Chapter 641: Strange Blood

Ji Yuan had considered that the old dragon might not be willing to help the other party seek medicine. However, he never expected that the old dragon wouldn't even put on a pretense in front of him, which showed a genuine trust in Ji Yuan. Seeing her father's demeanor, the dragon girl couldn't help but smile. She immediately linked arms with the old dragon, playfully saying, in a rare display of affection:

"Daddy still spoils me the most!"

"Alright, you're old enough. Don't let your Uncle Ji make fun of you."

The dragon girl's smile remained. She released her father and straightened up as her transformation receded. Her golden embroidered gauze robe and ribbons materialized, and a faint divine light reappeared behind her, restoring her sacred appearance as the Goddess of Tongtian River.

The clouds beneath their feet ascended higher and higher, flying towards the distant sky. Observing the storm clouds with lightning in the far-off horizon, Ji Yuan refocused his attention on the old dragon's purpose for coming.

"Elder Ying, what matter brings you specifically to seek me out? With more than one true dragon present, what could possibly trouble you?"

The old dragon stroked his beard, gazing at the distant sky, and said with a slightly serious expression:

"Mr. Ji, in ancient times, there was no single ruler of the world's waters. Our Dragon Clan came to dominate the water realms, establishing our might through battles in the waters from ancient times to the present. Even so, we only control the Four Seas and abandoned the Barren Sea. This is because the Barren Sea is not only turbid but also full of strange and unpredictable occurrences. The disaster of the Corpse Dragons back then also originated from the depths of the Barren Sea."

The old dragon paused, glanced at Ji Yuan, and then continued:

"Back then, the Corpse Dragons multiplied and grew strong unnoticed. When our Dragon Clan discovered them, all the dragons were enraged. For a time, dragons throughout the world soared to hunt and eradicate these creatures. Not only did we uncover some Corpse Dragon evils that had already taken human form and attained cultivation, but we also rallied the full power of the Dragon Clan to invade the Barren Sea, annihilating all Corpse Dragons within reach. Although our Dragon Clan suffered a considerable loss of vitality from this, it also deterred demons, monsters, and spiritual cultivators across the land, solidifying our status as masters of the Four Seas."

"This incident may seem to be in the past, but among the high-ranking and influential members of our Dragon Clan, there has always been a hidden concern. Some also felt that the eradication effort back then was somewhat rash, as the true origin of the Corpse Dragons was never genuinely ascertained."

"What about this time?"

Ji Yuan pressed for more. Previously, the Dragon Clan had been extremely secretive about the Corpse Dragon matter, not allowing any outsiders to interfere, but now, he felt it was acceptable to ask.

The old dragon's face was solemn, like still water, as he looked at Ji Yuan and said:

"This time, the developments... are somewhat unexpected."

Hearing this, Ji Yuan narrowed his eyes. The old dragon, Ying Hong, had always been fearless, but his words now carried a heavy weight.

"Rumble..."

Thunder rumbled. Ji Yuan followed the sound and looked down. Below the clouds they stood on, rolling black clouds had severed their view of the earth. Lightning flashed and thunder roared continuously within them, changing in accordance with the True Dragon's emotions.

The three of them flew faster and faster, not stopping at Tongtian River or anywhere else. They soon arrived above the East Sea. Days later, a vast expanse of black clouds, covering everything as far as the eye could see, appeared on the distant horizon. Within them, gales and torrential rain raged, accompanied by intense lightning and thunder, and occasional dragon roars echoed.

The old dragon pointed towards the black clouds ahead and said to Ji Yuan:

"Mr. Ji, that's where the Dragon Clan is holding its alliance. Including myself, there are four True Dragons present, from the East, South, and North Seas. My East Sea accounts for two of them. There are also over a hundred Flood Dragons from the Four Seas. Once I bring you, Mr., we will all proceed together to the eastern Barren Sea."

After saying this, the old dragon let out a long, resonating roar from deep within his belly.

"Aooohhhhhh—"

Experiencing the true dragon's roar up close, Ji Yuan felt the surrounding air charged with an electromagnetic sensation. His exposed skin tingled slightly, the ambient energy vibrated intensely, and the sound in his ears was immense yet not ear-piercing.

After the old dragon's roar echoed, dragon roars from afar responded in succession.

"Aoooh—" "Aoh..."

Their cloud quickly flew into the cloud layer, where torrential rain poured down, making a "whooshing" sound, and dragon energy permeated everywhere.

"Rumble..."

Lightning illuminated the pitch-black sea. A large island appeared in their view, topped by a colossal, crystal-clear palace that shimmered under the lightning. This palace covered an enormous area, dominating the entire island, with many parts even extending into the water. It was entirely constructed from lustrous, precious crystals and corals, exuding an overwhelming radiance that almost blinded Ji Yuan's already poor eyesight.

"Mr. Ji, that is the Yellow Dragon Monarch's Crystal Treasure Palace. The Yellow Dragon Monarch brings this treasure for temporary rest. We will fly directly into it."

The old dragon briefly introduced it to Ji Yuan, then rode his cloud, carrying Ji Yuan and Ying Ruoli towards the Crystal Treasure Palace. Outside the palace, Flood Dragons were coiled, and others, transformed into humanoid dragons, walked about. Even before the old dragon's cloud reached them, a group of people had emerged from the main hall to greet them, their gazes fixed on the old dragon, Ji Yuan, and their companions.

"Dragon Monarch Ying, this person beside you must be Mr. Ji, correct?"

As soon as the old dragon landed, a group of about a dozen people approached. The one who spoke was an elder in the center, with long yellow whiskers and eyebrows, wearing an embroidered robe adorned with dragon patterns.

Ji Yuan opened his divine sight and vaguely perceived the aura of a blurry yellow dragon coiled around the elder. He then remembered the old yellow dragon he had encountered while traveling by flying boat to the Immortal Assembly.

"Indeed, I am Ji Yuan. Yellow Dragon Monarch, I trust you've been well?"

The old Yellow Dragon hadn't initially recalled where he had met Ji Yuan, but upon seeing Ji Yuan's eyes, he instantly remembered the flying boat they had encountered. His eyes lit up, and he slightly cupped his hands towards Ji Yuan.

"Regarding that incident, Huang Yuzhong must once again thank you, Mr., for your assistance."

Apart from the old Yellow Dragon, the other Flood Dragons observed Ji Yuan with calm curiosity. While not disrespectful, their attitude was naturally not as deferential as that of the cultivators Ji Yuan usually encountered. Only Ying Feng, with a joyful expression, immediately bowed deeply to Ji Yuan, having already called out, "Uncle Ji!"

Ying Hong stepped forward, faced the assembled dragons, and, gesturing towards Ji Yuan, said with a smile:

"Everyone, this is Ji Yuan, my immortal cultivator friend. He belongs to no immortal manor or sect, lives hidden in the bustling markets of Dazhen year-round, enjoys wandering among mortals, and is a lifelong, trustworthy confidant of mine."

After this, Ying Hong took another step forward, facing Ji Yuan, and introduced the dragons to him.

"Mr. Ji, this is the Yellow Dragon Monarch—it seems you already know each other. This is Qing You, the Azure Dragon Monarch, who has come from the North Sea. And this is Gong Rong, the Coalescent Dragon Monarch, from the South Sea. The rest are our subordinates, so I won't introduce them further to you, Mr."

As the old dragon introduced them, Ji Yuan cupped his hands in greeting to each True Dragon. The dragons opposite dared not be negligent and responded with polite bows. Behind Gong Rong, Ji Yuan also noticed a young man with a somewhat pale complexion. He was handsome, but clearly, his vitality was greatly depleted, which suggested he was the 'broken root dragon.'

After the introductions were complete, it was the old Yellow Dragon who finally spoke, with great enthusiasm:

"Mr. Ji, please come with us into the Crystal Palace to rest. We will depart for the Barren Sea in a few days. Please!"

"Please!" "Mr. Ji, please!"

Although the Dragon Clan was generally known for their bad tempers and occasional arrogance, they still understood propriety. Especially since Ji Yuan was Ying Hong's closest friend and had been invited to help, they were all quite courteous to him.

The Crystal Palace was already grand enough from the outside, but once Ji Yuan entered with the group of dragons and flood dragons, he felt an even greater rush of glittering splendor. Luminous pearls adorned the walls embedded with gems. All the light inside came from the radiance emitted by these precious jewels themselves. Many areas had distinct colors, yet they harmonized to create a unified source of light, imbued with both delicate and bold artistic flair.

However, Ji Yuan quickly shifted his attention from this blinding, opulent glow to the matter at hand. In the center of the Crystal Palace's main hall, around a table made of red coral, the four True Dragons and Ji Yuan gathered, while the surrounding Flood Dragons stood on the periphery.

On the coral table, streaks of black and red light now shimmered. This light, of course, was not conjured from thin air; within it, a mass of fluid, boiling, pulpy substance flowed. It was clearly not a living creature, yet it seemed alive. Had the Yellow Dragon Monarch not used his magic to control it, this substance would have escaped.

Now, it seemed the substance was contained, but a powerful malevolence still emanated with its light. None of the dragons, flood dragons, or Ji Yuan in the hall could fail to sense this malice, which seemed intent on devouring someone. The fierce malevolence on it had already solidified into a tangible form.

Some Flood Dragons stood behind the four Dragon Monarchs and Ji Yuan, their hairs bristling, feeling a shiver of dread as they watched the constantly shifting red and black hues.

"Mr. Ji, half a year ago, we slew a wicked creature tens of feet long, and this substance escaped from its belly. Its malevolence is the strongest we have ever encountered in our lives. To eliminate this creature, one Azure Flood Dragon perished, and had I not arrived in time, more Flood Dragons might have died."

Ji Yuan frowned deeply, nodding in agreement with the old Yellow Dragon's words.

"Indeed, the malevolence is extremely potent, and much of it seems directed at you four Dragon Monarchs."

Ying Hong said to Ji Yuan:

"Mr. Ji, last time you had Ruoli convey a message about an ancient fierce beast called a 'Hò,' could this substance be related to that beast?"

Ji Yuan couldn't say for sure, but he had something he could try. So, he directly pulled out a scroll from his sleeve.

"I cannot be certain, but perhaps this painting can offer some insight. Yellow Dragon Monarch, please keep that evil substance contained. I will unroll the painting and invoke its form."

As he spoke, Ji Yuan flicked his right hand, unrolling the scroll. The painting depicted a magnificent and mighty mythical beast with thick, dark fur all over its body, bright and spirited eyes, a large horn on its forehead, thick limbs, sharp, hooked claws, a short tail, a stout body, and a large mouth with long teeth. Just looking at the image on the painting instilled a sense of majesty in the assembled dragons and flood dragons.

"The creature in this painting is the ancient divine beast, Xie Zhi. Perhaps it can identify this evil substance."

Ji Yuan offered no further explanation. He directly channeled his magic, continuously infusing it into the Xie Zhi painting. Gradually, wisps of black smoke began to rise from the scroll, growing increasingly dense. A faint growling sound, like a fierce beast baring its teeth in threat, emerged. It seemed not to come from the painting itself but rather from around them, causing some Flood Dragons to repeatedly look around.

"Hoo... hoo..."

The black smoke, like flames, burned around Ji Yuan's entire right hand and the painting. This reaction seemed stronger than previous times. After a roar, Xie Zhi's majestic voice resounded around them.

"I am Xie Zhi! Who dares to disturb me here? Roar..."

The aura in the Crystal Palace vibrated, and black smoke swirled in all directions. Even the mass of red and black substance controlled by the Yellow Dragon Monarch slowed its movements. All the Flood Dragons in the back appeared tense.

Ji Yuan's voice was calm as he spoke to the scroll:

"Xie Zhi, do you recognize this substance?"

As he spoke, Ji Yuan slowly moved the scroll closer to the coral tabletop, simultaneously increasing the magical energy he channeled into it, making the Xie Zhi on the painting appear increasingly lifelike, as if it had truly come alive.

"Roar... roar..."

The entire scroll pulsed continuously, as if the divine beast within was crashing against the painting, eager to leap out.

Others were unsure of the painting's reality, but Ji Yuan understood that the Xie Zhi scroll's reaction this time was very unusual. Although it was still agitated, it made no rash movements.

To the astonished gazes of the surrounding dragons and flood dragons, a terrifying sharp claw, wreathed in black flames, slowly extended from within the scroll. The claw trembled slightly, as if unable to control its emotions.

'The beast in the painting is real!'

All the dragons and flood dragons, including the True Dragons, shared this thought.

"Give this blood to me! Give this blood to me! Give it to me..."