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

One side calmly agreed, while the other side categorically rejected it.

Their tones and stances were completely opposite, yet they clashed simultaneously within this magnificent palace.

"Your Highness! In my humble opinion, this matter is inappropriate!"

Everyone looked in the direction of the sound and saw General Whale step forward, his burly body as steady as a mountain, clasping his hands in a salute to Ao Ying, his face solemn and dignified.

His gaze was sharp and unwavering as he stared directly at the Azure Dragon Taoist, his eyes filled with undisguised suspicion and vigilance.

"Oh?" Ao Ying raised an eyebrow slightly.

"What insightful opinion does General Whale have?"

General Jing's voice was like muffled thunder, each word ringing with conviction:

"Your Highness is wise! The Blackwater Abyss is a matter of great importance, concerning the very foundation of our Flowing Cloud Sea!"

He pointed at the Azure Dragon Taoist, his tone resolute:

"This demon's origins are unknown, and its words are evasive!"

We have been investigating the Blackwater Abyss for several years, but we still do not know the root cause.

He is just a rogue cultivator who has just arrived, yet he speaks with such certainty. Doesn't that make people suspicious?

The secret techniques he spoke of were so profound and unheard of!

Who knows if this isn't just guessing what His Highness is worried about, pandering to his preferences, or having ulterior motives?

He paused, his gaze sweeping over everyone at the table before finally settling on Ao Ying, and said in a deep voice:

"This humble general has guarded the sea for many years and knows well the dangers of the abyss and the treacherous nature of the demon's heart!"

How can His Highness's safety be so easily entrusted to this demon's hands based on a few empty words?

If they harbor ulterior motives and lead us into a dangerous abyss, the consequences will be unimaginable!

"Your Highness, please reconsider!"

These words were reasonable, well-founded, and resounding, like cold water poured into hot oil, instantly changing the atmosphere in the hall.

The expressions of Master Xuangu and Master Liyang, which had just relaxed slightly, instantly tightened again.

The look of doubt in his eyes as he looked at the Azure Dragon Daoist was growing stronger.

Yes, this person's arrival was too suspicious. Although what he said seemed reasonable, after General Jing pointed it out, it was indeed suspicious in every way.

Even Princess Wansheng, who was behind the screen, frowned slightly, feeling that what General Jing said was not without reason.

The Azure Dragon Daoist's expression remained unchanged; instead, he chuckled lightly and said calmly:

"This general is indeed cautious."

My sincerity is as clear as day.

As for their origins... rogue cultivators are inherently aimless wanderers, and their names are not worth mentioning.

If Your Highness and fellow Daoists harbor any doubts, I am willing to swear an oath against my inner demons, guaranteeing that what I say is true.

His tone was calm, and he even took the initiative to swear an oath, which made him seem open and honest.

Ao Ying sat upright in the main seat, her fingertips gently tapping the jade table.

General Jing's suspicions were her biggest concern.

Her gaze shifted between the righteous and stern General Whale and the calm and composed Taoist Qingjiao.

On one side is the earnest advice of a loyal and experienced subordinate, and on the other is an unexpected help that could potentially resolve the predicament, for which he is willing to swear an oath against his inner demons...

Chen Jiao remained seated with his eyes lowered, seemingly detached from the situation, only his fingertips unconsciously stroking the rim of his cup.

However, General Jing suddenly changed the subject, his sharp gaze turning sharply towards Chen Jiao, who had just spoken in agreement.

"Fellow Daoist Xuanling!"

Are you and this Azure Dragon Taoist already acquainted?

Otherwise, why would you agree to this risky plan so immediately?

"Isn't this... too much of a coincidence!"

These words shocked the entire hall.

Xuan Gu and Li Yang's expressions changed slightly. They looked at Chen Jiao in disbelief, then at Qing Jiao Dao Ren, and felt a chill in their hearts.

Could it be that this Flood Dragon Demon King and this mysterious Azure Flood Dragon, these two Flood Dragon spirits, are truly in cahoots?

Is this a huge trap targeting Liuyun Water Palace, or even all of them?

Jin Yu gritted his teeth, as if he had found evidence of the Demon King's crimes, and wished he could immediately speak up and agree with General Whale.

The unfathomable smile on Qingjiao Daoren's face froze slightly, and his expression seemed somewhat astonished.

The atmosphere inside the hall instantly became extremely tense due to General Jing's earth-shattering question!

All eyes, some filled with surprise, some with fear, and some with scrutiny, were focused on Chen Jiao.

All the doubts that had just been raised about Qingjiao Daoist were now being dumped on Chen Jiao in a dramatic fashion.

Behind the screen, Princess Wansheng's beautiful eyes widened, and her slender fingers unconsciously clenched the corners of her sleeves.

They were clearly taken aback by this sudden accusation.

Ao Ying's expression remained unchanged, but her charming phoenix eyes also fell on Chen Jiao.

Faced with this stern accusation that almost pointed to collusion, Chen Jiao remained unmoved.

His gaze was calm and unwavering as he swept over the seemingly somewhat astonished Qingjiao Daoist.

Finally, it fell on Ao Ying.

Chen Jiao, who had been sitting upright at his seat watching the play, was fully aware of the situation. He picked up his wine glass and took another small sip.

He then raised his eyes to look at the indignant General Whale.

His tone was indifferent, and he only asked one question:

"General Whale".

His voice wasn't loud, but it clearly drowned out all the other noises in the hall:

"Did you invite me to this banquet today?"

"Of course not, it wasn't me..."

General Whale replied instinctively, but stopped abruptly halfway through his sentence.

His face flushed instantly, and he opened his mouth, but was speechless for a moment.

This Flood Dragon King was invited here by the Dragon Maiden herself!

If it weren't for the Dragon Girl's invitation, he should be cultivating in seclusion on Yunmang Mountain right now. Why would he have to come here and get involved in this mess?

His questioning earlier, while seemingly reasonable, upon closer examination reveals that it overstepped his bounds and even raises suspicions that the Dragon Girl is poor at judging character.

General Jing hurriedly tried to explain, his tone no longer as confident as before:

"I am merely..."

That's enough.

A clear, authoritative voice rang out, interrupting Commander Whale's words.

Ao Ying slowly rose from her seat of honor.

His gaze lingered on General Whale's face for a moment, deep and unfathomable, with a scrutinizing quality.

Commander Ling Jing felt a chill run down his spine and instinctively lowered his head.

As a general commanding the seas, Commander-in-Chief Jing was known for his composure and reliability, and his concerns were not unfounded.

However, the actions taken against Xuan Ling just now were indeed a bit excessive.

And this azure dragon... is indeed mysterious.

However, the threat of the Blackwater Abyss is imminent, and its decline is imminent, requiring a swift decision.

At present, there seems to be no better option.

Ao Ying coldly rebuked:

"Demon Lord Xuanling is a distinguished guest personally invited by me, General Whale, refrain from speaking nonsense!"

Upon hearing this, General Jing's face turned pale and then red. He took a step back in embarrassment and dared not say another word.

In the instant he lowered his head, a hint of resentment and malice flashed in his large, copper-bell-shaped eyes.

Ao Ying hesitated for a moment, then parted her lips slightly, her voice regaining its composure and authority:

"Since Fellow Daoist Qingjiao has such a good plan, I am willing to trust you this once."

Since Fellow Daoist Xuanling agrees, this method may be feasible.

Her gaze swept over the crowd:

"At that time, we will need the full support of all fellow Daoists. Commander-in-Chief Whale must also cooperate fully and without fail!"

"Your Highness is wise!"

The Azure Dragon Daoist bowed respectfully, and as he lowered his head, a barely perceptible smile appeared on the corner of his mouth.

Master Xuangu and Master Liyang exchanged a subtle glance, their eyes conveying a tacit understanding.

He made up his mind that if things went wrong, he would immediately slip away and escape.

Chen Jiao nodded slightly and said nothing more.

Since someone has set up the stage for this performance, he'll take a good look and see what kind of makeshift troupe it is.

Behind the screen inside the hall, Princess Wansheng slowly loosened her tightly clenched sleeves and let out a soft sigh.

She murmured to herself in a barely audible voice:

"Sister, your Crystal Palace is getting more and more lively."