Chapter 114: Shifts on All Sides (2)

Wang Yuanfeng withdrew his consciousness into his spiritual platform, locating that wisp of violet aura of humanity. He attempted to command it, but it remained motionless and even exhibited a subtle resistance. He found the presence of any living entity within his body intolerable, and since this violet aura had clearly developed a faint consciousness, it could not be allowed to remain.

His expression darkened. The greatest taboo for a cultivator was to harbor an uncontrollable element within their own body. The ultimate goal of cultivation was to seize total sovereignty over one’s own vessel, reaching the state where one’s fate is determined by oneself rather than the heavens.

The path Wang Yuanfeng practiced demanded absolute purity; he could not tolerate foreign objects lurking within him. To have something burrow into his body was akin to having his vital points held by another. He guarded his spiritual platform tightly and channeled his sword energy to surround the wisp of violet aura. Sensing the lethality of the sword energy, the aura trembled in fear.

Upon closer inspection, Wang Yuanfeng discerned a miniature map of the Great Liang Dynasty within the aura, and realization dawned on him. The fortune of a nation is derived from its people; through their reverence for the dynasty, their collective thoughts had gradually infused the aura, granting it a rudimentary consciousness—a consciousness composed of the joys, sorrows, and desires of the masses.

While these thoughts were a form of energy, they were useless to him; it was better to destroy them. He crushed the wisp of violet aura with his sword energy, extinguishing the embedded thoughts. What remained was a pure, raw essence of fortune. When he tested it again, it no longer resisted, responding as naturally as his own limb.

After a few trials, he guided the purified essence out of his spiritual platform and drew his three-foot blade. He infused the essence into the sword, which began to emit a steady violet glow. The cold, sharp steel took on an air of nobility, appearing truly like an emperor among blades.

Kang Jinlong watched in astonishment, surprised that Wang Yuanfeng would be so willing to expend such a rare wisp of aura. He himself would have gone to great lengths to cleanse the chaotic thoughts from such a treasure to gain insight into the laws of humanity. Instead, Wang Yuanfeng had stripped it down to use purely as a weapon enhancement. Still, he offered his praise: "Congratulations, Divine Master. With such a sacred artifact of humanity, this is truly a cause for celebration."

"A sacred artifact of humanity?" Wang Yuanfeng mused. Indeed, it fit. This blade, imbued with the fortune of the Great Liang Dynasty, acted much like the wild dog teeth Li Hualong had mentioned—stained with human fortune, it possessed an inherent power to suppress the human race.

His personal sword was meant for protection, nurtured by vital energy and tempered by sword intent, but it was primarily for slaying enemies. With the addition of this violet aura, its nature had shifted; as long as the Great Liang Dynasty remained, he could use this blade to erode its fortune or bypass it entirely to strike down his foes.

He performed a flourish with the sword and nodded in satisfaction. "A sacred artifact of humanity, indeed. As long as the Great Liang Dynasty stands, it will be quite effective."

He sheathed the sword and turned to the dragon. "Let us continue. How much longer until we reach the Dongting Lake water palace?"

"At our current pace, we shall arrive in an hour," Kang Jinlong replied after a moment’s thought.

"Good. Let us head there." Wang Yuanfeng submerged his body into the water, speeding along the subterranean river. Kang Jinlong transformed into a golden dragon, trailing behind him like a waving ribbon of color.

At the Dongting Lake water palace, the usual bustle of shrimp soldiers and crab generals had faded, leaving the place feeling desolate. However, on a nearby island that had risen from the waters, the scene was one of festive celebration. The island was adorned with lanterns and streamers, packed with countless aquatic soldiers. This was the residence of the Dongting Lake Dragon King—known to his peers as the Dragon Lord—who was currently hosting a grand banquet to choose a son-in-law.

For decades, the Dragon King had held such a ceremony every year to marry off a daughter. It was rumored that last year’s was the final one, yet today, another had appeared—supposedly a goddaughter.

Inside a grand hall on Dragon God Island, the various rebellious kings who had come to attend the banquet looked uneasy. Given the heavy security and the fact that they were forbidden from leaving, it was clear this was no simple matchmaking event; it was a confinement. The atmosphere in the hall was suffocatingly quiet.

Some, refusing to accept their fate, attempted to curry favor with the guards, but the shrimp and crab soldiers, usually courteous, now ignored them entirely. If anyone tried to leave, they were met with drawn blades. The sight of uncleaned corpses outside the doors kept the rest of the rebellious kings frozen in their seats.

In a separate palace on the island, the Dragon King sat on his throne, his aquatic subordinates gathered below. A creature with a crab’s head entered, knelt, and reported, "Reporting to the Dragon Lord, all the visiting rebellious kings have been escorted into the hall. A few resisted and have been executed on the spot."

"Good." The Dragon Lord, clad in black, struck the armrest of his throne in delight. He had waited for this day for a long time. Once today was over, he would unify the Dongting Lake, solidify his status as the true Dragon King, and never again fear losing his divine position.

He nodded at the crab-headed creature. "You have performed a great service. Once this is complete, I shall reward you accordingly."

"Thank you, Dragon Lord!" the creature cried, kowtowing repeatedly.

The surrounding aquatic demons cheered in unison, "The Dragon Lord is brilliant!"

The Dragon King laughed, feeling invincible. Once the lake was unified, he would ascend to his true throne and no longer need to scramble to stabilize his divine rank.

"Pfft!"

Suddenly, the Dragon King spat out a mouthful of blood. His face turned deathly pale, and he slumped against his chair as if all his strength had been drained away.

"Dragon Lord, what has happened?" a fish-headed creature asked in alarm.

"Something is wrong! Why is the Dragon Lord injured?"

"Indeed, was he not perfectly fine just a moment ago?"

The demons clamored, rising to their feet. The Dragon Lord forced himself to wave a hand, gasping for breath. "It is nothing. I was overcome with joy and suffered a momentary lapse in my cultivation. A brief rest will suffice."

The demons returned to their seats, though a few—led by a crocodile spirit known for his ferocity and history of bloodshed—watched the Dragon Lord with suspicion, their bodies tensed for battle.

As his strength slowly returned, the Dragon King cast a cold, mocking glance at those who had not yet sat down. Feeling his gaze like a chill from the depths of the ice, the crocodile spirit sighed, realizing he was still no match for the Dragon Lord, and returned to his seat. The others followed suit.