess up,” Qilin Divine Lord Soren Lann said. “In the army, mistakes mean military caning at best, lightning punishment at worst—and if you break a capital law, you could be executed!”

The word ‘executed’ made all three of them both nervous and excited.

“Drake Abyss runs a tight ship—there’s zero room for carelessness. You need to be on your absolute best behavior,” Soren Lann continued. “I don’t even care if you bring glory to the Lumina Realm, just come back alive!”

Lucia Lu laughed, “Divine Lord, your standards for us are way too low! Don’t worry, I swear I won’t embarrass you or the Lumina Realm!”

Soren Lann smiled. “Of course you’re impressive. But you still lack real combat experience, so be careful about everything.”

“Divine Lord, you’re even more long-winded than my Divine Father,” Ryan Lu said. “We’re not made of paper, you know. Relax!”

Soren Lann nodded, “I’ve arranged a spirit vessel to take you there. Go board!”

The three of them went outside, and sure enough, a luxurious little spirit vessel was waiting. Its hull was etched with exquisite royal cloud patterns, and a graceful ‘Sang’ character was carved on the side.

The cabin was cleverly designed—clean, comfortable, and with tassel bead curtains swaying gently in the breeze at the door.

They boarded the spirit vessel, waved goodbye to Soren Lann, and left the Lumina Realm, flying toward Drake Abyss.

But halfway there, the group suddenly ran into a cloud of black smoke.

Looking down, they saw a city ablaze—the fire had swallowed half the place and was still spreading.

All three were from the Qilin Divine Clan, naturally skilled at controlling fire.

They immediately descended and managed to contain the fire, at least saving half the city.

Another group was also fighting the fire; as they emerged from the smoke, they realized it was Adrian Drake!

With him were two others, one of whom was Damian Black.

The other was a beautiful young woman. Adrian introduced her as Snow Yuan, daughter of Lord River Drake.

Adrian, did you come here just to fight the fire? What happened? Ryan Lu asked.

'Yes,' Adrian Drake nodded with a frown. 'The primeval beast Baxa went on a rampage. My father sent me to investigate. I just fought him, but he escaped north.'

'Are we going after him?' Lucia Lu asked.

Of course!' Adrian said. 'Perfect timing—help me surround him! We have to catch him and bring him back!'

Okay.

So the group went to surround Baxa.

He was an ancient Elder Beast.

Dragon body, beast head, covered in golden scales tough as steel—utterly ferocious.

And cunning.

As the group chased and tried to corner it, Baxa lured them into a dark, primitive gorge filled with Spell Arrays.