Chapter 577: Chapter 573: Struggle for the Throne Chapter 577: Chapter 573: Struggle for the Throne “Indeed. He is extraordinarily powerful, and we… we were no match for him.” Shen Luo stiffened himself and spoke as instructed by Ao Hong.
“Having survived a confrontation with such a ferocious creature is already quite extraordinary. Moreover, I thank you for saving my son's life. Despite the recent calamity befalling the Dragon Palace, we must still honor etiquette. In a while, I will have Ao Hong take you to the treasure vault to choose a treasure as a token of our gratitude.” Ao Guang contemplated silently for a while before speaking.
On hearing these words, Shen Luo couldn't help feeling a surge of excitement. After all, the Dragon Palace's Treasure Vault was no ordinary place, concealing riches beyond the ordinary. Years ago, when the Great Sage Sun Wukong first showed his prowess, he too had visited the Dragon Palace to borrow treasures.
“Your Majesty is too kind. It would be disrespectful of me not to accept your generous offer.” Shen Luo responded, his fist clenched in a salute.
“Ao Xin's contribution in assisting Ao Zhong to retake the Dragon Palace by defeating the demon clan is immense. Later, you too will go with Ao Zhong to the treasure vault and select a treasure as a reward.” Ao Guang nodded and then glanced over at Ao Xin before commenting.
“Thank you, Dragon King.” Ao Xin said gratefully, a look of delight on his face as he too clenched his fist in salute.
“Presently, chaos reigns in the world. The Heavenly Court has fallen and our Four Seas Dragon Palaces have not been spared. It's fortunate that we managed to repel the demonic invasion this time, but I believe it won't be long before these demons stage a comeback.” Ao Guang spoke softly, a heaviness to his gaze.
“If they dare to invade again, we will make sure they don't return.” Ao Zhong immediately stated in a low but profound tone.
Ao Guang paused as he listened to him, not committing to anything before continuing:
“In the clash with Kun Peng, I've suffered heavy injuries, and they are now irreversible. A downfall is only a matter of time. But a country cannot go a day without a king, nor a family without a leader. After me, someone must take the reins in the Dragon Palace.”
These words not only stunned the people of the Dragon Palace but also made Shen Luo's face change.
He had perceived that the Dragon King was gravely wounded, but he had not expected it to be this severe, nor had he anticipated that Ao Guang would speak of it openly in his presence, an outsider.
“Your Highness, our Dragon Palace has plenty of immortality pills and spiritual medicine, surely they will aid your recovery.” Elder Prime Minister Yuan Yi was the first to speak.
“Father…” Ao Zhong said softly.
Ao Hong looked distressed, opened his mouth to speak, but finally remained silent.
Standing behind the Dragon King's palanquin, Ao Yue slightly furrowed her eyebrows, as if she had already known about this matter.
“I know my condition best. There is no need to say more on this. As for who should rule the Dragon Palace and command the Water Descendants of the Eastern Sea, what are your thoughts?” Ao Guang waived his hand and spoke.
The great hall fell silent, with no one daring to speak.
After a while, a voice arose from behind the palanquin:
“Father, to succeed the position of the Dragon King and rule the Eastern Sea involves not only inheriting a position but also the legacy of the Ancestral Dragon's Spirit. Only those with exceptional talent are qualified. This position… it should be taken by our ninth brother.”
Upon hearing these words, everyone's gaze fell on Ao Yue, all seemingly surprised.
Even Ao Hong himself seemed shocked, wondering why his older sister, who is usually reserved and seldom close to him, would actively support him as the new Dragon King?
“Eldest Princess, I believe you are mistaken. The state of leading the East Sea is not only dependent on talent. Selecting the virtuous and capable, managing soldiers and generals, these are indispensable. The Ninth Prince has always been unrestrained, I fear he might not be a suitable choice.” A middle-aged military officer, clad in bright red armor and with rather broad brows, spoke up.
“Has General Jie forgotten? The Ninth Prince started residing in the Luhua Palace only three hundred years ago. Prior to that many affairs of the Dragon Palace were handled by him and he was praised by everyone, wasn't he?” An elderly man, thin and dressed in a Confucian robe, countered.
“Elder Bang, it's precisely because of the event three hundred years ago that I believe even more firmly that the Ninth Prince is not suitable to rule the Dragon Palace.” General Jie retorted without hesitation.
Shen Luo listened with a slight furrow in his brows, but noticed Ao Hong slightly flickering his eyes in front.
“Father, General Jie is correct. When it comes to ruling the Dragon Palace, I am indeed less experienced than my second brother.” Ao Hong fell silent for a while before speaking up.
“Elder Yuan, you have been assisting me for several years. What are your thoughts on this matter?” Ao Guang did not make an immediate decision, but instead turned to ask Yuan Yi.
“It falls to the Dragon King to decide the unity of the Dragon Palace. As an elder, I do not wish to say much. But amidst the last days, the Dragon Palace has already been shaking in the storm. Blindly pursuing stability… may end up being the hardest thing to achieve.” Yuan Yi's words were veiled, but his meaning was clear.
If it were normal times, seeking stability would mean the Second Prince might be more suitable to assume power. However, in these last days, whoever has the ability to inherit the Ancestral Dragon Spirit fully and protect the East Sea would be the right choice.
“Father, it's not that I desperately want this position. It's just that the Ninth Prince has been stuck at the beginning stage of the True Immortal Realm for many years. I've already caught up to him. Considering cultivation alone, I am not worse than he is.” A stubborn look flashed in Ao Zhong's eyes as he finally spoke.
“I have always seen your efforts. In our Dragon Clan, we control the water and clouds in the world, commanding the vast Aquatic Clan, creating clouds, and showering the world… We actually bear an even longer-standing responsibility and mission.” Ao Guang said calmly.
“Mission? Responsibility?” Everyone was puzzled.
“You are all aware of the existence of the Dragon Abyss, and also the prison under the seabed beneath the Abyss. Some of you must also be aware. You might think that the prison is meant for criminals from the East Sea Dragon Clan, but that is not its original purpose.” Ao Guang continued.
“I know, the undersea prison was initially built to contain the Demon Clan prisoners who had once followed Chiyou in the battle against the Yellow Emperor. One of our missions in the East Sea Dragon Clan is to guard this prison and prevent any escapes.” Ao Zhong said at this point.
“Well put, not only the East Sea, but each of the remaining Three Seas also have similar prisons. The West Sea has the Great Ravine, the South Sea has the Ruins, the Northern Sea has the Flame Vault. Each of these places holds criminals from the Demon Clan. Our mission in the Four Seas Dragon Clan is to guard these four prisons. Even at the risk of death, we must not allow them to escape.” Ao Guang nodded.
At the closing remarks, everyone's expressions became solemn.
“The last days have arrived, and the Demon Clan is bound to invade sooner or later. The succeeding Dragon King may very well be the final ruler in the history of our East Sea Dragon Palace. While others may have room to retreat and escape, the Dragon King does not. Having understood this, are any of you still willing to take up the mantle of the King of the Dragon Palace?” Ao Guang spoke solemnly.
Ao Hong and Ao Zhong looked at each other and simultaneously said, “We are willing.”
Ao Guang's eyes softened slightly upon hearing this and he allowed a faint smile to cross his face.
“Father, there is something that I need to report.” Ao Hong suddenly recalled something and promptly spoke out.
“What matter?” Ao Guang asked.
“Is the Deep-sea Giant Monster still being held in the Dragon Abyss?” Ao Hong asked.