The Divine Exorcist Great Saint followed the Dragon Son into the palace, but at this moment, the Dragon Son looked at him somewhat apologetically and said, "Sir, this."

He gestured towards the Yaksha who was still under control.

The Divine Exorcist Great Saint snapped his fingers lightly, and the Yaksha, who had been respectful a moment ago, suddenly came to his senses. He looked at the Dragon Son and the Divine Exorcist Great Saint in front of him and asked fearfully, "What, what have you done to me."

The voice was somewhat desolate, as if it belonged to a girl who had been violated, with such a wronged tone that it was hard to imagine coming from his mouth.

The Dragon Son looked at the terrified Yaksha, a hint of satisfaction flashing across his face. This Yaksha, relying on his seniority, always looked down on them, the Dragon Sons and Dragon Grandchildren, acting high and mighty as if he were something special. Today, however, he had been put in his place.

"With a distinguished guest visiting, you not only failed to meet him with respect but also spoke arrogantly. Now go reflect on your behavior at once!"

The words of the Dragon Son were righteous and filled with just cause, making the usually haughty Yaksha unable to retort, only able to leave the Dragon Palace dejectedly.

To the surprise of the Divine Exorcist Great Saint, he looked at the Dragon Son with a look of appreciation on his face.

"Please forgive the poor manners of this ignorant fool; he’s an old member of the Dragon Palace who, taking pride in his past contributions, always held his head too high, showing disdain for everyone. I hope that you, our esteemed guest, will not be angry with such a person," said the Dragon Son, his words polite and considerate.

"May I ask for the Dragon Son’s name?" he asked with a smile.

"I am the junior Ao Xing."

"Ao Xing, a fine name indeed. It seems the Old Dragon King has quite the remarkable descendant," said the Divine Exorcist Great Saint with a smile.

The two continued on their way, passing through the Crystal Corridor until they arrived in the great hall where the Dragon King was chatting with a guest. Upon seeing the Divine Exorcist Great Saint, he was startled and hurriedly got up to greet him.

"Great Saint’s arrival is an honor. My humble self has failed to welcome you from afar. Please forgive me, forgive me!" Ao Guang was extremely respectful, bowing to the Divine Exorcist Great Saint.

He was well aware of the Divine Exorcist Great Saint’s prowess—the key figure in the destruction of the Demon Court who had infiltrated the Demon Clan for who knows how many years and was an absolute confidant of the Jade Emperor. Some had said that while the strongest power in the Heavenly Court might be debatable, if one asked who was the most trusted by the Jade Emperor, despite the Divine Exorcist’s origins in the Demon Clan, he was indeed the most trusted by the Jade Emperor.

His visit to the Dragon Palace must represent the will of the Jade Emperor, and Ao Guang, with his diplomatic tact, would certainly not easily give others a handle against him.

Seeing such a respectful Ao Guang, the Divine Exorcist felt no joy. He knew the Eastern Sea Dragon King, the Dragon Clan’s Clan Leader, all too well. This was a true opportunist who would not take action without seeing a benefit.

Despite his respectful facade, if his interests were touched, he would turn his face faster than anyone else.

"It is good the Old Dragon King does not blame me for coming uninvited," said the Divine Exorcist with a smile.

"How could I dare? Please take the seat of honor. Servants, bring the wine quickly!"

No sooner had the Divine Exorcist sat down than he noticed another guest seated not far away. The guest was tall and large, with red hair and beard, and a ferocious dragon horn on his head. He wore a red Dragon Robe, exuding an impressive aura.

"Lord Qiantang!" the Divine Exorcist Great Saint immediately recognized the identity of this member of the Dragon Clan.

"I didn’t expect the Divine Exorcist Great Sage to personally visit the Dragon Palace, quite the rarity!" Lord Qiantang said in a sarcastic tone.

Within the Three Realms, many people do not have a high opinion of the Divine Exorcist Great Sage, especially in an era that despises such espionage and infiltration. Moreover, as a legitimate member of the Demon Clan, he defected to the Jade Emperor, causing the downfall of the Demon Court.

As a result, many view him as a traitor, but the Divine Exorcist Great Sage doesn’t care about this at all. He is a figure who operates in the shadows, and criticism follows him like a shadow.

"I also didn’t expect to meet Lord Qiantang here," the Divine Exorcist Great Sage said indifferently.

To speak of Lord Qiantang and his relationship with the Heavenly Court is somewhat complicated. He is a Water God from Ancient Times, the Dragon Lord of the Qiantang River. In the age before the existence of the Heavenly Court, he was amongst the earliest divine spirits to utilize the Power of Faith.

After the Heavenly Court was established and started to consolidate the faith from all around, the Dragon Clan pledged their allegiance to it. However, the volatile Lord Qiantang refused to join the Heavenly Court, thus becoming estranged from the Dragon Clan.

The Heavenly Court even tried to reclaim the Dragon Lord’s authority. But Lord Qiantang, being an ancient god armed with the Power of Faith, was not someone the common rabble could deal with.

It was only after Great Emperor Zhen Wu stepped in to mediate, that a title was conferred to Lord Qiantang, a tacit understanding established. In reality, they went their separate ways. With such a history, it is understandable why Lord Qiantang holds such an attitude towards the Heavenly Court.

"Both of you are honored guests of the Eastern Sea, I urge you to enjoy some fine liquor. This is a marvelous drink I’ve collected from the Mortal World, splendid in flavor."

Seeing that the atmosphere was becoming somewhat tense, Ao Guang quickly spoke up to ease the situation. Both guests had immense divine skills, and if a fight broke out in the Dragon Palace, his Crystal Palace would bear the brunt of it.

At this, Lord Qiantang just smiled and drained the fine drink in his hand, saying, "The liquor is indeed fine, only I fear that someone today might not be in the mood to drink!"

After finishing, he looked at the Divine Exorcist Great Sage with a provocative gaze, as if wishing for the other party to rise to the bait and start a fight.

The Divine Exorcist Great Sage was completely unfazed. Far from the juvenile conduct of Lord Qiantang, he simply smiled and nodded to Ao Guang, "Old Dragon King, your liquor is indeed exquisite. I had not expected that the Mortal World could possess such fine wine, almost comparable to Jade Liquor."

"Haha, Great Sage, you flatter me. This old dragon has no lofty ambitions, I simply savor this indulgence in life. I’ve spent quite some effort to collect such fine wine and enjoy a small drink when idle."

"Oh my, Dragon King, your life seems truly comfortable. Unlike His Majesty, who has been quite troubled lately," said the Divine Exorcist Great Sage, his tone shifting as he intensely stared at Ao Guang.

Ao Guang’s smile immediately stiffened, a trace of solemnity flashing across his eyes before he forced a laugh, "His Majesty is the Master of the Three Realms, burdened with the hopes of the common people, not something that can be compared to simpletons like us."

"Indeed, only us ministers can understand His Majesty’s hardships. I’ve heard a saying in the Mortal World: ’To share the sovereign’s worries.’ I wonder if the Old Dragon King shares this sentiment?"

Seeing the Divine Exorcist Great Sage’s hidden meaning revealing itself, Ao Guang’s expression grew solemn, and after a long pause, he said somberly, "To share the sovereign’s worries is indeed our duty, but I, as a little dragon, have more heart than power."

"Enough with the chatter, if you, Husun, have something to say, state it plainly. Isn’t the Jade Emperor the one who holds sway over the Three Realms, whose single word can determine the rise and fall of all under heaven? Why does he now need the help of others?" Lord Qiantang stated, his tone laced with mockery.

Ao Guang might fear the Heavenly Court, but Lord Qiantang certainly didn’t. Alone and without even a Dragon Palace, the Heavenly Court had no way to deal with him.

The gaze of the Divine Exorcist Great Sage deepened as he continued to fix his eyes on Ao Guang.