With the issuing of several decrees from Ao Qing, the entire region along the shores of the Four Seas seemed to be reborn, as if it had become a youth again—revitalized with a fresh, surging vigor.
Under the smooth and orderly operation of the Eastern Sea's various systems, many dragon clan elders personally took part in the cultivation of the fish spirits and aquatic monsters across the Four Seas. Countless new institutions, modeled after human academies and martial training grounds, sprung up all over the region.
At the same time, the Eastern Sea's shrimp and crab soldiers began carrying out raids in all directions. Any area with a concentration of demons or low-level immortals was thoroughly looted by their forces.
In a short span, the surrounding shores of the Four Seas all experienced disturbances to varying degrees. Many demons and minor immortals were left baffled and confused…
What on earth was the Dragon Clan of the Eastern Sea trying to do? Were they really not afraid of offending forces they shouldn't offend?
Of course, some demons with powerful backers managed to learn a bit of insider news—that the ownership of the Four Seas had changed. The new ruler was none other than the Eastern Sea Dragon King: Ao Qing.
And while the shrimp and crab soldiers were in action, not far from the Eastern Sea's coast, on a solitary island—
"Lord Whitebone, you must get justice for us! Ever since Ao Qing took over the Four Seas, the dragon clan that used to live peacefully alongside us has suddenly turned on us. They not only robbed us of our treasures but even occupied our territories!"
"Lord Whitebone, we've followed you for so long. If not for merit, at least out of loyalty—this time, please, you must avenge us!"
"Yes, Lord Whitebone… That Ao Qing is utterly insufferable! Especially his aide, Prime Minister Turtle. I heard he even evolved into a Xuanwu… frighteningly strong. But that's no reason for them to be so arrogant!"
In the middle of the island, a giant mass of white bones had coalesced into the form of a demon. Within its eye sockets flickered a dim, ghostly flame.
Kneeling before this bone demon were several monsters with fish heads and ox horns, their faces full of fury and frustration.
These were wandering demons from the coastal waters near the Eastern Sea—creatures who had accidentally gained sentience through fortune and fate. The bone demon before them was their protector and backer: the Whitebone Great Saint.
The Whitebone Great Saint had also gained sentience through a rare convergence of natural forces. Now possessing over five thousand years of cultivation, he was tremendously powerful—few dared to provoke him.
"I've heard a little about what's going on in the Eastern Sea," he said, narrowing his eyes, their flames flickering ominously. "But I never imagined that Ao Qing would go so far—daring to provoke even my followers."
The Whitebone Great Saint had often visited the Eastern Sea Dragon Palace in the past, calling Ao Guang his sworn brother. Now that the palace had grown wings, they'd simply turned their back on him?
Plundering his followers—wasn't that the same as slapping him in the face? How was he supposed to maintain his reputation now!?
"Yes, boss! That Ao Qing is out of control! Doesn't even know his place—who does he think he is…" One of the underlings added, gleeful now that their boss was ready to retaliate.
"You lead the way. Today, I'll personally go cause trouble for Ao Qing!" Whitebone Great Saint let out a cold laugh and was just about to set out.
But before the underlings could even respond, a calm voice echoed out without warning:
"By order of Dragon Emperor Ao Qing—here to requisition treasures and materials. Those who refuse… shall be executed!"
The moment the words fell, a tall, green figure emerged—it was none other than Prime Minister Turtle, known as the Nine-Thousand-Year Venerable.
Standing amidst the crashing waves, his cold eyes swept across the area. In his hand was an imperial edict. Behind him, several shrimp and crab soldiers stood in formation, exuding murderous intent.
Seeing him, the Whitebone Great Saint frowned. "You're just in time. I was about to seek out Ao Qing myself! Lead me there—or else…"
He hadn't even finished his threat when Prime Minister Turtle struck first.
A massive Xuanwu phantom appeared behind him. With a deafening roar, the phantom raised its colossal claw and smashed it down onto the Whitebone Great Saint.
BOOM—
The Whitebone Great Saint, composed of countless bones refined over millennia under sun and moonlight, was instantly smashed into a fine powder that scattered in the wind. In the churning sea, he vanished without a trace—as if he'd never existed.
"I said already. Those who refuse… shall be executed."
Prime Minister Turtle didn't even glance at the spot where the Whitebone Great Saint had been. He simply waved his hand, and the shrimp and crab soldiers behind him charged onto the island, looting every valuable item in sight.
The Whitebone Great Saint's underlings stood frozen, horrified and dumbstruck.
Who wouldn't be!?
The Whitebone Great Saint had been the de facto ruler of a large swath of the sea—a local demon emperor feared by all. Even the former Dragon King Ao Guang had shown him respect.
And yet this powerful demon emperor was obliterated in a single move by Prime Minister Turtle!?
Was the current Eastern Sea Dragon Palace really this ridiculously strong!?
As the small demons were still trying to comprehend what had just happened, Prime Minister Turtle's icy gaze landed on them.
"Dragon Emperor Ao Qing has decreed: minor demons and spirits are to become servants—serving the Dragon Clan for generations to come. You know what to do, don't you?"
His words were chilling—no one dared resist. The little demons nodded frantically and followed behind the shrimp and crab soldiers, heading back to the Eastern Sea Dragon Palace.
Incidents like this one with the Whitebone Great Saint occurred repeatedly over the next few days.
Countless powerful demons and demon lords were slain by Prime Minister Turtle, while their subordinates were captured and forced to serve the Dragon Clan.
With such thunderous displays of power, it didn't take long for peace to descend across the Four Seas.
No one dared… to defy the Dragon Clan of the Eastern Sea anymore.