"That may be so, but I fear the King of Hell will be easy to deal with... while the little devils prove troublesome."
Xuan Di stroked his beard as he spoke.
Given the Dragon Lord's exalted status, why would he spare a glance for lesser cultivators, even at a birthday banquet held in his honor? The dragon sons and grandsons beneath him, however, would be harder to handle. Humans and demons belonged to different kinds; Xuan Di's concerns were not without reason.
"It is his birthday, after all. This Pivot Thunder Dragon Lord once accepted an imperial appointment from the Immortal Mansion, charged with commanding thunder and bringing rain. Even though the Celestial Court is no more, that connection should leave him well disposed toward immortal cultivators. Those below follow the example set above... surely they won't make things too ugly."
Xuan Guang voiced his conjecture quietly, though dragons had always acted imperiously, and he could not be entirely certain.
"Then who would be best to send?"
"Let Junior Sister Xuan Xi make the trip."
"Junior Sister Xuan Xi is in seclusion refining her divine powers. I doubt she can spare the time just now."
"Then have True Person Li Xia go."
"That would work, but True Person Li Xia has little lifespan remaining and already has one foot in the grave. I fear he may not be up to the task."
"Hmm..."
Between questions and answers, the two considered several candidates, none quite suitable. The sect had only so many True Persons, and they had nearly named every last one.
"Then send Xuan Yi. With such handsome looks and excellent bearing, no one could be more suitable."
Only at the end did Xuan Guang suggest the newly advanced True Person of Grace and Bearing.
Unexpectedly, Xuan Di refused outright,