The Dragon King's Request

It seemed the Dragon Mother's conversational firepower was simply too formidable.

Even after Ao Ying returned, the two of them remained completely on the defensive, finding no opportunity to get a word in edgewise.

Fortunately, with Ao Ying's return, Su Qing no longer had to face the pressure of the Dragon Mother alone; having her share the burden made things much easier.

The three of them did not spend the entire time chatting.

After a long conversation, noon arrived before they knew it.

The Old Dragon King came over to invite them all for lunch.

"Alright, stop chatting for now. It's time for lunch, so come and eat!" the Old Dragon King called out from a distance.

Hearing the Old Dragon King's voice, both Su Qing and Ao Ying felt a profound sense of relief.

To be honest, this was the first time Su Qing had ever felt so happy to hear the Old Dragon King's voice.

"Oh my, I didn't realize time was passing so quickly. It's already this late."

Hearing the Old Dragon King's words, the Dragon Mother couldn't help but sigh with emotion before adding:

"Very well, let's head to lunch first. Also, Ying'er, remember to come find your mother tonight. I have things to discuss with you. Don't forget!"

Ao Ying: "..."

"I understand, Mother." The smile vanished from Ao Ying's face.

She had a premonition that she would be lectured for quite some time tonight.

Seeing this, Su Qing couldn't help but pat Ao Ying's shoulder in consolation.

However, if it came to helping her, Su Qing decided to pass for now.

The Dragon Mother's verbal combat power was simply too high; even the two of them combined were no match for her.

Needless to say, the lunch at the Dragon Palace was quite extravagant...

Even Su Qing marveled at the sheer variety of delicacies from the mountains and seas.

As for Gongsun Zhixue and the little sparrows, they didn't bother marveling at anything; they were too busy eating to think about anything else.

However, this lunch wasn't exactly peaceful for Su Qing and Ao Ying.

After all, the group gathered for the meal included not only Ao Ying's mother but also several other women... the Dragon King's other wives.

They were clearly aware of the relationship between Su Qing and Ao Ying, and like the Dragon Mother, they were full of endless questions.

While they weren't quite as blunt as the Dragon Mother, having so many of them made things quite a headache.

It felt exactly like being surrounded by a group of nosy aunts during a holiday...

As for the Old Dragon King?

He chose to remain effectively invisible throughout the entire meal, having no intention of speaking up.

After lunch.

Su Qing lay on the guest room bed, completely exhausted.

"Master... are you alright?" Leng Xiang asked, seeing Su Qing's worn-out expression.

Su Qing looked up at Leng Xiang, then suddenly pulled her over and gave her cheeks a firm pinch.

"You've changed. You actually didn't help me back there~"

Leng Xiang let Su Qing pinch her face, answering with a beaming smile, "I wouldn't have been able to help! Besides... the Dragon Mother meant well."

"I know that, of course..." Su Qing sighed softly. "Forget it, it's over now. I'll just have to be more careful in the future... My mother-in-law is terrifying."

To be honest, Su Qing felt as though she had been transported back to her previous life.

Specifically, the feeling of visiting relatives.

Leng Xiang smiled and said, "Then I shall continue massaging you, Master, to help you relax."

"Mhm~" Su Qing nodded slightly.

Seeing Su Qing nod, Leng Xiang prepared to get to work.

But before she could start, a knock sounded at the door.

Hearing the knock, Su Qing frowned slightly and said, "If you would."

Leng Xiang was a bit annoyed that someone was interrupting her, but she obediently went to open the door and led the visitor inside.

"Master... it's the senior Dragon King," Leng Xiang said.

Su Qing looked up at the Old Dragon King with a trace of fatigue.

"My dear son-in-law seems quite exhausted. Has something happened?"

Seeing Su Qing in such a frustrated state, the Old Dragon King was full of smiles, even as he asked with feigned concern.

How could the Dragon King not know what was going on?

After all, he had been present during lunch.

Su Qing shot the Old Dragon King a look; it was obvious he was gloating.

She didn't feel like arguing with him and simply shook her head.

"It's nothing... But Dragon King, why have you come to see me?"

The Old Dragon King nodded slightly and said, "Indeed, I have something important to discuss with you, my son-in-law."

"What is it exactly?" Su Qing asked. "Please, don't keep me in suspense."

"Very well, I'll get straight to it. This is a major matter concerning the Dragon Palace." The Old Dragon King sighed and sat down on a nearby chair. "I hope you can attend the second birthday banquet as well."

Su Qing raised an eyebrow, feeling quite surprised.

"I am currently the Mountain God of Changbai, a titled official of the Heavenly Court. If I appear, wouldn't I end up fighting those demon kings?"

"Why would that happen? You are the son-in-law of the Dragon Palace. If you appear at the second banquet, why would those demon kings complain? As for fighting, that's even less likely," the Old Dragon King said, shaking his head.

Su Qing asked again, "But why do you insist on me attending the second banquet? You must have a reason."

"There is a reason, of course. I hope you can help intimidate those demon kings."

"Intimidate the demon kings?"

Su Qing shook her head slightly.

"I'm afraid you overrate me, Dragon King. I'm just a Mountain God with average strength and no talent for combat. I'm only good at minor spells and perhaps healing; intimidating demon kings might be asking too much."

Hearing this, the Old Dragon King's mouth twitched.

He had seen thick-skinned people before, but never anyone quite like this.

Only good at minor spells?

He had heard that her cloud-riding technique alone was far beyond ordinary magic.

It took her only a few breaths to travel from the East Sea to the Changbai Mountains.

As for not being good at combat, that was utter nonsense!

He had seen with his own eyes how she defeated that Mudfish Demon within three rounds!

To be clear, that demon king was well-known even in Aparagodaniya.

Ordinary Earthly Immortals were no match for him!

And she called that 'no talent for combat' and 'minor spells'?

She couldn't even fool a ghost with that.

The Old Dragon King suspected Su Qing was saying this for one of two reasons.

Either she had no real sense of her own power, or she was reluctant to help because he hadn't mentioned a reward.

The former was clearly impossible—how could someone that strong not know their own worth?

Therefore, it had to be the latter.

The Old Dragon King shook his head and said, "You must be joking, son-in-law. I know your strength. Rest assured, I won't let you help for nothing! If you agree, the Dragon Palace treasury will be open to you. You may go inside and choose whatever treasures you desire."