The feast disturbance, like a stone dropped into a calm lake, though ripples gradually settled, left indelible marks in all guests' hearts. The hall's mess was quickly cleaned by Dragon Palace attendants. Broken tables replaced with new ones. Spilled nectar and spirit fruits replaced with even more precious ones. Fairy music again played ethereally, attempting to recreate a festive, peaceful atmosphere.
However, the faint tension in the air and lingering shock and scrutiny in guests' eyes signaled something had already changed. Representatives of various powers exchanged knowing glances, all guessing which force was so bold as to act during the Dragon Palace longevity celebration and what their purpose was.
Dragon King Ao Guang (still) sat on the Nine Dragon Throne, expressioncalm (calm) like an ancient well, as if the earlier chaos was merely an unimportant interlude. But his profound gaze occasionally sweeping certain hall areas brought invisible, terrifying pressure.
The feast continued, but the atmosphere was less lively than before. Many guests seemed distracted.
Xiaoqi returned to his seating. Zhao Tiezhu immediately approached, whispering with lingering fear: "Little Seven brother, that was too close! Are you okay? That light technique of yours was really (awesome)!" He also wanted to rush forward just now but was held back by Pang Hong. After all, that level of uncanny attack wasn't something his brute strength could handle.
The rabbit spirit also hopped back onto Xiaoqi's shoulder, rubbing its little head against his cheek, seemingly comforting.
Xiaoqi shook his head, indicating he was fine. His heart also pondered those uncanny shadows and controlled guests. That pure resentment and sinister aura made him vaguely uneasy, seeming not ordinary cultivation force methods.
Just as he pondered, a Dragon Palace inner official in silver official robe, aura steady, quietly came to his seating, bowing and whispering: "Daoist Tang Xiaoqi, His Majesty invites you. Please follow me."
The Dragon King summons?
Xiaoqi's heart stirred, face calm. He instructed Zhao Tiezhu to wait, then rose and followed the official. This scene naturally caught many (observant people)'s eyes, drawing many guesses and envious gazes.
Guided by the official through several tightly guarded corridors, Xiaoqi arrived at a side hall. The hall was elegantly arranged, burning calming dragon amber incense. Unlike the Dragon Hall's ultimate luxury, this place was more tranquil.
Eastern Sea Dragon King Ao Guang, at this moment, stood with hands behind his back before the window, gazing at the undersea starry sky scene simulated by formations outside. Hearing footsteps, he slowly turned.
Without the Dragon Hall's suffocating dignity and distance, at this moment the Dragon King more resembled a (elegant), unfathomable elder. But his gaze (still) profound, as if able to pierce (human hearts).
"Junior Tang Xiaoqi pays respects to Your Majesty the Dragon King." Xiaoqi bowed, neither servile nor haughty.
Ao Guang slightly nodded. His gaze on Xiaoqi carried scrutiny, and undisguised appreciation: "Just now in the hall, your reaction was swift, your action decisive. That purification of evil technique was quite wondrous. Young yet to have such heart and strength, rare."
"Your Majesty overpraises. The junior merely happened upon the situation, did my meager part." Xiaoqi said modestly.
"No need for false modesty." The Dragon King waved his hand. "Third at the Heavenly Axis Ask-the-Heavens Conference, comprehended sword aura at Foundation Establishment realm, superb movement technique, also cultivate body, plus this purification evil art... Tang Xiaoqi, your potential far exceeds ordinary so-called talents."
His words were plain, yet seemed to have investigated Xiaoqi's background thoroughly. Clearly he had done detailed research before summoning him.
Xiaoqi's heart tightened slightly, face still calm: "The junior is unworthy, the cultivation path still needs polishing and forging ahead."
The Dragon King grew more satisfied with his composure. After contemplation, he said: "You acted to help during Dragon Palace's crisis. Though unintentional, it counts as merit. I always reward and punish clearly."
Saying this, he turned his palm over. In his palm appeared a scale roughly baby-palm-sized, dark gold colored, edges flowing with faint bloody light. This scale's shape slightly different from his own dragon scales—more thick, curve sharper, emanating restrained yet extremely tough (mighty) aura, faintly carrying a trace of tragic and resolute artistic conception.
"This is a protective talisman refined from one of my shed 'reverse scales' from my early years." The Dragon King extended the scale to Xiaoqi. "Dragons have reverse scales—touch them and they rage. This scale contains a trace of my origin dragon might and guardian will. Once activated, it can automatically protect its master, sufficient to withstand a full strike from an Nascent Soul early stage cultivator. I give it to you for unexpected emergencies."
Reverse Scale Protective Talisman! Withstand Nascent Soul early stage full strike!
Xiaoqi's heart shook! This was a true treasure for preserving life! Its value even exceeded that peak-grade spirit artifact Xuan Gui Shield! Nascent Soul and Golden Core were worlds apart. Treasures able to withstand Nascent Soul attacks were all rare treasures! The Dragon King's reward was extremely generous!
He respectfully received with both hands that still-warm reverse scale protective talisman. He could clearly feel the terrifying power and that trace of guardian will within, bowed: "Many thanks for Your Majesty's generous gift! The junior will not disappoint this treasure, walk the righteous path, guard the original heart."
"Good." The Dragon King nodded, then said: "Additionally, I specially permit you to read for one day in Dragon Palace's 'Vast Sea Pavilion' library. The pavilion houses Dragon Palace's collected texts over the years—classics, travelogues, (miscellaneous studies), even some ancient fragments—which may benefit your cultivation."
Vast Sea Pavilion! Dragon Palace library!
Xiaoqi's eyes flashed with joy again. Dragon Palace's heritage was long. Its collection's richness probably second only to those top-tier sacred sect lineages. Being able to read there for one day, even just browsing part, would immensely help him broaden horizons, consolidate foundation, even find Golden Core opportunity!
This wasn't merely reward, but cultivation and investment! The Dragon King clearly thought highly of his future.
"The junior deeply thanks Your Majesty!" Xiaoqi bowed deeply again. This recognition and opportunity, he would remember.
The Dragon King looked at him, gaze profound: "The cultivation world appears peaceful, yet undercurrents surge. Today's matter was absolutely not accidental. Your potential is huge. Your future road will have many hardships. Conduct yourself well."
Saying this, he waved his hand, indicating Xiaoqi could withdraw.
Xiaoqi held that heavy reverse scale protective talisman,arms (with surging) emotions, exited the side hall. He knew the Dragon King's recognition and these two generous gifts would provide tremendous help for his upcoming cultivation path. But simultaneously, the Dragon King's last meaningful words let him feel invisible pressure and responsibility.
Storm seemed gathering. And he was already within it.