Chapter 315: Crystal Palace Securing the Dragon Heart

"What a vicious scheme."

Li Changshou multitasked. One paper effigy escorted Long Ji to the Dragon Palace, while another, in the back hall of the Sea God Temple, dismissed the recently arrived mosquito messenger who was referred to as 'Blah Blah'. He then began to ponder countermeasures.

Honestly, he was partly to blame. Perhaps he had concealed things too thoroughly, leaving the Western Church unable to find a suitable opening. As a result, their attention had shifted to the very structure of the Sea God Sect. A dignified major sect, a top-tier secondary power in the Primordial World with two revered Saints overseeing it, had, after much deliberation, decided to eradicate a small bear tribe of the Wuren (Witch-Human) race and assassinate the Sea God Temple's divine envoys in various bear tribes!

This was pure retaliation and venting of anger! Although the method seemed absurd, it genuinely made Li Changshou extremely uncomfortable. Upon closer reflection, he realized his 'steadiness' wasn't quite sufficient.

In his younger, more reckless days, he had always believed that 'steadiness' meant being comprehensive and avoiding any mistakes or oversights. Now, with a slightly more mature mindset, he belatedly understood that true stability, when managing a force, should involve deliberately revealing a false weakness. This would guide the enemy's actions, making them focus their efforts on this flaw, thereby giving his side more time to respond.

This wasn't the time for self-reflection; he needed to quickly devise a countermeasure. If the Western Church wanted to destroy the Sea God Sect, they merely needed to dispatch a few fierce beasts to indiscriminately slaughter the Sea God Sect's divine envoys and temple priests. This would achieve astonishing results in a short time.

Fortunately, Li Changshou... was already prepared. The paper effigy in the back hall immediately burrowed underground, and seven or eight other paper effigies had already begun to move separately.

He would relocate the Bear Tribe and move most of its Wuren population to East Victory Divine Continent as quickly as possible. He would also gather the 'elite' divine envoys in the safe house beneath the Sea God Temple. Although the Western Church was targeting the Wuren race this time, Li Changshou would simultaneously notify the True Dragon Protectors stationed in various locations to temporarily retreat to the South Sea.

Furthermore, to cover his excellent underground infiltrators behind enemy lines, Li Changshou also had notices posted at Sea God Temples everywhere: "Divine envoys will undergo a concentrated divine power advancement; everyone is requested to burn incense at home during this period."

Even after doing all this, Li Changshou still felt it wasn't enough. The Dragon Race matter was also at a crucial juncture. If he became distracted later and made a mistake, the enemy might exploit it.

Although the Wuren race had initially 'schemed' against him, they had diligently "tricked and scammed" for many years—ahem, they had diligently developed the Sea God Sect! The Wuren had an indelible contribution to Li Changshou's vast accumulation of incense merit. Since he could protect them, he wouldn't let them bleed in vain.

After a moment's thought, Li Changshou dispatched a Golden Immortal-level paper effigy, accompanied by several divine envoys with excellent acting skills—such as Xiong Laosan, the 'midnight woman-beater'—to the Underworld. If the Wuren race faced a crisis, it would be reasonable for powerful Witches to step forward and protect them.

Li Changshou wouldn't exploit the Witch experts without compensation. He wouldn't be stingy with the appropriate gifts. Whatever the Underworld Witches lacked, he would have people prepare more of it. It was simply a business of tens of thousands of spirit beasts!

While making these preparations for battle, Li Changshou led Long Ji into the ocean and arrived at the sea area where the East Sea Dragon Palace was located. Li Changshou said, "Wait a moment, I have some matters that require my immediate attention."

"Okay~"

Long Ji obediently agreed and stood behind Li Changshou, admiring the magnificent underwater scenery. No matter how deep or vast the four seas of the Primordial World were, there was always a faint glow. Immortals and Qi Refiners were mostly skilled in 'covert observation' techniques, so viewing things underwater was like admiring flowers in broad daylight.

Before long, Li Changshou adjusted his mental focus, arranged all matters concerning the Bear Tribe, and then called out to Long Ji: "Alright, let's go to the Dragon Palace."

"Sea God, are you encountering any difficulties?" Long Ji earnestly said, "Last night, my mother reminded me that although the Heavenly Court currently has few soldiers and generals, we cannot let you, Sea God, bear all the burdens alone. If you face any difficulties, please don't hesitate to inform the Heavenly Court. Um... That's what Mother said."

"Hahaha," Li Changshou chuckled, "Thank you for the Empress's concern. If I encounter difficulties, I certainly won't shoulder them alone; the greater good of the Heavenly Court must come first!" Long Ji blinked softly, suddenly realizing... that the Sea God was incredibly skilled with words.

His words, perfectly measured, insightful, effortless, and full of hidden meaning, seemed to flow naturally! Taking out a jade slip, Long Ji immediately jotted down her observation. She then looked up at the Sea God's retreating figure, finding him increasingly unfathomable...

...in every sense of the word. Ahead, dragon roars echoed, the seawater churned, and schools of fish scattered in all directions. The Dragon Race, having already learned of Li Changshou's arrival in the East Sea, had dispatched a large contingent of soldiers and generals to welcome him when he was still a thousand li away from the Crystal Palace.

Just then, within the immortal power barrier, Long Ji heard a soft intake of breath. Long Ji stood on tiptoe and leaned forward, seeing that the Sea God's expression was somewhat solemn, and his gaze was more resolute than it had been throughout their journey. "Sea God, are the matters concerning the Dragon Race very difficult?"

"Bearable."

Li Changshou slightly clenched his fist, determined to fight this battle well! "From this day forth, I shall establish order, and within the High Heavens, I shall be called a valiant minister!" He hadn't expected that he, Li Changshou, could also feel a surge of heroic spirit!

Meanwhile, Long Ji, keenly aware of the Sea God's change in demeanor, felt a surge of emotion. 'Father said this Sea God has a flaw: he's too cautious in everything, pondering things many times before acting. But what I'm seeing today doesn't seem like what Fath...er...said...'

Before Long Ji could finish her silent thought, a Dragon expert arrived ahead of them, laughing heartily at the Sea God and bowing from a distance. And the Sea God instantly dropped his act. One moment, he was full of heroic spirit, and suddenly he was... squinting, smiling affably, and radiating warmth.

The dragon-headed elder called out, "Sea God, I hope you've been well!" The Sea God replied, "Thanks to Elder Ao Jiao, I've been enjoying a leisurely time in the Heavenly Court." With that, both burst into hearty laughter, their mirth echoing far through the seawater.

This... A few black lines appeared on Long Ji's forehead. She knew that there was an unwritten rule in the Primordial World: if two parties met and their intentions weren't clear, they could laugh heartily. The longer they laughed, the less hostile their intentions were perceived to be.

How did this rule originate? According to legend, in ancient times, many innate beings would laugh joyfully upon finding treasure, and other innate beings, hearing the laughter, would detour, rushing to find treasure elsewhere... Over time, this custom became a rule.

In ancient times, various experts would start laughing from a thousand li away. If they were going to an area prone to conflicts or treasure disputes, they would fly there while laughing... Hmm, well-reasoned and convincing.

Long Ji lightly pursed her lips, listening to the dragon-headed elder and the Sea God exchange greetings... "Hahaha! Sea God, quickly come with me to the Crystal Palace! Tonight, we must drink three hundred cups!"

"Is the Dragon King at home? I have several important matters to discuss with him this time."

"He is, he is! His Majesty has been waiting for you, hahahaha!"

Amidst such hearty laughter, Li Changshou, accompanied by Long Ji, was surrounded by numerous Dragon experts as they slowly made their way towards the Crystal Palace. Long Ji was still somewhat bewildered, unable to comprehend how the Sea God could transform so completely between two moments. Thus, Long Ji wrote a sentence on her jade slip: "The Sea God switches his emotions incredibly fast; his ability to play a role is unmatched."

But Long Ji blinked, and then added another sentence: "Those who like to squint and smile are all strange... and formidable individuals!" "Although I am the daughter of the Heavenly Emperor, it's always right to be cautious when dealing with the Sea God."

Enough with the pleasantries; the Dragon Race's destiny was imminent. Li Changshou rarely felt nervous, except for his first Heavenly Tribulation, his first Heavenly Punishment, his first encounter with the Grand Master, and the year he just entered the Void-Returning realm, when he practiced an escape technique and accidentally teleported into a cave dwelling of a pair of True Immortal Daoist partners, inadvertently intruding upon... That's not important.

*Cough*, in short, he could maintain a relatively calm state of mind in most situations. However, this time, coming to the Crystal Palace, Li Changshou indeed felt a slight sense of nervousness.

This scheme had been ongoing for so many years, involving the great merits he had yet to obtain. To some extent, it even dictated his future development and could significantly influence the fluctuations of the 'Primordial World Survival Safety Index'! Yet, it was precisely this slight nervousness that sharpened Li Changshou's focus, making his thoughts more agile and his mind work faster.

Upon entering the Crystal Palace, they proceeded to the Dragon King's Hall. The East Sea Dragon King descended from the high platform to greet Li Changshou, exchanging courtesies, then led Li Changshou to the high platform where host and guest took their places for the banquet.

The Dragon Race seemed to have discerned Princess Long Ji's identity, as a seat was also prepared for her at the banquet. Seeing Long Ji still intending to stand behind him, Li Changshou chuckled, "Please sit. Don't disappoint the Dragon King's kind intentions."

"Yes," Long Ji obediently bowed and sat down in the seat to Li Changshou's side and slightly behind him, chest out and head held high. She was composed and poised, truly embodying the demeanor of a noble lady.

"Dragon King," Li Changshou cupped his hands and smiled, "I've come today to inform you of a joyous matter. Has Ao Yi told you about the Peach Banquet?"

"My son has mentioned it," the East Sea Dragon King stroked his beard with a soft smile, his dragon eyes gleaming with more spirit than their usual dullness. The East Sea Dragon King chuckled, "Sea God, my son has been tirelessly traveling throughout the East Sea recently, persuading his elders about the various benefits of Heavenly Court divine positions... Did you give him these instructions, Sea God?"

"Indeed."

Li Changshou openly admitted it, smiling: "I also wanted to lay the groundwork so that my visit today wouldn't feel too abrupt. Mentioning these things to the Dragon King was simply to let you know that I have never had any intention of deceiving the Dragon Race."

The East Sea Dragon King mused for a moment, lowering his gaze to the wine goblet before him. Li Changshou was in no hurry, waiting patiently by his side. In the silence, there was a test, yet also not a test.

Long Ji, holding her jade slip, recorded every word the Sea God spoke, carefully savoring them and finding them full of profound meaning. At that moment, Long Ji felt as if two dark clouds were converging around the Sea God and the old Dragon King, making her feel a slight sense of pressure...

"Ah—" The Dragon King slowly sighed, raised his wine goblet, his smile tinged with weariness. "I toast the Sea God."

"Thank you, Dragon King!" Li Changshou raised his cup in return, took a small sip, and then his expression turned serious.

"Dragon King, let me ask, setting aside the other three Dragon Palaces for now, are there any key figures in the East Sea Dragon Palace who are still resentful towards the Heavenly Court?" The Dragon King replied, "Sea God, you overstate it. Our race holds only reverence for the Heavenly Court. The Heavenly Court has assisted our race multiple times and bestowed so many benefits upon us; our race is truly grateful. However... indeed, many of our kin are currently worried, fearing that the Heavenly Court is merely another Western Church, and our race has already lost most of its vitality, truly unable to withstand such turmoil."

"Hahaha!" Li Changshou laughed, "Then today, I shall dispel these doubts for the Dragon Race! Dragon King, why don't you gather all the elders of the East Sea Dragon Palace now? I will explain today's joyous news to them in detail. This way, you won't have to repeat everything later."

"Oh?" The East Sea Dragon King's interest was piqued, but he didn't ask further questions, merely smiling, "In that case, Sea God, please wait. Where are the Chancellors?" Immediately, several tortoise chancellors scurried in from outside the hall.

Thereupon, the Dragon King issued an order: within the East Sea Dragon Palace, the Dragon Mother, Dragon Princes, dozens of influential Dragon elders, and dozens of Dragon generals, who were slightly lower in status but powerful in strength, all gathered in the main hall of the Crystal Palace. Such a grand assembly made Long Ji's palms sweat...

Li Changshou remained calm and composed. Once the influential high-ranking members of the East Sea Dragon Palace had gathered, he first rose to greet them, then engaged in a short, pre-prepared comedic dialogue with Ao Yi, eventually smoothly leading the conversation to the matter of the Dragon Race ascending to the Heavenly Court...

"Everyone!" Li Changshou stood before the high platform, giving a shallow Daoist bow to the gathered Dragons, and spoke slowly: "The Dragon Race now stands before a great opportunity. As the Sea God of the Four Seas, appointed by the Heavenly Court, I have specifically come today to persuade you. I know the worries in your hearts, and I know that the Dragon Race is unwilling to pledge allegiance to any single power.

"In ancient times, the Dragon Race was once the ruler between heaven and earth; in antiquity, they reigned supreme across the four seas. Even today, they remain an absolutely indispensable force within the Primordial World and the Three Realms! Today, I will not mention those powerful figures who covet the Dragon Race's vitality, nor will I speak of so-called great destiny or grand trends. I will only discuss matters closely related to the Dragon Race's well-being!

"The Dragon Race's allegiance to the Heavenly Court brings three major benefits. First is merit, second is karma. Although these two are fundamentally interconnected, they are not entirely the same, as you will see by looking at Prince Ao Yi."

Ao Yi voluntarily stepped forward, activating his own merits. The almost overflowing incense merit and the pure, pristine Heavenly Dao merit shone brilliantly, complementing each other... Li Changshou continued, "I don't need to elaborate on these two points. The third point is that it can protect the Dragon Race from Western incursions."

"Sea God!" A Dragon general frowned, "The first and second points are the most important; why did you gloss over them?"

Another Dragon elder spoke: "Since Sea God speaks plainly, we needn't beat around the bush. I have a question! How many Heavenly Court divine positions can be granted to the Dragon Race to allow us to escape our current predicament? Have you calculated this, Sea God?"

"Dozens or hundreds are certainly not enough," Li Changshou calmly stated, "However, if what you seek from divine positions is to cleanse your karma, why not grant these positions with a term limit? Rotate them every thousand or few hundred years, allowing the Dragon Race to take turns. How then could karma remain unresolved?" The Dragons were stunned. Heavenly Court divine positions could be used like this?

"The Heavenly Court's rules are strict, but they can also be applied flexibly," Li Changshou chuckled, "The Heavenly Dao is eternal, impartial, yet it has many rules that can be utilized by us. Moreover, Heavenly Court divine positions are not eternally fixed. The regular rotation and evaluation of lower-tier divine and immortal posts, particularly those not considered true deities, is precisely what I intend to propose to His Majesty the Jade Emperor. Are you satisfied with this answer?"

Many high-ranking Dragons were already visibly moved, and the Dragon elder who had asked the question bowed deeply to Li Changshou, his face showing shame. "My knowledge was shallow; please forgive me, Sea God!"

"It goes beyond that!" Li Changshou laughed heartily, "To resolve the Dragon Race's crisis, the Heavenly Emperor commanded me to visit the human Sages in Fire Cloud Cave and retrieve this treasure. Please behold!" With that, Li Changshou took out the 'Great Yu's Flood Control Map,' which shimmered with golden light. With a wave of his left hand, the treasured map unfurled, projecting a full panorama of the Southern Continent within the Crystal Palace, upon which surged countless rushing rivers.

"Today, I might as well inform you all that His Majesty has already commanded me to investigate the rivers, lakes, and marshes of the Southern Continent. Soon, it will be possible to appoint Gods of Rivers, Lakes, and Marshes! The Dragon Race has managed the four seas for a long time, excelling in aquatic warfare and understanding waterways. Is there any race more suitable to be the Water Gods of the Southern Continent than the Dragons?"

At these words, all the high-ranking Dragons were moved; many old dragons even had red eyes... Li Changshou seized the opportunity, continuing, "The Dragon Race ascending to the Heavenly Court aligns with the will of the Heavenly Dao and embodies the righteous heart of heaven and earth. Today, I present to the Dragon King the writings of the Saint disciples who oversee the teachings of both the Daoist Sects of Chan and Jie!"

With that, Li Changshou took out the bound scroll and handed it to Ao Yi. Ao Yi slowly unrolled the calligraphy. The four characters, 'Dragons Ascend to Heaven,' emanating two distinct Daoist auras, caused all the Dragons present to tremble. The benefit of the Heavenly Court, the might of the Dao Sects! A Dragon elder whispered, "Indeed, those are the Daoist auras of Daoist Duobao and Guangchengzi."

Ao Yi presented the scroll before the Dragon King, who took it with both hands, then revealed a look of deep emotion. The dignified and beautiful Dragon Mother, who stood beside him, spoke, "If everything truly is as the Sea God says, how could our race not pledge allegiance to His Majesty the Jade Emperor? However, even if you, Sea God, make a Great Dao Oath, how can the Jade Emperor's intentions... how can they be guaranteed?"

"Why can't it be guaranteed?" A clear voice was heard; it was Long Ji, who had risen, bowed to everyone, and calmly stated: "If the Dragon Race ascends to assist the Heavenly Court in governing the Three Realms, His Majesty the Jade Emperor will certainly not mistreat them. Although the Heavenly Court currently faces many challenges, His Majesty the Jade Emperor is diligently striving for good governance, and all in the Heavenly Court are united. With brilliant strategists and wise individuals like the Sea God assisting, its great prosperity is only a matter of time! If you ascend now, it will be an opportunity to achieve great deeds and accumulate merits. Wouldn't that be a wonderful thing?"

"Your Highness," Li Changshou chuckled, "Please sit down."

"Oh," Long Ji obediently responded and quickly returned to her seat, causing several Dragon Princes to glance at her repeatedly.

Li Changshou smiled, "Dragon Mother, my visit today is actually just to get a clear stance from the East Sea Dragon Palace. To be honest, besides the East Sea Dragon Palace, I'm concerned about the other three Dragon Palaces, fearing hidden Western infiltrators. This is my final trump card. Please observe here!"

As he spoke, Li Changshou took a golden scroll from his sleeve, holding it high. Ten thousand beams of golden light radiated from it, and a rich Heavenly Dao power rippled outwards. With a flick of Li Changshou's hand, the scroll quickly unfurled, revealing a blank surface!

"As long as the Dragon King and all the elders agree to this matter today and swear an oath never to renege, you may voice any concerns you have. Naturally, it will still be up to me to consider and, in your presence, write the Heavenly Court's guarantee onto this decree, which will then be presented before His Majesty the Jade Emperor. Once the Heavenly Emperor's imperial seal is affixed, it will receive the Heavenly Dao's approval! With this, can you trust me, and can you trust the Heavenly Court?"