Dragon Clan Visitor

The aftermath of the preliminary drill for the Ten Thousand Immortals Formation had yet to fully subside on Golden Turtle Island when another eye-catching matter arrived hot on its heels.

Early that morning, the disciples patrolling the seas around Golden Turtle Island sent back an urgent report—the East Sea Dragon Palace's ceremonial procession was already a hundred li away!

The news spread, immediately causing quite a stir across the island.

Though the Dragon Clan had declined from its former glory after the collapse of the ancient Demon Court and the Dragon-Phoenix Tribulation, and was now bound by the Heavenly Court's investiture—

It had once been one of the Primordial World's overlords. Its foundations remained, and its rule over the Four Seas still made it a powerful force that could not be overlooked.

The East Sea in particular bordered Golden Turtle Island. Though the two sides had never been close, they had kept to their own waters and maintained a surface-level harmony.

Why had the Dragon Palace now taken the initiative to send a formal procession?

Upon hearing the news, Xuan Chuan pondered briefly and guessed seven or eight parts out of ten.

He summoned Zhao Gongming and Yunxiao, then sent people to invite Duobao Daoist, Golden Spirit Holy Mother, and the other core disciples to discuss how they should receive the guests.

"The Dragon Clan has come with no small display this time. They must either seek something or wish to show goodwill."

Xuan Chuan went straight to the point. "I suspect it has something to do with our previous rescue of the Human Race tribe on the Eastern Sea Coast and the elimination of the demonic beast threat."

Lady Yunxiao was quick-witted and perceptive. She nodded. "Senior Brother is exactly right.

Though the Human Race tribe on the Eastern Sea Coast is not directly under the Dragon Clan's jurisdiction, it lives along the East Sea's shores. Whether it prospers in peace concerns the order of the coastal waters and indirectly affects the Dragon Clan's prestige and offerings.

When we acted to quell the demonic beast menace and save the tribe, we helped the Dragon Clan avoid some trouble and preserved the East Sea's peace. That is the first reason."

Zhao Gongming took over. "Second, the Dragon Clan has probably heard that we drilled the Ten Thousand Immortals Formation—that Senior Brother withstood a Taiyi Golden Immortal, and even... that Master exchanged blows across the distance with that person."

He lowered his voice. "Though the Dragon Clan lives secluded within the Four Seas, how could they not know the greater currents of the Primordial World? The Investiture of the Gods Tribulation has begun, and they must be watching as well.

Under Senior Brother's reforms, our Jiejiao has taken on an entirely new air and revealed its sharp edges. They have likely come now with thoughts of forming ties—or even an alliance."

Duobao Daoist stroked his beard in contemplation. "The Dragon Clan is in a delicate position. The Heavenly Court restrains them from above, the Four Seas are not entirely peaceful, and ancient karmic entanglements still bind them.

It would indeed benefit them to form a good affinity with our Jiejiao and become mutual support for one another.

Still, the Dragon Clan has always been cautious. Their envoy's visit is likely more a test and an expression of goodwill. A true alliance will require time and the right opportunity."

Golden Spirit Holy Mother added, "No matter what, the Dragon Clan's initiative in visiting us is a good thing.

Our Jiejiao teaches without distinction and forms good affinities far and wide—that is the proper path. Let us see what they intend, and receive them with courtesy."

Once the matter had been settled, Xuan Chuan ordered the guest passage outside the island opened and some of the defensive restrictions withdrawn as a sign of sincerity.

At the same time, he personally led Duobao, Jin Ling, Zhao Gongming, the Three Xiao Sisters, and the other core disciples to the Welcoming Immortals Platform at Golden Turtle Island's outskirts to wait.

Before long, auspicious clouds gathered where sea and sky met in the east, while a thousand streams of blessed radiance unfurled.

First came ranks of shrimp soldiers and crab generals in helmets and armor, bearing banners, axes, and halberds. Though their cultivation was generally not high, their ranks were orderly and their bearing solemn.

They were followed by several dozen clam maidens and palace attendants carrying fragrant flowers and lanterns, scattering rippling light and an elegant, delicate fragrance.

Eight flood dragons pulled a magnificent yet dignified jade carriage, riding the waves and cleaving the sea as they approached.

Several Dragon Clan elders with profound auras accompanied the carriage. They had already taken human form, and all possessed Golden Immortal or even Taiyi Golden Immortal cultivation.

At the heart of the procession, the jade carriage came to a halt. Its pearl curtain was lifted, and an elderly man emerged slowly, crowned and clad in the robes of a Dragon King. His imposing face carried a touch of benevolence.

He moved with the gait of a dragon and the stride of a tiger. Wind and rain seemed to follow him, while the faint sound of ocean waves echoed around him. He was none other than the East Sea Dragon King—Ao Guang!

Xuan Chuan and the others were inwardly startled. They had assumed that the Dragon Clan would at most send a prince or an important elder, but the Dragon King himself had come! This courtesy could not be called anything less than weighty.

"Your Majesty the Dragon King's personal arrival has brought honor to Golden Turtle Island's humble abode. This junior, Xuan Chuan, welcomes you here on behalf of his fellow disciples."

Xuan Chuan stepped forward and offered the courtesy due from a junior. His voice was clear and resonant, neither servile nor overbearing.

Ao Guang's gaze swept across Xuan Chuan before shifting to Duobao, Jin Ling, and the others behind him, whose auras were deep as abyssal waters. A flicker of barely perceptible gravity and admiration passed through his eyes as he quickly returned the salute.

"Little Friend Xuan Chuan, you are too courteous! All of you Jiejiao exalted cultivators are accomplished seekers of the Dao. My unannounced visit is already an intrusion—how could I dare accept the word 'welcome'? Please, rise quickly."

After the greetings, the atmosphere was harmonious. Ao Guang also made a point of exchanging a few pleasantries with veteran experts such as Duobao Daoist and Golden Spirit Holy Mother, showing them the utmost respect.

They welcomed the guests into the island and held a banquet in a side hall of Biyou Palace. It was not a feast of rare delicacies and jade dishes, but one of immortal fruits and spirit springs—light and refined, with the emphasis on discussing the Dao and exchanging insights.

After three rounds of wine, Ao Guang set down his jade cup, looked at Xuan Chuan, and said seriously, "Little Friend Xuan Chuan, to be frank, I have come here for two reasons: first, to offer thanks; second, to form a friendship."

"Oh? What does Your Majesty mean?" Xuan Chuan asked, feigning ignorance.

"Why be so modest, Little Friend?" Ao Guang said with a smile. "Previously, a Human Race tribe on the Eastern Sea Coast was ravaged by demonic beasts and stood on the brink of disaster.

Fortunately, you led Jiejiao's outstanding disciples to act righteously. Not only did you pacify the demonic calamity and rescue the common people from fire and water, you also rooted out the mastermind behind it and restored peace to the East Sea.

This greatly aided my Dragon Clan in maintaining stability along the nearby waters and fulfilling our duty to protect living beings. On behalf of the East Sea Dragon Palace, I have come especially to offer my thanks!"

With a wave of his hand, a Dragon Clan elder behind him presented a white jade tray holding three items.

The first was a deep-blue pearl the size of a fist, shrouded in dense water-spirit essence and faint dragon might.

"This is the Vast Sea Spirit Pearl. It is born within ten-thousand-zhang sea eyes, and only one forms every ten thousand years. It contains pure innate water essence and is of great benefit to cultivating water-element techniques or refining water-element treasures."

The second was an unusual coral sealed within transparent crystal. Its branches resembled dragons, its entire body was crimson-gold, and flickering firelight flowed within it.

"This is Dragonblood Fire Coral, formed when the essence blood of an ancient fire dragon fell upon an undersea spirit vein. It embodies the mysteries of both water and fire, can harmonize yin and yang, and is also a supreme refining material."

The third was a token neither gold nor jade, engraved with a nine-clawed dragon pattern.

"This is the Four Seas Transit Token. Whoever bears this token may receive conveniences from my Dragon Clan anywhere within the Four Seas. Should they encounter danger, they may also use it to seek aid from the nearest Dragon Palace.

It may not be a great treasure, but it represents a measure of friendship from my Dragon Clan."

The three gifts could be called exceedingly sincere. They were both precious and practical, and they further demonstrated the Dragon Clan's stance.

Xuan Chuan rose and solemnly accepted the tray. "Your Majesty's generous gifts are more than Xuan Chuan deserves. Seeing injustice and lending a hand is simply what cultivators of our generation ought to do.

To receive such friendship from the Dragon Clan is Jiejiao's good fortune." He did not decline them, accepting them openly. That bearing only deepened the admiration in Ao Guang's eyes.

"Refreshing!" Ao Guang clapped his hands, though his tone shifted slightly as he sighed. "The Primordial World now appears calm, but beneath the surface, dark currents surge.

The wheel of fate turns, and the killing tribulation is about to rise. Even the Four Seas may find it difficult to remain untouched.

Though my Dragon Clan dwells in the sea regions and wishes to preserve peace in one corner of the world, our strength falls short of our will. Ah, these karmic entanglements."

Those words carried an obvious hint.

Xuan Chuan understood at once and replied, "Your Majesty need not worry too greatly. Though the Heavenly Dao is ever-changing, it always leaves behind a thread of life.

Our Jiejiao upholds the intent of 'seizing that thread of life,' and we are willing to seek it alongside all people of insight beneath heaven, to cross the waves of tribulation together. Peace in the Four Seas is also part of peace in the Primordial World.

If the Dragon Clan has need, then wherever Jiejiao is able, we will naturally not stand by with folded sleeves."

He did not directly promise an alliance, but he expressed goodwill and a willingness to cooperate, while placing their relationship in exactly the proper position—

They would "seek survival together" and "cross the waves of tribulation together," rather than establish a one-sided dependence or protection.

A gleam flashed in Ao Guang's eyes. He knew the other side understood his meaning and had given a positive yet prudent response. He laughed heartily.

"Good! What a 'seek survival together'! Little Friend Xuan Chuan possesses extraordinary insight. Under the guidance of Fellow Daoist Tongtian and yourself, Jiejiao will surely stand firm amid the waves of tribulation!

To meet you and all these exalted cultivators today is truly a blessing! From now on, the East Sea Dragon Palace and Golden Turtle Island must visit one another often!"

"Just so." Xuan Chuan smiled and raised his cup.

The two sides conversed for a long while longer before Ao Guang finally took his leave with his entourage, the great procession departing in grand array.

After seeing off the Dragon Palace delegation, Duobao Daoist looked at the tray in Xuan Chuan's hands and said with feeling,

"The Dragon Clan has shown considerable sincerity this time. Though they did not explicitly speak of an alliance, this good affinity has already been forged. It is also a good thing for our Jiejiao."

Xuan Chuan nodded, storing away the Vast Sea Spirit Pearl and Dragonblood Fire Coral before handing the Four Seas Transit Token to Zhao Gongming.

"Junior Brother Gongming, you have broad connections and often travel abroad. You should keep this token—it may prove useful."

Zhao Gongming did not decline. He accepted the token and chuckled. "The Dragon Palace has quite a few treasures. When there is time, I ought to pay them more visits."

Everyone laughed.

Xuan Chuan gazed toward the point where the Dragon Palace procession had vanished into the meeting of sea and sky, his eyes profound.

The Dragon Clan's goodwill was the first formal recognition and olive branch Jiejiao had received from a major force of the Primordial World after changing its course.

This was only the beginning.

The road ahead would still require more "good affinities" and greater strength to pave it together.

(End of chapter)