Candle Dragon pondered for a long while, and the atmosphere in the hall grew grave.
After thinking for a long time, Candle Dragon said, "East King Duke, the matter you speak of concerns the future of my Dragon Clan. It is no trifling matter."
"It is not impossible for the elites of my Dragon Clan to join the Immortal Court."
Joy rose in East King Duke's heart. There was an opening. As long as they were willing to negotiate, everything could be discussed.
Candle Dragon continued, "But there are several conditions that you must agree to, Daoist Friend."
"Please, speak," East King Duke said.
Candle Dragon raised one finger. "First: although the Dragon Clan elites joining the Immortal Court will nominally serve as Guardian Divine Beasts—"
"Their status shall be equal to that of Guest Elders of the Immortal Court, not servants and lackeys for your Immortal Court to command at will."
"The Immortal Court must grant them the status and respect they deserve. You may not casually order them to do things beyond their duty as guardians, things that would humiliate the dignity of my Dragon Clan."
"If such a thing occurs, the elites of my Dragon Clan may return to the Eastern Sea of their own accord."
East King Duke listened. This condition was fairly reasonable.
The Dragon Clan had once been overlords, after all. They had to be given this much face.
Nor did he expect these Dragon Clan elites to truly labor like oxen and horses without complaint.
"Of course." East King Duke nodded. "When Dragon Clan elites join the Immortal Court, they shall naturally be treated with the courtesy due to Guest Elders."
"I guarantee in the name of the Lord of the Immortal Court that what troubles you will never come to pass."
Candle