Two pairs of cold, arrogant eyes locked onto Han, scrutinizing his strength and background.
Han’s gaze swept over them, and instantly, the two flood dragons felt their breathing hitch.
An overwhelming pressure—so intense it was almost inconceivable.
Despite their noble bloodline, they felt the weight of suppression, an instinctual urge to submit.
Impossible. They were flood dragons, descendants of an esteemed lineage!
Han withdrew his gaze, no longer paying them any heed.
One was a regular flood dragon, and the other an ice flood dragon. Their bloodline purity was mediocre at best.
Though all were called flood dragons, there was still a hierarchy among them.
Han’s transformation was not into an ordinary Abyssal Flood Dragon but rather an Abyssal Flood Demon.
He stood in a secluded spot in the Shell Plaza, an area conspicuously empty. No aquatic creature dared approach, unable to withstand the sheer pressure of his bloodline.
Even drawing near to Han made them feel as though they couldn’t breathe.
For the moment, Han found himself “isolated.”
A twenty-two-year-old Abyssal Flood Demon, facing the cold shoulder from his peers.
Observing the scene, Han finally gained a preliminary understanding of his new bloodline’s might.
But then, a sudden thought struck him—if his bloodline was so fearsome, what about that parrot from England?
That chatterbox had followed him all this way, chattering incessantly without the slightest discomfort. In fact, the bird had been quite animated.
Could it be that the talkative parrot was more than it seemed?
Meanwhile, the sight of the retreating aquatic creatures did not go unnoticed by those secretly observing the plaza.
“What clan does that flood dragon belong to? Its presence is truly extraordinary.”
“I’ve never seen such a bloodline before, but the pressure it exudes is astonishing. It almost rivals that of a true dragon.”
“For such a remarkable talent to appear at this gathering… what a surprise.”
“We should invite him to join Tianhai. With his bloodline, he will undoubtedly become a formidable force in the future.”
The aquatic creatures from the other two major domains were also abuzz with discussion, marveling at Han’s bloodline and considering recruiting him into their ranks.
Only the Dragon Princess remained composed, exuding an air of nonchalance.
All this effort was futile—he was already hers.
On a grand coral platform sat the aquatic elites of Lingyang Lake. Among them was Yang Teng, who was fixated on Han.
“What kind of flood dragon is this? It’s simply beyond belief.”
Beside Yang Teng were two aquatic beings—one at the Manifestation Realm and the other at the Cleansing Marrow Realm.
Among the intelligent aquatic races, those who cultivated both soul and martial arts were rare. It required exceptional talent, immense time, and vast resources.
Only a select few species were naturally gifted in both disciplines.
Such as the true dragons.
Flood dragons, however, did not share this inherent advantage. Only true dragons were guaranteed exceptional talent in both martial arts and soul cultivation.
“Third Prince, if we can bring this flood dragon into Lingyang Lake, Lord Dragon King will surely be pleased.”
“Indeed. I suspect that Yunjiang Dragon Palace has already taken an interest in him as well.”
Yang Teng’s eyes lit up. “That’s right. Yunjiang Dragon Palace prides itself on recruiting only unparalleled geniuses. This flood dragon’s bloodline is extraordinary—his chances of evolving into a true dragon are incredibly high.”
A true dragon was destined for greatness.
Why did the demon races place such emphasis on bloodline?
Because a powerful bloodline made the path of cultivation far easier, ensuring a high baseline of strength.
“That wretched Ao Xuanwei has likely set her sights on him already.”
“If I can snatch this flood dragon from under her nose, I’d love to see the look on her face.”
Growing more excited as he spoke, Yang Teng abruptly left the platform and swam toward Han.
As he moved, the surrounding seawater grew noticeably warmer—an inherent trait of those from Lingyang Lake.
Having dwelled in high-temperature waters for generations, their bodies had adapted accordingly.
Yang Teng’s actions drew the attention of the aquatic creatures in the plaza. When they saw his target, realization dawned upon them.
He’s trying to claim him first.
Yang Teng stopped before Han, greeting him with a friendly smile and introducing himself.
“Xu Xian.” Han raised an eyebrow. “What brings the Third Prince to me?”
“Brother Xu, your noble bloodline and unparalleled talent have caught my attention. I’d like to invite you to join Lingyang Lake.”
As Yang Teng spoke, he was taken aback. The oppressive force he felt from Han up close was far greater than when he had observed from the platform.
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Even he was struggling under the pressure.
And yet, he was the descendant of a true dragon.
Lingyang Lake’s Dragon King was a genuine dragon, and as his offspring, Yang Teng carried that lineage.
How was he being suppressed by a mere flood dragon?
Disbelief turned to jealousy.
How could he, a dignified third prince, be overshadowed by some random flood dragon? How could his lineage be inferior to a wild beast?
Han hesitated. “But I still intend to participate in the Tianhai Ascension Dragon Ceremony. I heard that members of the Four Great Water Domains are prohibited from joining.”
“Brother Xu, your ultimate goal in participating is to join one of the Four Great Domains. If you join Lingyang Lake now, you’ll skip the process and reach the top instantly. Isn’t that ideal?”
Ideal? My foot.
I’m participating in the ceremony for the rewards. You’re offering me nothing and expecting me to take the deal? What kind of scam is this?
Before Han could respond, another voice chimed in.
“Yang Teng, you’re quite eager.”
A graceful young man approached.
Yang Teng frowned. “Jiu Gu, what business is this of yours?”
“If you can come, why can’t I?” Jiu Gu turned to Han and introduced himself.
“Brother Xu, I hail from Jiudong Lake and would like to invite you to join us.”
“If you choose Jiudong Lake, we will fully compensate you for any rewards you forfeit by skipping the ceremony.”
Yang Teng sneered. “Jiu Gu, as always, you lack sincerity.”
“Brother Xu, Lingyang Lake will not only compensate you but also present you with a Flood Dragon Pearl as a welcome gift.”
Jiu Gu immediately raised his offer. “Do you think Jiudong Lake can’t match that?”
“Brother Xu, in addition to a Flood Dragon Pearl, we will also provide a Dragon Blood Crystal to refine your bloodline.”
The surrounding aquatic creatures watched in envy, wishing they could take Han’s place.
The two flood dragons from before, however, were seething with jealousy.
Damn it! We’re flood dragons too! Why aren’t we receiving the same treatment?
Just because his bloodline was stronger? Wasn’t that a bit too unfair?
In thirty years, who could say who would be the strongest?
As Jiu Gu and Yang Teng continued their bidding war, Han grew increasingly anxious.
Enough talk—show me the goods already!
At that moment, a third figure approached.
Yang Teng’s expression darkened. “Ao Xuanwei, what are you doing here?”
The Dragon Princess smiled at Han and nodded in acknowledgment.
“Your bloodline is truly enviable. It resonates with mine—undeniably the king of flood dragons.”
“Would you consider joining Yunjiang Dragon Palace?”
Her words sent a shockwave through the gathered aquatic creatures, even those still hiding in the shadows.
His bloodline resonates with Ao Xuanwei’s?
Unbelievable. Absolutely unbelievable.
Even Yang Teng, unwilling as he was to admit it, knew how pure and powerful Ao Xuanwei’s bloodline was.
Among all young aquatic elites, only a rare few across the continent could compare to her.
Compared to her, he was insignificant.
They had already acknowledged Han’s extraordinary talent, but they had still vastly underestimated him.
If Ao Xuanwei spoke the truth, then Han’s potential was limitless.
They had to secure him—no matter what.
Even the Tianhai aquatic clan, which typically avoided conflicts with the other great water domains, could no longer sit idly by.
At this moment, the Four Great Water Domains stood together—each vying for the Abyssal Flood Demon.
One or two river dragons are nothing compared to the vastness of the four great water realms.
Every domain would welcome a river dragon, but calling one irreplaceable? That''s just not feasible.
However, this particular river dragon had done exactly that.
An idea emerged in their minds: it seemed that not all river dragons were created equal.
"Thirty years would be too soon," they thought. "But give us three hundred years, and we’ll prove once and for all who is stronger and who is weaker. We''ll show them all!"
The four great aquatic clans eagerly courted Han’s alliance, each offering increasingly extravagant terms. Among them, the Dragon Princess’s proposal stood out as the most generous, with offers soaring sky-high.
It almost looked like she was trying to buy him.
But Han turned down each of these invitations, resolute in his decision.
Seeing his insistence on attending the gathering, the Dragon Princess suddenly spoke:
"Since Fellow Daoist Xu is so focused on the gathering, I won’t press you further."
She paused before producing a piece of dragon bone, a partial relic, and handed it to him.
"It’s a mere fragment, but please accept it. Regardless of the outcome, whether you join the Yunjiang Dragon Palace or not, I simply wish to be friends with you."
This time, the Dragon Princess wasn’t making empty promises—she was offering a real gift.
"Well, well, well, Weiwei, you really know how to handle things," Han thought to himself, but he still had no choice but to accept the bone after a back-and-forth of polite refusals.
"Your Highness, I truly feel undeserving of such kindness. I don’t know how to repay you," Han said with sincerity.
"Please, rest assured. After the gathering, I will make sure not to disappoint you," Han added earnestly.
The others, however, couldn''t help but frown at this. "How could the Dragon Princess break tradition like this? She hasn’t even received a confirmation, and yet she’s already giving out treasures."
"Does she not fear this will be all for nothing?"
But from Han’s reaction, it was clear he had been moved by the Dragon Princess.
"Looks like she’s playing the long game," one of them thought.
The Dragon Princess smiled softly and nodded. "Let’s be friends."
"With your bloodline, Fellow Daoist Xu, you could easily become a Dragon King one day, commanding the winds and the clouds. There’s no doubt about it."
Upon hearing this, Guifu and the other person started to think: perhaps they should follow the Dragon Princess''s lead. Even if they couldn’t win Han over, they could still forge a bond.
But before they could decide, Yang Teng spoke up.
"Xu, my friend, I have here a bottle of Dragon Essence. Consider it a gift from me."
He finished speaking with a pointed look toward the Dragon Princess.
"I, Yang Teng, have never been one to be overshadowed by others."
If Guifu and the other were giving out treasures, Yang Teng might have hesitated, but this was the Dragon Princess—he didn’t hesitate for a moment.
"I may yield to Jiudong Lake or Tianhai, but I’ll never let you take Yunjiang Dragon Palace without a fight!"
"You’re in favor of it? I’ll be against it. You want it? I’ll take it from you. Whatever you do, I’m doing the opposite."
Moreover, he was the first to make a move. If the Dragon Princess were to secure Han’s allegiance because of a single treasure, where would that leave Yang Teng''s face as the third prince?
"Princess Ao Xuanwei can offer treasures, but I, Yang Teng, can offer even better!"
"Third Prince, this is too precious. I can’t accept it," Han said, declining immediately.
"Are you sure you don’t think of me as a friend, Xu?" Yang Teng asked with a smile.
"Please, no more refusals. This is just a small token. If you choose to join Lingyang Lake, I’ll have an even grander gift for you."
Han hesitated, feeling the weight of the situation. He glanced at Yang Teng.
"Third Prince, I haven’t even joined the gathering yet, so I can’t make any promises."
"No problem," Yang Teng said, feigning generosity. "We’re like old friends already. A bottle of Dragon Essence is nothing."
Han was clearly moved, "Third Prince, you are truly a man of great generosity, your grandeur is admirable. I, Xu Xian, salute you."
"Certainly, the entire Lingyang Lake must be filled with men of your caliber—truly inspiring."
Yang Teng’s smile widened, and he quickly waved away Han’s praise.
Han then turned to the Dragon Princess and said, "Your Highness, perhaps I should return this Dragon Bone to you."
At his words, the Dragon Princess’s smile immediately vanished, her expression turning cold.
Yang Teng, however, beamed with satisfaction. It seemed that Han had made up his mind.
"Tonight’s victory is mine."
"No need to return it. I gave it to you, so I will keep my word," the Dragon Princess said with a cool smile.
"After the gathering, I hope you make the right choice. The Yunjiang Dragon Palace is your best option."
Her tone carried a hint of warning, "Don’t make a mistake."
At this, Yang Teng couldn’t help but shout:
"Princess Ao Xuanwei, how shameless! Are you threatening my brother Xu?"
His voice carried far, causing others nearby to hear.
"Don’t worry, Xu. I’m a man of my word, unlike some others who try to intimidate people."
"Even if you don’t join Lingyang Lake after the gathering, the Dragon Essence is yours. Consider it a gift, my friend. You’re with me now."
"Lingyang Lake is vast and rich, unlike some other domains, and unlike some people who are so stingy."
"I, Yang Teng, am no man who would go back on his word."
At his words, the Dragon Princess’s expression grew even darker, her frustration evident. She opened her mouth to respond, but seeing the others watching her, she simply huffed and turned to leave, her anger palpable.
Yang Teng’s grin widened, a sense of triumph washing over him. He had won this round.
The Dragon Princess was furious. She had lost her temper—and fast.