Chapter 430: Dragon Emperor Xiu Ya
With great enthusiasm from the Dragon Emperor, Lu Heng and the other two followed suit, stepping into the legendary Dragon Palace on Penglai Island.
The majestic Dragon Palace loomed above Penglai Island, enveloped in ethereal clouds and exuding a celestial aura. Within the palace, dragons roared and phoenixes danced, while mystical creatures displayed gentle temperaments. On the island, extraordinary beings with profound cultivation skills commanded the mist, wind, and rain, truly embodying a realm of mystical wonder.
When Lu Heng and his companions arrived, the palace banquet was already underway, with guests from all over seated accordingly. Among them, there were even a few acquaintances known to Candle Dragon.
At the banquet, the Dragon Emperor exuded a gracious and gentle demeanor, devoid of any hint of arrogance. The seated guests were all cordial and generous, showing utmost respect towards Lu Heng and his two companions.
This grand banquet lasted for seven days and nights.
In the end, as the guests reveled, everyone dispersed. Guided by Bai Xing, the three individuals of Candle Dragon arrived at a temporary residence specifically arranged for them.
It is a tranquil and elegant courtyard.
Inside the courtyard, the three individuals sat on a suspended terrace, enjoying the aged brew from Dragon Island. It was a delightful and leisurely experience.
Jiu Mie remarked, "The Dragon Palace boasts magnificence and splendor. The Dragon Emperor is truly resplendent and captivating. It is indeed a splendid destination."
Candle Dragon nodded in agreement, "This generation's Dragon Emperor Xiu Ya is truly the pinnacle among all the Dragon Emperors throughout history. In terms of strength, cultivation, and demeanor, she is truly unparalleled in the world, undoubtedly captivating."
As they spoke, they turned to look at Lu Heng who was standing aside.
Lu Heng stared back at the two individuals and said, "Are you two here to play matchmakers? How much favor has the Dragon Emperor bestowed upon you?"
At this point, Lu Heng no longer pretended. It was evident that both Candle Dragon and Jiu Mie were aware of the oath once made by the Dragon Emperor, eagerly anticipating an opportunity to mock Lu Heng.
After Lu Heng finished speaking, Jiu Mie had a look of astonishment, "Ah? Matchmaking? Favor? My dear friend, what are you talking about? We were simply praising the Dragon Emperor, how did you come up with such ideas? Are you perhaps interested in the Dragon Emperor?"
Candle Dragon nodded and said, "I knew it, Friend Lu Heng cannot control the allure of such petite female cultivators. So when he laid eyes upon the Dragon Emperor's gracefulness, I sensed trouble brewing, but I never imagined that Friend Lu Heng would truly be enchanted… sigh… The mighty Wolf God of Hanyu Mountain, falling under the command of a young girl; this news spreading would utterly tarnish his reputation."
Jiu Mie looked at Lu Heng with deep concern and said, "Friend, when you laid eyes upon the Dragon Emperor, did you already have a name in mind for the child? Don't forget, you are the Wolf God of Hanyu Mountain, you must maintain your dignity! Remain proud!"
Candle Dragon nodded repeatedly and said, "Exactly! You must be proud! The strong shall not be humiliated, and the Wolf God shall not be trifled with. Friend, you cannot easily jeopardize your lifelong reputation."
Jiu Mie said, "The loss of a friend's reputation is a small matter. The three of us stand together through thick and thin. But if it affects me and my friend Candle Dragon, and in the future, when others point their fingers at us and say, 'Oh, isn't this the friend of the Wolf God, the lover of children?' - I would truly feel ashamed and humiliated."
Lu Heng's face darkened as he said, "I should have brought the Heavenly Thunder Sword, and given each of you a sword strike to silence your eloquent tongues, tearing apart your silver words, so as to spare us from your incessant prattle."
On the terrace, laughter filled the air.
However, at this moment, a beam of light descended outside the courtyard gates. Shortly after, the voice of the Dragon Emperor resounded in the ears of the three individuals.
"Xiu Ya seeks an audience. I wonder if friend Lu is available?"
Upon the request from the Dragon Emperor, Candle Dragon and Jiu Mie raised their eyebrows together, their eyes filled with amusement.
In response, Lu Heng cast a fierce glare at the two individuals before standing up and saying, "Your Majesty, Dragon Emperor, please come in. The three of us… um…"
Lu Heng was about to say that the three of us were all present, but he realized that Jiu Mie and Candle Dragon had already vanished in a beam of light, disappearing instantly within the majestic Penglai Mountain.
Within the empty courtyard, there remained only Lu Heng.
After a wordless silence that lasted for a few moments, Lu Heng reluctantly made his way to the entrance, opened the gate, and uttered, "Now, it is only Lu Heng left."
Outside the gate, the Dragon Emperor, with a youthful figure, still adorned a divine robe, but no longer wore a crown on her head. The divine robe she wore now was much simpler compared to the previous splendid and majestic dragon robe.
She smiled and said to Lu Heng, "I apologize for the intrusion and hope that you won't take offense."
The tone of Dragon Emperor became increasingly endearing with each passing moment.
Lu Heng smiled and said, "Your Majesty, the Dragon Emperor, jests. It is I who am the guest on this island, and I am truly grateful for your kind attention."
The Dragon Emperor chuckled and responded, "Brother Lu, your excessive politeness creates an air of formality. Regarding the Return Ruins archipelago, Brother Lu should consider it as your own abode, without the need for such formalities."
Speaking thus, the Dragon Emperor walked directly into the courtyard and said, "I have heard earlier that Brother Lu was coming to Sanxian Island, and Xiu Ya has been eagerly anticipating this moment. Now that I lay eyes upon you, I understand the true meaning of 'seeing is believing,' for your presence surpasses all expectations."
"Brother Lu's demeanor is truly awe-inspiring, causing one's heart to falter. You are truly deserving of the title 'the Wolf God of Hanyu Mountain'."
The Dragon Emperor turned with a smile and spoke quite earnestly, "Brother Lu, don't think for a moment that Xiu Ya is merely flattering. Every word spoken by Xiu Ya in your presence is heartfelt and sincere, representing Xiu Ya's true feelings and genuine intentions. There is not a single false statement, and I hope Brother Lu is aware of this."
In the courtyard, the Dragon Emperor's expression was serious.
After a moment of hesitation, Lu Heng smiled and said, "May I inquire about the purpose of Your Majesty's visit? Have there been any difficulties regarding the matter of inspecting Dragon Island that we three have previously mentioned?"
Lu Heng attempted to divert the topic, as the task discussed earlier by the three of them-conducting a thorough inspection on the island and examining any potential treasure vaults left by the Emperor-proved to be a challenging endeavor for the Dragon Clan.
After all, Sanxian Island is vast and expansive, containing numerous living beings and forbidden areas of the Dragon Clan. It is difficult for the three outsiders to conduct a thorough inspection, which the Dragon Clan finds hard to accept.
However, the Dragon Emperor shook his head and said, "Brother Lu, if you wish to inspect Dragon Island, Xiu Ya will wholeheartedly cooperate. Not only Dragon Island, even Xiu Ya's inner chambers, if Brother Lu desires to visit, it can be arranged at any time."
The Dragon Emperor spoke with great seriousness, "In front of Brother Lu, Xiu Ya shall not hold anything back."
Lu Heng looked silently at the Dragon Emperor before him, feeling increasingly embarrassed.
Is it not embarrassing for this Dragon Emperor to say these words with such solemnity? Or is it that as long as she doesn't feel embarrassed, then it is Lu Heng who becomes the one feeling awkward?
After a few moments of silent contemplation, I, Lu Heng, said, "Um… Your Majesty Dragon Emperor, I am truly grateful for your favor… I just don't know when the three of us can begin our inspection?"
With an expectant expression, Lu Heng enthusiastically said, seemingly consumed by thoughts of investigating Dragon Island, with little regard for other matters.
Upon Lu Heng's question, the Dragon Emperor in the courtyard chuckled and said, "Brother Lu, don't fret. This matter has already been entrusted to the elders for discussion. In order to devise a proper plan, I believe it won't be long before you can freely explore the island."
"If Brother Lu is anxious, why don't we go to the Moon Dragon Terrace now and listen to the elders' discussion? Brother Lu could also provide some suggestions, if he wishes."
With a warm tone, the Dragon Emperor even extended an invitation to Lu Heng to accompany them to the Moon Dragon Terrace, the forbidden place where the dragon elders deliberated.
However, Lu Heng, being a prudent individual, naturally wouldn't seek trouble and gracefully declined with tact.
"I shall await the good news from Your Majesty here," Lu Heng said, "as the forbidden grounds of the dragon clans are not suitable for my presence."
