Daoist Friend, Are You Willing to Part With It?

The East Sea Dragon Palace.

An ancient and magnificent Crystal Palace, shimmering and radiant amidst the deep sea's Undercurrent.

As soon as East King Duke and Ao Hai appeared, Dragon Clan servants respectfully welcomed them into the main hall of the Crystal Palace.

Before long, an old and majestic figure slowly emerged from the depths of the hall; it was Candle Dragon.

"Fellow East King Duke, it's been a long time. I hope you've been well."

The voice of Candle Dragon rang out, carrying the vicissitudes of time, echoing in the empty hall.

"It's been a long time; Fellow Daoist Candle Dragon charm."

The East King Duke smiled broadly and returned the greeting with clasped hands.

Ao Hai, who was standing to the side, immediately stepped forward and bowed deeply to Candle Dragon, his voice respectful.

"Ao Hai greets the Ancestor."

Candle Dragon's gaze fell on Ao Hai, and a rare hint of admiration appeared in his usually calm eyes.

"Not bad, your cultivation has improved considerably."

He nodded, then shifted his gaze back to the East King Duke.

"Many thanks for your guidance, fellow Daoist. Without your help Fortune of the Immortal Court, Ao Hai would not have reached this point so quickly."

East King Duke waved his hand, appearing humble, and laughed heartily.

"Fellow Daoist, you are too kind. Ao Hai's ability to cultivate to his current level is not only due to the help of the Immortal Court's Fortune, but also inseparable from his own hard work in cultivation."

He changed the subject, looking at Ao Hai with admiration in his tone.

"Since joining my Immortal Court, Ao Hai has cultivated diligently and has never slacked off."

"His diligence in cultivation puts even me to shame."

These words sounded like a compliment, but Candle Dragon interpreted them with a different meaning.

This was a reminder to him that Ao Hai's current achievements were inseparable from the Immortal Court.

Having lived for countless years, how could Candle Dragon not understand this subtlety? He simply said calmly.

"Fellow Daoist, you flatter me. Ao Hai's achievements today are inseparable from your guidance, and I, the old dragon, understand that."

He changed the subject and looked at Ao Hai.

"Ao Hai, you haven't returned to the Dragon Clan for many years. Now that you've returned, why don't you go back and visit your clan first?"

"Yes, Ancestor."

Ao Hai responded, knowing what the Ancestor meant, but did not set off immediately.

He hesitated for a moment, but couldn't help speaking up.

"Ancestor, the reason why Wood Duke has come to our Dragon Clan this time is..."

He wanted to remind the Ancestor that the East King Duke's arrival was undoubtedly intended to drag the entire Dragon Clan down with him!

"Alright, Ao Hai."

Before Ao Hai could finish speaking, Candle Dragon interrupted him.

"You should return to your clan first. The rest, Fellow East King Duke and I will discuss."

Candle Dragon's voice wasn't loud, but it carried an undeniable air of authority.

Ao Hai was shocked and instantly understood his Ancestor's intention.

His current identity is that of Guardian Divine Beast of the Immortal Court, enjoying the Fortune of the Immortal Court.

If one were to utter any words favoring the Dragon Clan here, in front of the East King Duke, it would be considered disloyalty to the Immortal Court.

The Ancestor is protecting him.

A warm feeling welled up in Ao Hai's heart, but he also felt extremely bitter and powerless.

He could only swallow all his words.

"Yes, Ancestor. Ao Hai will return to the clan first."

He bowed respectfully to the Candle Dragon, then turned to the East King Duke and bowed before turning and silently leaving the hall.

The East King Duke watched quietly from beginning to end.

He wore a gentle smile, didn't interrupt, and didn't show any emotion, as if everything happening before his eyes had nothing to do with him.

Until Ao Hai's figure completely disappeared.

Only after Ao Hai's figure completely disappeared outside the hall did Candle Dragon look at East King Duke again.

There was no longer a trace of warmth in those golden eyes.

"Fellow Daoist, you've come here today for matters concerning the Demon Clan, haven't you?"

Candle Dragon spoke first, getting straight to the point.

The smile on East King Duke's face faded, replaced by a solemn expression.

"Indeed, fellow Daoist's insight is keen; nothing can be hidden from you."

"I have come here to invite the Dragon Clan to join my Immortal Court in fighting against the Demon Clan!"

Upon Candle Dragon's expression remained unchanged.

After a moment of silence, he slowly shook his head.

"I may have to disappoint you, fellow Daoist."

"My Dragon Clan has long been weary of the Primordial Wilderness conflicts and has no desire to meddle in their Primordial Wilderness any longer."

"We can't afford to get involved in this mess."

Therefore, the Dragon Clan will not assist you, fellow Daoist.

His answer was concise and to the point, leaving no room for negotiation.

The East King Duke seemed to have anticipated this, showing no surprise whatsoever.

He paused, then added, "As for Ao Hai and the others..."

"Since they have joined the Immortal Court and are enjoying its Fortune, they are now considered members of the Immortal Court Immortal Court."

"Fighting for the Immortal Court is their duty, and it is only right and proper."

"Later, I will personally explain to Ao Hai that they should join the Immortal Court's army to fight against the Demon Clan."

"Fellow Daoist need not worry about this."

Candle Dragon's words were impeccable; he both rejected East King Duke's request and kept his promise, leaving no room for criticism.

Upon hearing Candle Dragon's words, East King Duke was not angry at all; instead, he burst into laughter.

"Ha ha ha ha!"

Laughter echoed through the hall, carrying an indescribable sense of mockery and amusement.

Candle Dragon frowned slightly as he looked at him.

Why are you laughing, fellow Daoist?

The East King Duke stopped laughing, took two steps forward, looked directly at the Candle Dragon, and asked, word by word.

Fellow Daoist... are you willing to part with it?

These three words, like three sharp knives, pierced straight into the heart of the Candle Dragon.

Candle Dragon's expression remained unchanged, but his voice remained calm.

What's there to be reluctant about?

"Since they have enjoyed the benefits of the Immortal Court Immortal Court and received its Fortune, they must naturally bear the corresponding risks and responsibilities."

"In times of crisis, isn't it only right that we resist the Demon Clan for the Immortal Court?"

"In this Primordial Wilderness, how can one enjoy the benefits without giving anything in return?"

He spoke with an air of righteous indignation, as if he truly cared nothing for the lives of the forty-nine elite Dragon Clan.

The smile on East King Duke's face deepened.

He neither refuted nor followed up on what Candle Dragon said. Instead, he changed the subject and asked a seemingly unrelated question.

"Fellow Daoist has just seen Ao Hai."

"What do you think of Ao Hai's current cultivation level, fellow Daoist?"

Candle Dragon's eyelids twitched slightly, but he still answered truthfully.

" At the Grand Unity Golden Immortal Peak, just one step away from entering the Quasi-Sage realm."

"Good."

East King Duke nodded, his smile becoming meaningful.

"Ao Hai is only one step away from entering the Quasi-Sage Realm!"

"Ao Hai is exceptionally talented? I've personally witnessed him rise from Primordial Unity Golden Immortal to where he is today!"

"He is a once-in-a-millennium genius of your Dragon Clan, the hope for your Dragon Clan's future!"

He looked at Candle Dragon and asked that question once again.

"Fellow Daoist, are you really willing to... risk his life?"

Candle Dragon fell silent.

A flicker of emotion finally appeared in his eyes, which had Eon.

Are you willing to give it up?

How could I possibly bear to part with it!

He was a genius that his Dragon Clan had only seen once in ten thousand years, the hope for the future of the Dragon Clan!

If Ao Hai can break through to the Quasi-Sage, then these old dragons who are barely clinging to life will die.

Ao Hai can also protect the Dragon Clan, allowing Dragon Clan to establish themselves in the Primordial Wilderness!

But now...