Chen Changsheng and Ying Tianze left the wine tavern together.
Only the drunken manager was left at the table, along with an empty wine jar and the skeleton of a red tilapia soone had eaten clean.
The manager, who once dread of distant places in his youth, fell into another Great Dream. But this ti, instead of wandering lands far away,
He saw peach blossoms falling in a little courtyard, with his wife and child beside him. His life felt round and full.
…
Before them stretched the majestic Tongtian River.
A riverside breeze tugged at the strands of hair by Chen Changsheng’s temples. He gazed out. Compared to the last ti he saw it, the Tongtian River seed strangely quieter now.
Ying Tianze stood beside him and asked, “I heard of Cultivators who train within the Mortal World. Seeking self-understanding to grasp the Great Dao. Is that your path?”
Chen Changsheng thought for a mont, then shook his head. “I walk the Mortal World sotis, often not. I rely enjoy its bustle. It isn’t for my Cultivation.”
Ying Tianze gave a slight nod. “Indeed different from ordinary Cultivators. Shows my eye is sharp as ever.”
“One shouldn’t boast like that,” Chen Changsheng chuckled.
Ying Tianze grinned back. “That’s just how I am.”
“Free-spirited is good,” Chen Changsheng said.
Ying Tianze shook his head. “Not good.”
“Freedom makes deep understanding hard. True insight needs understanding, training, and thod – all three. I was too loose for too long. Let my younger brothers catch up.”
Chen Changsheng said, “So, you are the eldest?”
Ying Tianze glanced at him. “You knew already. Why ask?”
“I really didn’t know,” Chen Changsheng laughed.
Ying Tianze rolled his eyes. “You. You knew and pretended not to. Anyone can see you overthink things.”
Chen Changsheng replied, “If I truly overthought things, I wouldn’t have said that.”
Ying Tianze considered this. “Hmm. That… actually makes so sense.”
He shook his head, dropping the thought, and asked instead, “Have you heard of the River and Sea Grand Banquet?”
Chen Changsheng thought for a bit. “Vaguely. Water Demons from everywhere ca to the Dragon Palace today. Is that it?”
“Exactly.”
Ying Tianze said, “Are you afraid? If not, I could take you. Might be fun.”
Hearing this, Chen Changsheng smiled faintly. “I rather would like to see it.”
“Good!”
Ying Tianze laughed, a hint of relief in his voice. “Don’t worry. I’ll keep you safe.”
Chen Changsheng rubbed his chin. “Perhaps… that won’t be necessary.”
Ying Tianze blinked, then chuckled. “You underestimate it. These Water Demons have all kinds of temperants. There’s always a few troublemakers. You’re human. Stirring trouble could be hard to shake off.”
“Really?”
Chen Changsheng blinked slowly. He thought it unlikely anyone would be foolish enough to bother him.
Ying Tianze urged, “We must hurry. The feast will start soon.”
“Follow .”
“Gladly.”
Chen Changsheng followed Ying Tianze into the waters of the Tongtian River.
Trailing behind, he wondered if Ying Tianze truly didn’t know who he was, or if it was an act.
Though… this one was surely him. The Eldest Prince.
Hard to believe the Old Dragon King had such a son. So different. Reserved, quiet… surprisingly without temper.
The two arrived at the riverbed.
The sounds of gongs and drums reached them well before the Dragon Palace ca into view.
Ying Tianze muttered, “Nuts. We’re late. Won’t get in the front gate now.”
“What then?” Chen Changsheng asked.
“Just follow .”
Ying Tianze declared, “Grew up here. Know a few secret ways.”
Ying Tianze led Chen Changsheng through a dense coral grove. There, a tiny opening forced them to cast small Arcane Spells, turning into small fish to slip through.
Weaving through many twists and turns, they finally entered the Dragon Palace.
They had snuck in.
Chen Changsheng recalled the twisting path. If I ever needed to sneak back to steal treasures…
This Ying Tianze is rather naive.
Once inside, Ying Tianze pointed. “This is the Dragon Palace Coral Garden. Stick close. We sneak into the banquet.”
“Alright.”
It had to be said. Ying Tianze truly held little status within the Dragon Palace.
The Second Prince Yingyuan, years prior, gained enlightennt on the Dragon Heart thanks to guidance from an Immortal. The Dragon Princess began overseeing the worship rites of the Tongtian River. Now, she was the Goddess of Tianjiang, her Dragon Ascension drawing near.
Though Ying Tianze was the eldest Dragon Prince, beside the Second Prince and the Dragon Princess, he faded into the background.
Ying Tianze didn’t head for the main seats. Instead, he found the most obscure corner among the many feast tables and settled in.
Chen Changsheng asked, “Aren’t you a prince? Why sit among the guests?”
Ying Tianze took a swig of wine. “You wouldn’t get it. Sitting inside? I’d face endless mockery today. Father compares endlessly to Second Brother and Third Sister. Can’t win? Then I avoid.”
Chen Changsheng smiled. “You reign as the crown prince is rather lowly.”
“See? You did know,” Ying Tianze retorted.
Chen Changsheng glanced at the surrounding Water Demons. “Sitting here… aren’t you afraid they’ll recognize you?”
Ying Tianze waved dismissively. “No. Few have seen . Most don’t even know the Dragon Palace has an Eldest Prince.”
He looked at Chen Changsheng. “Why stand idle? This spread shouldn’t go to waste. I’m bored of it, but you might find it new.”
Chen Changsheng looked at the table. “Then I won’t hold back.”
He truly ant it.
He ate whatever was there. The wine flowed freely, cup after cup, without pause.
…
Inside the Dragon Palace main hall.
The Old Dragon King sat stern on his crystal throne. His gaze swept the room. He raised a hand. “Rare gathering tonight. I won’t speak long. Eat well! Drink well! We can catch up properly later.”
“Dragon Lord, please!” the guests chorused.
“Let’s feast.”
This table hosted the most renowned Great Demons. To the Old Dragon King’s left sat the Second Prince, Yingyuan, and the Dragon Princess, Ying Youen.
Other familiar faces were present.
Moyuan was also at the table, with Tao’er beside him. On his other side sat a man whose expression was surprisingly gentle.
“How did you get here?” Moyuan asked, slightly incredulous.
Hu Junhan looked back calmly. “I couldn’t co?”
Moyuan opened his mouth to speak.
Hu Junhan cut in smoothly. “Want to say enemies often cross paths?”
“You stole my line!” Moyuan blinked.
Hu Junhan offered a serene smile and ignored him.
Predictable. The guy never held back a barb.
Moyuan gave a light snort, feigning indifference. He turned and said, dripping with sarcasm, “Huh? Years without seeing you… seems you haven’t grown much.”
Hu Junhan softly snorted. “Have you?”
Moyuan deliberately conjured a wisp of Samadhi True Fla, flaunting it lightly.
“Hmph. Not bad,” Hu Junhan conceded. “So… you think you can take now?”
Moyuan coughed lightly, staying silent.
Hu Junhan spoke calmly. “Before, you couldn’t beat . Now? Still can’t. aning, no growth worth the na. So?”
“Of course there is.”
“I think not.”
“……”
Moyuan waved a hand impatiently. “Ahhh, forget it. Not talking to you.”
“Just outwitted.”
“……”
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