Beside Yunmeng Marsh, amid the mountains.
Zhou Yuan looked at the Young Dragon Prince kneeling on the ground and said flatly:
"Tell me everything that happened in Yunmeng Dragon Palace, without leaving out a single detail."
"If you dare conceal anything, I would not mind letting you experience Soul Searching and Spirit Refining."
Seeing the chill in the green-robed Daoist's voice and the killing intent hidden in his eyes,
Ao Lin could not help but shudder.
His face, already pale from his severe injuries, turned even whiter.
He lowered his head, a dark gleam flickering in his eyes.
"The Green Fish Commander was also a Grotto-heaven Cultivator, yet he could not even withstand a single exchange before this Daoist."
"That alone showed how unfathomable his cultivation was."
"My father is currently imprisoned by that Green Flood Dragon. This is the perfect chance to use this Daoist's hand to eliminate it."
"As for afterward..."
A cold glint flashed through Ao Lin's eyes before vanishing at once. He bowed deeply and said in a fawning tone:
"Before you, Senior, this little dragon would not dare speak recklessly."
"This little dragon is originally from the West Sea Dragon Clan..."
As Ao Lin recounted his own experiences and everything that had happened in Yunmeng Dragon Palace,
Zhou Yuan gradually came to understand the chain of events within Yunmeng Marsh.
"Ao Sheng and Ao Lin are both direct descendants of the West Sea Dragon Clan, pure-blooded true dragons."
"Because Di Jun of the Sun Palace established the demon race and ascended to the throne of Heavenly Emperor, he drew the attention of all major forces in the Primordial Great World. Meanwhile, the Phoenix Perch Mountain faction had gone to war with the Five Directions Imperial Dynasty represented by the Primordial Divine Race."
"The Four Seas Dragon Clan was unwilling to remain idle, nor were they willing to miss such a once-in-a-millennium opportunity. They secretly dispatched a group of pure-blooded true dragons onto land."
"They covertly occupied the river and water veins across the Primordial Great Land."
"To await the right time."
After the Dragon-Han Crimson Bright Tribulation, the Dragon Clan had offended Heaven, and boundless karmic debt coiled around them.
Yet Ancestor Dragon had first returned to the ruins, and then Azure Dragon Mengzhang Divine Lord had suppressed the four poles.
The Four Seas Dragon Clan, which had been on the verge of collapse, managed to catch its breath and recover somewhat.
Moreover, the Four Seas Dragon Clan controlled the water element of the four seas and had rendered merit to Heaven and Earth by constructing the cycle of the world. Thus, after the New Era began, the Dragon Clan had slowly been regaining its strength.
However, during the Archaic Era, the Dragon Clan had acted far too tyrannically and made countless enemies.
And the various Great Divine Ability Users were unwilling to see such a colossal force as the Dragon Clan rise again.
Therefore, in recent years, the Four Seas Dragon Clan had retreated into the four seas, seeking only to preserve their foundations. They did not dare extend their influence onto the land.
But the establishment of the demon race and the war between Phoenix Perch Mountain and the Primordial Divine Race allowed certain ancient old monsters within the Four Seas Dragon Clan to see an opportunity.
The Primordial Great World would surely not remain peaceful in the days ahead.
The heavenly secrets were in chaos, and muddy waters were best for fishing.
They could finally no longer suppress their restless ambitions. They secretly sent several true dragons to test the waters, hiding throughout the rivers, lakes, and seas of the Primordial Great Land as they waited for the right time.
They wished to expand the Authority of Water Element once more and bring about the Second Flourishing of the Dragon Clan.
"A centipede does not stiffen even after death."
"There are wise figures within the Four Seas Dragon Clan as well."
Zhou Yuan's gaze was deep and distant.
It had to be said that the Four Seas Dragon Clan had chosen their timing perfectly.
In the myths and legends of his previous life,
although the Dragon Clan had not recovered the grandeur it possessed as Hegemon of Heaven and Earth during the era of the three races,
during the Witch-Demon Tribulation, they had allied with the demon race, continued to govern the four seas, and Obeyed Orders, Not Edicts. Their influence once again extended throughout the rivers, lakes, and seas.
In later generations, they had even become the symbol of the water element.
"Even during the Investiture of the Gods and Journey to the West, the Four Seas were merely supporting players. But that depended on whom they supported."
The protagonists were Lingzhuzi of Wa Huang Palace.
Victorious Fighting Buddha of Spirit Mountain.
The Heaven-Appointed Six Saints, and Jade Emperor Great Heavenly Venerate, who controlled the Investiture of the Gods.
"Not to mention the saying of the True Dragon Son of Heaven. That alone shows how deep the waters of the Dragon Clan run."
After the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors, every side placed its bets. The Human Dao entered a great flourishing, and the Human Race officially took center stage, becoming the eternal protagonists of Heaven and Earth.
That the Dragon Clan could bind themselves to the Human Race was enough to show how extensive their influence was.
"But their heroes are my enemies."
The Struggle for the Great Dao had always been thus.
If Zhou Yuan wished to unite the water element, he would inevitably have to break the Dragon Clan's backbone.
There was no room for negotiation between the two sides.
The deeper the Dragon Clan's schemes ran, the more wary he became.
"Yunmeng Marsh is the water storage area of the Yangtze River, one of the Four Rivers."
"The West Sea Dragon Clan sent pure-blooded members of their clan here."
"They were likely not here solely for Yunmeng Marsh."
"Their true aim was not the wine, but the position of Great Dragon God of the Four Rivers."
As for why they had not allowed the old monsters of the four seas to act personally, it was naturally because they feared provoking vigilance and backlash from the many Dao lineages of Heaven and Earth.
That was why they had sent a Dragon Clan member in the Grand Unity Great Sage Realm to test the waters.
As a direct descendant of the Dragon Clan of the Four Seas, Ao Sheng possessed profound divine abilities and magical power.
Several hundred years ago, he occupied the Water Palace and drove out the original Water Lord of Yunmeng Marsh, an old flood dragon who had cultivated for many years.
Yet who could have expected that the old flood dragon would harbor such resentment? It hid in a cave beside the water estate, waiting for an opportunity.
This year, while the water estate held a banquet, it slipped into the Water Palace and captured Ao Sheng.
"According to what Ao Lin said, that old flood dragon's divine abilities suddenly increased tremendously."
"It had originally been far from Ao Sheng's match."
"Yet now, it could suppress Ao Sheng with ease."
Zhou Yuan's eyes flickered.
"From this, it is clear that this old flood dragon is Dao Lord Tianshui's final Dao body."
The other eight Dao bodies were all children of the same origin.
Only this one belonged to the Scaled Race and had nothing whatsoever to do with the lineage of Innate Deities.
"If I did not possess the Heavenly Machine Chessboard, this supreme treasure capable of calculating the heavenly secrets, I likely would not have found this place."
After sorting through his thoughts, Zhou Yuan looked at Ao Lin.
"Take me to Yunmeng Dragon Palace."
Joy appeared on Ao Lin's face.
"Yes."
The Green Flood Dragon transformed from Dao Lord Tianshui had already taken control of Yunmeng Dragon Palace. The grand array outside the dragon palace was no trifling matter.
Naturally, Zhou Yuan would not charge in headlong.
He did not want to alert the enemy and frighten that old bastard into fleeing.
He took the Secret Passage Ao Lin had mentioned.
It was located on a secluded island tens of thousands of meters away from Yunmeng Dragon Palace.
"A Teleportation Array has been constructed on this island."
"This Teleportation Array leads directly to Yunmeng Dragon Palace."
Ao Lin explained as he led Zhou Yuan onward.
After he and his father accepted the assignment from the West Sea Dragon Palace and arrived at Yunmeng Marsh, they had opened this hidden passage for travel in and out.
Yet they had not expected to need it so soon.
Following Ao Lin, Zhou Yuan soon arrived at a small island thick with Water Grass.
The island showed no sign of spiritual energy, and its shrubs grew lush and dense.
As Ao Lin formed a Magic Incantation with his fingers,
visible golden light spread outward, illuminating the intricate Array Patterns all around them.
The Teleportation Array activated.
Space-time Reversal. Spatial Leap.
In an instant, Zhou Yuan arrived within a palace hall.
"This is the Inner Treasury of Yunmeng Dragon Palace."
Ao Lin said in a low voice:
"That old flood dragon is hosting all the River Gods and Water Gods of the Cloud Dream Water Domain today."
"He is proclaiming that he has Restored Order."
It was also a means of reassuring the people.
"At this moment, he should still be in the main hall."
After hearing this, Zhou Yuan nodded slightly.
He lightly flicked his sleeve.
A Daoist holding a Fly Whisk and an Attendant Boy carrying a tray appeared where they stood.
"Today is the fine day on which the Cloud Dream Dragon Lord has Restored Order."
"As neighbors of the Dragon Lord, we should naturally offer our congratulations."
Ao Lin, transformed into an Attendant Boy, saw Zhou Yuan putting on such airs and pinched his nose as he replied:
"Yes, Master."
Thus, the two changed their appearances.
They swaggered straight into the main hall of Yunmeng Dragon Palace.
"The Qingjiang Water God has arrived."
"The Suyi River God has arrived."
Within the great hall, flutes and strings played, their music drifting melodiously.
Clam maidens and snake demons danced with graceful, enchanting movements.
Many spirits, monsters, and Water Gods chatted among themselves, laughing as they held wine cups.
Turtle Chancellor, who was receiving guests, looked at the Daoist with his dignified features and tranquil bearing. Hesitating, he asked:
"May I ask at which Immortal Mountain and precious temple does Daoist Priest cultivate?"
Zhou Yuan gently stroked his beard and smiled.
"This poor Daoist cultivates at Floating Cloud Temple on Mount Yandang, eight hundred li from Yunmeng Marsh."
"I happened to pass through this place while visiting friends with my attendant."
"When I opened my Dharma eye, I saw radiant light and divine brilliance here, treasures and splendor welcoming guests from all directions. What a lively sight."
"I thought our two households might be neighbors, so I came especially to ask for a cup of wine."
"I hope the host will forgive this presumption."
With that, Zhou Yuan flicked his Fly Whisk.
Ao Lin, carrying the Jade Box behind him, immediately stepped forward and presented the gift.
"This was borne by the Green Pear Spiritual Root bestowed upon this poor Daoist by elders of my sect when I attained True Oneness."
"It is merely a humble gift. Please do not find it wanting."
Turtle Chancellor accepted the Jade Box and opened it for a look.
At the center of the box lay two Green Pears, brimming with spiritual energy and resembling jade.
One glance was enough to tell that they were exceptional.
And after hearing Zhou Yuan explain the origin of those Green Pears,
Turtle Chancellor's heart skipped a beat.
This Daoist was already a True Oneness cultivator.
And he even had elders from his sect.
Could he be an ancient cultivator from some Dao lineage?
Yet Turtle Chancellor had lived long enough.
He had never heard of any Divine Demon Mighty Being cultivating in seclusion nearby.
Although Turtle Chancellor was puzzled, he did not dare show any neglect.
Today, he had received more than one guest who had arrived uninvited.
After all, the Cloud Dream Dragon Lord was a Grand Unity Great Sage.
And he had just displayed immense divine abilities, driving away the great enemy from several days ago.
There were countless beings seeking to ingratiate themselves with him.
"Please enter, Daoist priest."
Turtle Chancellor personally led Zhou Yuan and the other to their seats.
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