I, the spirit of the primitive land, have the ability to understand the universe and prove the origin of the universe
Chapter 18 - The Dragon Palace's Predicament, Ao Shun's Grand Gesture

Chapter 18: The Dragon Palace’s Predicament, Ao Shun’s Grand Gesture

As soon as Ao Shun spoke, the atmosphere in the room suddenly cooled.

Zhong Yue turned to look at Ao Shun, completely surprised that Ao Shun had chosen to point out his own shortcomings.

Seeing that Zhong Yue said nothing, Ao Shun let out a small laugh.

“Fellow Daoist, there is no need to be so concerned. There is nothing in this matter that cannot be discussed.”

“Considering you are Qianqian’s master, I will speak a few words from the heart.”

As Ao Shun spoke, a bitter smile appeared on his face.

“To be honest, I never wanted it to come to this, but the situation is beyond my control.”

Zhong Yue said nothing, simply listening as Ao Shun continued.

“Many years ago, during the war of the Three Clans, we fought for control over the land of the heavens. The Dragon, Phoenix, and Qilin clans all suffered heavy losses. To say they were on the brink of extinction would not be an exaggeration.”

“Eventually, the ancestral dragon made a grand vow: our Dragon Clan would forever guard the four seas and oversee the waterways. It was said to be for the accumulation of merit, but in truth, it was a lifelong imprisonment.”

“The Phoenix and Qilin clans suffered similarly. None of them ended up with a good fate. I am sure you already know the aftermath.”

At this point, Ao Shun paused and glanced at Zhong Yue.

Zhong Yue nodded slightly. He was naturally aware of the subsequent events, though the details were unclear. However, he had a general understanding—such as the battle between the Dao and the Demon, and Hong Jun achieving enlightenment—these memories were etched in his consciousness.

“But what people don’t know,” Ao Shun continued, “is how far the Three Clans have fallen.”

“To give an example, the Qilin clan once resided at Buzhou Mountain, but since then, no pureblooded Qilin has been seen in the wasteland.”

“The Yuanshen Phoenix suppresses the Undying Volcano, and the Phoenix clan is completely extinct. As for our Dragon Clan, though we haven’t perished, there are only a few old and young left.”

“Don’t laugh, fellow Daoist. Even though I am a Da Luo Golden Immortal, the ancestral sins of my clan weigh heavily on me. I have become the strongest remaining member of the Northern Sea Dragon Clan who can still move freely.”

As Ao Shun spoke, sadness appeared on his face, and the sorrow in his eyes moved even Zhong Yue.

Ao Shun’s current situation was like that of a rich young heir who expected to live a life of luxury, only to see his family fall into ruin. Not only did he not enjoy the wealth he once anticipated, but he was now forced to shoulder the responsibility alone, a bitterness he alone understood.

However, Zhong Yue remained silent. He did not believe that Ao Shun was merely expressing his emotions. There was definitely something more behind this.

Indeed, Zhong Yue was correct.

After venting his emotions, Ao Shun suddenly clapped his hands.

Immediately, three maidens entered, each holding a tray. On the trays were three items: a miniature tree, a magical mirror, and a spiritual sword.

Ao Shun no longer hid his intentions and smiled.

“To be honest, I have something to ask of you.”

Upon hearing this, Zhong Yue immediately stood, preparing to leave. The predicament of the Dragon Palace was not something he could resolve.

In fact, not even the Three Pure Ones would be able to help.

The Three Clans’ war had offended the Heavenly Dao. The overwhelming karmic debt was something even a Saint would struggle with, let alone his small frame.

However, just as he was about to move, Ao Shun quickly stopped him.

“Fellow Daoist, please wait. Allow me to finish speaking.”

Zhong Yue paused, a helpless expression on his face.

“Dragon King, you should know that I have no intention, nor the ability, to interfere with the Dragon Clan’s matters.”

“My purpose in coming here is simply to return Qianqian, as a favor for the Innate Water Spirit Pearl.”

“This is not about Dragon Clan matters,” Ao Shun clarified.

At these words, Zhong Yue was even more puzzled.

If this is not a matter of the Dragon Clan, then what is with the feasts and the gifts? What is the real motive?

For a moment, Zhong Yue found himself at a loss.

“To be honest,” Ao Shun continued, “my visit is for Qianqian.”

“Qianqian?” Zhong Yue asked.

“Yes, it is indeed for Qianqian.”

Ao Shun nodded slightly, his expression growing more serious.

“I hope that you will accept Qianqian as your disciple, a true disciple, not just a named disciple.”

Upon hearing this, Zhong Yue immediately understood, but he fell into silence again.

Accepting Ao Qianqian as a disciple had initially been out of amusement. The little girl was interesting, and he had also wanted the Water Spirit Pearl. Hence, he had reluctantly agreed.

But in truth, Zhong Yue hadn’t taken it seriously. He had simply regarded her as a named disciple.

What is a named disciple?

It means their name is recorded, but the master doesn’t concern themselves with the disciple’s matters, occasionally passing on a few techniques.

Such a relationship could be called a disciple, but in reality, the bond was quite weak.

However, Ao Shun’s meaning was now clear: he wanted Zhong Yue to accept Ao Qianqian as an official disciple, not just a named one.

But accepting Ao Qianqian as a formal disciple would also mean Zhong Yue could not avoid many of the Dragon Clan’s affairs.

Perhaps he wouldn’t need to get too involved, but her life, as his disciple, would need his protection.

What does it mean to be a master?

To be a teacher and a father, this was just how it was. At that time, protecting Ao Qianqian would be a matter of course, and he need not dwell on it.

However, this was almost impossible for Zhong Yue, who disliked trouble.

“Fellow Daoist, there is no need to decide immediately. How about I first introduce these three treasures?”

Ao Shun seemed to notice Zhong Yue’s hesitation and immediately began to introduce each item.

As Ao Shun described the effects of each treasure, Zhong Yue’s eyes grew wider and wider. By the end, he relented.

It was simple—what Ao Shun offered was just too much.

According to Ao Shun, the little tree was called the Innate Five Elements Pine Needle Fruit Tree, a top-tier innate spiritual root.

This tree only bloomed once every 30,000 years, bore fruit once every 30,000 years, and took 30,000 years to fully mature. The fruit was divided into five types: gold, wood, water, fire, and earth, with nine pieces of each, totaling forty-five pieces, which corresponded to the number five-nine.

Swallowing a single type of spiritual fruit would grant one ten thousand years of spiritual power, and consuming all five at once would make the five elements within the body complete, allowing one to cultivate into the Innate Five Elements Spiritual Body.

As for the magical mirror and spiritual sword, they were both top-tier innate spiritual treasures.

The magical mirror was named the Void Mirror, with forty-five innate prohibitions and containing the laws of space. It could shatter the void, reveal the worlds, and served both offensive and defensive purposes.

The spiritual sword was called the Seven-Star Dragon Abyss, with forty-three innate prohibitions. It aligned with the light of the stars above and connected to the Four Seas below. When drawn, it could turn the rivers and seas, plunging the sun and moon into darkness.

Two top-tier innate spiritual treasures, one top-tier innate spiritual root—who could resist such an offer?

In an instant, Zhong Yue’s understanding of the Dragon Clan’s wealth rose to another level.

However, he didn’t immediately respond to Ao Shun, as there was still a question in his mind that had not been answered.

Zhong Yue took the Seven-Star Dragon Abyss Sword, and as he swung it, the sword danced through the air, sending out rays of light. The sword’s edge sparkled, and it seemed as though the sound of a dragon’s roar echoed from it, while endless starlight flickered.

“Good sword.”

Zhong Yue praised, then placed the Seven-Star Dragon Abyss Sword down.

He then turned to Ao Shun, locking his eyes with Ao Shun’s with an intense gaze.

“May I ask, fellow Daoist, why do you place such importance on me? After all, I am only a Taiyi Golden Immortal, you know?”

“Don’t tell me you treat everyone this way. I believe the Dragon Clan is wealthy, but you can’t possibly be tossing around innate spiritual treasures like toys, especially top-tier ones.”

At this point, if Ao Shun could not provide a good explanation, Zhong Yue would simply turn around and leave.

Spiritual treasures and spiritual roots were undoubtedly precious, but he had no desire to bear unclear consequences, nor did he want to attract big trouble.

Especially now, when a great calamity was about to begin.