Ao Shun, being so experienced, naturally took in the expressions of the two little ones.
He knew in his heart that his wish would likely not come true today.
However, they knew the saying "It's easier to see the King of Hell than to deal with his underlings," especially these "underlings" who looked young but actually had considerable cultivation and could speak up for the master of the Dao Field.
"In any case, I have troubled you two immortal masters."
Ao Shun's smile grew even more amiable, even carrying a hint of elder-like kindness (despite the fact that the other party was just two children).
With a slight flick of his wide sleeves, two soft, shimmering rays of light flew out from his sleeves, like two nimble birds, hovering steadily in front of Yuan Lian and Yuan Yu.
The radiance subsided, revealing the true forms of the two treasures:
One is a jade hairpin shaped like flowing clouds and adorned with stardust-like fragments (the Sunset Glow Hairpin), exuding spiritual energy and a restrained rosy glow; the other is a jade pendant that is warm yellow all over and engraved with mysterious runes, radiating a calm and nourishing spiritual energy.
They were all top-grade High-grade Acquired Spiritual Treasure of exceptional quality!
"This is just a small gift, nothing more."
Ao Shun's voice was as gentle as a spring breeze.
"Consider it a small trinket for the two young immortals to play with and pass the time. Please accept it and do not refuse."
They adopted an extremely humble posture, as if they were offering an ordinary gift.
Yuan Lian and Yuan Yu's eyes lit up instantly!
The initial momentum of "shared hatred against a common enemy" was instantly dissipated by the brilliance of the treasure before them.
The two exchanged a quick glance, both seeing surprise and—a hint of slyness—in each other's eyes.
This... this can even yield a spiritual treasure? And a high-grade acquired one at that! This silly dragon king... he's way too "savvy"!
The two money-grubbers had the same thought pop into their minds: it seems that if this "generous" Dragon King comes again in the future, they'll have to refuse him a few more times!
With a quick thought, Yuan Lian reached out her small hand and grabbed the shimmering Sunset Glow Hairpin without hesitation.
It felt warm and smooth to the touch, brimming with spiritual energy—truly a fine treasure! The frost on her little face melted away instantly, her tone softened considerably, and she even added a touch of smugness, "Hmm... Dragon King, you're too kind."
Since you're so sincere... alright! We'll naturally inform the master when he returns."
She emphasized, "However, whether the master sees you or not is up to him; we can't say for sure!"
Ao Shun breathed a sigh of relief, his smile widening as he nodded repeatedly.
"Yes, yes, yes, thank you for your trouble, fairy."
Ao Guang, the Dragon King of the East Sea, cupped his hands in a respectful gesture, his voice carrying a hint of barely perceptible disappointment.
"Since Senior Qing Huan is not here, I will take my leave without further ado, and with my son, I shall take my leave."
Before the words were finished, two powerful dragon energies, accompanied by the light of the water, silently sank into the depths of the turbulent sea, leaving only ripples that gradually subsided.
Seeing the Dragon King and his son completely disappear beneath the blue waves, Yuan Lian and Yuan Yu exchanged a glance and could no longer suppress their laughter.
The two figures flickered and transformed into streaks of light, disappearing back into the cloud formation protecting the immortal abode. Their clear laughter immediately echoed unrestrainedly within the formation.
"Ha! This old Dragon King is so adorably simple-minded!"
Yuan Lian clapped her hands, her face full of slyness and pride.
"For such a trivial matter, they were willing to hand over High-grade Acquired Spiritual Treasure like the 'Sunset Glow Hairpin'! Tsk tsk, it seems the Dragon Palace's Treasure Vault is indeed unfathomable!"
A flash of inspiration struck her fingertips, and the exquisitely carved jade hairpin, shimmering with rosy light, appeared in her palm.
She looked at herself happily in the water mirror, carefully inserting the hairpin diagonally into her cloud-like hair, and turned to ask her junior brother beside her:
"Yuan Yu, look, does Senior Sister look good wearing this hairpin?"
Yuan Yu looked closely. Although the hairpin was shimmering and colorful, it did not actually enhance Yuan Lian's delicate and beautiful face, which was not yet fully developed.
But then his eyes lit up, and his face immediately lit up with exaggerated admiration:
"Oh my! Incredible! With this treasure in her hair, Senior Sister's face glows with radiance. Not only on this Eastern Sea Immortal Island, but throughout the entire Eastern Sea, she is undoubtedly the most beautiful female immortal! Even Luo Xia would be so ashamed that she would hide in the sea!"
Yuan Lian was overjoyed by his praise and was about to boast a few more words when, without warning, she heard two crisp "thump" sounds on the back of her head!
"Ouch! Who?! Who dares to hit this old lady on the head!"
Yuan Lian winced in pain, her eyebrows furrowed, and she abruptly turned around, shouting and cursing.
However, when she saw the imposing figure in a blue robe who had appeared silently behind her, her anger froze and shattered instantly, replaced by uncontrollable panic. Her small body trembled slightly, and even her voice broke into a stutter.
"Master... Master?! You... you've emerged from seclusion?!"
Yuan Yu, who was grinning foolishly to the side, was also startled by the word "Master," as if a bucket of ice water had been poured over her head. Her smile froze on her face, her face turned pale, and she quickly stood at attention with her hands at her sides, not daring to breathe.
Qing Huan stood with his hands behind his back, his face calm and expressionless. His deep eyes were like an ancient, cold pool, without the slightest ripple, making it impossible to fathom his emotions.
The voice, though not loud, carried a heavy, authoritative quality and clearly reached the ears of the two children:
"You two have grown increasingly audacious, daring to make decisions on my behalf, refusing guests and accepting gifts? Truly... a betrayal of the Heavenly Order!"
"Please calm down, sir!"
Yuan Yu reacted extremely quickly.
"Plop"
She knelt down with a thud, her little face scrunched up, and blurted out in a tearful voice.
"It was all my own doing! I was so tempted by the magic treasure that I... I tricked the Dragon King!"
This matter has absolutely nothing to do with my senior sister! If Master wants to punish someone, then punish this disciple severely!
"No, no, no! Your Excellency is wise!"
Yuan Lian was also frightened and hurriedly knelt down, waving her hands repeatedly and saying urgently.
"It was this disciple who first suggested it! It was this disciple who saw the Dragon King pestering him and took the liberty of refusing on behalf of Master!"
Junior brother was just going along with his disciple's wishes and said a few words... "If you want to punish someone, punish me! It has nothing to do with Yuan Yu!"
Watching the two little ones vying to take the blame upon themselves, trembling yet protecting each other, a subtle, complex emotion flashed across Qing Huan's eyes, ultimately turning into a barely audible sigh filled with helplessness.
Why...
How could I not know why the Dragon King of the East Sea had come with his son to visit me?
In particular, he specially brought Ao Guang, who was entangled in karma and whose sins were as deep as ink.
The foul aura emanating from Ao Guang made him frown slightly, even through the Cave Mansion's protective barriers.
How could I possibly accept it?
The Four Unlike, Kong Xuan, and Winged Immortal —aren't they all direct descendants of Innate Deities beings like the Qilin and Phoenix?
With a pure and innocent background, a pure Daoist body, and bearing great karmic Karma yet not entangled in excessive negative karma, one can be taken in as a disciple and carefully taught, thus forging a positive connection.