Chapter Fifty-One: Gathering at the Eastern Sea

The bell is named "Dragon Soul," with the main bell always residing in the East Sea. The North Sea, South Sea, and West Sea each possess a secondary bell. Whenever the main bell tolls, the three subsidiary bells ring simultaneously. Thus, every time the "Dragon Soul" resounds, it heralds the occurrence of a momentous event.

The dragon clan had struggled for centuries to attain peace; they cherished this tranquility dearly. The sudden "incident" sent shockwaves through the entirety of the aquatic tribe, leaving them utterly unsettled.

"Mother..."

Ao Xiuxiu's face, too, was shadowed with worry. Only Yi'an stood beside them, bewildered, his confusion undoubtedly linked to the bell's recent toll—but its significance eluded him. He could only glean a hint of its gravity from the anxious expressions of the others.

"Do not fret yet. We must not lose our composure before we understand the situation. Let us first proceed to the front hall and see your father, the king; all questions will be answered there. As for the matter between you two, I will settle it later!" The Dragon Queen gestured for calm. There was a hierarchy of urgency; though her daughter was precious, the welfare of the entire dragon clan weighed far heavier.

Ao Xiuxiu's heart was tangled with anxiety. Matters concerning the "Dragon Soul" were always shrouded in legend; today marked her first true encounter. The bell's toll foreboded great events—this was a principle engraved in the mind of every dragon princess.

Just as the Queen was about to depart with Ao Xiuxiu, she paused, pointing at Yi'an. "Xiuer, bring him along."

Yi'an, after all, was an outsider—his origins unknown. Xiuer, naïve and inexperienced, could easily be deceived; it was possible that this young man was a spy sent by those with sinister intentions.

Thus, the unknown must be kept close, for safety. Once the urgent matters were settled, she had countless ways to uncover his identity. If he proved harmless, she would not be merciless—at most, she would banish him, forbidding any further step in the Dragon Palace. But those with ill intent would face a far less gentle fate.

She would ensure he learned the true meaning of a harsh lesson.

Yi'an forced a bitter smile; it seemed he was being treated as a villain luring innocent girls.

...

East Sea Dragon Palace, in the grand hall, countless aquatic folk were gathering, their numbers quickly swelling into the hundreds. These were the distinguished leaders and nobles of the East Sea, renowned for their abilities or status.

All around, discussions buzzed as they speculated about the great event that had prompted such a gathering. Yet every answer was met with confusion; none knew the true purpose behind the Dragon King's summons.

The Dragon Queen soon arrived, moving directly to the King's side with a questioning glance, her gaze laced with inquiry. If something dire had occurred, there should have been some warning—but the King would never joke about the "Dragon Soul." In her heart, three troubling possibilities flashed.

Only when the King returned a calm, reassuring look did her worry ease somewhat.

The Queen's personal maid remained close by Ao Xiuxiu, ostensibly for protection—but more importantly, to watch over Yi'an. Though their title was "maid," being in the Queen's service meant none of them were ordinary; each possessed the power of the Yang Spirit realm. Under their vigilant supervision, Yi'an could stir no trouble.

"Brother Yi, please don't mind. My mother means no harm. Once this matter is resolved, I'll explain everything to her—she certainly won't make things difficult for you," Ao Xiuxiu promised solemnly.

"No need. Let things run their course." Yi'an replied with a smile, though none could see the bitterness hidden beneath it. In truth, he hoped the Queen would swiftly "expel" him, for he felt nothing toward Ao Xiuxiu.

Besides, even if he agreed, the Dragon King would never consent. At this stage, angering the King would be folly—he had no powerful backing, and compared to the immense dragon clan, he was but a drop in the ocean.

Just then, a charming woman approached, swaying her slender waist, eyes shining as she gazed at Yi'an. "Little sister, you truly fooled me. Young man, what is your name?"

"Ao Yingying, this is none of your concern. Let me warn you: if you're going to act out, know your place. Today concerns the future of our dragon clan; it's not your time to play games." Before Yi'an could respond, Ao Xiuxiu turned to the newcomer, her guard raised, and rebuked her without mercy.

"Ao Xiuxiu, I am your second sister." Ao Yingying was left speechless, forced to retreat for now—after all, so many eyes were upon them. If she caused trouble, given their father's indulgence toward Ao Xiuxiu, she would surely be the one punished.

"Then, Second Sister, please disappear from my sight. Thank you," Ao Xiuxiu said with a face full of "kindness."

"You... hmph!" Ao Yingying, frustrated and unable to vent, could only stew in silence.

"Do you not get along with her?" Yi'an asked quietly.

"She's my second sister, but perhaps her jealousy gets the best of her. Anything I like, she insists on meddling. She loves to gossip, and the entire East Sea suffers from her antics. If she tries to get close, don't be fooled by her surface charms," Ao Xiuxiu explained.

"I see," Yi'an nodded, thinking little of it—he had no feelings for Ao Xiuxiu, much less for Ao Yingying, whose temperament and aura differed greatly from her sister.

Fortunately, Ao Yingying was unaware of Yi'an's thoughts; otherwise, she might have been beside herself with rage.

Suddenly, a commanding voice rang out, silencing the hall and filling it with tension.

"Quiet!"

The Dragon King stood tall upon the dais, his majestic gaze sweeping over the gathered crowd. He saw that the East Sea's subjects were mostly present, including his twelve dragon sons and daughters, the Tortoise Prime Minister, the Sea Demon General, the Shrimp General, and the eight unit commanders.

"Dragon King, what has happened to warrant such a gathering?" The Sea Demon General, unable to contain himself, spoke first. His temper was fierce, his thoughts transparent, and he asked impatiently before the King could speak.

"Be patient. Once the Dragon Kings of the South, North, and West Seas arrive, I shall explain all," the King's deep gaze and resolute tone brooked no argument.

Hearing this, the Sea Demon General had no choice but to hold his tongue.