Several days after leaving Heavenly Axis City, Tang Xiaoqi's group rode their flight artifacts, unhurriedly heading toward Cleanness Void Sect. He wasn't (rushing), taking this opportunity to consolidate realm gains, guide Zhao Tiezhu and Pang Hong's cultivation, and appreciate the different customs along the way from the southeast region.
This day, they flew above a vast sea of clouds. Below was rolling green mountains. Xiaoqi stood at the artifact's front, feeling the heavenly wind brush his face. While mentally rehearsing several refined variations of the Swimming Dragon Nine Turns' third turn "Divine Dragon Swipes Tail," he suddenly sensed something. He raised his head, gazing toward the southeast horizon.
A stream of sapphire-blue light, like a shooting star flying backward, pierced through clouds. With incredible speed, it accurately hurtled toward their position! That light wasn't sword qi or magical technique, but carried abundant water vapor and an indescribable noble, ancient aura.
"Careful!" Zhao Tiezhu also detected it, immediately on guard, gripping his stone staff tightly. Pang Hong and others also became wary.
Xiaoqi's gaze slightly tensed. He raised his hand, signaling everyone to stay calm. He didn't sense malicious intent from that light.
In the blink of an eye, that sapphire-blue light arrived nearby. Speed suddenly decreased, hovering in mid-air before Xiaoqi. The light faded, revealing its true form—a palm-sized crystal blue conch! The conch's surface naturally formed dragon-patterned markings, spiritual light dense, emanating gentle yet powerful spiritual energy fluctuations.
More eye-catching was that atop this glittering conch, properly placed was an invitation. The invitation wasn't paper, but made of some cicada-wing-thin yet7 (rainbow) lustrous scales. Edges bordered with gold thread, appearing luxurious beyond compare.
A warm yet clear voice, from within that crystal conch, transmitted, echoing around them:
"By Eastern Sea Dragon Palace Ao Guang Dragon King's decree, this invitation is presented before Cleanness Void Sect Daoist Tang Xiaoqi. The Dragon King sovereign's longevity celebration approaches. He widely invites honored guests from four seas and cultivation talents, to jointly attend the Dragon Palace, sharing the feast together. Daoist Tang gained fame at the Heavenly Axis Ask-the-Heavens Conference, young and promising. His Majesty heard with joy, specially commands this invitation, hoping you will honor us with your presence."
The voice stopped. That crystal conch slightly vibrated. The scale invitation atop it floated gently, landing steadily in Xiaoqi's hand.
Slightly heavy, cool to the touch. He could sense a trace of true dragon aura and vast water-elemental force within. The invitation bore ancient dragon script and common cultivation script side by side. The signature bore a mark radiating faint dragon might—Eastern Sea Dragon Palace!
"Th-the Eastern Sea Dragon Palace?" Zhao Tiezhu widened his eyes. Looking at that hovering communication conch, then at the scale invitation in Xiaoqi's hand, his mouth opened enough to stuff a fist. "The Dragon King... invited our Brother Little Seven for a drink?"
Pang Hong and other cultivators were even more stunned, breathing (rapid). Eastern Sea Dragon Palace! That was a legendary existence, commanding ten thousand li of seas, with unfathomable depth. For them—land-bound independent cultivators—it was an inaccessible myth! Now the Dragon Palace actually sent an invitation, inviting Tang Xiaoqi to the feast? What honor!
Xiaoqi held this heavy invitation in his hand. His heart also rippled slightly. Eastern Sea Dragon Palace Ao Guang Dragon King's longevity celebration, widely inviting cultivation world talents—this was truly a rare grand event. Those receiving invitations were without exception important figures from top powers or famous talents.
His performance at the Heavenly Axis Ask-the-Heavens Conference, especially third place and displayed potential, had clearly entered this ancient power's vision. This invitation was both recognition of his strength and a friendly overture.
Opportunity! This was undoubtedly a tremendous opportunity!
The Dragon Palace feast, gathering heroes, would allow him to meet more top figures and overseas wonders, perhaps trade needed resources, inquire about Golden Core opportunity intelligence, even possibly receive Dragon Palace's gifts or guidance. Eastern Sea Dragon Palace was renowned for wealth. Their treasured materials, techniques, and secret arts far exceeded ordinary sect imagination.
But equally, it carried unknown risks. Dragon Palace rules were strict. Guests would be of mixed backgrounds. There would inevitably be hidden struggles. As a lone human cultivator from Cleanness Void Sect, in Dragon Palace, he must proceed carefully.
Go, or not go?
Xiaoqi's gaze flickered. He quickly weighed options. Returning to Cleanness Void Sect for closed-door Golden Core cultivation, though safe. But a feast of this magnitude—missing it would truly be (regrettable). Moreover, he had a premonition that perhaps his final opportunity for forming a Golden Core wasn't within Cleanness Void Sect's walls, but in that vast, unknown Eastern Sea!
"Reply to the Dragon Palace messenger," Xiaoqi raised his head, looking at the hovering crystal conch. His voice was clear and steady: "Tang Xiaoqi, honored by His Majesty's generosity, will certainly attend on time."
That crystal conch seemed to understand Xiaoqi's words. Its spiritual light flashed, transmitting a pleased fluctuation. Then it transformed again into a sapphire stream of light, like when it came, vanishing instantly into the horizon to report back to the Dragon Palace.
"Brother Little Seven, are we really going to the Dragon Palace?" Zhao Tiezhu asked, both excited and somewhat anxious.
"Yes." Xiaoqi nodded, looking at the luxurious Dragon Palace invitation in his hand. His gaze gradually became firm: "Eastern Sea Dragon Palace, we must go. However, before that, we need to return to the sect first."
He needed to report the conference gains and Dragon Palace invitation to the Sect Leader, also make some necessary preparations. The Dragon Palace trip was absolutely not a simple feast attendance. He must go in optimal condition.
The flight artifact adjusted direction, continuing toward Cleanness Void Sect. But Xiaoqi's heart had already drifted toward that turbulent, mysterious eastern sea. A brand new, opportunity and challenge-filled journey was about to unfold.