Outside the Heavenly Emperor's Treasury, East Sea.
Four months passed in the turning of time.
Moon Venerable of the Supreme Dharma Sect used the dreamlike, illusory Immortal's Tear as a guide, forcing open a narrow crack in the treasury gates.
The Dragon Clan's three Dragon Kings immediately manifested their true forms and used supreme force to hold open the widening fissure.
Disciples from the various sects were successively received out through the crack. Every one of them looked wan and depleted, clearly having endured countless perils within the treasury.
When the figure of Ao Qing, the Western Sea Dragon King, finally stepped through the fissure, tens of thousands of Sea Clan members upon the rippling blue sea erupted in cheers, their voices booming like thunder.
"Second Sister, are you all right?"
"Second Sister!"
The East Sea and North Sea Dragon Kings hurried forward, their voices full of concern. Born of the same mother and bound by blood, their affection ran deep.
Though Ao Qing's face was pale, she still forced a smile. "I'm fine."
Ao Guang, the East Sea Dragon King, narrowed his eyes, but his gaze fell upon the black-clad, barefoot youth standing before Ao Qing. His expression suddenly froze as he asked tensely,
"Fore...Ancestor?"
Ao Ming gave a faint nod. His gaze had already passed over everyone and turned toward the boundless sea and sky.
Feeling the familiar yet unfamiliar scent of wind and waves outside, he drew a deep breath.
"At last... I'm out."
The Dragon Clan's other three Dragon Kings were overjoyed. This journey into the Heavenly Emperor's Treasury had fulfilled their wish of rescuing the Dragon Ancestor.
They had lost four princes in exchange for one distant ancestor. They knew perfectly well which mattered more.
Besides, the East Sea's prince had returned unharmed.
It could