Ren Sea, Water Palace.
Netherglow and lightning shifted within the Bronze Gate of the Main Palace. Upon entering, one saw two figures standing in attendance in the ink-dark hall: an elderly cultivator draped in a heavy black robe, and a woman wearing array robes patterned with white butterflies.
Another figure sat upon the main seat carved from black jade, Dragon Qi flickering around him as his triangular flood-dragon eyes swept downward.
"Now, the Southern Sea, north as far as Vermilion Cliff and west as far as Black Marsh, should in principle fall under our palace's rule. But the waters are vast, and we cannot govern them all. Several Immortal Dao lineages also lie within them, such as the Clear Vast Way and the Flow-Resigning lineage."
"The Clear Vast Way lies southwest of Heaven Pool. Its heritage is ancient, and it remains untouched by worldly affairs. How do you think we should handle it?"
Xu Xuan had already explained the Southern Sea's situation in detail, including Azure Leaf Sky, the struggle over Jia Wood, and everything concerning Pan Sea and Eastern Azure.
Below him, Hou Ni's expression darkened slightly, as though something had come to mind. He stepped forward and bowed.
"Your Majesty, this should be a branch of the Eastern Radiance Dao Lineage, the Azure Origin Lower Lineage.
"Ancient Immortal Jiansui once had many disciples whose Daoist names began with 'Qing.' Among them was one who cultivated a Clear Qi retainer position, honored as [Qingxu]. He established his lineage on the southern mountain, and should be the source of this Clear Vast Way."
"In years past, our court received the Dao from the first master of Lesser Yang, and later received guidance from the Returning Daoist. In principle, we too have close ties to the Eastern Radiance branch."
Hou Ni's