Chapter 652: The Dragon Heart
The Earth's Secret
Luke addressed the bewildered heroes.
"There's a legend in the Underworld: that Earth, the original home of the Gods, harbors the power of Life's Essence. Any creature that reaches it can achieve evolution and grow into a being that transcends everything." He shifted his gaze to the massive dragon corpse.
"It was this legend that made Avogadro frantically seek us out. He wanted to go to Earth, devour the life essence there, and become the most powerful being in the universe."
Diana frowned. "Was the ancient War of the Gods also fought over this legend?"
"I don't know, but it's highly likely."
J'onn interjected, "I get the feeling someone intentionally spread this legend."
"Not necessarily."
Luke shook his head. "Earth is very special. Take Krypton and Mars for example..." He looked at Clark and J'onn. "As highly developed star systems, they surely have their own myths, but how many are actually real? Earth is different."
"This place gave birth to thousands, maybe even tens of thousands of Gods, creating multiple divine systems. The power of a single planet being able to contend with the Underworld is unimaginable to other life-bearing planets. And then there are superpowers."
Luke smiled slightly. "Scientists say it's the X-Factor in human genes—that mutations grant supernatural abilities. That's complete nonsense."
"Genes are just the programming code for organic life, like the framework for a building. They provide support, but you can't just switch a column and make the entire building fly."
"The influence behind superpowers is the bloodline and divine power of the Gods. They are the source of all these abilities."
Diana looked hesitant. "You mean the rumor is true?"
"I hate to admit it, but it's probably a fact."
The moment he said it, the three heroes felt an unprecedented pressure. If this was true, Earth could face endless, terrifying threats.
"Forget it!"
Luke waved his hand. "Don't worry about that for now. The most important thing is finding the Valley of No Return. We'll deal with the future later."
"What are you planning to do with this body?" Diana asked.
"I'm going to dig out the Dragon Heart. I need it to make restoration potions. As for the rest..."
Luke's face showed deep reluctance. A giant dragon's body was a treasure trove: scales for armor, blood for medicine, and the meat could significantly replenish life force, making it an invaluable food source. As for the marrow, sinews, and liver, they were all top-tier magical materials that sorcerers dreamed of obtaining.
Of course, the most precious was the Dragon Heart. Magic books had countless accounts of its power.
Luke knew of one dark magic ritual where replacing a human heart with a Dragon Heart granted immense power and immortality.
Diana said dryly, "Based on its size, Avogadro's heart is at least the size of a small room. Are you seriously going to carry that?"
Luke's face stiffened, and his expression grew hesitant.
"It shouldn't be that big, right?"
"I don't mind you digging out its heart, but don't expect me to carry it."
Diana rolled her eyes and turned to walk away. Clark and J'onn shook their heads, following her.
Luke mentally flipped them off. A bunch of magic illiterates! They don't understand the value of the Dragon Heart! The heart of a pure-blooded dragon like Avogadro ranked among the very best of magical materials—a priceless treasure.
Luke walked up to the corpse and said in a deep voice,
"Have you drunk enough?"
Adam didn't bother to wipe the blood from his mouth and immediately prostrated himself.
"Young Master."
He had been skeptical of the heroes before, but after witnessing this battle, all doubt vanished, leaving only utter subservience.
"Come here and lend me a hand."
The two men stood at the chest cavity. Luke gripped Diana's discarded Sword of Hephaestus, piercing the scales and sinking the blade into the flesh, slowly cutting downward.
The dragon's body was incredibly tough; even the Sword of Hephaestus couldn't slice it clean in half.
When the chest cavity broke open, the accumulated blood poured out like a flood breaching a dam. Adam's lips trembled at the sight. This was the legendary dragon blood! A single drop was priceless, yet here it was, seeping into the dirt in vast quantities.
Luke frowned.
"What are you standing around for? Come help!"
After some effort, Luke finally got what he wanted. It wasn't as big as Diana had feared, but it was still over one and a half meters long and nearly a meter wide. The surface glowed with a red light, radiating a powerful aura of life.
Even outside the body, the heart was still beating. Placing a hand on it, one could clearly feel the rhythm of life within.
"Worthy of being the Dragon Heart."
"What a treasure, a true treasure!"
Luke muttered to himself, already simulating various uses for the heart. He still had several demon corpses in his collection. Combining them with this heart and refining them using Reach bio-technology could create a new form of bio-armor.
Adam asked hesitantly, "Young Master, what are you going to do with the corpse?"
"What else? Leave it here, of course."
"..."
Adam was dumbfounded. "That's the Underworld Dragon! You... you... you can't just waste it like this!"
"Do you think I want to?"
Luke snorted irritably. "The body is huge. Do you expect us to carry it? Do you think that's possible?"
Adam was speechless, his heart aching. A dragon corpse! To just leave it behind! Where did these rich barbarians come from? He had never seen such extravagance. He could only quietly plead,
"C-Can I drink some more dragon blood? Not much, just a little."
"The body's right there. Suit yourself. If you can swallow the whole thing, I don't care."
"You have five minutes. We leave after five minutes."
With that, Luke turned and left.
Adam didn't hesitate. Like a crazed wolf, he scrambled into the wound in the chest cavity, drinking the blood and tearing at the flesh, stuffing as much as possible into his belly.
Diana frowned. "Is that really appropriate?"
"He's too weak. He'll be a liability."
"Are you really planning to train him? Don't forget, he's a half-dragon, an Underworld creature."
"Where he comes from doesn't matter. What matters is his heart. If he's loyal enough and willing to change, I don't mind giving him a chance."
Diana shook her head helplessly. "Sometimes I truly don't understand you. Underworld creatures are naturally ferocious, living by the rule of 'might makes right.' We should avoid them, yet you want to take him in."
Luke joked, "That's the charm of a man."
"Bullshit," Diana scoffed. "You're just looking for trouble."
Time slowly passed. Suddenly, a roar of agony erupted from inside the dragon corpse. The sound was filled with pain, as if the creature was undergoing brutal torment.
Luke frowned slightly and flashed over to the chest cavity. Looking inside the wound, he saw Adam, covered in dragon blood, painfully curled up. Large lumps were bulging across his body, as if something was trying to burst out.
"Adam, what's happening?"
"I... I think I'm transforming! It hurts so much!"
Adam replied hoarsely, his face twisted beyond human recognition.
"Young Master, wait for me! I can do this! I'll be fine!"
Adam forced himself to ignore the pain, opening his mouth to continue gnawing at the surrounding flesh. The more he swallowed, the larger the lumps grew, giving off a disturbing, chilling sensation.
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