Chapter 263: with translation of chapter title

263. Chapter 263 Yinglong enters Primordial Origin, exchange mounts?

The attempt to establish relations with Penglai Immortal Island was ultimately dissuaded; the Dragon Clan continued to exist in a half-dead state, relying on time to gradually wear down its karma.

Let's produce: "【1】 263. Chapter 263 Yinglong enters Primordial Origin, exchange mounts?"

"Yinglong enters Primordial Origin, exchange mounts?" OK.

"The attempt to establish relations with Penglai Immortal Island was ultimately dissuaded; the Dragon Clan continued to exist in a half-dead state, relying on time to gradually wear down its karma." OK.

"The matter of establishing relations with Penglai Immortal Island was ultimately dissuaded, the Dragon Clan continued to maintain a half-dead state, relying on time to slowly wear down karma." OK.

"The matter of establishing relations with Penglai Immortal Island was ultimately dissuaded." OK.

"Fortunately, this method involves no risk; among the existing Dragon Clan, basically everyone is an immortal, so they do not fear the passage of time." OK.

"Fortunately, this method carries no risk; among the existing Dragon Clan, basically all are immortals, so they do not fear the passage of time." OK.

The affair of establishing relations with Penglai Immortal Island was ultimately talked down, and the dragon clan continued to maintain a half-dead, half-alive state, relying on time to slowly wear away karma.

Fortunately, this method carries no risk; among the surviving dragon clan, basically everyone is an immortal, so they do not fear the passage of time.

"However, during the Dragon Clan's obscurity, a rare piece of good news arrived: Yinglong formally entered a new realm, achieved Primordial Origin Dao, and returned to the ranks of the top deities of the Primordial Wasteland." OK.

"However, during the Dragon Clan's obscurity, a rare piece of good news arrived: Yinglong formally entered a new realm, achieving Primordial Origin Dao, and returned to the ranks of the top deities of the Primordial Wasteland." OK.

"Moreover, Yinglong's breakthrough brought effects not limited to himself; for the Dragon Clan, his breakthrough caused its fortune to surge." OK.

same as 【20】 OK.

"This also gave countless Dragon Clan members a glimmer of hope to wait for, and a slight longing." OK.

Translate: "This also gave countless Dragon Clan members a sliver of hope to wait, adding a bit of longing." We'll translate: "This also gave countless Dragon Clan members a sliver of hope to wait, adding a bit of longing."

"They also truthfully reported to Yinglong their desire to establish relations with Penglai Immortal Island." OK.

Translate: "The desire to establish relations with Penglai Immortal Island was also truthfully reported to Yinglong." We'll translate: "The desire to establish relations with Penglai Immortal Island was also truthfully reported to Yinglong."

"Yinglong was still considering, after all, the prosperity of the Immortal Dao had already become a settled matter, and everyone knew what Penglai Immortal Island meant for the Immortal Dao." OK.

same as 【26】 OK.

"But regarding whether he could overturn the Heavenly Court's rule, Yinglong was completely pessimistic about this point; he only said: 'You all should no longer concern yourselves with this matter; whether we can establish relations with Penglai Immortal Island is not up to us, but depends on how the Heavenly Court views it.'" OK.

Translate: "However, regarding whether they could challenge the Heavenly Court's rule, Yinglong was completely pessimistic about this point, only hearing Yinglong say: 'You all should no longer concern yourselves with this; whether we can establish relations with Penglai Immortal Island does not depend on us, but on how the Heavenly Court views it.'" Need to keep quotes. We'll translate the quoted speech exactly. We'll keep quotation marks.

Thus: "【9】 However, regarding whether they could challenge the Heavenly Court's rule, Yinglong was completely pessimistic about this point, only hearing Yinglong say: \"You all should no longer concern yourselves with this; whether we can establish relations with Penglai Immortal Island does not depend on us, but on how the Heavenly Court views it. \""

"only hearing Yinglong say:" OK.

"Given the Heavenly Court's unclear attitude, we need to be even more cautious, especially since I still serve in the Heavenly Court, requiring even more thought." OK.

Translate: "\"For now the Heavenly Court's attitude is unclear, we need to be all the more cautious, especially since I still serve in the Heavenly Court, thus needing even more thought. \"" We'll translate: "\"For now the Heavenly Court's attitude is unclear, we need to be all the more cautious, especially since I still serve in the Heavenly Court, thus needing even more thought. \""

"Ao Shi, hearing Yinglong's words, somewhat dissatisfied, said: 'Yinglong Sir, you have now entered Primordial Origin Dao, you are a rare great deity of the Primordial Wasteland, and your combat prowess is extraordinary; why must you still suffer humiliation and be ordered about in the Heavenly Court?'" OK.

same as 【36】 OK.

"'In my view, your strength is not inferior; those five emperors are of the same realm, after Ancestor Dragon Sir was trapped in the water eye, you came to control the authority of the four seas.'" OK.

same as 【38】 OK.

"'Now your cultivation and authority are not lacking; you are not weaker than them; you are equally noble.'" OK.

Translate: "'Now your cultivation and authority are not lacking; you are not weaker than them, you are equally noble persons.'" We'll translate: "'Now your cultivation and authority are not lacking; you are not weaker than them, you are equally noble persons.'"

"'If you continue to be commanded by the Heavenly Court, wouldn't that damage your dignity? After all this hardship, is it worth it?'" OK.

Translate: "'If you continue to take orders from the Heavenly Court, would that not damage your dignity? All this hardship—is it worth it?'" We'll translate: "'If you continue to take orders from the Heavenly Court, would that not damage your dignity? All this hardship—is it worth it?'"

"Yinglong knew Ao Shi was also considering him, after all, he had stepped into Primordial Origin Dao, he was a top-tier deity of the Primordial Wasteland, yet willingly remained a minor figure in the Heavenly Court, which would surely cause some controversy." OK.

same as 【44】 OK.

"Moreover, Yinglong also knew that, having joined the Heavenly Court, whether he could withdraw, how, and when were not up to him." OK.

Translate: "Moreover, Yinglong also knew that, having joined the Heavenly Court, whether he could withdraw, how, and when were not up to him." We'll translate: "Moreover, Yinglong also knew that, having joined the Heavenly Court, whether he could withdraw, how, and when were not up to him."

"'Your cultivation is still shallow, your vision too narrow; considering this is your first offense and also for my reputation, I will not punish you too severely.'" OK.

Translate: "\"Your cultivation is still shallow, your vision too narrow; considering this is your first offense and also for my reputation, this leniency will not punish you overly. \"" We'll translate: "\"Your cultivation is still shallow, your vision too narrow; considering this is your first offense and also for my reputation, this leniency will not punish you overly. \""

"'From today onward, you will relinquish your elder position and retreat into seclusion in the Dragon Palace; you must not speak of today's words again, and I will personally consider matters of the Heavenly Court.'" OK.

Translate: "\"From today onward, you will relinquish your Elder post and retreat in seclusion within the Dragon Palace; thereafter you must not speak of today's words, and I will personally consider matters of the Heavenly Court. \"" We'll translate: "\"From today onward, you will relinquish your Elder post and retreat in seclusion within the Dragon Palace; thereafter you must not speak of today's words, and I will personally consider matters of the Heavenly Court. \""

"'You only need to know to obey and act; there are things you should not ask about or seek to understand, understood?'" OK.

Translate: "\"You only need to obey and act; there are things you should not ask about, nor should you seek to understand, do you? \"\" We'll translate: "\"You only need to obey and act; there are things you should not ask about, nor should you seek to understand, do you? \""

"Yinglong frowned slightly; those who cannot see the bigger picture, holding high positions in the Dragon Clan, will ultimately lead the clan astray." OK.

same as 【54】 OK.

"Such people may indeed be wholeheartedly devoted to the Dragon Clan's development, yet they do not realize that the harm and impact they bring to the clan are greater than that caused by the clan's enemies." OK.

Translate: "Such people may indeed be wholeheartedly devoted to the Dragon Clan's development, yet unaware that the harm and influence they bring to the clan exceed those caused by the clan's enemies." We'll translate: "Such people may indeed be wholeheartedly devoted to the Dragon Clan's development, yet unaware that the harm and influence they bring to the clan exceed those caused by the clan's enemies."

"Ao Shi, hearing this, stood frozen in place, unaware of what mistake he had made, and ended up in this situation directly." OK.

Translate: "Ao Shi hearing this, stood dumbfounded on the spot, unaware what mistake he had made, and directly ended up in this situation." We'll translate: "Ao Shi hearing this, stood dumbfounded on the spot, unaware what mistake he had made, and directly ended up in this situation."

"However, seeing Yinglong's attitude was sincere, he realized his earlier words had violated a taboo; ultimately Ao Shi could only sigh and then say quietly: 'Ao Shi accepts the command; thereafter the Dragon Clan will rely more on you, Sir.'" OK.

same as 【60】 OK.

"Having said that, Ao Shi slowly turned and left, the background showing a hint of desolate disappointment." OK.

Translate: "Having said that, Ao Shi slowly turned and left, the background showing a hint of desolate dejection." We'll translate: "Having said that, Ao Shi slowly turned and left, the background showing a hint of desolate dejection."

"Yinglong watched this scene, feeling a twinge of reluctance, but ultimately, after Ao Shi left the hall, Yinglong did not speak to retain him." OK.

Translate: "Yinglong watched this scene, feeling a bit reluctant, but ultimately until Ao Shi left the main hall, Yinglong did not speak to retain him." We'll translate: "Yinglong watched this scene, feeling a bit reluctant, but ultimately until Ao Shi left the main hall, Yinglong did not speak to retain him."

"And just as Yinglong was feeling disheartened, a golden edict flew down from the sky, entering the Dragon Palace and heading straight for him." OK.

Translate: "Just as Yinglong felt disheartened, a golden missive flew from the sky straight into the Dragon Palace, heading for Yinglong." We'll translate: "Just as Yinglong felt disheartened, a golden missive flew from the sky straight into the Dragon Palace, heading for Yinglong."

"Seeing that the golden edict bore the unmistakable aura of the Heavenly Court, Yinglong immediately rose from his seat and waited quietly for its arrival." OK.

Translate: "Seeing that the golden missive bore the unmistakable aura of the Heavenly Court, Yinglong immediately rose from his seat and waited quietly for its arrival." We'll translate: "Seeing that the golden missive bore the unmistakable aura of the Heavenly Court, Yinglong immediately rose from his seat and waited quietly for its arrival."

"Upon seeing Yinglong, the golden edict immediately stopped, and the Water Queen directly transformed into specks of golden light, dissipating within the Dragon Palace." OK.

Translate: "The golden missive, upon seeing Yinglong, immediately stopped; the Water Empress directly turned into specks of golden light and dissipated within the Dragon Palace." We'll translate: "The golden missive, upon seeing Yinglong, immediately stopped; the Water Empress directly turned into specks of golden light and dissipated within the Dragon Palace."

"Then a voice sounded, which Yinglong recognized as Fuxi's tone; he immediately straightened his posture, slightly lowered his head, and waited silently for its words." OK.

Translate: "Then a voice sounded; Yinglong recognized it as Fuxi's tone, immediately straightened his posture, slightly lowered his head, and awaited his words." We'll translate: "Then a voice sounded; Yinglong recognized it as Fuxi's tone, immediately straightened his posture, slightly lowered his head, and awaited his words."

"Only hearing Fuxi say: 'Yinglong Venerable, Penglai Island rises by the East Sea's shore; in the Primordial Wasteland, its influence is not small, though it does not enter the Heavenly Court's sight, it still vexes people's minds.'" OK.

same as 【74】 OK.

"Moreover, its overseer, Dong Wanggong, is also an ambitious sort; if left unchecked, he would surely cause many troubles." OK.

Translate: "Moreover, its overseer, Dong Wanggong, is also an ambitious lot; if truly left unchecked, it would likely cause many troubles." We'll translate: "Moreover, its overseer, Dong Wanggong, is also an ambitious lot; if truly left unchecked, it would likely cause many troubles."

"However, it has not yet violated heavenly laws, so the Heavenly Court finds it hard to act directly, to punish those ungrateful, ambitious whelps." OK.

same as 【78】 OK.

"Coincidentally, the Dragon Clan happens to be beside Penglai Island; surely the Dragon Clan also cannot tolerate its disturbance, and at present the Department of Combat also happens to have some free time." OK.

Translate: "Coincidentally, the Dragon Clan is right beside Penglai Island; surely the Dragon Clan also cannot tolerate its disturbance, and currently the Combat Division happens to have some free time." We'll translate: "Coincidentally, the Dragon Clan is right beside Penglai Island; surely the Dragon Clan also cannot tolerate its disturbance, and currently the Combat Division happens to have some free time."

"'The Eastern Continent is the essence of the Primordial Wasteland; if we let them run wild, who knows how much damage they would cause.'" OK.

Translate: "'The Eastern Continent is the essence of the Primordial Wasteland; if we let them run wild, we do not know how much damage would be done.'" We'll translate: "'The Eastern Continent is the essence of the Primordial Wasteland; if we let them run wild, we do not know how much damage would be done.'"

"'So I have an idea: why not have you go to Penglai Island, using the Dragon Clan as a pretext, to drive them out of the Eastern Sea?'" OK.

Translate: "'Then I have an idea: why not have you go to Penglai Island, using the Dragon Clan as pretext, to drive them out from the East Sea?'" We'll translate: "'Then I have an idea: why not have you go to Penglai Island, using the Dragon Clan as pretext, to drive them out from the East Sea?'"

"'Safety need not be a worry; although they have a quasi-sage, this time the Eastern Emperor will also go along, but if there is no major incident, he will not reveal himself.'" OK.

Translate: "'Safety need not be worried; although they have a Quasi-Sage, this time the East Emperor will also go along, but if there is no major incident, it will not be revealed.'" We'll translate: "'Safety need not be worried; although they have a Quasi-Sage, this time the East Emperor will also go along, but if there is no major incident, it will not be revealed.'"

"'Regarding the scale, you need to consider it carefully; this matter is being done on behalf of the Dragon Clan, and afterward the Heavenly Court will appropriately reward you to compensate the Dragon Clan's name.'" OK.

Translate: "'As for the scale, you need to consider it carefully; this matter is being done on behalf of the Dragon Clan, and afterward the Heavenly Court will appropriately reward, to compensate the Dragon Clan's name.'" We'll translate: "'As for the scale, you need to consider it carefully; this matter is being done on behalf of the Dragon Clan, and afterward the Heavenly Court will appropriately reward, to compensate the Dragon Clan's name.'"

"'Moreover, the Qi Emperor, Nüwa, and the Eastern Emperor are also in the Primordial Wasteland, currently gathering in Cloud Dream Marsh; you may first go there to pay your respects, then decide.'" OK.

Translate: "'Moreover, the Qi Emperor, Nüwa Emperor, and East Emperor are also in the Primordial Wasteland; they are currently gathering briefly at Cloud Dream Marsh; you may first go there to pay respects, then decide.'" We'll translate: "'Moreover, the Qi Emperor, Nüwa Emperor, and East Emperor are also in the Primordial Wasteland; they are currently gathering briefly at Cloud Dream Marsh; you may first go there to pay respects, then decide.'"

"As Fuxi's voice ended, the golden edict completely vanished; Yinglong did not notice anyone observing, yet he still slightly bowed and said:" OK.

Translate: "As Fuxi's voice ended, the golden missive completely vanished; Yinglong did not sense anyone observing, yet he still slightly bowed and said:" We'll translate: "As Fuxi's voice ended, the golden missive completely vanished; Yinglong did not sense anyone observing, yet he still slightly bowed and said:"

"'Yinglong receives the Xi Emperor's command; I will surely not fail the Emperor's trust.'" OK.

Translate: "\"Yinglong receives the command of His Majesty the Xi Emperor; I will surely not fail the Emperor's trust. \"" We'll translate: "\"Yinglong receives the command of His Majesty the Xi Emperor; I will surely not fail the Emperor's trust. \""

"Seeing the palace still silent, Yinglong then returned to his normal form and walked out toward the outside of the Dragon Palace." OK.

Translate: "Seeing the palace still silent, Yinglong then resumed his normal form and walked toward the outside of the Dragon Palace." We'll translate: "Seeing the palace still silent, Yinglong then resumed his normal form and walked toward the outside of the Dragon Palace."

"The Heavenly Court's order gave him no thought of resistance; anyway, he had long since resolved to act according to Ancestor Dragon's words." OK.

Translate: "The Heavenly Court's order actually gave him no thought of resistance; besides, he had long since resolved to act according to Ancestor Dragon's words." We'll translate: "The Heavenly Court's order actually gave him no thought of resistance; besides, he had long since resolved to act according to Ancestor Dragon's words."

"Since Ancestor Dragon allowed him to stay in the Heavenly Court, he naturally would not be negligent." OK.

Translate: "Since Ancestor Dragon allowed him to stay in the Heavenly Court, he naturally would not be lax." We'll translate: "Since Ancestor Dragon allowed him to stay in the Heavenly Court, he naturally would not be lax."

"The Dragon Clan would indeed fear those who control great affairs of the world, but they would never reject a sword like Yinglong—one with a weakness that can be manipulated." OK.

Translate: "The Dragon Clan indeed fears those who hold great worldly affairs, but for a sword like Yinglong—having a weakness yet controllable—they would absolutely not refuse." We'll translate: "The Dragon Clan indeed fears those who hold great worldly affairs, but for a sword like Yinglong—having a weakness yet controllable—they would absolutely not refuse."

"They would even, like the Heavenly Court, not only not refuse but entrust him with an important post, letting him oversee a part of the Heavenly Court, making him one of the most powerful figures in the world." OK.

Translate: "They would even, like the Heavenly Court, not refuse but instead entrust him with an important post, letting him oversee a portion of the Heavenly Court, making him one of the few most powerful figures in the world." We'll translate: "They would even, like the Heavenly Court, not refuse but instead entrust him with an important post, letting him oversee a portion of the Heavenly Court, making him one of the few most powerful figures in the world."

"'It's astonishing that three emperors are in the Primordial Wasteland, and even the Qi Emperor is not in the Heavenly Court; I truly don't know what scheme the Heavenly Court might have.'" OK.

Translate: "\"How can it be that three emperors are in the Primordial Wasteland, even the Qi Emperor not staying in the Heavenly Court; I truly do not know what schemes the Heavenly Court may have. \"" We'll translate: "\"How can it be that three emperors are in the Primordial Wasteland, even the Qi Emperor not staying in the Heavenly Court; I truly do not know what schemes the Heavenly Court may have. \""

"Only when Yinglong walked out of the Dragon Clan and roamed freely through the sea did he feel a slight sigh in his heart." OK.

Translate: "Only when Yinglong walked out of the Dragon Clan and roamed freely through the sea did he feel a slight sigh in his heart." We'll translate: "Only when Yinglong walked out of the Dragon Clan and roamed freely through the sea did he feel a slight sigh in his heart."

"Regarding the current Heavenly Court, beings like Kunpeng, Yinglong, and Bai Ze all have some awareness of the five emperors; in their view, Di Jun is undoubtedly the true ruler of the Heavenly Court." OK.

same as 【110】 OK.

"But this does not mean the status of the others is lighter; on the contrary, the standing among the five emperors seems unrelated to power and strength." OK.

Translate: "However, this does not mean the others' status is lighter; on the contrary, the standings among the five emperors seem unrelated to power and strength." We'll translate: "However, this does not mean the others' status is lighter; on the contrary, the standings among the five emperors seem unrelated to power and strength."

"And within their group of five, their speaking rights also bear no relation to their status, position, or strength—this undoubtedly concerns these Heavenly Court heavyweights greatly." OK.

Translate: "Within their group of five, their speaking rights also bear no relation to status, position, or strength; this undoubtedly concerns these Heavenly Court heavyweights greatly." We'll translate: "Within their group of five, their speaking rights also bear no relation to status, position, or strength; this undoubtedly concerns these Heavenly Court heavyweights greatly."

"Regarding the Heavenly Court's orders, they also have their own views; normally, everything can be heeded to the Heavenly Emperor, while also consulting the Xi Emperor's opinion." OK.

same

As for the Eastern Emperor and Nüwa, they actually pay little attention to the Heavenly Court, more often merely serving as listeners and providing combat support.

Translate: "As for the East Emperor and Nüwa Emperor, they actually pay little attention to the Heavenly Court; most of the time they are merely listeners and providers of combat strength." We'll translate: "As for the East Emperor and Nüwa Emperor, they actually pay little attention to the Heavenly Court; most of the time they are merely listeners and providers of combat strength."

And the Qi Emperor, likewise not particularly devoted to the Heavenly Court, but his suggestions are not merely taken as reference; people give them extra weight, treating them as key points, because the Qi Emperor's suggestions basically become the core of order formulation, later supplemented and perfected by the Heavenly Emperor and the Xi Emperor.

Translate: "As for the Qi Emperor, he likewise does not especially care for the Heavenly Court, but his suggestions are usually not taken merely as reference; instead, they are given greater weight and listed as key points. Because the Qi Emperor's suggestions basically become the core of order formulation, then supplemented and perfected by the Heavenly Emperor and the Xi Emperor." We'll translate: "As for the Qi Emperor, he likewise does not especially care for the Heavenly Court, but his suggestions are usually not taken merely as reference; instead, they are given greater weight and listed as key points. Because the Qi Emperor's suggestions basically become the core of order formulation, then supplemented and perfected by the Heavenly Emperor and the Xi Emperor."

Now that the Qi Emperor resides in the Primordial Wasteland, Yinglong naturally pays more attention, feeling that the matter of going to Penglai might involve some of the Heavenly Court's schemes.

Translate: "Now the Qi Emperor resides in the Primordial Wasteland; Yinglong naturally pays a bit more attention, feeling that the matter of going to Penglai may involve some schemes of the Heavenly Court." We'll translate: "Now the Qi Emperor resides in the Primordial Wasteland; Yinglong naturally pays a bit more attention, feeling that the matter of going to Penglai may involve some schemes of the Heavenly Court."

'It is a tumultuous autumn.'

Translate: "\"It is a tumultuous autumn. \"" We'll translate: "\"It is a tumultuous autumn. \""

Yinglong broke through the water, transformed into a fleeing light, and rushed to Cloud Dream Marsh; the three emperors were waiting, the Penglai assembly was about to convene, and he had little time to linger.

Translate: "Yinglong broke through the water, transformed into a fleeing light, and rushed to Cloud Dream Marsh; the three emperors were all waiting, the Penglai Assembly was about to convene, and he could not afford to linger." We'll translate: "Yinglong broke through the water, transformed into a fleeing light, and rushed to Cloud Dream Marsh; the three emperors were all waiting, the Penglai Assembly was about to convene, and he could not afford to linger."

At that moment in Cloud Dream Marsh, the Qi Emperor was playing chess with Nüwa, with Taiyi at the side casually interjecting, offering strategies for both sides.

At that moment in Cloud Dream Marsh, the Qi Emperor was playing chess with Nüwa, Taiyi at the side casually interjecting, offering strategies for both sides.

Sometimes helping the Qi Emperor plug gaps, sometimes helping Nüwa rescue the game, this provoked a round of laughter and cursing between the two.

Translate: "Sometimes helping the Qi Emperor find and fill gaps, sometimes helping Nüwa rescue the game, provoking mutual laughter and scolding." We'll translate: "Sometimes helping the Qi Emperor find and fill gaps, sometimes helping Nüwa rescue the game, provoking mutual laughter and scolding."

Beside them, lotus leaves trembled slightly in the breeze, flowers swaying, emitting a faint fragrance that brushed the face; combined with the illusory scenery of Cloud Dream Marsh, it truly is a divine Dao Chang.

Beside them, lotus leaves trembled slightly in the breeze, flowers swaying, emitting a faint fragrance that brushed the face; combined with the illusory scenery of Cloud Dream Marsh, it truly is a divine Dao Chang.

Beside, the lotus leaves tremble slightly in the breeze; the flowers sway, emitting a faint fragrance that brushes the face; together with the dreamlike scenery of Yunmze Marsh, it truly is an immortal divine Dao Chang.

Bai Ling, beneath the stone steps of the Pond Heart Pavilion, assumed his true form and lay beside the lotus pond, his long tongue often curling to drink the dew from a lotus leaf.

And amidst the crowd's laughter and chatter, he pretended not to notice, swallowing the leaf as well.

He is now quite bold, eating the leaves of a low-grade innate spiritual root as if it were nothing; unlike before, when he would sneak a bite of an immortal herb, glancing left and right, acting cautiously, fearful of being seen.

Qi, Nüwa, and Taiyi naturally noticed his little actions, but also pretended not to see, letting him put on his act.

A sliver of sunlight pierced the clouds' veil, shining upon the ox's head; Bai Ling then seemed to feel stuffy, slowly rose, and swung his three ox tails, producing a thunderous crack.

Seeing that Qi and the others still paid no attention, focusing on their chess and teasing, he proceeded very cautiously toward the pond water.

A light leap, upon touching the pond water, produced a loud thud, drawing the attention of Qi and the three.

Bai Ling, seeing the matter exposed, merely surfaced an ox head from the water and said rather embarrassedly: "My lord, the weather is somewhat stuffy; this old ox will go for a swim to dispel the heat, disturbing your tranquility. If you do not like it, this old ox will come out."

Qi found this somewhat helpless; Nüwa's bell-like laughter rang out, while Taiyi showed a faint smile, the corners of his eyes slightly crinkling.

Looking at Bai Ling still soaking in the pond, saying he would come out yet making no move, Qi felt somewhat helpless and spoke, his words tinged with indulgence:

"Never mind, seeing your appearance, do you really look like you want to come out? Since you're somewhat stuffy and want to dispel the heat, then just stay soaked."

"Just don't make such noises again, lest you disturb our refined leisure."

Bai Ling, seeing Qi's assent, happily flicked his four hooves in the water and said gratefully: "Thank you, my lord, for indulging me. Shall I gather some lotus seeds for you as a side dish?"

Before Qi could speak, Nüwa smiled and said:

"Your ox head is quite clever, and I'll go along with that, but remember not to overeat; given your cultivation, too much food would be hard to digest."

Bai Ling then turned his head and swam toward the depths, speaking as he went:

"Bai Ling understands; thank you, Empress Nüwa, for your concern; Bai Ling will certainly remember."

While speaking, taking advantage of having his back to the crowd, Bai Ling did not forget to gulp a mouthful of pond water, not daring to take more, for the Three Radiance Divine Water is potent and hard to refine.

After Bai Ling had gone far away, Taiyi then laughed and said:

"Qi, your ox calf is also quite an interesting creature, just overly lively and gluttonous; normally it could also pass the time, giving me a notion to keep a pet."

Qi didn't mind this at all; he remained quite pleased with Bai Ling, and even though he was a bit gluttonous, back in the days of Cloud Dream Marsh he had also been very diligent.

In the early days, the orderly spiritual fields of the Cloud Dream Marsh were all tended by Bai Ling alone; that scene, Qi has never forgotten.

As for Taiyi's saying he wanted to keep a pet, Qi didn't believe it in the slightest, raising the corners of his mouth slightly and saying:

"If it were Nüwa speaking, I would still have some faith; but as for you, Taiyi, saying you would divert your attention to keep a pet, I cannot believe it at all."

"To entrust oneself to the Dao, harboring no thoughts of external things—such is the way of a seeker of the Dao, and thus Taiyi should be as well."

"Such frivolous pastimes that sap the will—Taiyi, you must not engage in them."

Nüwa, at the side, also joked:

"Taiyi, haven't you always just liked to watch the liveliness? If you were really to fuss over managing it, that pet would probably starve to death in a few days."

Taiyi, at the side, also didn't mind, smiling lightly:

"That is also true; the Great Dao already resides in my heart, and I have many friends accompanying me—how could I divert my attention elsewhere?"

"Normally, a moment of amusement is enough; if one truly becomes distracted by this, it is somewhat putting the cart before the horse."

"However, I really do have some fondness for this Bai Ling; Qi, why not let him come with me?"

Qi responded with a laughing scold:

"Just go away; back when I had you all take him in, none of you were willing, yet now seeing that I have raised him to possess considerable spiritual vigor, you suddenly feel moved—why is that?"

Nüwa also, at the side, joked:

"Where does this remark come from? However, Taiyi is indeed somewhat excessive; Bai Ling, after all, is a Great Luo Golden Immortal and also Qi's mount—how could Bai Yan just take him away?"

Immediately thereafter, she turned her head to Qi and said: "Qi, how about this: my mount, the Qingluan, also possesses the cultivation of a Great Luo Golden Immortal, and formerly it was the leader of the phoenix clan."

"Its status and standing are lacking nothing, its talent is also decent, and it is also a kindred spirit—indeed it befits your stature."

"Why not exchange a thing or two between us? What do you think of this?"

Qi found this rather speechless, knowing the two were just teasing, and went along with a laugh: "You're just like Taiyi—go away, no, wait, you're even worse than Taiyi; my mount, whom I've long associated with, how could I lightly exchange it?"

"In my view, you need to get even farther away than Taiyi; acting so unfeelingly, you are essentially a snake-hearted poisonous woman."

Nüwa, seeing that reason failed, could only glance at Qi and laugh: "Indeed a wicked person, always bullying me."

Immediately the three laughed together, the pavilion echoing with their laughter.

PS: Sorry, I haven't finished today because I have something to do; to preserve diligence I posted early, but it's still late; at month's end I'll post an extra 2000 characters as compensation, hoping for everyone's forgiveness; the Phoenix here thanks you! (End of chapter)