Chapter 597: The Frustrated Yushan Dragon Consort

Chapter 597: The Frustrated Yushan Dragon Consort

In the grand hall of the Western Flood Dragon Palace, numerous dragon princes stood, whispering among themselves, their faces growing increasingly grim.

Among them, only Qi Shengtao sat tall and majestic, his eyes closed in meditation, his slender figure concealed beneath a magnificent robe. An aura of terror subtly emanated from him, making it impossible for anyone to meet his gaze directly.

"In other words, with so many aquatic creatures keeping watch day and night, not even a trace of the Ten Thousand Demons Hall has been found?"

After a long silence, the Western Dragon King, Li Hong, exhaled softly, interrupting the conversations in the hall.

Among the four dragon princes, the tallest and most imposing one stepped forward with a dignified and heroic demeanor. Adorned in the silver armor of the Dragon Palace, he respectfully cupped his hands and said, "Reporting to Father King, I have dispatched soldiers to guard the key passages. As soon as there is any news, the Dragon Palace will be able to respond immediately, and we will never allow a repeat of the previous situation."

This prince was named Qi Zhaowen, the second in line among the dragon princes. If it weren't for the sudden marriage of a Purple Profound Immortal, Zi Xuan, from the East, the position of Crown Prince of the Western Dragon Palace would have already been within his grasp.

After all, in terms of both strength and temperament, he far surpassed his brother, Qi Zhaoyi.

Now that their father had awakened, Zi Xuan, an outsider, had become more restrained, which made Qi Zhaowen feel much more at ease.

This was an opportunity.

With their father overseeing the Western Flood, he could solidify his position as the Crown Prince in one fell swoop.

Although Qi Zhaoyi had good luck and seized the initiative, it was clear that he had provoked Zi Xuan and was avoiding trouble in the Southern Flood. However, he had stumbled upon such a fortuitous event.

But with the other party's abilities, Qi Zhaowen truly didn't believe that this person could subdue the Western Flood's powerful demons. Instead, he might even make a mess of things.

For this reason, Qi Zhaowen had been exerting his utmost efforts in searching for traces of the Ten Thousand Demons Hall, hoping to seize a great achievement and solidify his position within the Dragon Palace! Yet, this force seemed to have vanished from the face of the earth.

Even with the combined might of the Western Flood's aquatic creatures, they still couldn't uncover any clues.

Their sudden appearance and bizarre disappearance were baffling.

If it weren't for the fact that the Western Dragon Palace had truly lost two dragon princes, Qi Zhaowen would have thought that this was all a fabrication to deceive others.

However, he quickly dismissed this thought from his mind.

If it were indeed a fabrication to deceive others, then the killing of the Fourth Elder and the Seventh Elder, one a supporter of Qi Zhaoyi and the other neutral, would have clearly benefited only one party.

So, am I the master of the Ten Thousand Demons Hall?

Qi Zhaowen 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 Qi Zhaoyi. Instead, he had even proactively created a significant opportunity for him.

It was likely because he was still suspicious that Qi Zhaowen had committed fratricide...

"Rest assured, Father King! They are just a bunch of pretentious demons. I will bring you their heads and avenge my two brothers!" Qi Zhaowen declared with determination, lifting his head with conviction.

At this point, the Western Dragon King's expression remained unreadable, but he slightly raised his eyelids and, after a moment, waved his finger. "Go and do what you should. If your older brother sends a message, remember to report back immediately."

How could he not see through his son's thoughts?

In Qi Zhaowen's previous statement, only one sentence was truly sincere.

They were indeed just a bunch of pretentious demons.

Forget about comparing them to the Northern Dragon Palace or the Boundless Dao Emperor Sect. Even if the Ten Thousand Demons Hall had a similar scale to the Western Dragon Palace, they wouldn't have been scared into complete silence and fled in disarray after killing the Fourth Elder, who had barely entered the Heaven Realm.

It wasn't because they were busy with other matters.

Given their previous aggressive efforts to subdue various demons, and with Qi Zhaowen personally driving away the major demons, preparing a challenging task for the Ten Thousand Demons Hall in the Southern Flood, these so-called masters should have no reason to be afraid to take action.

The only explanation was their fear of the Western Dragon Palace.

This also explained why they only targeted isolated demons, as they did possess some strength but were far from the exaggerated level others boasted about.

A cold smile curled on the Western Dragon King's lips.

He would definitely expose these cowardly rats and let them know who truly ruled the Western Flood.

With these thoughts, Qi Shengtao closed his eyes again.

"Your son takes his leave."

Qi Zhaowen cautiously observed his father's expression, aware of the murderous intent in his heart. He dared not say more and, with three other princes, turned and left the grand hall.

Not long after they exited, Qi Zhaowen's steps faltered, and he frowned as he looked at the dignified and graceful figure ahead.

It was undeniable that the Purple Beard White Dragon Clan was favored by heaven, as each member possessed exceptional beauty, each with their unique charm.

If it weren't for the Eastern Dragon King's decision to marry Zi Xuan to Qi Zhaoyi, a useless individual, Qi Zhaowen would have been quite moved by her initially.

But now, Zi Xuan had become the biggest stepping stone for him to secure the position of Crown Prince.

Qi Zhaowen's heart filled only with cold laughter, he politely cupped his hands in greeting, "What brings you to the Dragon Palace if you're not at Yushan for recuperation, Sister-in-Law?"

"Nothing."

Zi Xuan smiled faintly, "I'm also part of the Western Dragon Palace, and with all the chaos in this land and sea recently, I'm naturally concerned about disturbing Father King. I just don't know why you all discuss these matters without even calling me. It seems like you're treating me as 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 the Southern Flood, and the Western Dragon Palace should naturally take care of you. Don't let him worry."

Both of them spoke politely, but their gazes were identical as they swept towards the three figures behind them.

Among these three Dragon Princes, the third and sixth had received many benefits from Zi Xuan, and although they hadn't completely sided with her, they leaned towards her. In other words, only the fifth prince consistently stood by Qi Zhaowen.

But at this moment, the atmosphere seemed slightly off.

Facing Zi Xuan's casual glance, the third and sixth princes averted their eyes and turned their heads. No matter how abundant the benefits from the Eastern Palace were, they couldn't match the authority of the Dragon King.

The Dragon King's recent actions made it clear that he intended to isolate this Dragon Consort.

If not for this woman's origins in the East, the Dragon King would have likely banished her from the Dragon Palace long ago.

"Hmph."

The fifth prince of the Qi family sneered softly.

Qi Zhaowen calmly turned around and gave him a meaningful look before turning back. He smiled lightly, "Recently, things have been a bit unstable. Sister-in-law, it's better for you to return to Yushan to rest. Don't wander around unnecessarily."

After saying this, he led the three princes past Zi Xuan and headed towards the distant waves.

"..."

Zi Xuan stood silently in her original spot. Although her expression remained calm, her white fingers gradually clenched, and it took a long time for her to suppress the anger in her heart.

As expected, as long as 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 fully established, she could calm down the Ten Thousand Demons Hall incident and send Qi Shengtao back to the Dragon Den.

Or she could hope that Qi Zhaoyi would act more like a proper contender in the Southern Flood, openly challenging his younger brother.

But if that happened, wanting to undermine the other party would also become a delusion.

The entire plan, which had started with seizing the Western Palace's Grand Seal, had now become a deception. With just one word, the price to be paid would likely be... herself.

"Hmm."

Zi Xuan exhaled lightly, and her stomach felt a little nauseous when she thought about that scene.

She extended her index finger and rubbed her temples.

She turned and headed back towards Yushan.

After she left, the Dragon Princes stopped in their tracks.

The third and sixth princes looked slightly embarrassed and glanced at Qi Zhaowen. They remained silent for a long time.

Jumping ship halfway was easier said than done.

After all, if you could jump once, you could jump again. To gain the trust of the second prince, they would have to do something.

"Tsk."

Qi Zhaowen slowly turned around, his gaze sweeping over the two princes. After a long silence, he finally smiled, "We're all family, why are you so distant? Although Father King has tasked me with this matter, would I really harm you two?"

"We wouldn't dare!"

The two princes quickly waved their hands, and the fifth prince's mocking expression intensified.

"But I do have a task for you two." Qi Zhaowen's tone changed, and he withdrew his smile, "The fourth and seventh princes perished in the Wanxiang Pavilion, but now Yushan's soldiers are guarding that place, which is rather irregular."

"You two, go there now and take over. Investigate thoroughly."

Upon hearing this, the two princes breathed a sigh of relief and smiled simultaneously, "This is a simple task. With the second prince's decree, we'll take care of it immediately."

However, the next moment, their smiles froze.

Qi Zhaowen raised his eyebrows, "The princes of the Western Dragon Palace want to command the Water Clan's soldiers. Do they dare to disobey? Or are the knives in your hands no longer capable of cutting down those below you?"

"By the way, after dealing with them and finding the sacred ground, the treasures within will be my reward to you two brothers. Enjoy it."

A sacred ground capable of sealing a Heavenly Covenant contained countless creatures, which would be a feast even for a Heavenly Realm Great Demon.

But this seemingly juicy "fresh meat" might be a little hard to chew.

Everyone knew that the Purple-Bearded White Dragon Clan was kind-hearted.

Killing Yushan's demon soldiers and consuming the creatures in the Wanxiang Sacred Ground would likely result in the Yushan Dragon Consort showing a cold expression.

This would be a complete break!

"If you don't want to go, I can handle this pleasant task myself." The fifth prince of the Qi family, with his stout body, squeezed next to the two princes and hooked their shoulders, speaking in a low voice, "No need to trouble you two."

"What nonsense is the Fifth Elder spouting!"

The two of them felt a chill down their spines as they looked at Qi Zhaowen's gradually indifferent expression. They quickly cupped their hands in greeting, "This is a great mission, thank you, Second Elder, for bestowing it upon us!"

As soon as these words left their mouths, a burden seemed to lift from their hearts, and their expressions turned fierce. They spoke in a chilling tone, "We guarantee not to leave a single one alive."

Indeed, Zi Xuan was just a woman who had married into the East Dragon Palace. How could she possibly represent the entire East Dragon Palace?

Moreover, even if the East Dragon Palace was powerful, would they dare to openly extend their reach to the West? It was common knowledge that the people from the North were keeping a close eye on them.

"The matters of the Western Flood should be handled by our own Western Dragon Palace."

Finally, the Third Elder revealed a smile, turned around, and led the Sixth Elder towards the waters outside.

...

Western Flood, Jade Mountain.

Zi Xuan slowly ascended the long staircase, 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.

They were like maggots, making her Jade Mountain feel disgusting and nauseating, causing her to feel disgusted just by looking at them.

In front of the secluded chamber, the familiar black-backed dragon generals had been replaced by two Dragon Princes.

They stood guard outside the chamber, and upon seeing Zi Xuan's figure, they respectfully bowed and greeted her, "Greetings, Dragon Consort."

"Hmph."

Zi Xuan almost laughed in anger, "You, the Dragon Princes, are here to guard the door for me. Isn't this a case of overqualified for the task?"

"It's our duty as juniors."

The two Dragon Princes kept their gazes forward, their expressions calm as they spoke softly, "We apologize, Dragon Consort. If any old friends come to visit or if any letters are delivered to Jade Mountain, please inform us so that we can avoid any misunderstandings."

Upon hearing these words, Zi Xuan's eyes instantly turned cold, and she glanced at them with a sideways glance, "So you still know that you are juniors?"

She was a Heaven Realm expert of the same caliber as Ji Jingxi, and even these two Dragon Princes, let alone the former Elder Qi, would have to obey her with just a slight wave of her sleeve.

But at this moment, under her gaze, these juniors' spines began to creak, and they suddenly knelt on the ground. However, they showed no intention of leaving. Their arms, with bulging veins, were propped against the ground as they clenched their teeth and said, "Dragon Consort, please calm your anger. This is the order of our grandfather. He sent us with troops to guard Jade Mountain. If you are displeased, we will immediately report back to our grandfather and withdraw our soldiers."

"..."

Ji Jingxi withdrew her gaze and stared coldly at the door, remaining silent for a long time before she finally coldly laughed, "No need. Do as you please. While you're at it, convey my thanks to the Dragon King for his kind intentions."

After saying this, she pushed the door open and entered, and with a wave of her sleeve, the door slammed shut.

Bang!

The two Dragon Princes broke out in a cold sweat, and it took them a while to recover. They cautiously glanced behind them.

If this woman wanted to stay in the Western Flood, she would have to listen to her grandfather.

If she wanted to show off the might of the East Dragon Palace, she might as well go back to the East and do it there.

"Huff."

Zi Xuan closed her eyes and leaned against the door, her ample chest rising and falling erratically.

After adjusting her breathing, she opened her eyes, and in the next moment, she saw a figure slowly emerging from the bed. 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 earlier, and with the Western Dragon King's cultivation level, it was impossible for her not to know that two Dragon Princes and a group of demon soldiers were no match for a true expert.

Therefore, this was simply a deliberate act to annoy her.

Zi Xuan was undoubtedly caught in a dilemma. If she forcefully endured this frustration, it would be completely out of character for the East Dragon Palace, indicating that she had something to hide, which would only further arouse the Western Dragon King's suspicions.

If she got angry and returned to the East in a fit of rage, it would also play right into the Western Dragon King's hands.

"You still have the nerve to meddle in my affairs."

Zi Xuan glared at her in annoyance and quickly walked over, "How are things in the Southern Flood? I haven't received any news, and I'm so worried I could die of anxiety!"

"Are you here to ask for help? I've been wanting to go and assist, but that old dragon is so cunning that I can't find any opportunities... It's so frustrating. I might as well just go with you, and if he has the guts, he can send me a divorce letter and send me back to the East Dragon Palace!"

"By the way, where is that boy...?"

Zi Xuan, who had been holding back for a long time, finally spoke, unleashing a string of words that left the other person unsure of how to respond.

"What boy are you talking about? That's the Nanyang Sect Master..."

Ji Jingxi listened silently, then smiled helplessly, a hint of guilt flashing in her eyes.

It was undeniable that her old friend was as kind as ever, but today, she had come with a task from someone else. She couldn't reveal anything about the Southern Flood to Zi Xuan and was instead here to extract information from her.

If it weren't for the fact that the person was Shen Yi, Ji Jingxi wouldn't have done something like this.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end