Chapter 94

Chapter 94: Caught in the World’s Forced Waters

Eastern Sea Dragon Palace.

"Your Majesty, the Ninth Prince and Long Yu have returned to the palace and are currently waiting outside. Shall they be summoned immediately?" A hunchbacked elder bent at the waist and inquired.

On the dragon throne, sitting imposingly like a warhorse brandishing a saber, was a middle-aged man clad in black imperial dragon robes. He possessed a heroic countenance and an aura that was deep, stable as a great mountain, exuding majestic authority from head to toe.

This was the Eastern Sea Dragon King, one of the Yuan Realm’s most supreme quasi-emperors.

"Summon them."

A flicker of joy crossed the Eastern Sea Dragon King’s face.

Within the dragon palace, two young individuals, one male and one female, also displayed subtle shifts in their expressions upon hearing the news of Ao Lie’s return.

After leaving the Heaven’s Secret Pavilion, Ao Lie had immediately notified the Eastern Sea Dragon King, conveying the intelligence on the Unsurpassed Divine Mountain.

Now, the gathering in the dragon palace was specifically to discuss matters related to the Unsurpassed Divine Mountain.

"Your son pays respects to the Emperor Father."

Ao Lie and Long Yu entered the dragon palace together and immediately knelt in obeisance.

"Rise."

The Eastern Sea Dragon King spoke; his voice carried imposing authority.

"Thank you, Emperor Father (Your Majesty)."

The two rose to their feet.

The Eastern Sea Dragon King’s gaze was sharp as a torch. He looked towards Ao Lie, a note of urgency in his voice, "Little Nine, recount everything in detail."

Even with the Eastern Sea Dragon King’s level of mental fortitude, it was difficult for him to remain calm.

The Unsurpassed Divine Mountain was a matter of paramount importance; it pertained to his becoming an emperor.

Which of the Yuan Realm’s numerous powerful experts didn’t aspire to attain the Dao and become an emperor?

"Emperor Father, the information regarding the Unsurpassed Divine Mountain was purchased by the quasi-emperor patriarch of the Red Dust Demon Sect in the Southern Wilderness, at great cost, from the master of Heaven’s Secret Pavilion. If your son did not possess a fragment of the Unsurpassed Divine Seal, wishing to cooperate with them… such an opportunity wouldn’t have fallen to us…"

Ao Lie relayed the entire sequence of events to the Eastern Sea Dragon King.

A strange light flashed in the Eastern Sea Dragon King’s eyes.

"Two quasi-emperors?" The Eastern Sea Dragon King frowned slightly.

He had never heard of the Red Dust Demon Sect.

Such a remote region as the Southern Wilderness could actually produce quasi-emperors?

And two at once?

Ao Lie nodded. "The Red Dust Demon Sect not only has two quasi-emperors, but also the one ranked first on the Hidden Dragon List, Nangong Zhandao, is currently traveling with them."

"Furthermore, only one day ago, Nangong Zhandao managed to… become a saint immediately."

"That young man truly is a child of fortune."

The Eastern Sea Dragon King expressed shock. "Achieving the position of saint after merely a hundred-odd years of cultivation! If he does not fall prematurely, he will undoubtedly carve out his own place in the future of the Yuan Realm."

The hunchbacked elder’s eyes gleamed thoughtfully. "Your Majesty, Nangong Zhandao is a prince of the Da Qian Emperor family. Should we perhaps send emissaries to the Da Qian Emperor family to establish connections?"

"No need."

The Eastern Sea Dragon King frowned slightly, his sword-like brows drawing together. "The world teems with geniuses, but only those who grow into their power are true geniuses."

"Should this emperor lower himself to court a mere Da Qian Emperor family? Where would that leave the dignity of the Eastern Sea Dragon Palace?"

"This subordinate spoke rashly."

The hunchbacked old man took a step back.

"Ninth Brother, how did you come to possess a fragment of the Unsurpassed Divine Seal?"

Suddenly, a young man clad in golden robes shifted his stance.

He turned to stare at Ao Lie, his expression filled with confusion.

He himself had spent over a century searching for fragments of the Unsurpassed Divine Seal, yet found nothing.

"Eldest Brother, this fragment was a favor granted to me by the master of Heaven’s Secret Pavilion." Ao Lie forced a thin smile.

The golden-robed man was Ao Yun, the eldest prince of the Eastern Sea Dragon Palace. Over two thousand years old and long ago cultivated to the Saint King level, he was a strong contender for the position of Dragon King.

Ao Yun was ruthless, his actions tyrannical, frequently suppressing his imperial siblings. Ao Lie, in his youth, had suffered Ao Yun’s bullying more than once and held no goodwill towards him.

"To receive a favor from the master of Heaven’s Secret Pavilion… it seems the relationship between Ninth Brother and the master is rather special."

A young woman, unadorned by rouge, her beautiful face carrying a natural authority, chuckled softly upon hearing Ao Lie’s words. Her laughter was bright and infectious.

She was Ao Yue, the Second Palace Master of the Eastern Sea Dragon Palace, also possessing Saint King level cultivation. Her strategic acumen rivaled Ao Yun’s, and their rivalry was almost openly acknowledged.

Ao Yue was adept at navigating courtly life, excelling at winning people over, and enjoyed significant popularity within the Eastern Sea Dragon Palace.

Ao Lie grinned. "Second Sister flatters me. How dare I claim any close acquaintance with the master of Heaven’s Secret Pavilion? We’ve merely conducted business a few times, enough to be familiar faces."

"Ninth Brother is too modest."

Ao Yun laughed. "With the Hidden Dragon List announced, who in the entire Yuan Realm remains ignorant that Ninth Brother possesses the makings of a Great Emperor?"

"If Ninth Brother succeeds in attaining the Dao and becoming an emperor, his name shall echo gloriously through the annals of the Eastern Sea Dragon Palace."

Hearing this, Ao Yue’s gaze sharpened, and her look towards Ao Lie shifted subtly.

"A pity we were born too early. Had we been a thousand-odd years younger, perhaps we too could have ascended the Hidden Dragon List…" Ao Yun sighed.

Long Yu lowered his head, remaining silent.

The hunchbacked old man stood impassive, eyes fixed downward as if in deep contemplation.

The Eastern Sea Dragon Palace boasted many princes, with Eldest Prince Ao Yun and Second Palace Master Ao Yue wielding the greatest power and commanding the largest followings.

However, the release of the Hidden Dragon List had exposed Ao Lie’s exceptional aptitude. Even if Ao Lie held no interest in the Dragon King’s throne, he would inevitably be drawn into the struggle for succession.

Having barely returned to the Eastern Sea Dragon Palace, Ao Yun had already begun making snide remarks, aiming to drive a wedge between Ao Lie and Ao Yue.

And this was merely the beginning.

"Even two thousand years younger, you still wouldn’t be fit for the Hidden Dragon List."

The Eastern Sea Dragon King snorted coldly.

"This son accepts Father Emperor’s guidance." Ao Yun feigned reverence, immediately falling silent. Yet, his eyes flickered with dismissal, and his lips (hidden) the trace of a sneer.

Only those who grew into their power were true geniuses!

"Little Nine, you’ve had frequent dealings with the master of Heaven’s Secret Pavilion. Just how formidable are his capabilities?" The Eastern Sea Dragon King looked toward Ao Lie, his expression brimming with curiosity.

"Reporting to Imperial Father, in your son’s opinion, that senior is a figure akin to a true immortal, yet paradoxically, he’s extremely worldly." Ao Lie murmured softly, "This senior is immensely greedy for wealth."

"Greedy for wealth?"

The Eastern Sea Dragon King appeared astonished.

Ao Lie nodded emphatically and said, "This time, the reason we received news of the Unsurpassed Divine Mountain is because I heard the Founding Patriarch of the Red Dust Demon Sect spent two Quasi-Emperor Weapons."

Thump!

It felt like a heavy hammer struck the Eastern Sea Dragon King’s heart. His expression sharpened instantly. "Two Quasi-Emperor Weapons just for the location of the Unsurpassed Divine Mountain and the method to bring it forth? That is truly exorbitant."

Recalling how just over half a month ago, he too had sought advice on the method to become an emperor.

From this perspective, without emptying the treasuries of the Eastern Sea Dragon Palace, it would likely be impossible.

"Imperial Father, we are to gather at Heaven’s Secret Pavilion in six days. Concerning the matter of the Unsurpassed Divine Mountain, I implore Your Majesty to make a swift decision," Ao Lie solemnly urged.

"The descent of the Unsurpassed Divine Mountain will inevitably become a pivotal event affecting the entire situation. The whole Yuan Realm will sense it."

"Moreover, the old Poison Emperor residing in the Poisonous Forest is no benevolent character."

The Eastern Sea Dragon King’s expression turned grave.

At their level, the slightest misstep could lead to utter ruin.

Even the Dragon King himself dared not show the slightest carelessness.

"Imperial Father, though the Unsurpassed Divine Mountain isn’t an ancient heritage from the Primordial Era, it is the legacy of an Emperor Venerable. It must surely contain the method to become an emperor," Ao Yue stated with solemn resolve. "If successful, it would fulfill Your Majesty’s longstanding aspiration."

Previously, everyone believed the Unsurpassed Divine Mountain was a heritage passed down from the Primordial Era.

However, as information about it spread, they learned it was instead the legacy of Emperor Venerable Buzhou. It might contain traces of immortal dao, but it was certainly not a relic of the Primordial Era.

"Hahaha…"

The Eastern Sea Dragon King burst into loud laughter. "Would this king ever be timid?"

"However, this king is considering whether to bring you all along."

"Imperial Father, our cultivation levels are humble," Ao Yun spoke swiftly, his eyes darting thoughtfully. "Entering the Unsurpassed Divine Mountain would likely only trouble Your Majesty… Therefore, your son has decided to remain in the Dragon Palace, to share Imperial Father’s burdens and oversee internal affairs."

A flicker of disdain hid itself within Ao Lie’s gaze.

Utterly hypocritical! Cowardly, hiding behind a pretense of thoughtfulness for Imperial Father.

"This son is willing to follow Imperial Father."

Ao Yue knelt on one knee.

"This son also wishes to visit the Unsurpassed Divine Mountain," Ao Lie smiled. "After all, it’s the resting place of an Emperor Venerable. Perhaps there’s an opportunity to gain some fortune."

For Ao Lie, his desire wasn’t primarily about exploration.

Ji Xinyu would also be entering the Unsurpassed Divine Mountain.

Long Yu rolled his eyes. After spending considerable time together, he had practically decoded Ao Lie’s intentions.

The lofty Ninth Prince of the Eastern Sea Dragon Palace, a genius on the Hidden Dragon List, utterly discarding his former arrogance to relentlessly pursue a single girl? If the Dragon King ever discovered it, he’d surely fly into a towering rage.

"Good."

The corners of the Eastern Sea Dragon King’s mouth lifted slightly as he said, "Ao Yun, Ao Yue, you two shall remain in the Dragon Palace. This time, I will take only Ao Lie with me."

Whoosh! Whoosh!

Both Ao Yun and Ao Yue’s expressions shifted abruptly.

What could this mean?

Could it be that their father intended to groom Ao Lie, to name him the heir apparent of the Eastern Sea Dragon Palace?

In that instant, a foreboding feeling surged within both of them.

Ao Lie, too, was stunned.

His father was taking only him?

Regardless of whether he harbored any ambition for the Dragon King’s throne, he would be caught in grave misunderstanding.

"Father, you’ve thrown your son straight into a pit."

Ao Lie felt like crying but had no tears; his heart was filled with helpless despair.

By nature, he was carefree and indifferent to the position of Dragon King.

But with this decision, the Eastern Sea Dragon King had pushed Ao Lie squarely into opposition against all the other princes of the Eastern Sea Dragon Palace.

Coupling it with the impact of the Hidden Dragon List, he was now standing at the very precipice of a brewing storm.

Long Yu shook his head inwardly.

The position of Dragon King was not one anyone could occupy merely by wanting it, nor could anyone remain untouched simply by rejecting it.

To be ranked upon the Hidden Dragon List, to possess the bearing of a Great Emperor—that was Ao Lie’s unshakable advantage. Even if he had no wish to become Dragon King, the Eastern Sea Dragon King would never allow him to remain aloof from the conflict.

As a prince, many fates were not his to choose.

"Dismissed, all of you."

The Eastern Sea Dragon King smiled lightly, "Little Nine, you haven’t returned for many days. First, pay your respects to Mother. In three days, you shall be summoned to accompany me to Heaven’s Secret Pavilion."

"Understood."

Ao Lie forced a bitter smile.

The assembly withdrew from the hall, leaving only the hunched, elderly attendant in the grand chamber of the Eastern Sea Dragon Palace.

"Congratulations, Ninth Brother."

Ao Yun wore a faint, mocking smile, "The Unsurpassed Divine Mountain is a wonder of a place. I truly hope you emerge alive and, perhaps, with your cultivation advanced a level further."

After these few icy words, Ao Yun departed haughtily.

"Ninth Brother, tread carefully."

Ao Yue’s expression was frigid. She turned and strode away without a backward glance.

"Second Sister…"

Ao Lie called after Ao Yue, but she turned a deaf ear and vanished alone into the shadows.

Ao Lie could only manage another painful grimace.

"Ninth Prince," Long Yu cautioned, his voice low with gravity, "Right now, both the Eldest and Second Prince hold you in enmity. If you remain as unfocused as before, you will inevitably suffer greatly."

He drove the point deeper: "The moment your name appeared upon the Hidden Dragon List, you lost any chance to remain neutral in the battle for succession."

"For now, it seems His Majesty favors you."

Ao Lie drew a deep breath, his gaze suddenly heavy as granite.

"May fortune favor you, my Prince."

With a final bow, Long Yu took his leave.

"My Prince…”

Old Huang crept cautiously closer, his weathered face etched with wary concern.

Before him, the Ninth Prince stood wreathed in gloom, clearly burdened by grave matters.

"What troubles you?" Old Huang pressed, "Has His Majesty refused their alliance?"

Ao Lie gave a hollow shake of his head.

Baffled now, Old Huang peered questioningly at his lord. What, then?

Ao Lie grasped the elderly attendant’s shoulder. His eyes lifted toward the distant, unfeeling ceiling as a bleak sigh finally tore its way free.

"Old Huang," he murmured, each word heavy as stone, "In the martial world, one cannot always act as they wish. Now… I finally understand its bitter truth."