The sea beast carriage dove into that vast Eastern Sea like a falling meteor. The anticipated sea water impact didn't come. The soft spiritual light around the carriage suddenly brightened, forming an elliptical transparent barrier that firmly kept the surging sea water outside.
Through this clear water-repelling barrier, a fantastical, dreamlike undersea world displayed itself to Xiaoqi, Zhao Tiezhu, and the rabbit spirit.
Upon entering the sea, light was initially dim, only countless tiny plankton like stardust floating outside the barrier. But as the carriage descended, surroundings gradually brightened. Not sunlight penetrating through the sea, but light originating from the sea floor itself!
First appearing were undulating, colorful coral forests! Those corals had varied forms—some like blooming flames, brilliant red and eye-catching; some like exquisite deer antlers, with distinct branches; some like giant mushrooms, round and cute; others entirely radiating soft blue or gentle green light, making the surrounding seawater appear dreamlike. Countless colorful, uniquely shaped small fish shuttled and played within, like flowing rainbows.
Passing through this massive coral forest, terrain gradually became flat and open. Beneath was fine white sand like jade powder, dotted with colorful round pebbles and occasionally exposed ore glittering with metallic luster. Giant seaweed like forest giants swayed gently—some leaves wide as boats, some slender as ribbons.
More amazing were the marine creatures swimming in deeper areas. There were spirit fish covered in seven-colored scales, trailing long luminous tails, elegant as water fairies; ancient giant tortoises massive as hills, with rough skin yet gentle eyes; schools of silver arrow fish moving in perfect unison, like disciplined troops; jellyfish floating like silk ribbons, translucent bodies radiating enchanting light, leisurely and free.
Occasionally one could see sea patrol ogres with steel tridents, half-human half-fish with vivid scales, patrolling fixed routes on various sea beast mounts. Seeing the Dragon Palace carriage, they all bowed respectfully. Some intelligent shell maidens and shrimp soldiers were busy on the sea floor, tending corals or collecting spirit pearls.
"M... my heavens..." Zhao Tiezhu's entire body flattened against the barrier wall. His eyes were as wide as copper bells, drool nearly flowing. "This... this is too beautiful! A hundred thousand times better than our mountain village!"
The rabbit spirit hopped excitedly up and down, its little paw pointing at a peculiar fish outside—crystal clear, with a glowing little lantern on its head. It chittered endlessly, wishing to rush out and catch it to play with.
Though not as dramatic as Zhao Tiezhu, Xiaoqi's heart was also deeply shaken. This undersea world's vibrant life and gorgeous fantasy far exceeded his imagination. Every scene seemed carved by heavenly craftsmen, containing abundant water elemental qi and unique Dao rhythms.
The carriage continued forward. The scenery became increasingly magnificent. Some exquisite buildings constructed from giant shells, colorful corals, and some glowing crystal appeared—like undersea villages with various water families living within.
But everyone was ultimately attracted to the magnificently breathtaking scene ahead—
It was... a city!
A massive city entirely constructed from crystal clear, purest blue crystal! The city's outline appeared hazy under the soft undersea light, yet one could clearly see towering city walls, majestic palace complexes, and countless treasure-glowing pavilions and towers! The entire city radiated ancient, dignified, yet incomparably luxurious aura.
Above the city, a massive, semi-transparent barrier covered with flowing countless runes like a heavenly curtain enveloped the area, keeping seawater outside, making the city dry and refreshing with concentrated spiritual energy impossible to dissolve. Above the barrier, faint true dragon phantoms coiled and swam, emanating a trace of dragon might.
Countless streams of light gathered from all directions, entering that crystal city through specific barrier entrances. Those lights included luxurious carriages like Xiaoqi's, human cultivators riding various strange artifacts, and some (demon) or water tribe experts revealing parts of their true forms with powerful auras. Clearly, all were guests coming to wish the Dragon King longevity.
"There is the Eastern Sea Dragon Palace's outer main city—'Crystal City.'" The Dragon Palace guard captain's voice sounded with pride. "His Majesty the Dragon King's longevity celebration will be held in the 'Dragon Hall' at the city's center."
The carriage flew toward that dreamlike Crystal City. When passing through the barrier entrance, Xiaoqi could sense a gentle yet irresistible divine sense scanning to confirm identities before letting them through.
Inside the barrier was like another world. The air (permeated) with abundant water elemental qi and a faint fragrance. Faint fairy music lingered in ears. The ground beneath was paved with warm white jade. Both sides planted with many exotic flowers and plants never seen on land, radiating gentle brilliance. On the streets, various water tribe beings, human cultivators, demon cultivators came and went—bustling yet orderly.
Giant coral trees had been carved into street lamps, tops inlaid with luminous pearls, radiating soft light. Occasional sea patrol shrimp and crab soldiers marched in formation, their armor bright, their momentum solemn and fierce.
This prosperity, beauty, and power deeply impacted Xiaoqi's senses. Eastern Sea Dragon Palace truly lived up to being the hegemon commanding endless seas. Its depth and grandeur indeed couldn't compare with ordinary sects.
He took a deep breath, suppressing the turmoil in his heart, his gaze clearing. Though this undersea world was gorgeous and enchanting, his purpose wasn't sightseeing. The Dragon Palace feast, heroes gathering—he needed to remain vigilant and calm.
The carriage, guided by the guard captain, traveled along the wide street toward the most majestic, brilliant palace complex at the city's heart. The true Dragon Palace core, the Dragon Hall, was ahead.