"The South Sea Dragon Palace has lost quite a few direct descendants in succession over the years, greatly weakening its control over the sea demons under its command. The Demon Kings in the surrounding waters all want a piece of the pie. As a member of the Dragon Palace, I naturally have to do my part, so there's no need for you to stand on ceremony with me, Brother King." Lu Xiaotian gave the expected polite response. Since Dragon King Ying Zhong had summoned him back without directly stating his purpose, Lu Xiaotian could only maintain a superficial courtesy for the time being.
"You've really put your heart into this, Third Brother." Dragon King Ying Zhong nodded, then said with considerable interest, "There have been rumors that Third Brother gained quite a lot inside the Esoteric Buddhist Sect's secret realm. I didn't believe them at first, but now it seems they weren't baseless after all. You were gone for so many years, and I was deeply worried about you. I truly had no idea what you encountered in that Buddhist secret realm for your cultivation to improve so quickly."
"After surviving a life-and-death ordeal, anyone would gain some insights. I didn't obtain any particularly remarkable treasures—just a deeper understanding of cultivation." A flicker passed through Lu Xiaotian's eyes. It seemed that Dragon King Ying Zhong's summons might not be a good thing after all. Still, Lu Xiaotian was not afraid of him.
"That's true enough. My cultivation has remained stagnant all these years, most likely because my life has been too comfortable. Cultivation is like rowing against the current: if you don't advance, you retreat." The South Sea Dragon King Ying Zhong sighed softly.
"Brother King was conferred a title by the Heavenly Court and enjoys the fortune of the