Beneath the cold pool lay another world.
Several flood dragons parted the currents, opening a broad passage through the water as they carried the party steadily downward.
Along the way, colorful aquatic creatures swam past, weaving between oddly shaped reefs.
No one knew how many hundreds of feet they had descended.
An enormous palace complex suddenly came into view.
Its roofs were glazed glass, its steps white jade.
Luminous pearls studded the vaulted ceilings, illuminating a hundred miles around.
The palace gates towered high, bearing four characters.
Woyun Dragon Palace.
The flood dragons slowly stopped before the palace gates. Ao Shen smiled as he explained to the Black Mountain Bear Lord, "The other factions invited this time arrived several days ago. They're already seated inside."
Then he paused before offering a well-meant reminder. "Though a treasured domain changing hands is hardly unusual in the Outer Lands, the Azure Firmament Hermit held sway there for many years and had a few old acquaintances. Regarding that... please be prepared, Grotto Master."
At those words,
the Black Mountain Bear Lord cupped his hands and answered gruffly, "...Thank you for the warning, Your Highness."
The party followed Ao Shen into the palace.
Before long,
they reached a magnificent, imposing hall.
The hall was already filled with figures.
Since not everyone had arrived, the Woyun Dragon King had yet to appear.
The Great Demons and cultivators from the various factions gathered in twos and threes, chatting among themselves.
After all, although they did not know why the Woyun Dragon Palace had sent invitations far and wide this time,
the factions of the Outer Lands usually fought their own battles.
An opportunity like this to exchange what they had for what they lacked was rare.
Thus, this gathering was itself a rare occasion for them.
When