Dragon Palace of the East Sea Catches Up, A Clever Plan for Alliance and Resources

The East Sea, vast and boundless, stretched out in misty waves.

A streak of water-blue escape light silently submerged beneath the immense green waves, evading the sight of the Sea Patrol Yaksha and speeding towards the deep-sea Dragon Palace. Within the light were Tongtian, who had altered his appearance, along with Saint Mother Wudang and Kui Niu, who had also employed concealment techniques.

At this moment, Tongtian's figure was slightly stooped. His face had transformed into that of a gaunt yet spirited old man in a green robe with a flowing long beard, holding a horsetail whisk. His aura was suppressed to the True Immortal level, appearing as a rogue cultivator from overseas. This was one of the disguise options provided by the System, sufficient to fool most probes. Saint Mother Wudang had become a young girl in green, and Kui Niu had also shrunk in size, his aura contained.

The deeper they went into the sea, the dimmer the light became and the greater the pressure, yet the spiritual energy grew more concentrated. All sorts of strange deep-sea creatures were visible everywhere, coral forests were magnificently varied, and luminous pearls and shells emitted a soft, precious glow, creating a scene of an underwater immortal realm.

However, beneath this splendor, Tongtian could keenly sense an invisible, oppressive atmosphere. The patrols of Shrimp Soldiers and Crab Generals had clearly increased, their expressions vigilant. The direct combat forces of the Dragon Palace exhibited a hidden murderous aura, as if facing a great enemy. It was evident that the Dragon Clan's situation was not as peaceful and tranquil as it appeared on the surface.

[Entered the core area of the East Sea Dragon Palace. The Dragon Palace outer city defense formation is one hundred miles ahead.] The System navigation prompted.

Tongtian slowed down and signaled to Wudang. Saint Mother Wudang immediately stepped forward, taking out a Jade Slip that had been prepared long ago, imprinted with the unique runes of the Shangqing Immortal Method. She injected Method Power into it and gently activated it.

The Jade Slip transformed into a soft, clear light imbued with a unique Dao charm. Like a swimming fish, it ignored the heavy water pressure and currents, accurately shooting towards the Dragon Palace.

This was one of the tokens Tongtian had bestowed upon Ao Guang, who was then the Crown Prince, when he had lectured the Dragon Clan in the past. It contained a special aura that only core members of the Dragon Clan could recognize its meaning.

Not long after, a gap quietly opened in the transparent defensive barrier radiating powerful Dragon Clan energy ripples in the direction of the Dragon Palace. A troop of brightly armored Dragon Palace guards, led by a Crab General of the Golden Immortal level, quickly emerged, their expressions respectful yet tinged with surprise and uncertainty.

The Crab General received the flying Jade Slip, examined it carefully, and his expression changed. He became even more respectful, bowed deeply towards the direction of Tongtian and the others, and transmitted his voice, "I did not know a messenger from the Sect Master was arriving. Forgive our lack of proper welcome! His Majesty invites you, please follow me!"

Tongtian nodded slightly, and with Wudang and Kui Niu, followed the Crab General through the defensive formation, officially entering the territory of the East Sea Dragon Palace.

Upon entering the formation, the scene suddenly opened up!

Ahead lay an incredibly magnificent and spectacular underwater palace complex, stretching for tens of thousands of miles! Glazed tiles served as roofs, crystal as bricks, white jade as pillars, and agate as paving stones. Countless large luminous pearls, water-repelling pearls, and sea calming pearls were inlaid within, illuminating the entire Dragon Palace as if it were daytime, with precious light soaring to the heavens and auspicious colors stretching for thousands of streams!

Between the palaces, giant coral forests swayed, schools of rare Dragon Carp played, and graceful Shell Maidens danced. The patrolling Shrimp Soldiers and Crab Generals, Turtle Prime Ministers, Whale Warriors, and other aquatic beings numbered in the tens of thousands, all in orderly fashion.

What a magnificent East Sea Dragon Palace! Truly rich throughout the Great Desolation, its reputation was well-deserved!

However, behind the extreme luxury, Tongtian saw a hint of outward strength masking inner weakness. The patrolling aquatic soldiers had a hidden unease in the depths of their eyes; there were subtle repair marks in certain corners of the palaces; even the Dragon Qi permeating the air carried a sense of restraint and oppressive dullness.

The Crab General led Tongtian and his group through layers of palaces, with aquatic beings parting and bowing along the way. Finally, they arrived before the most magnificent main hall, named the "Crystal Palace."

"Messenger, please. His Majesty is waiting inside the hall," the Crab General said, bowing.

Tongtian tidied his robes and stepped inside, followed closely by Wudang and Kui Niu.

Inside the Crystal Palace, the luxury was even more extreme, with treasures piled up like mountains. The ceiling was inlaid with the Sun, Moon, and Stars Chart, which operated autonomously, simulating celestial phenomena. The floor was made of Ten Thousand Year Warm Jade, which nourished the soul when walked upon. On either side stood Coiled Dragon Golden Pillars, majestic and grand.

And on the Nine Dragon Throne at the far end of the grand hall sat a person.

He wore the Twelve-Beaded Flat Sky Crown, the Nine-Patterned Dragon Robe, his face was stern, and he had a long beard beneath his chin. He exuded a powerful Dragon Clan might of the Grand Unity Golden Immortal level. This was the current Dragon King of the East Sea—Ao Guang!

However, this Dragon King had a trace of unresolvable worry and fatigue in his brows. Although he forced himself to appear majestic, he could not hide his inner anxiety.

Upon seeing Tongtian and the others enter, Ao Guang's gaze immediately fell upon the "old man in green robes" leading the group, a flicker of confusion in his eyes. The token was indeed from the direct lineage of Sect Master Tongtian, but this old man's aura was completely unfamiliar, only at the True Immortal cultivation level?

He did not rise immediately, maintaining his dignity as the Dragon King, and said in a deep voice, "Who stands below? You come with the Sect Master's token, for what purpose?" His voice boomed, echoing in the hall.

Tongtian smiled slightly and did not answer directly. Instead, his gaze swept over the Turtle Prime Minister, Whale Marshal, and other high-ranking officials of the Dragon Palace standing on either side of the hall.

Ao Guang understood and waved his hand, "You may all withdraw."

"Your Majesty..." the Turtle Prime Minister hesitated.

"Withdraw!" Ao Guang's tone intensified.

"Yes..." The ministers of the aquatic races could only bow and withdraw from the Crystal Palace. Inside the hall, only Ao Guang and the three of them remained, along with several powerful Dragon Clan guard auras hidden in the shadows.

"Now can you speak?" Ao Guang stared intently at Tongtian.

Tongtian then slowly began to speak, but his voice was no longer aged. It returned to its original clear and peaceful tone, carrying a hint of the detachment of someone who had long held a high position, "Ao Guang, it has been many years. You, the Dragon King of the East Sea, have indeed become more majestic."

Hearing this familiar voice, especially the tone that called him by name, Ao Guang abruptly stood up from the Dragon Throne, his face instantly filled with shock and disbelief! He stared fixedly at Tongtian, his pupils contracting violently, his voice trembling, "You... You are... Sect Master Tongtian..."

He could barely utter the last two words, as if they were some kind of taboo!

Tongtian nodded slightly. A clear light flashed around him, and he resumed his original appearance. Although his face was still pale and his aura contained, the brilliance in his deep eyes, and the trace of residual Dao charm of a former Saint that emanated from him, made Ao Guang instantly certain!

Thump!

Ao Guang, the Dragon King of the East Sea, actually strode down from the steps and knelt before Tongtian, collapsing like a golden mountain falling and a jade pillar toppling. His voice was filled with emotion and choked sobs, "Ao Guang pays respects to the Sect Master! May the Sect Master's reign be eternal! You... You really... are you really you?!"

His excitement was not entirely feigned. Years ago, when Tongtian lectured on the Great Dao at Biyou Palace, accepting all disciples regardless of their background, the Dragon Clan, burdened by karma, found cultivation difficult. Tongtian had specifically explained methods to resolve karma and purify their bloodlines, bestowing great kindness upon the Dragon Clan. Ao Guang had always remembered this favor. Moreover, the person before him was a former Heavenly Dao Saint!

Tongtian reached out to support him in the air, "Rise. I am no longer a Saint now, there is no need for such a grand ceremony."

Ao Guang then stood up, still unable to contain his excitement. He carefully examined Tongtian, sensing his cultivation had fallen to rock bottom and his severe injuries. His eyes filled with horror and grief, "Sect Master, how... how could you... have fallen to such a state? The outside world says you were confined to Zixiao Palace by the Dao Ancestor..."

"My Saint Position was abolished, thus I gained freedom." Tongtian's tone was calm, but it struck Ao Guang's ears like a thunderclap.

Ao Guang was completely stunned. He opened his mouth wide, speechless for a long time. Abolishing his own Saint Position? What a world-shattering event! He simply couldn't imagine it!

After a long while, he finally processed this terrifying news. His expression became incredibly complex, filled with reverence, regret, and deep worry. Without his Saint Position, Sect Master Tongtian was now a sensitive figure in the eyes of the Saints. Entanglement with the Dragon Clan could lead to unpredictable fortune or disaster!

Tongtian took in his changing expression, unsurprised. He got straight to the point, "I have come today for two reasons: first, to see an old acquaintance, and second, I wish to make a deal with the Dragon Clan."

"A deal?" Ao Guang took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down. "Please speak, Sect Master. As long as Ao Guang can do it..." His tone became much more cautious.

"I need some resources for healing and cultivation." Tongtian's gaze swept across the magnificent Crystal Palace. "The Dragon Palace has deep reserves; I presume you are not lacking in these."

Upon hearing this, Ao Guang's face showed an expression of "as expected," and he also breathed a sigh of relief. If it was just about resources, it wasn't impossible to negotiate. It was best to resolve it with resources and avoid deep entanglement.

He quickly said, "That's easy! The Sect Master has been kind to the Dragon Clan. The Dragon Palace can still afford some resources. What kind of treasures does the Sect Master need? Spirit pills? Immortal herbs? Or..."

"All of them." Tongtian interrupted him, his tone leaving no room for doubt. "And not just some, but a large quantity. Enough to support a Quasi-Saint in repairing their Dao Foundation, and even advancing further."

Ao Guang's smile froze on his face. He gasped, "This... Sect Master, it's not that I'm refusing, but such immense resources, even for the Dragon Palace, are no small sum. It would require opening the secret treasury... The commotion would be too great, and I fear it would be difficult to conceal from the Heavenly Court's surveillance..."

He didn't finish, but his meaning was clear: This is too much, it's difficult for me, and I fear trouble.

Tongtian seemed to have expected this. He smiled faintly, "The Heavenly Court? Haotian is quite powerful now, isn't he? Suppressing the Dragon Clan quite severely? The rainfall in the Four Seas all requires reporting to the Heavenly Court for approval? If any of your dragon sons or grandsons make the slightest mistake, they face punishment under the Heavenly Laws? Even the Dragon Palace's treasury is likely already on the Heavenly Court's ledgers, isn't it?"

Ao Guang's expression instantly turned extremely ugly. This was the Dragon Clan's greatest pain point! Nominally ruling the Four Seas, they were in reality nothing more than the Heavenly Court's laborers, constrained at every turn and living in constant fear.

"Sect Master, you see clearly, the Dragon Clan does indeed have difficulties," Ao Guang said bitterly.

"So, you are content to remain like this forever? To be gradually eroded until you completely become a vassal of the Heavenly Court?" Tongtian's tone turned cold. "Even becoming 'resources' for someone's mounts or meals?"

These words struck Ao Guang's deepest fear like a sharp knife. Dragon Liver and Phoenix Marrow were famous dishes at the Heavenly Court's Peach Banquet! Although they now only used Dragon Beasts with impure bloodlines, who could guarantee it wouldn't happen in the future...

"Sect Master... what exactly are you trying to say?" Ao Guang's voice was hoarse.

"A transaction," Tongtian repeated, his gaze sharp as a sword. "I will give you, the Dragon Clan, a chance to change your destiny. And you will provide me with initial resources. This is not charity, it is an investment, and an alliance."

"Change destiny?" Ao Guang's breath hitched. A flicker of longing flashed in his eyes, but it was overshadowed by doubt. "Sect Master, it's not that I don't believe you, but you yourself..." He didn't finish, but his meaning was obvious: You can barely protect yourself, how can you give the Dragon Clan a future?

Tongtian offered no explanation. He slowly raised his hand, palm facing upward.

The next moment, a faint yet incredibly pure wisp of Chaos Qi, imbued with supreme Dao rhythm, appeared in his palm, gently swaying.

The instant this wisp of energy appeared, all the treasure light in the entire Crystal Palace dimmed! The dragon blood within Ao Guang's body instantly boiled. It was reverence and desire originating from the depths of his life's essence! He could even feel that the karma that had plagued the Dragon Clan for countless eons seemed to have become somewhat subdued before this wisp of energy!

"This is Chaos Origin?!" Ao Guang exclaimed in shock, his eyes nearly bulging out! As the king of the Dragon Clan, his knowledge far surpassed ordinary people. He instantly recognized this legendary power!

Tongtian put away the Chaos Qi and stood with his hands behind his back, saying faintly, "Though the Saint Position is lost, the path forward still exists. The Primordial Dao is not necessarily weaker than the Heavenly Dao Saints. The Dragon Clan's predicament lies in karma, stemming from the suppression of the Heavenly Dao. If you walk the path of Primordial Unity, you might find another way."

Ao Guang's heart pounded wildly, his expression shifting. The Primordial Dao! He abandoned his Saint Position to walk this path? And Sect Master Tongtian had actually condensed a trace of Chaos Origin?! This meant his words were not false; he had truly found a direction!

The risk was immense! But the temptation was even greater! If he succeeded... Just as Ao Guang was battling internally, a shrimp soldier suddenly ran into the hall in a panic. Disregarding etiquette, he urgently reported, "Your Majesty! Bad news! A Heavenly Patrol Envoy has arrived at the South Heaven Gate with an imperial decree, stating it is on the orders of Haotian Shangdi to conduct a surprise inspection of the East Sea Dragon Palace's resource accounts for the past hundred years. They are currently heading towards the Crystal Palace!"