Just as Ao Qing learned of the arrival of several Dragon Kings, outside the Eastern Sea Dragon Palace, more than a dozen figures in golden robes and dragon crowns paced about nervously, their expressions filled with anxious anticipation.
"Excuse me, but… has the Dragon King agreed to meet with us?"
The leader, wearing an ornate dragon crown, cautiously stepped forward and asked a shrimp soldier respectfully. This was none other than the Dragon King of the Yellow River—though he bore the title of "Dragon King," he was in truth a flood dragon, not a true dragon. Like him, most of the other "Dragon Kings" present were also flood dragons.
"Yes, has the Dragon King agreed to receive us yet?" another Dragon King added, his tone slightly desperate.
In truth, all these Dragon Kings had come for the same reason—to pledge allegiance to Ao Qing.
Their lives in the mortal realm had been nothing short of miserable. Under the harsh rule of the Water Virtue Star Lord and Fire Virtue Star Lord, even a small mistake in rainfall allocation could lead to beheadings. When word spread that Ao Qing had led the Eastern Sea Dragon Clan to an awe-inspiring resurgence, their hope ignited.
After all, they were dragonkind too—how could they willingly remain subjugated, their lives dictated by celestial bureaucrats?
"Please don't worry, honored Dragon Kings. His Majesty the Dragon King will be out shortly!" the shrimp soldier replied, bowing.
Only then did the group of Dragon Kings breathe a sigh of relief, excitement flickering in their eyes.
Even before they had entered, they had already seen how much the Shores of the Four Seas had transformed under Ao Qing's rule. Many of the shrimp soldiers and crab generals now possessed strength on par with heavenly troops—it was hard not to be impressed.
Just then, a calm voice echoed forth:
"To think that such esteemed Dragon Kings would grace us with their presence—my apologies for the wait. His Majesty has already prepared a banquet. Please, follow me."
The speaker was none other than Prime Minister Turtle, who gestured graciously to invite them in.
Without hesitation, the Dragon Kings followed him into the majestic Eastern Sea Dragon Palace. While its grandeur from the outside had already awed them, entering the palace left them truly speechless—opulent coral, glowing gems, and spiritual energy so thick it was almost visible.
Soon, dragon maids began to present an array of exotic dishes and delicacies.
After a brief pause, the Dragon Kings slowly took their seats.
Then, accompanied by several graceful dragon maids, Ao Qing finally appeared—his every step calm yet regal, a faint smile on his lips. The moment the Dragon Kings laid eyes on him, they stood at attention, their eyes filled with reverence.
Though they were all Dragon Kings in name, they could feel it clearly: the sheer power of Ao Qing's dragon might was suffocating, unfathomably vast.
This was the kind of monarch that could lead the Dragon Clan to a new golden age.
"I already know why you've come," Ao Qing said calmly, his gaze sweeping across them. "But let's not waste time with formalities. I prefer to be direct."
As he spoke, his system echoed pleasantly in his ear, notifying him of a constant rise in Dragon Clan Fortune.
The Dragon Kings nodded earnestly, waiting respectfully for Ao Qing's decision.
"From today on, any Dragon King willing to pledge allegiance to the Shores of the Four Seas shall be welcomed as one of our own. I will even bestow upon you techniques and governance experience to aid you in managing your domains."
Ao Qing smiled faintly.
There were countless such "Dragon Kings" scattered across the mortal realm—rulers of rivers, lakes, wells, canals. While not all were pure dragons, uniting them under one banner would still be a massive boost in strength… and Dragon Clan Fortune.
Hearing this, the Dragon Kings—who had still harbored some doubt—now sighed in relief. For some reason, upon meeting Ao Qing, they felt a natural desire to submit, a sense of pride in serving under him.
What they didn't know was that after evolving into a Violet-Gold Eight-Clawed Mutant Dragon, Ao Qing now radiated a natural dominance over dragonkind, exerting an instinctual command presence that made loyalty almost automatic.
"Long live the Dragon King! May he unify the Three Realms!"
"Long live the Dragon King! May he unify the Three Realms!"
"Long live the Dragon King! May he unify the Three Realms!"
…
A sudden outburst from one Dragon King sparked a wave of loyal cries—one after another, the rest rose to their feet, their blood boiling with excitement.
Ding!
"Congratulations! Yellow River Dragon King's loyalty has increased to 100!"
"Congratulations! Tao River Dragon King's loyalty has increased to 100!"
"Congratulations! Yue River Dragon King's loyalty has increased to 100!"
"Congratulations! Quicksand River Dragon King's loyalty has increased to 100!"
As the notifications rang in his ear, Ao Qing was stunned—then thrilled.
"Sure enough, after evolving into the Eight-Clawed Mutant Dragon, my commanding aura has improved drastically. A few words and they're all loyal to the core!"
"Congratulations! Your Dragon Clan Fortune has increased by 1!"
"Congratulations! Your Dragon Clan Fortune has increased by 1!"
"Congratulations! Your Dragon Clan Fortune has increased by 1!"
…
"Congratulations! Your national rating has increased to C-Rank!"
The succession of alerts brought a surge of joy to Ao Qing's heart. He hadn't brought these Dragon Kings in for nothing.
"Hahahaha! Fear not, my fellow Dragon Kings. Under this monarch's leadership, the Dragon Clan shall rise once again—becoming the mightiest among the myriad races!"
Ao Qing's voice boomed with pride.
Just as he was about to continue speaking, his expression suddenly darkened. He had sensed something—trouble had arrived, sooner than expected.
At that moment, a clear, authoritative voice echoed across the Shores of the Four Seas:
"Ao Qing, Dragon King of the Eastern Sea! You sow chaos across the seas, proclaim yourself king, defy Heaven's will by ignoring rainfall mandates, and dared seize Pangu's essence from Shu Mountain…
Are you preparing to rebel?!
If you turn over the Dragon Kings under your command now, I shall overlook your past transgressions.
But if you refuse… then it shall mean war with the Heavenly Court!"
The Water Virtue Star Lord had arrived.
Want to read ahead: early Chapters on: patreon.com/Zefyrus