Chapter 407 – Fear in the Dragon Clan's Hearts: An Announcement That Shakes the World

From a universal perspective, the strength of individuals at the same cultivation stage is generally comparable.

Moreover, human energy is ultimately limited, making it difficult to achieve comprehensive mastery in all areas. This results in people having both strengths and weaknesses.

Based on these two premises, Ao Huan reasoned that, under normal circumstances, even if Mu Lin could defeat the prodigies of their Dragon Palace Aquatic Tribe, the tens of thousands of prodigies taking turns to challenge him would eventually uncover his weaknesses and shortcomings. By exploiting these vulnerabilities, they could ultimately kill Mu Lin.

Therefore, Ao Huan considered Mu Lin’s claim of exterminating the entire younger generation of the Dragon Palace Aquatic Tribe to be nothing but arrogant boasting.

However, all of the above reasoning applied only to normal Mortal Shedding cultivators.

Sensing Mu Lin’s presence in another realm and realizing that he himself could not breach the barrier separating them, an inconceivable and terrifying thought emerged in Ao Huan’s mind.

‘Could it be that even tens of thousands of our Aquatic Tribe members taking turns would still fail to defeat Mu Lin…’

This thought sent a chill through Ao Huan’s entire being.

Though reluctant to believe it, Ao Huan genuinely felt that their tens of thousands of Aquatic Tribe prodigies would be no match for Mu Lin.

Upon realizing this, the first emotions that surged within Ao Huan were fear and regret.

“Damn it, we shouldn’t have gotten involved in this matter.”

The second emotion was a soaring murderous intent.

“Such a cultivator must never be allowed to emerge among the Human Race. If he grows up smoothly, he could suppress our Dragon Clan for an entire era. Moreover, we already have enmity with them…”

Thinking this far, Ao Huan even entertained the idea of sacrificing his own life to kill Mu Lin.

However, after glancing at the surrounding Human Race Earth Immortals, Ao Huan knew he had no opportunity to kill Mu Lin.

“Sigh!”

Helplessly, he could only leave the place filled with overwhelming fear and regret, quickly contacting the Dragon Palace.

This matter was too significant for him to decide alone.

…

Using an emergency communication channel, Ao Huan soon established contact with the Dragon Palace.

At this time, the Dragon Palace Aquatic Tribe had not yet grasped the severity of the situation. Seeing Ao Huan contact them, they assumed his mission was complete and he was reporting back.

Consequently, the Dragon Palace Aquatic Tribe members were relaxed, and one of the Dragon Princes even complained to Ao Huan.

“Uncle Huan, your timing is too urgent. I was just at the climax of listening to a song…”

He continued speaking, but before he could finish, Ao Huan’s low and deep voice interrupted.

“Ao Yi is dead.”

“Huh?”

“?!”

“…Uncle Huan, that joke isn’t funny at all.”

True Dragons were scarce, and as a result, every Dragon Clan member was familiar with one another. Hearing of the sudden death of an acquaintance shocked everyone in the Dragon Palace, and they believed Ao Huan was joking—the death of an un-grown True Dragon Descendant was something that hadn’t happened in centuries.

However, Ao Huan’s next words shattered their illusions.

“I would not joke about such a matter.”

As he spoke, he shifted the Mystic Treasure water mirror to show Ao Yi’s corpse.

Seeing the body covered in wounds, drained dry with only a thin layer of skin remaining, the Dragon Palace Aquatic Tribe on the other side of the water mirror fell silent for a moment.

The next instant, boundless might and murderous intent erupted from the Dragon Palace hall.

“Who did this?!”

“Who dares kill a descendant of our Dragon Clan? I will have him sliced into a thousand pieces!”

“Yi’er, sob sob… Ao Huan, you useless bastard, why did my son have to die!”

Ao Yi’s death caused a great stir in the Dragon Palace, filling everyone with murderous rage.

—The Dragon Palace Aquatic Tribe could not remain indifferent to the death of a Dragon Prince.

After all, although the Dragon Clan was powerful, their numbers were extremely scarce. The reason they could rule the four seas was by sticking together; if any dragon was attacked, they would retaliate.

It was through this vengeful nature that they ensured others dared not look down upon the Dragon Palace, nor dared to hunt True Dragons.

However, upon hearing these words, Ao Huan’s expression turned extremely grim.

“The one who killed Ao Yi was the human Mu Lin, and moreover, it was Ao Yi who actively sought out Mu Lin to fight. His death did not violate any rules.”

Weak races could be bullied at will; even without justification, they dared to retaliate, even to the point of extermination.

But when it came to the land’s overlords, they had to reason things out. The Human Race possessed the power to make them negotiate.

After explaining the whole situation, Ao Huan looked even more troubled as he addressed the crowd in the Dragon Palace: “Besides, there’s no time for us to discuss Ao Yi now…”

“Bang!”

“My son is dead, a Dragon Prince of the Dragon Palace has been killed, that Mu Lin is slapping our Dragon Palace in the face, and you dare say this is a trivial matter not worth discussing!”

Ao Huan’s words infuriated Ao Yi’s father, Ao Tao, who looked at Ao Huan with murderous intent.

Clearly, the death of his own son had enraged Ao Tao greatly.

Yet, such a gaze did not bother Ao Huan; he merely said calmly, “The death of a Dragon Prince is indeed a serious matter, but what follows is even more important… Mu Lin has made an arrogant declaration in Water Moon City, saying he awaits the challenge of our Dragon Palace Aquatic Tribe. He claims he wants to test whether he alone can slaughter all the young generation of our Dragon Palace Aquatic Tribe!”

“…”

“…”

“…”

Just like in Water Moon City, upon hearing Mu Lin’s words, the Dragon Palace hall fell silent for a moment.

Even the phantom on the throne, the Dragon Emperor at the True Lord level, withdrew some of his attention.

However, unlike the human cultivators in Water Moon City, having never witnessed Mu Lin’s strength firsthand, they considered his words nothing but arrogant nonsense.

“Arrogant!”

“He doesn’t know his place…”

“He actually dares to say he’ll slaughter all the young generation of our Dragon Palace Aquatic Tribe? Hah, have humans become so conceited?”

“It seems our Dragon Clan’s long seclusion in the deep sea has ceased to instill fear in humans… Very well, since that Mu Lin wants us to challenge him, we’ll grant his wish and send cultivators…”

A dragon named Ao Zun, eyes flashing with killing intent, began to propose something.

But before he could finish his suggestion, Ao Huan interrupted him.

“I don’t think this is a good proposal.”

Before Ao Zun could respond to the rejection, Ao Tao jumped in.

“Ao Huan, you bastard, have you betrayed the Dragon Clan and become a lackey of the humans?”

“I have not betrayed the Dragon Clan.”

“Then why are you stopping us from killing Mu Lin?”

“Because he can’t be killed!” After roaring out these words, Ao Huan’s face carried a trace of terror as he said, “Though I don’t want to admit it, Mu Lin has already transcended the Mortal Shedding level. Even if the prodigies of our Dragon Palace Aquatic Tribe take turns fighting him, none would be a match for Mu Lin… He truly has the power to slaughter our entire younger generation of the Dragon Palace Aquatic Tribe.”

At this point, Ao Huan gave a bitter smile and continued, “You know, when I first sensed Mu Lin’s threat, I thought that even if it cost me my life, I couldn’t let him live.”

“But when I prepared to act, I had a premonition that even without the interference of the Human Race’s Earth Immortals, I… still wouldn’t be able to kill Mu Lin.”

By now, the bitterness on Ao Huan’s face grew even more intense.

“Also, when leaving Water Moon City, I felt an extreme sense of dread. That Mu Lin, he also harbored killing intent toward me, and I, too, sensed a deadly crisis.”

“Do you think anyone among the younger generation in the Dragon Palace could kill me… me, who, as a Mortal Shedding cultivator, can challenge an Earth Immortal!”

“…”

“…”

These final words plunged the Dragon Palace hall into silence.

And this time, the silence was deeper than ever before.

After a long while, a hoarse voice finally echoed in the hall.

“Ao Huan? Are you sure you didn’t mis-sense? Could it have been the killing intent of a Human Race Earth Immortal or Celestial Master?”

“I wish I could think so too, but as you know, I took a treasure from the Dragon Palace treasury. Through that supreme treasure, I sensed that it was Mu Lin who locked onto me.”

Ao Huan’s certainty made the group in the Dragon Palace understand why he said Ao Yi’s death was a minor matter—such a powerful Mu Lin, if allowed to fully mature, could alter the balance between the Human Race and the Dragon Palace.

Compared to the rise and fall of a race, the death of one or two dragon sons truly could only be considered a minor matter.

However, while some looked grave, others only sought revenge.

Ao Tao, who had lost his son, stood up and declared loudly, “Now that we know of Mu Lin’s threat, we should be even more determined to kill him.”

Ao Huan replied, “I know what you’re saying, but Aquatic Tribe members of the same level are basically no match for Mu Lin, and even Earth Immortals aren’t certain…”

Ao Tao countered, “If Earth Immortals aren’t enough, then let the Dragon Lord take action. I refuse to believe the Human Race would go to war with us over a single human. Their current situation isn’t favorable…”

“They would. The Human Race would go to war with us.”

A suddenly raised voice drew everyone’s attention, and they saw a Dragon Lord walking in from outside, looking weary.

This was Fan Yang Dragon Lord, who served as a foothold for the Dragon Clan on land. In the past, the Aquatic Tribe and Jiao Dragons on land were mostly under his management.

He also acted as the intermediary in dealings with humans.

Today, he had returned to the Aquatic Tribe.

However, his expression was grim.

Glancing at his clansmen in the Dragon Palace, he sighed and said,

“After Ao Huan reported the matter, to prevent any mishaps, I originally intended to go and keep an eye on things. But halfway there, I was intercepted by a Human Race Celestial Master.”

“Using the Water Mirror Technique, I witnessed the entire battle from start to finish.”

“Afterwards, that Human Race Celestial Master bluntly told me that Mu Lin’s arrogance and audacity in declaring he would slaughter all of our Dragon Palace Aquatic Tribe was not merely his own will… The Celestial Master warned me that the Dragon Palace’s entry into the East Sea Kingdom had crossed a line.”

“Mu Lin’s actions were secretly directed by them, and at the same time, the Human Race Celestial Masters gave Mu Lin a promise: as long as he could inflict enough pain on us, they would spare no effort to protect his safety.”

“Moreover, a Celestial Master from the north even swore upon the Heavenly Dao, vowing that if Mu Lin were killed by someone using superior strength to bully the weak, he would avenge Mu Lin even at the cost of his own life.”

“…”

The words of the Fanyang Dragon Lord left the group in the Dragon Palace hall somewhat at a loss for words.

After a long silence, someone finally sighed and said:

“To think Human Race Celestial Masters are involved… Indeed, the Human Race is deeply wary of our Dragon Clan!”

“What should we do now? Mu Lin is under the protection of Human Race Celestial Masters, and we are not in the right…”

Not being in the right meant they could not use their superior strength to bully the weak or rely on their influence to oppress others.

In such a situation, all they could do was engage in battles of equal standing.

But according to Ao Huan, even among peers, the Dragon Palace Aquatic Tribe was no match for him.

Just as everyone fell silent and troubled, a Dragon Lord first signaled for the meeting to adjourn.

Then, he gathered the Dragon Clan members again and spoke:

“Mu Lin must still be dealt with.”

These words made Ao Huan frown. “I’ve said it before—even among our Dragon Clan, cultivators of the same rank are no match for Mu Lin. Sending them would only be a pointless sacrifice… We cannot let more of our Dragon Palace kin die.”

Hearing this, the Dragon Lord did not refute him but nodded and said, “I know all of that. But to deal with Mu Lin, we don’t need to send Dragon Princes. I suggest the clan allocate resources for a Dragon Transformation and announce to all Aquatic Tribes under the heavens that whoever can kill Mu Lin may come to the Dragon Palace’s Transformation Pool, where we will conduct a Dragon Transformation Ritual for them.”

These words made the dragons’ eyes light up. They understood the Dragon Lord’s meaning.

By having the Aquatic Tribe, rather than Dragon Princes, deal with Mu Lin, it would be best if they succeeded.

If they failed, the losses would be minimal, and there might even be benefits.

It is important to remember one thing: although the Dragon Clan rules over countless Aquatic Tribes, it is similar to how a human emperor governs the myriad people of the world.

The emperor and the common people, especially the powerful among them (the Aristocratic Families), are not always in harmony.

The Aristocratic Families have always been in conflict with imperial authority, competing for benefits.

Given the opportunity, many Aristocratic Families would not hesitate to overthrow the existing order and place themselves on the throne.

This is true for the Human Race, and similarly, the countless Aquatic Tribes ruled by the Dragon Clan are not of one mind with the dragons.

In fact, due to the principle that ‘those not of our kind must have different hearts,’ the Dragon Clan is even more wary of the Aquatic Tribe.

Now, having Aquatic Tribe Prodigies challenge Mu Lin would, if successful, avenge their kin.

If they failed, it would weaken the Aquatic Tribe’s strength—something the Dragon Clan would naturally be willing to do.

“Good, as you say, I will announce it to all Aquatic Tribes under the heavens and have them take action…”

“Wait.” The one who spoke was Ao Tao, the father who had lost his child. His expression was somewhat frenzied as he said, “In addition to notifying the Aquatic Tribes, I hope you will also announce to all races under the heavens that I will heavily reward anyone who can kill Mu Lin.”

As he spoke, he handed over most of his personal wealth to Ao Huan, tasking him with placing a bounty on Mu Lin’s head.

“Tell the cultivators out there—whether they’re from the Aquatic Tribe, the Demon Race, or the Human Race, even Evil God cultists are fine—as long as they can kill Mu Lin, all these treasures will be theirs!”

“Understood.” After nodding in acknowledgment, Ao Huan sighed and added, “It was my idea to have nephew Ao Yi challenge Mu Lin. His death is partly my responsibility, so I’ll also contribute some resources to encourage all races under heaven to challenge him.”

“Count me in…”

“And me.”

“I’ll also do my part for nephew Ao Yi…”

After the discussion concluded, the next day, when the Dragon Clan’s announcement was released, the entire world was shaken.

Countless people stared at the bounty issued by the Dragon Clan, their eyes bloodshot as if in a dream.

It was no wonder they reacted this way—the sheer number of treasures offered for Mu Lin’s death was staggering.

“One Dragon Transformation opportunity, fifty-one Heaven Grade Gang Sha Qi portions, three Spirit Tools! Thirteen Heavenly Treasures to enhance one’s foundation, plus a Water Mansion territory, ten thousand Aquatic Tribe Dao soldiers, three thousand mermaid maidens, one hundred portions of thousand-year Spirit Medicine, forty portions of three-thousand-year Spirit Medicine, and one portion of ten-thousand-year life-extending Spirit Medicine… Have the Dragon Clan gone mad? So many treasures, just to hunt down a Mortal Shedding cultivator—are they not planning to live anymore?”

(End of Chapter)