HomePull StringsChapter 684: Flooding Chen Tang!

Chapter 684: Flooding Chen Tang!

The Dragon King of the Eastern Sea planned to petition the Heavenly Court, hoping to use its authority to counter the pressure from the Enlightenment Sect. This temporarily placated the Dragon Clan.

Indeed, the Heavenly Court’s influence now surpassed that of the Sage’s Great Sects, making it a viable option for the Dragon Clan. Though some dragons still felt they shouldn’t submit to the Heavenly Court’s authority—at most accepting positions as guest officials like in the Ancient Demon Court—they weren’t opposed to ‘utilizing’ the Heavenly Court’s might.

The Elder Dragon King assembled his ceremonial guard, accompanied by two Dragon Elders and three Turtle Ministers, with guards clearing the path and attendants following as they made their way toward the Eastern Heaven Gate.

As the Dragon King approached the Eastern Heaven Gate, General Li, who had departed half a day earlier, was still rushing along his way.

Riding clouds and mists across the misty sea, seeking the middle gate beneath azure skies and emerald waters.

Upon reaching the Eastern Heaven Gate, the Elder Dragon King ordered his carriage to halt and led the Elders and Turtle Ministers toward the gate. Several Heaven Generals stepped forward, clasping their fists in greeting, and one smiling General said:

“Why does Dragon King seem so rushed? Could there be some urgent matter? Oh, we have no intention of blocking your way, Dragon King. We merely need to know the purpose of your visit.”

A probing statement.

The Eastern Dragon King’s brows furrowed slightly. A Dragon Elder behind him spoke: “A disciple of a Great Sect has slain our Eastern Sea Dragon Palace’s Third Prince. Today, our King comes to request the Heavenly Court’s assistance in seeking justice.”

The Heaven Generals exchanged glances, each showing surprised expressions. One trembled with ‘anger’ as he exclaimed: “Aiya! Who would dare be so bold? To just kill a Dragon Palace Prince without consequence!”

Another General added: “What timing—Marshal Ao Yi isn’t in the Heavenly Court, having gone to lead armies in the Three Thousand Worlds. If Marshal Ao Yi knew of this matter, who knows how heartbroken he would be.”

The Eastern Dragon King spoke calmly: “Generals, may I enter the Heavenly Court now?”

“Please, please proceed.”

The Heaven Generals stepped aside with welcoming gestures. The Eastern Dragon King nodded and rode his cloud forward.

However, the Generals then turned their attention to the two Elders and three Turtle Ministers.

Above the Heaven Gate, the Demon-Slaying Sword among the three divine swords began to quiver slightly.

A General immediately stepped forward and said: “Dragon King, as you are both a proper deity of the Heavenly Court and the Dragon Clan’s leader, you may certainly enter directly. However, the two Elders and three Dragon Palace officials are not part of the Heavenly Court hierarchy…”

As he spoke, the General pointed to the three divine swords above the gate, causing the Dragon Palace group to frown.

Another General suggested: “How about this—Dragon King, you enter first, and we’ll immediately report to the Hall of Clarity. Once we obtain a passage token, we’ll allow the others to enter.”

“Very well.”

The Dragon King replied flatly and proceeded forward on his cloud.

The Heaven Generals sighed in relief and hurried to report this matter to the Hall of Clarity. The two Dragon Elders and three Turtle Ministers could only frown, watching the Eastern Dragon King’s retreating figure with concern.

Their expressions suggested they viewed the Eastern Dragon King as fragile as a sea maiden.

Shortly after the Dragon King flew forward, a Heaven General approached from the side to guide him.

The Dragon King and this General exchanged glances—the former’s furrowed brows immediately relaxed somewhat, while the latter made a simple gesture to the Dragon King.

The newcomer was Li Longshou, whom the Dragon King immediately saw through his disguise.

For the Eastern Dragon King’s petition to the Heavenly Court, it would have been best to have the Dragon Elders and Turtle Ministers accompany him, letting them relay what they witnessed back to the Dragon Palace. The Heavenly Court shouldn’t have blocked them, which slightly puzzled the Eastern Dragon King.

But when Li Longshou actively sought him out, the Eastern Dragon King immediately understood why his followers were temporarily barred outside.

It was nothing more than following the script.

Li Longshou said: “My condolences, Dragon King.”

“Ah,” the Dragon King sighed softly, “I request the Star Lord’s mediation, to ensure my son did not die in vain.”

This old Dragon King truly spoke without leaving any openings.

To outsiders, these words would simply sound like the Dragon King asking Li Longshou to pass judgment and punish General Li and Nezha. But to those high-level strategists like them, it could also mean ‘Please let Li Longshou continue this grand play to achieve the goal of the Dragon Clan’s internal reform.’

“The Investiture of the Gods Scroll has shown movement—your third son’s soul hasn’t scattered. For all other matters, Long Geng will do his utmost.”

The Elder Dragon King said: “Between humans and dragons, there need not be great war—we can coexist.”

Li Longshou replied: “The desires of living beings can also be suppressed by living beings.”

The dragon and human exchanged glances, each showing a slight smile. Li Longshou bowed in the invitation, concealing all his dao rhythms and aura, mimicking this Heaven General’s usual mannerisms as he guided the Dragon King straight to the Hall of Clarity.

Meanwhile, in the Jade Imperial Palace.

The Jade Emperor sat smiling on his throne, his white robes unstained by dust. No other officials were present in the great hall—the Heavenly Court’s important ministers were gathered in the Hall of Clarity, with Marshal Quandong naturally not missing, waiting in a corner for the grand play to unfold.

The Jade Emperor certainly knew that for the Heavenly Court, curbing the Dragon Clan’s aggressive spirit and preventing them from becoming too inflated was a good thing.

This wave was a joint suppression by the Heavenly Court, the Enlightenment Sect, and humanity. Today, the Heavenly Court only needed to mediate, and the Dragon Clan’s fury would naturally escalate.

Next would be waiting for the Dragon Clan to make a mistake, allowing the Heavenly Court to punish them.

“Long Geng is still impressive, analyzing this matter so simply in just a few words. The Dragon Clan is truly unfortunate, why did they have to meddle in the Great Tribulation?”

The Jade Emperor praised, but then thought of how Li Longshou would leave the Heavenly Court in a few decades, becoming somewhat melancholic.

He still hadn’t thought of that perfect reason to make Long Geng stay.

At the Middle Heaven Gate, a flash of light appeared as General Li materialized, breathing heavily. He stepped forward with his sword, clasped his fists in greeting to the gate-guarding Generals, and announced firmly:

“Li Jing, General Commander of Chen Tang Pass in the Shang Kingdom of South Jambudvipa, requests an audience!”

“No need for formalities, General Li!”

A gate-guarding General leaped forward, cupped his hands to Li Jing, then turned and gestured welcomingly, “A carriage is ready. There’s no time to explain—please board first.”

Inside the Heaven Gate, two groups of heavenly horses pulled a carriage flying from the distance, with horses neighing and the carriage rumbling, moving at considerable speed.

“Many thanks.”

Li Jing bowed in gratitude and immediately rushed to the carriage. The three divine swords above the Heaven Gate showed no reaction.

After Li Jing entered the Heavenly Court and was carried away by heavenly horses to the Hall of Clarity, the gate-guarding General immediately crushed a jade talisman in his sleeve.

At the Eastern Heaven Gate, a Heaven General hurriedly approached on a cloud from the direction of the Hall of Clarity, holding a command tablet and shouting from afar:

“By order of the Hall of Clarity, the two Dragon Elders and three civil officials are permitted to enter the Heavenly Court!”

The Demon-Slaying Sword instantly quieted, and the Dragon Clan group sighed in relief. Surrounded by heavenly soldiers and generals, they entered the gate and hurried toward the Hall of Clarity.

After they left, the gate-guarding Generals exchanged glances, each showing slight smiles.

A General emerged from a corner, retrieving a thin thread that had been attached to the Demon-Slaying Sword.

The three Turtle Ministers barely qualified as auxiliary deities within the Heavenly Court system, even ranking higher than the sea-patrolling Yaksha.

Just a small trick.

Everyone had stood guard outside Star Lord Taibai’s palace—who hadn’t personally heard Star Lord Taibai’s teachings or seen his magnificent cloud-riding posture?

Taibai was truly crafty.

When the Elder Dragon King reached the Hall of Clarity, the martial official who had guided him waited at the side of the hall.

Over ten senior ministers of the Heavenly Court emerged from the hall, led by East Wood Lord.

Wood Lord laughed heartily and clasped his hands in greeting to the Dragon King, who returned the gesture but showed a bitter smile.

Wood Lord asked: “Dragon King’s complexion seems poor—has something happened?”

“Ah,” the Dragon King heaved a long sigh, suddenly shedding tears, “My poor son, not even a century old, met a cruel end far too early. I beseech the Heavenly Court to uphold justice for my Dragon Palace!”

As he spoke, the Dragon King bowed deeply forward, and Wood Lord hurriedly stepped forward to support him.

“Dragon King, you’re too courteous, too courteous. What exactly has happened?

“Come quickly, let us discuss this inside the hall. Fortunately, all the ministers are here for a meeting—let everyone bear witness.”

The Elder Dragon King nodded, his dragon visage showing a bitter smile, and entered the Hall of Clarity with Wood Lord.

The Hall of Clarity was the Heavenly Court’s administrative ‘nerve center,’ directly connected to the Jade Imperial Palace and linking various immortal and divine departments. Several fourth-rank proper deities were always on duty here, rotating shifts day and night.

But today, the Hall of Clarity was unusually crowded, not just with the hall’s regular clerks, but with two-thirds of the Heavenly Court’s civil and military officials seated throughout.

Soon, the Eastern Dragon King was seated in a round chair that was slightly too small for his imposing figure, making him appear somewhat constrained.

Wood Lord sat in the main seat, with a long desk before him and over ten senior ministers behind him, all wearing kind, warm, and benevolent smiles.

“Dragon King, please first contain your grief,” Wood Lord said gently. “The Heavenly Court deeply regrets what happened to your son, and we all share in Dragon Palace’s pain. Dragon King has come to petition the Heavenly Court—whom specifically are you filing charges against?”

The Eastern Dragon King sighed: “I charge General Li Jing of Chen Tang Pass, who sheltered his son and allowed him to commit murder, and I charge Li Jing’s son Nezha, who ran amok in Chen Tang and killed my son.”

“Hiss—which Li Jing?”

Wood Lord drew in a sharp breath and hurriedly asked: “Is this person a disciple of the Human Sect?”

“Indeed, he is a registered disciple of True Person Du’e of Kunlun Mountain,” the Dragon King said solemnly. “This man doesn’t cultivate pure ways or know righteousness, coveting worldly splendor, taking a wife and having children, clinging to mortal power…”

Wood Lord said: “Speak slowly, Dragon King, speak slowly. Everyone, investigate Li Jing’s background, see if there’s anything unusual.”

“Yes!” came a response from the corner, followed by the sound of rustling pages.

The Eastern Dragon King closed his eyes to wait. During this time, the two Dragon Elders and three Turtle Ministers arrived at the Hall of Clarity, standing behind the Dragon King in the center of the great hall.

Like defendants at trial.

A carriage flew past in the distant sky as General Li, concealed by a Heaven General, hid his form and slipped into the sea of clouds, creeping toward the Hall of Clarity.

“Found it!”

From the corner of the great hall, Divine Officer Wang stood up, hurriedly approached Wood Lord with a jade tablet, handed it over, and said softly:

“Wood Lord, Li Jing’s complete background is within.”

“Read it out,” Wood Lord said calmly.

Divine Officer Wang whispered: “Wood Lord, you should look at it first…”

“Read it out!”

Wood Lord glared at Divine Officer Wang and scolded: “Do you have something to fear? This is the Heavenly Court! This is the Hall of Clarity! The Jade Emperor himself backs us! Being so timid—aren’t you afraid of making us look foolish before the Dragon King? Read it out loud!”

“This…”

“Read!”

Divine Officer Wang showed a helpless expression, bowed his head with a bitter smile, and holding the jade tablet, announced loudly:

“Li Jing, born in Chen Tang Town, witnessed demons ravaging the northeastern regions of South Jambudvipa in his youth. With the resolve to protect his homeland, he traversed mountains and waters to seek his immortal destiny in East Victory Divine Continent, and by chance was brought before the Ascending Immortality Gate, entering as a disciple.

Having achieved success in immortal cultivation, he earned recognition from Star-Lord Taibai, a proper deity of the Heavenly Court and graduate of the Ascending Immortality Gate, who bestowed many blessings upon him. He later returned to Chen Tang Town to eliminate demons and monsters, accumulating merit and was adopted as a son by Star Lord Taibai…

…Li Jing’s reputation grew, earning the Human Emperor’s recognition and appointment as General Commander of Chen Tang Pass, securing the northeastern regions of South Jambudvipa.

He has three sons: eldest son Jinzha, a disciple of Master Wenshu of the Jade Void Palace Sage; second son Muzha, a disciple of Master Cihang of the Jade Void Palace Sage; youngest son Nezha, a disciple of True Person Taiyi of the Jade Void Palace Sage.

A note is needed here: Nezha is the reincarnation of the Spirit Zhenzhu Child, who was True Person Taiyi’s disciple and served in the Heavenly Court for many years as Star-Lord Taibai’s beloved general.”

“Enough, enough! You just have to be the loudest, don’t you!”

Wood Lord frowned and interrupted Divine Officer Wang’s ‘loud and emotional’ reading, snatching the jade tablet to examine it carefully, his expression gradually changing.

Seeing this, the Dragon King’s expression grew cold; seeing this, the two Dragon Elders’ eyes filled with grief and anger.

In the Hall of Clarity, all the proper deities fell silent.

A martial official first pondered, then said slowly: “For this Li Jing to earn Star Lord’s recognition, he surely can’t be a bad person. The problem most likely lies with the Enlightenment Sect…”

“Watch your words! The Enlightenment Sect has always been particular about disciples’ backgrounds and values their blessings. I’ve met this Spirit Zhenzhu Child—he was gentle-natured and quite courteous, not the type to kill others randomly.”

“Indeed, indeed. I’ve also heard about the Spirit Zhenzhu Child’s reincarnation—he wouldn’t kill a dragon prince without reason.”

“Right, such a refined young immortal, and a close friend of the Moon Star Lord’s handmaiden.”

A shout came from the corner: “My third brother’s reincarnation would not unreasonably kill my second brother’s younger brother! There must be some misunderstanding!”

All eyes turned to the corner, and Bian Zhuang, who had just shouted, immediately shrank his neck and said softly: “That’s this humble officer’s speculation.”

The Dragon King closed his eyes and remained silent, seeming to understand the situation.

Wood Lord cleared his throat and said softly: “Dragon King, you see, for this matter… shouldn’t we investigate thoroughly, summon Li Jing’s father and son to the Heavenly Court for questioning, and then decide on punishment?”

Before the Eastern Dragon King could speak, a Dragon Elder sighed: “Could it be the Heavenly Court also wants to show favoritism and disregard justice? Our Third Prince was killed by that Nezha!”

“By reason, the dead should indeed take precedence,” Wood Lord sighed. “But this matter involves Star-Lord Taibai’s adopted son. How about we go to the Jade Imperial Palace and ask the Jade Emperor to decide?”

“No need,” the Eastern Dragon King stood up, his dragon eyes showing some desolation, “The Heavenly Court need only say whether it can uphold justice for my Dragon Palace.”

“This…”

Just then, a shout came from outside the Hall of Clarity:

“General Li Jing of Chen Tang Pass! Summoned by the Hall of Clarity to explain the conflict with the Dragon Clan!”

The Dragon King and two Dragon Elders showed angry expressions, with one Elder even turning to glare at Wood Lord and the other proper deities, as if about to take action.

These two Elders and three Turtle Ministers were no fools—how could they not understand?

While they had been talking all this time, the Hall of Clarity had already notified Li Jing, calling him up to confront them.

The Dragon Palace was somewhat in the wrong, but from the very beginning, the Heavenly Court had chosen to help Star-Lord Taibai’s adopted son rather than their Eastern Sea Dragon Palace!

As one Elder was about to speak up in protest, the Dragon King raised his hand signaling them not to say more. The Dragon Palace group’s faces turned ashen as they stared at the great hall’s entrance.

Li Jing strode in quickly with his sword, first made a Daoist salute to the Dragon King, then leaped over the hall’s threshold and made a deep Daoist salute to all the proper deities inside.

“Li Jing pays respects to all Heavenly Deities and greets the Dragon King.”

Wood Lord nodded with a smile and said gently: “No need for such ceremony, worthy nephew, no need. Someone bring a seat—let’s sit and talk.”

Divine Officer Wang immediately went to the side and brought a round chair identical to the one the Dragon King had sat in earlier, placing it beside the Dragon King’s chair.

Then Wood Lord looked at the Eastern Dragon King and smiled: “Why doesn’t Dragon King sit down for a good talk, lay everything out in the open? The Heavenly Court is willing to mediate between your two families, how about that?”

The Eastern Dragon King seemed to hesitate, looking at Li Jing, and then at all the immortals and deities in the hall.

The two Dragon Elders were truly finding it hard to contain their anger, while the three Turtle Ministers hadn’t dared say anything from start to finish.

“Enough.”

With a light sigh, the Eastern Dragon King’s long sleeve waved, and the chair beside Li Jing exploded into pieces.

The Dragon King turned slightly to look at Li Jing, who maintained a solemn expression but met the Dragon King’s gaze with unwavering determination.

After a moment, the Dragon King said flatly: “We’re leaving.”

He departed with the Dragon Elders and sea turtle ministers in tow.

Wood Lord quickly stood and called out: “Divine Officer Wang, go escort the Dragon King’s group!”

“Yes!” Wang Shan accepted the order and left, hurrying after the Dragon King’s retreating figure.

In the Hall of Clarity, Li Jing relaxed slightly, feeling the kind gazes around him, and stood to make several Daoist salutes in various directions.

“Li is grateful for all the proper deities’ protection. This matter was initiated by the Dragon King’s son, who attempted to set up a deadly trap for my son Nezha. Fortunately, Nezha had True Person Taiyi’s bestowed treasures for protection, allowing him to survive. If Li Jing has spoken a single false word, may he suffer heaven’s punishment and his soul instantly scatter?”

Wood Lord smiled: “No need for more words, General Li. Quickly return to Chen Tang Pass.”

“Indeed,” an old immortal said worriedly, “The Dragon Clan is emotional now—we mustn’t underestimate their power, they are an ancient great clan.”

“Our Heavenly Court should do something, we can’t allow General Li to be bullied by the Dragon Clan.”

“Someone favored by Star-Lord couldn’t be inferior.”

“The Dragon Clan is in the wrong yet comes to file charges, truly… tsk, better not say more, better not say more.”

Li Jing bowed his head with a sigh, his smile somewhat bitter, made a Daoist salute to all immortals and deities, then turned and hurried away, taken back to Chen Tang Pass by the heavenly horse carriage through the Middle Heaven Gate.

In the Hall of Clarity, before the various immortals and deities dispersed, the white-browed, white-haired ordinary minister of the Heavenly Court, Li Longshou, arrived on his cloud and began discussing the Heavenly Court’s next development direction with everyone.

It was as if what had just happened never occurred.

Bang!

Splash splash—

In the Eastern Sea Dragon Palace’s great hall, the Eastern Dragon King, who had been emotionless for countless years, finally showed his angry side today, sending the wine brought by sea maidens flying and kicking over his throne made of pearls and agates.

The Eastern Dragon King sat on his throne with a gloomy expression, while the Dragon Kings of the Western, Southern, and Northern Seas sat silently beside him. The hundreds of Dragon Elders and dragon princes standing in the hall didn’t dare breathe.

One dragon gathered his courage to ask: “Did things not go well at the Heavenly Court?”

“More than just not well,” the Dragon Elder who had accompanied the Dragon King to the Heavenly Court stepped forward. One by one, they added details, each adding their own flavor until they had thoroughly described their experience.

The Heavenly Court deities’ change of face, Star-Lord Taibai’s overwhelming influence;

Li Jing’s sudden arrival, the deities’ obvious favoritism.

A Dragon Clan expert angrily said: “How could the Heavenly Court be like this? Like this!”

“Star-Lord Taibai truly dominates everything, but he shouldn’t forget—if not for our Dragon Clan’s support, he wouldn’t have so easily earned the Jade Emperor’s recognition before!”

“Those words go too far. Star-Lord Taibai is backed by Supreme Pure One. Without Star Lord Taibai’s help, we would have long since become playthings in the Western Sect’s hands, and by now would have exhausted all our clansmen’s lives. Star-Lord Taibai has shown great kindness to our Dragon Clan—it’s just that this matter involves Star-Lord Taibai’s adopted son, so the Heavenly Court deities dare not speak up. Do not show disrespect to the Star-Lord.”

“Since when has our Dragon Clan needed to live at others’ mercy!”

“This infuriates me!”

“Third Prince cannot die in vain—we must make that Li Jing’s father and son die for Third Prince!”

“Right! Make them die for him!”

“If our Dragon Clan submits this time, we’ll never have dignity again, and will surely become the laughingstock of all races!”

“What ‘all races’? Now there are only immortals, spirits, humans, demons, ghosts, and fiends. Our Dragon Clan doesn’t even have its category anymore—we’ve fallen to become one of the Six Paths, an unremarkable small tribe among the myriad spirits.”

“Let’s find them!”

“Demand an explanation from them, and if that fails, we’ll wash Chen Tang Pass in blood!”

“Silence, all of you!”

From his throne, the quick-tempered Western Sea Dragon King shouted angrily, and all the Dragon Clan members fell quiet.

The Western Sea Dragon King stood and clasped his hands to the Eastern Sea Dragon King, saying firmly:

“Elder Brother, please make a decision soon on how to handle this matter. Don’t let everyone continue arguing.”

The Eastern Sea Dragon King remained silent in contemplation.

The Southern Sea Dragon King also said: “Given the Heavenly Court’s attitude, we now face combined pressure from both the Heavenly Court and the Enlightenment Sect, and we must also consider Li Jing’s human background. In other words, we might suffer joint suppression from the Enlightenment Sect and Heavenly Court. Though Star-Lord Taibai hasn’t dealt much with us, we should know he’s extremely protective of his own.”

“The recent human rebellion against Heaven is still fresh in our minds,” the Northern Sea Dragon King shook his head. “If this matter alarms the Fire Cloud Cave, or if an Ancient Human Emperor issues one command to gather the human immortals of Middle Spirit Continent… We must proceed with utmost caution.”

The Southern Sea Dragon King shook his head: “But if we let this go, our Dragon Clan is finished. If we fall at one push from the Heavenly Court and Enlightenment Sect, what can we accomplish in the future?”

“Let the Elders decide.”

The Eastern Sea Dragon King sighed softly, “Gather the Elders of the Four Seas here, except those guarding the sea eyes. Whether to fight or make peace, let the entire clan discuss it together.”

The other three Dragon Kings each nodded in agreement. The Dragon Clan members below maintained silence, though each had their thoughts.

Three days later, in the somewhat crowded great hall of the Eastern Sea Dragon Palace.

One by one, dragon-headed elders and Dragon Clan generals stood quietly. The Dragon King on his throne made a simple gesture, and half the Dragon Clan experts began to move.

Of these half, one-third stood on the left side, two-thirds on the right.

Then, several elders from both left and right sides stepped forward to persuade the Dragon Clan members who hadn’t yet made their choice.

The Dragon Clan elders on the right kept speaking of the current crisis facing the Dragon Clan.

In their words, humans were the protagonists of Heaven and Earth, while the Dragon Clan had been cultivating peace for many years. The two had been coexisting peacefully, but now that the Third Prince was killed by Nezha, if the Dragon Clan remained silent, all living beings would think the Dragon Clan easy to bully.

This wasn’t about who was right or wrong but about the Dragon Clan’s dignity and lifeblood, concerning whether the Dragon Clan could continue standing tall in the Five Continents of the Primordial World.

“If we swallow our anger this time, we might as well move to the Three Thousand Worlds—staying here will only invite mockery from other races!”

The elders on the left mostly showed their age, their faces now filled with worry.

One dragon-headed elder earnestly advised:

“The Dragon Clan has just shown signs of revival—why must we oppose humanity? We may have some foundation and many experts, but how can we ignore humanity’s strength? The Heavenly Court now represents humanity’s position, and the heavenly soldiers and generals are all of human origin! If we fight humanity, even if we win temporarily, we’ll ultimately lose our destiny. What does this have to do with the Dragon Clan’s dignity? Dragon Clan lifeblood? Third Prince was killed by a child, and we weren’t even in the right—how does admitting our mistake mean abandoning dignity? When did our Dragon Clan become so arrogant? Have you all forgotten Ancestor Dragon’s teachings? If you continue this foolishness, the Dragon Clan’s self-destruction won’t be far off!”

The half of the Dragon Clan that had remained motionless also made their choices, walking to either the left or right.

Half an hour later, all the elders had made their choices.

Three-quarters stood on the right, favoring war.

One-quarter stood on the left, favoring peace.

On his coral throne, the Eastern Sea Dragon King sat upright, his expression neither sad nor happy. Seeing the result below, he slowly nodded:

“In this matter, we shall war with Chen Tang Pass. Return to your positions and we’ll decide how to fight.”

At once, the Dragon Clan elders shuffled positions again and made new choices.

This time, those advocating ‘taking Li Jing and Nezha’s lives’ made up seventy percent, those wanting to ‘teach humanity a profound lesson’ only ten percent, with the remaining twenty percent abstaining.

With matters decided, the Four Seas Dragon Kings rose together. At one call to arms, one word to move out, the Crystal Palace erupted in clamor as numerous Dragon Palace experts flew out its great doors.

Soon after, azure dragons emerged from the sea, coiling repeatedly above the East Sea, displaying divine abilities to create clouds and gather momentum.

Great swathes of dark clouds appeared in the heavens, with endless silhouettes appearing above the great sea.

Shrimp soldiers, crab generals, immortal dragon troops!

Their numbers defied counting, stretching across hundreds of miles of the deep sea surface.

Killing intent soared, anger pierced the heavens, and war drums thundered like lightning, resounding across tens of thousands of miles!

The Eastern Sea Dragon King’s great hand swept past, raising huge waves in the East Sea!

“To Chen Tang Pass.”

Hundreds of azure dragons followed the four Dragon Kings, pulling those seemingly endless thick dark clouds, leading countless troops, carrying walls of water dozens of zhang high, surging toward the East Seashore!

Half a day later.

Chen Tang Pass was now empty.

Not far outside the city in a great mountain, over a hundred thousand mortals who had evacuated here yesterday were now drawn by the thunder to gaze toward the East Sea.

They had only been told that a tsunami would strike in the coming days, and to take their valuables and food to higher ground.

Evacuating over a hundred thousand mortals was no easy task. With Li Longshou’s paper avatars helping secretly and the Chen Tang Pass army handling logistics and maintaining order, they managed to evacuate in time.

When the Dragon Clan began their ‘Elder vote,’ Chen Tang Pass had already started making corresponding preparations.

Not just Chen Tang Pass itself, but the various towns and villages near the East Sea were now nine-tenths empty, their people moved to higher ground to avoid disaster.

But on Chen Tang Pass’s city walls;

Right on Chen Tang Pass’s city walls!

Li Jing stood silently with several hundred qi cultivators who had lived in Chen Tang Pass for generations, watching the East Sea’s surface.

A white line appeared where water met the sky. Li Jing’s eyes narrowed as he said softly:

“Everyone withdraw for now, don’t add unnecessary casualties.”

The several hundred qi cultivators behind him had already sensed the endless pressure but remained silent, unwilling to step back even half a step.

What of the Dragon Clan, what of the Demon Race?

Those who invaded Chen Tang were their enemies!

“Everyone!”

Li Jing turned slightly and said firmly: “I have a plan to repel their army, but if you stay here, it will hinder its execution! Quickly withdraw and protect the people. Don’t make things difficult for me—we are no match for the Dragon Palace in confrontation.”

The qi cultivators each nodded and finally retreated, quickly withdrawing to various mountains and forests.

In the rear courtyard of the Li mansion, young Nezha had no idea what was happening, only watching his temporary master pacing back and forth, while a three-eyed man who claimed to be his senior brother polished a strange spear nearby.

Nezha mumbled softly: “Master, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing to do with you, just stay here.”

Boom boom boom!

The ground suddenly began trembling, as if countless troops were surging toward Chen Tang Pass. Thick clouds stretching for ten thousand miles had turned Chen Tang Pass from day to night.

Great waters rushed onto land but remained cohesive rather than dispersing, charging straight for Chen Tang Pass, destroying countless emptied villages and towns along the way.

Just then, an aged yet powerful voice came from the clouds:

“Li-Jing—Come with Nezha to my Dragon Palace to admit your crimes, or today Chen Tang shall be flooded.”

Atop the city tower, Li Jing’s left hand gripped his sword handle as he took a light breath, his right hand suddenly drawing the long sword.

The three-foot green blade quivered slightly, waves rippling along its body, reflecting Li Jing’s stubbled and resolute face as the sword point reached toward the dark clouds in the sky!

“Chen Tang Pass Commander Li Jing is here!

As a father, I must fight those who harm my child!

As Commander, I must fight those who invade my territory!

Against those who disregard justice and virtue, who would harm my territory’s common people and threaten my child’s life, I, Li Jing, today shall spill blood three feet high! I stake my life on this battle!”

Above the dark clouds, the Four Seas Dragon Kings’ faces were extremely gloomy.

Below the earth, Li Longshou stood with hands behind his back, calculating the best moment to reveal himself.

Today, the dragons must be suppressed.

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