As other water tribes were preparing to leave, Yang Teng stormed towards Han and the Dragon Lady. His fury was palpable, with surging waters boiling around him and a murderous aura that was all too obvious.


    Heat radiated from his body.


    "Yang Teng''s lost it!" Han thought, watching the scene unfold.


    The Dragon Lady’s eyes narrowed. A red silk ribbon shot out from her sleeve, rapidly expanding, and it coiled around Yang Teng, binding him tightly. With a powerful jerk, the ribbon tightened further, causing Yang Teng to scream in agony as he lost his human form and reverted to his true form—a fiery red dragon.


    "How dare you attack me?" The Dragon Lady''s voice was cold as she swung her hand again, further constricting the ribbon until Yang Teng’s blood began to pour.


    Yang Teng collapsed.


    Han stood there, speechless.


    “Your magical artifact is too overpowered," Han muttered under his breath, silently laughing. Yang Teng had come charging with such ferocity that Han thought he might rip through the heavens, only to be subdued so easily by the Dragon Lady’s artifact.


    This artifact... could it be the Xuantian Ling? Han thought. If that’s the case, no wonder this artifact makes Yang Teng look like a child.


    The Xuantian Ling was a natural counter to Yang Teng''s bloodline—no surprise there.


    “Ah Xuanwei, let go of the Third Prince!” A powerful figure from Lingyang Lake stormed forward, his voice filled with anger.


    The Dragon Lady cast them a cold glance.


    “Who gave him the courage to attack me? And who gave you the right to call me by my name?”


    She sneered, “You wouldn’t even address me as ‘Your Highness.’”


    "Don''t make any more moves!" A member of the Tianhai faction hurriedly stepped forward, trying to de-escalate the situation.


    “Say one more word, and I’ll have the Old Dragon of Lingyang Lake come to Yunjiang to deal with this," she warned.


    With that, the Dragon Lady retracted the Xuantian Ling, tossing Yang Teng aside. The Lingyang Lake cultivator quickly caught him, and they left in a hurry.


    Clearly, any attempt at retaliation against her within Tianhai would be futile.


    Tianhai’s eldest daughter, Huan Ying, sighed.


    “Xuanwei, there’s no need to be so angry.”


    “A beggar dog isn’t worth my time,” the Dragon Lady replied, shaking her head.


    Huan Ying said no more, turning to Han.


    “It seems the two of you have known each other for quite some time.”


    “It’s not that I was hiding it on purpose. Please don’t hold it against me, Princess Huan Ying,” Han replied, taking out the spiritual herb Huan Ying had previously given him and handing it to her.


    He wasn’t trying to trick anyone—just to get back at Yang Teng. As for Tianhai and Jiudong Lake, he held no grudge against them, so Han didn’t want to cause any bad blood.


    He had planned to return the herb after everything was settled.


    But Huan Ying refused to accept it, saying, "Since you’ve joined Yunjiang Dragon Palace, we’ll be working together often. Consider it a token of friendship, not like how Yang Teng operates."


    After a brief conversation, Han went to return the herb to Gu, receiving a similar response. It was a gesture of goodwill to celebrate his first place in the grand assembly.


    “People are still good at heart,” Han mused, “True friendship does exist in this world.”


    The grand boat slowly sailed out of Tianhai.


    As dawn broke, Han spoke while gazing at the vast ocean.


    “This is my first time coming beyond Tianyue’s borders.”


    They had entered Tianhai County, but by navigating the waters, they hadn''t encountered any humans from Tianhai County yet.


    “If you’re interested, we could stay in Tianhai County for a while and explore the area,” the Dragon Lady suggested. “Tianhai, compared to Tianyue, has more diverse waters and cultivators who focus on water techniques, martial arts, and unique disciplines.”


    “The strongest force in this county, aside from Tianhai, is Shuiyuan Sect. Their strength alone is equivalent to several sects in Tianyue County combined.”


    Han pondered before shaking his head.


    “Forget it. Let’s head back. There’s nothing for me to do here anyway.”


    He still had the Ice Spirit Cold Soul Flame waiting for him to refine.


    “Well then.” The Dragon Lady nodded.


    On the return journey, the boat moved more leisurely, without the urgency it had when coming.


    “This is the Dragon Bone,” Han said, handing the incomplete dragon bone back to the Dragon Lady.


    “Take it. It’s yours,” she offered generously, but Han declined.


    “No reward without merit. I can’t take it.”


    Unlike the spiritual herb, which held limited value to those of their status, this incomplete dragon bone was far more valuable.


    Taking such a precious gift from the Dragon Lady without a reason would feel off.


    The Dragon Lady noticed Han’s insistence and didn’t push further, taking the dragon bone back.


    “The Dragon Essence Yang Teng gave you is a rare treasure,” she said. “Once you’ve refined your bones to their limit, using it will help you purify your marrow greatly.”


    “Dragon Essence is one of the finest marrow-purifying treasures. Countless martial artists yearn for it.”


    Han was pleased to hear this. He had heard from Bai Tian before about the benefits of Dragon Essence. Refining it could help him surpass his peers in martial prowess.


    Not only did it speed up cultivation, but it also solidified one’s foundation—far more valuable than herbs that simply raised cultivation levels.


    Most treasures used for cultivation only increased one''s level and saved time. Only a few enhanced both the cultivation process and foundational strength.


    Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.


    “This bottle of Dragon Essence is also thanks to you. I’ll share half of it with you,” Han offered, then hesitated.


    “Do you mind Dragon Essence?” He asked. After all, she was a dragon...


    The Dragon Lady smiled and shook her head.


    “This is of no use to me. Keep it. We dragons have different customs from humans, and there are many types of dragons. The Dragon Essence you have, strictly speaking, isn’t from my direct kin.”


    Different species, different customs. For most dragons and many demon species, as long as they didn’t intentionally kill their own kind for cultivation, it was acceptable to refine treasures from their own kind obtained through normal means.


    Han felt relieved.


    “Tiger Bone, Dragon Essence—rare treasures of the world. I wonder if I’ll ever get my hands on a tiger bone.”


    Han mused, dreaming of obtaining such a treasure.


    Dragon Essence was among the finest, but Tiger Bone was widely considered the best treasure for refining bones—if you could find the right kind of tiger bone.


    “Yunjiang Dragon Palace has half a set of King Kong Undying Tiger bones,” the Dragon Lady said, glancing at Han.


    “If you wish, I can give it to you.”


    “King Kong Undying Tiger?!” Han’s eyes widened in surprise.


    “Indeed. One of the best bones for refining.” The Dragon Lady smiled. “What do you think?”


    “I do want it,” Han admitted, but then shook his head.


    “But a gentleman doesn’t take what isn’t his. Maybe not.”


    The Dragon Lady chuckled knowingly.


    “You did say at the assembly that you would join the Dragon Palace. Does that still stand?”


    “That was Xu Xian speaking, but you know me. I’m Han.”


    In their pleasant conversation, Black Cloud Town came into view.


    From a distance, the grand boat slowed to a stop, and the two of them walked into the town.


    Well, the Dragon Lady walked in, and Han entered the soul plate, observing the world outside through his spiritual power.


    “Black Cloud Town is becoming more lively. I’ve never seen so many people here before,” the Dragon Lady remarked.


    “Yes, every day there are newcomers,” Han replied.


    He also noticed a group of cultivators from the Black Cloud Guard returning from the Black Mountain, weary but resolute.


    The Dragon Lady observed them. “Zuo Tianzheng is interesting. This looks like a human wave tactic.”


    Han thought to himself, They''re mobilizing the masses.


    “I’m curious now, what is this inspector looking for?” the Dragon Lady mused.


    “Don’t know,” Han replied.


    They entered Peach Blossom Grove, where Han noticed that Lu Qingmo wasn’t around—she must have gone to the Ghosts and Gods Bureau.


    But he knew she would be aware of his return.


    Someone had intruded into the Peach Blossom Grove, and she would have sensed it immediately. Outsiders couldn’t get in without being stopped at the gates.


    Han returned to her room, her soul immediately reattaching to her body.


    A profound sense of safety washed over her, a warmth that only a true return to the flesh could bring. At certain levels of cultivation, one could transcend the physical body, but Han wasn’t there yet.


    She stood, stretching slightly, nodding in satisfaction.


    Her soul and body were as in sync as always, with no friction between the two.


    It was a bit unfortunate though. Since she had only been away for one night, she hadn’t had the chance to have Lu Qingmo bathe and change her clothes.


    As Han materialized before her, the Dragon Lady smiled. “This is the form I’m more familiar with.”


    “I prefer my human form too,” Han replied with a slight grin.


    “Let’s go. Let me walk you out.”


    “Is this a hint to leave?”


    Han chuckled. “Of course not. I was just thinking that if you’re not too busy, I could accompany you around Heiyun Town.”


    “Though, to be honest, there’s not much to see here.”


    The Dragon Lady looked at Han, her gaze turning contemplative. “Do you think I’ve been of help to you this time?”


    Without hesitation, Han answered, “Absolutely. You’ve helped me a great deal.”


    “Well, remember that.”


    “I’ll never forget.”


    When someone helps you, it’s essential to keep that debt in mind. The same goes for grudges—one should never forget them either.


    Han was a bit petty, like Yang Teng, and when an enemy was made, it was only natural to find an opportunity to get back at them. If a perfect opportunity arose, Han would have no qualms about taking it.


    The Dragon Lady nodded, satisfied. She was looking forward to the day when Han would open her heart to her fully.


    They said no more. Han escorted the Dragon Lady out, watching the ship sail away, and a wave of emotion washed over her.


    The Dragon Lady was a good person. From the Dragon Lord’s Feast to the Water Yuan Gathering, and most recently the Tianhai Shenglong Ceremony, she had always treated Han differently, offering much-needed help.


    The Dragon Lady’s assistance had been crucial to Han’s growth.


    Perhaps, she thought, it was time to return the favor?


    Should she give her a drop of blood?


    No, Han shook her head. That “one drop” referred to a literal drop of blood. The Dragon Lady had once asked for it, but Han had refused. Now, with their relationship growing, perhaps giving her a drop wasn’t out of the question.


    Still, Han felt a sudden sense of caution.


    She had to be careful not to cross any lines.


    If she gave the Dragon Lady a drop now, what would she be expected to give in the future? Han shuddered at the thought.


    When Han returned to the martial arts hall, she sensed that something had changed. Something good.


    He Feng came out from the training hall with two younger disciples, heading upstairs.


    “You’re back, little junior brother?” He Feng greeted Han with a smile.


    Han nodded, glancing at the two young disciples behind him. “Li Wu, you broke through?”


    One of them was Li Wu, the same person who had joined the martial arts hall with Han.


    Li Wu’s body had visibly strengthened, and there were traces of inner energy within him. He had already reached the body refinement stage.


    “Yep! I’m now a senior disciple of the hall!” Li Wu beamed, “I can’t believe you still remember me.”


    “Of course, I remember.” Han returned the smile warmly.


    It had been nearly four months since Li Wu joined the hall, and he had just broken through. His talent wasn’t remarkable, which explained why he had been worried about his abilities when he first joined. He Feng had given him some encouragement at the time.


    Still, regardless of talent, martial artists and ordinary people were on different levels.


    Li Wu had made progress at such a young age. As long as he continued to train hard, he had a long road ahead of him. Reaching the peak of body refinement would be easy for him. As for the next stage, the bone training stage, that depended on opportunity.


    Li Wu’s growth was a sign that his fate had changed. It was far better than being a small-time merchant like his father.


    “I remember there was another person who joined the hall with us,” Han said casually.


    Li Wu’s excitement dimmed slightly at the mention of this.


    “Xiao Tao… She had better talent than me. She broke through to the body refinement stage a month ago. Now, she’s training with the young master of the Zhang family, having fun together…” Li Wu’s voice trailed off, disappointment clear in his tone.


    Han understood immediately. It seemed that the sweet romance Li Wu had hoped for had already ended before it began.


    “Keep training hard.” Han offered a final piece of encouragement, then bid He Feng farewell.


    Li Wu’s situation left Han reflecting. She was glad she wasn’t in his shoes.


    Back at Heiyun Town, Han and the Dragon Lady arrived just as night fell.


    After finishing her martial arts practice, Han noticed that the sky had darkened.


    “Aunt Mo, I’m here too!” Han thought to herself, as she looked toward the distant figure of Lu Qingmo, who was holding a flame-focusing vessel.


    “Is this the Ice Spirit Cold Flame? Very impressive,” Lu Qingmo remarked, nodding in approval.


    “With your current cultivation, if you handle it carefully, you should be able to absorb this flame without any major issues.”


    “Let’s give it a try tonight.”


    “Alright.”


    Han then briefly told Lu Qingmo about the events that had transpired at the ceremony.


    “Yunjiang and Lingyang Lake…” Lu Qingmo shook her head. “You did the right thing. Since you’ve already made peace with Yunjiang, and offended Lingyang Lake previously, there’s no need to worry about their pride.”


    “You can’t sit on the fence for too long. In the end, the one who straddles the fence will be crushed by it.”


    “These two waters have a fundamental conflict. If Lingyang Lake didn’t have backing, the Dragon Lord of Yunjiang would’ve destroyed them long ago.”


    Han was curious. Yunjiang’s Dragon Lord was one of the strongest figures in the world. Who could possibly stand behind Lingyang Lake to make the Dragon Lord hesitate?


    “Who stands behind Lingyang Lake?”


    “The Western Sea Dragon Clan, one of the Four Seas,” Lu Qingmo explained. “The Dragon Lord of Yunjiang himself has a history with the Western Sea Clan. He was originally from the Western Sea, but when internal strife broke out there, Yunjiang’s Dragon Lord fled and eventually became the Dragon Lord of Yunjiang.”


    Han was taken aback. “The Western Sea? That’s a colossal power.”


    “Indeed,” Lu Qingmo agreed. “Fortunately, it’s not the Eastern Sea.”


    Han nodded thoughtfully. The Four Seas were controlled by Dragon Lords, the strongest beings next only to immortals on the Mountain and River Ranking. However, the Eastern Sea was especially unique, with a Dragon Emperor who surpassed the Dragon Lords and ranked among the top immortals.


    If the Dragon Lord of Yunjiang had been at odds with the Eastern Sea, he likely wouldn’t have survived.


    But it was also possible that the Dragon Emperor of the Eastern Sea had intervened to resolve the conflict, further elevating their power.


    The Eastern Sea was shrouded in mystery, separated by the vast ocean, and the land-dwellers had little contact with them.


    “You don’t need to worry about the Western Sea, since you’ve already established a good relationship with Yunjiang’s Dragon Lord,” Lu Qingmo reassured her.


    “Generally, we won’t have any contact with the Western Sea. It’s not easy for them to step onto the mainland.”


    After the training session, Han took out the Flame Focusing Vessel and extracted the Ice Spirit Cold Soul Flame.


    With a “crack!” the extreme cold spread out, turning the surrounding earth into ice. Even Han’s hair and eyebrows were covered in frost.


    The flame’s power was unmistakable.


    But…


    “Let’s see how powerful my ‘Burning Technique’ really is!”