Chapter 849: Rising Tides of the River

Under the Su River, near the Tongtian River, Gao Tianming, his wife Xia Qiu, and Du Guangtong, the God of the Su River, were emerging from Du Guangtong's aquatic residence. As the local deity, Du Guangtong was exceptionally respectful towards Gao Tianming on his own territory. Although they called each other "good brothers," it was clear that Du Guangtong positioned himself slightly lower.

"Brother Gao, I'm truly delighted that you came to my Su River first to join me on the journey to the Dragon Palace. You are highly esteemed by the Dragon Lord, and Prince Yingfeng also enjoys visiting you. I heard that Prince Yingfeng personally invited you to this Dragon Transformation Feast?"

"Haha, Brother Du, Prince Yingfeng just happened to be passing by my Heavenly Lake and told me to arrive early. By the way, your aquatic residence is much more comfortable than my lake; it doesn't have so many messy affairs."

Gao Tianming spoke cheerfully. Xia Qiu stood smiling beside him, while two beautiful women stood beside Du Guangtong, though they dared not position themselves more than a step behind him.

"Hahahaha, of course, Brother Gao! I, Du, reside under the Dragon Lord's feet in the Su River; what messy affairs could there be? However, with Lady Ying's transformation into a dragon, many old friends can gather. I hear even those from overseas will attend!"

"Hahahaha... I heard, I heard! Prince Yingfeng already told me he's prepared a special spot for us, in a corner of the main hall for the Dragon Transformation Feast!"

"Oh?" Gao Tianming's eyes lit up, and he looked at Du Guangtong in surprise.

"A corner of the main hall? Is that true?"

"Hahahaha, how could it be false? I thought we wouldn't be able to enter the main hall this time, but it seems Prince Yingfeng is still looking out for us!"

"Indeed, hahahaha. Let's go, we should head there early; maybe we can even lend a hand!"

The two chatted and laughed as they left the Su River's aquatic residence, feeling even more anticipation for the Dragon Transformation Feast.

A flood dragon transforming into a true dragon was a grand event for all aquatic creatures of the Four Seas. Countless guests would attend, and many Dragon Lords from various parts of the Four Seas would even come in person. Those who couldn't would send their Dragon Princes or similar representatives. Frankly, securing a corner in the main hall was a tremendous honor.

No sooner had they left the Su River and approached the Tongtian River than they saw numerous aquatic creatures swimming in the great river below, many exuding incredibly strong spiritual energy.

"Wow, it's really lively!"

Du Guangtong looked ahead, then suddenly remembered something and turned to Gao Tianming.

"Ah, Brother Gao, I heard Prince Yingfeng say that you're quite familiar with Mr. Ji. Do you know if Mr. Ji will be coming this time?"

Gao Tianming nudged Du Guangtong.

"Haha, look at what you're saying! Mr. Ji and the Dragon Lord are close friends. And don't forget how Lady Ying's dragon heart came to be. How could Mr. Ji not come to Lady Ying's transformation?"

"You're right, you're right. I'll find a chance to speak with Mr. Ji again."

"Uh, Brother Du, you also know Mr. Ji?"

Hearing Gao Tianming's question, Du Guangtong smiled.

"Yes, I do. Back then, Mr. Ji used the 'Spirit Binding' technique to summon me here on the Su River. We encountered a formidable fox demon named Tu Siyan, a monster from Jade Fox Grotto-Heaven, who actually managed to escape from Mr. Ji's grasp—quite impressive! I was quite ashamed that I couldn't be of much help that time!"

"Oh, so that happened! By the way, Brother Du, are you ready?"

Gao Tianming nodded understandingly, then abruptly changed the subject. Du Guangtong's expression turned serious as he nodded.

"Naturally, I'm ready. I imagine others are too. Now, it's up to the Dragon Lord and Lady Ying."

"Mm!"

Gao Tianming and Du Guangtong stood at the confluence of the Su River and the Tongtian River. As they watched the Su River merge into the Tongtian, it seemed they were not just witnessing the joining of water currents but also the irresistible flow of a grand destiny.

As they spoke, many aquatic creatures swam past them from the Su River towards the Tongtian River. Some recognized Du Guangtong, briefly paused to pay their respects, and then continued on their way.

From the Tongtian River, large fish and even mighty flood dragons occasionally swam by, often glancing towards Du Guangtong, Gao Tianming, and the others standing by the Su River.

"Let's go." "Please!"

Upon entering the Tongtian River, Du Guangtong, Gao Tianming, and their companions immediately revealed their true forms, stirring the riverbed currents as they journeyed together, blending into the vast procession of aquatic creatures.

Beneath the river, countless aquatic creatures moved in an endless stream, yet the river's surface remained remarkably calm, with ships from the Great Zhen dynasty sailing across.

One large vessel was docked at the Tongtian River's Jingji Prefecture port. Porters were continuously loading goods onto the ship, including gold and silver jewelry, antiques, and precious curiosities. Onboard, an official meticulously recorded everything in a notebook, pen in hand.

"Sir, where are we delivering this ship full of treasures?"

The official in charge of records simply smiled, diligently noting down every single item loaded. A trusted subordinate, more familiar with him, leaned in to ask cautiously; the men had been curious for far too long.

"That, I cannot tell you. However, if you accompany the ship, you will naturally see for yourselves. A few important figures will also be traveling with us then. Now, go about your work. Ensure the cargo in the hold is neatly stacked, and check the protective measures for every piece of porcelain."

"Yes, sir!"

'So mysterious, I wonder what it's all about.'

The officer scratched his head and headed towards the ship's hold. Meanwhile, in the sky, Ji Yuan was passing by on a cloud. He smiled as he looked down at the Great Zhen official ship.

Hu Yun was excitedly looking in every direction. Seeing Ji Yuan smile, he quickly asked, "Mr. Ji, what are you smiling about? Are you looking at the large ship below?"

"Indeed. Sometimes I even forget that the Great Zhen dynasty has reached a point where it can participate in such grand events. This Great Zhen vessel is full of treasures. Gold and silver are nothing compared to those cultural artifacts; even I am tempted by them."

Hu Yun nodded. "That powerful? Are they being sent to the Dragon Palace?"

Xiezhi glanced sideways at Hu Yun, having expected him to ask Ji Yuan where the ship was going, but was surprised that Hu Yun had immediately figured it out.

"Let's go. It's quite intimidating underwater."

Ji Yuan smiled, looking at Hu Yun, then at Zao Niang, who was still idly playing with her fan. He then guided the magical cloud downwards. In Ji Yuan's eyes, the vibrant spiritual energy of the entire Tongtian River below had become so abundant it seemed to overflow into the sky.

In fact, Ji Yuan wasn't the only one gazing down at the river. In the Tongtian River, an old dragon, over a hundred zhang long, was also swimming at the riverbed, accompanied by several flood dragons. As Ji Yuan's magical cloud passed by, the old dragon also looked up, faintly discerning the moving cloud in the sky through the river surface.

Currently, the entire Great Zhen was under cloudy skies with no rain, making a magical cloud quite conspicuous. Even though the cloud was moving, no spellcasting was detectable, indicating it must be carrying a powerful immortal.

"Plop..." A faint splash, without a single droplet of water, yet it created ripples as Ji Yuan and his companions entered the water. As far as the eye could see, aquatic creatures were moving about. Waves of terrifying aquatic demonic energy seemed to appear out of nowhere, almost suffocating Hu Yun.

'Wait, I really can't breathe!'

Hu Yun covered his mouth with both hands. He couldn't control water, and the swirling river currents made it impossible to breathe. The terrifying demonic energy and oppressive force in the water felt like mountains pressing down, making it hard for him to even hold his breath.

"Ugh, ugh, gasp, gasp..."

Ji Yuan frowned and looked at Xiezhi. The latter chuckled, reaching out and tapping Hu Yun on the head. Immediately, a shimmering light appeared around Hu Yun, as if he had gained gills, allowing him to breathe freely.

Xiezhi felt no guilt whatsoever for having deliberately removed Ji Yuan's water-repelling spell from Hu Yun. "I was just trying to let him experience the demonic energy in the water."

Hu Yun took deep breaths but didn't dare to scold Xiezhi; he simply moved a little closer to Zao Niang.

Zao Niang had put away her folding fan, hiding it where it wouldn't be noticed, while Ji Yuan walked on a ripple, heading directly towards the Dragon Palace in the distance.

Their depth was relatively close to the river surface, while closer to the riverbed, countless aquatic creatures were swimming in queues towards the Dragon Palace. Even though most wouldn't have a place inside the Dragon Palace during the Dragon Transformation Feast, paying respects was mandatory. However, most were not qualified to attend the feast itself and could only do so before it began.

Zao Niang watched the numerous aquatic creatures slowly advance below, and seeing countless of them look up at them, she couldn't help but ask worriedly, "Mr. Ji, do we not need to queue?"

Ji Yuan shook his head; there was no need to be overly rigid. "We don't. Look, our escorts are here."

In front, a yaksha was already approaching, walking on water.

"Greetings, Mr. Ji, and esteemed guests!"

After bowing in salute, the two yakshas gestured towards the Dragon Palace behind them. "Please follow us to the Dragon Palace."

One yaksha led Ji Yuan and his companions towards the Dragon Palace, while another led the way with a streak of light. The aquatic creatures below were accustomed to this sight; anyone daring to walk on water at this time was clearly no ordinary being.

The entire Dragon Palace was now dazzling with pearls, jewels, and shimmering light, making everyone's eyes widen. Hu Yun was beside himself with excitement, and even the usually demure Zao Niang looked around curiously. Xiezhi, too, was quite intrigued.

"Becoming a true dragon is certainly an accomplishment, but what does it have to do with these other aquatic vermin? Yet, it's grand enough for everyone to come and participate."

The yaksha accompanying Ji Yuan immediately changed expression, glaring at Xiezhi with ill will. However, with Ji Yuan nearby, he dared not act out directly.

"Mr. Ji, this is..."

"Oh, this one has a slight issue here," Ji Yuan said, pointing to his own head. "Please bear with him, Yaksha. I'll keep an eye on him."

Ji Yuan pointed to his own head. Xiezhi's eyebrow twitched, but he said nothing. The yaksha cupped his hands towards Ji Yuan, repeatedly saying "I wouldn't dare," but still gave Xiezhi one last displeased look before focusing on leading the way.

Once Ji Yuan entered the Dragon Palace, Ying Hong, who was entertaining several horned elders in the main hall, saw Ji Yuan approaching with the yaksha's guiding light from outside the hall. He stood up and, smiling, said to the Dragon Lords beside him, "Gentlemen, my good friend has arrived. Please excuse me for a moment."

"Very well, Dragon Lord Ying, please go." "No problem, go quickly."

"Please excuse me, please excuse me!"

The old dragon repeatedly cupped his hands, then quickly walked out of the main hall, stepping on a stream of water to meet Ji Yuan. His voice arrived before he did.

"Hahahaha, Mr. Ji, you've only just arrived today! I thought you weren't coming! Quickly, come with me into the main hall!"

The old dragon approached, exchanged bows with Ji Yuan, then his gaze swept over Hu Yun, paused on Zao Niang, and finally settled on Xiezhi. With a flick of his sleeve, the yaksha who had been leading the way retreated.

"This one looks very unfamiliar."

"Heh, I've seen you before!"

Xiezhi replied with a smile, showing no pressure whatsoever in front of the old dragon. This made the old dragon's eyes narrow slightly before he broke into a smile and extended a hand in invitation.

"Please!"

As everyone started to move, the old dragon deliberately walked beside Ji Yuan, who naturally sent a discreet telepathic message.

"This person is a manifestation of the Xiezhi painting."

"Oh? It already possesses such intelligence?"

Ji Yuan nodded slightly, and the old dragon understood.