The elegant hall was clean and plain, quite unlike the Dragon Palace's usual magnificent splendor.
Li Ping'an sat opposite the Dragon King, a game of go laid out before them.
Clearly, however, the Dragon King's mind was not on the board at all.
The Third Young Master stood to one side with his hands behind his back, looking humble yet somewhat defiant.
Had his uncle not flown into a towering rage, he would never have stood here.
Bowing and scraping to a human cultivator.
"Since the treasure ship has been destroyed, please state whatever demands you have, sir.
"Though this old Dragon King's Dragon Palace may not catch your discerning eye, it still holds many treasures worth a look.
"Should you want them, I will give them all to you as gifts of apology."
The Dragon King spoke tentatively, watching Li Ping'an's expression as he did.
"You are too kind, Dragon King. This was a grievance between the Third Young Master and me.
"It has nothing to do with you. What compensation could there be to speak of?"
The Dragon King's heart tightened, and he hurriedly said, "It was indeed my fault. This old dragon failed to discipline his child properly. I have made a fool of myself before you, sir."
Li Ping'an said breezily, "That much is true. You have indeed indulged him too much, Dragon King."
As he spoke, his gray eyes remained fixed on the board.
He did not look at the Third Young Master.
The Third Young Master clenched his fists, the corners of his eyes twitching slightly.
Yet he forced himself to swallow it.
For him, that was already no easy feat.
The Dragon King chuckled, then turned and rebuked his nephew. "Hurry up and apologize to the gentleman."
"Come here!"
Reluctantly, the Third Young