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

The morning seven days later.

In front of the newly built "Water Conservancy Department" office in the east of Chaoge City.

Today marks the official arrival of the Dragon Clan's envoys.

Su Yunbai, Ao Ling, Zhang Qian and others were waiting there early.

It was three quarters past Chen Shi (7:45 AM).

Suddenly, a patch of azure-blue auspicious cloud appeared on the horizon.

Several figures slowly descended from the clouds.

The leader was a middle-aged man wearing a golden dragon-patterned robe. He had a dignified face, two horns on his forehead, and an aura as vast as the sea.

Behind him followed four dragon generals, all clad in silver armor and wielding long halberds, exuding an imposing aura.

"Your subject, Ao Guang, Prime Minister of the Dragon Palace of the East Sea, has come to pay respects to General Su on the orders of the Dragon King."

The middle-aged man stepped forward and bowed with his hands clasped in greeting.

Su Yunbai felt a slight tremor in his heart.

Ao Guang!

Isn't that the real name of the Dragon King of the East Sea?

In the original novel of Investiture of the Gods, the Dragon King of the East Sea is named Ao Guang.

But the man before them, who called himself Prime Minister…

It seems the Dragon Clan has dispatched a heavyweight figure for this contact.

"Prime Minister Ao has come from afar; I am sorry for not greeting you properly," Su Yunbai returned the greeting. "Please come inside for a chat."

The group entered the main hall of the Water Conservancy Department.

Guests and hosts took their seats separately.

Ao Ling sat down next to Ao Guang and introduced him in a low voice: "Prime Minister, this is General Su Yunbai."

Ao Guang looked Su Yunbai up and down, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.

So young, and already a quasi-saint?

Moreover, the golden light of merit emanating from his body clearly indicates that he is deeply favored by the Heavenly Dao.

"General Su is a young talent, and his reputation is well-deserved," Ao Guang said with a smile. "Ling'er has mentioned the general many times in her letters, and seeing him today, I can confirm that he is indeed extraordinary."

"You flatter me, Prime Minister," Su Yunbai said. "May I ask what instructions the Dragon King has regarding this cooperation?"

Ao Guang said solemnly, "The Dragon King agrees to cooperate in principle. However, the specific details still need to be discussed."

He took out a golden scroll.

"This is the 'Water Affairs Agreement' drafted by the Dragon Clan. Please take a look, General."

Zhang Qian took it and presented it to Su Yunbai.

Su Yunbai unfolded it and examined it closely.

The terms were very detailed and largely consistent with the conditions Ao Ling had previously mentioned, but with a few additional clauses:

First, the Dragon Clan can establish "Water Palaces" along major rivers to oversee water conservancy projects.

Second, the human race is required to offer a certain amount of incense and sacrificial offerings to the East Sea every year.

Third, in the event of a severe drought or flood, the Dragon Clan has the right to prioritize the use of water resources.

After reading it, Su Yunbai remained silent for a moment.

"Prime Minister, the first two conditions are acceptable. But the third condition..."

He looked at Ao Guang.

"In the event of a disaster, people's livelihoods should be the top priority. Prioritizing the use of water resources might be inappropriate."

Ao Guang frowned: "What does the general mean?"

"What I mean is that disaster response should be discussed jointly by the human and dragon races, with the relief of victims being the top priority," Su Yunbai said, "not about who has the priority."

Ao Guang pondered.

At this moment, Ao Ling spoke up: "Prime Minister, I think General Su is right. The Dragon Clan controls rain and water, and should naturally benefit all living beings. If they only care about themselves when disaster strikes, it goes against the way of Heaven."

Ao Guang glanced at her, a hint of helplessness flashing in his eyes.

Why is this girl siding with outsiders?

But since he had already said that, he couldn't insist.

"Alright," Ao Guang said, "This clause can be amended. But the other clauses cannot be changed."

"Okay." Su Yunbai nodded.

He took out the terms he had prepared.

"These are the conditions we have proposed; please review them, Prime Minister."

Ao Guang accepted it.

The main requirement is that the dragons teach some water-based spells and share resources such as water-sinking wood and mystic ice iron.

"Water magic is a secret of the dragon race..." Ao Guang hesitated.

"We only need the basic methods of water control and diversion," Su Yunbai said, "to improve water conservancy and benefit the people. We also promise to share the research results with the Dragon Clan."

Ao Guang looked at Ao Ling.

Ao Ling nodded: "General Su's words are true. These past few days at the Institute of Construction, I have seen that they are truly dedicated to the people and are not after any secret techniques."

Ao Guang was relieved.

"Okay. It's settled then."

Both sides reached a consensus.

The next step is to discuss the details.

Zhang Qian will make specific arrangements with the Dragon Clan envoy.

Su Yunbai then invited Ao Guang to the Tian Ce Mansion for a meeting.

---

Tian Ce Mansion, secret chamber.

There were only three people: Su Yunbai, Ao Guang, and Ao Ling.

"Prime Minister Ao, now we can get down to business," Su Yunbai said, getting straight to the point.

Ao Guang's expression turned solemn.

"Please speak, General."

How does the Dragon Clan view the Investiture of the Gods calamity?

Ao Guang remained silent for a long time.

"The great calamity has begun, and no one can escape it."

"How does the dragon race plan to respond?"

"Stay neutral as much as possible and protect yourself," Ao Guang said. "This is the Dragon King's will."

Su Yunbai shook his head: "Does the Prime Minister think this is possible?"

Ao Guang gave a bitter smile.

"To be honest, that's impossible."

He sighed.

"The Heavenly Court has issued decrees multiple times, ordering the Dragon Clan to submit and be granted the title of 'True God of Rain'."

"The Chan Sect is also in contact, implying that they can support the Dragon Clan, but they will need to send troops to help if necessary."

"The Western religion went even further, sending Arhats directly to the East Sea, saying they wanted to 'convert' the dragon race and bring them into the Eight Heavenly Dragons."

"The dragon race is now in a dilemma."

Su Yunbai nodded.

"Therefore, the dragon race needs allies."

"Does the general want to be this ally?"

"Yes," Su Yunbai said, "but what I want is not vassalage, but an equal partner."

Ao Guang looked at him.

"What makes you, General, believe you are qualified to cooperate with the dragons on an equal footing?"

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

He paused.

"More importantly, I have no fundamental conflict of interest with the dragons."

"The Heavenly Court wants to incorporate the Dragon Clan and make the Dragon King obey its orders."

"The Chan Sect views the dragon race as a tool, to be used when needed and discarded when not."

"The Western religion is even more ruthless, aiming to erase the dragon race's autonomy and enslave them for eternity."

"And I..." Su Yunbai looked directly at Ao Guang, "What I want is for the dragon race to maintain its independence and achieve mutual benefit and win-win results with the human race."

Ao Guang was shaken.

These words struck a nerve with the dragon race.

"How can the general guarantee this?"

"I cannot guarantee that," Su Yunbai said frankly, "but I can promise that as long as I, Su Yunbai, am alive, I will do my best to protect the interests of the Dragon Clan."

He took out a jade talisman.

"This is my 'General's Order,' which allows me to mobilize all resources of the Tian Ce Mansion."

"Today, I present this to the Dragon Clan as a token."

Ao Guang accepted the jade talisman, sensing the aura of merit and the will of a quasi-saint contained within it.

That's quite a show of sincerity.

"I need to consult the Dragon King," he finally said.

"Of course," Su Yunbai said, "but before that, we can cooperate on some specific matters."

"for example?"

"For example, we can jointly develop the resources of the East China Sea," Su Yunbai said. "The Dragon Clan has minerals, spiritual materials, and seafood, but lacks processing technology. The Human Clan has technology and craftsmen, but lacks resources."

"We can cooperate to establish the 'Sea and Land Workshop,' where the dragons provide the raw materials, the humans process them, and we share the profits."

Ao Guang's eyes lit up.

That's a good idea.

The dragons guard a treasure mountain, yet they don't know how to use it.

Many spiritual materials and minerals are sold directly to cultivators, and their value is severely underestimated.

If human artisans were to process and create magical artifacts, elixirs, or tools, their value could increase several times over.

"What exactly does the general intend to do?"

Su Yunbai took out a plan.

"This is my preliminary plan; please review it, Prime Minister."

Ao Guang took it and read it carefully.

The more I look at it, the more alarmed I become.

This plan is not only detailed, but also comprehensive.

From raw material sourcing to transportation routes, to workshop site selection, to profit distribution, everything is clearly organized.

It was clearly the result of careful consideration.

"General...was it all prepared long ago?"

"Yes." Su Yunbai nodded. "I have been making preparations ever since I learned that Miss Ao is a princess of the Dragon Clan."

Ao Guang looked at Ao Ling.

Ao Ling blushed slightly and lowered her head.

"This girl..." Ao Guang shook his head.

But I felt a sense of relief.

It seems that Ling'er has gained a lot from this trip to Chaoge.

It not only facilitated water conservancy cooperation, but also brought back the possibility of a deeper alliance.

"Alright." Ao Guang put away the plan. "I will take it back to the East Sea and present it to the Dragon King."

"Thank you for your trouble, Prime Minister."

---

After seeing Ao Guang off, Su Yunbai and Ao Ling walked side by side in the garden.

"Thank you," Ao Ling suddenly said.

"What are you thanking me for?"

"Thank you for considering the Dragon Clan so much." Ao Ling looked at him. "Those terms and plans all show that you genuinely want to cooperate, not just take advantage of them."

Su Yunbai smiled and said, "Mutual benefit and win-win is the way to long-term success."

Ao Ling nodded.

She hesitated for a moment.

"Su Yunbai, can I ask you a question?"

"Speaking."

"Why...why are you so good to me?"

Su Yunbai was taken aback.

"Am I good to you?"

"Alright," Ao Ling said earnestly. "From the first day I arrived in Chaoge, you have treated me with great courtesy. Not only did you adopt my suggestions, but you also invited me to participate in core affairs."

"Now, for the sake of the dragon race, they've prepared such a detailed cooperation plan."

A hint of confusion flashed in her icy blue eyes.

"We've only known each other for less than half a month, why do you trust me so much?"

Su Yunbai remained silent.

Why?

Because she is a dragon princess, a potential ally?

Because the system suggested accepting her?

Or is it because of...herself?

He looked at Ao Ling.

Under the moonlight, her face was stunningly beautiful, and her temperament was as ethereal as a fairy.

But in his eyes, there was a simplicity and sincerity rarely seen in the dragon race.

"Perhaps..." Su Yunbai said slowly, "it's because I saw something similar in you."

"What?"

"Loneliness," Su Yunbai said, "and the determination to change the status quo."

Ao Ling was startled.

How did you know...?

"I can see that," Su Yunbai said. "The Dragon Princess may seem noble, but she is actually bound by many constraints. You want to do something for the Dragon Clan, but you are powerless to change it."

He paused.

"And so am I."

"I bear the weight of humanity's cause on my shoulders, and the great calamity of the Investiture of the Gods looms before me. I want to change the fate of humanity, but I am constrained at every turn."

"We... are actually the same kind of people."

Ao Ling stared at him blankly.

After a long silence, she asked softly:

"Can we...be friends?"

Su Yunbai smiled.

"We already are."

Ao Ling smiled too.

This was the first time Su Yunbai had seen her smile.

Like a lotus flower just beginning to bloom, it is cool yet warm.

Very beautiful.

---

late at night.

Ao Ling sat in the room, holding the general's order in his hand.

Su Yunbai's words kept echoing in his mind.

"We... are actually the same kind of people."

A warm feeling welled up in her heart.

Although she was favored by the dragons, few people truly understood her.

Her father and brothers always treated her like a child and didn't let her participate in important matters.

Other dragons either revered her identity or envied her status.

No one treated her as an equal and listened to her opinions as seriously as Su Yunbai.

"Perhaps... this is fate?"

She murmured to herself.

He pinned the general's order to his chest.

Feeling the aura that belonged to Su Yunbai above.

A certain thought quietly took root in my mind.

---

Tiance Mansion.

Su Yunbai stood by the window, gazing towards the East China Sea.

[Ding! Potential binding target 'Ao Ling' has been detected with a significant increase in favorability!]

Current favorability level: 75 (trust and dependence)

[Suggestion: Strike while the iron is hot; consider establishing a relationship.]

Su Yunbai rubbed his forehead.

"Damn system, can't you just shut up for a second?"

[System Notification: Bound by a high-quality Daoist partner will significantly enhance the host's strength.]

[Ao Ling possesses the destiny of the dragon race. After being bound, he will receive the "Water Virtue Blessing," which is remarkably effective against calamity.]

Blessed by the virtue of water?

Su Yunbai's heart stirred.

The Great Tribulation of the Investiture of the Gods was essentially a calamity of slaughter, with calamity pervading the land.

If one has the blessing of the auspicious and nourishing virtue of water, it can indeed offset some of the erosion caused by calamity.

"Wait a little longer," he said. "Now is not the time."

[Understood. The system will continue to monitor.]

Su Yunbai shook his head.

This system is becoming more and more like a matchmaker.

but……

He recalled Ao Ling's smile.

Indeed, it's beautiful.

"Never mind, let nature take its course."

He turned and went back to his room.

There is still much to do tomorrow.

The cooperation with the dragons is just the beginning.

Next, it's time to deal with Xiqi.