212: Chidao

Time flows like water; ten years is but a blink of an eye for Cultivators and the Yao Race, who possess long Lifespans.

During several years of travel within the Tongqian River's Guest Welcoming Water Post and its surrounding areas, Gao De gained a fairly deep understanding of the Qianjiang Dragon Palace's peripheral governance model, resource distribution, and power dynamics. He also accumulated some connections and resources through several transactions.

As the Qianjiang Dragon King's birthday approached, guests from all directions increased daily. The Guest Welcoming Water Post became increasingly lively, even appearing somewhat crowded.

Gao De knew it was time to set out for the core area of the Dragon Palace.

On this day, Steward Gui Jiu personally came to the courtyard where Gao De was staying and respectfully presented a formal itinerary made of gilded water-jade.

"Great King Gao De, the Dragon Palace Birthday Banquet Preparations Department has sent the formal arrangements. We request that the Great King, in three months' time, bring this letter and your VIP token to 'Longmen Ferry' thirty thousand li upstream. A special envoy will be there to receive the Great King and his party, escorting you into the Dragon Palace's outer city, 'Qianyuan City', and arranging specific accommodations and the subsequent audience and banquet procedures." Gui Jiu paused before adding, "Additionally, the letter mentions that since the Great King is a newly promoted Fourth-Rank, and Qianjiao Cliff is located at the border of the Ten Thousand Beast Mountain Range and the Qian River waters, the Dragon Palace's 'Protocol Department' and 'Water Affairs Department' intend to arrange some exchange activities upon the Great King's arrival. These may involve matters such as water territory jurisdiction and resource exchange, so please be prepared."

Gao De took the itinerary and scanned it with his Divine Sense. The content was largely the same as what Gui Jiu had said, though the wording was more formal and elegant.

He understood in his heart that these so-called "exchange activities" were likely the Dragon Palace's way of assessing and recruiting new powers, and might also involve the division of interests or assignment of obligations.

However, this was also an expected part of his trip.

"Thank you for informing me, Steward Gui," Gao De nodded.

For the next three months, Gao De no longer went out. Instead, he meditated in the courtyard to further consolidate his cultivation and familiarize himself with his newly refined Fourth-Rank Lifebound Treasure, the Purple Cloud Dragon Shadow Sword. At the same time, he guided Iron Profound and the other Demon Soldiers in practicing battle Formation coordination, integrating what he had learned from his Bloodline Legacy to make the team more elite and synchronized.

Three months later, Gao De and his party set out on time, traveling upstream along the main channel of the Tongqian River.

The further upstream they went, the clearer and more spiritual the water became, and the Spiritual Qi grew increasingly dense and pure. Grand and magnificent underwater building complexes, shimmering Formation nodes, and heavily patrolled Dragon Palace guards began to appear on both sides of the riverbed.

Finally, a massive natural white jade archway spanning the riverbed appeared ahead. Two lifelike five-clawed golden dragons were carved upon the lintel, flanking a massive night-luminescent pearl that illuminated the waters for dozens of li.

This was "Longmen Ferry." Legend had it that members of the aquatic tribes possessing Dragon bloodlines could transform into True Dragons by leaping over the Dragon Gate. This Longmen Ferry was built as a replica of the legendary Dragon Gate. Even if it was not as miraculous as the legend, crossing this gate would still grant a trace of the Dragon Clan's Luck, and it served as the formal gateway into the core area directly under the Dragon Palace's jurisdiction.

Before Longmen Ferry, several groups were already waiting to be received.

Gao De noticed that the guests were of all sorts. Besides the aquatic Yao Kings, River Gods, and Water Mansion Lords from various tributaries and lakes, there were even a few individuals with distinctly different auras.

The most eye-catching among them was a tower ship built entirely of a strange blue-gray wood, its hull covered in faint golden runes.

A gentle breeze seemed to surround the tower ship, naturally pushing the water aside.

Several people stood at the bow, all in human form. Their clothing and appearance were completely different from the local aquatic tribes; the men mostly wore wide robes with large sleeves and jade crowns, while the women wore flowing skirts and tinkling pendants.

Their auras were restrained and mellow, carrying a Qi distinct from that of rivers, lakes, and seas. Their cultivation was not weak; the leading middle-aged man in purple robes and a white-bearded Elder gave Gao De a sense of being unfathomable—they were at least at the Late Stage of the Fourth-Rank!

"Guests from the Central Continent!" Gao De's heart stirred.

He had heard about this group from the Yao General who delivered the invitation. As a regional hegemon, the Qianjiang Dragon Palace maintained contact with some of the top Sects and clans in the distant Central Continent's human cultivation world.

It seemed that the Dragon King's grand birthday had even drawn powers from the Central Continent to offer their congratulations.

He just wondered how they had crossed the vast Yunmeng Great Marsh. Could they possess teleportation arrays passed down from ancient times?

Gao De kept a mental note of them but did not rashly step forward to introduce himself.

He led his team to the waiting area on one side of Longmen Ferry, following the guidance provided.

Soon, a squad of eight elite Dragon Palace guards in bright silver armor and fierce auras escorted a young man in brocade robes and a jade crown, whose face was as handsome as polished jade.

Though this young man was in human form, there were two slight protrusions at his temples where dragon scales faintly appeared. His aura had reached the Early Stage of the Fourth-Rank, and his dragon blood was pure; his status was clearly extraordinary.

"Is this Fellow Daoist Purple Lightning of Qianjiao Cliff? I am Ao Qing, the Seventeenth Prince of the Dragon Palace and a deacon of the Dragon Palace Protocol Department. I have come to welcome you, Fellow Daoist." The young man, Ao Qing, had a warm smile and proper manners, but deep in his eyes was the natural reserve and scrutiny of a Dragon Palace noble.

"It is indeed I. Thank you for coming to meet us, Fellow Daoist Ao Qing," Gao De returned the greeting with a cupped-fist salute, neither humble nor arrogant.

Ao Qing's gaze swept over Gao De and his followers, pausing briefly on the high-quality standard equipment of Iron Profound and the Mysterious Crocodile Guards. A flash of surprise crossed his eyes, and his smile grew even wider: "Fellow Daoist is indeed extraordinary, and your subordinates are elites as well. Please follow me; a 'Flying Ray Water Carriage' has been prepared at the ferry to take you all directly to Qianyuan City."

The so-called Flying Ray Water Carriage was a magnificent carriage pulled by a domesticated giant Spirit Beast called the Silver-Winged Flying Ray. It could glide rapidly through the water with stability and comfort, and was one of the ceremonial vehicles used by the Dragon Palace to receive honored guests.

They boarded the water carriage and, accompanied by Ao Qing, passed through the light screen of Longmen Ferry.

In an instant, it was as if they had entered another world.

It wasn't just "as if"; Gao De sensed carefully and confirmed that the space had indeed changed. This was likely no longer within the Qian River itself. He didn't know if this place was an ancient grotto-heaven or a Secret Realm arranged by the Qianjiang Dragon King himself.

According to what he knew from his Bloodline Legacy, grotto-heavens and blessed lands could only be established by great powers of the Fifth-Rank or higher. Furthermore, they required the remains and essence of at least a Fifth-Rank powerhouse plus countless Heaven And Earth Treasures. In the entire Yunmeng Great Marsh, there were no more than twenty such places with specific recorded information since ancient times.

If it was merely a Secret Realm, it would still require at least a Fifth-Rank Heaven And Earth Treasure to establish, and it would need a top-tier Fourth-Rank Formation master to maintain it. The foundation of the Qianjiang Dragon Palace was fully revealed by this single detail.

After entering the Secret Realm, the water became exceptionally gentle and clear, and the Spiritual Qi was so dense it almost liquefied. Countless self-luminous spiritual plants and gemstones floated in the water, illuminating the riverbed like daylight.

In the distance, the outline of a giant underwater city—too magnificent and grand for words to describe—slowly emerged amidst the shimmering spiritual light: Qianyuan City!

The city was built following the undulations of the underwater mountain range. Pavilions, palaces, and pagodas stretched on endlessly, mostly constructed from white coral, iridescent shells, various colored crystals, and precious jade. The style was beautiful and unified, all enveloped within a massive, semi-transparent pale blue protective Formation.

Inside the city, one could see bustling traffic with various water-beast carriages and the light of Cultivators' flight; it was incredibly prosperous.

"What a magnificent underwater immortal city!" Even though Gao De was mentally prepared, he couldn't help but praise it in his heart.

The Flying Ray Water Carriage did not enter the city directly but landed in a specially designated VIP guesthouse area outside the city that resembled a garden.

Different palaces had already been assigned here according to the guests' status, race, and relationships.

Gao De was arranged in an independent Water Mansion called "Bibo Garden." The environment was quiet and elegant, with abundant Spiritual Qi. The servants were all carefully selected Shell Girls and Merfolk, and there was even an Early Stage Third-Rank Merfolk as their leader, showing that the hospitality specifications were quite high.

After settling Gao De and his party, Ao Qing did not leave immediately but casually mentioned: "Fellow Daoist Purple Lightning is new to the Dragon Palace and is likely unfamiliar with many matters. In three days, the Protocol Department will hold a small-scale welcoming tea party at the 'Incoming Tide Pavilion.' We have invited some newly acquainted or uniquely positioned Fellow Daoists to gather and exchange information. Among them will be several honored guests from the Central Continent's 'Heavenly Derivation Sect' and 'Myriad Treasure Pavilion.' If Fellow Daoist is interested, you might wish to join us."

"Oh? Guests from the Central Continent?" Gao De showed a fitting amount of curiosity. "I have lived in the wilderness for a long time and have long yearned for the Central Continent. If I can make their acquaintance, it would certainly be a fortunate event. I will definitely attend."

"Excellent," Ao Qing nodded with a smile, exchanged a few more pleasantries, and then took his leave.

Gao De knew in his heart that this so-called tea party was an arrangement by the Dragon Palace Protocol Department, but it was also likely an Opportunity for Ao Qing personally, or certain factions within the Dragon Palace, to further observe, contact, and even recruit him, a "newly promoted Fourth-Rank Flood Dragon."

And the appearance of the Central Continent guests made this tea party even more subtle and worth anticipating.

Three days later, at the Incoming Tide Pavilion.

This pavilion was built upon a cliff in Qianyuan City where one could listen to the rhythms of special tides. The view was expansive, and the furnishings were elegant.

There were only twenty to thirty attendees. Besides Gao De, Ao Qing, and several other Yao Race guests from different waters whose auras were all at the Fourth-Rank or above, the most eye-catching were the guests from the Central Continent.

Through Ao Qing's introduction, Gao De learned that the purple-robed middle-aged man was an External Affairs Elder of the Central Continent's top Sect, the "Heavenly Derivation Sect." His Daoist name was "Mysterious Mechanism Master," and he was skilled in divination, calculation, Formations, and Restrictions.

The white-bearded Elder was the Great Manager in the southern region for the Central Continent's largest merchant Alliance, the "Myriad Treasure Pavilion." His surname was Chen, and he was known as "Shopkeeper Chen." He was a man of vast knowledge and wide social circles.

The others were their accompanying Disciples.

However, the absence of any Dragon or Yao guests from the Central Continent made Gao De somewhat curious.

The atmosphere of the tea party was initially quite harmonious. Everyone sipped the Dragon Palace's unique "Cloud Mist Spirit Tea" while exchanging cultivation insights and regional lore.

The Central Continent guests spoke eloquently, and their knowledge far exceeded that of most aquatic Yao Kings present, quickly making them the focus.

The Mysterious Mechanism Master occasionally spoke of strange anecdotes and ancient secrets from the Central Continent's cultivation world, which were quite captivating.

Shopkeeper Chen expressed strong interest in local products and trade.

Somehow, the topic gradually shifted to the ancient legends and geographical anomalies of the Qianjiang basin.

The Mysterious Mechanism Master stroked his beard and said, "I have traveled far this time not only to celebrate the Dragon King's birthday but also because I am quite interested in several ancient ruins in the Qianjiang basin. According to scattered records in my Sect's ancient texts, there seem to be traces of 'void nodes' connecting to other realms deep within the Qian River, as well as ruins of 'Ancient Speedways' suspected to have been built by the Immortal Qin Dynasty. I wonder if any of you local Fellow Daoists have heard of such things?"

As soon as these words were spoken, the aquatic guests present looked at each other. Most shook their heads to indicate they didn't know, or had only heard vague legends.

Ao Qing's eyes flickered slightly as he smiled and said, "Brother Mysterious Mechanism is indeed well-informed. There are indeed some brief mentions in our Dragon Palace's records, but they are from a long time ago, making it hard to distinguish truth from fiction. Moreover, the areas indicated are mostly within the dangerous and unpredictable River-Heart Abyss or Forbidden Grounds, making them difficult to investigate normally."

Shopkeeper Chen felt a surge of joy and chimed in, "If there are clues, we might be able to unearth ancient treasures, which would be of immense benefit to cultivation, Artifact Refining, and even exploring the Void Realm. My Myriad Treasure Pavilion is also quite interested in such expeditions and can provide supplies and intelligence support."

Gao De listened quietly, his thoughts spinning rapidly.

void nodes? Ancient Speedway ruins? This was likely one of the true goals of the Central Continent powers' trip! The birthday celebration might just be a cover; seeking out these ancient ruins, which could hold immense value or secrets, was the key.

As for the Dragon Palace, their attitude seemed somewhat ambiguous—neither denying nor being proactive, as if they were observing or waiting for the right price.

He suddenly remembered the Yunhe Sect he had previously explored in the Yunmeng Great Marsh. Historical records mentioned they came to the Yunmeng Great Marsh from the Central Continent through a Water Eye. The Water Eye in those records seemed somewhat similar to the speedway described by Shopkeeper Chen... Could it be related?

Just then, the Mysterious Mechanism Master seemed to casually cast his gaze toward Gao De and said with a smile, "I heard that Fellow Daoist Purple Lightning is a newly promoted Fourth-Rank, and your Immortal Cave is located in the Yunmeng Great Marsh at the border of the Ten Thousand Beast Mountain Range and a tributary of the Qian River. That region is ancient and complex. I wonder if Fellow Daoist has ever discovered any unusual ruins or spatial anomalies?"

Suddenly, everyone's gaze focused on Gao De.

Gao De's mind raced, but his expression remained calm. After a moment of deliberation, he said, "Regarding what Senior Mysterious Mechanism mentioned, I have indeed taken notice. The Ten Thousand Beast Mountain Range is vast and ancient, and the geological and water systems where it intertwines with the Qian River are intricate. It is not surprising to occasionally encounter spatial ripples or traces of ancient Restrictions.

However, my cultivation is shallow, and my Immortal Cave was only recently established. Most of my energy has been spent on management, and I have not yet delved deep into investigations. If Senior has the time, perhaps we could make an appointment to explore some suspected areas together in the future, so that I may also seek Senior's guidance."

These words acknowledged the possibility of anomalies while stating that he lacked deep knowledge and the strength to investigate alone. At the same time, he extended an olive branch for cooperative exploration, kicking the ball back to the other party without offending the Dragon Palace.

A sharp light flashed in the Mysterious Mechanism Master's eyes, and he laughed loudly, "Fellow Daoist is too modest. If there are clues, I will certainly trouble you in the future. Exploring ancient ruins is a task where there is strength in numbers; exchanging what we have is the Righteous Path."

Ao Qing also laughed, "If you two Fellow Daoists have such an interest, my Dragon Palace may also be able to provide some convenience. After all, matters of the Qianjiang basin ultimately fall under my Dragon Palace's jurisdiction."

The tea party continued, but the topic had already shifted elsewhere. However, Gao De knew that the undercurrents regarding the "void nodes" and "Ancient Speedway ruins" were already surging.

This Dragon Palace birthday banquet would likely not be as simple as just eating, drinking, and offering congratulations.

He might need to re-evaluate his next actions and... how to seize his own Opportunity in this potentially incoming storm.

If the Ancient Speedway truly was within the Yunmeng Great Marsh, there was no reason he couldn't have a hand in it.