Journey to the West: Starting with the True Lord of the Pure Land

Upon hearing this, both Master Xuangu and True Man Liyang, who were standing nearby, showed surprise, secretly thinking that the Dragon Girl had really gone all out this time.

However, Chen Jiao's eyes remained cold, and the momentum of his thunder halberd did not diminish in the slightest.

Clearly, the Azure Sky alone was not enough to quell his murderous intent, much less to make him let go of an enemy who harbored ill will towards him.

Just as the atmosphere became tense again, a soft and charming voice quietly rang in Chen Jiao's ear; it was Ao Ying, the Dragon Girl:

"Fellow Daoist Xuanling, please calm down."

Jin Yu has offended fellow Daoist, and deserves to die a thousand deaths.

However, the current situation regarding the flowing clouds and underwater currents is related to the peace and tranquility of the sea, and it is indeed necessary to rely on their help.

In addition to the Azure Sky of Ten Thousand Years, I may also give you the Mysterious Netherworld Heavy Water Spirit Pearl from my private treasury as a token of my apology.

Furthermore... afterwards, I am willing to open the Water Palace Treasury and allow you to choose one item.

"I only beg you, fellow Daoist, to spare his life for now. We can settle our scores after this is over, is that alright?"

This message offered extremely generous terms, giving Chen Jiao complete control over the choice and providing him with ample opportunities and benefits.

Chen Jiao's eyes flickered slightly, and his fierce aura finally subsided a bit.

The lightning on the Thunder Halberd gradually faded, but he did not sheath his weapon. Instead, he coldly looked at the still-shaken Golden Feather Demon Lord.

"Out of respect for the Dragon Princess, I will spare your life today."

Upon hearing this, the Golden Feather Demon Lord secretly breathed a sigh of relief, his tense mind suddenly relaxing, almost causing him to fall from the sky.

He knew that his life was temporarily spared.

However, the relief of surviving the ordeal had not yet fully taken hold.

Then Chen Jiao's voice rang out again, carrying an undeniable indifference:

"However, you may escape the death penalty, but you cannot escape punishment. Open your heart."

Jin Yu's pupils contracted sharply. He relaxed his mind?

This is tantamount to handing over one's life completely to the other party's control!

His first instinct was to refuse!

"Um?"

A murderous aura flickered in Chen Jiao's eyes, and his Thunder Halberd trembled slightly, releasing a chilling killing intent once again.

Humiliation, anger, fear... a mix of emotions caused Jin Yu's expression to change several times.

Ultimately, faced with the difficult choice between survival and dignity, he chose the former.

He closed his eyes, dejectedly relaxed his guard, and opened the protective barrier of his dantian.

Chen Jiao then pointed his left hand, forming a sword shape, and pointed it at Jin Yu from a distance.

A thin, hair-like, jet-black dragon shot out from his fingertips.

The little dragon roared silently, incredibly agile, and instantly disappeared into Jin Yu's brow.

Jin Yu had no time to react. He only felt a slight chill between his brows as the black dragon pierced through his body and vanished without a trace.

He looked inside in horror and saw a lifelike black dragon coiled beside his demon core.

A terrifying sense of constraint, as if one's life and death were in the hands of others, instantly enveloped the entire body.

"This is the Mysterious Water Restriction."

Chen Jiao spoke calmly, as if he had only planted a tiny, insignificant seed:

"To investigate the undercurrents, you will go ahead and scout the way."

If they harbor disloyal intentions, or desert their posts in the face of battle…

He didn't finish his sentence, but the meaning behind it was self-evident.

Upon hearing this, Jin Yu's face turned from white to green and then to purple, and his whole body trembled violently.

This is a blatant insult!

Letting him, with his severely injured body, pave the way is no different from sending a scout to his death.

But looking at Chen Jiao's icy gaze and the thunder halberd that seemed poised to erupt again at any moment, he was struck by the sight.

The words of protest and curses that were on the tip of his tongue were ultimately swallowed back down.

He had no doubt that if he dared to say "no" at this moment, that terrifying lightning halberd would immediately tear him to pieces!

He could only squeeze out a few words through gritted teeth:

"Alright... I'll scout ahead."

The Xuan Gu Shangren and Li Yang Zhenren, who were standing to the side, were terrified and broke out in a cold sweat.

This Flood Dragon Demon King's methods are truly ruthless and decisive! Not only is he incredibly powerful, but he is also proficient in such bizarre mental control techniques.

This is definitely not the right path!

The two exchanged a glance, both seeing deep fear and relief in each other's eyes, relieved that they hadn't provoked this evil spirit.

One must be extremely careful when traveling with them.

Seeing that the storm had temporarily subsided, Jiangzhu secretly breathed a sigh of relief and quickly said:

"Thank you, Demon Lord, for your understanding and righteousness!"

His Highness has prepared a banquet in the palace. Fellow Daoists, please follow me to the Crystal Palace!

Chen Jiao nodded slightly, said no more, and took the lead, following Jiang Zhu into the blue waves.

Xuan Gu and Li Yang exchanged a glance and silently followed.

Jin Yu stood frozen in place for a moment, then finally sighed in despair and followed along with heavy steps.

But that back view had lost all its previous arrogance and pride, leaving only endless humiliation and forbearance.

……

Crimson pearls parted the water's ripples, leading the way.

Upon entering the sea, the first glimmer of sunlight could still be seen.

The deeper you go, the darker the surrounding water becomes, turning into a somber, deep blue, and finally into a deep black.

About half an incense stick later, a burst of light suddenly shone from the dark seabed ahead, and a magnificent and beautiful palace appeared in sight.

Countless colorful schools of fish swam around the palace walls like ribbons.

Above the main gate of the palace hangs a huge plaque with the five characters "Liuyun Crystal Palace" written on it, exuding a dragon's might.

Two rows of shrimp soldiers and crab generals, fully armored and clad in helmets, stood solemnly before the gate, holding axes and halberds, exuding a fierce and powerful aura.

Stepping through the palace gates, a breathtaking view unfolds before you. Surprisingly, the palace is completely dry, forming a serene and tranquil space.

Along the way, one sees clam maidens holding pearls, mermaids performing dances, and rare treasures displayed on both sides, creating a magnificent spectacle.

It doesn't appear extravagant; instead, it possesses a dignified elegance that comes with the passage of time.

Master Xuangu took a deep breath and whispered:

"I had long heard that the Dragon Palace was the richest place in the world, and seeing it today, I know that the rumors are true."

However, the grandeur of this Flowing Cloud Water Palace far surpasses any earthly wealth or luxury.

Master Li Yang stroked his beard and nodded, his eyes filled with undisguised shock:

"Gathering the essence of the four seas and absorbing the beauty of heaven and earth, it truly deserves to be the supreme abode of the aquatic tribes."

Only Jin Yu remained silent, his face grim, head bowed, seemingly still immersed in the humiliation and fear of being placed under the restriction.

Upon reaching the main hall, one finds an even more spacious interior.

Dozens of ancient moon pearls hang high, casting their bright, clear light.

Several jade tables had been set up in the hall, displaying crystal cups and jade goblets filled with fine wines, delicacies, and fragrant dishes.

Ao Ying was already seated in the main seat.

Today she wore a flowing, colorful silk palace dress, her hair styled in a high bun, radiant and beautiful.

Seeing everyone enter, she gracefully rose, a smile playing on her lips, her gaze first falling on Chen Jiao, and she nodded slightly.

"Fellow Daoists, it is an honor to have you here. I apologize for not being able to welcome you properly."

Although his words were polite, the inherent majesty of a dragon was naturally revealed.

To the left of the Dragon Girl sat a burly general in black armor, exuding a powerful aura; he was clearly a mid-stage Golden Core cultivator.

He is the Whale General who commands the aquatic soldiers.

When he saw Xuan Ling and the others enter, he merely nodded slightly, his gaze lingering on Chen Jiao for a moment longer, his expression grave.

Behind the main seat, behind a huge screen carved from millennia-old cold jade and painted with a picture of the vast ocean tide.

A slender figure was quietly standing there.

Princess Wansheng peered curiously through the gap in the screen, observing the scene inside the hall.

Especially the Demon King of the Flood Dragon, with his black robes and dark hair, and a composed demeanor, had a look of inquiry and amusement in his beautiful eyes.