Investiture of the Gods: Childhood Sweetheart Daji, Starting with Quasi-Saint Cultivation

Chapter 108 Dragon Clan

The day after Qiongxiao left, Ao Ling returned from the East Sea.

She went straight to the study, her face grave.

"The situation in the South China Sea is more complicated than expected."

Su Yunbai put down the battle report in his hand: "What do you mean?"

"The Western Buddhist Reception Array has twenty-four array eyes, distributed across various islands in the South China Sea." Ao Ling took out a scroll of sea chart and unfolded it. "My dragon clan spies secretly investigated and discovered that each array eye is guarded by Buddhist disciples, and... they have the aura of Arhats."

An Arhat is equivalent to a Great Golden Immortal in Taoism.

The fact that the Western sect has sent such a master to oversee the formation suggests that their ambitions are not small.

"Can we find out what they're trying to recruit?"

"Not yet." Ao Ling shook his head, "but my father speculates that it may be related to the 'Eight Heavenly Dragons'."

Su Yunbai frowned.

The Eight Heavenly Dragons are the guardian deities of Buddhism. If Western religions wish to spread their teachings in the East, inviting the Eight Heavenly Dragons to descend would indeed be a wise move.

But would the dragons agree?

"What does the Dragon King mean?"

"Father has already sent a message to the Dragon Kings of the Four Seas, and they will discuss countermeasures in the East Sea in three days." Ao Ling looked at him, "Su Yunbai, now that the Dragon Clan has formed an alliance with Chaoge, this matter is no longer just a matter for the Dragon Clan alone."

"I understand." Su Yunbai pondered for a moment, "Three days from now, I will go to the East Sea with you."

"Okay." Ao Ling paused. "There's one more thing."

"explain."

"When I returned to the East Sea, I sensed unusual fluctuations deep within the South Sea." A golden glint, unique to the dragon race, flashed in Ao Ling's eyes. "It seemed as if... an ancient aura was awakening."

"Ancient aura?"

"It's very faint, but it definitely exists," Ao Ling said. "The South China Sea has been rich in historical sites since ancient times. If the Western Sect has disturbed something they shouldn't have..."

Su Yunbai's expression turned serious.

In the world of Investiture of the Gods, the most feared thing is the word "ancient times".

Ancient powerful beings, ancient remnants of ancient clans, ancient forbidden lands... any one of these could trigger a catastrophe.

"This matter requires caution." He stood up. "I'm going to discuss it with Yunxiao."

Qinyin Pavilion.

Yunxiao continued playing the zither even after listening to the music.

"Deep in the South China Sea... could this be the location of 'Guixu'?"

Ao Ling nodded: "Exactly. Guixu is the place where all waters converge, and it is said to be an ancient battlefield, where countless secrets are buried."

"It's no coincidence that the Western Sect has set up an array near the Ruins of Return." Yunxiao looked at Su Yunbai. "Perhaps, what they want to guide is not the Eight Heavenly Dragons."

"What could that be?"

"I don't know." Yunxiao shook his head. "But the Ruins of Return are dangerous, and even saints dare not set foot there easily. The Western Sect must have something to rely on if they dare to set up a presence here."

Su Yunbai was deep in thought.

Western religion, South China Sea, Guixu, ancient atmosphere...

These clues, when pieced together, vaguely point to a terrifying truth.

But he can't see it clearly yet.

"The gathering at the East Sea is in three days. Yunxiao, would you like to join me?"

"Sure." Yunxiao nodded. "I'm also somewhat interested in Guixu."

Ao Ling added, "If Bi Xiao wants to go, she can bring her along. More people means more support."

"Then it's settled."

After leaving Qinyin Pavilion, Su Yunbai went to the West Wing.

Jiang Xiaowu was practicing her spear in the courtyard. Her silver spear moved like a dragon, its wind sharp and fierce. But as she finished each move, she would subconsciously protect her lower abdomen.

"Slow down." Su Yunbai stepped forward.

Jiang Xiaowu sheathed her gun, sweat beading on her forehead: "General."

"Don't push yourself too hard while you're pregnant."

"I know what I'm doing," Jiang Xiaowu said. "It's just... I'm used to it. I feel uncomfortable if I don't practice for a day."

Su Yunbai took the gun from her and casually twirled it.

"Your marksmanship is good, but your aura is too menacing. You'll have to tone it down when you teach your children."

Jiang Xiaowu pursed her lips: "Does the General wish for Wutong to learn martial arts?"

"Why not learn?" Su Yunbai laughed. "In this world, it's always good to have the ability to protect yourself. But you don't have to work as hard as you do. Just be happy."

Jiang Xiaowu's eyes softened: "Mm."

The two sat down on the stone bench.

"I'm going to the East Sea in three days, and it may take several days before I return," Su Yunbai said. "Stay in the manor and rest well."

"Is something happening in the East China Sea?"

"The Western Religion has deployed forces in the South China Sea, and the Dragon Clan has invited me to discuss countermeasures."

Jiang Xiaowu nodded: "General, please go with peace of mind. I will take care of things in the manor."

"You are now..."

"Although I am pregnant, I have not lost my cultivation," Jiang Xiaowu said earnestly. "Protecting the mansion is more than enough for me."

Su Yunbai knew she was stubborn, so he didn't try to persuade her further.

"Then I'll leave it to you."

"It's my duty."

In the afternoon, Su Yunbai went to see Daji.

She looked well and was talking to Yang Chan.

Upon seeing Su Yunbai arrive, Yang Chan rose and bowed, saying, "General."

"Sit down." Su Yunbai sat down beside her. "What are you talking about?"

"Chan'er is telling me about her brother," Daji said softly. "She said that when Yang Jian was little, he doted on her the most."

Yang Chan lowered her head, her fingers twisting the hem of her clothes.

"General...can my brother really not turn back?"

Su Yunbai remained silent.

Yang Jian was the third-generation chief of the Chan Sect, and his stance was already predetermined.

"Chan'er, some things aren't as simple as right or wrong," he said slowly. "Your brother has his way, and I have mine. If we ever meet on the battlefield... I will hold back, but he may not."

Yang Chan's eyes were slightly red.

"I see."

Daji grasped her hand: "Chan'er, you still have us."

"Mmm." Yang Chan wiped away her tears. "Thank you, sister."

Su Yunbai sighed as he watched this scene.

During the great calamity, how many relatives turned against each other and brothers fought each other?

All he could do was protect those around him.

In the evening, Bixiao rushed over upon hearing the news.

"Going to the East China Sea? Me too! Me too!"

"You'll be there," Su Yunbai said with a smile. "But we're going to discuss serious matters, so don't cause any trouble."

"I wasn't being silly," Bixiao pouted. "I'm very reliable."

Yunxiao remarked casually from the side, "Last time we went to the Blood Sea, who almost broke into Asura's lair?"

"That was an accident!" Bixiao argued. "Besides, I'm fine."

Although Qiongxiao has left, the news she brought cast a shadow over everyone's hearts. The matter in the South China Sea must be resolved as soon as possible.

Three days later, at the Dragon Palace of the East Sea.

The Dragon Kings of the Four Seas gathered together.

Ao Guang, the Dragon King of the East Sea, sat in the main seat, flanked by Ao Qin, the Dragon King of the South Sea; Ao Run, the Dragon King of the West Sea; and Ao Shun, the Dragon King of the North Sea.

Su Yunbai led Yunxiao, Bixiao, and Ao Ling into the palace.

"General Su," Ao Guang rose to greet him, "I am sorry for not welcoming you sooner."

"You're too kind, Dragon King."

Everyone took their seats.

Ao Guang cut to the chase: "General, you must already know about the events in the South China Sea. The Western religion's deployment of the Reception Array is of unknown purpose. Our Dragon Clan guards the four seas and cannot tolerate the infiltration of Buddhist forces."

Ao Qin, the Dragon King of the South Sea, continued, "My South Sea Dragon Palace is closest to the Ruins of Return, and we have indeed sensed unusual activity recently. That guiding array... seems to be absorbing some kind of power from the depths of the Ruins of Return."

"What kind of power?" Yunxiao asked.

"It's hard to say." Ao Qin shook his head. "Ancient, desolate, and carrying an aura of destruction. Definitely not a benevolent being."

Bixiao interjected, "Could it be an ancient demon god?"

Everyone fell silent.

Ancient demon gods were beings even more terrifying than the demon race.

If they are truly awakened by Western religions...

The consequences could be disastrous.

"Whatever it is, we must stop it," said Ao Run, the Dragon King of the West Sea, in a deep voice. "But if our dragon race clashes head-on with the Western Religion, it could trigger a great war."

Ao Shun, the Dragon King of the North Sea, looked at Su Yunbai: "What does the general think?"

Su Yunbai pondered, "Could we investigate first? If we act rashly, we might fall into their trap."

"Our dragon clan has already begun the investigation," Ao Guang said, "but the Western Religion's defenses are tight, and progress is slow."

Yunxiao suddenly spoke up: "I can go there."

Everyone looked at her.

"The Way of Music can be explored silently," Yunxiao said calmly. "If Princess Aoling accompanies us, we can use the Dragon Clan's water control techniques to cover us up, and there should be no major problems."

Ao Ling nodded: "That's feasible."

Ao Guang hesitated: "It's too risky..."

"It's alright," Yunxiao said. "I have a way to protect myself."

Su Yunbai looked at Yunxiao and saw that her eyes were firm, so he knew he couldn't persuade her otherwise.

"Then be careful."

"Um."

After agreeing on a plan, the Dragon King hosted a banquet to entertain them.

During the banquet, Ao Ling whispered to Su Yunbai, "Father has another concern that he hasn't mentioned yet."

"What?"

"Behind the Western Religion are saints," Ao Ling said. "If Jieyin and Zhunti intervene, the Dragon Clan will be powerless to resist."

Su Yunbai gripped his wine glass tightly.

A saint... another saint.

"The Dragon Clan need not confront the Sage head-on," he said slowly. "I will handle this matter."

"you?"

"I am a variable." A silver glint flashed in Su Yunbai's eyes. "Even a sage would have to think twice before trying to harm me."

Ao Ling looked at him, a complex expression appearing in his dragon eyes.

"Su Yunbai, who exactly are you?"

"An ordinary person who wants to protect those around him."

These words, though spoken in a plain tone, carried immense weight.

Ao Ling remained silent for a long time before raising his glass.

"Respect ordinary people."

"Respect to the Dragon Princess."

The two drank together.

After the banquet, Su Yunbai and Yunxiao took a walk in the Dragon Palace Garden.

"Are you really going to the South China Sea?"

"Hmm," Yunxiao said, "This matter is strange and must be investigated."

"I'll go with you."

"No need." Yunxiao shook his head. "Chaoge needs you to oversee things. For the trip to the South China Sea, Ao Ling, Bixiao, and I are enough."

Su Yunbai looked at her cool profile.

"careful."

"Know."

The two stood side by side, gazing at the colorful corals on the seabed.

"Yunbai," Yunxiao suddenly said, "If one day I must return to Biyou Palace..."

"I'm waiting for you."

"What if they can't come back?"

Su Yunbai turned around and looked directly into her eyes.

"Then I'll storm Biyou Palace and take you back."

Yunxiao was stunned, then a slight smile appeared on his lips.

"it is good."

This one word is worth more than a thousand words.

That night, everyone stayed at the Dragon Palace.

Su Yunbai sat alone in the guest room, regulating his breathing and practicing his internal energy.

The laws of emotion are circulating within the body, and have reached a bottleneck of 67%.

He had a vague feeling that a breakthrough was imminent.

But a little bit of opportunity is still missing.

What is it?

As he pondered, he suddenly felt a sense of urgency and looked towards the South China Sea.

There, something seemed to be calling to him.

Ancient, weathered, and tinged with a touch of melancholy.

Return to the Ruins...

What secret are you hiding?

The following morning, Yunxiao, Bixiao, and Aoling set off for the South China Sea.

Su Yunbai escorted him to the outside of the Dragon Palace.

"I will return within three days," Yunxiao said.

"I'm waiting for you."

Bixiao smiled and said, "Yunbai, don't worry, I will protect Big Sister and Second Sister... no, I mean Sister Ao Ling."

Ao Ling glanced at her: "It's not certain who will protect whom."

The three of them transformed into streaks of light and disappeared between the sea and the sky.

Su Yunbai stood there for a long time before turning around and returning to the palace.

The Dragon King of the East Sea approached.

"General, there is one more thing."

"Speaking."

"Regarding my daughter Ao Ling..." Ao Guang hesitated, "Although she and you are already Daoist partners, according to the rules of the Dragon Clan, a formal marriage ceremony is required. I wonder, General..."

Su Yunbai suddenly realized.

Yes, although he and Ao Ling were in a marital relationship, they did not actually perform the full ceremony.

"Once the calamity subsides, we will definitely hold the wedding ceremony," he said solemnly. "I will never let Ao Ling down."

Ao Guang breathed a sigh of relief: "With your words, General, I am at ease."

He paused.

"Although the Dragon Clan is weak, since we have formed an alliance with the General, we will stand together through thick and thin. If the General needs anything, the Dragon Clan of the Four Seas will be at your disposal."

This is a formal statement.

Su Yunbai bowed: "Thank you, Dragon King."

"No need to thank me." Ao Guang helped him up. "I only hope that the general... will not forget what I said today."

"I will never forget."

Before leaving the East Sea, Su Yunbai went to see Ao Ling's mother—the Dragon Queen of the East Sea.

The Dragon Queen was a gentle woman who handed him a dragon scale jade pendant.

"This was made from my own dragon scales, and it can withstand three fatal attacks," she said gently. "General, you bear a heavy responsibility; please take good care of yourself."

Su Yunbai solemnly accepted it: "Thank you, Empress."

"Ling'er is stubborn, but kind-hearted. General, please be tolerant."

"Yes."

After bidding farewell to the Dragon Palace, Su Yunbai returned to Chaoge.

He was deeply troubled throughout the journey.

Unusual activity in the South China Sea, a Western religious conspiracy, the Dragon Clan's stance, Ao Ling's wedding ceremony...

There was also Yunxiao's trip to the South China Sea.

A thousand and one thoughts weighed heavily on my mind.

But he can't afford to act rashly.

He is the pillar of everyone.

Stability is essential.

It was already evening when we returned to Chaoge.