"Divine halberds and ghostly lightning dance across Southern Heaven" - A sword lights the boundless sea, its radiance shines upon an army of tigers and wolves

At midnight, the demon soldiers and divine generals sharpening their weapons and readying their steeds throughout Wave-Subduing Island suddenly saw seven or eight brilliant yellow ribbons of light rise above the Dragon King's great tent. They swayed in the wind like glowing waterweeds drifting with the current. Everyone knew at once that the Four Rivers Dragon Lord was summoning the gods to his tent for a council.

Xing Yan was still resting against Lingyi with his eyes closed, his mind utterly tranquil. Only when Qiong Rong happened to turn, spotted the light within the island, and exclaimed did he sense that surge of spiritual power. Looking back at the radiance above the tent, he sprang to his feet and hurried toward the inner island with the girls.

When they reached the Dragon King's great tent, Xing Yan saw Kun Xiang, Ironcliff, and several others waiting outside. As soon as he arrived, the Demon Race leaders eagerly came forward to accompany him, ushering him into the command tent with an escort before and behind. Once inside, he was still looking around to see where he should stand when the elderly Four Rivers Dragon Lord, seated at the center beneath the glow of luminous pearls, called to him:

"My worthy grandson-in-law, come forward and speak!"

Lord of the Clouds addressed him so warmly that Xing Yan blushed a little. Still, he hastily answered, released the small hand Qiong Rong had wrapped around his, and stepped forward to receive his orders. After hearing the old Dragon Lord out, he finally understood that the important matter mentioned that evening was chiefly something the Dragon Lord wished to discuss with him. The old Dragon Lord declared in a resounding voice:

"None of you should accuse me of favoritism. This worthy grandson-in-law of mine has never