Chapter 471: Haige Mirror Profound

Ju Yuanzi glanced at the flood dragon.

"What, do you think I would lie to you? These things have occasionally been found even in major rivers and waterways on land, and some have even matured enough to transform into human form."

Ji Yuan understood Ju Yuanzi's hidden meaning: it was nearly impossible to completely eradicate Dragon Corpse Worms. After all, the world was vast, and even with the dragons' immense power, they couldn't reach every corner. It was also possible for matured worms to go into hiding.

Naturally, given the dragons' power, any Dragon Corpse Worm that truly matured would wisely sever all ties to its past, live as an ordinary demon, and try to avoid appearing before dragons.

Even if all matured worms were destroyed and all existing ones eliminated, the world would never lack people with ulterior motives. It was entirely possible that someone was cultivating Dragon Corpse Worms, considering how repugnant they were to dragons.

Ji Yuan could discern these implied meanings, and he believed many dragons could too. But what could be done? As long as dragons couldn't control everything, such things were inevitable. Thus, they could only issue a strict order after eliminating all discoverable Dragon Corpse Worms.

Hearing Ju Yuanzi's words, the red flood dragon calmed down a little and pondered deeply.

After a moment of silence, Ji Yuan finally asked, "You said you were a water creature under a Dragon Lord. Which Dragon Lord?"

The red flood dragon didn't dare to delay in answering Ji Yuan. "Just now, the situation was urgent, so I falsely claimed to be a flood dragon under a Dragon Lord. In truth, I merely live in the Outer East Sea, in the domain of Dragon Lord Guangsheng, and am not his subordinate. Please forgive me, Immortal Elder..."

This immortal cultivator, with his unique gaze, seemed to know the Dragon Lord. It wouldn't be wise to continue lying at such a moment, especially if the truth reached the Dragon Lord's ears.

"Oh... Dragon Lord Guangsheng..."

Ji Yuan had never heard the name before, but anyone who dared to use "Lord" in their title was likely a true dragon.

"Mr. Ji, what should we do about these Dragon Corpse Worms? There are clearly many of them beneath this desolate ocean current."

The people from Jade Embrace Mountain knew about Ji Yuan's connection with the Dragon Lord of Tongtian River. While different dragon clans might have their disputes, Dragon Corpse Worms were universally loathed and detested by all dragons.

Ji Yuan looked at the red flood dragon beside him. "Rest for a moment, then you may leave. This is no small matter for your dragon clan; inform whoever needs to be informed. As for the Dragon Corpse Worms in the ocean current below..."

"Regarding these Dragon Corpse Worms, I respectfully request that Immortal Elder not intervene. This is, after all, a matter for my dragon clan. Once I return, my clan will use this place as a starting point to meticulously trace the origin of these evil creatures. For now, please allow them to remain below."

The red flood dragon's reasoning made sense, so Ji Yuan nodded.

"Very well, then we will not interfere."

The red flood dragon then looked at the cultivator who had caught a dozen Dragon Corpse Worms. Understanding the flood dragon's unspoken request, the cultivator waved his hand, incinerating all the strange worms into ash, to prevent the flood dragon from thinking he intended to keep them.

Although it had been attacked earlier, being a living dragon, the flood dragon hadn't sustained any serious injuries; at most, it had been considerably frightened. After resting for just fifteen minutes, the flood dragon wasted no more time. It soared into the air and flew towards the distance, this time preferring to endure the sweeping gale-force winds rather than flying lower.

After the red flood dragon departed, the Mystic Heart Manor's flying boat did not resume its journey; instead, it remained stationary.

Since they had already saved the red flood dragon, they might as well do the dragon clan another favor by keeping watch over the Dragon Corpse Worms below. Any lost time could be made up by increasing their speed later.

Approximately three days later, dragon roars echoed from the distant sky, followed by a light that appeared on the horizon, calming the turbulent gale-force winds in the area.

A massive old yellow dragon soared into view, accompanied by a dozen flood dragons. The old yellow dragon was roughly several hundred zhang long, and its long whiskers stretched for a hundred zhang. Compared to it, the other flood dragons seemed like small loaches.

"The Dragon Lord truly came in person. It seems the dragon clan is very concerned about Dragon Corpse Worms."

An old cultivator, who had acted immediately after Ji Yuan, remarked. Another person nearby quickly agreed. These two elders had stayed by Ji Yuan and Ju Yuanzi's side for the past three days, their intuition telling them that one of these two was the master who had caused the Star River to descend that day.

Ji Yuan looked at the old man who spoke, then back at the enormous yellow dragon. Wasn't it obvious? To the dragon clan, these worms were like defilers of their ancestors' graves; anyone would hate them to the bone.

Furthermore, judging from previous observations, Dragon Corpse Worms didn't just consume dragon corpses; they likely weren't picky eaters if given the chance.

The true dragon and flood dragons hadn't arrived yet, but a booming voice already reached them.

"Thank you all for your assistance. However, this is a matter for the dragon clan. Outsiders, please depart swiftly!"

*Rumbling sounds*

The voice was like thunder, causing the waves in the surrounding sea to churn even more violently.

At that moment, the old dragon spoke directly. Its voice, imbued with the true dragon's might, made all the passengers on the Mystic Heart Manor's flying boat feel an intense suppression.

Nevertheless, for a true dragon to speak this way to immortal cultivators was considered very polite.

On the flying boat, the two stewards of Mystic Heart Manor were also on the stern deck. Hearing the voice, they looked at Ji Yuan.

Ji Yuan watched the approaching yellow dragon and flood dragons from afar. "We never intended to interfere. Since they don't wish for our involvement, there's no need for us to stay. Continuing our journey is paramount."

"Indeed, the journey is paramount."

"Absolutely! Absolutely!"

Several people nearby echoed their agreement. It was clear the dragon clan didn't want this matter publicized, and everyone on the flying boat understood this.

And so, the flying boat glowed with a magical light, and a surge of waves slowly rose from beneath its hull, gently lifting the boat and carrying it slowly away in its original direction of travel. It departed without a sound, responding to the old yellow dragon's request with its actions.

"We've left as you requested. You can't say we're impolite, can you?"

A dozen breaths later, the yellow dragon, accompanied by its flood dragons, arrived at the desolate ocean current area. The red flood dragon was by the yellow dragon's side. Looking at the fading immortal light in the distance, the yellow dragon said, "This must be the place. I can already smell that disgusting odor; it's indeed the Dragon Corpse Worms. You all, dive down and search along the ocean current. I will deal with this spot first!"

With that, the yellow dragon suddenly flew downwards, *splashing* into the sea and disappearing beneath the surface.

The seabed in this area immediately lit up, with only a dragon silhouette blurred by the light in the center.

*Rumble...*

Instantly, silver serpents danced on the seabed, and lightning flashed everywhere.

On the flying boat, Ji Yuan and the others looked back. As they wondered how the yellow dragon would handle the situation, they saw the entire seabed illuminate, followed by an aura of thunder. Under this destructive power, the desolate ocean current seemed to surge upwards.

Truly a magnificent display from a true dragon.

Ji Yuan's thoughts drifted. He mused that although his friend resided in inland waters, he was still part of the East Sea and likely knew this yellow dragon. Perhaps he could ask the old dragon for an update later; he believed such information would at least be exchanged among true dragons of the East Sea.

Several more days passed. The surrounding sky began to brighten, and one night, the flying boat once again ascended from the sea to the sky. They had left the desolate ocean current and gale-ridden area, returning to normal waters.

On this particular morning, some cultivators who never slept, and other passengers who awoke, found that they had left the dim, desolate ocean current region.

Immortal cultivators were fine, but the suffocated mortals and even some sprites were eager to get to the deck and breathe fresh air.

Originally, thin clouds and mist surrounded the flying boat. As the sun rose higher, the mist gradually dispersed, revealing the ocean below.

"Everyone, a hundred li ahead lies the Sea Mirror Pavilion! Although we are on an inter-realm ferry, if time permits, this rare and magnificent sight should not be missed. If any friends or family are still resting in their cabins, please be sure to wake them, so they can either go to the viewing cabins or come to the upper deck. Otherwise, it will be a lifelong regret!"

Apart from those who lived on the ship, most people would rarely, if ever, take an inter-realm ferry, perhaps only once in their lives. Therefore, missing such beautiful scenery truly could be a lifelong regret.

Soon, many people gathered at the viewing cabins, while even more went to the deck, leaning over the railings to gaze out.

*Whoosh... whoosh...*

The Yin-Yang sails billowed, emitting soft whooshing sounds. Passengers on board felt a slight backward pull as the flying boat significantly increased its speed, leaving a trail of golden light across the sky as it headed towards the faintly visible mountain pavilion in the sea.

The first thing that came into view were two crescent-shaped island mountain ranges, one large and one small, standing opposite each other in the sea.

On the larger island, a towering peak stood, its side facing the flying boat a steep cliff, as flat as if cleaved by a celestial axe.

To Ji Yuan's spiritual sight, there was a flow of magical light on the islands, suggesting the presence of a cultivation sect. Even more striking was the "mirror surface" nestled between the two crescent-shaped islands.

It was calm and deep blue, faintly shimmering with a myriad of colors. There must have been some special factor at play, allowing Ji Yuan to see it clearly. Even from a distance, it exuded immense beauty.

The flying boat quickly approached the two crescent mountain ranges, giving everyone on board a clearer view. Large characters were carved into the outermost cliff, sharp-edged and filled with a formidable sword intent, clearly left by a master of the sword dao.

"Sea, Pavilion, Mirror, Profound."

Ji Yuan murmured the characters, feeling the powerful sword intent on them—concentrated yet not dispersed, captivating and awe-inspiring.

"Everyone, please refrain from loud noises. This is the Mirror Profound Sea Pavilion, a place of quiet cultivation. Allowing us to view the beautiful Sea Mirror is already a great kindness; let us not invite displeasure."

A steward from Mystic Heart Manor transmitted a message throughout the flying boat. After giving the instruction, he activated the magic formation, guiding the flying boat to descend slowly. Soon, the boat's bottom broke the surface of the sea, passed by the cliff, and entered the "mirror surface."

The water was exceptionally clear, the sea surface remarkably still. Light seemed to penetrate directly to the seabed, yet only its profound depth was visible. Sunlight permeated it, and various hues of light lingered within.

Not just mortals and some sprites, but even Ji Yuan was somewhat mesmerized. He could imagine that it would be even more beautiful at night than during the day.

"Well, we have already been delayed for several days. Let me first ask everyone: if you're not in a hurry, we can wait until after tonight to depart. If you are urgent, we will continue our journey shortly."

"No hurry, no hurry!" "Exactly, a day or two won't make a difference to anyone." "Right, right, let's leave in another day!"

As Ji Yuan expected, everyone on the boat expressed their willingness to wait.