The Eastern Sea Dragon King's longevity celebration, after that minor disturbance, ultimately concluded perfectly. Though final atmosphere was slightly subtle, Dragon Palace's display of powerful depth and thunderous methods (still) impressed all guests. No one dared underestimation.
After the feast, guests from all sides began departing one after another. Within Crystal City, streams of light rose, passed through the huge water-repelling barrier, disappearing into the vast sea, returning to their respective origins.
Tang Xiaoqi was also time to leave.
In his temporary residence courtyard, he organized the Dragon Palace trip's harvest. That peak-grade spirit artifact Xuan Gui Shield had already been refined, connected with his mind; the Dragon King's gifted reverse scale protective talisman was treasured close to his body as most important life-preserving trump card; and the knowledge from one day at the Vast Sea Pavilion, the broadened horizons and knowledge reserves, were invaluable intangible wealth.
Additionally, Dragon Palace, per custom, gifted each invitation-bearing guest a generous parting gift including some rare spiritual materials and spirit stones native to the Eastern Sea—also a token of regard.
"Little Seven brother, we're leaving now? I think Dragon Palace is pretty good here, good food, beautiful place!" Zhao Tiezhu reluctantly smacked his lips, clearly (remembering fondly) the Dragon Palace spirit fruits and delicacies.
The rabbit spirit also crouched on a storage bag filled with spirit fruits, patted it with little paw, chittered twice in agreement.
Xiaoqi smiled. Just as he was about to speak, a servant announced outside: "His Highness the Crown Prince arrives!"
Crown Prince Ao Qin appeared, (still) in azure dragon-patterned brocade robe, jade horns on brow, gentle smile. After several contacts before and after the feast, this Dragon Palace Crown Prince's attitude toward Xiaoqi had clearly gained more sincere appreciation.
"Daoist Tang, leaving?" Ao Qin asked directly.
Xiaoqi cupped hands: "Indeed. Dragon Palace's generous hospitality, the junior is deeply grateful. However, the cultivation path shouldn't be lingered upon. Need to return to sect, prepare to break through to Golden Core."
Upon hearing, Ao Qin's eyes flashed with understanding and praise: "Your foundation is substantial, accumulation sufficient. Golden Core formation will naturally follow. This Prince wishes you success in one attempt—the Golden Core Dao awaits!"
"Thanks to Your Highness's auspicious wishes." Xiaoqi thanked.
Ao Qin nodded, took from his sleeve an ice-blue jade talisman similar yet with different patterns from what he gave Mu Xue, extending to Xiaoqi: "This is our Eastern Sea Dragon Palace's unique 'Sea Dragon Communication Talisman.' Though not as precious as His Majesty's reverse scale protective talisman, with this talisman you can contact our Dragon Palace in most regions of the four seas. If you return to the Eastern Sea someday, or need assistance, you may seek me via this talisman."
This was no longer mere courtesy but truly considering him a friend worthy of equal exchange, even worth investing in. A Dragon Palace Crown Prince's friendship's weight needed no explanation.
Xiaoqi respectfully received the talisman. He could feel the pure water elemental and trace of dragon unique spatial fluctuation within: "Many thanks to Your Highness! If Your Highness ever visits, you may also come to my Cleanness Void Sect."
"Certainly." Ao Qin smiled agreement, then said: "The carriage sending you back waits outside the palace. This Prince has pressing matters, won't see you off further. Safe travels."
"Your Highness, please."
Sending off Crown Prince Ao Qin, Xiaoqi didn't delay further. He brought Zhao Tiezhu and the rabbit spirit, leaving the residence courtyard.
Outside Crystal City, that luxurious mussel carriage pulled by two blue winged seahorses had long waited. The same Dragon Palace guard captain was responsible for escort.
Boarding the carriage, as the guard captain activated his technique, the winged seahorses let out clear cries, pulled the carriage, transforming into flowing light, soaring upward, easily passing through Dragon Palace's water-repelling barrier, returning to that vast, blue sea surface.
Sea wind with familiar salty scent brushed past. Sunlight scattered on the sparkling sea surface, completely different from the dreamlike undersea world yet with its own vast, boundless grandeur.
The carriage didn't descend but flew along the sea surface, toward western continent, speeding like lightning. Speed (still) extremely fast. The novelty and shock upon arrival now transformed into returning calm and contemplation.
Xiaoqi reviewed the Dragon Palace trip's moments. From receiving invitation's surprise, to initial undersea shock, from pre-feast sparring establishing reputation, to standing up during disturbance, then Dragon King's recognition and Crown Prince's friendship, finally the Vast Sea Pavilion's abundant knowledge harvest... All was like a dream yet truly enhanced his strength, broadened his horizons, expanded his connections.
More importantly, after Dragon Palace trip's sedimentation and accumulation, especially after the Vast Sea Pavilion reading, he felt the last confusion and obstruction for breaking Golden Core bottleneck had dissolved. State, mindset, accumulation, understanding—all were complete.