The Crouching Cloud Cold Pool.
Though it lay on the border between the two faiths, strictly speaking, this place was still no more than a remote backwater.
Yet aside from that meaningless label, no one would dare look down on it.
Not only was this cold pool a treasured site approaching the fifth grade... the Crouching Cloud dragon clan had also guarded it for many years.
Even in the Nine Provinces, such a force would be nothing to scoff at.
Of course.
The Crouching Cloud dragon clan had been able to establish itself securely on this borderland and keep a firm grip on this treasured site.
Beyond its own strength, the most crucial factor was the clan's backing.
But today.
Inside the vast, treasure-filled hall of the Dragon Palace, luminous pearls cast soft halos over the many rare treasures piled within, lending the place a sumptuous splendor.
The Eldest Young Master, Ao Jing, silently watched the figure above.
Before his eyes.
The Crouching Cloud Dragon King now bore none of his usual lofty majesty.
His back was slightly bowed as he nodded and bent obsequiously toward whoever was on the other end of the communication spell, his manner utterly humble.
"Yes... yes..."
"This humble king understands..."
As he spoke, fine beads of cold sweat slid down his temples, but the figure above clearly had no attention to spare for them.
Only after a long while.
The ripples of water suspended in midair gradually dimmed, and the Crouching Cloud Dragon King slowly dispelled the technique.
He straightened his back, and a gloomy look swiftly gathered between his brows.
"Father, has something happened?"
Standing nearby, the Third Prince, Ao Shen, finally lost his patience once the spell dispersed and asked with considerable agitation.
Just how powerful was their father?
He was a