Targaryen Who Turned Dragon

"You can all return to your usual duties." Aerion commanded the guards before leaving. It would seem that they had great endurance since they were only mildly tired.

"So, where are we going now?" Tai Shu inquired.

"Do you remember the 'Demon' sealed inside of the Heavenly Sword Villa?"

"The barking dog who could bring calamity upon the Profound Sky Continent?"

"Yes, that Demon. I intend to shatter the formation that binds him."

The rest of the Dragonsguard had no idea what they were talking about since they didn't attend the Blue Wind Ranking Tournament, but they continued to listen.

"For what purpose?"

"He shall introduce us to Illusory Demon Realm."

And becoming a valuable soldier among my ranks, if possible.

~

The news spread like wildfire. It was only two years ago when the 'Silver Calamity' of the Noble Rogue Sect defeated Ling Yun with ease in the Blue Wind Ranking Tournament. This revelation did shake the entire Blue Wind Empire at that time. Then came the announcement of his cultivation strength which was… Sky Profound Seven! Seemingly in no time at all, Jun Long had risen to the very top. His transcendent talent, along with his undeniable charm, was difficult to ignore. Everyone knew that one day he would be the strongest in the Blue Wind Empire one day… if nothing unexpected were to occur.

Things quieted down… and now, two years later, he's the EMPEROR. Most people couldn't believe it, such news would take many days in order to sink in. But they eventually accepted it. Because if there was going to be anyone who could lead the Blue Wind Kingdom to true prosperity, among the Seven Nations, it was going to be him.

The Dragonsguard set camp after a long day of travel. Tents sprung forth and a fairly large fire was lit. It danced beautifully with the light wind while the Dragonsguard conversed with each other. A cheerful and pleasant night it was. Aerion, being the diligent King he was, practiced his sword technique under the moonlight. Out of sheer boredom, he decided to try out the Heavenly Sword Villa's Heaven's Might Sword Art.

He started out with the most impressive profound skill, the Sword Spirit Doppelganger.

A complete copy of Aerion was made from Blackfyre's glistening blade. Aerion turned around and observed the clone. Yes, he did look exactly the same. The same glowing violet eyes, long silver hair and even the same bastard sword. The only thing it was missing was the ability to speak. Aerion grinned, perhaps it can be a new training partner.

Fighting myself... we'll be equally matched!

The clone understood its master's intentions. Blackfyre was swiftly enveloped in black-red flames, which began to burst with ever-growing strength and killing intent. Aerion took to the skies in order to avoid damaging the land as much as possible. The clone followed and struck Aerion from behind with a Crimson Demon Slash. Aerion did his best to dodge and guard himself from what he couldn't evade. The flames, however, didn't accept failure. They enveloped Aerion and started to burn him, but not for long.

Heaven Absorbing Silver Claw.

Not bad... not bad at all.

The clone charged Aerion and they ended up clashing swords. It was clear that they were equal in strength as neither could gain the advantage. Aerion remained on the defensive, looking for any openings, while the clone was aggressive, attempting to slay Aerion.

I see now... it's over, fool!

BOUNDLESS COUNTER.

Aerion parried its next attack and put himself in a perfect position to retaliate... and he did so, in violent fashion. Aerion pierced its heart with Blackfyre. Then the clone disappeared and he was left alone, exhausted. His victory did not come without consequence as he had dozens of wounds littered all around his body. These wounds were hastily being healed via Scale Regeneration and the Great Way of The Buddha, of course. He hurt mentally as well, keeping the clone fighting wasn't easy especially since it had fought for around twenty minutes.

It was his first time and he had already more than doubled Ling Yun's time. Aerion was interested in the profound skill but it was vastly inefficient... with great consequences tied to it, as he would soon find out.

...

Aerion's wounds suddenly became twice as horrible. He vomited blood and started to involuntarily shake. He couldn't control his own body, losing control of his floating technique and falling down from the sky. Someone caught him on the way down.

"How reckless of you, disciple... you could have ended it at any point but you kept going."

"It was so thrilling to fight myself, you should… try it some time."

"Allow me to heal your wounds."

His devotion towards becoming stronger is nothing short of admirable... it is not hard to believe that, one day, he truly will surpass everyone currently stronger than him. He has both the talent and diligence to reach the very peak. If only I had such a disciple during that war... sigh, it is what it is.

The Heavenly Fire Demon began to assist Aerion in healing his wounds.

Aerion stood up after a while. His scales started to drop to the ground and but up, turning into nothing. "Thank you, but I can handle the rest."

"Very well."

They returned to the tents. Aerion drifted off into a deep slumber in a few minutes. The fight he had with his own doppelganger was very taxing on the mind so he didn't even bother approaching the Dungeon. But he still did something with the extra time... and that was spent on improving the Sword Spirit Doppelganger, or creating something similar.

"What a trash profound skill." The Dragon commented, clearly unimpressed. "It will kill you faster than you can kill your enemy. Especially if you use Purgatory and Silver Calamity…"

"Very true…"

Using the Sword Villa's flawed techniques is truly beneath me. I can do better than that. Fire and Blood… ah, it always comes down to that. I can give life to dead dragon eggs… maybe…

Fire exploded in all directions, lighting up the dark plane. Aerion looked around and noticed that his surroundings were slowly changing. The fire began to take shape. The first thing he saw was an enormous dragon with shining crimson scales. Below him stood mountains that pierced the sky. The floating Dragon was all alone, but not for long. Blood dripped from his flesh… with a mighty roar, he released fire that set the whole mountain range on fire.

So powerful… "Dragon, did you intend to show me this?"

"No… it wasn't me."

Then who was it? Could it be that Aerios is still alive… or did he simply leave this behind for me?

"COME INTO EXISTENCE, MY CHILDREN, THROUGH MY FIRE AND BLOOD!"

The mix of fire and blood created crimson scales, who began to take form. The scales formed dragons of all different sizes and shapes… then the scales began to crack and shatter. Thousands of dragons stormed out of their shells… then a thunderous chain of roars echoed throughout the land. This was how the ancestors of all dragons were born, supposedly.

"So this is his true form, when he was at his strongest…" Aerion couldn't help but admire the Dragon in the skies.

"We will get there, some day."

The scene turned into flames and Aerion knew what he had to do. He made a cut on his hand and let his Ghost Flames surround the blood. But nothing happened. He didn't use enough blood.

Fine.

Aerion cut off his entire right arm, where he had summoned crimson scales. This time things went differently. Aerion supplied it with his blood and flames, and it began to grow. Soon enough it formed a human shape… then it cracked.

"That… it worked!"

"My creator… what is my purpose?"

"Activate Purgatory."

He nodded and did so. Then Aerion killed it after a few good seconds, to see what the consequences of using the technique were. Surprisingly… there were none apart from losing his arm and some profound energy when conjuring the flames. The clone was an existence of its own, separate from the master. But this also meant that it was weaker since it was only made from an arm. It was made clear by how the clone struggled with keeping Purgatory open.

"This might be useful someday, I suppose."

What to call it… Fire-Blood Doppelganger? Eh, I'm no good when it comes to naming profound skills.

~

Aerion was warmly greeted by the Heavenly Sword Villa. In fact, the entire sect had gathered to meet the new Emperor. It was somewhat of an awkward situation for the Heavenly Sword Villa, as their duty was to protect the Blue Wind Imperial Family and Aerion had… well, stormed the palace and forced the Emperor to submit to him. But it was too late now for them to do anything about it. They had no choice but to accept it as well.

"Wow… Jun Long himself!"

"So handsome…"

"Even more confident than before and that clothing… he can definitely pass as an Emperor."

All of the female disciples seemed to have hearts in their eyes while the male disciples admired him or had faces of envy.

"Your Imperial Majesty." Ling Yuefeng bowed solemnly.

"Villa Master."

"May I ask why you have graced us with your visit?"

"I wish to see this… 'Demon' of yours once again. I intend to free him."

"...That would be unwise. He might escape and bring about calamity upon the entire Profound Sky Continent."

"That won't happen, I assure you."

These people, they still don't know how powerful I truly am.

"Very well… I trust your word."

Tai Shu chuckled. "That was easy."

Fen Juecheng shrugged. "We could have simply walked past them. What could they do against us? These arrogant Sword Villa members should be humbled… I would have prefered it that way."

He didn't even bother lowering his voice. At heart, he still was Heaven Burning Clan's young master.

They walked for a long time since the Heavenly Sword Villa was quite spacious. It was a bit awkward but that was to be expected. Aerion spoke with Ling Yun to pass the time. Even that was hard since Ling Yun wouldn't stop being formal.

Eventually, they reached the formation. Aerion lifted the huge sword and the Demon awakened.

"Who…" The Demon was confused, but then he remembered the silver haired youth from before. He was no more but a bystander then.

"I am Aerion Targaryen, your new Master."

Slash.

The meteorite chains binding the 'Demon' were broken with a single strike. The formation shattered and the Demon was… free, at last!