The Nine-headed Turtle Dragon, towering like a mountain from the depths of the marsh, suddenly appeared and invoked a storm of wind, rain, thunder, and lightning that instantly transformed this territory into something akin to the reappearance of a barbaric era.
On the periphery, Tao Qian, dragging the Mermaid, vanished in an instant.
Then they returned to the Cliff Sea Pavilion before leaping into the rocky reef area, following a water cave back to its source, and in just a few breaths, they slipped into the depths of Dragon Marsh.
Because there was a standoff taking place above, the bottom of Dragon Marsh, which should have been heavily guarded, was astonishingly empty. The shrimp soldiers and crab generals, white eels, and black snakeheads, as well as creatures of the Dragon Species Clan, had all vanished without a trace.
Despite this, the Mermaid was still terrified, clearly showing that the Merfolk Clan had previously suffered great losses.
However, her fiery temperament was also aroused, and she bravely opened her eyes wide, drawing upon her Water Avoidance Divine Ability to lead Tao Qian towards an elegant, yet immense, Water Mansion Palace deep within Dragon Marsh.
In a short while, the pair saw banners shining and halberds flickering ahead, illuminating the silhouette of an exterior pavilion with numerous doors.
In front of the pavilion stood a coral stele radiating treasure light.
Originally it bore several ancient seal characters, vaguely discernible as "Spiritual Resonance Water Mansion."
However, the characters for "Spiritual Resonance" had been altered, changing to "Turtle Dragon."
Clearly, the Great Demon known as "Jiushou," the Turtle Dragon, must have learned of Xie Lingji's death and, given Yunhua Immortal's years of neglecting the island.
By the rules of the Spirit Treasure Sect, he had obtained some domain control—and the Great Demon had some methods, too, as he had directly eroded the mansion's Forbidden Technique, claiming it as his own.
In truth, the Merfolk Clan could have done the same.
Yet their strength was too weak, and they had not even managed to seize the dilapidated Cliff Sea Pavilion.
Luckily it was so, as Tao Qian was able to find a place to stay upon his arrival and was spared from the suffering of wind and rain.
Although the stronger members of the Devil Clan had ascended, the outer mansion still harbored several Devil creatures armed with various weapons, guarding every point.
As Tao Qian approached the Water Mansion from the outside, changes were also unfolding above Dragon Marsh.
In a normal standoff, the Human Clan Cultivators, who legally held dominion over Ascending Immortal Island, would likely strike forcefully at the outset, if confident in reclaiming the Water Mansion.
However, a formidable and fierce-looking expeditionary force composed of Golden Armored Divine Generals, Blood Flesh Mini People, Bronze Soldiers, and other alien beings.
After descending upon Dragon Marsh, remained entirely still.
Only allowing that exceedingly irritating man named "Tao Qian," a Human Clan Cultivator, to stand above them, incessantly cursing and threatening the Dragon Species Clan.
In his discourse, he continued to invoke Duobao True Monarch and Yunhua Immortal, intimidating them.
Initially, the Nine-headed Turtle Dragon retorted somewhat, having roamed Penglai Sea for many years and possessing extraordinary lineage—he was not any less wise than any Human Clan Cultivator and deeply understood who truly ruled this vast sea.
He also knew that if those vexing Human Clan Cultivators really summoned those two, he would most likely not survive.
His original plan was to placate the Human Clan Cultivator with feigned civility until he could ascertain the full picture before taking action.
But unexpectedly, Master Tao Qian was unrelenting when he had the upper hand.
His sharp tongue rambled for several breaths, infuriating all the Dragon Species Clan to the point of rage.
Finally, after another round of his curses,
A member of the Dragon Species Clan, known as "Thunder Dragon," completely lost control and exploded with anger. Disregarding all warnings, it violently soared from the marsh, its body radiating azure and mane flowing. Accompanied by a thunderous roar, it became a huge azure thunderball and hurled itself towards the expeditionary force.
This scene signified the beginning of combat.
Including the Nine-headed Turtle Dragon, every member of the Dragon Species subconsciously believed that the reckless Thunder Dragon would meet a grim fate.
Yet incredulously, the seemingly mighty and ferocious expeditionary force, upon being struck by the Thunder Dragon, saw the leading Human Clan Cultivator and a horde of Golden Armored Divine Generals utterly scatter amidst the rampage of the thunderstorm.
Although it was swiftly entangled by a group of Blood Flesh Mini People and Bronze Soldiers, that astonishing moment still left the waiting Dragon Species members in a stunned trance.
And when the leading Nine-headed Turtle Dragon witnessed the formidable illusion dissipate and several Outer Realm Demons falling out,
In an instant, it realized something,
The nine heads of the Turtle Dragon roared in unison.
Having cultivated for many years, it was not without experience.
Seeing the illusion conjured by the Outer Realm Demons vanish like a bubble, it immediately knew it had fallen for a deception.
"Despicable Human Clan Cultivator, as a disciple of the Spirit Treasure Sect, you dare to use the techniques of the Demon Sect?"
With this incredulous howl, the heads of the Turtle Dragon submerged back into Dragon Marsh.
Just in time, it caught sight outside its Water Mansion.
A young Daoist with a sneaky appearance, pulling along a Mermaid, was casting spells on the few remaining guards.
Tao Qian was also aware of the commotion above but paid it no mind.
Grinning, he thought: "May the Great Venerable assist me!"
Even at the bottom of this great marsh, he couldn't prevent the roots of Spiritual Treasure from sprouting out of nowhere, swiftly tying up all guards within the Water Mansion.
He then took out the "Ascending Immortal Token" and shook it, completely disregarding the mansion's Forbidden Techniques, and successfully broke into the Water Mansion.
In an instant, Tao Qian was presented with a resplendent palace; what was supposed to be the main hall for receiving guests had now been turned into a chaotic nest resembling a Dragon's lair.
Surrounded by the messy Dragon Nest, numerous strange flowers and herbs were planted, a hoard of treasures was stacked up, as well as essence remains left behind by the Devil Clan and Alien Species after death, all accumulating into a brilliant treasure light that nearly blinded Tao Qian and the Mermaid.