Chapter 863: No One Came?

Ji Yuan was shaken, but quickly dismissed his absurd thought. As he had analyzed before, even if the other party intended to target the Four Seas Dragon Clan, they probably couldn't do so directly. It was more likely a test of the Four Seas Dragon Clan's current situation.

Fundamentally, to overturn heaven and earth, the Four Seas Dragon Clan, which is almost the foundation of the four seas, is an unavoidable obstacle. With the successful transformation of the Dragon Maiden, it was naturally impossible to give up such a suitable opportunity.

Of course, all of this relies on Ji Yuan's most exaggerated guess being true. In reality, it's more likely that the Dragon Maiden has an enemy or someone within the Dragon Clan intentionally pushed this matter. Theoretically, that is...

However, after Ji Yuan vocalized his guess, he and the Old Dragon could no longer ignore this possibility.

After a long silence, the Old Dragon looked at the surging waters of the Tongtian River and said softly.

"My Dragon Clan has been investigating the origin of the Dragon Corpse Worm for many years, but we've never found any valuable clues. The lead we found with you, Mr. Ji, in the Desolate Sea last time was the biggest breakthrough... What you said today, Mr. Ji, troubles me greatly!"

"I feel no different."

Ji Yuan sighed, looked at the Old Dragon, and said in a very solemn tone.

"Regardless of who is behind this, the person who instigated so many aquatic creatures to contemplate rebellion must be found. While I believe the other party might have stumbled upon this idea at some point due to a seemingly unintentional event, this clue must not be abandoned."

"Yes, you don't need to tell me; I will pursue this to the end. But what about Ruoli...?"

"Since you have decided to open up the Desolate Sea, this matter can only proceed according to the Dragon Clan's rules. However, you, Elder Ying, also need to connect more with your old friends within the Dragon Clan."

After Ji Yuan finished speaking, the Old Dragon did not immediately respond. Neither of them spoke. Ji Yuan knew the Old Dragon had taken it to heart. As for whether there was something internal within the Dragon Clan, the Old Dragon would surely consider it, and Ji Yuan did not press the matter.

"I will do my best."

After a long pause, the Old Dragon said this, then let out a long breath, and a thin mist spread over the surface of the Tongtian River because of it.

"Let's go back. Although neither of us is the main character of the Dragon Transformation Banquet, it's still not advisable to be away for too long."

"Understood."

With that, Ji Yuan and the Old Dragon stepped onto the river surface together, slowly walking into the riverbed between the parting waves.

At the Dragon Transformation Banquet, as soon as Ji Yuan left, Xiezhi began to egg on Hu Yun, telling him to bring over the pot of wine from Ji Yuan's table so his master could have a few drinks. However, Hu Yun dared not move, especially since his master himself wasn't making a move.

After the dance music in the main hall changed three times and a new group of dancers had rotated in, Ji Yuan walked back in alone from outside the hall. Meanwhile, at the table next to the Dragon Maiden, the squinting Old Dragon opened his eyes and drank the cup of wine in his hand.

"Hmm, this dance music is quite decent!"

The Dragon Mother next to the Old Dragon's eyebrows twitched, and she shot him a sidelong glance. Even though she knew her husband had probably used a magical technique to leave for a while, she looked at the dancers in the hall, who were all very revealing and seductive.

"Hmph!"

His wife's cold snort made the Old Dragon smile. He personally picked up a few pieces of food and put them in his wife's bowl. This affectionate gesture made the Dragon Prince chuckle on the side and even brought a smile to the usually indifferent face of the Dragon Maiden.

On Ji Yuan's side, Xiezhi still hadn't given up his craving for the Dragon Ambrosia. Seeing that Hu Yun wouldn't help him before, he now approached Ji Yuan after he returned, carrying an empty wine cup and sitting down next to him.

"Ji Yuan, this is Dragon Ambrosia, right?"

Ji Yuan didn't wait for Xiezhi to say a second word, directly pouring him a cup. He had just played a small trick on Xiezhi, so giving him the entire pot of Dragon Ambrosia wouldn't matter.

After pouring the cup, Ji Yuan took out his verdant Thousand-Measure Flask. He poured wine from the Dragon Ambrosia pot into the Thousand-Measure Flask. After pouring out about two-thirds, he weighed the wine pot and handed it to Xiezhi.

"This half-pot is for you, Mr. Xie. Whether you drink it or keep it, whether you drink it yourself or give it to others, is entirely up to you."

Xiezhi looked surprised. He had expected to need to talk his way into even a single cup, but he never thought Ji Yuan would be so generous, giving him so much directly. He lifted the wine pot and weighed it. Although it certainly wasn't half a pot, it was definitely a considerable amount, especially since the pot itself wasn't small.

"Excellent, excellent! Then I won't be modest! Hehe!"

Xiezhi happily accepted the wine pot. He glanced at Ji Yuan's cup, and seeing that it was still full, he gave up the idea of pouring him another. After nodding to Yin Zhaoxian, he stood up and returned directly to his seat.

"Hu Yun, come here!"

Hu Yun's eyes lit up, and he scurried over with his wine cup, standing obediently by Xiezhi's table.

"Heh, you're quite clever! Don't say your master doesn't look out for you. You must know how precious this wine is. Have a taste!"

With that, Xiezhi poured a cup for Hu Yun. Du Changsheng on the side watched eagerly, but unfortunately, Xiezhi stopped there, immediately hiding the wine pot. He didn't even refill his own cup, so it was clearly impossible for him to pour wine for Grand Advisor Du.

At the Qianyuan Sect's seating area, the old beggar and his two disciples had not come this time. Nevertheless, they paid close attention to Ji Yuan and also closely monitored the forces within Da Zhen's territory present in the hall.

"Senior brother, most of the people from those places mentioned by the Sect Master have arrived, but those from the sixth place haven't. They didn't even come to congratulate at the Dragon Transformation Banquet; what airs they put on."

"I'm not sure. Perhaps they've already secretly paid a visit to the Dragon Palace."

"Senior brothers, when can we leave? I feel like I'm sitting on pins and needles here!"

The Qianyuan Sect cultivators clearly disliked such occasions, especially being surrounded by several true dragons. It was simply too oppressive. In fact, there weren't many places where one could feel relaxed. Apart from being near the true dragons or Ji Yuan, many people were suppressed by the dragon's might. Even though the true dragons had restrained some of their dragon might at the banquet, they didn't completely hide it.

"The banquet was supposed to last for several days, but an unexpected event occurred today. I've calculated that there will be a brief intermission and the banquet will resume tomorrow. But after tonight, it won't matter if we don't attend the rest."

"That's good then. Coming this time was worth it..."

"Watch your words!" "Yes..."

Many terrestrial forces had similar thoughts to the Qianyuan Sect cultivators, and many ghosts and deities also shared these sentiments.

Indeed, as a True Person from the Qianyuan Sect had predicted, tonight's banquet ended just before dawn, not continuing throughout. However, it was clearly stated that the banquet was not over; it would conclude tonight and resume tomorrow, and the Dragon Palace had arranged resting places for various guests.

After the dancers in the hall had retired, the guests bowed to the Dragon Maiden and then slowly left the main hall. The same applied to the various side halls. However, the riverside banquet outside the Dragon Palace continued without stopping.

Many people were leaving their seats, but Ji Yuan did not move. Instead, he was manipulating a few copper coins on the table, seemingly performing a divination. Some guests knew of Mr. Ji's relationship with the Ying family and assumed he was staying to talk, so they dared not disturb his divination.

Therefore, many guests deliberately passed by Ji Yuan's table, but only after bowing to Ji Yuan and Yin Zhaoxian did they depart. Soon, the main hall became spacious.

"Mr. Ji, can I take Yin Qing to find Qingqing?"

Hu Yun and Yin Qing hadn't forgotten about Qingqing. Moreover, the Da Zhen diplomatic delegation was obligated to participate in the entire Dragon Transformation Banquet and couldn't leave early.

"Go ahead. Bai Qi is waiting outside the hall; ask him to take you there."

"Okay!" "Mr. Ji, Father, Yin Qing bids farewell!"

Yin Zhaoxian smiled and nodded, while Ji Yuan waved his hand, continuing to fiddle with the copper coins on the table.

Du Changsheng and several Heavenly Masters, as well as other officials from Da Zhen, were feeling somewhat uneasy. The fewer guests in the hall and the more spacious it became, the more conspicuous they felt. However, Mr. Ji was manipulating his copper coins, and Mr. Yin was curiously watching beside him, neither seemed to have any intention of standing up.

Some officials repeatedly signaled to Du Changsheng, clearly urging the Grand Advisor to speak. The latter hesitated for a long time and was about to open his mouth when he saw several pale-faced guests, emanating ghostly aura, slowly approach the table.

A group of ghost cultivators waited quietly a zhang (about 3.3 meters) away from the table, not daring to interrupt Ji Yuan's coin manipulation. After a long wait, Ji Yuan finally stopped looking at the coins and raised his head.

"What business do you have?"

"Underworld Magistrate of the Netherworld." "Underworld Magistrate of the Human Realm." "Underworld Magistrate of the Ghost Realm."

"Greetings, Mr. Ji!"

The three leading ghost cultivators, who were not wearing armor, collectively bowed to Ji Yuan. Ji Yuan looked at them thoughtfully.

"Underworld officials?"

It was somewhat absurd for the Underworld officials to be here for the Dragon Transformation Banquet instead of staying in the main hall of the Netherworld. However, Ji Yuan supposed it was because these three were the most presentable. He extended his thoughts along these lines.

"As expected of Mr. Ji. The Emperor was quite pleased after coming up with this name, yet Mr. Ji knew it without even asking. Truly, in this world..."

Emperor? Netherworld Emperor? Xin Wuyai had certainly chosen a loud and impressive title for himself, but Ji Yuan was in no mood to listen to flattery from ghosts and directly interrupted the speaker.

"Alright, state your business. I don't appreciate flattery."

The three Underworld officials quickly affirmed "Yes," then the Magistrate of the Netherworld in the middle spoke.

"Reporting to Mr. Ji, our main hall in the Underworld is now on the right track. The Emperor said that if anyone is fortunate enough to meet you, they must invite you to come and see..."

"Hmm, anything else?"

The three Underworld officials looked at each other, then the Magistrate of the Netherworld continued.

"Also, we have discovered that in recent years, within the territory of Da Zhen, there have been successive instances where people died and their souls returned to heaven and earth, yet individuals with extremely similar soul natures were born. We have recorded about seven such cases in the past two years, which strongly resemble your previous description, Mr. Ji!"

Ji Yuan's spirits lifted, and he immediately pressed.

"Did these people have similar characteristics before their deaths?"

"Yes, six of these individuals were scholars before they died. If you have time, Mr. Ji, you can visit our main hall in the Underworld to examine the records!"

Ji Yuan nodded.

"Hmm, anything else?"

"Nothing else, we dare not disturb you, Mr. Ji. We shall take our leave!"

The three Underworld officials, along with the group of ghost cultivators, slowly retreated backward from Ji Yuan's table, only turning towards the main hall's entrance after reaching a certain distance. Once the ghost cultivators left, the only guests truly remaining in the hall were those with Ji Yuan. The others closest to them had already reached the doorway.

"Mr. Ji, I'm going to rest now too."

"Alright, Master Yin, please go ahead. I will visit shortly."

"Good, don't break your word!"

At this point, Yin Zhaoxian also stood up. The surrounding officials looked as if they had been granted amnesty. After bowing to Ji Yuan, they quickly left with Yin Zhaoxian.

Now, Ji Yuan was the only guest left in the entire main hall of the Dragon Palace. Even the Old Dragon and his family had left at the very beginning.

Of course, there were still some fish maids clearing the tables and dishes.

Ji Yuan continued to manipulate the mystical coins on the table. Although his head was bowed, he had been subtly observing all movements within the main hall. After everyone had left, he remained seated for a long time without getting up.

'No one came?'

Ji Yuan was waiting for a possible person to appear, though he wasn't sure who. He knew that as a reclusive immortal cultivator, he was arguably one of the most worthwhile individuals to approach in this world, and the Dragon Transformation Banquet was an opportunity.