The Azure Flower King’s strength was something Lao Gui knew all too well, otherwise he wouldn’t have gone to such lengths to rally his old brothers and even prepared himself for a battle to the death, having arranged his affairs beforehand in case the worst were to happen. Who could have known that in the blink of an eye, the once invincible Azure Flower King would be beheaded.
At that moment, he felt as if he were dreaming and said, "It is indeed that scoundrel serpent’s head. The fellow came with overwhelming force; I have no idea who could have killed him."
"Mother, Mr. Lu said to hang this head on the gate of the Crystal Palace," called out Lao Qi, who hadn’t yet arrived home when his voice was already heard from afar.
The Dragon Queen couldn’t help but shake her head, her child was still so impulsive, not a bit steady. Fortunately, Mr. Lu was there to lead him, otherwise, she didn’t know what trouble he might cause.
"Where is Mr. Lu?"
"He’s behind, I rushed back to bring you this good news."
The Dragon Queen frowned and said, "You child, how could you leave your mentor behind and run back by yourself?"
However, Lao Qi seemed unconcerned by his mother’s words and promptly said, "Mother, you didn’t see how powerful Mr. Lu is. He has a bottle, and with a mere gesture, he trapped all of the Azure Flower King’s underlings inside. As for the so-called Azure Flower King himself, in Mr. Lu’s hands, he was no different from a little fish, caught easily from the river and beheaded with a single sword."
Hearing of Lu Yu’s deeds from the Jing River Dragon King, the Dragon Queen naturally knew how formidable Lu Yu was. After all, he was someone who had clashed with the Great God of the Triple Shrine; his capabilities were unsurprising.
However, Lao Gui was extremely shocked to hear this. In his mind, the Azure Flower King was ranked among the top masters in the Jing River waters, but according to what the Seventh Prince said, to this Mr. Lu, the king seemed nothing more than a toy. Lao Gui couldn’t help but take a cold breath, filled with curiosity about this mysterious figure he had never met.
Foll𝑜w current novℯls on ƒrēewebnoѵёl.cσm.
Soon, Lu Yu entered and observed Lao Gui and the others with curiosity.
"These were once subordinates of my husband, they have all retired for many years. They came hurriedly to help us mother and son when they heard that an enemy was coming to harass," the Dragon Queen introduced Lao Gui and his company to Lu Yu. Continue reading at freewebnovel
"Truly men of loyalty. In turmoil, one’s fidelity is revealed; in chaos, one’s allegiance is known. The saying holds true," praised Lu Yu.
He had already noticed that these members of the Aquatic Tribes were in decline, their armor worn and outdated. Though spirited for battle, they were, at best, described as a ragtag bunch. Yet, their readiness to face death in times of peril was admirable — a hurdle many could not breach across the ages, where only death held certainty.
"Mr. Lu, you flatter us. Had we known that such an esteemed figure was present, we old folks wouldn’t have needed to make such a fuss," Lao Gui replied with a laugh, his heart content with the high praise from such a distinguished person.
After exchanging pleasantries, the Dragon Queen invited everyone to the great hall. As for the head of the Azure Flower King, it was hung at the front of the Crystal Palace’s gate as Lu Yu had instructed, on display for all to see.
By half a day’s effort, the news of the Azure Flower King’s death spread throughout the Jing River region. Any demons harboring ill intentions felt a tightening in their hearts and suddenly understood the adage about the camel, lean from starvation, still being bigger than a horse. Even with the Dragon King gone, the foundation of the Dragon Palace endured.
Now it had bared its fangs, instilling fear in those who had hoped to profit from disaster.
The act of Lu Yu hanging the Azure Flower King’s head was a deterrent against the petty and small-minded, smoothly concluding the old dragon’s funeral rites. It signaled the departure of the once supreme ruler of the Jing River while all eyes then turned to the Crystal Palace, eager to see who would be the Dragon King’s successor.
After all, the Dragon King had many sons, all born of the Dragon Queen, and therefore all were eligible for the title of Dragon Lord.
However, when the true message came, the people of the Jing River area were stunned. The position of the Jing River Dragon Lord was not left to any of the Dragon Sons but was instead entrusted to the Heavenly Court, which would soon send a Water God to take office.
The various Dragon Princes received favorable arrangements according to their personalities and talents, securing different positions. It could be said that the Jing River Dragon King, with his life, prepared a bright future for his children. Only Lao Qi, too wild and indocile, was left without a request for placement by his parents, who worried he might cause trouble in the Heavenly Court.
With the departure of the last Dragon Son, the vast Crystal Palace was left with only the Dragon Queen, Lao Qi, and Lu Yu. Looking at the empty grand hall, Lao Qi felt incredibly downcast. He sat on the steps of the Crystal Palace, head bowed, silently counting the pebbles beneath his feet. This had been the playground for him and his brothers, yet now, it was deserted, leaving him alone.
"What’s wrong, missing your brothers?" A warm hand rested on his shoulder, and turning his head, Lao Qi saw the smiling face of Lu Yu.
Lao Qi spoke despondently, "Teacher, am I useless, still causing Father and Mother to worry about me?" At this point, he was engulfed in self-doubt, feeling like a burden to his mother.
"Why would you have such a mistaken impression? No one is born useless, everyone has their own value," Lu Yu consoled him.
"But everyone else has found their path, leaving only me. I don’t know what to do in the future." Lao Qi’s face was filled with confusion. He didn’t know where to turn or how to live, and his prospects were shrouded in uncertainty.
"Everyone has a place where they belong. The Heavenly Court isn’t as great as you imagine. As for your future, your father has already planned it out for you. Just follow his plan, and naturally, you will gain much. Besides, am I not still here? As your teacher, how could I let you be without options?"
"But I don’t want to live with Uncle’s family, their sons are hard to get along with." Lao Qi suddenly complained, reflecting his discomfort with his arrogant cousins and the thought of living with them. He was distressed at the prospect.
"So fear of that is the issue. If you don’t like it, don’t live together. If you really can’t find a place to go, you can come to me. My Cave Heaven is spacious enough for you," Lu Yu said with a smile as he gently patted Lao Qi’s head.
"Really?" Lao Qi immediately felt a glimmer of hope. Compared to his proud cousins, Mr. Lu felt warmer and more welcoming. Given the choice, he naturally preferred to follow Lu Yu.