The sea beast carriage passed through Crystal City's bustling streets, finally stopping at the edge of an extremely vast plaza paved with entire giant cyan jade blocks. At the plaza's end stood the Dragon Palace's core architectural complex—a group of towering palaces emanating terrifying ancient dragon might. Most eye-catching was that main hall seemingly constructed from golden glazed tiles and seven-colored corals, radiant as the rising sun—the Dragon Hall.
Before the hall, the plaza was already filled with guests, dazzling with lights. Cultivators of all races, water tribe elites, overseas hermits... their auras varied in strength, yet all were respectable figures. They gathered in groups exchanging whispers, or stood alone observing surroundings. The air (permeated) with a special atmosphere of an grand ceremony—mixed with anticipation and scrutiny.
Xiaoqi brought Zhao Tiezhu and the rabbit spirit on his shoulder down from the carriage. Immediately he felt countless gazes upon him. Some curious, some probing, some with slight disdain—after all, Cleanness Void Sect's name wasn't particularly prestigious among these well-traveled guests. If not for the unique Dragon Palace invitation hanging at his waist, someone would probably have come to interrogate him long ago.
Zhao Tiezhu had never seen such a scene. Those various gazes made him uncomfortable. He unconsciously straightened his back, gripped his stone staff behind him, tried to look fierce—unfortunately matching his honest face, the effect was limited. The rabbit spirit was more interested in those jeweled, aura-rich decorations around. Its little eyes spun, seemingly calculating which "shiny things" could be added to its collection.
Xiaoqi's expression was calm. Neither self-abased nor arrogant. He just quietly observed surroundings and people with composed gaze. He could sense many guests present had extremely powerful auras. Golden Core cultivators abounded, even several with deep, obscure auras that gave even him slight pressure.
At this moment, a warm yet with invisible authority's commotion sounded from the Dragon Hall's main entrance direction. A group of richly dressed, powerful Dragon Palace officials escorted a young man, welcoming important guests.
That young man stood tall and straight, wearing a dark-golden dragon-patterned azure brocade robe. His features were exceptionally handsome, carrying an inborn noble and elegant bearing. Most striking were the pair of crystal clear, like white jade carved dragon horns on his brow corners—not strange at all, but adding mystery and dignity. His lips carried just-right smiles. His bearing (calm and unhurried), handling various guests (meticulously), clearly of extremely noble status.
"It's Dragon Palace Prince, Prince Ao Qin!"
"Didn't expect the Prince to personally welcome guests at the hall entrance. Seems His Majesty the Dragon King highly values this longevity celebration."
"Prince Ao Qin is young, yet they say he's already at Golden Core late stage cultivation, deeply taught by the Dragon King. His future is limitless!"
Surrounding discussions entered Xiaoqi's ears, letting him understand this youth's identity—Eastern Sea Dragon Palace Prince, Ao Qin!
Seemingly sensing Xiaoqi's gaze, or perhaps the guiding Dragon Palace guard had secretly reported, Prince Ao Qin, currently chatting with an overseas demon king, suddenly turned his gaze toward Xiaoqi.
His gaze was warm yet carried a power seemingly able to see through (human hearts). It lingered on Xiaoqi for a moment. Especially upon sensing Xiaoqi's Foundation Establishment Great Circle yet unusually (steady and heavy) aura, and the uniquely shaped Zhao Tiezhu and spiritual rabbit spirit beside him, a trace of unnoticeable amazement and curiosity flashed in his eyes.
He gave the demon king an apologetic smile, whispered instructions to an official beside him, then walked directly toward Xiaoqi.
The Prince moving naturally attracted many eyes. Everyone was curious why this noble Dragon Palace Prince would actively approach an unfamiliar looking human youth with only Foundation Establishment cultivation.
Ao Qin walked calmly, arriving before Xiaoqi. Not showing the slightest discourtesy due to Xiaoqi's cultivation or background, he actually took the initiative to cup hands. His voice was clear, warm: "This Daoist appears unfamiliar. Could you be Daoist Tang Xiaoqi of Cleanness Void Sect, who holds our Dragon Palace invitation?"
Xiaoqi neither servile nor haughty, returning the bow: "Indeed I am. Tang Xiaoqi, pays respects to Prince Ao Qin."
Zhao Tiezhu seeing this, quickly imitated, cupping hands with a loud voice: "I... I'm Zhao Tiezhu, pays respects to Your Highness!" The rabbit spirit tilted its head, curiously (examining) Ao Qin's dragon horns.
Ao Qin smiled faintly. His gaze swept over Zhao Tiezhu and the rabbit spirit, finally returning to Xiaoqi. His tone carried appreciation: "No need for formalities, Daoist Tang. Third place at the Heavenly Axis Ask-the-Heavens Conference, able to overpower all with Foundation Establishment cultivation. Your talent and strength are impressive. Our Dragon Palace loves befriending talents from all corners. Your presence honors our humble palace."
His words were sincere, not false pleasantries, making people feel welcomed. But Xiaoqi could sense—beneath that warm gaze was hidden a trace of scrutiny and probing. Clearly this Dragon Palace Prince wasn't merely treating him differently because of his conference ranking. He was probably quite interested in Xiaoqi himself.
"Your Highness flatters too much. It was merely luck." Xiaoqi said modestly. "Being honored with Dragon Palace's invitation is my fortune."
Ao Qin nodded, asked seemingly casually: "Heard Daoist Tang not only excels at sword and movement techniques, but also cultivates body techniques? Looking at Daoist Zhao, he's also a top body cultivator." His gaze again swept over Xiaoqi and Zhao Tiezhu, seemingly quite concerned about body cultivation.
Xiaoqi's heart stirred slightly, face remaining calm: "Merely understood some basics, for strengthening body health. Brother Tiezhu does indeed have talent in body cultivation."
"Hehe, body cultivation, seemingly crude, actually contains infinite mysteries. Those who reach high levels are all extraordinary." Ao Qin smiled meaningfully, didn't pursue further, turned to say: "The longevity feast is about to begin. Daoist Tang, please follow the guide into the hall. If you have leisure after the banquet, perhaps we can find time to share tea and discuss Dao."
Saying this, he nodded to Xiaoqi, then turned to welcome other important guests, his bearing proper, timing perfect.
But Xiaoqi understood—this Dragon Prince Ao Qin was absolutely not as simple and easy-going as he appeared. His bearing, strength, even those seemingly casual questions all revealed unfathomable cunning and power.
The Dragon Palace trip would indeed not be peaceful. This Crown Prince seemed already interested in him. The upcoming feast, even after, would probably have many waves.