One after another, towering water columns emerged from the sea.
One of them surged directly toward the flying boat carrying the delegation from White Deer Academy.
Yet, not a single person showed any sign of panic.
Although this diplomatic mission was composed mostly of newcomers, with only two experienced members, every one of them had undergone rigorous training beforehand. They knew exactly what to expect.
As the cascading seawater settled, a massive water bubble formed around the flying boat, enclosing it completely. Then, under the pull of the water column, the vessel was gently drawn downward toward the ocean depths.
Lu Xiaoliu let out a sigh, sat up from his reclining chair, put it away, and walked to the bow of the ship, looking somewhat disgruntled—like a man whose pleasant dream had just been rudely interrupted.
Fang Yu and the others frowned slightly as they watched this middle-aged man.
Lu Xiaoliu did not have a good reputation within the Confucian academies.
Calling his reputation “not very good” was already an incredibly polite way of putting it.
Worse still, there was a widely spread story that Lu Xiaoliu had once deceived a woman’s affections, toying with her heart before abandoning her completely.
The scandal had been the talk of the academy for a long time.
And throughout all the accusations and gossip, Lu Xiaoliu had never once defended himself.
People had slandered him endlessly, yet he never refuted a single word. If he remained silent in the face of such claims, wasn’t that as good as admitting guilt?
On top of all that, it was said that his mother had been a courtesan, a background that only made him more despised.
Many could not understand why someone like him was allowed to remain at White Deer Academy, why the headmaster never expelled him. Not only was he permitted to stay, but he was also included in this prestigious diplomatic delegation to the Four Seas Grand Ceremony.
Even more baffling was that the famous Mr. Xiao from the Wu Kingdom—a revered scholar known throughout the land—had once called Lu Xiaoliu his sworn brother. Rumor had it that when Mr. Xiao left the academy, he even tried to persuade Lu Xiaoliu to accompany him.
No one could understand.
What exactly was so special about this man?
“Why are you all staring at me?” Lu Xiaoliu chuckled, his expression relaxed. “Take a good look at the scenery instead. I hear the underwater world here is quite the sight.”
The others quickly shifted their attention, saying nothing more.
No matter what, Lu Xiaoliu was still their senior by rank. Regardless of personal opinions, they had to show him at least a basic level of respect.
And the moment their eyes took in the underwater landscape, their earlier frustrations were instantly forgotten.
This world beneath the waves was breathtaking.
Schools of fish darted through the water, weaving between vibrant corals that bloomed like an endless garden. A dazzling array of marine creatures swam past, each one more fascinating than the last.
It was a sight unlike anything found on land—a world of unparalleled beauty.
Before long, they reached the outskirts of the Dragon Capital.
A certain esteemed “Minister Turtle” was already waiting at the entrance.
These past days had been quite exhausting for Minister Turtle. Each day, he had been responsible for welcoming honored guests, and each time, he had to do so with a warm and welcoming smile. Otherwise, people might accuse him of being inhospitable.
“At long last, I have finally awaited your arrival,” Minister Turtle said, stepping forward and bowing respectfully.
His tone carried both relief and a hint of complaint.
Relief—because White Deer Academy was the last delegation to arrive. Once he had finished receiving them, he could finally enjoy some well-earned rest. The actual hosting of the Four Seas Grand Ceremony would be handled by the Ministry of Rites, and he had no need to concern himself with that.
Complaint—because White Deer Academy was always the last to arrive. Could they not, for once, come earlier?
Of course, Minister Turtle knew full well that their tardiness was not intentional. It wasn’t as if White Deer Academy was deliberately trying to show up late as a slight to the North Sea. That was certainly not the case.
The academy was simply located farther away than most other delegations.
Moreover, before setting off, they had to perform a two-day ceremonial send-off.
And even after departing, they made a mandatory stop at Mount Tai to pay tribute to the First Sage of Confucianism.
One could say that not only did the Confucian Academy refrain from slighting the Four Seas Dragon Palace, but in fact, they placed immense importance on this grand event. It was precisely because they took it so seriously that the North Sea Dragon Palace had no grounds for complaint.
“I am Zhu Cici, paying my respects to Your Excellency.”
Zhu Cici stepped forward, gracefully bowing to Minister Turtle.
“We deeply regret having kept you waiting for so long. Please accept our sincere apologies.”
Looking at the refined young scholar standing before him, Minister Turtle nodded approvingly.
“I have long heard tales of Lady Zhu’s beauty and scholarly grace, of how the fragrance of ink lingers for ten miles when she writes. Now that I see you in person, it is clear those praises were no exaggeration. Your headmaster must have been overjoyed to have you as his personal disciple.”
Zhu Cici smiled modestly.
“You flatter me, Lord Turtle. In White Deer Academy, I am merely an average student, unworthy of the title ‘scholar.'”
“Such humility! You truly live up to your reputation,” Minister Turtle chuckled before stepping aside to make way.
“A welcoming feast has been prepared for you all. Please, do not feel shy.”
“We greatly appreciate your hospitality,” Zhu Cici replied.
“After you, Lord Turtle.”
As the head of the delegation, Zhu Cici naturally walked alongside Minister Turtle.
This did not surprise him in the least—he had already been informed beforehand that the headmaster’s personal disciple would be leading this mission.
Watching the young woman beside him, Minister Turtle could not help but sigh in admiration.
“Truly, heroes emerge from the young.”
“What makes you say that, Lord Turtle?”
“Because you remind me of someone I once welcomed here,” he said with a chuckle.
“Oh?” Zhu Cici’s curiosity was piqued.
Minister Turtle stroked his beard.
“That young man, like you, was the leader of his delegation. Though still youthful, he carried himself with composure, neither arrogant nor servile, treating everyone with courtesy and grace.”
“And who might that be?” Zhu Cici inquired.
Minister Turtle’s smile deepened.
“He is from the Wu Kingdom. His name is Xu Ming.”