East Sea Dragon Palace

Under the siege of several Witch Clan warriors, especially the strong one in the middle stage of Great Witch, the situation had already turned unfavorable.

Dragon scales shattered, and dragon blood rained down on the sea's surface.

The dragon's roar carried a mix of anger and despair.

"Hahaha! You crawling insects! Be good and become blood food for my Witch Clan, nourishing my body!"

The Great Witch, with a face like indigo and hair like cinnabar, laughed wildly. The giant Xuanhua axe in his hand whistled as it tore through the air, fiercely chopping towards the red dragon's reverse scale!

A trace of grief and unwillingness flashed in the red dragon's eyes. It struggled to twist its body, but it was already unavoidable!

It was about to be splattered with blood on the spot!

"Stop!"

A clear shout, not particularly loud, yet it seemed to contain some kind of ultimate principle of heaven and earth, clearly reaching the ears of every living being in the arena.

At the same time.

A beam of clear light, arriving after the attack, yet first!

As if it had crossed space, it instantly appeared between the giant axe and the dragon's body!

The clear light flowed, transforming into a crystal-clear, pure white lotus platform with twelve lotus petals slowly blooming!

It was Dao Xuan's protective supreme treasure—the Twelve-petal Pure World White Lotus!

Clang—!!!

The Xuanhua giant axe, imbued with the Great Witch's violent power, fiercely struck the lotus platform!

There was no earth-shattering roar.

Only a dull clang of metal against metal.

The giant axe, capable of splitting mountains and rocks, struck the lotus platform and seemed to vanish into the sea!

The violent malevolent energy was instantly purified!

The immense force was gently dissolved by the layers upon layers of lotus petals!

The axe blade didn't even leave a single white mark on the crystal-clear lotus petals!

The Great Witch felt an irresistible, yet upright and peaceful, force rebound!

Stomp, stomp, stomp!

He was actually forced back several steps, his blood and essence churning, his axe-wielding arm going numb!

"Who?!"

The Great Witch, shocked and enraged, suddenly looked up, his fierce gaze sweeping towards the source of the clear light.

In mid-air.

A divine and extraordinary Five-Colored Qilin stood on the clouds.

On the Qilin's back sat a young Daoist.

He wore a Blue Gauze Headband and had his hair in a double bun.

He wore a pale yellow Daoist robe with cloud patterns, a Qiankun knot silk sash around his waist, and Cloud-Treading Boots on his feet.

His face was like sheep fat jade, his bearing elegant and refined, his eyes bright and brows clear.

Pure energy surrounded him, and his Daoist charm was naturally formed.

It was Dao Xuan!

"Who are you? How dare you obstruct my Witch Clan's hunt for blood food!" the Great Witch roared, his malevolent energy soaring, locking onto Dao Xuan.

Dao Xuan's gaze was calm. He swept over the several heavily wounded true dragons, finally landing on the Great Witch.

"The Witch Clan hunting for food is, in itself, not wrong."

"However, the Dragon Clan is affiliated with my Xuanmen and is under my protection. Your actions here, however, have gone too far."

His voice was plain, yet carried an undeniable authority.

"Affiliated with Xuanmen?" The Great Witch was stunned, then let out a sky-shattering laugh, full of disdain.

"Hahaha! What bullshit Xuanmen! My Witch Clan is the legitimate descendant of Pangu, we only respect Father God!

I don't care if you're Xuanmen or Huangmen! These crawling insects of the Four Seas have delicious flesh and vigorous blood essence, they are top-grade blood food!

If you know what's good for you, scram quickly, otherwise, I'll kill you too and have a feast! "

Upon hearing this, a cold glint flashed in Dao Xuan's eyes.

"Stubborn and ignorant."

He originally did not wish to create more bloodshed, but the other party was so arrogant, viewed the Dragon Clan as mere food, and even insulted his sect, which had touched his bottom line.

"You're seeking death!" Seeing that Dao Xuan did not retreat, the Great Witch's ferocity flared, and he swung his giant axe.

"Lads! Kill this meddling Taoist first! Then slaughter the dragons!"

"Roar!"

Seven or eight fierce Witch Clan warriors roared in unison, their killing intent merging into one, like a blood-red tide. Wielding bone clubs and stone spears, they charged towards Dao Xuan with the power to split mountains and shatter rocks!

The Great Witch, even more so, led the charge. His Xuan Hua giant axe transformed into a streak of dark light tearing through the sky, striking directly at Dao Xuan's head! His intent was to cleave this bothersome Daoist and the Qilin beneath him into pieces!

Facing an encirclement that could make even a Grand Unity Golden Immortal's expression change.

Dao Xuan's expression remained unchanged.

He didn't even get up.

He merely flicked his sleeve towards the surging Witch Clan warriors.

He softly uttered:

"Wind."

Hummm!

A treasure fan flew out from his sleeve.

The fan surface flowed with four colors: blue, red, white, and black, emanating the innate Daoist rhymes of Earth, Water, Fire, and Wind!

It was precisely the Supreme-grade Innate Spiritual Treasure—the Four Symbols Banana Fan!

Dao Xuan held the treasure fan and gently fanned it towards the charging Witch Clan warriors!

Whoosh—!!!

There was no earth-shattering storm.

Only an invisible, formless, yet overwhelmingly powerful force that instantly swept out!

This force was not merely ordinary wind.

It contained the supreme power of the Four Symbols, encompassing the heaviness of Earth, the ferocity of Fire, the continuity of Water, and the swiftness of Wind!

It was as if heaven and earth were overturning! The Four Symbols were in chaos!

The first few Witch Clan warriors to bear the brunt did not even have time to scream.

The killing intent around their bodies, as if encountering their nemesis, instantly dissipated!

Their formidable physical bodies, like piles of sand, were washed away inch by inch by the terrifying Four Symbols power, disintegrating into dust!

Even their souls and true spirits were wiped out along with them!

The Great Witch, following closely behind, had his pupils contract sharply, his soul filled with terror!

He felt a fatal threat!

"Roar!"

He let out a furious roar, his Blood Essence erupting like a volcano. His muscles coiled like dragons, pouring all his strength into the Xuan Hua giant axe, attempting to cleave through this invisible wave of death!

However.

Before the supreme power of the Four Symbols Banana Fan.

His resistance was like a mantis trying to stop a chariot!

Crack!

The Xuan Hua giant axe, a fierce weapon that had accompanied him through countless battles and drunk countless blood, was the first to buckle, shattering inch by inch!

Following that.

His proud Witch Clan true body, comparable to divine metal, rapidly melted and disintegrated like ice and snow thrown into a furnace!

"No—!!!"

The Great Witch let out a final roar filled with fear and unwillingness.

His voice abruptly ceased.

The entire person, along with his broken weapon, was completely swallowed by the invisible Four Symbols power, turning into nothingness, leaving not even a trace behind.

One fan!

With just one fan!

Seven or eight fierce Witch Clan warriors, along with that mid-stage Great Witch expert, all turned to ash and vanished!

On the sea, only a few wisps of lingering killing intent remained, along with the few True Dragons who had narrowly escaped death, their eyes wide with shock.

Dao Xuan retracted the Banana Fan, as if he had merely done something insignificant.

He swept his gaze across the sea, confirming that there were no more Witch Clan auras.

As for whether he feared offending the Witch Clan?

Dao Xuan chuckled inwardly.

My grand-disciple's ancestor is the Dao Ancestor of the Xuanmen, the Saint Hongjun who has attained the Dao!

My master is the head of the Three Pure Ones, the Taiqing Heavenly Venerate of Morality!

My martial uncles are the Jade Pure Primordial Heavenly Venerate and the Upper Pure Heavenly Venerate of Spiritual Treasures!

My backing is so strong it could shatter Buzhou Mountain!

Even the Twelve Ancestral Witches would have to think twice if they came in person!

You beat the young ones, and the old ones dare to come? Then it's time for my master and uncle to stretch their muscles!

"Thank you, immortal, for saving my life!"

The surviving red dragon recovered and twisted its massive body in the air, transforming into a mighty dragon general clad in red-gold scales, wearing a pearl crown, with a face like ripe dates and a short beard.

He, along with several dragon clan warriors behind him who had also transformed into human form and were covered in wounds, bowed their heads to Dao Xuan, their voices trembling with emotion.

"This humble dragon is Ao Jia, the eldest prince of the East Sea Dragon Palace! I thank the immortal for saving my life! If not for the immortal's intervention, my brothers and I would have met our demise today!"

Ao Jia? Dao Xuan's heart stirred slightly; he didn't recognize the name.

"There's no need for such formality." Dao Xuan raised his hand, and a gentle force lifted Ao Jia and the others.

"You are of the Dragon Clan, why did you come into conflict with the Witch Clan here?"

Hearing this, Ao Jia's face showed grief and helplessness.

"Reporting to the immortal! After the first Witch-Demon War, the majority of the Demon Clan migrated to the Heavenly Court, leaving few demons on the Great Desolation. The Witch Clan requires a large amount of blood essence for their cultivation, and ordinary demons are no longer enough for them to hunt..."

"Although our Dragon Clan resides peacefully in the four seas, we have a large population and reproduce quickly..."

Ao Jia's voice was bitter.

"Moreover... moreover, the Dragon Clan's physical bodies contain pure water essence and blood essence, which are greatly beneficial to the Witch Clan..."

"Therefore... for the past ten thousand years, the Witch Clan has frequently harassed the four seas, hunting our Dragon Clan citizens for food! Today, this humble dragon was leading a few brothers on patrol near the coast when we unfortunately encountered these ferocious witches..."

Dao Xuan understood after listening.

It was indeed survival of the fittest.

With the decline of the Dragon Clan, they had become prime "ingredients" in the eyes of the Witch Clan.

"So that's how it is." Dao Xuan nodded slightly, "The Witch Clan's actions are indeed overbearing."

"Immortal!" Ao Jia bowed again, his tone pleading, "The Witch Clan is powerful, and our Dragon Clan is weak. We suffer greatly! We implore the immortal's mercy to visit the East Sea Dragon Palace! My father, the Dragon King, will surely offer a generous reward for the immortal's life-saving grace!"

Dao Xuan pondered for a moment.

He had been looking for opportunities, and the East Sea Dragon Palace, as the head of the four seas, might hold other rewards.

Besides, the Dragon Clan was now somewhat under his "protection," so it wouldn't hurt to take a look.

"Very well, I shall accompany you."

"Thank you, immortal! Thank you, immortal!" Ao Jia and the other dragons were overjoyed and quickly led the way.

The Five Spirit Qilin strode across the waves, following Ao Jia and the others, parting the blue waves and heading straight into the deep sea.

Behold the underwater world:

Coral grew in abundance, and agate was piled high.

Turtle shells served as screens of jade, and pearl curtains hung like crystal.

Shrimp soldiers wielded halberds, standing in formation; crab generals wore helmets, patrolling with imposing might.

Everywhere were magnificent palaces and layered pavilions.

Before long, they saw a grand and magnificent crystal palace standing before them.

It was the East Sea Dragon Palace!

Constructed entirely from ten-thousand-year-old crystal, glazed tiles, conches, and agate.

Precious light emanated in all directions, and auspicious energy flowed in myriad streams.

The palace gates towered high, with four large golden characters inscribed above: "East Sea Dragon Palace."

Shrimp soldiers and crab generals had already announced their arrival.

A moment later, the palace gates opened wide.

A middle-aged Dragon King, clad in a dragon robe, wearing a pearl crown, with a face like a silver moon and three long beards flowing from his chin, exuding an aura of majesty and refinement, led a host of dragon princes, dragon grandchildren, turtle prime ministers, and whale strongmen, along with other aquatic officials, to personally welcome them outside the palace gates.

It was the East Sea Dragon King—Ao Guang!

"This humble dragon, Ao Guang, along with everyone in the East Sea Dragon Palace, respectfully welcomes the immortal's arrival!"

Ao Guang's voice was resonant, filled with excitement and reverence, as he bowed deeply to Dao Xuan.

The aquatic beings behind him all bowed in unison, creating a grand spectacle.

"There is no need for such formality, Dragon King." Dao Xuan dismounted from the Qilin and returned the bow calmly.

Ao Guang stepped forward, looking at Dao Xuan with eyes full of gratitude.

"My son Ao Jia has already relayed the message! If not for the immortal's timely intervention, my son and the other dragon clan youths would have met with disaster today! This kindness and debt are deeply etched in the hearts of all in the East Sea Dragon Palace!"

"It was merely a small effort, Dragon King, you are too kind." Dao Xuan smiled faintly.

"To the immortal, it was a small effort, but to our Dragon Clan, it was a life-saving grace!" Ao Guang said earnestly, "Please come inside quickly, immortal. This humble dragon has prepared a modest banquet to express our gratitude. We sincerely hope the immortal will grace us with your presence!"

Dao Xuan nodded, "Thank you for the trouble."

Ao Guang was overjoyed and personally led the way.

Dao Xuan was welcomed into the main hall of the magnificent, treasure-filled Crystal Palace.

A grand feast had already been prepared within.

Behold:

The tables were laden with delicacies, the seats arranged with a hundred flavors.

Jade nectar filled golden goblets, exotic fruits and rare flowers piled on jade stands.

Tiger liver and phoenix marrow were common fare, bear paws and ape lips hardly worth boasting about.

Furthermore, oyster girls danced, mermen presented pearls, immortal music drifted, and exotic fragrances filled the air.

Ao Guang invited Dao Xuan to take the main seat, while he, along with several dragon princes, grandsons, and turtle ministers, served as companions.

After three rounds of wine and five courses of food, The atmosphere gradually grew harmonious.

Ao Guang raised his cup again, toasting Dao Xuan.

"Esteemed Immortal, this humble dragon dares to ask. Just now, I heard my son mention that you referred to our Dragon Clan as affiliated with the Xuanmen, receiving your protection... Is this true?"

Ao Guang's eyes held anticipation, mixed with a hint of apprehension.

The hall fell silent instantly.

All the high-ranking members of the Dragon Clan held their breath, their gazes fixed on Dao Xuan.

Dao Xuan set down his jade cup, his gaze sweeping across the dragons in the hall, his voice calm yet possessing undeniable power:

"Naturally, it is true."

"In the past, during the Dragon-Han Initial Tribulation, the Dragon Clan was in decline. The Dragon King, understanding righteousness, offered the Ancestral Dragon Pearl and submitted to the Xuanmen, seeking protection."

"This pearl has been of great benefit to me."

Dao Xuan paused, seeing the sudden brilliance in Ao Guang's eyes.

"Since I have received your offerings, I shall naturally protect your clan."

"Today's events serve as proof."

"Dragon King, remember this."

Dao Xuan's voice deepened slightly, carrying a hint of admonishment.

"From this day forward, the Dragon Clan is an affiliate of my Xuanmen, protected by me, Dao Xuan."

"Within the Great Desolation, be it the Witches, Demons, or any other power."

"If anyone dares to bully the Dragon Clan without cause, or arbitrarily hunt down the Dragon Clan's citizens..."

Dao Xuan's gaze was like lightning, sweeping across the entire scene.

"They will be my enemy, Dao Xuan!"

"They will be the enemy of my masters, the Taiqing Dao Venerate, the Yuqing Dao Venerate, and the Shangqing Dao Venerate!"

"They will be the enemy of the Xuanmen's Dao Ancestor, the Saint Hongjun!"

"As for the consequences, you may ponder them yourselves!"

His voice was not loud, but it was like thunder from the nine heavens, exploding in the hearts of every water creature!

Ao Guang trembled all over, his jade cup nearly falling from his hand!

He suddenly stood up, his entire body shaking with excitement, tears streaming down his face!

"Esteemed Immortal! Esteemed Immortal, your great kindness! This humble dragon... this humble dragon..."

He choked, unable to speak, feeling as if the dark cloud that had hung over the Dragon Clan for tens of thousands of years had been completely dispersed at this moment!

The Ancestral Dragon Pearl! It was worth it!

It was a transaction with no cost and infinite profit, latching onto the mightiest leg in the Great Desolation!

"On behalf of the East Sea Dragon Clan, no! On behalf of the Four Seas Dragon Clan! I thank the Esteemed Immortal! I thank the Saint of the Xuanmen! I thank the Dao Ancestor!"

Ao Guang bowed his head to Dao Xuan with the reverence of pushing over a golden mountain and toppling a jade pillar!

"I thank the Esteemed Immortal! I thank the Saint of the Xuanmen! I thank the Dao Ancestor!"

All the dragons and high-ranking water creatures in the hall, regardless of their status, were deeply moved and knelt down in unison!

Their voices shook the Crystal Palace!

Dao Xuan accepted their reverence with composure.

He picked up his jade cup and took a sip of the jade nectar.

Looking at the dragons below, who were gratefully kowtowing, he mused inwardly:

"This 'most powerful connection' act, pulling this tiger's skin, was quite a stretch. However, the effect seems to be good."

"The first rule of survival in the Great Desolation: A strong background is the only true strength!"

The atmosphere in the hall instantly reached its peak.

Relief at surviving the tribulation, the ecstasy of having a powerful backer, and infinite longing for the future intertwined.

Immortal music began again, the dance more joyous.

Goblets clinked, hosts and guests alike enjoying themselves.

Dao Xuan sat in the main seat, enjoying the highest courtesy of the Dragon Clan.

Yet, in his heart, he was contemplating whether the depths of the East Sea Dragon Palace harbored other opportunities related to the Chaos Bead.