"Is there still no news from the Celestial Fool?"

Ao Qiong sat on a throne encrusted with pearl jade, his Silver Armor shining brightly, exuding both valor and nobility.

However, his expression was full of impatience, a look of irritation.

Below the throne stood the Water Patrol Yaksha, Profound Turtle, and several Crab Generals, Piggy Dragon Monsters, Carp Spirits, and other towering Water Monsters. The rest of the shrimp soldiers and fish minions stood far away.

The vast Crystal Palace exuded a few kingly airs.

The Qiong River stretches tens of thousands of miles, with its downstream branches extending into three major rivers, making it a famous river in the Northern Province.

Ao Qiong governed such a vast water domain, naturally with many Spirit Monsters under his command.

This Qiong River Water Palace, too, has been constructed for ten thousand years, entirely made of crystal, extremely grand and luxurious.

Ao Qiong used to quite like the Qiong River; in such a vast water domain, many treasures and Marvels are hidden.

Just treasure hunting every day could pass the time. Moreover, the Qiong Country offers large tributes every year.

When he was in a good mood, he would transform into a nobleman and travel across the human kingdoms.

When he encountered someone he liked, he would have a brief romance. If he didn't like them, he would eat them.

Those days were carefree and joyous.

Until Gao Xuan appeared and spoiled his good mood. More infuriatingly, Gao Xuan somehow gained control over parts of the Bai Cang River, easily resolving the flood problems.

The water domain is the Dragon Race's territory, not allowing any creature's infringement. That Gao Xuan could control the Bai Cang River trespassed on the Dragon Race's forbidden zone, making Ao Qiong even more furious.

Now Gao Xuan had become a thorn in his side, unbearable until removed.

Ao Qiong had a bad temper; his unhappiness would lead to eating a feast of braised dragon shrimp, fish head tofu soup, spicy crab...

Seeing Ao Qiong angry, the group of Water Monsters and Fish Spirits dared not make a sound.

The Water Patrol Yaksha at the forefront also didn't want to speak, but with Ao Qiong staring at him, he had no choice.

The Water Patrol Yaksha bowed and said respectfully, "My Lord, that Celestial Fool keeps finding all sorts of excuses to delay and stall. We still need to wait a few days."

Ao Qiong's long brows raised: "That old scoundrel dares to deceive me!"

The Celestial Fool was over six thousand years old, a bit older than Ao Qiong. Moreover, the Dragon Race spends most of its time asleep. By human age standards, Ao Qiong is still a youth.

The Water Patrol Yaksha quickly said, "My Lord, please calm down. The Celestial Fool's tricks are useless. When spring comes, and we freeze Qiong River for dozens of days, the old fellow will yield immediately."

Ao Qiong impatiently said, "I can't wait that long. Have the Celestial Fool act now."

The Water Patrol Yaksha, helpless, could only look to the Profound Turtle for help.

Under Ao Qiong's command, only he and the Profound Turtle could speak up. The Profound Turtle, who'd lived for ten or twenty thousand years, was experienced and wise, carrying some weight with Ao Qiong.

The Profound Turtle was taller and broader than the Water Patrol Yaksha; particularly, his back's square Turtle Shell was exceptionally heavy, like a massive shield.

Unlike ordinary turtle shells or soft-shelled turtles, the Profound Turtle's head was square-shaped, making it appear very tough. However, its nose was very flat, and its eyes were small like green beans.

The Profound Turtle's bean-sized eyes were very sharp. Seeing the Water Patrol Yaksha's plea, he stepped forward and bowed, saying, "My Lord, the Celestial Fool is a Human Immortal, after all, and shouldn't be pressured too much."

Ao Qiong was in a foul mood, but it wouldn't do to lose his temper at the Profound Turtle. To put it simply, the Profound Turtle was practically his senior, having protected him since he was very young.

He could only suppress his anger, saying, "I can't bear it anymore. We must deal with that Celestial Master promptly."

The Profound Turtle gently said, "My Lord, there's no need to fuss over a mere Celestial Master. It would be beneath you. Why not rest first? By the time you wake up, we will indeed have presented you with his head."

The Dragon Race can sleep for several years, or even decades. With so much time, Gao Xuan would surely be dealt with long ago.

Ao Qiong irritably said, "I can't sleep without resolving this matter."

His voice suddenly rose sharply: "Jinlin is my pet; who in Qiong River's expanse doesn't know? Gao Xuan killed Jinlin— that's a slap in my face, a slap to the Dragon Palace.

"As long as this brat lives another day, the Dragon Palace suffers another day of humiliation. This is absolutely intolerable."

The more Ao Qiong spoke, the angrier he got. He suddenly stood up and said, "That old Celestial Fool, I don't need him. I'll personally deal with Gao Xuan, flay him, and come next spring, I'll freeze Qiong River— then let's see how many people Qiong Country will lose…"

The Profound Turtle, seeing how agitated Ao Qiong was, hurriedly reached out to stop him: "My Lord, my Lord, if action is needed, it should be us handling it. There's no need for you."

Ao Qiong nodded, "You're right, gather five thousand Navy troops and wipe out that brat."

The Profound Turtle was truly helpless, having such a master was exhausting to no end.

But he had seen Ao Qiong grow up, knowing that his nature was arrogant and domineering, lacking restraint.

Thus, Ao Qiong had never held much standing in the Dragon Palace.

Despite the vastness of the Qiong River Waters, with billions of humans on both banks, it was far from comparable to the North Sea.

The vast North Sea could encompass hundreds of thousands of Qiong Rivers. Being so massive, it hid countless treasures, which the Qiong River couldn't match.

Ao Qiong had been exiled to the Qiong River. Even his name was associated with Qiong, and in this lifetime, he could only guard the Qiong River.

The North Sea's inheritance had nothing to do with Ao Qiong.

Ao Qiong should focus on Cultivation, striving to quickly refine the Qiong River Water Vein, continuously building strength, aiming to return to the Dragon Palace as soon as possible.

The critical issue was that Ao Qiong remained oblivious, entirely unaware of his situation, still tossing about for small matters each day.

The Profound Turtle, seeing Ao Qiong like this, knew blocking him head-on wouldn't work. He advised, "I heard that Gao Xuan easily slew Golden Horn. Now, though Golden Horn was merely a Demon, he had overcome the Nine Tribulations, and was by no means an easy opponent."