"Your Majesty, Saint Zhenyuanzi has opened the Earth Dao Shop, and Saint Sanqing has opened the Sanqing Shop as well. I hear that Great Luo Golden Immortals visit every day. The volume of trade is unprecedented."
An elder spoke up. "Our Dragon Clan commands the Four Seas, rich in resources: pearls and coral, rare minerals from the sea floor, and pills and treasures unique to our clan. They're piled high as mountains.
"If we opened a Dragon Race Shop, we could exchange these goods for merit and fortune, or trade them for rare spiritual materials from the land. It would greatly benefit our clan."
Another elder frowned. "That may be so, but the Trading Net was established jointly by the Heaven, Earth, and Human Three Daos, and the shop system was created by Saint Zhenyuanzi.
"Though our Dragon Clan is one of the Ancient Three Clans and has a deep foundation, it would still be unwise to open a shop without permission. It might be seen as an overreach.
"We should first visit Longevity Mountain and seek Saint Zhenyuanzi's approval."
Ancestor Dragon pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "You both make good points.
"Pass down my command: prepare a generous gift and appoint Ao Qin as our envoy. Have him visit Longevity Mountain to pay his respects to Saint Zhenyuanzi and consult him about opening a shop."
Ao Qin was a middle-aged-looking dragon and one of the Dragon Clan's great elders. His cultivation had reached Peak Great Luo Golden Immortal, and his steady, careful manner had earned him Ancestor Dragon's deep trust.
He stepped forward in response and bowed. "I obey, Your Majesty. But... may I ask what gift we should prepare?"
Ancestor Dragon thought briefly, then suddenly remembered something. A glint flashed in his eyes. "Is the Nine