Chapter 2385: Taking Advantage of Someone's Vulnerability

The Mermaid Queen had several shimmering thin scales around her eyes, which were unique to the Merfolk race. Despite her power, she could have completely refined these scales away. However, she chose to keep them, allowing them to sparkle under the various lights of the Dragon Palace. From different angles, they emitted shifting, iridescent hues, making her already perfect eyes even more dazzling.

These scales resembled bright stars in the sky, guarding her beautiful, moon-like eyes.

Her unique and beautiful eye adornment started a trend. It was said that noble women among the Monster Race began finding gems, agates, and jade pieces, polishing them into thin flakes to apply beneath their eyelids. This fashion eventually spread even to the Human Race. Everyone felt it added significantly to their beauty, receiving consistent praise from both men and women.

Yet, how could these imitators compare to even a tenth of the grace and allure of the Mermaid Queen, the authentic originator?

No man in the world could remain unbewildered when stared at by such beautiful eyes. The Dragon King was no exception. Fortunately, as he was also a Sea Race member and often saw her, he had managed to develop a slight resistance.

He secretly swallowed, then hastily replied, "Indeed, the demon race has sent an envoy to discuss an alliance."

"An alliance?" The Mermaid Queen slightly furrowed her brows. "Surely, Your Majesty, you don't believe them? The invading demons are trying to conquer our entire world. It's just that in recent years, Yu Menbeiqing of the Monster Race has risen to prominence, causing the invaders to suffer many defeats. They fear our Sea Race will assist the Monster Race, which is why they're using the guise of an alliance to stabilize us. Once they completely eliminate the resistance, it will be our Sea Race's turn!"

Her penetrating gaze and questioning tone made the Dragon King flustered. "I know what you're saying, but now even the Monster Emperor is dead. Although the resistance has won a few battles, everyone knows they are merely clinging to life and will eventually be annihilated."

The Mermaid Queen's delicate brows furrowed even deeper. "I don't agree. A while ago, Yu Menbeiqing sent Princess Peacock to seek an alliance. Our Sea Race is powerful, and I hear she's also reaching out to the Devil Race, the Human Race, and other races in this world. If we unite our forces, we might very well be able to drive out these otherworldly demons."

When it came to serious matters, the Dragon King finally regained some of his usual majesty. "The Devil Race is one thing, but the Human Race is so weak, what use is an alliance with them? I've also gathered my strategists recently to analyze the pros and cons. Resisting the otherworldly demons carries too great a risk. Keep in mind that the Lord of Slaughter hasn't made a move in years. If he were to act, no matter how capable Yu Menbeiqing is or how many forces she gathers, she would ultimately face only death."

The Mermaid Queen said gravely, "The Lord of Slaughter has been silent for many years. In my opinion, it's not that he doesn't want to act, but rather that something has happened to him, preventing him from acting at all."

The Dragon King shook his head repeatedly upon hearing this. "This concerns the safety of the entire Sea Race. We cannot act based on mere speculation."

"Even if the Lord of Slaughter truly acts, with so many races united across the world, we might not be unable to defeat him." Sensing that the Dragon King seemed to have already made up his mind, a hint of anxiety crept into the Mermaid Queen's gentle voice.

"Even the Monster Emperor is dead," the Dragon King sighed. "How powerful the Monster Race once was, ruling over all lands and seas! The Monster Emperor was the strongest in the world. Though I was his adversary, I had to admit his strength was slightly superior to mine. If even he and his invincible Monster Race army suffered such a crushing defeat, how could our other races, even united, hope to defeat the otherworldly demons?"

The Mermaid Queen fell silent. She knew he spoke the truth. If the various races were truly that strong, how could they have been subjugated and oppressed by the Monster Race back then? Now that the Monster Emperor and the Monster Race army had been defeated, the other races were already terrified.

The Dragon King continued, "The main reason I met Yu Menbeiqing's envoy before was also out of concern that those otherworldly demons would ruthlessly exterminate everyone. But now that we know they are not merely unreasonable killing machines, there's naturally no point in resisting to the end."

Fearing her displeasure, he specifically added, "When the Monster Race ruled the world, our Sea Race, though powerful, was confined to the oceans. For many years, the various sea races have grown accustomed to marine life; no one has ever considered living on land. So, even if there's a one-in-ten-thousand chance we miraculously defeat the otherworldly demons, what would we gain? Ultimately, wouldn't we still remain in the ocean? If we truly engage in battle, we would suffer heavy losses without gaining anything in return, effectively doing the dirty work for the major land races. In that case, it would be better not to participate in the war at all."

The Mermaid Queen said gravely, "But Your Majesty should be aware that once the overall situation is settled, and those otherworldly demons breach the agreement, it will be too late for us to regret it. At that point, no force can help us. We will ultimately be defeated one by one, perishing individually. It wouldn't be a matter of no gain, but a crisis of racial extinction."

The Dragon King dismissed her concerns. "Queen, I believe you are overly worried. This demon envoy is very sincere, and in the future, we can sign detailed alliance agreements with them. With a Heavenly Dao Oath as a guarantee, I doubt they would dare to arbitrarily break the agreement."

The Mermaid Queen grew anxious. "They are not beings of this world; how could a Heavenly Dao Oath bind them? What if they play word games? By then, it would be too late for us to regret. We've seen similar examples countless times over the years."

Hearing her words, the Dragon King nodded slightly. "There is indeed some truth to what you say, Queen."

Noticing his softening tone, the Mermaid Queen couldn't help but feel pleased. "It is truly a blessing for the Sea Race that Your Majesty thinks this way."

Seeing her expression shift from worry to joy, her face resembling melting ice and blossoming flowers, the Dragon King's resolve in his heart grew firmer. He cleared his throat and feigned difficulty, "Queen, it's no use just for me to think this way. Currently, among the entire Sea Race, with various factions gathered, the opinion to surrender is overwhelmingly dominant. I cannot go against the mainstream opinion and force a war with the demons."

The Mermaid Queen smiled, pursing her lips. "As long as Your Majesty agrees, then things will be much simpler. We can approach the leaders of each race and clarify the pros and cons to them one by one. I believe we can ultimately persuade them to change their minds."

The Dragon King frowned. "Queen, you should know that I am not the only Dragon King in the Four Seas. There are also the West Sea, South Sea, and North Sea Dragon Kings. If I go against the wishes of too many races, they might very well choose to support another Dragon King who approves of alliance or surrender. The risk I would be taking is far too great."

The Mermaid Queen bowed respectfully. "I know such a request is difficult, but I implore Your Majesty to take this risk for the safety and future of the entire Sea Race."

The Dragon King gazed intently at her beautiful face, taking a step closer to her. "In my heart, all the power of the Sea Race cannot compare to a single smile from you, Queen. You must know my feelings after all these years. If you are willing to grant me my wish, I would oppose the entire world and exert my utmost effort for your sake."