Cultivating Immortality, Starting from Childhood Sweethearts-Chapter 408 - Xu Ming, You Really Are Quick.

“...”

Hearing Xiao Lan’s words, Xu Ming naturally had nothing more to say.

After all, this matter had nothing to do with him in the first place.

The reason he meddled was, in part, because Beihai (North Sea) and Wu Kingdom were currently on friendly terms. As an envoy of Wu Kingdom, it was only natural for him to help maintain the relationship between the two nations.

But at the core of it, his real goal was to earn a favor from the Dragon Empress by assisting Beihai Dragon Palace.

If he could make the Dragon Empress owe him a debt, then perhaps he could persuade her to help him obtain the Linglong Pearl. And when the time came for her to realize that he wasn’t her former lover, maybe—just maybe—she wouldn’t be too furious.

Hopefully, she’d calm down and recognize that he was innocent, that everything that had happened was entirely her own misunderstanding.

Of course, Xu Ming knew that this was just wishful thinking. The reality was far more difficult.

For one, he was only a mere Dragon Gate stage cultivator—not even at the Golden Core stage yet. In a place like the Dragon Palace, he was utterly insignificant.

If anything serious happened, he was more likely to end up as cannon fodder. At best, he could only offer minor assistance; as for making any game-changing moves, that was almost impossible.

And even if he did manage to render some great service, once the Dragon Empress realized he wasn’t her lover, she would surely lose all reason.

All in all, Xu Ming felt his situation was far from ideal.

“Then, Miss Xiao Lan, I hope you’ll keep a close eye on things,” Xu Ming said politely. “As an envoy of Wu Kingdom, before our departure, His Majesty instructed us to help wherever we can. Naturally, we would not want anything to affect your nation.”

“Many thanks for your concern, my lord,” Xiao Lan nodded. “But this is the Northern Sea Dragon Palace. No one would dare cause trouble here! I’ll escort you back now—if you’re away for too long, Her Majesty may grow concerned for your safety.”

“I’ll trouble you then.”

“No trouble at all, my lord.”

With that, Xiao Lan led Xu Ming back toward the banquet of the Four Seas Grand Ceremony.

However, not long after they had left, the Ink-Gold Fish in the lake—swimming peacefully just moments ago—suddenly began to convulse violently!

It thrashed about, ramming itself into rocks over and over, its scales flying off in all directions. It was clearly in unbearable agony.

Blood gushed from its mouth, and its belly was suddenly torn open. Pieces of flesh scattered into the surrounding water.

Then, from within the Ink-Gold Fish’s ruptured body, a seemingly harmless, sharp-toothed golden fish emerged. It wriggled free and swiftly swam toward the depths of the lake.

—

Back at the banquet, Ao Jin had already returned to his seat.

As Xu Ming sat back down, his gaze met Ao Jin’s.

Their eyes were calm, yet neither was without suspicion.

“Xu Ming, you’re really fast,” Ao Yiner said cheerfully once Xu Ming was seated.

“...” Xu Ming’s brow twitched.

Did this princess not realize that the worst thing you could say to a man was that he was fast?

Forget it.

She was innocent and naïve—there was no point in arguing with her.

As the night deepened, the banquet continued.

Most of the guests were cultivators, so there was no need for restroom breaks.

With various sects, factions, and kingdoms gathered, coupled with endless entertainment performances, there was never a dull moment.

In fact, everyone was fully engaged in conversation, talking enthusiastically about various topics.

When men began discussing politics, even the most alluring dances had to take a back seat.

Of course, if they could discuss state affairs while enjoying the dances, that would be ideal.

As night fell, maids entered the banquet area, each carrying a luminous pearl, placing one on every guest’s table.

All around the venue, the night pearls affixed to the pillars flickered to life, illuminating the grand plaza in a soft, enchanting glow.

Although the glow of the luminous pearls was not as bright as daylight, it carried a dreamlike quality, exuding a hazy and ethereal beauty.

At this moment, the ceremony for presenting tribute gifts was about to begin.

Various dynasties and sects had prepared offerings for the Dragon Empress.

The order of presentation had been arranged in advance—everyone knew exactly which sect or kingdom would go before or after them.

One by one, the historians of each kingdom and sect stepped forward, bearing their gifts and offering words of congratulations.

For many, this was the closest they would ever get to the Dragon Empress.

Many envoys eagerly anticipated this moment—just to have a chance to see the legendary Eternal Dragon Empress up close. Even exchanging a few words with her would be something to boast about upon returning to their homeland.

When it was the Eastern Sea’s turn, Ao Jin led his younger sister forward to present their tribute.

Typically, only the envoy or official representative would offer the gift, but the relationship among the Four Seas was naturally closer than with outsiders. Moreover, as noble dragons, it was not inappropriate for them to approach together.

“Ao Jin of the Eastern Sea.”

“Ao Yiner of the Eastern Sea.”

“We pay our respects to Your Majesty.”

Ao Jin and Ao Yiner bowed deeply in greeting.

With utmost reverence, Ao Jin said, “The Eastern Sea has prepared a humble gift for Your Majesty. We hope Your Majesty will not find it lacking.”

Ao Yiner stepped forward, holding the tribute in her hands, her large apricot eyes blinking as she gazed at her great-aunt.

The more she looked, the more amazed she was—her great-aunt was simply breathtakingly beautiful.

How could someone be this stunning?

And yet, her great-aunt was only ranked second. She found it utterly inconceivable—just how beautiful must that nun from Thunderclap (Leiming) Monastery be to surpass her in rank?

A maid stepped forward and received the gift.

The Dragon Empress looked at the two of them and spoke, “I didn’t expect only you young ones to come for the tribute. How is your father’s health?”

Ao Jin clasped his hands in salute. “Your Majesty’s concern is greatly appreciated. My father is in excellent health. He also asked us to pass on a message—should Your Majesty have the time, you are always welcome to visit.”

The Dragon Empress nodded slightly. “If time permits, I will visit. Convey my regards to your father.”

“If time permits”—but everyone knew there was little chance of it actually happening.

Still, such pleasantries had to be exchanged.

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Ao Jin replied with a bow. “We take our leave.”

As Ao Jin turned to descend the steps, he noticed his younger sister still standing there in a daze.

He gave her arm a small pat, snapping her out of it.

Only then did Ao Yiner quickly bow. “Yiner takes her leave.”

As the two walked away, the Dragon Empress watched them for a moment before speaking to the maid beside her. fɾeewebnoveℓ.co๓

“That boy from the Eastern Sea has raised fine children.”

Qinghua, the maid, agreed. “The Eastern Sea’s crown prince does seem more composed than his peers. He lacks the arrogance of the other princes.”

The Dragon Empress shook her head. “I wasn’t talking about him.”

Her gaze lingered on Ao Yiner’s departing figure.

“That boy was fortunate to have such a daughter.”