Ao Yuan stopped outside the Three Immortal Islands, straightened his robes and headwear, and called out clearly:
"I am Ao Yuan, the East Sea Dragon King. By the Ancestral Dragon's command, I have come to pay my respects to Fellow Daoist Pan Xuan and Ancestral Witch Gong Gong."
His voice passed through the sea mist, reaching everyone on the Three Immortal Islands with perfect clarity.
Pan Xuan was explaining the duties of the Three Immortal Islands' deities to Xing Tian and the others. At the sound, he smiled faintly.
Sure enough, the Ancestral Dragon could no longer sit still.
He glanced at Gong Gong, who nodded slightly, and the two flew side by side toward the outskirts of the islands.
Above the sea, Ao Yuan stood with his hands behind his back, his Dragon Might restrained and his manner composed.
Seeing Pan Xuan and Gong Gong appear, he bowed slightly, respectful without being servile:
"Fellow Daoist Pan Xuan, Ancestral Witch Gong Gong. Greetings from Ao Yuan, the East Sea Dragon King."
Pan Xuan cupped his hands in return. "You are too courteous, Fellow Daoist Ao Yuan."
Ao Yuan smiled faintly and came straight to the point:
"Fellow Daoist Pan Xuan, your investiture of deities on the Three Immortal Islands has caused quite a stir.
"His Majesty the Ancestral Dragon sensed your arrival in the East Sea with Ancestral Witch Gong Gong and intended to welcome you personally. Unfortunately, His Majesty is bound by the Great Dao Oath to guard the sea eye forever and cannot leave at will.
"He therefore sent me to invite you both to the East Sea Dragon Palace for a conversation.
"His Majesty asks your forgiveness for being unable to welcome you in person."
These words were neither servile nor overbearing. They paid due respect and