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

Night falls.

The Tian Ce Mansion was brightly lit.

The banquet was held in the back garden, with its waterside pavilions and winding paths, which suited the dragon clan's love of water.

Su Yunbai sat in the main seat, with Bixiao to his left and the right seat empty, reserved for Ao Ling.

At the lower end of the table, Fei Zhong, You Hun, Zhang Qian, and others accompanied him.

"Miss Ao has arrived—"

The attendant reported.

Ao Ling walked over gracefully.

She changed into a formal dress, still light blue, but even more gorgeous, with silver dragon patterns embroidered on the hem, a pearl crown on her head, and a white jade ring at her waist.

Under the moonlight, she seemed like a goddess emerging from the sea, aloof and noble.

Everyone's eyes lit up.

Bixiao also secretly admired it.

This dragon princess was indeed exceptionally beautiful.

"Miss Ao, please take a seat." Su Yunbai stood up to greet her.

Ao Ling nodded slightly and sat down on the right.

The waitresses began serving the dishes.

The dishes are exquisite, mostly fish, shrimp and seafood, and are specially prepared according to the preferences of the dragons.

"This is just a simple meal, nothing special," Su Yunbai said, raising his cup. "To Miss Ao."

Everyone raised their glasses.

Ao Ling picked up his wine glass and took a small sip.

"You're too kind, General."

After a few rounds of drinks, the atmosphere gradually relaxed.

Zhang Qian took the initiative to bring up the matter of water conservancy.

"Miss Ao, the sample of the agarwood you mentioned last time has been delivered. After studying it, the craftsmen at the Institute of Craftsmanship discovered that this wood does not rot when exposed to water; on the contrary, it becomes even more resilient. It's truly amazing."

Ao Ling said, "Agarwood grows in the depths of the East Sea and is nourished by the water spirit all year round, so it naturally has some special characteristics."

"What about the Xuanbing Iron?" Zhang Qian pressed.

"Mystic Ice Iron originates from the North Sea, and our East Sea has limited reserves. We have already informed the North Sea Dragon Clan, and samples will be delivered within three days."

"Thank you so much, young lady!" Zhang Qian said excitedly. "If these two materials can really be used in the waterwheel, the efficiency will definitely increase by another 30%!"

Su Yunbai smiled and said, "I must thank Miss Ao for her generous help."

Ao Ling shook his head: "It's a mutually beneficial matter, no need for thanks."

She paused.

"General, there is something I do not understand."

"Please speak, young lady."

"General, you've implemented new technologies and improved people's lives; your good deeds are beyond measure, I understand that," Ao Ling said, looking at him. "But General, you seem... not satisfied with this?"

Su Yunbai raised an eyebrow: "What makes you say that, young lady?"

"Intuition," Ao Ling said. "Everything the general does, seemingly for the sake of the people's livelihood, actually conceals a deeper scheme."

Her icy blue eyes stared directly at Su Yunbai.

"I want to know, what exactly does the general want?"

After these words were spoken, the room fell silent.

Fei Zhong and the others held their breath.

Bixiao also looked at Su Yunbai.

Su Yunbai put down his wine glass and remained silent for a moment.

"Miss Ao is indeed perceptive."

He said slowly, "I do have deeper plans."

"I would like to hear the details."

Su Yunbai stood up, walked to the railing of the waterside pavilion, and looked up at the night sky.

"The great calamity of the Investiture of the Gods has begun, are you aware, young lady?"

"I know a little bit," Ao Ling said. "The Dao Ancestor announced the start of the Great Calamity at Zixiao Palace, requiring everyone to sign the Investiture of the Gods within a hundred years."

"Does the young lady know who this great calamity is aimed at?"

Ao Ling frowned: "The Three Teachings of Xuanmen?"

"Not only that." Su Yunbai turned around, "There are also humans, dragons, and all other beings in this world that have not yet attained sainthood."

He walked back to his seat.

"In the midst of a great calamity, no one can remain unscathed."

"The Chan sect supported Xiqi, intending to replace the Shang dynasty."

"The Western religion is secretly plotting to save all sentient beings."

"Nuwa sent demons into Chaoge to disrupt the court."

"And I..." Su Yunbai looked at Ao Ling, "What I want to do is to ensure that the human race is no longer at the mercy of others in this great calamity."

A strange light flashed in Ao Ling's eyes.

"Does the general intend to oppose the sage?"

"It's not about confrontation, it's about fighting for it," Su Yunbai said. "Fighting for the right to survive, fighting for autonomy."

He sat down again.

"Although the dragon race is powerful, in the eyes of a sage, they are nothing more than pawns."

"The Heavenly Court wants to incorporate the Dragon Clan, making the Dragon King control the clouds and rain, and subjecting him to its authority."

"The Chan Sect views dragons as mounts and materials."

"The Western religion is even worse, wanting to convert the dragon race into the Eight Heavenly Dragons, making them slaves for eternity."

Ao Ling's expression changed slightly.

Of course she knew all of this.

The dragon race is indeed in an awkward situation now.

In ancient times, the dragon race dominated the four seas, how majestic they were!

Now we have to depend on others.

"Is the general saying all this in an attempt to win over the dragon clan?" she asked bluntly.

"It's cooperation," Su Yunbai corrected. "The Dragon Clan helps me develop the Human Clan, and I help the Dragon Clan break free from their shackles."

"What makes you, General, think you can do it?"

"Because I am a quasi-saint," Su Yunbai said. "Because I hold great power over the human race. Because I... have the determination to change the rules."

His tone was calm, yet powerful.

Ao Ling fell silent.

She looked at Su Yunbai, at this young human general.

Quasi-Saint level cultivation.

General Who Protects the Nation

Merit and virtue will be bestowed upon you.

More importantly, there was an unwavering light in his eyes.

That is something that many of the younger generation of the dragon race have lost.

"I need time to think about it," she finally said.

"Of course," Su Yunbai nodded. "You can take your time to consider it, young lady. In the meantime, our water conservancy cooperation will continue as usual."

"it is good."

The banquet continued.

But the atmosphere was different.

Ao Ling looked at Su Yunbai with a more scrutinizing and inquisitive gaze.

---

After the banquet.

Su Yunbai escorted Ao Ling back to his residence.

The two walked along the garden path.

The moonlight was like water, and the fragrance of flowers was intoxicating.

"General," Ao Ling suddenly spoke.

"Um?"

"Were you telling the truth just now?"

Every word was sincere.

Ao Ling stopped in her tracks.

"My father often said that humans are cunning and should not be trusted."

"Does the girl believe it?"

"I don't know," Ao Ling said, looking up at the moon. "But I'm willing to... give it a try."

Su Yunbai smiled.

"That's enough."

The two continued on their way.

After delivering him to his residence, Ao Ling turned around.

"General, please wait."

"Alright," Su Yunbai said, "Miss, please get some rest."

Ao Ling nodded and walked into the courtyard.

Su Yunbai watched her retreating figure, lost in thought.

At that moment, a system notification sounded in my mind:

[Ding! High-quality potential binding partner detected: Ao Ling (Third Princess of the East Sea Dragon Clan)]

Overall rating: 96 points

[Recommendation: Adding them to your harem can significantly improve the relationship between humans and dragons, and grants them the blessing of water-based laws.]

Su Yunbai almost choked on his own saliva.

"Damn system, what kind of nonsense advice are you giving?"

[System Analysis: Ao Ling possesses pure dragon blood, is at the mid-stage of the Great Luo realm, is proficient in water-based laws, and has already developed a preliminary affinity for the host. After binding, the following benefits will be provided:]

[1. The Dragon Clan's favorability has greatly increased, potentially gaining support from the East Sea.]

[2. Sharing insights into the laws of water enhances the host's naval combat abilities.]

3. The Dragon Clan's fortune enhances the overall fortune of the Human Clan.

[4. Daily intimacy points gained by high-quality Daoist partners +180 points.]

Su Yunbai rubbed his forehead.

"I'm not in the mood for romance right now."

[Reminder: With the great calamity of the Investiture of the Gods approaching, every opportunity to enhance your strength should be seized.]

Emotions and interests are not in conflict.

"..."

Su Yunbai remained silent.

This system is starting to resemble a pimp more and more.

"We'll see."

He turned and left.

But involuntarily, Ao Ling's aloof figure appeared in his mind.

---

Back at Tian Ce Mansion.

Bixiao was still awake and waiting for him in the study.

"Was it sent back?" she asked.

"Um."

Bixiao walked over and hugged him from behind.

"Yunbai, do you like that Miss Ao?"

Su Yunbai was taken aback.

Why do you ask that?

"I see a difference in how you look at her," Bixiao said softly. "It's not the way you look at an ally, it's the way you look at a woman."

Su Yunbai turned around and hugged her.

Are you jealous?

"A little," Bixiao said honestly, "but I know you're not the kind of person who falls in love with every girl you meet."

She looked up at him.

"If you really like her, I won't stop you."

"But you must promise me that you will not betray me, and you will not betray Daji and Xiaowu."

Su Yunbai was deeply moved.

I promise you.

He kissed Bixiao's forehead.

"But now is not the time to talk about these things."

"I know." Bixiao leaned against him. "With the great calamity of the Investiture of the Gods approaching, we must put aside our personal feelings."

"It's good that you understand."

The two embraced for a moment.

Bixiao suddenly said, "By the way, my elder sister sent word that after Brother Zhao Gongming returned to Mount Emei, he reported the situation in Chaoge to our master. It seems that our master... is also interested in you."

"The Sage Who Reaches the Heavens?" Su Yunbai raised an eyebrow.

"Hmm," Bixiao said. "My eldest sister said that Master might send an official envoy to Chaoge to make contact with you."

A glint flashed in Su Yunbai's eyes.

Formal contact with the Jie Sect...

This means that he already holds a certain weight in the eyes of the sage.

"This is a good thing."

"But it could also be a bad thing," Bixiao said worriedly. "Once you get involved in the game between sages, it will be difficult to extricate yourself."

"We've been trapped for a long time," Su Yunbai said. "From the moment the great calamity began, everyone has been caught in the middle."

He looked out the window.

The moonlight was bright, and the night was deep.

"Since we're already in the game, let's play it well."

"The Intercepting Sect, the Dragon Clan, the Human Race..."

"What I want is not to merely survive."

"But rather, it's about winning."

Bixiao gripped his hand tightly.

"I'll be there for you to win."

"it is good."

---

late at night.

Ao Ling sat by the window, gazing towards the East China Sea.

He was playing with a dragon-scale jade pendant in his hand.

This is a communication tool given to her by her father.

She hesitated, wondering whether to relay Su Yunbai's words from tonight back to her verbatim.

"Resisting the saints... Striving for autonomy..."

She murmured to herself.

That's too bold and arrogant.

But it's also so... tempting.

The dragon race has been feeling stifled for far too long.

Since the Dragon and Phoenix Calamity, it has been on a downward trend.

Although it still controls the world today, it has long lost its ancient glory.

If it really is possible...

She shook her head.

Let's observe further.

She put the jade pendant away.

I lay down, but couldn't fall asleep.

Su Yunbai's firm and profound eyes always appear in my mind.

"This human general..."

She murmured to herself.

"Perhaps it really can bring about change?"

Moonlight streamed through the window and fell on her face.

A hint of confusion and a hint of expectation flashed in her icy blue eyes!