Chapter Fifty-One: Seeking an Audience with the Dragon King—All That Remains Is to Wait

East Sea
Inside the Dragon Palace

Bai Yan had just arrived here and had not yet entered the hall when he was stopped by two guards outside the palace.

“Who dares to trespass into our Dragon Clan’s palace?”

Before Bai Yan could speak, the two men blocking his way immediately detected the demonic aura emanating from him and grew wary.

“You’re from the Demon Clan?”
“What is your purpose in coming to the Dragon Palace?”

Bai Yan parted his lips, about to explain that he was from the Immortal Clan. But thinking of how he had already fallen into the demonic path, any further explanation would be a feeble and powerless lie.

“I—I’m here to find someone,” he replied softly, his tone polite and respectful.

The two men showed no sympathy and instantly aimed their long spears at him. “Without the order of His Highness the Dragon King, no one may enter the hall.”

“I really am just here to find someone,” Bai Yan said anxiously, only a step away from his goal.

He had concealed his trail with immortal magic all along, leaving no trace for others to detect.

But now, in front of the main hall of the Pure Water Palace, he found no way to enter; even his form gradually became visible, catching their attention.

“No matter your purpose, without the order of His Highness the Dragon King, you cannot enter.”

“Then let me see His Highness the Dragon King…”

“Do you think the Dragon King can be seen at your whim?”

Bai Yan was desperate. “I truly only want to see him once.”

“Be gone! Our Dragon King does not receive visitors!”

“I just want to see him once.”

“Get lost!” The two men pushed him roughly, nearly prodding him with their spears.

Helpless, Bai Yan stepped back several paces but kept anxiously gazing toward the inside.

That brat—once I find him, I’ll have to punch him hard.

“Get out of here! Didn’t you hear me?” the two shouted again.

“What’s all this noise?”

Suddenly, from inside the hall, a composed figure appeared.

He held two glowing blue dragon pearls spinning in his palms. Noticing the commotion at the gate, he frowned with displeasure, casting a stern glance at the two guards.

The guards immediately turned and bowed. “Your Highness, Fifth Prince.”

Bai Yan followed their gaze and saw the man’s eyes meeting his from across the distance.

“Who are you?” The Fifth Prince, Long Hai, looked at him with confusion and suspicion, having never seen this person before.

His aura was strange—not only that of the Immortal Clan but also the Demon Clan.

Bai Yan lowered his head briefly and quickly thought of an excuse. “I am Yue Li, a member of the Demon Clan, here to seek an audience with His Highness the Dragon King.”

“Oh? A demon?”

“Yes.”

Long Hai stepped forward, the pearls in his hand ceasing their rotation. He smiled dangerously. “Then where does your immortal aura come from?”

He actually noticed it?

Bai Yan lifted his head to meet his gaze, which was heavy with meaning. A faint smile curved his lips as he explained, “I was once of the Immortal Clan, but I made mistakes and fell into the demonic path, becoming a demon.”

“Is that so?” Long Hai approached him, a trace of coldness at the corner of his eyes. “Your journey must have been quite arduous.”

“Your Highness is correct. I have endured many hardships.”

“You’re not modest, are you?” Long Hai tilted his head, a hint of cynical amusement on his face.

“Your Highness jokes.”

“I do not joke,” he abruptly withdrew his smile, becoming cold and pressing him, “Tell me honestly, why do you seek to see my father, the Dragon King?”

Bai Yan raised his head, showing no trace of retreat in his eyes. “I have come to see His Highness the Dragon King, for only in his presence can I speak openly.”

This meant that it was inconvenient to speak to anyone but the Dragon King himself.

“Very well,” Long Hai nodded and waved to the two guards behind him. “I will now take you to see my father.”

He was curious to hear what Bai Yan intended to say to the Dragon King.

“Thank you, Fifth Prince.”

“No thanks necessary,” he said, looking at him intently. “I hope your purpose for seeing my father is genuine.”

His tone was firm and unyielding, as if he were born a favored son of heaven.

Otherwise, he would not let him pass.

Bai Yan smiled. “Of course.”

The two guards quickly sheathed their weapons and stepped aside, bowing in invitation.

Long Hai was the first to turn, striding boldly into the Pure Water Hall.

Bai Yan followed closely behind.

...

“What news?”

“Have you managed to contact him?”

Lu Qing glanced at the little bundle beside him and asked quietly.

The little bundle shook her head anxiously. “Still no contact. Do you think Bai Luobo might be in trouble?”

Lu Qing shook his head. “Hard to say.”

“What should we do then?”

“I don’t know.”

The little bundle despondently tossed the communication bell into the spatial pouch. “What do we do?”

Should they return and come up with an excuse for Bai Luobo?

There was only about fifteen minutes left.

“Here’s an idea,” Lu Qing whispered after thinking. “You go back first. I’ll wait here for him. I’m the only one who knows how to get inside. Without my magic, he can’t enter the prison.”

“No,” the little bundle refused without hesitation. “If the dungeon patrol sees you, your father will punish you.”

“What else can we do?” Lu Qing began to feel discouraged. This was the only viable plan.

“You go in, and I’ll wait here for Bai Luobo.”

“Aren’t you afraid of punishment from your father?”

“It’s okay,” the little bundle said, though she was still scared.

But no matter how afraid she was, she didn’t want her little uncle to be punished. After all, even if her father punished her, it wouldn’t be severe.

But for little uncle, escaping the hellish prison was a capital offense.

Even if not sentenced to death, a hundred lashes would be inevitable, just like Bai Luobo.

Lu Qing shook his head. “No, we’ll wait here together.”

After all, dying early or late is still dying—better to die with purpose.

This way, he felt his life would not be in vain.

Seeing his loyalty, the little bundle took his hand and said earnestly, “Don’t worry, little uncle. As long as I’m here, I’ll never let you die.”

Lu Qing: “...”

Why does that sound so awkward?

He’s not dead yet, okay?

“If we really get caught, I’ll go to Father and plead for you, little uncle.”

Lu Qing shook off her hand, goosebumps rising. “Enough, enough. Stop talking. I won’t die, don’t worry.”

He wasn’t about to be killed just for breaking prison once.

What a miserable life that would be—did she really think he’d die?

The little bundle rested her chin in her hands, her face full of worry and fear for what was to come. “Little uncle, what do you think Bai Luobo is doing now?”

“I don’t know. Probably waiting to die.”

They were suffering, so he probably wasn’t doing much better.

“Ah?” The little bundle suddenly wanted to cry. “Should we go rescue Bai Luobo?”

“Where to rescue him? The Demon Clan?”

“I don’t know...”

Lu Qing patted her head. “Wake up, little brat. If he’s really trapped by something, it’s not something you or I can save him from.”

“Then—”

“We wait. We can only wait.”

(End of chapter)