The Dragon Clan strongman looked at the black Dragon Scale, and a subtle change appeared in his vertical pupils, even his cold gaze became gentle.
He didn't care who Yu Ziqing was, he simply felt the unique aura and charm emanating from the scale.
At this moment, regardless of Yu Ziqing's strength, he would be very courteous.
The Dragon Clan strongman waved his hand, and a whirlpool appeared in the water, with an opening at the top, guiding Yu Ziqing into it.
In an instant, the water whirlpool sped swiftly through the sea, covering a dozen miles in mere moments, and within half-incense burning time, the whirlpool dissipated, revealing an underwater Crystal Palace.
It looked somewhat simple, but it seemed to be a temporary addition.
No others were seen nearby, and the strongman led Yu Ziqing inside, leaving him time to ask.
"I am Bu Kesuo, may I know how to address you, Senior?"
"Dragon Clan, Ao Lie."
Yu Ziqing glanced sideways; anyone who dared to use this name must be tough, no wonder it's the Ninth Tier.
Arriving at the Crystal Palace, not another soul was seen along the way, perhaps Ao Lie had informed them in advance.
Deep inside, the Old Dragon King awaited.
The Old Dragon King fixed his gaze on Yu Ziqing, remained silent, Ao Lie bowed and retreated, sealing everything around them.
Yu Ziqing wore a faint smile and bowed with cupped hands.
"I am Bu Kesuo, greeting the Dragon King."
"Here, I can only be Bu Kesuo."
With that, Yu Ziqing presented a black Dragon Scale to the Old Dragon King.
The Old Dragon King's eyes softened instantly, showing respect, he took the scale with both hands, gently stroking it, feeling the charm upon it.
It seemed the scale possessed a special charm, calming him and soothing his thoughts.
The Old Dragon King stayed silent, simply feeling and stroking the scale for quite a while.
After some time, he looked at Yu Ziqing with some reluctance, returning the scale.
Yu Ziqing shook his head, declined to accept, and said.
"Please keep it, it is a gift for you, Senior."
"This... thank you." The Old Dragon King couldn't refuse, carefully placing it in a box.
Then he looked at Yu Ziqing and asked.
"Are you here to ask me to return?"
"Senior, you're quite perceptive."
The Old Dragon King sighed, having received confirmation, he settled into peace.
He realized that it was he who had been too rash.
His life's longing was for the True Dragon to emerge.
Every Dragon Clan member shared this anticipation.
With barely a sign appearing, it seemed a True Dragon was indeed coming, how could he remain composed?
He had been in a state of anxiety these days.
Afraid something would happen to the seemingly weak True Dragon, afraid of celebrating in vain, fearing this and that, fearing many things...
Now calmed down, seeing Yu Ziqing, bringing this scale.
He guessed his actions probably backfired.
"Alright, I'll leave today with my people." The Old Dragon King agreed briskly.
The Old Dragon King asked nothing further, yet agreed so readily, leaving Yu Ziqing speechless, with nothing left to say.
The Old Dragon King gestured invitingly.
He led Yu Ziqing deep into the Crystal Palace, where it was brightly lit, fragmented murals adorned the walls.
"These are records related to the Azure Dragon within our clan, but they are mere replicas, the originals are within the Dragon Tomb and cannot be brought out."
The Old Dragon King looked at the murals, explaining to Yu Ziqing.
"The enemy of the Azure Dragon has disappeared from the murals.
I don't know what happened long ago, the damaged parts are precisely these areas.
A long time ago, the Azure Dragon encountered its greatest enemy.
Fought back valiantly and, along with companions, defeated the enemy.
But it left him gravely wounded, afflicted with evil skill, and fallen in the sea.
The former True Dragon vanished.
Together with the disappearance was the True Phoenix.
We have the Dragon Clan remaining till today, but the True Phoenix bloodline hasn't been heard from for ages.
More detailed records are absent.
Much of the Dragon Clan's heritage is transmitted through bloodline, unlike the human race who prefer textual transmission.
When the contents of bloodline transmission are gone, it's hard for us to trace back any vestiges.
Hence later, textual transmission began, as an auxiliary.
I'm not able to take you to the Dragon Tomb, not because I don't want to, but because there are significant restrictions set by ancestors.
If interested, that one may come at any time."
The mural indeed doesn't reveal much, merely the Azure Dragon roaring and fighting.
Yet the enemy's images are all missing.
Finally, the Azure Dragon bound in chains, sinking into the sea.
Just by observing the mural, nothing concrete can be discerned.
The question Yu Ziqing wanted to ask had been answered by the Old Dragon King first.
He indeed wanted to understand the challenges those ancient True Dragons faced, what enemies, whether they were still alive, their descendants possibly still around.
But now it seems there's no need to ask, the Old Dragon King knows little more.
Many details aren't in the Dragon Clan's bloodline transmission.
"Besides the Azure Dragon, were there other True Dragons?"
"To my knowledge, yes, but specific names unknown, don't know how many, there were problems with the Dragon Clan's bloodline transmission, much information is lost."
"Even the information in the Dragon Clan's bloodline transmission has issues?"
Yu Ziqing was somewhat surprised.