The sound was not loud, but it contained the unique spiritual fluctuations of the Dragon Clan, striving to penetrate the invisible array barrier and enter the island.
On the island, spiritual energy swirls like mist, condensing into drops of sweet rain that nourish the myriad Immortal Flower and herbs, and the exotic birds and beasts that roam freely.
Yuan Yu and Yuan Lian, who were meditating and cultivating under Innate Spiritual Root with gnarled branches and leaves resembling dragons and exuding a refreshing fragrance, were simultaneously awakened by the sound and opened their eyes.
"Huh? It's that old dragon again?"
Yuan Lian wrinkled her small nose, pursed her rosy lips, and spoke with obvious dislike and disgust.
"Last time you came, you didn't bring anything good, you were all crying and wailing. This time you must be here again to ask for your help, sir."
"Judging from the current state of their Dragon Clan, they're in serious trouble. It's probably a huge Karma burden, and we mustn't get involved."
Compared to the lively and unrestrained Yuan Lian, Yuan Yu is much more calm and meticulous.
She gazed at the figure outside the island, who appeared exceptionally lonely and humble. A fleeting, almost imperceptible pity flashed in her clear eyes, but it was quickly replaced by reason.
She said softly, "Junior brother, be careful with your words. The master's affairs are unfathomable and not something we junior disciples can presume to know."
Last time, we acted on our own initiative and were quite negligent in our words, almost causing the master to miss his arrangements, and we have already been reprimanded.
This time, under no circumstances can there be any more mistakes; the master must be informed immediately and truthfully."
The two exchanged a glance, and in a flash, they arrived silently at the edge of the radiant array outside the island, like two wisps of smoke.
Upon seeing the two Daoist boys he had met before reappear, Candle Dragon dared not be the slightest bit presumptuous and immediately bowed even lower, offering a deep salute once more.
"Candle Dragon greets the two Immortal Boy. We humbly request that you once again inform the Sage Qing Huan that the Dragon Clan is at a critical juncture of life and death, and we urgently need the Sage's guidance. The entire Dragon Clan will be eternally grateful!"
As he spoke, a glint of light flashed in his hand once more, and this time the two objects that appeared were even more lustrous and restrained, exuding a natural Daoist charm.
One piece is the "Mysterious Water Heart-Condensing Pendant," its entire body a deep blue like a water droplet. Wearing it can calm the mind and suppress inner demons, providing excellent protection against external demonic attacks and greatly benefiting cultivation and enlightenment.
The other item was the "Dragon-Pattern Void-Piercing Shuttle," its body inscribed with intricate dragon patterns and emitting faint spatial fluctuations. Clearly, it was a precious spiritual treasure capable of briefly tearing through space for extremely rapid escape. Both of these items were at the level of Mid-grade Innate Spiritual Treasure, making them incredibly coveted gifts for children like them whose backgrounds weren't exactly top-tier!
"This humble gift is hardly enough to express even a fraction of our clan's gratitude. We earnestly hope that the two Immortal Boy will accept it and do us a favor." Candle Dragon lowered his posture to an extremely low level, almost pleading.
Yuan Lian looked at the two glittering treasures, and a strong desire and struggle flashed in her big eyes. Such treasures would be of great help to her cultivation!
But immediately, the master's usual indifferent yet unquestionable teachings flashed through her mind, along with the lingering fear she felt after almost making a mistake last time. She immediately shook her head vigorously, forcibly shifting her gaze from the spiritual treasure to Yuan Yu beside her, waiting for him to make a decision.
Yuan Yu's expression remained calm, but a hint of solemnity crept into her eyes. She returned the greeting with a cupped hand, her tone neither humble nor arrogant, yet carrying an undeniable firmness:
"Senior is too kind. Under the Sage's tutelage, the rules are strict, and we dare not accept gifts from outsiders in private."
We understand your meaning, senior. Please wait here for a moment while I go and inform the master. As for whether the master will see me or not, and how he will decide, it is beyond our control in the slightest."
After saying that, he gave Yuan Lian a wink, signaling her to stay and accompany him (actually to keep watch, just in case), and then he didn't linger for a moment. He turned around and transformed into a faster stream of light, flying straight towards the towering Chuyuan Palace in the center of the island, which was shrouded in Daoist charm.
Watching Yuan Yu leave without hesitation, seemingly unaffected by the generous gifts, and then glancing at the two Mid-grade Innate Spiritual Treasure in his hands that had been rejected once again, Candle Dragon's heart sank even further, turning icy cold.
Even the attendant beside the Sage was so disciplined and unmoved by the precious treasure, which shows how strict the Qing Huan Sage was in governing the island, how careful he was in managing his subordinates, and his detached attitude. The hope of this audience... was probably much slimmer than he had expected.
An unprecedented sense of despair began to slowly erode his mind, much like the Chaos Qi around him.
Chuyuan Palace, although Qing Huan was deeply immersed in the state of enlightenment, his spirit roamed the vast void, and he could know the affairs of the universe with a single thought. Nothing could escape his perception of the movements of all things.
When Candle Dragon arrived Yingzhou Island and sent out that pleading Spiritual Sense wave, he had already awakened from his deep meditative state and saw through Zhulong's intentions.
As Yuan Yu tiptoed, filled with respect and trepidation, to the palace gates inscribed with profound Dao patterns, before she could even utter a word, Qing Huan's calm and indifferent voice, seemingly devoid of any emotion yet carrying supreme authority, resonated deep within her mind:
"I already know their purpose in coming."
Yuan Yu immediately composed himself and respectfully knelt outside the palace gate:
"Your Majesty, the Dragon Clan's Candle Dragon is pleading desperately outside the island, saying that his clan is facing a life-or-death crisis. His attitude is extremely earnest and humble, and he even wants to bribe us with valuable treasures. We remember Your Majesty's teachings and dare not accept even a penny. Please give your instructions, Your Majesty."
Silence fell upon the magnificent palace gates. Only the eternally flowing Chaos Qi and the ever-changing Dao talismans silently spoke of the profound mysteries of the Great Dao. After a moment, a faint sigh, seemingly traversing countless ages, drifted from within the palace.
"Alas, the cycle of fate, the entanglement of Karma, karma like a shackle, binding the body and soul."
The Dragon Clan committed too many sins in the past, and their karmic burden is so heavy that they are almost bound to the Primordial Wilderness waters. How easy is it for them to transcend this fate?
Although I possess a sliver of escape potential and transcend the constraints of Heavenly Dao's will, I am not omnipotent, unable to defy fate or forcibly erase karma. The Dragon Clan's survival does not lie with me."
Qing Huan's voice carried a hint of etherealness and indifference, as if stating a given fact.
Then, the words turned into clear and specific instructions:
"Go tell Candle Dragon that I have no good solution to the Dragon Clan's predicament."
If the Dragon Clan wish to seize that Thread of Life hope, they must cease their indecisiveness and wishful thinking.
Settle down your former arrogance and serve under the future Heavenly Emperor Hao Tian. Be a loyal subject and fulfill your duties. Perhaps you can borrow the orthodox Luck of the Heavenly Court, act on behalf of Heaven, gradually wear away your karma, preserve your race, and accumulate strength to await future changes in fortune.
These are my heartfelt words, and they are the only viable path at present. Go then."
Although Yuan Yu didn't know much about "Heavenly Court" or "Hao Tian," he remembered every word Qing Huan said without missing a single one, and respectfully replied:
"Yes, sir. This disciple will relay the message verbatim immediately, without daring to make a mistake."