Frost Path, Mist Gate, Seemingly Not of the Netherworld

"Sure enough, it is the prince. My respects." Qiu Yan followed the flow and bowed.

The young Ao Wai instead shook his head repeatedly, saying he dared not accept it. Then he said, "When we extended our invitation last time, Scholar was occupied with matters of great national importance and thus could not make the trip. My royal father considered it a regret. Now that he learned Scholar had finished his work and had a little leisure, he immediately sent this little dragon here to extend the invitation once more."

As his words fell, Ao Wai lightly moved his hands. A wisp of cold air emerged from them, coiling together before condensing into an invitation, which he respectfully presented.

Qiu Yan accepted the invitation and first glanced at the dragon prince. From his face and eyes, he could see a trace of yearning, and he understood the Well Dragon King's intentions as well.

Last time, he sent two shrimp soldiers, yet failed to bring me over. This time, he has even sent a dragon prince. He is clearly raising the stakes.

As though he had guessed some of Qiu Yan's thoughts, Ao Wai added, "Scholar, please understand. My royal father governs the water veins within the wells and cannot leave lightly. Otherwise, he would certainly have come in person."

Hearing this, Qiu Yan nodded and lowered his head to inspect the invitation in his hand, his gaze sweeping across it.

The wording was much the same as before. Though the phrasing differed slightly, the general meaning remained unchanged. But when his eyes fell upon the final line, he paused faintly.

There, written with perfect clarity, were the words: "Someone seeks to harm the True Dragon. This king knows a little of the matter. Should Scholar come, I shall naturally tell