Someone Has to Take the Blame Anyway

Crab Emperor stepped forward with a solemn bow, his expression grave.

"Sir, this matter is absolutely true!"

"The sea clans have many branches, but only the Heavenly Dragon Merman Tribe is tyrannical beyond measure, enslaving humans under their rule—all because of their terrifying combat prowess. In secret, they have become the strongest force among the sea clans!"

"If you doubt my words, you may verify with Island Master Shi. The Dragon Emperor Ao Budong and his Four Dragon Generals are immensely powerful, their might shaking the East Sea for tens of thousands of miles. Even the ancient clans of our continent dare not provoke them!"

Yi Feng listened with growing interest, his eyes alight as he turned to Shi Tianchuan.

"Is this truly the case?"

Shi Tianchuan paused briefly before recounting all he knew.

"Sir, your discernment is wise."

"What Elder Xie has said, I too have heard in part."

"Dragon Emperor Ao Budong's cultivation is unfathomable. At least ten thousand years ago, he had already reached the peak of the Ninth Grade. As for his current strength, no one knows. And the Four Dragon Generals—rumor has it none of them fall below the Ninth Grade!"

"Indeed, with these five forces standing guard, few on the continent would dare provoke them!"

As the two spoke in succession, the other two great leaders exchanged silent glances of astonishment.

This wretched old Crab Emperor was truly cunning!

His words were half-truths, and even Shi Tianchuan couldn’t refute them. By leveraging the island master’s knowledge, he had successfully painted the Heavenly Dragon Merman Tribe as the strongest clan.

With just a few words, he had shifted the blame squarely onto Ao Budong’s shoulders!

Tsk tsk.

As expected.

The Heavenly Dragon Merman Tribe was doomed!

Though they inwardly mocked, the two great leaders had long steeled themselves—there was no room for mercy.

In the face of such a calamity, the survival of a single clan mattered little. They had thought the three of them would struggle to protect themselves, yet now, against all odds, there was a chance to preserve the sea clans. This was an unexpected stroke of fortune.

If the sea clans could truly be saved, then the Heavenly Dragon Merman Tribe’s sacrifice would not be in vain.

After all, someone had to take the blame.

If they must be blamed…

Then blame their blindness in failing to recognize true power!

Ao Budong, that old fool, had set his sights on the Skeleton Lord. And his son was even worse—daring to provoke Sir Yi Feng first. Truly, a father’s sins visited upon his son.

Like father, like son.

Both in such a hurry to meet their doom.

The Sea Emperor and Heavenly Emperor exchanged a covert glance before chiming in with "praise."

"Exactly so! The Heavenly Dragon Merman Tribe is invincible in might. Even if we old bones fought with our lives, victory would be uncertain. We place our hopes entirely in your hands, sir!"

"We swear—if the Heavenly Dragon Merman Tribe is not annihilated, we are unworthy of being called men!"

As the rallying cry echoed once more, the tension of impending battle thickened the air.

Yi Feng, too, finally felt his spirits rise.

The Heavenly Dragon Merman Tribe was truly this powerful?

A Dragon Emperor.

Four Dragon Generals!

It seemed a bloody battle was inevitable!

Considering their formidable strength, Yi Feng clasped his hands solemnly and responded.

"Gentlemen, we shall hold our ground on the island. No reckless moves—we wait for the Dragon Emperor and his Four Generals to come to us!"

The assembly bowed in unison, their voices thunderous.

...

Deep within the East Sea.

Heavenly Dragon Merman Tribe’s grand hall.

The opulent palace stood empty, devoid of its usual enchanting songstresses and stirring music. The vast hall, now absent of attendants, felt eerily desolate.

Upon the dragon-carved throne, a haggard Dragon Emperor sat with bloodshot eyes, staring blankly at the Water Spirit Pearl in his hands.

Perhaps he had grown accustomed to the sight.

Gazing at what was once the hideous form of a catfish, Ao Budong’s eyes welled with tears—somehow, he could still see traces of his son’s former handsome visage. The contrast now only fueled his rage, his teeth grinding in fury.

"Damn it…"

"Damn it all!"

"My Lie’er… reduced to such a wretched state!"

After a long bout of cursing, footsteps echoed from outside the hall.

The Dragon Emperor swiftly wiped away his tears, his expression regaining its imperial dignity as he raised his gaze.

Four towering figures strode in, clad in golden jade armor, their auras radiating terrifying bloodlust. Though none stood taller than ten feet, their mere presence chilled the entire hall!

"We pay respects to Your Majesty!"

Looking upon the awe-inspiring Four Dragon Generals, the Dragon Emperor’s eyes gleamed with authority.

"Rise, all of you."

The generals stood and voiced their grief-stricken resolve.

"Your Majesty! The Third Prince has fallen victim to foul play. No matter how powerful the enemy, we, as generals of the Heavenly Dragon Merman Tribe, cannot tolerate such humiliation! We are ready to fight!"

"The dignity of our tribe cannot be trampled upon. If this grudge goes unavenged, we are unworthy of our titles!"

"Your Majesty, the North Sea Emperor and the other elders are but flickering candles in their twilight years, too cowardly to act. But we fear no enemy—we will fight to the death!"

"Indeed! The Heavenly Dragon Merman Tribe bows to no foe!"

Hearing their fervent loyalty, Ao Budong felt a flicker of warmth in his heart.

But ever since returning to the palace, he had pondered the matter carefully.

The enemy possessed extraordinary techniques, annihilating tens of thousands of merman soldiers with a mere wave of their hand—their power defied comprehension. Initially, he had believed only the sea clan elders could oppose them, yet even those mighty figures had retreated in fear…

This alone proved the enemy was an existence the sea clans could never hope to challenge!

Blinded by rage that day, he had failed to think clearly.

Only upon reflection did cold sweat drench his back.

Now, Ao Budong had suppressed his hatred, his cold gaze sweeping over the Four Dragon Generals.

"Generals."

"Lie’er’s fate was a tribulation ordained by the heavens, beyond our power to alter. If destiny permits, he may yet regain his true form one day."

"From this moment onward, let this matter rest!"

His stern decree left the generals stunned.

Yet with the Dragon Emperor’s command issued, they could only bow in acceptance.

Once the matter was set aside, however, the fire in Ao Budong’s eyes still smoldered. His voice was icy as he spoke through clenched teeth.

"Lie’er’s misfortune began with the insolence of the humans from the East Sea’s Seventy-Two Islands. Conquering the East Sea was his final wish…"

Clearly,

If he could not take revenge on that skeleton, could he not at least vent his fury on the humans of the Seventy-Two Islands?

"By my decree!"

"In two days’ time, our entire tribe shall march! You four shall lead the vanguard. I, the Dragon Emperor, will personally oversee the conquest of the Seventy-Two Islands, fulfilling Lie’er’s last desire. Those ignorant humans who brought harm upon my son—they shall all perish!"

The Four Dragon Generals straightened, saluting with solemn resolve.

"We obey the Dragon Emperor’s command!"

Mobilizing the entire Heavenly Dragon Merman Tribe to crush the insignificant Seventy-Two Islands was indeed overkill, yet none raised objections. They understood their emperor’s wrath all too well.

After all,

They too could see the twisted logic—if this hatred found no outlet, how could the heart’s knot be undone?

Left to fester, it might even birth a demonic obsession!

Such was the way of the world. Someone had to take the blame.

And conveniently, the weak Seventy-Two Islands were the perfect target.

If they must be blamed…

Then blame their pitiful frailty!