Chapter 861: Forcing the Emperor

Grand banquets like the Dragon Transformation Feast often last for several days, sometimes even longer. Even the officials from the Dazhen envoy delegation, after partaking of the Dragon Palace's wine and cuisine, found that the abundant water-spiritual energy allowed them to remain awake and energetic for a significant period, maintaining their vitality and stamina.

Moreover, the cultivators present could easily control their bodily functions, so few would need to relieve themselves. Thus, the frequent departures from several side halls certainly caught the attention of many aquatic beings, but none of those leaving seemed inclined to offer an explanation.

Inside the Dragon Palace's main hall, Gao Tianming and Du Guangtong exchanged glances from their mid-level positions.

Gao Tianming looked towards Ji Yuan, then at the Old Dragon and the Dragon Lady, before scanning the Dragon Monarchs of the Four Seas Dragon Clan who were present.

"The crucial matters preceding the Dragon Transformation Feast should be nearing their end."

"Exactly. Once enough people gather outside the hall, it will be our cue to rise."

As the two spoke, many, including Ji Yuan, gradually became aware of the growing crowd of aquatic beings gathering outside the main hall. The Yakshas stationed outside frowned and exchanged glances, observing the assembled aquatic creatures, some of whom they recognized.

"Why are you here, instead of engaging in discussions over wine at the banquet? This is the main hall of the Dragon Palace. If you have any concerns, you cannot force your way in; we can report them on your behalf."

An aquatic being from the crowd outside cupped their hands and responded.

"Lord Yaksha, there's no need to worry. We will not break any rules!"

The Yakshas outside the hall frowned as they observed the aquatic beings. People continued to emerge from several side halls, and by this point, hundreds had gathered outside.

Inside the main hall, a Yaksha hurried in, weaving through the numerous seats to reach the Old Dragon and Ying Ruoli. He then bent down and reported in a low voice.

"Dragon Monarch and Lady Ying, I report that many aquatic beings have gathered outside the main hall, numbering over three hundred and still increasing."

The Old Dragon glanced at the Dragon Lady and nodded.

"You may go; there's no need to heed them."

The Dragon Lady frowned.

"Father, I actually think..."

"This matter is their own initiative. It's pointless to discuss it with me; save your energy to consider how to handle it later. Still, for this to happen today, someone must surely be behind it, fanning the flames..."

The Old Dragon's gaze swept across the many guests below, pausing on a few Dragon Monarchs before landing on Ji Yuan. However, seeing Ji Yuan also looking out with a furrowed brow, he seemed to reconsider.

"Father, if Uncle Ji were orchestrating this, he would surely inform you. At the very least, he would consult with me, as I am directly involved."

"Hmm, you have a point. Well, things have come to this, so we can only wait."

As the Old Dragon spoke, he looked past the Dragon Lady's table towards the Dragon Son. The latter appeared equally bewildered, indicating that his friends had likely kept Ying Feng uninformed about today's events. This was not surprising, as Ying Feng and Ying Ruoli were siblings, a relationship that would necessitate secrecy.

However, both the Old Dragon and the Dragon Lady understood that if this was truly a request to establish a palace in the wilderness, then given the current state of the Dragon Clan and the distribution of these aquatic beings, someone was undoubtedly orchestrating it. The timing must have been arranged before their arrival at the Dragon Palace; otherwise, this scene would not be unfolding today.

"Father, what exactly is happening with Ruoli? Is this about establishing a palace?"

"Most likely."

Ying Ruoli's delicate brows remained furrowed. Unable to do much, she could only wait with growing anxiety as the number of aquatic beings outside the hall swelled, now exceeding a thousand.

Then, inside the main hall, numerous aquatic beings left their seats and slowly moved towards the center, causing many guests to look on in confusion.

Soon, dozens of individuals positioned themselves in the center of the main hall and collectively bowed towards Ying Ruoli, who was seated at the head of the banquet.

"We implore Lady Ying to clear the wilderness and establish a palace!"

Their voices were loud and unified. Immediately after, over a thousand aquatic beings outside the hall joined in.

"We implore Lady Ying to establish a palace!"

The voices from outside were deafening, clearly heard not only by everyone in the main hall but also by those in the various side halls. Many even left their seats to observe the situation.

"We implore Lady Ying to clear the wilderness and establish a palace!"

With the third request, aquatic beings both inside and outside the hall spoke in unison. Even without employing any magical powers, their collective voices caused the clear water streams outside the Dragon Palace's various halls to vibrate. Sound waves even spread to the riverside banquet beyond the Dragon Palace, prompting many aquatic beings to stand and look towards the palace.

Ji Yuan watched this scene with a furrowed brow, awaiting the Dragon Lady's reaction. She remained seated for a moment, then finally stood up, slowly moving around her table to the front.

"Everyone, regarding the establishment of a palace, I have not considered this matter previously. I urge you all to please return to your seats."

However, the aquatic beings below did not obey the True Dragon's command; they remained respectful and unmoving.

"We implore Lady Ying to establish a palace! We implore Lady Ying to establish a palace! We implore Lady Ying to establish a palace!"

Over a thousand aquatic beings of considerable cultivation respectfully implored in unison. Their demeanor and etiquette were impeccable, yet their voices grew progressively louder, as if challenging Ying Ruoli.

"Lady Ying underwent water transformation to become a dragon, and her true dragon form travels the four seas, earning the reverence of all aquatic beings. Today, over a thousand aquatic beings, including more than a hundred Flood Dragons, have gathered. We earnestly wish to follow Lady Ying to open up the wilderness and establish a palace, contending for the destiny of our aquatic race!"

"Lady Ying, we adhere to the Dragon Clan's oath, and we hope you can give us a direct response!"

"We earnestly hope Lady Ying will grant our request!"

The aquatic beings' requests surged in waves, one after another, both inside and outside the hall, causing Ying Ruoli's eyes to flicker. She glanced at her father beside her, who showed no intention of even rising. The Dragon Monarchs of the Four Seas Dragon Clan were even less inclined to move, and some Flood Dragons seemed eager to join the assembly inside the hall.

The Dragon Lady looked at Ji Yuan again, observing that he also had no intention of rising. She realized she likely couldn't evade this wave of pressure. Composing herself, she suppressed her slight displeasure, and with renewed resolve, looked at the aquatic beings below and those gathered outside the hall.

"While establishing a palace and pacifying a region in the desolate seas undoubtedly brings opportunities, good fortune, and merit, it is also an extremely arduous task. The effort expended may not always be rewarded, and it could even attract unforeseen dangers. Some of you accompanied us into the desolate seas to investigate past events and should be aware that the desolate seas are becoming increasingly turbulent and unstable."

After the Dragon Lady finished speaking, Gao Tianming, seeing no one else respond, reluctantly spoke up in a loud voice.

"How could we not know! It is precisely because the desolate seas are turbulent that the majesty of our Dragon Clan must be reasserted. For centuries, successful water transformations within our clan have been rare, and the opportunity for dragon transformation seems increasingly remote. We understand that the esteemed Dragon Monarchs have surely deliberated countless strategies, but we, in our limited wisdom, can only strive for this chance in our own way. We earnestly implore Lady Ying to mercifully grant our approval!"

"We earnestly implore Lady Ying for mercy! We earnestly implore Lady Ying for mercy!"

Many aquatic beings inside the hall bowed deeply, as did countless others outside, with some even prostrating themselves.

At this moment, Ying Ruoli faced unprecedented pressure. The Dragon Monarchs of the Four Seas, including Old Dragon Ying Hong, narrowed their eyes at the aquatic beings. Some things could be said, while others could not. Gao Tianming's recent words, even within the bounds of "palace coercion" permitted by Dragon Clan rules, were somewhat excessive when spoken before so many non-Dragon Clan members.

"We earnestly implore Lady Ying for mercy!"

The aquatic beings continued to bow repeatedly. At this point, some young talents from the Four Seas Dragon Clan also left their seats, moved to the center of the hall among the aquatic beings, and collectively bowed to Ying Ruoli.

In this situation, even Ji Yuan seemed to sense the immense pressure on the Dragon Lady. Judging by the reactions of the various Dragon Monarchs, this display appeared to be tacitly sanctioned and not easily dismissed. It was likely connected not only to internal Dragon Clan rules but possibly also to cultivation.

The Dragon Lady's hand, hidden within her sleeve, slowly clenched into a fist. Forced now to clear the wilderness and establish a palace, even a forceful refusal would implant a thorn in her heart, significantly impacting her future cultivation. While she had indeed achieved True Dragon status, she now understood that the path of cultivation was endless, and she could not allow herself to stagnate.

Yet, if she agreed, her cultivation would also proceed extremely slowly for a considerable time. While there were rumors of great merit—not some baseless concept—even if it were true, she was already a True Dragon!

The situation was different for the participating aquatic beings. While the undertaking might be perilous, not only would it refine their own abilities, but the merit gained would also be crucial. Moreover, at the moment the clear and desolate seas collided, they could draw upon the power of the vast ocean to comprehend water elemental principles. In a sense, it would be like one True Dragon's cultivation pulling countless aquatic beings forward.

Even Ying Ruoli couldn't help but feel a surge of anger. Was it simply because she was perceived as amenable? How many of these aquatic beings were originally from Dazhen's inner territories? How many typically obeyed her father? Yet today, all of them had stepped forward to lead this charge.

Yet, the Dragon Lady felt a degree of helplessness. The "coercion of the palace" for newly transformed dragons was an ancient rule permitted by the Dragon Clan; without it, how could the Four Seas have achieved their current prosperity? However, in ancient times, True Dragons would clear the desolate seas together, as a collective.

Now, nearly a millennium had passed without similar actions. The Dragon Clan today was far from as united as it once was. Aside from her own father, who might offer the Dragon Lady assistance, would the other Dragon Monarchs?

The other Dragon Monarchs would incur no losses by not assisting; helping would only deplete their vital energy and time, and entangle them in numerous troubles. But the Dragon Lady was different. While she could sternly refuse the petitioners, how would she face her own heart? Now that the matter had been raised, it would be difficult to pretend it hadn't occurred.

Looking again at the numerous aquatic beings below, the principle of "the law does not punish the masses" also applied here. The Dragon Lady was angry, but if she agreed, these aquatic beings would pledge unwavering loyalty to her, seeing her as the sole monarch of the Four Seas. Even if another were to transform into a dragon, they would remain subordinate. Indeed, it would be difficult for her to settle accounts afterward...

"Hmph!"

The Dragon Lady was a mix of anger and helplessness. She closed her eyes and took several long, calming breaths. The aquatic beings below remained utterly silent throughout, understanding that Lady Ying was truly considering their request.

*Swish.*

The Dragon Lady lifted the hand holding her fan with a swift flick, snapping it open to cover her mouth and nose, leaving only her bright eyes visible. She observed the aquatic beings below and then glanced at the many bewildered or merely curious gazes. A decision had formed in her heart.

Without courage, without initiative, how could there be a better future? This held true for both her and the Dragon Clan.

"This humble one shall grant your request!"

At that moment, all the aquatic beings standing below and all those gathered outside the hall simultaneously knelt and prostrated themselves.

"We vow our undying loyalty to Lady Ying, to follow her for a hundred, a thousand, ten thousand years, unwavering!"