Chapter 181: Paimon: So Furious! I Want to See Dan Heng Deal With Those Dragon Masters!

Rune Continent—

Zaun.

"For something like this, shouldn't we ask Bailu herself?" Jinx said with a cold smile, "The way this Dragon Sovereign acts… really is a joke."

Xierke gently swayed the amber liquor in his hand, his mechanical eye reflecting the ice cubes in the cup, while Zaun's mist‑shrouded "sky" loomed.

"Power is like this drink; the Dragon Sovereign's empty grip is just the ice—pretty to look at…" Xierke raised his cup, took a sip, and murmured as if savoring, "…what truly intoxicates is what's inside."

"Without power, she's merely a doll for others to toy with. Those who bow to her respect not her, but the words 'Dragon Sovereign.'"

Jinx tilted her head, idly flicking her braid that was as long as a person, "But I guess those Dragon Masters now really don't want to see Dan Heng. The current Dan Heng could just wiggle a finger—"

Mid‑sentence, her violet eyes flashed, both hands thrust upward, "—and blast all the sea water of the Scale Abyss Realm into the sky! Hahaha! Dan Heng could give those Dragon Masters a 'surprise' anytime, anywhere!"

"Indeed, when the Dragon Sovereign's empty grip turns into real power, that's hardly a good outcome for those power‑hungry Dragon Masters."

——

"Speaking of Bailu, Huanxi's eyes showed a hint of sorrow. Since being chosen as a Shinü twelve years ago, she's witnessed countless escapes by Bailu, and countless unwilling recaptures."

"In her view, although Bailu holds the lofty title of Dragon Sovereign, she's shackled by that empty grip, heavily restrained, far less happy than an ordinary Celestial Boat child."

"Thus, she daringly hopes Dan Heng will consider Bailu's welfare."

"Having said that, Huanxi took her leave, leaving only Dan Heng and Xing, who stared at each other in puzzlement."

"Dan Heng stated that the power he now wields comes from Dan Feng; he is the chief culprit who altered the Dragon Sovereign's inheritance without permission. According to the Chi Ming reincarnation cycle's physiology, Dan Heng's sins from his previous life should have been erased, yet in reality he has been detained in the Shadow Prison since birth, and even if later released, the blade follows him like a murderous spoon, ever present."

"Therefore, he plans to trade the restoration of the Jianmu seal for a meeting with the Dragon Sovereign, to see what can be done."

"But they didn't expect that just as they were about to board the star‑sail, a Chi Ming Danist blocked their path."

"The Danist's aura was fierce; he claimed to offer a 'counsel,' yet his tone was far from kind: 'I advise you to leave this place of trouble at once. Return to being a nameless wanderer, and stop stirring the murky waters of the Dragon Sovereign's inheritance.'"

"Luofu's Chi Ming has barely recovered from Dan Feng's sins, and now has a benevolent Dragon Sovereign like Bailu. Your return, however, does nothing to help the situation; instead it fuels the Dragon Masters' ambitions for power."

"I have no intention of undermining Bailu's position," Dan Heng said coldly.

"Even if you have a clear conscience, as long as you remain in Luofu, you'll be bound by countless unseen forces. Leaving is the best choice for everyone."

——

Teyvat.

"Wow, this person really makes me angry!"

Paimon planted both hands on her hips, her face puffed up with anger: "Why does he adopt a blaming, warning tone toward Dan Heng? And say it's… of no help? If Dan Heng weren't on the Celestial Boat, the whole Luofu might have become a phantom in his grasp, right?"

"As a Danist of the Dan Ding Si, surviving this crisis, he should be the one grateful to Dan Heng, right?!"

"Alright, Paimon, calm down," Ying smiled faintly, "Dan Heng isn't so easily persuaded to walk away. Moreover, although his words are harsh, at least he harbors no malice."

"Fine, I acted impulsively just now… lumping him together with those Chi Ming Dragon Masters."

Paimon scratched her head sheepishly: "But come to think of it, aren't the Chi Ming Dragon Masters a bit too wicked? They deny Bailu freedom, manipulate and use her, just like… um… the selfish old men in light‑novel clans! Yes! Exactly that image!"

"I really want to see Dan Heng clean them up! Though unlikely… I still really want to see it!"

——

"After that person finished speaking, they left, and Dan Heng and Xing smoothly boarded the star‑sail to the Dan Ding Si, where they immediately encountered an old acquaintance… General Jing Yuan."

"Although his injuries have largely healed, the general is officially still in a recuperation phase… though it's possible he's just slacking off, dumping all the work onto some pink‑haired dwarf."

"After a warm greeting, Dan Heng looked puzzled: 'General, are you also here to persuade me to give up meeting the Dragon Sovereign?'"

"Hehe, what does that have to do with me? I'm being tended by the Dragon Lady, recuperating at the Dan Ding Si, and happened to run into you two," Jing Yuan said, curious about Dan Heng's tone, "Since you ask, it seems someone has already crossed paths with you before departure?"

"Indeed, not just one wave; each has their own agenda," Xing said, one hand on hip.

"Since it concerns the rise and fall of the Chi Ming Clan, those with ambition naturally stir thoughts to influence it. Dan Feng does so, the Dragon Masters do so, and the Dan Ding Si that cultivates the Dragon Lady is no different."

"Dan Heng's gaze suddenly sharpened: 'General, while you recuperate here, you're clearly aware of who we've met.'"

"Facing Dan Heng's probing, Jing Yuan only gave a meaning‑laden smile, neither answering nor speaking, but indicating he could consider those people's intentions."

"When the topic turned to the Chi Ming elders seeking a new Dragon Sovereign, Jing Yuan calmly explained, 'Hehe, the power struggle between Dragon Masters and the Dragon Sovereign has persisted since antiquity. With Dan Feng's current tenure, his dominance has completely freed him from the elders' restraints, making them dare to be angry but not speak.'"

"Originally the elders had a say in the Dragon Sovereign's succession, but unexpectedly Dan Feng chose his own candidate; the fact is settled, and they can only accept this outcome."

"Now Dan Heng returns, and the elders see another opportunity—how could they let it slip?"

——

Death God—

"This Dan Feng… is quite assertive," Jing Le Chunshui lightly lifted the brim of his conical hat, "But his autocratic style is a mixed bag; if the Chi Ming Clan needs a dramatic upheaval, he's the kind to step forward."

Jing Le Chunshui lounged casually by a column, a pot of warm sake swaying in his hand, and handed a cup to Xiangri Banti Dongshi, "Care to join? Serious topics are best discussed over drinks."

"Forget it, I still have training later," Xiangri Banti Dongshi crossed his arms and snorted, "Besides, you aren't trying to hint at yourself, are you? You don't look like someone adept at change."

"Haha, I lack Dan Feng's assertiveness, and I don't have that kind of resolve like Lord Yamamoto…" Jing Le Chunshui smiled faintly, "My job now is far easier than theirs; I just need to keep the Spirit Realm and the mortal world in order."