"How could this happen?"

Ao Beiyuan, the North Sea Dragon King, looked at the unconscious Ao Ying, his expression exceptionally grim.

The Dragon Race finds it difficult to produce offspring, often taking a millennium to give birth to a single True Dragon bloodline. Ao Beiyuan had worked hard and found many wives, yet unfortunately, he fathered only a few children.

Take Ao Qiong, for example, he was already considered quite decent—at least he inherited the power of his bloodline.

Among all his children, the only truly outstanding one was Ao Ying.

For his daughter, Ao Beiyuan took great care in her cultivation, providing abundant resources.

Even his eldest son, Ao Feng, did not receive such treatment.

Of course, it was also to prevent Ao Feng from growing too powerful. This year he was only forty thousand years old, as long as there were no accidents, living another thirty to fifty thousand years would still be easy.

The Dragon King's position is also determined by strength within the Dragon Race. If Ao Feng got impatient and tried to usurp the throne, what then?

Ao Beiyuan nurtured Ao Ying as a balance against Ao Feng. These minor political maneuvers, though not complex, are highly effective.

Now, Ao Ying's sudden grave injury left Ao Beiyuan both angry and anxious.

After this blow, even if Ao Ying survived, she would pose no threat to Ao Feng.

Because Ao Ying was too severely injured, she could only lie in her True Dragon form inside the Dragon Breeding Pool.

The gigantic pool built of White Jade resembled a rectangular bath, but sized to fit a True Dragon's body, thus exceedingly large.

The pool contained Profound Ice Essence, an element of Ultimate Yin and Cold, most harmonious with the bloodline of the North Sea Dragon Race. The injury to Ao Ying's Divine Soul would be frozen within.

Profound Ice Power would nourish the Divine Soul, allowing Ao Ying to recover swiftly.

Ao Beiyuan gently stroked Ao Ying's enormous Dragon Horn, sensing her extremely frail Divine Soul aura, he felt a pang of affection—for she was his most beloved daughter.

"Father, how is Third Sister?"

Ao Feng, dressed in a silver robe, approached and respectfully saluted Ao Beiyuan from afar.

Ao Feng bore a striking resemblance to Ao Beiyuan, sharing a handsome visage. However, his gaze was sharper, with a hint of severity between his brows, lending a sharpness to his entire demeanor.

Ao Beiyuan shook his head heavily: "Her condition isn't good."

"Whose audacity is so great to dare harm my Dragon Race?"

Unaware of the events, Ao Feng was shocked at Ao Ying's grave injuries and approached to inquire about the situation.

"A Celestial Master from the Celestial Court, named Gao Xuan..."

The matter had grown serious, there was no need to conceal from Ao Feng. Ao Beiyuan briefly explained the situation.

Ao Feng's expression turned to anger: "A mere Celestial Master, how dare he be so impertinent!"

Ao Feng naturally did not favor Ao Ying, nor did he regard Ao Qiong highly. Yet regardless of dislike, they were ultimately his siblings, carrying the noble and powerful blood of the North Sea Dragon Race.

No matter how the Dragon Race fights internally, seldom do they resort to killing blows. It certainly wasn't the place for outsiders to slay dragon kin.

Ao Feng eagerly volunteered: "Father, let me handle this matter."

Ao Beiyuan shook his head: "Don't act rashly, it might be a deliberate targeting of us."

With two children involved in incidents consecutively, Ao Beiyuan sensed something amiss.

Who in the Cyan Celestial Realm dared provoke the Dragon Race, let alone strike so hard? Was there a power behind Gao Xuan intentionally antagonizing the Dragon Race?

Though Ao Beiyuan had lived for tens of thousands of years, he had never encountered such a situation, leading him to think more deeply.

"Despite the strength of the Celestial Court, they don't govern the Cyan Celestial Realm."

Ao Feng was dismissive, considering Ao Beiyuan overly cautious in dealing with a mere Celestial Master, fearing it would become a laughing stock among other dragons.

He declared, "No matter what abilities the opponent possesses, they cannot evade a strike from my Celestial Sound Fork."

The Dragon Race's wealth included thousands of Magical Treasures. However, more is not always better.

The power of a being's Divine Soul is limited, as is their ability to wield Magical Treasures. Though dragons naturally bear a strong Divine Soul, they wouldn't indiscriminately waste their power.

Typically, after gaining wisdom, a True Dragon selects one powerful Magical Treasure as their Lifebound Magical Treasure. Henceforth, it is refined day and night, serving throughout their life.

Ao Feng's Lifebound Magical Treasure is the Celestial Sound Fork, one of the three treasures of the North Sea Dragon Palace. The other two are the Yuan Gui Xuanbing Divine Sword and Ice Dragon Seal.

Ao Feng inherently resonates with the Celestial Sound Fork, believing his actual combat power far surpasses Ao Ying.

But restrained by his father, he refrained from flaunting his prowess.

Having this opportunity, Ao Feng couldn't resist displaying himself.

Ao Beiyuan pondered, though somewhat apprehensive about his eldest son, he didn't wish for him to encounter trouble.

He advised, "Until the situation is clarified, do not act hastily."

"That's simple, I'll ask Third Sister and we'll know."

Without waiting for Ao Beiyuan to speak, Ao Feng gestured towards the slumbering Ao Ying in the Dragon Breeding Pool. His finger vibrated subtly, and the Celestial Sound Fork emitted delicate sound waves that instantly adjusted millions of times, establishing resonance with Ao Ying's slumbering Divine Soul.

Ao Ying's body shuddered abruptly, letting out a huge gasp.

The frozen Profound Yin Essence burst into the air, transforming into countless sparkling cold light and cascading across the sky.

Ao Ying was startled awake, her bloodied eyes instinctively opened, and the ice-sealed wound tore, causing her to cry out in pain.

Ao Beiyuan tenderly stroked Ao Ying's Dragon Horn: "Ying'Er, do not fear, your father is here."

His words carried a glance at Ao Feng, questioning why forcefully awakening Ao Ying when she had suffered such severe injuries.

Ao Feng looked uneasy, he whispered, "Father, your son is eager to avenge Third Sister and Sixth Brother."

Ao Ying, having calmed down, had little strength left when she struggled back to the North Sea Dragon Palace and immediately fell unconscious without a word.

After a few days of rest, Ao Ying regained some Primordial Qi. She whispered, "Father, you must avenge me and my brother..."

Growing agitated, two lines of blood tears streaked down Ao Ying's face, her body trembling intensely.

Ao Beiyuan hurriedly comforted, "Ying'Er, don't worry. As your father, I will definitely avenge you. Not only will Gao Xuan die, but everyone from Wuyuan and Daqiong will die too!"

Seeing his sister's miserable state, Ao Feng also felt a pang of sympathy. He followed with a few words of consolation before asking, "Third sister, what exactly happened? Please explain clearly."

"It was that Celestial Master Gao Xuan who injured me severely. His cultivation is truly formidable; I judged he wasn't even using three-tenths of his strength..."

After her initial agitation, Ao Ying calmed down and recounted the course of events in detail.

She concluded by saying, "Gao Xuan carries great divine techniques in every gesture. I estimate he's at least a Twelve Tribulation Human Immortal, possibly even stronger. The magical artifacts he possesses are extremely powerful."

Ao Ying further added, "This person is incredibly arrogant, claiming he would storm our Dragon Palace to kill our North Sea Dragon Race, avenging the millions drowned in the sea!"

"Outrageous, outrageous..."

The North Sea Dragon King was utterly infuriated. Though of noble stature, he was not one to use vulgar words. His tone was intense, yet his words lacked impact.

Ao Feng was even angrier, "That wretched creature dares to provoke our Dragon Race. If he falls into my hands, I will make him suffer a fate worse than death..."

Ignoring Ao Feng, Ao Ying addressed Ao Beiyuan, "Father, while this person is indeed hateful, he possesses formidable divine techniques. Underestimating him would be unwise. In my opinion, we should gather elites from different races to annihilate this scoundrel together..."

Displeased, Ao Feng retorted, "Why go to such lengths? Gathering our race for a mere human will only invite ridicule from others."

He assured Ao Beiyuan, "Leave the battle to me, and I guarantee this person's death."

Ao Beiyuan pondered silently. Calling upon their kin was certainly embarrassing, yet sending Ao Feng was riskier.

Should Ao Feng also fall victim to Gao Xuan, it would be disastrous.

After careful deliberation, Ao Beiyuan finally said, "We cannot allow this person to be so rampant. This time, we will gather the Dragon Palace's elites and jointly campaign against him..."

Ao Feng showed reluctance. For a mere Celestial Master, why go to such trouble?

Clearly, Ao Ying and Ao Qiong were incompetent, exaggerating the adversary's prowess. His father was indecisive, overly cautious, lacking any assertiveness.

Yet Ao Beiyuan was still the Dragon King. Even if Ao Feng was unwilling, he dared not directly defy Ao Beiyuan's orders. He bowed his head submissively, "I will follow Father's instructions."

Just as Ao Beiyuan was about to speak, a clear voice suddenly resonated, "North Sea Dragon King Ao Beiyuan, Gao Xuan has come to visit; why not come out to welcome the guest?"

These words were delivered through divine sense, causing a buzzing echo in Ao Beiyuan's ears and resonating throughout the entire Dragon Palace.

Both Ao Beiyuan and Ao Feng's expressions changed dramatically. The enemy had actually come knocking!

Ao Ying screamed out, "Father, it's him, it's him..."

"Ying'Er, stay calm. Your father will go and take his life to avenge you."

Though Ao Beiyuan had lived for thousands of years and had a somewhat mild disposition, he was still the king of the North Sea.

Gao Xuan's sudden approach was unexpected, but he quickly composed himself. With the enemy acting so brazenly, perhaps this was convenient.

On home ground, there was no reason to fear defeat.

Ao Beiyuan reached out to retrieve a spirit pill, feeding it to Ao Ying, "Use this Celestial Essence Pill to nurture your divine soul and heal. Leave everything outside to me."

Ao Ying nodded, "Father, be cautious. That fellow is cunning and fierce; never underestimate him."

"No worries. Focus solely on your recovery."

Ao Beiyuan waved his sleeve, taking Ao Feng to the main hall of the Dragon Palace, where a giant crab demon was already beating the golden drum.

Situated deep under the sea, the North Sea Dragon Palace used an array to seal off the water. The vast palace spanned several hundred miles, adorned primarily with gold, jade, and other treasures. From afar, it gleamed with brilliant colors, exuding magnificence.

Only the Dragon Race and the personal guards resided here regularly. Various great demons, though under the Dragon Palace's jurisdiction, typically stayed in their lairs.

Some true dragons either slept for long periods or wandered the four seas—very few remained in the Dragon Palace for extended durations.

With the golden drum sounding, the demon generals and giant monsters under the Dragon Palace's command all hurried to report. Even true dragon descendants nearby rushed back.

The palace was equipped with a vast array, encompassing much of the North Sea, enabling rapid travels within its range.

When the drum was struck, lights and shadows flashed, and the Dragon King Hall quickly filled with figures.

Although the demon generals and giant monsters were enormous in form, upon entering the palace, they transformed into humanoid shapes. Yet, their appearances remained grotesque and bizarre.

The demons didn't know what had transpired but seeing Ao Beiyuan on the throne with a face like ice and eyes radiating killing intent, they dared not speak carelessly.

Once the Eight Great Demon Generals and the Ten Directions Giant Monsters were assembled, Ao Beiyuan solemnly declared, "Someone has dared to intrude upon the Dragon Palace. Gather your troops, and together we shall face the enemy."

All the demon generals and giant monsters were stunned—who would dare invade the Dragon Palace? Was there truly such a person in the Cyan Celestial Realm?

None of them dared to delay. Each demonstrated their divine techniques to summon their forces.

Ao Beiyuan donned his Celestial Essence Battle Armor, leading the numerous demons and several dragon children out of the Dragon Palace.

Along the way, the demon generals' giant monsters continued gathering their followers, amassing an increasingly larger army.

Upon reaching the sea surface, Ao Beiyuan was seated atop a Profound Turtle, surrounded by dragon children.

The demon generals and giant monsters led their teams in a circle nearby. Scanning the sea, countless fish and shrimp creatures formed a dense mass, numbering at least several hundred thousand.

Seeing this, Gao Xuan in the sky couldn't help but exclaim, "Indeed, the Dragon King exudes some true grandeur."

Ripples beside him widened her eyes in shock.

Though there were many demons in the mortal realm, the sight of hundreds of thousands gathered together was nothing short of spectacular.

These demons were somewhat organized, each forming battle arrays. When united, their evil qi soared to the sky.

Despite her boldness, Ripples felt a slight fear at the intense wave of evil qi. She whispered to Gao Xuan, "Master, so many demons."

Gao Xuan chuckled and asked, "Are you afraid?"

Ripples shook her head, gripping the Hongyi Sword's hilt, "I, I am a bit scared; there are so many of them..."

She lowered her head in shame, her voice growing fainter.

Gao Xuan laughed heartily, gently patting Ripple's head, "No need to fear. They are a disorderly mob, easily vanquished."

With confidence, he said, "Stay back and watch how the master sweeps away this horde of demons!"