Journey to the West: Deer Power Immortal, Starting from Becoming a Disciple of the Supreme Lord Tais

"I don't know when the elder brother of the One-Horned Ghost King will return. I plan to stay in Huaguo Mountain for a few more days until he arrives, then settle this matter before returning to Zhongnan Mountain," Lu Qingxuan said truthfully.

Upon hearing this, Ao Guang's eyes flashed with a thoughtful look, and he nodded, saying, "If that's the case, Immortal Master, perhaps you can stay here for a few more days. It just so happens that in three days, my East Sea Dragon Palace will be holding its annual Dragon Palace Banquet, at which time many immortals and gods will be present."

Lu Qingxuan was slightly taken aback and pondered for a moment.

Although the dragon race has lost its former status, it still attracts many immortals and gods, so making more friends is not a bad thing.

But over at Flower Fruit Mountain…

Seeing the hesitation on his face, Ao Guang knew exactly what he was thinking.

He immediately laughed and said, "Immortal Master, are you worried that the One-Horned Ghost Lord might take the opportunity to attack?"

"This matter is quite simple. I will send a squad of shrimp soldiers and crab generals to guard Flower Fruit Mountain for a few days to protect you, Immortal. If the Ghost Lord arrives, I will send someone to inform you. What do you think, Immortal?"

Lu Qingxuan's heart stirred; this was indeed a good idea. He cupped his hands and said, "In that case, this humble Taoist will respectfully comply. Thank you for your kindness, Dragon King."

Upon seeing that Lu Qingxuan agreed, Ao Guang was overjoyed and immediately ordered a team of strong shrimp soldiers and crab generals to be dispatched to Flower Fruit Mountain.

He then ordered people to prepare a quiet side hall in the palace as Lu Qingxuan's temporary residence.

Seeing Ao Guang's reaction, Lu Qingxuan smiled faintly and said nothing.

Before long, Lu Qingxuan followed Ao Guang to his residence.

Although not as magnificent as the main hall, it is still exquisite and elegant. Outside the window is an underwater garden, where various corals and jellyfish sway in the blue waves, which is quite charming.

Lu Qingxuan was very satisfied with the place, thanked Ao Guang, and settled in.

Over the next three days, in addition to his daily cultivation, Lu Qingxuan also found the Dragon Palace's library, most of which were rare and unique books that were hard to find in the human world.

Lu Qingxuan became interested and benefited greatly from reading it every day.

Seeing that he was eager to learn, Ao Guang ordered the Turtle Prime Minister to send him books such as "Tales of the Four Seas" and "Biographies of Ancient Demon Cultivators" from the Dragon Palace, so as to establish a good relationship.

Lu Qingxuan naturally did not refuse.

"No wonder the dragon race possesses such a rich heritage; the four seas are indeed abundant..."

Putting down the book, Lu Qingxuan couldn't help but gasp in astonishment.

Although the dragon race has declined in recent years, it still possesses a considerable number of treasures. This is not only related to the dragon race's hoarding nature, but also to the vastness of the four seas.

Just then, a knock came at the door: "Immortal Master, are you there? It is I, Ao Moang, who have come to pay my respects."

Ao Moang?

Isn't this the eldest son of the West Sea Dragon King? How did he end up here?

Lu Qingxuan was slightly taken aback, but still spoke up: "Your Highness, please come in."

A moment later, a young dragon prince dressed in silver armor and wearing a golden crown walked in. He was none other than Ao Moang, the eldest prince of the Western Sea.

"Having heard that you are a guest here, I, Xiaolong, have taken the liberty of coming to pay my respects. I apologize for the intrusion."

Lu Qingxuan smiled and said, "Your Highness is too kind. Please have a seat."

Ao Moang sat down in the guest seat.

Lu Qingxuan poured two cups of tea, handing one to Ao Moang and saying, "Please, Your Highness."

Ao Moang took the tea, sipped it, and glanced around the side hall before asking, "Immortal, are you finding your stay in the Dragon Palace satisfactory?"

Lu Qingxuan said, "It is very quiet, which is certainly good."

That's good.

Moang nodded and said, "Speaking of which, I have a request to make. I wonder if the immortal master would be willing to grant it?"

"Your Highness, please speak."

Moang said, "Although I have some skill in cultivation since childhood, I always feel that I am not quite getting the hang of it. If you have the time, Immortal Master, could you please give me some pointers?"

Lu Qingxuan smiled and said, "Your Highness is too kind. I dare not presume to offer guidance; let us simply learn from each other."

Moang was overjoyed: "Thank you, Immortal Master. Shall we go outside?"

Lu Qingxuan did not refuse, as he also wanted to test the strength of Prince Moang.

Stepping out of the room, the two engaged in a fierce battle underwater. Moang's spear technique was powerful and sharp, with each move potentially fatal, but it lacked a certain variability.

Lu Qingxuan, on the other hand, used softness to overcome hardness and skill to break through force, with each sword strike perfectly blocking the opponent's attack.

At the height of the battle, Lu Qingxuan suddenly sheathed his sword: "The Crown Prince's spear technique is powerful but lacks variation. It's fine if you encounter an opponent of similar strength, but if you encounter an opponent with higher strength, I'm afraid they will find a weakness in you."

Moang humbly accepted the instruction: "What the immortal says is true. I have practiced the Dragon Clan's spear technique, which emphasizes brute force overcoming all techniques, but I have never thought of using skill to overcome brute force."

"That's not bad either. Only by combining strength and flexibility can one remain invincible. The Crown Prince has an excellent foundation. He just needs to work harder on adaptability and he will surely reach even greater heights."

Moang nodded in agreement, then asked a few more questions about cultivation before leaving satisfied.

...

Three days passed in the blink of an eye.

Early that morning, Lu Qingxuan was reading "Tales of the Four Seas" in a side hall when he suddenly heard a series of melodious and deep bell tolling from outside the palace, echoing in the sea.

The bell rang nine times, signaling the start of the Dragon Palace banquet.

Lu Qingxuan closed the book, straightened his robes, and went out the door.

There were already some yakshas waiting outside the door. When they saw him come out, they quickly bowed and said, "Immortal Master, the Dragon King ordered me to come and lead the way. Please move to the main hall."

Lu Qingxuan nodded and followed the Yaksha through several courtyards, heading towards the main hall.

At this moment, the Dragon Palace was decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers, and the coral trees were covered with luminous pearls, illuminating the passageway as if it were daytime.

Fish, shrimp, turtles and tortoises darted back and forth on both sides, each one in a hurry. Some carried fruit platters, others carried wine jars. They were busy but not flustered, clearly indicating that the Dragon Palace was very familiar with hosting banquets.

Outside the main hall, Prime Minister Turtle was directing the little demons to set up the final threshold.

Upon seeing Lu Qingxuan, he hurriedly stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said with a smile, "Immortal Master has arrived! His Majesty is already waiting in the palace. Please follow this old minister, Immortal Master."

Thank you for your trouble.

As Lu Qingxuan followed Prime Minister Gui into the main hall, his eyes were suddenly opened to a bright light.

The hall was already filled with guests.

At the head of the table was naturally Ao Guang, the Dragon King of the East Sea, wearing a crown that seemed to reach the sky and a robe of ochre yellow, with a smiling face and a majestic demeanor.

His dragon sons sat on his left and right sides.

Several young dragon princes sat obediently at the end of the table, not daring to move.

To the left of the lower seat sat envoys from the South Sea, the West Sea, and the North Sea, including the Crown Prince Ao Moang of the West Sea.

As for the dragon prince beside Ao Moang, it goes without saying that he will become the future little white dragon Ao Lie.

On the right are various aquatic deities.

Besides these, there were several other wandering immortals whose names Lu Qingxuan couldn't recall, each dressed in magnificent clothes and with a different demeanor.

Lu Qingxuan was seated in the guest seat, opposite Ao Moang, the eldest prince of the Western Sea.

As soon as he sat down, several pairs of eyes were cast his way.

The envoy from the South China Sea opened his eyes, glanced at Lu Qingxuan, and said slowly, "This must be Master Lu from Zhongnan Mountain? I have long admired your name."