In the North Sea.
After hearing that the Dragon Lord had been freed, Ji Yutang and Li Jingyu planned to go out and meet up with Qin Ruoshui and the others.
However, before they could leave the area, they sensed a strong tremor, and the sea water began to surge violently, forming terrifying whirlpools.
The entire sea area was completely sealed off.
Li Bai’s long beard swayed, and his eyes glowed with a strange light.
He looked at Ji Yutang and Li Jingyu and shouted, “Get on!” before dispersing the energy around him.
The two hesitated for a moment but eventually jumped onto the back of the Dragon Carp, grabbing its dorsal fin, allowing Li Bai to swiftly move them through the turbulent sea.
Amidst the deep dragon roars mixed with painful howls, several dragon shadows could be seen entangled together, followed by a thunderous explosion like a rolling thunder.
Just hearing it made others’ hearts race.
Ji Yutang’s expression was serious, “What is this?” Li Jingyu shook his head, and the next moment, Li Bai’s voice rang out, “It’s the Dragon Lord and the traitors fighting.
Although I don’t know how the Dragon Lord managed to break free, her escape means that Dragon Palace City will soon return to its former peace.”
In the deep sea, nine Daoists of the Primordial Spirit realm were suppressing the dragon pillars, one of whom was even cut down by Li Qingxun’s shadow.
Their momentum was rising, while the true dragon was weakened in the formation.
But when they truly faced off, they suddenly realized that the “chance of victory” was negligible.
Not to mention the true dragon’s strength, just the released dragon’s might had a strong suppressive effect on dragon species.
However, they were unwilling to admit defeat just like that.
With the sea and sky already sealed by the Dragon Lord, they exchanged glances and chose to silently sense the “God of the North Sea” Xuanming in their hearts! The ground stakes embedded in the ice field opened a gap in the earth, and strong turbid evil energy surged out.
In the Demon God Stake, the shadow of a Demon God with a human face and bird body slowly manifested, and as the eight Daoists’ thoughts strengthened, his body gradually solidified.
However, at this moment, a black and white energy spanning the sky suddenly slashed down from the horizon, the invisible sword energy tearing apart the manifesting Xuanming in mid-air, while also shattering the ice field into pieces.
“Brother Zhang, you were one step ahead.” A leisurely sigh sounded, followed by a middle-aged man in a scholar’s cap and green robe stepping forward.
He stroked his beard, his eyes flashing with an unusually bright light.
Originally thought it would be Taiyuan Palace handling this matter, but unexpectedly it was a disciple of Taishi, and the current successor of Taishi, Zhang Huaiyu.
Zhang Huaiyu manifested in human form, and he immediately recognized the person, one of the painting saints of Langhuan Fairyland, Zhou Keyin.
Raising an eyebrow, he bowed to Zhou Keyin and said slowly, “If it weren’t for the people of Tianhai Demon Sect blocking the way, I wouldn’t have arrived so late.”
“Tianhai Demon Sect is truly a great scourge.” Zhou Keyin shook his head and said, a scroll flew out from his sleeve, emitting a brilliant light.
The scroll did not fall but hovered in mid-air, enveloping the ice field in five-colored light, followed by a thunderous explosion, a nine-story mysterious tower flew out from the painting, suppressing all the turbid evil energy here.
After doing this, Zhou Keyin said again, “The disciples are all over here, we should go over and see how things are.”
Zhang Huaiyu nodded at his words.
He came to the North Sea, one was for the Demon God Stake, and the other was for this group of disciples.
As for the third—it’s his personal matter.
A hundred years ago, Senior Sister Li came to the North Sea, what exactly did she do here? Perhaps Dragon Palace City can provide an answer.
They timely suppressed the Demon God Stake and Xuanming, and the eight Daoists in the sea received no response to their summons.
After being betrayed by this group of dragon species, the true dragon would not give them a chance to reform, any traitor would have their flesh and primordial spirit torn apart, leaving them with no chance of reincarnation.
This pursuit in the sea lasted for a whole day, the crystal palace of Dragon Palace City seemed to sink into rolling blood, lingering with a strong bloody evil energy.
Fortunately, this scene did not last long, a bright and radiant pearl was spat out by the true dragon, purifying the sea of blood and completely expelling the turbid evil.
The coral, seaweed, and other things torn apart by the sweeping magical tide were restored, and Dragon Palace City was quiet, as if nothing had happened.
Ji Yutang and Li Jingyu stood outside the treasure hall of Dragon Palace City, in front of them was the serious-looking Li Bai, who had transformed into human form, waiting respectfully for a summons from the treasure hall.
“Senior Li Bai, this sea area is sealed, how can we leave?” Ji Yutang asked softly, after all, she was in human form, even if she practiced dragon skills, she was not used to long-term life in the water.
Li Bai glanced at them without speaking.
Moments later, two young girls, as delicate as carved jade, came bouncing out of the hall.
They first bowed to Li Bai and said in a childish voice, “Real Li Bai, the Dragon Lord asks you to return to your cave to heal, and then deal with rewards and punishments.”
Li Bai was overjoyed at the words, a look of eagerness flashed in his eyes, he bowed to the young girls, transformed into a Dragon Carp, and swam away.
Ji Yutang: “…” This senior is so irresponsible, bringing them to the treasure hall and then leaving? “Two fellow Daoists, the Dragon Lord invites you.” The young girl on the left tried hard to make a serious expression, but unfortunately, she was just a small bundle, no matter how hard she tried, she was only left with cuteness.
Ji Yutang’s eyelids twitched, not knowing whether it was good or bad.
Even Li Bai did not meet the Dragon Lord, why were they given this opportunity? Her mind was in turmoil, difficult to calm.
But no matter what, the two still followed the bouncing young girls into the treasure hall.
The pearl curtain swayed, making a rustling sound.
In the floating green gauze canopy, the scent of sandalwood smoke rose.
In this treasure hall, except for the water vapor being more intense than outside, it was almost indistinguishable from a palace on land.
Ji Yutang looked up, only able to see a vague figure.
“You two helped my true dragon escape, is there anything you want?” The voice from the front was as clear as jade stones clashing.
Ji Yutang pursed her lips and shook her head.
In this battle, she gained a lot of “external medicine” that could be infused into her body, already a great harvest.
And although they said they helped Dragon Palace City, they actually did not achieve that much.
Li Jingyu’s expression was calm, she replied, “We have no requests, we just want to leave the North Sea.”
“Really?” A light laugh came, and the Dragon Lord continued, “Well, Taishi Palace and Langhuan Fairyland have sent people, it’s a kind of stability outside.”
“Taishi Palace?” Li Jingyu’s eyelids twitched, her tone involuntarily rising.
The Dragon Lord hidden behind lifted the curtain covering her figure and walked back slowly.
She looked at Li Jingyu with a smile and said, “Yes, it’s the current successor of Taishi, Zhang Huaiyu.” After saying this, she seemed to think it was not enough, and continued, “He’s Li Qingxun’s junior brother.”
Li Jingyu’s expression changed slightly.
She hid a fleeting panic and pressed her lips together without responding.
The Dragon Lord shifted her gaze to Ji Yutang, who was standing with her arms crossed, and spoke with interest, “Are you practicing dragon arts? Have you reached the ‘Armor Building’ stage? If so, I suggest you cultivate in Dragon Palace City.
After all, the city is filled with the lingering dragon energy and dragon intent of our ancestors, which can help you advance further.”
Ji Yutang’s mind stirred, and she said, “Isn’t Dragon Palace City off-limits to outsiders?” The Dragon Lord snorted lightly and said, “But you two are guests.” Seeing the two juniors in front of her remain silent, she added, “Besides, you have obtained our Dragon Palace City’s treasure, the Falling Moon Bow.”
The Dragon Lord’s attitude was particularly amiable, perhaps due to the changes brought by practicing dragon arts, making her feel closer to the dragon clan than before.
Just as she hesitated, Li Jingyu spoke first, “We dare not refuse the Dragon Lord’s kindness.”
Hearing her words, the Dragon Lord nodded in satisfaction.
She clapped her hands, and a group of mermaids came in, leading Ji Yutang and Li Jingyu to rest.
Previously, due to various awkward reasons, the two often stayed together, but in Dragon Palace City, that was unnecessary.
Each occupied a crystal palace, separated only by a crystal arch bridge, which could be crossed in an instant.
Inside the palace, Ji Yutang counted the “external medicines” on her, knowing they could push her to the next level.
However, this Dragon Palace City was ultimately someone else’s territory, and if her cultivation was interrupted, the consequences would be unimaginable.
As Ji Yutang hesitated, Li Jingyu’s voice rang out, “Don’t worry, the Dragon Lord won’t harbor ill intentions towards you.
True dragons are rare, and they wish for more cultivators to join the dragon path and transform into true dragons.”
The sudden voice startled Ji Yutang, and she glared at Li Jingyu, displeased, “Why are you here?” Li Jingyu looked at Ji Yutang innocently, “I walked over.” She pointed to the crystal bridge outside.
Ji Yutang frowned, not intending to argue with her, and instead pondered the pros and cons of taking the medicine at this moment.
“How about I protect you while you cultivate?” Li Jingyu looked down at Ji Yutang, her eyes full of amusement.
“You’re only at the foundation stage yourself.” Ji Yutang muttered under her breath, rejecting Li Jingyu’s “kindness.” It was a joke; she considered Li Jingyu an opponent, wanting to “redeem herself” in front of her.
She couldn’t forget the past hurtful words and wouldn’t change her view of her “fiancée” just because of their recent interactions.
She stood up and sent Li Jingyu out, then gave some instructions to the attending mermaids before closing the palace door.
Li Jingyu leaned against a pillar with her arms crossed, watching the door slowly close, finally blocking her view completely.
Her eyes were filled with even more amusement, thinking to herself, “Good sister” has poor judgment.
This Ji Family member is quite interesting; why is she so unwilling? What kind of expression will she have when she finds out Ji Yutang has already entered the path? Shocked or still disdainful? The method of power might not even catch the eye of the “good sister” with ambitions as high as the sky, right? Staring at the closed door for a while, Li Jingyu leisurely returned to her own resting palace, but a dragon’s might emanated from within.
She looked up to see a vague and uncertain figure.
Li Jingyu’s nerves instantly tensed, her smile vanishing, leaving only coldness and vigilance.
“No need to be nervous.” The Dragon Lord gazed at Li Jingyu, her eyes deep, and spoke slowly, “The successor of Taishi Dao Palace wants to investigate what your mother did a hundred years ago and has requested entry to Dragon Palace City more than once.”
“Taiyin Fiend?” Li Jingyu murmured, suddenly looking up to meet the Dragon Lord’s gaze, and asked, “Were you and my mother old friends?”
“Sort of.” The Dragon Lord replied nonchalantly, “She indeed planted the Taiyin Fiend in her daughter, but isn’t she afraid of ruining your path? Afraid you’ll fall into demonic ways? Well, she herself eventually chose to fall into the demonic path.”
“That wasn’t my mother’s choice.” Li Jingyu retorted.
The Dragon Lord hummed dismissively and continued, “Li Qingxun once stormed my North Sea, took the Taiyin Fiend, subdued the Xuanming Water, and left talismans in the sea. Does Taishi Palace seem unaware of this?”
Not only Taishi Palace, Li Jingyu thought she knew her mother’s secrets, but she was also only half-informed.
She only knew that Dao Mother personally took the “Taiyin Fiend,” allowing her to cultivate the Taiyin Physique, and she could only follow the path of the moon in the future.
But the matter of Xuanming Water—Li Jingyu’s mind stirred, and a mass of dark water floated from her sleeve.
She hadn’t refined it much, yet this Xuanming Water seemed naturally compatible with her.
She thought it was because of the Taiyin Physique, but from the Dragon Lord’s words, it seemed otherwise.
“Your mother was skilled in divining the heavenly secrets, and her past actions were all to pave the way for you.
The Xuanming Water was tampered with by her, and no one but you can take the dark water.” The Dragon Lord looked at Li Jingyu and added, “You haven’t disappointed her expectations.”
Li Jingyu was silent for a long time before speaking again, “What about the talisman? Why is there a Taishi Palace talisman left outside?”
“You grew up with the Ran Family, so you’re close to the Eight Great Immortal Sects. You couldn’t have come to the North Sea alone, right? That talisman was meant to guide you, and as for restricting your power, wasn’t it to prevent anyone from competing with you?”
The Dragon Lord raised an eyebrow and continued, “But she didn’t foresee you not being with the Ran Family, nor did she foresee the talisman falling into the hands of the dragon seed, used against our true dragons—I probably owe her.”
Li Jingyu didn’t know how to respond, reaching out to gather the Xuanming Water, her eyes clouded with a few shadows.
The Dragon Lord curiously asked, “Aren’t you afraid of being seen through, using another identity now?” In the North Sea, she vaguely heard about the Ran Family and Ji Family matters, and the rest was deduced from the information Li Qingxun left behind.
Glancing at the law hall opposite, the Dragon Lord added, “Your mother went to great lengths to sever your connections, letting another person take your place. Don’t lean on them yourself. Remember, stay away from the Three Supreme Palaces.”
“Another person? Who are you referring to?” Li Jingyu frowned, a look of confusion appearing in her eyes.
Before she could continue asking, the Dragon Lord’s shadow dissipated on its own.
Coming here just to talk about her mother’s past? What secrets are hidden in the marriage between the Ran Family and Ji Family? Staying away from the Three Supreme Palaces is a given, but staying away from Ji Yutang, what does that mean?
North Sea Icefield.
Zhang Huaiyu came riding the waves, not a drop of water touching him.
Seeing Zhou Keyin and a group of juniors turn their gaze towards him, Zhang Huaiyu sighed and said, “Dragon Palace City is unwilling to open the passage, and I have no way to enter that sea area.”
“But Junior Sister Ran and Daoist Friend Ji are still in Dragon Palace City!” Lin Heng spoke anxiously.
Hearing this, Zhou Keyin widened his eyes and slapped Lin Heng on the head, scolding in a low voice, “Shut up!” Lin Heng immediately shrank back under his master’s fierce gaze, closing his mouth and saying nothing.
Zhang Huaiyu spoke gently, “Nephew Lin, don’t worry.
The Dragon Lord sent a message saying the two friends are guests in Dragon Palace City and will return in due time.”
Hearing this, Lin Heng finally breathed a sigh of relief, glad that the two friends were safe.
Zhou Keyin pondered for a moment and asked, “What does Brother Zhang plan to do?” Zhang Huaiyu replied, “I’ll try again in a few days.
If that one remains unmoved, I’ll have to give up, as it’s just some trivial old matters.” Zhou Keyin shook his head secretly at these words.
If it were truly “trivial,” why inquire repeatedly? Moreover, that one was his senior sister back then, and even though everyone chose “righteousness over family” to subdue her, wouldn’t there be some regret and remorse when recalling it later?
Dragon Palace City refusing to open that sea area left Zhang Huaiyu with no choice, as he couldn’t force his way in.
The demon cultivators of the North Sea rarely interacted with humans, but they adhered to the principle of making friends if possible.
Zhang Huaiyu didn’t want to provoke a group of enemies over his personal matters.
In the following half month, the North Sea was turbulent, and even the North Sea Icefield was not very peaceful.
The leader of the rebellion had been completely eliminated, but their remaining followers were still hiding everywhere, and Dragon Palace couldn’t let them grow outside.
During this time, a strong scent of blood lingered everywhere, except around the crystal palace where Li Jingyu resided, which remained tranquil.
The moon phase manifested on the eaves of the crystal palace, as if drawn from the sky.
Clusters of coral shimmered with colorful luster, with fish swimming through them, leaving behind tiny specks of light.
Li Jingyu had many doubts in her heart, but she couldn’t find the answers now, so why bother herself further? She decided to meditate in the hall, refining the Xuanming Water to advance the “Primordial Abyssal Divine Water” to the next level.
The surrounding sea was particularly quiet, and after a long time, there was a soft sound.
It was a small White Dragon, less than a foot long, weaving through the coral and accidentally breaking a piece.
The small White Dragon’s eyes were not very clear, instead filled with a sense of confusion.
It was instinctively drawn to the moon hanging above and swam towards it.
But its body was too small, and the coral, sea rocks, and even the columns were obstacles to it.
It swam restlessly, pushing through the coral in one go, and finally squeezed through the window of the crystal hall.
Its scales were scratched, with one or two even falling off.
Yet the small White Dragon seemed unaware of all this, happily swimming towards Li Jingyu.
When the small White Dragon broke into the hall, Li Jingyu had already awakened, but she remained in her meditative posture, unmoving.
In the Dragon Palace, even a newly hatched dragon wouldn’t look like this, and this small White Dragon had a very familiar scent, like… Ji Yutang! Li Jingyu’s eyes lit up, and a smile appeared on her lips.
No matter what dragon skill it was, transforming into a dragon was a necessary step.
But transforming into a dragon wasn’t just about the body; it also required forming a dragon core to replace the “Great Dao True Essence.” Now Ji Yutang was taking the first step.
But why did this small White Dragon come straight to her? Was it driven by instinct? Li Jingyu didn’t move, just watched the small White Dragon with a smile, curious about what it wanted to do.
The small White Dragon’s thoughts were muddled, unable to think actively.
It could only sense a heat rising from within, seeking a cool place.
The water in the sea felt boiling to it, and only the moon, emitting lunar energy, could ease its discomfort.
But when enveloped by the lunar energy, it sensed an even colder aura and hurriedly turned towards the hall.
Circling around Li Jingyu a few times, the small White Dragon let out a faint dragon’s cry.
Seeing this, Li Jingyu raised her hand, her fingertips brushing over the tender dragon horns, her eyes filled with amusement.
But at that moment, the small White Dragon slipped along her hand and into her wide sleeve.
It moved quickly and deftly, sliding to her collar in the blink of an eye.
Li Jingyu was taken aback; the dragon scales were a bit rough, creating a strange sensation on her skin.
She lowered her eyes, reaching to grab the small White Dragon at her collar, but it twisted and slid further down.
At this point, Li Jingyu had no interest in watching the show.
Her earlobes turned red, and she stood up abruptly, trying to expel the slightly warm small White Dragon from her clothes.
However, the small White Dragon was seeking the lunar energy on her body and refused to come out.
Li Jingyu bit her lip, furious, wishing she could strangle the small White Dragon.
But as she was about to cast a spell, she took a deep breath and stopped.
She brushed her sleeve and quickly headed towards Ji Yutang’s palace, ignoring the locked door and breaking in directly.
The light from the night pearls illuminated the hall brightly.
Li Jingyu turned around, found a large cauldron, and saw clothes hanging on a screen.
As for Ji Yutang herself—she had transformed into the small White Dragon and was wriggling around on her.
Li Jingyu’s face was stern as she sensed the small White Dragon’s movements.
Finally, when it was on her shoulder, she quickly grabbed it, and the dragon’s claw tore a piece of her inner garment with a ripping sound.
Li Jingyu’s forehead throbbed, and she threw the small White Dragon into the hall, using her power to reignite the fire and brew the medicine again.
The small White Dragon tried to fly out several times, but Li Jingyu mercilessly pressed it back down.
This commotion lasted until an hour later when the small White Dragon in the cauldron transformed back into human form, soaking in the medicinal bath, with only a delicate collarbone exposed.
Ji Yutang had a severe headache, her thoughts muddled.
She looked up and was startled to see Li Jingyu’s cold, frosty face.
She sank slightly into the bath, and before she could question Li Jingyu, the memories of being the small White Dragon flooded back like a tide.
Ji Yutang was both angry and embarrassed, her eyes wandering, unsure how to face Li Jingyu, so she simply submerged her entire head into the cauldron.
It was the fault of the “True Dragon Transformation Scripture.” How could she have known that after transforming into a dragon, the first thing to emerge wouldn’t be magical powers but nature and instinct? After transforming into a dragon, she couldn’t control her thoughts, driven by instinct to seek the “lunar energy” that could relieve her heat.
After a long time, Ji Yutang emerged from the cauldron, her eyes flickering, not daring to meet Li Jingyu’s gaze.
“I’m sorry,” Ji Yutang stammered.
Li Jingyu said, “Don’t forget to practice the ‘Daode Heavenly Book’ together.” After saying this, she left in a huff, her sleeves fluttering.
