Chapter 292: Qiantang Longjun Reveals Hidden Secrets; The Reason Behind the Jade Emperor

Inside the palace.

Lotus lamps stood in rows, casting a bright, luminous glow all around.

Fang Longye sat on a large chair, watching Long Xuan as she made his bed and tidied up his living quarters; he beckoned for her to come over.

The jingle of jade pendants, a subtle, lingering fragrance.

Long Xuan hurriedly set down her work, came before him, knelt on the ground, and looked up at him with her pretty face.

"Master, what is it?"

The corner of Fang Longye's mouth twitched.

He always felt that this little wench didn't seem to have become as obedient as he had imagined.

Look at this posture—her uncle had just given him a show of force, and now she was here acting so humble and subservient toward him. If she said it wasn't intentional, he wouldn't believe it.

"Get up and speak!"

Long Xuan obediently stood up, bowing her body as she looked at him, her gaze not shifting in the slightest.

Fine! Fang Longye rolled his eyes inwardly.

He didn't care whether she was doing it on purpose or if her personality had truly changed into this state.

He opened his mouth to probe for information about Qiantang Longjun: "Why is your uncle imprisoned here?"

"Why didn't you mention it last time? Besides, I have met the Jinghe Dragon King, and I never heard him speak of it either."

Not just the Jinghe Dragon King; even the Huai River Dragon Lord had never mentioned it to him.

Logically speaking, if Qiantang Longjun were imprisoned, even if it didn't spread throughout the Honghuang, it should have been common knowledge among the Dragon Clan long ago.

If not for this, he should have realized long ago that the Dongting Dragon Clan of this world was equivalent to the Dongting Dragon Clan in *Liu Yi Zhuan*.

"Master, please forgive me. This servant concealed it at the time; I ask for your understanding—"

Fang Longye thought about it, and it made sense; back then, the two were enemies, so who would speak heart-to-heart with an enemy? "As for why the other Dragon Lords didn't mention it, it's probably because my uncle has only been punished by the Jade Emperor for a few years—"

In fact, she was saying this to save face for Qiantang Longjun.

She suspected the real reason was that her uncle was naturally hot-tempered and would lose his mind and recognize no kin, having devoured many of his own kind in the past.

This led to him being unpopular.

Limited by the fact that they were all of the same ancestral lineage, while the other Dragon Lords wouldn't go so far as to slander him, they basically ignored him.

Let alone mention him to others—

Seeing Fang Longye's expression soften, Long Xuan poured him a cup of tea and continued: "My uncle, formerly Qiantang Longjun, has always been fierce and brave. Back when the Human Race's Yao Emperor was on the throne, the suffering caused by the floods was indeed due to my uncle's conflict with others..."

"A few years ago, he had a disagreement with a Heavenly General and crushed him under five mountains. The Jade Emperor was furious and punished him for both crimes, sentencing him to death by law, and was about to send troops to capture him. However, my father submitted a memorial to plead for mercy, so the punishment was lightened, and my father was ordered to supervise him."

It seems that to be a transmigrator, one must read more books, Fang Longye couldn't help but sigh after hearing Long Xuan's explanation.

In his past life, he had only understood fragments of *Liu Yi Zhuan* and had not read it word for word; he only remembered that Qiantang Longjun was locked in the Dongting Longgong, but he didn't know the reason very well.

He only remembered it had to do with the nine-year great flood that occurred during the reign of the Human Race's Yao Emperor; he hadn't expected there to be this follow-up.

Hmm, punished for two crimes; that is to say, this Qiantang Longjun flooded the land for nine years during Yao Emperor's reign and nothing happened to him.

Good heavens, what kind of background did that Heavenly General he fought have? He could flood the land for nine years under Yao Emperor and be fine, but just by fighting a Heavenly General, he could actually provoke the Jade Emperor to impose a sentence.

However, putting him under the supervision of his brother, the Dongting Dragon Lord, what difference is that from a slap on the wrist? No wonder *Liu Yi Zhuan* says he broke the Golden Lock as soon as he wanted to. It seems it was just for show.

Damn it—

Fang Longye felt that ever since he came out of that Deep Sea Secret Realm, his every move had been influenced by someone in the dark.

No—

Fang Longye's brow twitched as he thought of the Longbo Giant he encountered in that Secret Realm, who was beyond imagination, and that sigh.

He finally realized where things were wrong.

"Facing that existence above the Daluo Realm, could I really have escaped so easily?"

Even with a Supreme Merit Spiritual Treasure.

Thinking of this, Fang Longye broke out in a cold sweat, his face shifting between shades of pale and dark.

Could it be that his previous decision to explore the Deep Sea Secret Realm was also a decision made under someone's influence? Heavenly Secrets, what a load of crap.

It seems that Heavenly Secrets cannot be fully trusted in the future.

Fang Longye's heart trembled; he finally understood why so many people in this world were bitter in their pursuit of the Daluo Realm.

Because below the Daluo Realm, there is simply no such thing as free will.

A narrow escape?

Thinking back now to the Heavenly Secrets he deduced before entering that Secret Realm.

It's truly laughable.

Yes, it was indeed a narrow escape.

But this "narrow escape" was a narrow escape after someone had interfered. By all logic, what he should have deduced was a sign of certain death.

It was precisely because he deduced it was a narrow escape that he went to this Secret Realm, and then "coincidentally" traveled to Dongting Lake.

"Coincidentally" developed the thought of searching for Xiaoxiang Spotted Bamboo, "coincidentally" arrived at the Xiaoxiang Sect, and "coincidentally" was recognized by Long Xuan.

And Long Xuan, in turn, "coincidentally" stole the precious item, the Dragon Gate, "coincidentally" captured him back, and "coincidentally" all these events occurred.

It really is too damn "coincidental"!

Damn it! Is it worth it? Fang Longye complained endlessly; is it worth going to such great lengths just to force a marriage? If Yinglong Laozu knew his inner thoughts, she would definitely roll her eyes.

She plotted like this, wasn't it because he was too reckless! He didn't know that back when he was cultivating feelings with Yang Chan at Huashan, Yinglong Laozu was already furious.

The causal connection of the marriage between Long Xuan and him was something she had paid a great price to snatch from that group of old antiques.

It was all so that he, the inheritor of Xihuang's legacy, would be completely tied to the Dragon Clan's war chariot.

And he, on the other hand, hooked up with Yang Chan in the blink of an eye—a little rich girl that Yinglong Laozu couldn't afford to offend.

Even though Long Xuan had been designated as his primary wife, she could only settle for being second.

If he were allowed to roam outside for a few more years, who knows what tier Long Xuan would fall into! By then, she would likely be only slightly better off than Yinglong Laozu's status within the Human Race. After all, Fang Longye is, at the very least, of the Dragon Clan.

Even now, Yinglong Laozu is still secretly fuming!

In one fell swoop, the representative of his lineage, Long Xuan, went directly from being "Leizu" to being one of "Ehuang" or "Nvying." Who could remain calm!

Fang Longye is naturally unaware of this; after Long Xuan finished tidying up the bed for him, he pulled the beauty over and went straight to sleep.

During this period, he had been running around, and his nerves had been highly strained all along.

Not long ago, he was caught by this little vixen Long Xuan and retaliated against, and on top of that, he had to face the black face of Qiantang Longjun.

He was already mentally and physically exhausted.

He really needed to get a good sleep.

……

This sleep was sweet and sound, and he had no idea how many wonderful dreams he had. When he woke up again, three days had already passed.

He felt completely refreshed and full of energy.

Originally, Fang Longye intended to take stock and digest his gains from that Deep Sea Secret Realm.

Unexpectedly, someone came to pass on a message, saying that the ancestor was holding a family banquet, intending to preach the Dao and explain the Dharma to everyone, and incidentally to see the two newlyweds.

This left Fang Longye speechless.

Still newlyweds? It made it seem as if they were already married.

Looking at Long Xuan, who was currently helping him dress, she did indeed have the air of a new bride. But the key was, if one were to go by the Human Race's standards, they could be considered to have cohabited without a matchmaker!

After some tidying up, Fang Longye and Long Xuan boarded a carriage and, surrounded by a group of shrimp soldiers and crab generals, Fish Maiden and Clam Woman, Turtle Official and Silver Carp Clerk, headed in one direction.

"Wait—where is this going? Didn't they say the ancestor summoned us?"

Walking through corridors and paths, Fang Longye felt it becoming increasingly familiar, and he couldn't help but ask.

"Brother Fang, the ancestor is holding a family banquet this time; although Uncle is currently under punishment, he must also attend."

Looking at the look of panic revealed in Fang Longye's eyes, Long Xuan secretly snickered—that'll teach you to bully me! She said with a straight face: "Previously, Uncle felt an immediate affinity with you, and he didn't know you were no longer at Qilong Pavilion, so he specifically requested to travel with you."

Fang Longye caught a glimpse of her expression and rolled his eyes. Not even a ghost would believe that.

Didn't know he was no longer at Qilong Pavilion? Who are you kidding! Arranging him at Qilong Pavilion before was clearly intentional, just to arouse his curiosity about Prison Dragon Hall.

No, looking at it now, even this curiosity that felt like a brain-lowering aura was very likely born from being influenced in the dark.

Really hell-bent on playing the bad guy!

Fang Longye recalled the figure of Qiantang Longjun and complained inwardly.

The key was, in this vast Dongting Longgong, he was truly most afraid of Qiantang Longjun.

When this old dragon goes crazy, he actually eats dragons!

Thinking of the two understated lines from *Liu Yi Zhuan* in his past life, "Where is the heartless man?" and "I have eaten him!", he couldn't help but shiver.

Although, given his value, he wouldn't go so far as to be "eaten" by Qiantang Longjun. But if he were to be beaten by him every few days, how could he live! "It seems that what I originally thought—finding a chance to return that whipping to this little vixen—is currently impossible!"

Fang Longye glanced at Long Xuan, who was acting innocent beside him, and thought with regret.

No choice—currently, it seems this little vixen's maternal family is truly quite powerful.

Thinking this, they soon arrived at Prison Dragon Hall.

The gate opened, and Fang Longye followed Long Xuan, fidgeting as he entered Prison Dragon Hall.

He saw Qiantang Longjun, still in that state of being restrained by the Golden Lock and chained to the jade pillar. Only, his entire body's Aura was retracted.

The pressure that had previously pierced straight into the soul was gone.

"Uncle, we've come to pick you up to go pay respects to the ancestor!" Long Xuan said in a sweet voice.

Fang Longye also bowed respectfully while secretly peeking at Qiantang Longjun, seeing how he intended to go pay respects to Yinglong Laozu.

Was he planning to have his primordial spirit leave his body? Or split off an avatar?

As he thought this, he heard a voice like thunder: "Oh? Is that so?"

Then he saw the red dragon undergo a transformation, turning into a middle-aged man with a majestic posture, hair draped over his shoulders, and an uninhibited air.

Then, contrary to Fang Longye's expectations, he walked straight out of the confinement of the Golden Lock, without any so-called breaking free.

Just like that, he sauntered over to him and Long Xuan.

It caused no disturbance at all.

At the same time, he beckoned with his right hand, and the Golden Lock turned into a bracelet in his hand.

Seeing this, Fang Longye's mouth twitched.

Damn! It really was just a slap on the wrist! Sure enough, I still held too many fantasies about the decree issued by the Jade Emperor—this thing is no different from toilet paper for those with a background.

Fang Longye complained in his heart.

"Uncle, what are you doing?"

Hearing the inquiry, Fang Longye glanced at Long Xuan and saw that she was also dumbfounded, clearly not having expected this either.

Qiantang Longjun smiled and said: "What? Little niece, are you surprised? Did you think that with your ancestor's protection, the Jade Emperor would really dare to punish me?"

He touched the chain in his hand and said with a chuckle: "If it were normal times, I would naturally have to put on a show; after all, the Jade Emperor did give me quite a few benefits."

"But isn't this about seeing your ancestor? Naturally, I can't worry about anything else!"

He paused and added: "Besides, even according to the Jade Emperor's decree, who says I can't even come out to stretch my muscles during the period of supervision?"

Good heavens—coercion and bribery! After playing the bad guy, he's now showing off his strength to me, right!

Fang Longye thought to himself, isn't this hinting to me that being a son-in-law of Dongting Longgong will bring the protection of Yinglong Laozu, and that I won't even need to take the Jade Emperor seriously?

"Uncle, it seems there is a hidden story behind you being punished by the Jade Emperor?"

"Haha, let's talk as we walk—"

Qiantang Longjun shook his head and laughed; he no longer had the imposing manner Fang Longye saw when they first met, and as he chatted and laughed, he had quite the air of an elder.

……

The three of them rode in a carriage, heading toward the very center of the Dongting Longgong.

Along the way, following the explanation of Qiantang Longjun, Fang Longye also understood the truth behind the Jade Emperor punishing him.

How should he put it?

When the reason was spoken aloud, even Fang Longye felt it was somewhat laughable.

To use a common saying, it was spending money to buy prestige, puffing out one's cheeks to look fat.

It was true that Qiantang Longjun had contended with the Heavenly Generals. But that alone was not enough for the Jade Emperor to impose punishment.

It was entirely the Jade Emperor who had come knocking, paying a high price for Qiantang Longjun to plead guilty and accept the law, so as to decorate the face of the Heavenly Court.

Why was it called decorating the face?

Because Qiantang Longjun had actually pleaded guilty and accepted the law under the Jade Emperor's decree! For the Jade Emperor and the Heavenly Court, this was a great boost to their face! This Qiantang Longjun and Dongting Dragon Lord, including the Jing River Dragon Lord and most other river and lake Dragon Lords, although not born through the mating of Yinglong Laozu,

were still beings born in response to her Great Dao during the process of her manifesting the Dao.

They had always regarded Yinglong Laozu as their mother goddess, and could be called direct descendants, possessing deep backgrounds in the Honghuang.

Take Qiantang Longjun for example; he stirred up great floods during the era of Di Yao, poisoning more than hundreds of millions of living beings—and the result? He shook his tail and walked away, with nothing happening to him.

He was a complete second-generation playboy.

But now, at a single decree from the Jade Emperor, he had actually pleaded guilty, even though he had never bowed his head to the Human Race. Did this not greatly inflate the Jade Emperor's prestige? Regardless of what price the Jade Emperor paid in private, most people did not know anyway. On the surface, the Jade Emperor's majesty was naturally greatly increased.

"No wonder in *Liu Yi Zhuan*, when Qiantang Longjun learned that Longnu had been treated coldly and bullied by her husband, he went to the in-laws' place, killed six hundred thousand, damaged eight hundred miles of crops, devoured the heartless man, and in the end, he even accused the other party first, rushing to the Nine Heavens to report to the Jade Emperor, until finally, 'The Emperor realized his grievance and pardoned his faults.'"

Fang Longye thought to himself, so this punishment was just a play performed after receiving the Jade Emperor's wealth! Even if there were no other matters, after some time, the Jade Emperor would still find some excuse to pardon Qiantang Longjun's faults and waive his punishment.

"Uncle is really something; just for that bit of wealth, he actually treated the face of our Dragon Clan as a ladder for others to step on."

Unlike the contemplative Fang Longye.

After hearing Qiantang Longjun's explanation, Long Xuan complained in a delicate voice, "It just makes those ignorant people look down on our Dragon Clan for no reason!"

"Haha!"

Qiantang Longjun laughed heartily: "My little niece is quite thoughtful for our Dragon Clan; you have a heart for maintaining the glory of our Dragon Clan!"

"Unlike some who forget their origins; once they have other backgrounds and backers, their hearts go wild, and they no longer think of their own kind!"

Good heavens, there was a hidden meaning in those words! Who was he being snide toward? Hearing this in the carriage, Fang Longye's brow twitched, but he remained unmoved and simply closed his eyes to rest his mind—

This made Qiantang Longjun's hands itch with frustration, wishing he could give him two heavy slaps.

Calming his emotions, he continued: "However, my little niece need not complain about your uncle. If our ancestor hadn't nodded, how would I dare to accept these benefits offered by the old Jade Emperor?"

"Come to think of it, the majesty the old Jade Emperor has boosted this time is merely making wedding clothes for someone else."

"When the time comes, in the eyes of those ignorant people, he will be far more disgraceful than us."

Hearing this, Fang Longye's heart stirred.

Making wedding clothes for someone else? Could it be that at this very moment, the stage was already being set and embellished for the *Havoc in Heaven*?

(End of chapter)