Connections of the Dragon Emperor

The Dragon Emperor stepped through the void and emerged on the shore.

Behind him, Ao Chang followed closely, carefully cradling the Water Spirit Pearl containing the Catfish Prince in his hands.

After waiting a few moments,

the Dragon Emperor still hadn’t taken a single step forward.

Curious, Ao Chang raised his eyes, only to be met with confusion.

Before them lay nothing but ordinary rocks—the kind commonly seen along any coastline. It wasn’t a blessed paradise, nor was the scenery particularly remarkable.

Could a senior of the sea tribe really reside in such a place?

Ao Chang couldn’t help but feel doubtful. Cautiously, he stepped closer to seek guidance.

"Your Majesty,"

"Forgive my ignorance, but this seems like an ordinary place, with only a faint trace of spiritual energy..."

Hearing this,

the Dragon Emperor chuckled faintly, his hands clasped behind his back as he glanced sideways.

"Hah."

"You’re still too young."

As he spoke, the Dragon Emperor seemed to notice something and strode steadily onto the shore.

Ao Chang followed in bewilderment, unable to resist asking,

"What does Your Majesty mean by that? This humble subordinate is dull-witted and truly cannot see anything extraordinary about this place..."

The Dragon Emperor walked forward with measured steps, his expression growing increasingly composed.

"Never mind. It’s not your fault."

"A place like this—no one would believe it could be the dwelling of a senior from our sea tribe."

"Tell me, have you heard of the North Sea Emperor?"

The moment the question left his lips, Ao Chang responded excitedly.

"Your Majesty,"

"The North Sea Emperor is a legendary figure among our sea tribe! It’s said he has cultivated for over a hundred thousand years. Even among the prodigious North Sea Clan, he is hailed as an unparalleled powerhouse, so much so that he bears the clan’s sacred name ‘Kun.’ Such an ancient existence—of course, this humble subordinate has heard of him!"

The Dragon Emperor nodded slowly, a trace of nostalgia flashing in his eyes.

"It seems you do have some knowledge."

"Indeed, the North Sea Emperor’s talent is unmatched in this world, and his fame spreads far and wide among the sea tribes. But what you don’t know is that he has lived in seclusion for tens of thousands of years."

"Every year, between spring and summer, he resides along the coast like a mortal, tempering his mind in hopes of mastering the supreme divine ability to transform into clouds and ascend to an even higher realm."

"Twenty thousand years ago, I had the fortune of meeting the North Sea Emperor. Since then, we’ve become close friends. Even now, I can hardly believe such a chance encounter would lead me back to this place."

As he reminisced,

the old Dragon Emperor’s unintentional display of his terrifying connections left Ao Chang utterly awestruck. The subordinate became a starry-eyed admirer, showering his liege with reverent praise the entire way.

After walking for some time,

finally, a thatched cottage came into view.

Ao Budong stood with his hands behind his back, gazing ahead with an expectant smile.

Behind him, Ao Chang was trembling with excitement, pointing with a shaking finger as he stared in disbelief!

"Your Majesty! Th-this… this!"

"Is this the legendary abode of the North Sea Emperor?!"

Ao Budong nodded calmly, a hint of pride flashing in his eyes.

"Correct."

"You’ve finally shown some insight. This is indeed Brother Chang’s residence. Though he and I are close friends, and this trip is sure to succeed, you must not show the slightest disrespect later. Understood?"

Ao Chang nodded like a chick pecking at grain, his eyes brimming with excitement.

"This subordinate obeys!"

With overwhelming excitement, Ao Chang followed the Dragon Emperor forward, his heart pounding so fiercely he felt more nervous than when he had first met the Dragon Emperor himself!

As soon as the two stepped into the thatched cottage,

a voice weathered by time greeted them warmly.

"An old friend comes from afar—what joy."

"Please, come inside."

Just those few words carried the aura of a transcendent expert!

Before they had even entered, the North Sea Emperor had already discerned everything. Ao Chang’s heart drummed wildly in his chest, his eyes filled with admiration. With such a mighty figure’s help, all their troubles would surely be resolved!

Before he could steady his nerves,

the old Dragon Emperor smiled and gestured for him to follow.

Ao Chang was even more ecstatic!

Who would have thought he, too, would have the honor of stepping into the North Sea Emperor’s dwelling?

Tsk.

In all the East Sea, how many could boast such a privilege?

This was something to brag about for a lifetime!

One after the other, they entered the cottage.

Inside, a simple tea table awaited them, with two cups of freshly brewed tea already prepared. Seated calmly was an elderly man with a kindly face, his silver hair like fine silk, his complexion still glowing with vigor, and eyes so profound they seemed unfathomable.

At the first glimpse of his true appearance, Ao Chang nearly prostrated himself in reverence!

"Gentlemen, please enjoy the tea."

Hearing that serene voice, his heart nearly leapt out of his throat!

The North Sea Emperor had offered him tea!

Even if it was only out of respect for His Majesty, this was an immense honor.

With such connections, this grand undertaking was as good as done!

Only after the old Dragon Emperor accepted his cup

did the trembling Ao Chang dare to bow and carefully take his own. Though he didn’t dare sit, he stood obediently outside the door, cradling the cup with pride, feeling as if he were floating on air.

Once they were alone,

after a few polite exchanges,

Dragon Emperor Ao Budong also felt his prestige swell, brimming with confidence for their mission.

After a brief pause,

he finally spoke steadily, laying out his request to Senior Chang.

"Senior Chang,"

"This junior’s visit is abrupt, but I am left with no choice."

"My son, Ao Lie, encountered several formidable beings and was inexplicably injured, reduced to a mere fish. Tens of thousands of our clansmen were slaughtered, and I lack the strength to seek vengeance. Thus, I shamelessly come to beg for your assistance!"

Hearing this, the North Sea Emperor’s eyes darkened!

"Such a thing happened?"

"Outsiders dare to wreak havoc in the East Sea? Do they think that just because I’ve retired, they can bully our sea tribe?!"

As the furious words rang out, everything unfolded as expected.

Ao Budong also wore a pained expression, pouring out his grievances.

"Alas!"

"To speak frankly—this junior’s cultivation is feeble. I couldn’t even break their strange techniques, let alone oppose them. Those creatures bullied the weak without reason—it infuriates me to no end!"

"In my desperation, I had no choice but to trouble you, Senior, for help!"

At this point,

faced with the plight of his fellow sea tribesmen and an old friend’s plea, how could he turn a blind eye?

The North Sea Emperor slammed the tea table in fury, his voice booming with authority!

"Outrageous!"

"To act with such arrogance in the East Sea, humiliating our sea tribe—do they think I’ll stand by and watch? Brother, tell me at once, who are these outsiders?"

Ao Budong was invigorated. He quickly shared all he knew, his tone growing even more familiar.

"Brother Chang, you understand!"

"Those creatures are unlike anything I’ve ever seen. I don’t know where they came from, but their leader wielded bizarre powers—a skeleton!"

The moment the words left his mouth,

the North Sea Emperor’s eyes suddenly darkened, his imposing aura faltering slightly.

After a dazed pause, a complex mix of shock and suspicion surfaced in his gaze.

"A… skeleton?"