Wu Ming saw Eastern King Duke fall into deep thought, knowing that he had listened to his words.
Wu Ming stood up, his voice calm: "Fellow Daoist, I have already told you the method. As for how to choose, that is up to you."
"I will not disturb you any further. Farewell."
Eastern King Duke also stood up, pondering for a moment: "Alright, thank you for your reminder this time. I will seriously consider the Dragon Clan's matter. Fellow Daoist, take care."
Wu Ming nodded, walked to the palace gate, paused, and then turned back, saying: "Fellow Daoist, this poor Daoist still has one more thing to say. That Zhou Tian Xing Dou Great Formation is by no means ordinary; its power is immeasurable. It would be best for you to find a way to counter it as soon as possible."
Eastern King Duke's expression remained unchanged: "Thank you for the reminder, Fellow Daoist. I have my own plans for this matter."
"Good, as long as you have it in mind. Farewell."
With that, Wu Ming conjured a Escape Light and quickly disappeared into the horizon.
Eastern King Duke looked in the direction Wu Ming had left, silent for a long time.
Every word Wu Ming had said, every piece of information, revolved in his mind.
The Yao Race's Zhou Tian Xing Dou Great Formation, the Wu Clan's mysterious trump card, and that incredible strategy of absorbing the Dragon Clan...
"The Dragon Clan... entangled in Karma. Is it truly feasible to absorb them?" Eastern King Duke murmured to himself.
What Wu Ming said carried immense risk, but if successful, the Immortal Court's strength would surely skyrocket.
But letting them be Protector Divine Beasts, what if they really dragged down the Immortal Court's Luck? Wouldn't that be digging his own grave?
However, that fellow Wu Ming also said that the initiative was in his hands, and if it didn't work, he could just kick them out.
Moreover, those old fellows of the Dragon Clan, for the sake of their clan's elites to Breakthrough, might truly hold their noses and accept it.
"Fortune favors the bold!" Eastern King Duke suddenly stood up.
In this Great Desolation, who isn't dancing on the tip of a knife?
Waiting for death is the most cowardly way to die!
Determination flashed in his eyes. Rather than sit idly and wait for death, it was better to take the initiative and fight for a future!
He no longer hesitated, immediately set off, conjuring a cloud light, and headed straight for the East Sea Dragon Palace.
Deep in the East Sea, crystal palaces stretched endlessly, their Aura magnificent.
Though not as prosperous as during the early Dragon Han Calamity, it still possessed a certain majesty.
Before long, Eastern King Duke's figure appeared outside the Dragon Palace.
Two rows of shrimp soldiers and crab generals stood guard, armed with weapons.
Upon seeing Eastern King Duke appear, these aquatic guards were first stunned, then their eyes showed vigilance.
The leading crab general, emboldened, took a step forward and boomed: "Who goes there? How dare you trespass into the Dragon Palace Forbidden Land!"
"Presumptuous!" Eastern King Duke snorted coldly, "This Lord is the Eastern King Duke! Hurry and inform your Dragon King, tell him that the Immortal Court's Eastern King Duke has come to visit."
The crab general trembled when he heard the words "Eastern King Duke."
Eastern King Duke, the Lord of the Immortal Court, his name was renowned throughout the Great Desolation!
The crab general dared not neglect, immediately bowed and said: "So it is Eastern King Duke. This humble one was disrespectful! Please wait a moment, I will go inform His Majesty the Dragon King!"
Not long after, a group of aquatic creatures, surrounding a middle-aged man in a luxurious Dragon robe, walked out quickly.
The middle-aged man wore a crown and had a majestic face; he was none other than Ao Hai, the East Sea Dragon King.
As soon as Ao Hai saw Eastern King Duke, his face immediately broke into a smile. He quickly stepped forward, cupped his hands, and bowed: "Oh, my! I didn't know Eastern King Duke was gracing us with his presence. This humble Dragon has failed to welcome you properly, a great sin, a great sin. I hope Eastern King Duke will forgive me. Eastern King Duke, please come in, please come in!"
His posture was extremely humble.
Eastern King Duke glanced at Ao Hai, a Taiyi Golden Immortal Peak, only one step away from entering the Realm of Da Luo.
Eastern King Duke thought to himself: As expected of a race that once contended for supremacy in the Great Desolation. Even if they have declined, their foundation is still not to be underestimated. A lean camel is still bigger than a horse.
But on the surface, he remained calm, nodding slightly, and followed Ao Hai into the Dragon Palace.
...
Dragon Palace Main Hall.
Ao Hai picked up a teacup and smiled at Eastern King Duke: "Eastern King Duke's condescension to visit my humble East Sea Dragon Palace today is truly a great fortune for my Dragon Palace!"
"This humble Dragon has already given orders to prepare a banquet. We must invite Eastern King Duke to stay in the palace for a few more days, so that all of us in the Dragon Clan can fulfill our duties as hosts and entertain you well!"
Eastern King Duke, however, did not touch the tea in front of him.
He glanced at Ao Hai and went straight to the point: "Ao Hai Dragon King, the banquet is unnecessary."
"This Lord has come this time not for feasting and pleasure, but for an important matter to discuss with your Dragon Clan."
"Moreover, this matter is of great importance, and you probably cannot make the decision."
Ao Hai's smile stiffened.
Cannot make the decision, what does that mean? Is he looking down on me, Ao Hai?
He felt a little displeased but still kept a smile on his face: "Eastern King Duke is joking. All major and minor affairs of my Dragon Clan are currently handled by this humble Dragon alone. Throughout the entire Dragon Palace, besides this humble Dragon, is there anyone else who can make decisions?"
"Whatever instructions Eastern King Duke has, please speak freely. As long as my Dragon Clan can still accomplish it, this humble Dragon will not hesitate and will do my best to fulfill it."
Eastern King Duke looked at him and shook his head: "Ao Hai, how mighty was your Dragon Clan back then? Although you have suffered calamity now, a lean camel is still bigger than a horse. How can you, a mere Taiyi Golden Immortal, have full authority to make decisions?"
"Go, invite out the person who truly has the authority to speak in your Dragon Clan."
"The matter this Lord speaks of is of great importance, and for your Dragon Clan, the benefits are considerable."
Eastern King Duke emphasized his tone: "Do not, because of a moment of caution, miss out on this heaven-sent Opportunity!"
Ao Hai's smile completely vanished. He stared at Eastern King Duke, his eyes flickering.
Eastern King Duke's words were so solemn, not like a joke.
Could it be... is there really something of great importance?
Thinking of this, Ao Hai dared not be negligent any longer.
He took a deep breath, cupped his hands to Eastern King Duke, and said: "Please wait a moment, Eastern King Duke. I will go ask for instructions from the Old Ancestor."
Eastern King Duke said lightly: "Go, do not make this Lord wait too long."
Ao Hai dared not delay and hurried out of the main hall.
Time passed little by little.
Just as Eastern King Duke was about to lose patience, a steady sound of footsteps came from the back of the main hall.
Only an elder Dragon Clan member, dressed in simple gray robes, slowly walked out.
Ao Hai followed behind him, head bowed, his demeanor respectful.
This elder Dragon Clan member had an aged face, but when his eyes opened and closed, a sharp gleam flickered, as if containing endless years of vicissitudes.
The elder Dragon Clan member walked to the center of the hall, his gaze falling on Eastern King Duke, his voice calm and unruffled: "I did not know Fellow Daoist Eastern King Duke was gracing us with his presence. This old one has failed to welcome you properly; I hope Fellow Daoist will forgive me."
The moment Eastern King Duke saw the elder Dragon Clan member appear, his pupils suddenly contracted.
Quasi-Saint!
Among the Dragon Clan, there was actually an old monster of such a Realm hidden!
Eastern King Duke suppressed the shock in his heart, stood up, and cupped his hands to the elder: "Fellow Daoist is too polite. May I ask Fellow Daoist's name?"
The elder Dragon Clan member slowly spoke: "This poor Daoist, Candle Dragon."
Candle Dragon!
Eastern King Duke's heart trembled again.
Wasn't he supposed to have fallen during the Dragon Han Calamity long ago?
How is he still alive!
Eastern King Duke looked at the Candle Dragon in front of him, his thoughts racing.
It seemed that this trip to the Dragon Palace today was much more complicated than he had imagined.
But since things had come to this, he could only bite the bullet and proceed.
He composed himself and said: "So it is Fellow Daoist Candle Dragon. I have long admired your great name."
Candle Dragon said lightly: "Mere empty fame, not worth mentioning."
He paused, then looked at Eastern King Duke: "May I ask why Fellow Daoist has condescended to visit my East Sea Dragon Palace today?"
Eastern King Duke pondered for a moment, deciding to state his purpose directly.
When dealing with such an old monster, beating around the bush would only be a disadvantage.