Society Has No Trees That Reach the Sky

Beneath the icy pool lay a world of its own.

Several Flood Dragons parted the water, opening a broad passage as they carried the party steadily downward.

Along the way, brilliantly colored aquatic creatures swam between strangely shaped reefs.

No one knew how many hundreds of feet they had descended.

An immense palace complex suddenly came into view.

Its roof tiles were glazed glass, its steps white jade.

Luminous pearls studded the vaulted ceilings, illuminating a hundred miles around.

The palace gates towered high, bearing an inscription.

Crouching Cloud Dragon Palace.

The Flood Dragons slowly stopped before the entrance. Ao Shen smiled as he explained to the Black Mountain Bear Lord, "The other invited factions arrived several days ago. They're all seated inside already."

Then he paused before offering a well-meant reminder. "Though treasured lands changing hands is nothing unusual in the Outer Lands, the Azure Firmament Hermit held his territory for many years and had a few old acquaintances... please be prepared for that, Cave Master."

At those words,

the Black Mountain Bear Lord cupped his hands and replied in his rough voice, "...Thank you for the warning, Prince."

The party followed Ao Shen into the palace.

Before long,

they reached a magnificent grand hall.

The hall was already filled with figures.

Since not all the guests had arrived, the Crouching Cloud Dragon King had yet to appear.

Great Demons and cultivators from the various factions gathered in twos and threes, chatting among themselves.

After all, none of them knew exactly why the Crouching Cloud Dragon Palace had sent invitations far and wide.

But the factions of the Outer Lands usually fought their own battles.

Opportunities like this to exchange what they had and obtain what they lacked were rare.

Thus, to them, this gathering was itself a rare