Chapter 262: We need to provide a natural-English translation of the chapter's title

262. Chapter 262: Friend or Foe? The Dragon Clan's Miserable State

262. Chapter 262: Friend or Foe? The Dragon Clan's Miserable State (same as 【2】 but we output as per 【4】 line)

After Jieyin and Zhunti presented their plan, they gladly returned to the Western Continent. They were overly entangled with the Immortal Court and also needed to borrow their power to oppose the Wu Clan. Naturally, they would regard the convening of the Immortal Court assembly as extremely important.

Immortal Court, Immortal Court assembly, Wu Clan

Now translate:

"After Jieyin and Zhunti offered their plan, they happily returned to the Western Continent; they were overly entangled with the Immortal Court, and they also needed to borrow their power to oppose the Wu Clan, so they naturally placed great importance on the convening of the Immortal Court assembly."

They were overly entangled with the Immortal Court, and they also needed to borrow their power to oppose the Wu Clan; naturally, they would regard the convening of the Immortal Court assembly as extremely important.

We'll output: "【2】 After Jieyin and Zhunti offered their plan, they happily returned to the Western Continent; they were overly entangled with the Immortal Court, and they also needed to borrow their power to oppose the Wu Clan, so they naturally placed great importance on the convening of the Immortal Court assembly."

Given the current uncertain situation, this is why they two made their proposal; after all, the Primordial Wilds are still mainly occupied by the primordial deities.

Translate: "But given the current unclear situation, that is why they made their proposal; after all, the present Primordial Wilds are still mainly occupied by the primordial deities."

The Immortal Court naturally rejects those gods who occupy the main positions, and with the Heavenly Court's ambiguous attitude, the situation of the Immortal Court assembly is dire.

Thus: "【3】 But given the current unclear situation, that is why they made their proposal; after all, the present Primordial Wilds are still mainly occupied by the primordial deities."

Hong Yun is the person they chose to break the deadlock, and thus the scheme arose.

Translate: "Meanwhile, the Immortal Court naturally rejects those deities occupying the main position; coupled with the Heavenly Court's ambiguous attitude, the situation of the Immortal Court assembly is dire."

Initially, they traveled together across the Western Continent, repairing the fractured ley lines everywhere; at that time, Hong Yun, Zhenyuanzi, and the Western duo had a close relationship.

Thus: "【4】 Meanwhile, the Immortal Court naturally rejects those deities occupying the main position; coupled with the Heavenly Court's ambiguous attitude, the situation of the Immortal Court assembly is dire."

And Hong Yun was the person they chose to break the deadlock; thus their scheme came about.

Translate: "And Hong Yun is the person they chose to break the deadlock; thus the scheme came about."

When they were fellow Daoists, they were naturally inseparable; after going their separate ways, they could only rely on their own means.

Thus: "【5】 And Hong Yun is the person they chose to break the deadlock; thus the scheme came about."

Although the Primordial Wilds are vast, only a few are capable of breaking the deadlock; scheming against Hong Yun is undoubtedly the lowest-cost option and offers the highest chance of success.

Translate: "Initially, they walked together across the Western Continent, repairing the broken spiritual veins everywhere; at that time, Hong Yun and Zhenyuanzi had a close relationship with the Western duo."

Rahu's words proved prophetic, for he saw through this situation: the innocent are blameless, but he who possesses a jade incurs guilt.

Thus: "【6】 Initially, they walked together across the Western Continent, repairing the broken spiritual veins everywhere; at that time, Hong Yun and Zhenyuanzi had a close relationship with the Western duo."

Hong Yun's previously accumulated good reputation has now become the main reason everyone schemes against him, for bullying the good is always easier than contending with the wicked.

Translate: "But now, they have long since gone their separate ways, each pursuing their own ambitions, constantly on the move."

Thus: "【7】 But now, they have long since gone their separate ways, each pursuing their own ambitions, constantly on the move."

At this time, Duke East had already begun inquiring within the Immortal Court whether anyone was acquainted with Hong Yun.

Translate: "When they were fellow Daoists, they were naturally inseparable; after going their separate ways east and west, they could only rely on their own methods."

Thus: "【8】 When they were fellow Daoists, they were naturally inseparable; after going their separate ways east and west, they could only rely on their own methods."

The result was beyond his expectations: within the Immortal Court, many primordial deities who had turned to cultivate the Immortal Dao had previously interacted with Hong Yun.

Translate: "Although the Primordial Wilds are vast, only a few are capable of breaking the deadlock; scheming against Hong Yun is undoubtedly the lowest-cost option among them, and also offers the highest chance of success."

Thus: "【9】 Although the Primordial Wilds are vast, only a few are capable of breaking the deadlock; scheming against Hong Yun is undoubtedly the lowest-cost option among them, and also offers the highest chance of success."

About one or two out of ten can be called friends, and there are still two or three who maintain contact.

Translate: "Rahu's single word became a prophecy precisely because he saw through this: an innocent person bears no guilt, but he who holds a jade incurs blame."

This discovery undoubtedly delighted Duke East, though it also added a few points of wariness toward Hong Yun, but he soon set his mind at ease.

Thus: "【10】 Rahu's single word became a prophecy precisely because he saw through this: an innocent person bears no guilt, but he who holds a jade incurs blame."

In Duke East's view, if Hong Yun harbored ambition, he would certainly be a foe not to be underestimated.

Translate: "Hong Yun's previously accumulated good reputation has now become the main reason everyone schemes against him, for after all, bullying a good person always brings lighter consequences than contending with a bad one."

Thus: "【11】 Hong Yun's previously accumulated good reputation has now become the main reason everyone schemes against him, for after all, bullying a good person always brings lighter consequences than contending with a bad one."

By then, not only would he not scheme, but Duke East would not even invite Hong Yun to the assembly, fearing that Hong Yun might develop ill intentions and take away the people he had painstakingly recruited.

Translate: "At this point, Duke East had already begun inquiring within the Immortal Court whether anyone was acquainted with Hong Yun."

Everyone, the assembly is about to convene; this is precisely when the Immortal Court first reveals its edge in the Primordial Wilds, and it is truly of utmost importance.

Thus: "【12】 At this point, Duke East had already begun inquiring within the Immortal Court whether anyone was acquainted with Hong Yun."

Although the Heavenly Court's attitude remains unclear, if we oppose it, we will surely be a thorn in its side, a blemish in its flesh, which it would gladly remove.

Translate: "The result far exceeded his expectations: within the Immortal Court, many of the primordial deities who had turned to cultivate the Immortal Dao had actually had prior contact with Hong Yun."

Thus: "【13】 The result far exceeded his expectations: within the Immortal Court, many of the primordial deities who had turned to cultivate the Immortal Dao had actually had prior contact with Hong Yun."

Therefore, since the Heavenly Court now shows no attitude, there is little hope left, and we must not expose our own recklessness.

Translate: "About one or two out of ten could be called friends, and even now there are still two or three who maintain contact."

Thus: "【14】 About one or two out of ten could be called friends, and even now there are still two or three who maintain contact."

This discovery undoubtedly left Duke East overjoyed, yet it also increased his wariness of Hong Yun; however, he soon put his mind at ease.

Translate: "This discovery undoubtedly made Duke East overjoyed, yet it also increased his wariness of Hong Yun a bit, though he soon set his mind at ease."

Thus: "【15】 This discovery undoubtedly made Duke East overjoyed, yet it also increased his wariness of Hong Yun a bit, though he soon set his mind at ease."

In Duke East's view, if Hong Yun harbored ambition, he would indeed be a foe not to be underestimated.

Translate: "In Duke East's view, if Hong Yun harbored ambition, he would indeed be a foe not to be underestimated."

Thus: "【16】 In Duke East's view, if Hong Yun harbored ambition, he would indeed be a foe not to be underestimated."

By then, not only would scheming be out of the question, but even convening the assembly, Duke East would not invite Hong Yun, fearing that Hong Yun might develop ill intentions and take away the people he had painstakingly recruited.

Translate: "By then, not only would he refrain from scheming, but Duke East would not even invite Hong Yun to the assembly, fearing that if Hong Yun harbored ill intentions, he might take away the people he had painstakingly recruited."

Thus: "【17】 By then, not only would he refrain from scheming, but Duke East would not even invite Hong Yun to the assembly, fearing that if Hong Yun harbored ill intentions, he might take away the people he had painstakingly recruited."

Everyone, the assembly is about to convene; this is the moment when the Immortal Court first reveals its edge in the Primordial Wilds, and it is truly of utmost importance.

Translate: "\"Everyone, the assembly is about to convene; this is the moment when the Immortal Court first reveals its edge in the Primordial Wilds, and it is truly of utmost importance. \""

We need to keep quotation marks? The original has Chinese quotes 「」. We'll keep English quotation marks. We'll translate as: "\"Everyone, the assembly is about to convene; this is the moment when the Immortal Court first reveals its edge in the Primordial Wilds, and it is truly of utmost importance. \""

Thus: "【18】 \"Everyone, the assembly is about to convene; this is the moment when the Immortal Court first reveals its edge in the Primordial Wilds, and it is truly of utmost importance. \""

But for now, the Heavenly Court's attitude is unclear; however, if we oppose them, we will surely be a thorn in their side, a splinter in their flesh, which they would love to eradicate completely.

Translate: "\"But given that the Heavenly Court's attitude is still unclear, if we oppose it, we will surely be a thorn in its side and a sting in its flesh, something it would love to eradicate completely. \""

Thus: "【19】 \"But given that the Heavenly Court's attitude is still unclear, if we oppose it, we will surely be a thorn in its side and a sting in its flesh, something it would love to eradicate completely. \""

Therefore, if the Heavenly Court now does not declare its stance, there is already little hope for us, and we must not expose our own rashness.

Translate: "\"Therefore, since the Heavenly Court now shows no stance, there is already little hope; we must not expose our own rashness. \""

Thus: "【20】 \"Therefore, since the Heavenly Court now shows no stance, there is already little hope; we must not expose our own rashness. \""

Also, do not harbor friendly feelings toward the Heavenly Court; when going out, we still need to be more vigilant, lest we fall victim to the Heavenly Court's schemes.

Translate: "\"Also, do not harbor friendly feelings toward the Heavenly Court; when going out, we still need to maintain vigilance, lest we fall victim to the Heavenly Court's schemes. \""

Thus: "【21】 \"Also, do not harbor friendly feelings toward the Heavenly Court; when going out, we still need to maintain vigilance, lest we fall victim to the Heavenly Court's schemes. \""

I also hope everyone clearly realizes that between us and the Heavenly Court, there is no longer any retreat.

Translate: "\"I also hope everyone clearly realizes that between us and the Heavenly Court, there is no retreat left. \""

Thus: "【22】 \"I also hope everyone clearly realizes that between us and the Heavenly Court, there is no retreat left. \""

In the future, we shall together dwell high above the Nine Heavens, overlooking all beings of the Primordial Wilds, and enjoy the bounty of heaven and earth.

Translate: "\"In the future, we shall together dwell high above the nine heavens, overlooking all beings of the Primordial Wilds, and enjoy the fortune of heaven and earth. \""

Thus: "【23】 \"In the future, we shall together dwell high above the nine heavens, overlooking all beings of the Primordial Wilds, and enjoy the fortune of heaven and earth. \""

Whether we end up subjugated or our lives and Dao vanish, it all hinges on this assembly.

Translate: "\"Or else we shall fall into bondage, or our lives and Dao will perish—everything hinges on this assembly. \""

Thus: "【24】 \"Or else we shall fall into bondage, or our lives and Dao will perish—everything hinges on this assembly. \""

Although this grand gathering may not single-handedly determine the Immortal Court's future, it is also crucial to its future development; I hope that you all will one day ascend the precious hall together with me.

Translate: "\"This grand gathering may not decide the Immortal Court's future in a single word, yet it is also crucial to its future development; I hope you will all join me in ascending the treasure hall one day. \""

Thus: "【25】 \"This grand gathering may not decide the Immortal Court's future in a single word, yet it is also crucial to its future development; I hope you will all join me in ascending the treasure hall one day. \""

Duke East clasped his hands in a salute to show the importance of this assembly, and upon hearing his vow, the crowd's hearts burned with fervor.

Translate: "Duke East clasped his hands in a salute to show the importance of this assembly, and upon hearing his oath, everyone's hearts boiled with fervor."

Thus: "【26】 Duke East clasped his hands in a salute to show the importance of this assembly, and upon hearing his oath, everyone's hearts boiled with fervor."

However, amid the rising enthusiasm, everyone knew that Duke East must have a request, so they awaited his further words.

Translate: "However, amid the rising enthusiasm, everyone knew Duke East must have a request, so they waited in their hearts for what came next."

Thus: "【27】 However, amid the rising enthusiasm, everyone knew Duke East must have a request, so they waited in their hearts for what came next."

One opportunistic person naturally sensed Duke East's meaning, stood up first, and voiced his agreement:

Translate: "One opportunistic person naturally sensed Duke East's meaning, stood up first, and spoke in agreement:"

Thus: "【28】 One opportunistic person naturally sensed Duke East's meaning, stood up first, and spoke in agreement:"

esteemed words

Translate: "\"Your esteemed words are naturally most profound; I think there are no half-hearted people in the Immortal Court now; if there is any important matter, please speak frankly, Your Excellency. \""

people participated

Thus: "【29】 \"Your esteemed words are naturally most profound; I think there are no half-hearted people in the Immortal Court now; if there is any important matter, please speak frankly, Your Excellency. \""

Duke East watched scene

Translate: "The people present also chimed in, reporting the difficulties encountered during the assembly's unfolding and how they resolved them."

Thus: "【30】 The people present also chimed in, reporting the difficulties encountered during the assembly's unfolding and how they resolved them."

everyone volunteered then silence

grown distant but no conflict

Thus translation: "Duke East, standing high, silently watched the scene; he did not intervene, seeming quite satisfied with everyone's proposals, knowing that everyone had quieted down. Duke East then opened his mouth to continue speaking: \"Everyone, please listen to my words; I have already found a way to break the deadlock, but I still lack some strength therein; I need your assistance. \""

Thus: "【31】 Duke East, standing high, silently watched the scene; he did not intervene, seeming quite satisfied with everyone's proposals, knowing that everyone had quieted down. Duke East then opened his mouth to continue speaking: \"Everyone, please listen to my words; I have already found a way to break the deadlock, but I still lack some strength therein; I need your assistance. \""

Immortal Court pit of fire

Translate: "Everyone eagerly volunteered, making Duke East beam with joy; but when he spoke plainly, everyone realized it involved Hong Yun, and the atmosphere immediately fell into a brief silence."

Thus: "【32】 Everyone eagerly volunteered, making Duke East beam with joy; but when he spoke plainly, everyone realized it involved Hong Yun, and the atmosphere immediately fell into a brief silence."

seeking high returns

Translate: "Although they have now grown distant from Hong Yun, they have not actually fallen into conflict, and still out of courtesy they gave him some face."

Thus: "【33】 Although they have now grown distant from Hong Yun, they have not actually fallen into conflict, and still out of courtesy they gave him some face."

same as 100

Translate: "The Immortal Court is a pit of fire; they also know this, and they joined the Immortal Court merely to seek chestnuts from the fire."

Thus: "【34】 The Immortal Court is a pit of fire; they also know this, and they joined the Immortal Court merely to seek chestnuts from the fire."

failure not considered

Translate: "They hoped to reap high returns amid high risk, to achieve the merit of aiding the dragon in one fell swoop; if successful, power, fortune, and cultivation resources would all be abundant."

hesitation wavering

you too seen prosperous future

Translate: "As for failure, they had never considered it—just a single death—but now they must involve their friends, which undoubtedly makes a few people hesitate a bit."

Thus: "【36】 As for failure, they had never considered it—just a single death—but now they must involve their friends, which undoubtedly makes a few people hesitate a bit."

lives tied to thread

Translate: "But hesitation represents wavering, and Duke East naturally knows this; seizing the moment, he urged: \"Now is the great era of the Mystic Gate; the flourishing of the Immortal Dao is already a settled fact, and the Immortal Court, personally pointed out by Patriarch Hongjun, will surely reign supreme over the future Primordial Wilds. \""

you too seen prosperous future (duplicate)

lives tied to thread (duplicate)

Translate: "\"You too, based on this, have seen the prosperous future of the Immortal Dao; do you not believe me, or perhaps you do not believe yourselves, or even the Patriarch? \""

Thus: "【38】 \"You too, based on this, have seen the prosperous future of the Immortal Dao; do you not believe me, or perhaps you do not believe yourselves, or even the Patriarch? \""

Immortal Court succeeds

Translate: "\"We all have our lives hanging by a thread, having long disregarded life and death; now is the time to decide—how can we still waver? \""

Thus: "【39】 \"We all have our lives hanging by a thread, having long disregarded life and death; now is the time to decide—how can we still waver? \""

Hong Yun could be ennobled

Translate: "\"Moreover, when the Immortal Court succeeds and replaces the Heavenly Court, how could your invitation now be considered wrong? \""

Thus: "【40】 \"Moreover, when the Immortal Court succeeds and replaces the Heavenly Court, how could your invitation now be considered wrong? \""

if Hong Yun assists

Translate: "\"Perhaps one day, Daoist Friend Hong Yun may also, because of today's events, be ennobled and granted a generalship as a matter of course; the Heavenly Court has five sovereigns, so what could the Immortal Court not have? \""

Thus: "【41】 \"Perhaps one day, Daoist Friend Hong Yun may also, because of today's events, be ennobled and granted a generalship as a matter of course; the Heavenly Court has five sovereigns, so what could the Immortal Court not have? \""

Duke East words changed expressions

Translate: "\"If Daoist Friend Hong Yun assists this time and someday attains an imperial throne, he will still need to thank you all. \""

Thus: "【42】 \"If Daoist Friend Hong Yun assists this time and someday attains an imperial throne, he will still need to thank you all. \""

joined because optimistic

Translate: "Upon Duke East's words, everyone's expressions changed, and they began to convince themselves inwardly."

Thus: "【43】 Upon Duke East's words, everyone's expressions changed, and they began to convince themselves inwardly."

innate deities found Dao

Translate: "Indeed, we joined precisely because we were optimistic about the Immortal Court's prospects."

Thus: "【44】 Indeed, we joined precisely because we were optimistic about the Immortal Court's prospects."

Duke East has merit

Translate: "We were all primordial deities before; we have found the bright path of the Great Dao—how could we forget our old friends?"

Thus: "【45】 We were all primordial deities before; we have found the bright path of the Great Dao—how could we forget our old friends?"

future Immortal Court replaces Heavenly Court

Translate: "Furthermore, what Duke East said makes some sense; the Immortal Court is currently in dire straits, and if Hong Yun brings aid in the snow, everyone will naturally remember his kindness."

Thus: "【46】 Furthermore, what Duke East said makes some sense; the Immortal Court is currently in dire straits, and if Hong Yun brings aid in the snow, everyone will naturally remember his kindness."

Duke East knew matter settled

Translate: "When the Immortal Court eventually replaces the Heavenly Court, Hong Yun will also gain a share of merit and fortune; if we do not invite him now, he might even resent us later."

Thus: "【47】 When the Immortal Court eventually replaces the Heavenly Court, Hong Yun will also gain a share of merit and fortune; if we do not invite him now, he might even resent us later."

after moment someone spoke

Translate: "Duke East observed the changing expressions before him, knowing the matter was settled; the difficulty of the Immortal Court assembly would thus be resolved."

Thus: "【48】 Duke East observed the changing expressions before him, knowing the matter was settled; the difficulty of the Immortal Court assembly would thus be resolved."

remaining few changed expression

I also hope no retreat

Thus: "【49】 Indeed, after just a moment, someone stood up and said: \"Your Excellency's words are reasonable; we invite him out of consideration for Daoist Friend Hong Yun, and also so that he may someday receive a share of merit and fortune. \""

future dwell above Nine Heavens

Translate: "The remaining few, upon hearing this, slightly changed their expressions, but never spoke again, as if tacitly accepting it—just as there had been no difference back in the Purple Cloud Palace."

Thus: "【50】 The remaining few, upon hearing this, slightly changed their expressions, but never spoke again, as if tacitly accepting it—just as there had been no difference back in the Purple Cloud Palace."

whether subjugated or Dao vanish

Translate: "Duke East saw this, smiled faintly, though his eyes held a hint of mockery unseen by outsiders, who instead felt a gentle spring breeze. \"Indeed, this is the principle; we have long walked the bright path of the Great Dao, and now that we have the opportunity, we must not forget our old friends. \""

Thus: "【51】 Duke East saw this, smiled faintly, though his eyes held a hint of mockery unseen by outsiders, who instead felt a gentle spring breeze. \"Indeed, this is the principle; we have long walked the bright path of the Great Dao, and now that we have the opportunity, we must not forget our old friends. \""

grand gathering crucial

Translate: "\"I believe Daoist Friend Hong Yun should also be able to understand your painstaking efforts and will forgive you. \""

Thus: "【52】 \"I believe Daoist Friend Hong Yun should also be able to understand your painstaking efforts and will forgive you. \""

Duke East salute

Translate: "Everyone replied in unison: \"Good. \""

Thus: "【53】 Everyone replied in unison: \"Good. \""

amid enthusiasm await

Translate: "Immediately, the people in the hall gradually dispersed; some went straight to the Five Zhuang Observatory to speak frankly with Hong Yun about its benefits, while others called friends to go together to persuade him."

Thus: "【54】 Immediately, the people in the hall gradually dispersed; some went straight to the Five Zhuang Observatory to speak frankly with Hong Yun about its benefits, while others called friends to go together to persuade him."

opportunistic person sensed

But their ultimate goal is the same: they want to drag Hong Yun into the biggest pit of fire in the present Primordial Wilds.

Thus: "【55】 But their ultimate goal is the same: they want to drag Hong Yun into the biggest pit of fire in the present Primordial Wilds."

esteemed words

Translate: "Their hearts are full of selfish scheming, yet once they find a plausible excuse that seems good for him, they can easily convince themselves—this is Hong Yun's dilemma."

Thus: "【56】 Their hearts are full of selfish scheming, yet once they find a plausible excuse that seems good for him, they can easily convince themselves—this is Hong Yun's dilemma."

people participated

Translate: "Along the shores of the Eastern Sea, many dragon clan youths also went to Penglai Immortal Island to listen to the Dao, after all, although they did not participate in the assembly, the lectures had never ceased."

Thus: "【57】 Along the shores of the Eastern Sea, many dragon clan youths also went to Penglai Immortal Island to listen to the Dao, after all, although they did not participate in the assembly, the lectures had never ceased."

Duke East watched scene

Translate: "The profound mysteries of the Immortal Dao—although the dragon clan possesses many precious scriptures and has teachers to transmit them, in Penglai Immortal Island one can still often reap considerable gains."

Thus: "【58】 The profound mysteries of the Immortal Dao—although the dragon clan possesses many precious scriptures and has teachers to transmit them, in Penglai Immortal Island one can still often reap considerable gains."

Especially the wandering cultivators who had come from all over— their training was extremely eclectic, but they often possessed some uncommon techniques, which undoubtedly came as a bright surprise to the dragon clan youths trapped within the East Sea.

Thus the situation of Penglai Immortal Island also came into the dragon clan's sight; with the Yinglong Ancestral Dragon never appearing, some of the former dragon clan elders began to stir with ideas.

Elder Ao Shi, Lord Yinglong is still in seclusion, residing long at the sea eye; the affairs of the Dragon Clan fall upon us, so it's better not to disturb Lord Yinglong.

Establishing relations with Penglai Immortal Island is merely a trivial matter; we can decide it ourselves. If we casually disturb Lord Yinglong, wouldn't that show our incompetence?

The speaker is Ao Yi, one of the Dragon Clan's Great Luo survivors after the great calamity; he has witnessed the Dragon Clan's glory and now naturally refuses to let the Dragon Clan remain in decline.

As for Ao Shi, whom he mentioned, he too has experienced the Dragon Clan's glory, but now Ao Shi has already resigned himself, merely hoping for few disturbances in the Dragon Clan and a peaceful transmission.

Both are elders of the Dragon Clan now, though their views differ; they can still get along peacefully, relying only on the camaraderie accumulated from past wars and their own cultivation.

Facing Ao Yi's idea, Ao Shi directly shouted: "Ao Yi, do not think I do not know what you are thinking! Let me tell you, your actions are pushing the Dragon Clan into a bottomless abyss!"

Your actions will not let the Dragon Clan regain prosperity, nor let it rise again on the stage of the primordial wilderness; they will only plunge the Dragon Clan utterly into a state of endless calamity.

Moreover, I will go to Lord Yinglong and leave this matter to his judgment; what's wrong with that?

Incompetent? We are obviously incompetent; do we need this matter to judge that? If we were capable, how could the Dragon Clan have fallen to this state?

Ao Yi's face darkened, but Ao Shi paid no attention, as if he hadn't seen it, and continued speaking:

"Establish relations with Penglai Immortal Island? Has your mind been addled by calamitous energy? Where have you been cultivating all these years?"

"Arrogant, disobedient, treating Lord Yinglong's orders as nothing! Is this what you have learned in the Dragon Clan?"

"Now the Heavenly Court's troops are strong and its horses sturdy; without mentioning the five sovereigns, just speaking of the eight divisions of upper gods and the ten great divine generals, who in the Celestial Court can compare?"

"The Profound Gate's momentum, the Immortal Way flourishing—said nicely, but is the primordial wilderness not still under the control of the primordial divinities?"

"Even if the Celestial Court becomes stronger in the future, it is now merely a sapling; as long as the Heavenly Court intends, it can be snapped at any time."

"No matter what kind of towering tree his future may be, whether it can resolve the Dragon Clan's present predicament is not something the Dragon Clan should choose at this time."

"Do you not know that the Dragon Clan now has no right to choose? Moreover, Lord Yinglong still serves in the Heavenly Court; where does your action place him?"

Ao Shi saw Ao Yi trembling, felt his earlier words were too harsh, and his tone softened somewhat as he said:

"Yi, I know you also wholeheartedly wish for the Dragon Clan, wanting to solve its present predicament; it's not just you—I too wish, everyone wishes."

"Lord Yinglong also surely wishes it; it's just that our Dragon Clan is different, fundamentally distinct from others—we were one of the leaders of the previous great calamity."

"You too have experienced the Dragon Clan's prosperous era; you know what it was like then, and if you were in power, how would you treat the Dragon Clan?"

Ao Yi remained silent; after a long while he finally spoke, his voice low, his words full of helplessness:

"Three days ago, another Dragon Clan newborn died; in this yuanhui, the total number of surviving Dragon Clan newborns across the four seas is less than eight hundred."

"Even if they live a hundred years in safety, they are all frail, prone to misfortune, suffering repeated calamities, and slow in cultivation."

"Since the great calamity, the Dragon Clan has produced only three Taiyi Golden Immortals, not a single Great Luo Golden Immortal, and fewer than a hundred Golden Immortals."

Ao Yi finished speaking and fell silent; Ao Shi also sank into silence, the surroundings deathly still, the atmosphere growing ever more oppressive.

Karmic burdens bind the body, bones cannot stretch; dragon offspring are few yet often malformed, with fierce bone claws, vicious natures, impossible to educate.

This is the predicament the Dragon Clan now faces: the new generation receives no replenishment, while the elders mostly linger each day, devoid of the will to survive.

Otherwise, one becomes like Ao Yi, veering toward extremism, vainly attempting to leave the four seas again to contend for the primacy of heaven and earth, seeking to gather fortune and absolve the Dragon Clan's karmic debts.

Or one becomes like Ao Shi, lacking spirit, merely wishing to eke out a existence, desiring to revive the Dragon Clan yet lacking the means.

To outsiders, the Dragon Clan appears like a centipede—dead yet not stiff, still possessing deep foundations, a rare top-tier clan in the primordial wilderness.

Unfortunately, only the Dragon Clan itself knows that its foundations are indeed still deep, but unfortunately only the foundations remain.

Compared to the nearly extinct Qilin Clan and the Phoenix Clan reduced to tools for suppressing volcanoes, the Dragon Clan's fate is naturally not bad.

Unfortunately, this gap, with the spirit platform tainted by calamitous energy and karma, leaves no hope for the Great Dao.

All this has long driven the Dragon Clan to madness or idiocy—either lost in chaos, or extremist seeking death.

Even individuals like Ao Shi and Ao Yi are now considered rare, still somewhat clear-headed among the Dragon Clan.

Yet these so‑clear‑headed people are not truly clear‑headed; they remain immersed in the past, unable to free themselves.

The karma created in the primordial wilderness back then—having achieved nothing, how could it be easily abandoned? (End of chapter)