Although there is no official ranking of extraordinary flames in this world, the variety of such otherworldly fires is truly overwhelming, far exceeding the mere "double tens."


    However, the Ice Spirit Cold Soul Flame is undoubtedly more powerful than the Nether Fire that Han had previously refined. Han was sure of that.


    As he examined it, a wave of mental sluggishness washed over him, almost as if he were being frozen by the cold.


    Having acquired this flame, Han felt quite satisfied. Once he returned, he could refine it further, and his Yin Earth Fire would grow in power, enhancing his strength significantly.


    Just as he was thinking this, the Sea Dragon King spoke again.


    "Xu Xian, would you consider joining my Tianhai?"


    Everyone present was shocked by this unexpected turn of events. The Sea Dragon King himself had invited Han to join Tianhai.


    This was unprecedented in the history of the Tianhai Ascension Ceremony. In the past, when Tianhai extended invitations, it was always after the Sea Dragon King had given treasures, with other members of the water clan handling the inquiries. The Dragon King would never personally extend an invitation.


    The Sea Dragon King was a being of immense power and status, having lived for centuries. There was no person he hadn''t encountered. Hosting the ceremony was not for recruiting low-level water clan members but because of his kind heart.


    Yet, for Han, he had made an exception.


    A dragon with a bloodline comparable to a true dragon was worthy of such an exception. If successful, this could be the new pillar of Tianhai in the years to come.


    After all, the Dragon King’s age was already considerable.


    In response to this invitation, there was no one present who could have refused. Even Yang Teng, who had been watching, felt a shock in his heart. A single vial of Dragon Essence from him seemed insignificant compared to the personal invitation from the Sea Dragon King.


    Even though the Dragon King hadn''t made any promises, it was still a prestigious invitation.


    However, Han’s response left the entire crowd stunned, as they hadn''t expected such a rejection.


    "Thank you for your kind offer, Dragon King, but I have already made a commitment to someone else and cannot go back on my word."


    He had refused!


    No one had anticipated this outcome. To turn down an invitation from a Dragon King—everyone was left speechless.


    The Tianhai water clan, upon hearing this, felt a surge of anger. How could this young dragon be so foolish? The Dragon King himself extended the invitation, and yet he turned it down. The outsider species simply lacked respect!


    Meanwhile, on another platform, Yang Teng’s spirits were lifted, thinking that Han’s words were meant for him.


    He had previously been envious of Han’s bloodline, but now, all his resentment melted away. Xu Xian, you truly have earned my admiration. You’re a man of your word, to reject the Sea Dragon King for me.


    Xu Xian truly cares about me!


    Yang Teng then glanced proudly at the Dragon Maiden, silently declaring, This is the future of my Lingyang Lake!


    I, Yang Teng, will not lose this time!


    Unexpectedly, the Dragon Maiden smiled faintly, seemingly unfazed by her failed attempt at recruiting Han.


    Hmph, pretending to be indifferent. You’ll regret it later.


    The Sea Dragon King, however, was not disturbed by Han’s refusal—he had likely anticipated it.


    Upon learning that Han hailed from Heiyun Town, the Dragon King had already surmised a few things.


    What water clan was there in Heiyun Town? Obviously, it was the Yunjiang clan.


    And with the current situation, a dragon with such a special bloodline probably had more connections than just with Yunjiang.


    But even if that was the case, as long as he was not from one of the major water domains, it was of no consequence.


    The invitation was simply out of his admiration for talent, a genuine attempt to offer a hand.


    The Dragon King then turned to the other dragon that hadn’t fought Han, asking what it sought, and bestowing treasures.


    In the battle at the Bone Refining stage, the Sea Dragon King was victorious as well.


    Thankfully, this dragon did not seek the Ice Spirit Cold Soul Flame, or else, despite Han being granted his treasure first, the other dragon would have been left heartbroken.


    Both victorious, but since the Dragon King first turned to Han, it was clear who was favored.


    If two victors sought the same thing, the second one to be questioned would have no chance.


    Feeling unfair? Well, you could refuse the reward, or you could leave Tianhai entirely.


    Tianhai was not a place that indulged anyone.


    One by one, the water clan members were asked about their desires, and the Dragon King personally presented them with treasures. For most, this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to speak with such a powerful being.


    Not all who performed in the battles received rewards. Only those with the most victories or those who displayed exceptional abilities were granted treasures.


    Among those who showcased their talents, some had impressed the Dragon King and were rewarded.


    What surprised Han was that he hadn’t seen Yingjili, the parrot.


    In the earlier battles, he hadn’t encountered the bird, even though it was also from the Dayou stage.


    Had Yingjili not participated in the ceremony? Or had it simply not arrived at Tianhai?


    Could it be that, due to its incessant chatter, someone had taken it out on the road?


    "The recipients of treasures may choose to join a water clan and further their cultivation," the Sea Dragon King announced.


    This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    "I hope that when you all achieve great success, you won’t forget the hardships of the past and will help and support your fellow clan members to strengthen the water clan."


    "We shall remember, Dragon King," the water clan responded in unison.


    All those who had received treasures were filled with excitement, glancing at the high platforms where the major water clans were seated, especially the Four Major Water Clans.


    "Tianhai welcomes all of you to join us," the Dragon King’s eldest daughter said with a smile, casting a long glance at Han.


    Those who received treasures were seen as having potential, and the Dragon King’s eye for talent was highly trusted. Thus, the first batch of recipients were highly sought after. As long as they were willing, they would find a promising home.


    Once this batch was recruited, the remaining water clan members would have to rely on their performance to attract the attention of one of the major clans.


    The recipients of treasures all looked at Han, waiting for him to make the first move.


    Gu of Jiudong Lake invited Han again, but Han politely declined.


    It wasn’t that Jiudong Lake was bad—it was just that this dragon already had a place in his heart.


    "Hahahaha!"


    Yang Teng laughed heartily, "Xu Xian, it looks like we’ll be cultivating together from now on! Don’t worry, the promise I made to you will be fulfilled the moment we return to Lingyang Lake."


    "Today, with Xu Xian by my side, it''s like a fish in water!"


    Yang Teng looked around, Who else but me?


    Today, Yang Teng and Lingyang Lake would be the brightest, the most successful!


    The genius whom even the Sea Dragon King couldn’t recruit—he was mine now!


    Han smiled and nodded at Yang Teng before swimming toward him.


    Yang Teng, unable to contain his excitement, left the high platform and swam towards Han to greet him.


    "Xu Xian, once the ceremony ends, let’s have a drink together!"


    "Looks like you’ve been pulled into Yang Teng’s camp after all," Gu of Jiudong Lake said with a sigh, feeling somewhat regretful.


    The Dragon King’s eldest daughter also sighed, lamenting the loss of a great talent.


    Other water clan members looked on with envy.


    Though they could also join major water clans, the level of attention they would receive would never compare to Han’s.


    The Sea Dragon King, however, simply shook his head.


    But then again, he had lived for hundreds of years and had seen it all. He said nothing.


    Han, though a dragon, wore a clear smile.


    After all, in a world full of water clan members, there was no communication barrier. Even the faces of beasts, whether smiling or crying, were easy to distinguish.


    Yang Teng, in human form, had a very obvious smile as well.


    As they met, Yang Teng spoke:


    "Xu Xian…"


    Han paused and looked at him, his voice neither loud nor soft.


    "Excuse me, you’re blocking the way," Han said, then swam around Yang Teng and continued forward, eventually reaching the high platform where the Dragon Maiden stood.


    "I''ll be counting on you from here on," the Dragon Maiden said with a radiant smile. "You won’t be disappointed, Daoist Xu."


    "Joining my Yunjiang Dragon Palace means that you will be fully nurtured by us."


    The two exchanged a glance and smiled.


    A deep silence settled over the area, only the sound of flowing water filling the space. No other voices could be heard.


    Everyone stared, bewildered.


    Wasn’t this dragon supposed to join Lingyang Lake? Why did it swim over to Yunjiang instead?


    Had it made a mistake?


    Yang Teng froze in the air, still smiling, but his smile became stiff.


    He turned to Han.


    "Xu Xian, that''s Yunjiang''s area, Lingyang Lake is beside you."


    "Oh," Han nodded, "I know, I didn’t make a mistake."


    "After careful consideration, I’ve decided to bring my talent to Yunjiang, to grow together with Yunjiang."


    A wave of murmurs spread across the crowd. They were starting to understand what had just happened.


    Was Han making the wrong choice? If not, then why was Yang Teng so worked up?


    Was he expecting to welcome the genius of Yunjiang’s Dragon Princess?


    Yang Teng felt the murmurs of the crowd biting at him like sharp knives. He clenched his fists, his expression darkening.


    “Xu Xian, how dare you go back on your word?”


    “When did he ever promise to join Lingyang Lake?” the Dragon Princess spoke up, her smile serene.


    “From the beginning, he said he would decide after the ceremony, but he never agreed to anything before the event even began.”


    Indeed, Han had made no promises to Yang Teng. In fact, he had specifically told him this beforehand.


    But the Third Prince didn’t care. It was beyond his control now.


    “My Dragon Essence!”


    Yang Teng’s anger was palpable. He had already handed over everything, and now Han was saying no?


    “You gave Xu Xian your Dragon Essence, but he only said he''d return the Dragon Bone to me, not that he was joining Lingyang Lake,” the Dragon Princess continued, her voice sweet as she smiled.


    “I also gave him the Dragon Bone,” she added with a mischievous glint.


    “Perhaps Xu Xian thinks the Dragon Bone is more valuable than the Dragon Essence?”


    Han’s expression remained solemn. “Yes, I do think the Dragon Bone is more useful to me.”


    “Third Prince, as I said before, I could return the Dragon Bone to you. Would you like me to return the Dragon Essence as well?”


    As soon as Han finished speaking, the Dragon Princess activated a talisman, and the sound of Yang Teng’s voice echoed through the air.


    “Don’t worry, Xu Xian. I always keep my word…”


    “After the ceremony, even if you don’t join Lingyang Lake, the Dragon Essence is still yours…”


    “Our Lingyang Lake is vast and rich, unlike certain other waters that are stingy and petty!”


    The voice was unmistakably Yang Teng’s, words that he had spoken to taunt the Dragon Princess, and she had quietly recorded them. Now, those words played over and over, driving Yang Teng mad with fury.


    How shameless! So utterly shameless!


    Han spoke again, his voice calm, “Third Prince, I’ll return the Dragon Essence to you.”


    The other water clans watching couldn’t help but glance at Yang Teng with pity. The game had become clear. She was competing for his attention, he’d deceived him, and in the end, she had won.


    Yang Teng floated in midair, feeling as if a tide of scorn was rising around him. Everyone was watching him, amused at his expense.


    Was this the end of it? After the ceremony, was he now an enemy of the world?


    “You dare play me like this…” Yang Teng’s voice was like gritted teeth.


    “Xu Xian, you and Ao Xuanwei must have known each other long before this, didn’t you? You two plotted against me!”


    “You filthy pair!”


    “Can’t even win someone over, and now you’re insulting me. Is this how Lingyang Lake’s successor behaves?” Ao Xuanwei’s voice was as cold as ice.


    Yang Teng tried to shout more, his anger reaching its peak, but two powerful figures had already arrived and dragged him away, trying to calm him down.


    Even though they held him back, their eyes shot daggers at Han and Ao Xuanwei. This wasn’t over!


    “Enough of this.” The voice of the Sea Dragon King rang out, commanding silence. “Proceed.”


    The moment he spoke, everything fell quiet.


    The other water clans started considering joining their respective major waters. Yunjiang, being the leader of the four great waters, was naturally a popular choice.


    However, the Dragon Princess didn’t seem interested in anyone else. She only had eyes for Han.


    Even the two other dragons were left without her invitation.


    “Your Highness, those two dragons seem to have potential. Shouldn’t we invite them?” one of her subordinates asked.


    The Dragon Princess shook her head. “Not what I need.”


    Han privately thought her standards were quite high.


    “And also,” the Dragon Princess added, her tone turning playful, “you’ve called me ‘Your Highness’ several times today. Based on our agreement, you’re supposed to receive your punishment.”


    “...”


    Wait a second! What agreement? Don’t make things up!


    Throughout the ceremony, Lingyang Lake had kept a close watch on Han and the Dragon Princess, especially Yang Teng, whose eyes burned with anger as he glared at them.


    Han and Ao Xuanwei, however, paid him no mind. In fact, the more Yang Teng glared, the more they seemed to enjoy themselves, their smiles only widening.


    You’re just a pawn in our game.


    Surprisingly, the number of people choosing to join Lingyang Lake was the smallest. Fewer than those opting for one of the secondary waters of the Four Great Waters.


    Why? It was simple to understand.


    Yang Teng, the Third Prince of Lingyang Lake, was simply too terrifying for anyone to approach.


    This only fueled Yang Teng’s rage further.


    You filthy pair, I will destroy you both!


    Everything continued in an orderly fashion, with some water clans successfully entering the major waters through the ceremony.


    Those lucky enough to join were seen as the envy of others, with promising futures ahead.


    At the end, only the clans that had been overlooked remained. They were too ordinary, lacking any special traits.


    But they were still hopeful, looking to the Sea Dragon King for one last chance.


    The Sea Dragon King suddenly tossed a large handful of wooden tokens toward them. Excited, the water clans began scrambling to catch the tokens.


    Some stared at their tokens and lost hope, while others danced with joy.


    This was the Sea Dragon King’s final gift to them.


    Those who caught tokens engraved with the word “entry” would be granted a chance to study in the Sea Dragon King’s domain for a while. Though this wasn’t permanent, it was still an opportunity few water clans could ever dream of.


    Those who grabbed empty tokens had no future to look forward to.


    After showing his final mercy, the Sea Dragon King vanished.


    The next moment, a loud roar cut through the air.


    “Xu Xian!”


    Yang Teng charged toward Han, his hatred boiling over.


    Except for the human he had met at the Shuiyuan Conference, he had never hated anyone this much.


    This person—this dragon—was his greatest enemy!