Chapter 121: The Millennium Turtle

The Prime Minister Turtle gestured for Wang Yuanfeng and Jin Long to follow, saying, "Please."

Wang Yuanfeng nodded. The Prime Minister led the way, with Wang and Jin following. Although their pace was measured, it was quick enough to depart the Water Mansion before the shrimp soldiers and crab generals could arrive.

The Dragon Lord’s consolidation of power was now a foregone conclusion. Wang Yuanfeng’s goal was simply to allow the dragon veins of Dongting Lake to return to their natural state. Once the southern provinces were pacified, the general situation would be settled; as for what the Dragon Lord chose to do thereafter, Wang did not care, provided it did not interfere with his own path.

Not far from the Water Mansion, they reached a small cave. The Prime Minister stopped and said, "We have arrived. This is my humble abode."

He walked inside. Jin Long hesitated at the entrance, wary of traps. To enter was to entrust his safety entirely to another. He remained rooted to the spot.

"What is the matter, Jin Long?" Wang Yuanfeng asked.

Jin Long whispered, "Divine One, is it truly wise for us to enter?"

Wang Yuanfeng chuckled softly. "How could it be unwise? When I struck him earlier, although he appeared to dissipate all the force, some of my Geng-metal energy remains hidden within him, dormant. It will not dissipate for several days."

Jin Long realized then that Wang Yuanfeng had already laid a fail-safe. He felt a surge of admiration, nodded, and led the way into the cave.

Wang Yuanfeng surveyed the surroundings with his spiritual sense. Though close to the Water Mansion, the cave was blessed with a geomantic layout that gathered the vital energy of the lake. While the flows were subtle, their convergence made this place a sanctuary. He found it ironic; every long-lived creature had its own methods, and one capable of hiding such a retreat from the Dragon Lord was indeed clever.

Entering the cave, they were greeted by an aura of profound tranquility. Despite being connected to the lake, the interior was dry and spacious, extending over ten yards. It felt like stepping onto solid land. The air was rich with vitality; one could easily live for a century here without practicing any cultivation.

In a small pavilion, the Prime Minister had already prepared tea. As Jin Long waited, the turtle looked on with quiet pride, reflecting on the centuries of effort he had poured into crafting this sanctuary.

Wang Yuanfeng observed the surroundings before saying, "Sir, your skill is exceptional. To transform this place into such a blessed land—I am impressed."

"Heh," the Prime Minister laughed modestly. "A mere trifle, not worth mentioning." Yet, a glint of pride remained in his eyes. "Please, be seated."

After Wang sat down, he motioned for the solemn Jin Long to do the same. Once they were settled, the Prime Minister awaited their questions. "Is there anything you wish to ask? If I know the answer, I shall speak without reservation."

Though he addressed both, his focus was on Wang Yuanfeng, recognizing the swordsman as the one in command.

Wang Yuanfeng nodded. "I see you dressed as a scholar, carrying a ceremonial tablet, and dwelling within the territory of Dongting Lake. You must hold an office in the Water Mansion. Tell me of your history."

Jin Long finally understood that the object the shrimp soldier had discarded was a ceremonial tablet. He stared at it intently. Wang Yuanfeng, noticing his curiosity, said to the Prime Minister, "Bring out that tablet; I wish to see it."

The Prime Minister hesitated, clearly reluctant to show something intended for the Dragon Lord. Wang Yuanfeng did not urge him, sitting calmly and breathing rhythmically, radiating a sense of ease. Jin Long felt a swell of gratitude, realizing Wang was asking on his behalf.

Realizing that Wang Yuanfeng was not to be trifled with and sensing a potential threat if he refused, the Prime Minister gritted his teeth and handed over the tablet. "This is a report for the Dragon Lord. Please, have a look."

Wang Yuanfeng took it, nodding. "You are most diligent, sir." He scanned the concise, clear report before handing it to Jin Long. "A great talent, indeed."

Seeing Wang’s relaxed expression, the Prime Minister breathed a sigh of relief. He knew he had made the right choice; had he refused, he might not have survived the encounter. Wang Yuanfeng had indeed been testing him; had the turtle shown defiance, Wang would have cut off his vital energy and ensured he would never leave this cave alive.

Wiping away a bead of cold sweat, the Prime Minister began his tale. "I originate from Dongting Lake and have practiced for nearly two thousand years. Yet, my progress has been slow, and I have failed to form a Golden Core. For the past eight hundred years, spanning the previous dynasty and the current one, I have served in this Water Mansion."

He paused, then added, "Perhaps it is because I excel in administration or simply because I have the seniority, but I have held the title of Prime Minister throughout."

"Prime Minister Turtle," Wang Yuanfeng murmured. He found it curious that the role of Prime Minister in dragon palaces always seemed to fall to turtles, just as the legends of his past life had suggested. He had not truly expected to encounter one, but here it was.