https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-596-Returning-to-Western-Hongze-The-Palace-Lord-s-Arrival/12938397/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-598-The-Calm-and-Collected-Ten-Thousand-Demon-Hall-Master/12938399/
Chapter 597: The Frustrated Jade Mountain Dragon Consort
Chapter 597: The Frustrated Jade Mountain Dragon Consort
At the grand hall of the Western Flood Dragon Palace.
Numerous Dragon Sons stood in the hall, whispering among themselves, their faces growing increasingly grim.
Only Ji Shengtao sat high above, eyes closed as if in meditation, his slender body draped in a magnificent robe, and an air of terror emanating from him, deterring anyone from looking directly at him.
"In other words, with so many aquatic creatures keeping watch day and night, not even a trace of the Ten Thousand Demon Hall has been found?"
After a long while, the Western Dragon King exhaled softly, interrupting the conversations in the hall.
Among the four Dragon Sons, the tallest and most majestic one stood out with a truly imposing demeanor. Clad in the silver armor of the Dragon Palace, he stepped forward from the group and respectfully cupped his hands, "Reporting to Father King, your son has already dispatched soldiers to guard the key passages. As soon as there's any news, the Dragon Palace will be able to respond immediately, and we won't let the situation from last time happen again."
This son was Ji Zhao Wen, the second-ranked among the Dragon Sons. If it weren't for the sudden arrival of Zi Xian from the East, the position of Crown Prince would have already been his.
After all, in terms of both strength and temperament, he far surpassed his brother, Ji Zhaoyi.
Now that his father had awakened, Zi Xian, an outsider, had become more restrained, which made Ji Zhao Wen feel much more at ease.
This was an opportunity.
With his father presiding over the Western Flood, he could seize the chance to solidify his position as the Crown Prince.
Although Ji Zhaoyi had some luck and seized the initiative, it was clear that he had provoked Zi Xian, and had to flee to the Southern Flood to lay low. But he stumbled upon such a great opportunity.
However, given the other party's capabilities, Ji Zhao Wen truly didn't believe that this person could subdue the Western Flood's great demons. Instead, he might make a mess of things.
For this reason, Ji Zhao Wen had been searching tirelessly for traces of the Ten Thousand Demon Hall, trying to seize a great achievement and establish his position in the Dragon Palace. Yet, this force seemed to have vanished from the face of the earth.
Even with the combined efforts of the Western Flood's aquatic tribes, they still couldn't uncover any information.
Their sudden appearance and mysterious disappearance were baffling.
If it weren't for the fact that two Dragon Sons had actually fallen in the Western Dragon Palace, Ji Zhao Wen would have thought this was just a fabrication to deceive others.
But he quickly dismissed this thought from his mind.
If it were indeed a fabrication to deceive others, then the fourth and seventh sons they had killed—one a supporter of Ji Zhaoyi and the other neutral—it was obvious who would benefit from this.
So, am I the Hall Master of the Ten Thousand Demon Hall? Ji Zhao Wen clenched his fists and glanced up at his father above, who was clearly wary of the Eastern Dragon Palace but still hadn't given up on Ji Zhaoyi. Instead, he had even proactively created a great opportunity for him.
Perhaps it was because he still suspected that Ji Zhao Wen had committed fratricide...
"Father King, rest assured! They are just a bunch of pretentious demons. I will bring you their heads to avenge my two brothers!"
At this thought, Ji Zhao Wen raised his head with determination, his words resounding with conviction.
The Western Dragon King's expression remained unreadable, but he slightly lifted his eyelids and waved his finger after a moment, "Go, and do what you should. If your eldest brother sends a message back, remember to report to me at once."
How could he not see through his son's thoughts?
In Ji Zhao Wen's previous words, only one sentence was sincere.
They were indeed just a bunch of pretentious demons.
Forget about comparing them to the North Dragon Palace and the Boundless Dao Monarch Sect. Even if the Ten Thousand Demon Hall had a similar size to the Western Dragon Palace, they wouldn't have been scared into complete silence and hasty retreat after killing the fourth son, who had barely reached the Celestial Realm.
Forget about them being busy with other matters.
Given their previous frenzy in hunting down various demons, and with Ji Zhao Wen personally driving away the great demons of various tribes, preparing such a grand feast for the Ten Thousand Demon Hall in the Southern Flood, these so-called Hall Masters wouldn't dare to touch it, all because they feared the Western Dragon Palace.
This also explained why they only targeted isolated demons, not because they were weak, but because they lacked the strength others boasted about.
A cold smile crept onto the Western Dragon King's lips.
He would definitely expose these timid rats and let them know who truly ruled the Western Flood.
With this thought, Ji Shengtao closed his eyes again.
"Your son takes his leave."
Ji Zhao Wen cautiously observed his father's expression, sensing the murderous intent within, and dared not say more. He turned and left the hall with his three brothers.
Not long after they exited, Ji Zhao Wen's steps faltered, and he furrowed his brows, looking at the elegant and graceful figure ahead.
It was undeniable that the Purple Beard White Dragon Clan was favored by the heavens, each member possessing exceptional beauty with unique charms.
If the Eastern Dragon King hadn't specifically arranged for Zi Xian to marry Ji Zhaoyi, this waste, Ji Zhao Wen would have been quite interested initially.
But now, Zi Xian had become the biggest obstacle on his path to securing the Crown Prince position.
Ji Zhao Wen could only coldly smile in his heart. Out of courtesy, he cupped his hands half-heartedly, "Sister-in-law, if you're not cultivating at Jade Mountain, what brings you to the Dragon Palace?"
"Nothing."
Zi Xian gave a faint smile. "I'm also part of the Western Dragon Palace. With the recent chaos in this area, disturbing Father King and causing him some concern is natural. But I don't understand why you discuss these matters without even calling me. It seems you consider me an outsider."
"Sister-in-law, you're joking."
Qi Zhaowen lifted the corners of his mouth and lowered his palms. "Big Brother is working hard in Nan Hong. Naturally, the Western Dragon Palace should take good care of Sister-in-law so he doesn't have to worry about her while he's away."
The two exchanged pleasantries, but their gazes were identical, both sweeping towards the three figures behind them.
Among these three Dragon Sons, the third and sixth had received many favors from Zi Xian, and although they hadn't fully committed, they leaned towards her side. In other words, only the fifth son consistently stood by Qi Zhaowen's side.
But at this moment, the atmosphere seemed slightly off.
Facing Zi Xian's casual glance, the third and sixth sons averted their eyes and turned their heads. No matter how abundant the benefits from the Eastern Palace were, they couldn't compete with the Father King's authority.
The Father King's recent actions were almost like openly declaring his intention to isolate this Dragon Consort.
If not for the fact that this woman was from the East, the Father King would have probably expelled her from the Dragon Palace long ago.
"Hmph."
Qi Family's fifth son chuckled softly.
Qi Zhaowen calmly turned around, signaling to the other party with his eyes before turning back and saying with a light smile, "It's been a bit unstable lately. Sister-in-law, it's best to return to Jade Mountain and rest. If there's nothing else, don't wander around."
After speaking, he led the three of them past Zi Xian and headed towards the distant waves.
"..."
Zi Xian stood silently in her original spot. Although her expression remained calm, her pale fingers gradually clenched, and it was a long time before she suppressed the annoyance in her heart.
As expected, once the Western Dragon King woke up, all her efforts would be in vain.
Now, she could only hope that before the Crown Prince's position was completely confirmed, she could settle the matters in the Ten Thousand Monsters Palace and send Ji Shengtao back to the Dragon Cavern.
Or perhaps she could rely on Qi Zhaoyi to act more like a leader in Nan Hong and openly compete with his younger brother.
But if that were the case, wanting to sideline the other party would become a pipe dream.
The entire situation had suddenly shifted from seizing the Western Palace's Grand Seal to deception, and with just one word, the price to pay would most likely be... herself.
"Hmm."
Zi Xian exhaled lightly, and thinking about that scene made her slightly nauseous.
She extended her index finger and rubbed her temples.
Turning around, she headed back towards Jade Mountain.
After she left, the Dragon Sons stopped once again.
The third and sixth sons wore embarrassed expressions as they looked at Qi Zhaowen. For a long time, they didn't speak.
Jumping ship halfway was easy to say but difficult to do.
After all, if they could jump ship once, they could do it again. To gain the trust of their second brother, they had to do something.
"Tsk."
Qi Zhaowen slowly turned around, his gaze sweeping over the two of them. After a long silence, he finally smiled and said, "We're all family, why be so distant? Although Father King has ordered me to handle this matter, would I deliberately harm the two of you?"
"We dare not!"
The two quickly waved their hands, causing the fifth son's face to fill with even more mockery.
"But I do have a matter that I need my two younger brothers to handle." Qi Zhaowen's tone changed, and he withdrew his smile. "The fourth and seventh brothers perished in Omnipotence Pavilion, but now the place is being guarded by Jade Mountain's soldiers. It's somewhat irregular."
"You two, go there now and investigate thoroughly on my behalf."
Upon hearing this, the two brothers relaxed and smiled simultaneously. "This is nothing. With the Imperial Decree from the second brother, we'll take care of it immediately."
However, the next moment, their smiles stiffened.
Qi Zhaowen raised his eyebrows. "The princes of the Western Dragon Palace, when going to command the Water Clan's soldiers, still need an Imperial Decree? How dare they disobey, or have the knives in my two younger brothers' hands lost their sharpness?"
"Right, after dealing with them, once we've investigated the Sacred Ground, the things inside will be my reward to the two of you. I hope you enjoy it."
A Sacred Ground capable of establishing the Heaven Contract was filled with countless creatures, which even for a Great Demon of the Celestial Realm, would be considered a satisfying feast.
But this seemingly juicy "fresh meat" was a bit hard to chew.
Everyone knew that the Purple Beard White Dragon Clan was benevolent.
Killing Jade Mountain's demon soldiers and then consuming the creatures in the Omnipotence Sacred Ground... after doing these two things, the third and sixth sons could almost imagine the cold expression the Jade Mountain Dragon Consort would show.
This would be a complete break in their relationship!
"If you don't want to go, you don't have to. I can handle this pleasant task." Qi Family's fifth son, with his plump body, squeezed beside the two brothers and hooked their shoulders, speaking softly, "No need to trouble the two of you."
"What nonsense is he spouting!"
The two of them shuddered, seeing Qi Zhaowen's gradually indifferent expression, and quickly cupped their hands in greeting, "This is a great mission, thank you, Second Brother, for bestowing it upon us!"
With these words, the two of them felt a certain shackle lift from their hearts, and their expressions turned fierce. They said coldly, "We guarantee to leave none alive."
Indeed, Zi Xian was a woman who had married into the Eastern Dragon Palace, but how could she represent the entire Eastern Dragon Palace?
Moreover, even if the Eastern Dragon Palace was powerful, how dare they so brazenly extend their reach to the west? They should know that those in the north were keeping a close eye on them.
"The matters of the Western Flood, should be handled by our Western Dragon Palace."
The third brother finally showed a smile, turned, and led the sixth brother away, flying towards the outer waters.
...
Western Flood, Jade Mountain.
Zi Xian slowly ascended the long steps, her thoughts drifting as she headed towards the secluded chamber at the top. Her peripheral vision occasionally swept across the surroundings, and she noticed many unfamiliar figures among her personal guards, making her feel nauseous as if they were worms burrowing into her Jade Mountain.
In front of the secluded chamber, the familiar black-backed crocodile generals had been replaced by two Dragon Grandsons.
They stood guard outside the door, and upon seeing Zi Xian's figure, they respectfully bowed and greeted her, "Greetings, Dragon Consort."
"Hmph."
Zi Xian almost laughed in anger, "You, the Dragon Grandsons, come to guard the door for me. Isn't this a waste of talent?"
"It's our duty as juniors."
The two Dragon Grandsons kept their eyes forward, their expressions calm. They said softly, "We trouble the Dragon Consort. If any old friends come to visit or if there are any messages delivered to Jade Mountain, please inform us, so as to avoid any misunderstandings."
Upon hearing this, Zi Xian's eyes instantly turned cold, and she glanced at them with a cold side-eye, "So you still know you're juniors?"
She was a Heaven Realm expert on par with Ji Jingxi, and these two Dragon Grandsons were nothing to her. Even the former Qi Laoqi, with a mere wave of her sleeve, would be swept away from Jade Mountain.
But at this moment, under her gaze, their spines began to creak, and they knelt down with a thud, yet they showed no intention of leaving. Their arms tensed, and they clenched their jaws, saying, "Dragon Consort, please calm your anger. This is Grandfather's order. He sent us with soldiers to guard Jade Mountain. If you're displeased, we'll go back and report to Grandfather, and we'll withdraw our soldiers."
"..."
Ji Jingxi withdrew her gaze, staring coldly at the door. After a long while, she coldly smiled, "No need. You may go, and while you're at it, thank the Dragon King for his kindness on my behalf."
After saying this, she pushed open the door and entered. With a wave of her sleeve, the door slammed shut.
Bang!
The two Dragon Grandsons had already broken out in cold sweat. After an unknown amount of time, they cautiously glanced behind them.
If this woman wanted to stay in the Western Flood, she had to listen to Grandfather.
If she wanted to show off the might of the Eastern Dragon Palace, it would be better to go back east and do it slowly.
"Huff."
Zi Xian closed her eyes and leaned against the door, her full chest rising and falling.
After adjusting her breathing, she opened her eyes, and the next moment, she saw a figure slowly appearing in the bedchamber. The anger in her eyes was instantly replaced by astonishment.
"Why are you so angry?" Ji Jingxi snapped her fingers, setting up a restriction. She had heard all the commotion outside, and with the Western Dragon King's realm, it was impossible to believe that two Dragon Grandsons and a bunch of demon soldiers could stop a true expert.
This was simply a way to annoy people.
Zi Xian was now undoubtedly in a dilemma. If she forcefully suppressed this frustration, it would be completely inconsistent with the Eastern Dragon Palace's style of conduct, indicating that she had something to hide, which would only further arouse the Western Dragon King's vigilance.
If she got angry and returned to the east, it would also fulfill the Western Dragon King's intentions.
"You still have the nerve to meddle in my affairs."
Zi Xian glared at her with a headache and quickly walked over, "How's the Southern Flood? I haven't received any news, don't you know I'm dying of worry!"
"Are you here to ask for help? I've been wanting to go and help, but that old dragon is too cunning, not giving me any opportunities... It's so annoying, I might as well just go with you. I want to see if that old dragon has the guts to send me back to the Eastern Dragon Palace!"
"Oh, right, where is that boy...?"
Zi Xian seemed to have held back for a long time, and when she opened her mouth, she spoke a string of words, leaving the other person unsure of how to respond.
"What boy? He's the Nan Yang Sect Master..."
Ji Jingxi listened silently and smiled helplessly. A hint of guilt appeared in her eyes.
It had to be said that this old friend of hers was still as kind as ever, but she had come today with a task from someone else. She couldn't reveal anything about the Southern Flood to Zi Xian; instead, she had to come and try to get information from her.
If it weren't for Shen Yi, Ji Jingxi wouldn't have done such a thing.
(End of Chapter)
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