Cultivating Immortality, Starting from Childhood Sweethearts-Chapter 414 - I’ll Wait.

After all the guests left the great hall, they looked at each other, hesitating—should they follow or not?

They knew something must have happened in the Dragon Palace.

And it had to be something significant.

Although the Dragon Empress’s expression remained calm, if it were just a minor issue, why would she personally take action? This could only mean that it was a situation beyond others’ ability to handle—one that required the Dragon Empress herself to resolve.

If they followed now, perhaps they could lend a hand and, in doing so, strengthen their ties with the North Sea Dragon Palace.

They might even receive a reward.

The North Sea Dragon Empress was well known for her generosity, and with the vast treasures of the North Sea, even the smallest reward would make this trip immensely worthwhile.

But at the same time, they couldn’t help but worry.

This was clearly no simple matter. If they rushed in to help and ended up losing their lives, then what?

No amount of treasure would be of any use if they were dead—even if they were given a divine weapon, it wouldn’t matter.

Xu Ming glanced to the side and asked Ao Yin’er, “Huh? Where’s your brother?”

“Hm?” Ao Yin’er also looked around, blinking. “Yeah... where’s my brother?”

She was dumbfounded.

Hadn’t her brother been here just moments ago?

How had he suddenly disappeared?

And at such a critical moment—if something happened to him, what would they do?

Xu Ming frowned and said to Ao Yin’er, “Miss Ao, stay right here and don’t move. I’ll go check things out.”

“Xu Ming, I’ll go with you! If something’s happening, I want to help Grand-Aunt.”

Ao Yin’er spoke earnestly, sincerity shining in her eyes.

Though the North Sea Dragon Empress and the Eastern Sea weren’t particularly close, and this was her first time meeting this esteemed grand-aunt, they were still of the same kind. If one side was in trouble, she felt it was only right to help, rather than stand idly by.

“This foolish girl... She has no idea what’s really happening.” Xu Ming sighed inwardly.

He spoke to her in a serious tone.

“You can’t help. The best thing you can do right now is stay here.”

It seemed Ao Jin had deliberately kept her in the dark—probably to protect her.

But even so, did they really think the Dragon Empress would let them go just because their plan succeeded?

“...Are you sure you don’t need me?” Ao Yin’er blinked her bright eyes. “Xu Ming, don’t underestimate me! I’m actually quite strong.”

“I know you are, Miss Ao. But this is different. Just stay put.”

Xu Ming looked her straight in the eye, his expression solemn.

“Miss Ao, I’ll say this again. What happens next may be completely beyond your expectations. It might even affect you personally. What you need to do right now is stay right here. Okay?”

Ao Yin’er saw the seriousness in his face and nodded firmly.

“Alright, Xu Ming... I’ll listen to you.”

“Good. I’ll be back soon.”

Without hesitation, Xu Ming flew off in the direction the Dragon Empress had gone.

He was the first to leave the palace.

Zhu Cici naturally followed right behind him.

Seeing their leading envoy fly off, the other members of White Deer Academy quickly followed suit.

Then, more and more people stopped hesitating and took flight as well.

After all, there was no harm in taking a look. If things looked too dangerous, they could always retreat. But if the situation was manageable, they might be able to lend a hand and earn the favor of the North Sea Dragon Palace.

Besides, if everyone else went except them, it would be hard to explain.

Even if no one said anything, they would surely hold it against them. And if their own emperor found out, they’d be in serious trouble—the scolding they’d get upon returning would be unbearable!

When they arrived above Coral Mountain, they were met with a scene none of them had expected.

Above the mountain, the true Dragon King’s Soar hovered in the sky.

Illusions of true dragons were bound and restrained.

At the peak of Coral Mountain, a man stood tall.

Beside him, a formation glowed faintly, and within it, a dagger was firmly embedded.

Golden light continuously flowed from Dragon King’s Soar into the dagger, as if being siphoned away.

The Dragon Empress did nothing. She simply watched the unfolding scene with calm, unwavering eyes.

“Xuanlong Dagger... Are you from End Mountain?” The Dragon Empress gazed at the man standing atop Coral Mountain.

The man cupped his hands in greeting. “Long Hai of End Mountain greets Your Majesty. It is said that Your Majesty is as beautiful as an immortal. Seeing you today, I find the rumors to be an understatement.”

“Does End Mountain truly understand what this act means?” the Dragon Empress asked, her tone hovering between inquiry and threat.

Long Hai straightened his back, smiling. “Of course, which is why we even brought along one of your relatives.”

The Dragon Empress tilted her head slightly. “That brat Ao Zhi... has he gone mad for Dragon King’s Soar?”

“Quite the opposite. The Eastern Sea Dragon King has simply made the most rational choice,” Long Hai said, his expression filled with confidence. “And as for Dragon King’s Soar—I’ll be taking it with me today.”

“Heh.” The Dragon Empress looked at him with an eerie calm. “With just you?”

“With just me.”

As his words fell, Long Hai shifted his gaze to the dagger, raising his palm and striking it with a surge of spiritual energy.

“ROARRR!”

The dragon phantoms in the sky howled in agony.

One by one, their golden eyes turned pitch black.

Then, they charged at the Dragon Empress.

Spiritual energy swirled, churning the ocean currents and lifting the hem of her gown.

Her black-and-gold dress clung tightly to her figure, accentuating her graceful silhouette.

Yet, she showed not a trace of fear.

She simply took a single step forward.

—With that step, one dragon phantom exploded into countless motes of spiritual light.

—With the second, Dragon King’s Soar trembled violently, as if struck by the mighty fist of a giant.

—With the third, Coral Mountain cracked from top to bottom, seemingly on the verge of complete collapse.

The Dragon Empress was not just one of the ten strongest in the world.

Here, within a thousand-mile radius of the North Sea Dragon Palace, as long as she stood her ground, she was nothing short of a divine presence.

Even a cultivator at the Ascension Realm would have to think twice before daring to withstand her dragon’s might.

As she took her fourth step forward—

Long Hai coughed up blood.

He wiped his mouth, still smiling. “Your Majesty is indeed formidable. But do you truly believe raw strength alone can stop us?”

The Dragon Empress tilted her head again, looking at him as if he were an insignificant insect.

“Isn’t it just two little fish?” She smirked. “I’ll wait.”