Dragon Palace
At a glance, its aspect had changed enormously. Towering buildings and layered pavilions stood amid deep-set gates. In the courtyards, jade grasses and spirit ganoderma flourished in luxuriant growth. Further within, white jade served as pearls, coral stretched in slanting branches, glazed treasure trees stood tall, and rich fragrance filled the air.
"Aoo—"
Before one palace, pearl curtains hung down, their densely packed gems chiming melodiously whenever the wind blew. Upon the throne in the center, the Young Dragon let out a long cry. Though its voice was still tender, it delighted the Shell Maiden beyond measure.
The Shell Maiden's gaze fell behind the Young Dragon. Though its actual body was very small, the phantom behind it was a Red Dragon, vermilion scales and fiery mane, with wind, rain, clouds, and thunder faintly coiling about it.
"It is already approaching half the Divine Path Body of the Dragon Lord in those years."
Seeing the phantom swell by another circle in an instant, the Shell Maiden was overjoyed. "Congratulations, Your Highness!"
The Young Dragon asked somewhat blankly, "Is it a good thing or a bad thing for my Divine Path Body to grow so quickly?"
"Your Highness, how could this be a bad thing?" The Shell Maiden wore a palace gown, with brows and eyes like a painting and a waist slender enough to startle the wind. As she walked with swaying steps, ripples spread beneath her feet. She, too, had changed greatly from before.
"The Divine Path values power and authority. As your Divine Path Body gradually grows, not only will you be able to withstand calamities, but you will also be able to summon clouds and spread rain, fulfilling your heavenly duty."
"Once you fulfill your heavenly duty, there will be returns. The common people who receive