They say the wealthiest place in Qinghe County isn’t the residences of the Cui or Lin families, nor even the county governor’s manor, but rather the Qingjiang Water Palace. For within its depths lies gathered all the treasures and wealth of the seven-hundred-mile Qingjiang River, a place of legendary extravagance and opulence, often spoken of by the people.

The Water Palace, nestled at the bottom of the Qingjiang, serves to pacify the sprawling waterway. The architectural complex sprawls, a feast for the eyes, shimmering with rare jewels and pearly brilliance.

In a secluded side hall, a handsome man, clad in resplendent robes, sat regally above, his gaze lowered as he savored his tea.

Below him, an envoy, his face hidden behind a white bone mask, spoke with mounting agitation, “Young Lord, our prior agreement was not this! We have invested so much, yet the Qingjiang waterfolk merely patrol the surface?”

The man in robes chuckled, a sound like the tinkling of jade. “Indeed, this Jade Dew tea is exceptional, invigorating the spirit. Envoy, would you truly not partake?”

The envoy, perhaps weary of arguing, snatched a cup of the fragrant tea and drained it in one gulp. He continued, “The Qingjiang Water Palace is renowned for its trustworthiness, known throughout the land. Back then, the Lord of the Water Palace, honoring his promise to Zhuang Chengqian, fought with all his clan, staining the Lan River crimson, a feat still praised to this day. How can the Young Lord go back on his word? Do you not fear damaging your esteemed father’s reputation?”

The Lan River was a major waterway within Yong territory. The envoy spoke of the founding battle of the Zhuang Kingdom. Yong’s forces advanced by land and water, aiming to eradicate Zhuang in one fell swoop. It was the Lord of the Qingjiang Water Palace who mobilized his entire clan, shattering the Yong navy upon the Lan River. The waters ran red with blood, the wreckage of ships clogging the flow. This secured Zhuang Chengqian, the Grand Ancestor of Zhuang, the respite he needed to fight unimpeded, ultimately succeeding in establishing his kingdom.

The alliance between the Qingjiang Water Palace and the Zhuang Kingdom had endured ever since, persisting to the present day.

The robed man gently placed his teacup on the table. Though a smile remained on his face, the atmosphere had shifted dramatically.

“The envoy reminds me. My father and the Zhuang Emperor have a longstanding alliance. My agreeing to aid you would be a betrayal of my father’s honor. That would be profoundly unfilial.”

“Guards,” the robed man tapped his finger on the table. A guard appeared. “Order Yu Yong’s unit to retreat three miles, and to not disturb the creatures on the shore.”

“Young Lord!” The white-boned mask envoy surged to his feet, incensed.

“Spare me the theatrics.” The robed man raised a finger, silencing him, his expression indifferent. “Presently, the entire Qinghe County army is on alert, afraid to stray far. You can do whatever you wish with ease. The objective has been achieved, so cease being so… greedy.”

“We agreed beforehand that you would merely launch a few raids ashore…”

The robed man cut him off. “You think it possible for us to go ashore? Waterfolk away from the water are like your human race away from the land; we lose our foundation. Unless you can truly convince me to wage war against the Zhuang court, but do you possess such capital?”

The envoy’s face was hidden behind the white bone mask, concealing his expression, but his voice seemed forced from between clenched teeth. “What I gave you was an entire Dragon Pearl!”

“Indeed, a valuable gift,” the Qingjiang Water Palace Young Lord smiled, a look of genuine satisfaction. “But it is only worth this much.”

Seeing that the situation was irreparable, the bone-masked envoy flung his sleeve and stormed away.

Alone in the side hall, the robed man sneered, “Such skulking, secretive wretches dare to speak of honor?”

At that moment, a solemn voice resonated in his ears, though the speaker remained unseen. “Qingyue, tell me your thoughts.”

The Qingjiang Water Palace Young Lord, Song Qingyue, retracted the arrogance in his eyes, his posture becoming more formal. “The Zhuang court has become increasingly arrogant after centuries of alliance with our Qingjiang Water Palace. This Zhuang Gaoxian is even more absurd, truly seeing us as his subjects. He even sent word, requesting the hand of Qingzhi for his son, under the guise of a Princess’s dignity, forging an everlasting alliance…”

“This matter I absolutely cannot agree to. Back then, my aunt married that Zhuang Chengqian, pouring out her heart and soul, only to be schemed against and die in a cold, lonely palace! How could I let my sister suffer the same fate? I was looking for an opportunity to take action, to let that Zhuang brat know who rules these seven-hundred miles of river. However, the measure must be carefully taken. After all, the human race is strong now. Even if we overthrow the Zhuang court, other kingdoms may not be any better. Three hundred thousand soldiers patrolling Qingjiang, is just right. The White Bone Dao coming to my door, offering a Dragon Pearl, was truly an unexpected joy.”

The solemn voice sighed. “Your aunt and Zhuang Chengqian were truly in love. Your father didn’t want a political marriage. Forget it, no point in talking about it. What will you do with Qingzhi?”

Song Qingyue pondered. “The relationship with Qinghe County Governor has soured, Zhuang Gaoxian is shameless, Qinghe City is not a good place to stay. But it’s time for Qingzhi to study, I’m thinking of sending her to Fenglin City for a while.”

The voice asked, “Why Fenglin City?”

“I can’t hide anything from my father.” Song Qingyue said. “The White Bone Dao is willing to give Dragon Pearls for this, there must be something going on in Fenglin City, enough to shake the Zhuang territory. But it also means that Fenglin City will be safe in the future, it’s good for studying. Also, it’s my way of protecting her. It’s easy to send people to Fenglin City to protect her, Fenglin City has no powerful people, no one can interfere. I also want to find out about the White Bone Dao, see what’s going on with them. They suddenly revived, I feel like there must be a big secret. Besides, the White Bone Dao has a long history, they must have treasures. Everyone should take action against evil, one Dragon Pearl is not enough for me.”

Regarding Song Qingyue’s elaborate plans, the solemn voice made no comment, only stating, “You have full authority over the Water Palace affairs, do as you see fit.”

“Yes.” Song Qingyue nodded. “Oh, the Dragon Pearl has been sent outside your secret room, remember to refine it.”

“I’ve seen the Dragon Pearl, the spell has been removed. You can use it to gain a thousand years of cultivation. As for me, I’m already old and sick, I won’t become a Dragon. Your aunt died two hundred and seventeen years and three months ago, Zhuang Chengqian died two hundred years ago. Few of my old friends are still alive. I’m just protecting you, Dragon Pearls are not useful for me.”

The voice grew fainter and fainter, finally dissipating into a sigh within the side hall.

Song Qingyue leaned back against the high chair, suddenly feeling a sense of listlessness.

…

The white-boned masked envoy left the Water Palace and boarded a small boat. The boat appeared to be made of bone, yet it was bottomless. It traversed the water with great speed, crushing any fish or crabs that failed to evade it, leaving not a trace of blood.

The bottomless bone boat soon emerged from the water. The envoy stepped onto the shore, and the boat dove back into the water, disappearing to an unknown location.

The envoy silently hurried forward, his steps swift yet untouched by dust. He seemed intimately familiar with the Qinghe County army’s patrol routes, weaving through the gaps with ease. He soon left the area and ascended a mountain.

From afar, the mountain resembled a bull’s head. Up close, it was considered scenic. The envoy reached a stone wall and walked straight through.

On the other side lay a hidden world.

Terrifying murals lined the walls, the long corridor paved with blue bricks.

As soon as the envoy entered, someone greeted him, asking, “How did it go?”

The bone-masked man replied bitterly, “That bastard Song Qingyue took the bait, but only nibbled at the hook!”

The other person said, “Song Hengjiang hasn’t died yet, he won’t let Song Qingyue act recklessly. We didn’t expect them to actually break with the Zhuang court and start a war.”

“Even so, it’s infuriating. That was a Dragon Pearl! They’ve been extinct since ancient times, each one more rare than the last,” the bone-masked man sighed.

“Once the matter at Little Lin Town is concluded, our purpose will be achieved. No need to worry about these trivialities. Furthermore, our Dragon Pearl might not sit well with that little beast…”

“He thinks he can trick the White Bone Dao, but he doesn’t know…” The bone-masked man spoke viciously, “When the Dao Child appears, the first thing we’ll do is slaughter the Qingjiang Water Palace! Turn the entire seven-hundred-mile Qingjiang into bones!”