Chapter 197: The Ruthless Conscience

In the East Sea Crystal Palace, within the magnificent grand hall,

Various ornamental fish and beasts swam leisurely around the outer areas of the palace.

An elderly man with a dragon's head reclined on his throne, attended by several beautiful sea nymphs who gently fanned him and massaged his legs. Behind two white jade pillars not far away, over a dozen sea nymphs played an array of spiritual treasure instruments...

This was how the Dragon King's daily routine began and ended.

Suddenly, a group of ornamental fish scattered in all directions outside the hall. A green dragon landed outside and transformed into a handsome young man. He lifted the hem of his brocade robe and hurried into the grand hall.

“Father! Your son Ao Yi requests an audience!”

“Hmm?” The East Sea Dragon King seemed to have just awakened, opening his eyes into narrow slits and waving his hand casually.

The sea nymphs quickly retreated, and Ao Yi strode to the throne, bowing his head in respect.

Once the hall was empty, the several dragon clan generals guarding outside activated the hall's array.

The Dragon King slowly sat up straight, his dragon face showing a hint of laziness and fatigue...

“My son, what brings you here?”

“Father...”

Ao Yi hesitated for a moment, then smiled bitterly: “Half a month ago, you tasked me with investigating the matter of the dragon clan members being slain at the An Shui City Sea God Temple.

I have now uncovered the truth. Inside this Soul-Capturing Pearl, there are fragments of memories that reveal the one behind the scheme!”

As he spoke, Ao Yi held up the Soul-Capturing Pearl and presented it to the Dragon King using his immortal power.

The Dragon King reached out, grasped the pearl, closed his eyes in concentration, and soon nodded slightly before crushing the pearl.

Ao Yi was startled and exclaimed, “Father, why?”

“I am aware of this matter.”

“But Father, if the evidence is destroyed...”

“Ha, my foolish child.”

The Dragon King chuckled and waved his hand. “Go on, spend more time with... your...”

“Si Si...”

“Yes, spend more time with her. Before your wedding, you don't need to worry too much about clan affairs.”

The Dragon King leaned back into his reclining position, speaking lazily: “Remember, every so often, find some suitable excuses to send gifts to your Sea God leader. Fulfill any requests he might have, and don't let your relationship with him grow distant—that's the important thing.”

Ao Yi was puzzled, but reflecting on his father's words and expressions this time, he felt they were... quite expressive.

“Yes, your son will take his leave.”

The Dragon King waved his hand without saying more, as if he had already fallen asleep, emitting a faint snoring sound.

After Ao Yi left, the sea nymphs returned: some played music, others massaged his legs.

The old Dragon King showed a faint smile, followed by a soft sigh, and continued his simple yet monotonous daily routine.

‘Why won't Father let me pursue this further?’

Ao Yi looked perplexed as he walked along the corridor paved with pearls, enjoying this luxurious... foot massage.

He truly didn't understand.

Over the past half month, he had diligently investigated, searching and inquiring as his Sea God brother had advised—following the vine to find the melon—and identified a large group of restless and rebellious dragons within the clan.

Why, though...

Back in his own palace, Ao Yi watched Jiang Si Er playing with several sea nymphs. He recalled the Sea God leader's advice.

If you're unsure, discuss it with your dao companion...

Ao Yi shook his head slightly and didn't disturb them, instead turning to his side hall for daily cultivation and sitting quietly in meditation.

Still, he felt a bit stifled inside.

Ao Yi extended his divine sense to the An Shui City Sea God Temple, about to communicate with his Sea God leader, when he suddenly noticed...

In the rear hall, two elderly men were chatting over tea.

The elder in the main seat was someone Ao Yi recognized—it was the Sea God leader's paper effigy.

This must be the incarnation granted by Grand Master Xuan Du; otherwise, how could it have the strength of a Heavenly Immortal realm?

—Although Ao Yi had never asked directly, the answer seemed obvious to him.

The other elder was unfamiliar to Ao Yi.

The man had considerable cultivation, with the aura of a Golden Immortal, and carried an air of nobility in his demeanor and speech.

Listening carefully, he realized the two were discussing matters related to the dragon clan...

Ao Yi heard the Sea God leader's paper effigy sigh...

“Ah, the dragon clan's situation is becoming increasingly difficult.”

“Indeed, I have heard about it in Heaven as well,” the unfamiliar elder sighed. “After you reported this to His Majesty, he has been quite concerned.

The dragon clan is a major force in the four seas, and His Majesty intends to win them over. Unfortunately, they are too proud and likely won't be satisfied with any divine position offered.

Moreover, although there are many vacant positions in Heaven, it's impossible to give several to the dragon clan—they must be ones recognized by the Heavenly Way.”

“The time isn't right yet,” Li Changshou sighed. “His Majesty isn't prominent enough at the moment, and the dragon clan's ambitions are indeed too high.

Mu Gong, does Jade Emperor His Majesty have any particular preferences?”

“His Majesty doesn't have many likes,” Mu Gong shook his head. “He devotes himself to upholding the Heavenly Way, supporting the Dao Sect, perfecting Heaven, and benefiting the beings of the three realms.

His Majesty works diligently every day, either handling affairs or on his way to handle them.”

As he spoke, Mu Gong lowered his voice and whispered: “Lately, His Majesty has been visiting Yao Pond less frequently.”

Li Changshou pondered for a moment, then casually shifted the topic.

Discussing Jade Emperor His Majesty's private life wasn't very useful.

The moment Ao Yi's divine sense arrived, Li Changshou had already sensed it. Today happened to be when Mu Gong was visiting, coinciding with Ao Yi.

Immediately, Li Changshou used voice transmission to remind Mu Gong;

What Mu Gong had said earlier, except for the part about Jade Emperor His Majesty not visiting Yao Pond much, was actually from Li Changshou's words.

There was no helping it—Li Changshou feared Mu Gong might say something wrong, revealing dissatisfaction or contempt toward the dragon clan.

Mu Gong glanced discreetly at the location of Ao Yi's statue, exchanged a few more pleasantries with Li Changshou, took the memorial report, and bid farewell.

Once Mu Gong left, before Li Changshou could sink this paper effigy into the underground paper effigy storage, Ao Yi eagerly sent a divine sense communication request...

The moment they met in the hazy dream realm, Ao Yi couldn't help but ask:

“Sea God brother, was that esteemed figure just now Dong Wang Gong from Heaven?”

Li Changshou nodded with a smile, a hint of amusement in his eyes.

No wonder people often say, 'Those who act well can direct.' Being the director, screenwriter, and stage manager is indeed more troublesome than just acting.

After chatting idly with Ao Yi for half an hour, Li Changshou withdrew his divine sense.

He lowered his head to refine a few array bases, organized the materials he needed to refine next, then left the secret chamber inside the mountain and took a stroll around the pill room, carefully pondering what Ao Yi had said...

‘This old Dragon King is no simple character.’

Li Changshou murmured to himself, thinking that the old Dragon King was the truly perceptive one—situated in the midst of events yet remaining as steady as Mount Tai, observing the overall situation.

Indeed, experts who survived from ancient times were all deeply concealed masters...

Well, except for someone like Zhao Gongming.

For himself, he needed to be more cautious moving forward and ensure the dragon clan didn't develop any animosity toward Heaven.

The East Sea Dragon King was the eldest brother among the four sea dragon palaces and held the highest authority in the dragon clan. His choice of silence and tolerance wasn't just out of fear or caution.

The old Dragon King might be planning something major...

‘If I were the Dragon King, how would I save the dragon clan?’

Li Changshou walked with his hands behind his back in the rear mountains of Xiao Qiong Peak, pondering deeply. Unconsciously, he arrived at the area where he planted the spiritual trees for his paper-cutting divine ability.

On a side note, the planting of immortal beans was now handled by specialized Paper Daoists with the character "Nong," so Li Changshou didn't need to attend to it personally. This allowed him to allocate some of his focus to those Paper Daoists, improving efficiency.

A gentle breeze blew by, and the sturdy young trees paid their deepest respects to Li Changshou, the one who had carefully nurtured them...

Li Changshou walked to one of the trees, patted its trunk as if encouraging a young man, urging it to produce more sap and contribute more to Xiao Qiong Peak.

After a long while, Li Changshou slowly exhaled.

The dragon clan...

“The poison has seeped into the bones; the Dragon King probably wants to find an opportunity for bone-scraping therapy—this is something I considered before.”

Glancing at the invitation cards from Ao Yi in his storage treasure...

Although Li Changshou had no evidence at the moment, he instinctively felt that Ao Yi's wedding would be a crucial turning point in the dragon clan's ascent to Heaven.

He needed to plan ahead.

This was a task given by the Saint, related to his foundation for establishing his dao, so he had to treat it with utmost care.

“Senior Brother!”

A call came from behind, and Li Changshou turned to see Ling E flying over on a cloud, stopping a few hundred zhang away.

Li Changshou smiled with narrowed eyes, and Ling E thought of her earlier embarrassment, couldn't help but purse her lips and blush, saying:

“Earlier, Master Ancestor replied to me, saying he's already on the way back.

Senior Brother... I!

I'll go back to cultivate...”

With that, Ling E covered her face and turned to run, darting back to her thatched hut in a flash.

Li Changshou couldn't help but chuckle. He had playfully cornered her once before, and even after half a month, she still hadn't recovered?

Had this girl maxed out her shyness passive?

At least, Master Ancestor Jiang Lin Er had hesitated for so long and decided to use that Tear of Past Lives...

This was a good thing, though he wasn't sure if it would work on Master Wang Qing.

After all, Master Wang Qing was a peak Heavenly Immortal expert in the sect...

Regardless, they would only know by trying.

If it succeeded, it would bring such a powerful backer to Xiao Qiong Peak. Even if he had to accompany Grand Master on outings, the safety of Master and Ling E would increase significantly.

Thinking of this, Li Changshou recalled another matter related to the dragon clan.

The dragon clan still had an expert from the Dao Sect—none other than the real Huang Long...

When the dragon clan conflict erupts later, his side would only have Grand Master and the young master as effective fighters, and Heaven currently had no experts to dispatch.

Although Grand Master was strong, he was the type to avoid action if possible...

To seize the initiative in the dragon clan's conflict, they needed sufficient strength.

Should he contact Huang Long Zhen Ren using his South Sea Sea God identity?

Although Li Changshou remembered that Huang Long Zhen Ren was quite ineffective during the Investiture of the Gods calamity—famous for being captured first—it was still one of the Twelve Golden Immortals of Chan Jiao.

As a dragon clan member, it would be fitting for him to step in and rescue his kin in a crisis...

Using the South Sea Sea God identity might not be secure; better to go through Heaven's channels and have Mu Gong invite Huang Long Zhen Ren.

He could include this in his next memorial report to His Majesty...

Li Changshou stretched his muscles, casually sat under a large tree, took out a stone tablet, and began writing the "Stability Scripture."

Of course, he wasn't punishing himself;

He was just expanding and improving the Stability Scripture, as it previously hadn't covered many aspects and lacked sufficient warnings.

Another half month later, east of the East Sea, near the Heavenly Pillar.

A figure sneaked past the stone tablet inscribed with the four ancient characters "Tian Ya Hai Jiao" and quietly headed toward a distant large city.

She wore a conical hat, carried a massive blood-red blade on her back, and was enveloped in waves of fierce aura, though she had concealed her cultivation.

Any passing Qi refiners instinctively avoided this figure...

This person was likely, possibly, probably a woman, clad in loose armor that hid her petite and slender frame.

—This was naturally Li Changshou's own Master Ancestor, the scattered immortal Jiang Lin Er.

She hesitated slightly, glanced toward the west, but still entered the large city.

She found an inconspicuous inn, rented a simple room, activated the room's array, and set up a few barriers herself before finally relaxing a bit...

Wandering the Jianghu, one can't avoid getting cut.

Even though she had no enemies here, being extra cautious never hurt.

“The Tear of Past Lives...”

Jiang Lin Er sat on the bed, furrowing her brow in thought.

Normally decisive, she was hesitating now.

Throughout her journey, she had been wavering, constantly debating yes or no in her heart...

‘Maybe I should just forget it,’ ‘What's so great about that blockhead,’ ‘If I really win him over, won't I have to give up my free and easy days out here’...

But in the midst of endless denials, she had inexplicably flown all the way here.

“Annoying!”

Jiang Lin Er rolled her eyes, lay back on the bed, and rolled around restlessly.

“Hmph! Use it, then! My grand-disciple went through so much trouble to get this great treasure and offered it to me—why not use it!”

Gritting her teeth, Jiang Lin Er was about to set off again, but then she paused, catching sight of herself in the nearby magical mirror.

She looked down, touched her chest, and couldn't help but pout.

“I have to absorb more of Xiao Jiu's luck when I get back!”

Jiang Lin Er snorted, deactivated the room's array—wasting three spirit stones—and slung her great sword over her shoulder as she left the inn, flying toward the city's exit on a cloud.

Suddenly, Jiang Lin Er's eyebrows twitched, and her immortal sense caught sight of an acquaintance.

She glanced quickly at a tall building in the city and immediately averted her gaze to avoid being noticed...

‘Isn't that the dragon clan youth who delivered things to me last time?

I think he's the dragon clan's crown prince?

Why is he with a group of fierce demons and monsters... Wait, no, that's an illusion disguise.’

Doubts swirled in Jiang Lin Er's mind.

At that moment, her long-honed instincts told her there was definitely a big conspiracy afoot;

But her experience warned her that this was something she shouldn't get involved in.

Without overthinking, Jiang Lin Er chose to ignore it. Once she left the massive market town near Tian Ya Hai Jiao, she headed across the East Sea, concealing her trail as she made for Du Xian Men.

After flying for a little over half a shichen, she grew more uneasy the more she thought about it.

The second prince was closely connected to her mysterious grand-disciple; otherwise, he wouldn't have given such valuable gifts last time...

In the Jianghu, one has to show some loyalty.

After a brief consideration, she took out a transmission jade talisman, using up one of its precious activations to send what she had seen back to Du Xian Men.

Jiang Lin Er soon received Li Changshou's reply and smirked slightly.

“This little guy sure gives orders to his Master Ancestor with such confidence!”

Oh well, for the sake of that old second...

Shaking her head, Jiang Lin Er descended toward the sea below, waiting for the "expert" Li Changshou had mentioned to arrive and meet her.

(The end of this chapter)