Jett, originally dispatched to the Beastmen by Seilerpes, found himself deep beneath the water.
The night was hazy. Though stars and moon reflected on the water's surface, the depths were pitch black. Had a mortal been here, they would have long lost all sense of direction.
Jett swam underwater, venturing deeper and deeper.
After an unknown duration of wandering in the aquatic depths, a faint water passage appeared ahead.
Jett transformed, becoming a green serpent, and coiled his way into the passage.
Following the passage for a hundred miles, the opening suddenly widened. As he proceeded, it grew even more expansive, resembling another underwater world.
A faint gleam flickered in the distance in the water, greatly delighting Jett. His speed increased, disappearing in a flash, stirring ripples in the water.
As Jett advanced, he suddenly sensed a chilling presence ahead. His mind stirred, and he stopped abruptly. Dozens of water-splitting daggers shot from directly in front, blocking his path.
The chilling sharpness of the daggers froze Jett, knowing that any movement would invite a thunderous attack.
A heavily armored giant crab emerged from the ranks. This crab stood nine feet tall, its entire being exuding a sense of gravitas, like an iron tower amidst a throng of shrimp soldiers wielding water-splitting daggers. It stood out, imposing and majestic.
The great crab brandished two massive pincers, like iron hammers. Their opening and closing left no doubt that they could easily crush a person.
Seeing Jett, the crab roared, "You again? How many times have I told you, my Water Palace doesn't take in just anyone. If any demon, monster, snake, rat, or insect could enter our Water Palace, what would become of us?"
Jett knew his current form as a water serpent would not impress these shrimp soldiers and crab generals. He quickly changed his appearance back to his human form, bowed slightly, and paid his respects. "Apologies, esteemed generals. I have come not for myself, but for the Princess."
Fearing the crab might not believe him, he added, "I have news from the Beastmen."
The crab general, with his eyes fixed on Jett, clearly harbored doubts about his words. A short-legged shrimp nearby whispered into the crab's ear, "General, the Princess has close ties with the Beastmen. If we delay anything concerning the Princess's affairs, it might lead to trouble..."
The crab general nodded thoughtfully. "If that is the case, you may return and seek the Princess's opinion. Mention that the Great General Hua Kui inquired, and that the Princess has always shown me special favor. Be careful not to damage my image in the Princess's heart."
The short-legged shrimp, seeing the general subtly shaking his head, plastered a crescent-shaped smile on his face and chuckled, "Rest assured, General."
The short-legged shrimp slowly retreated. Great General Hua Kui dropped his smile, feigning profundity, and said, "If that is so, you shall wait here for now."
Despite his words, the shrimp soldiers showed no signs of relaxing their guard. The water-splitting daggers in their hands still gleamed with cold light, ever ready to defend against Jett.
Soon, the short-legged shrimp returned to the crab general's side and whispered in his ear, "General, the Princess has instructed that he be taken to the side hall adjacent to the main hall."
The crab general inwardly gasped at his narrow escape. Had he not listened to the short-legged shrimp, he would have made a grave mistake. He immediately led Jett towards the side hall.
As Jett entered the side hall, a woman in her late twenties or early thirties sat gracefully on a dragon throne, adorned in opulent attire. She was the Princess.
This Princess had not transformed into her dragon form, but an air of dignified elegance emanated from her, making her seem utterly unattainable.
A maid stood beside her. Though not lacking in beauty, she was eclipsed by the Princess, appearing more like a supporting bloom to a magnificent flower.
Great General Hua Kui was not required to escort Jett in, but he eagerly led Jett into the hall and approached the Princess, whispering, "Your Highness, your subordinate has brought the person."
The Dragon Princess smiled faintly. "Thank you for your trouble, General. You may withdraw now."
The Princess's smile was enchanting, and Great General Hua Kui's eyes immediately widened. He nodded at the Princess and slowly retreated.
After Great General Hua Kui withdrew, the Dragon Princess spoke, "Since my adoptive father refuses to use you, what use is it for you to seek me?"
Jett chuckled sheepishly. "Heh heh, everyone knows the Dragon Emperor has always doted on you, Princess. Whatever you ask, the Dragon Emperor grants without hesitation."
The Princess smiled with a hint of helplessness.
"We have only met once, how can you be so certain I am the person you seek?"
Jett's smile faded as if recalling something.
"Although our meeting was brief, it was enough for me. That day, there were many in the Dragon Palace, including the Dragon Empress. The Dragon Emperor was stern with everyone, but his gaze towards you, Princess, was filled with tenderness. If he did not cherish you as a treasure, why would such warmth be shown?"
The Princess, impressed by Jett's meticulous observation, shifted her posture with great interest and smiled faintly.
"Since you are so determined in your thoughts, this Princess will not dissuade you. But why should I help you?"
Seeing the Princess's softened demeanor, Jett spoke confidently.
"I have been ordered by Saint Tiroman Svain to go to the Beastmen to mediate peace between our two families. If the Princess is interested, I am willing to use my eloquence to forge an alliance between the two families."
A cold glint flashed in the Dragon Princess's eyes as she sneered.
"It seems you have put considerable effort into studying me, sir?"
Seeing the Princess's displeased expression, Jett quickly prostrated himself.
"This humble spirit merely seeks to make a living. I beg the Princess's forgiveness."
Seeing his humble demeanor, the Dragon Princess did not show anger. Instead, she picked up her tea and took a sip, then said with a calm expression, "What are the benefits of an alliance between the two families?"
Jett's expression eased.
"Your Highness's insight is keen, you must know better than this humble spirit. The Northern Winter devours like a tiger and will inevitably target both our families. It is like chopsticks; one chopstick is easily broken, but two chopsticks are not so easily snapped."
The Dragon Princess's lips curved into a playful smile.
"Even two can be broken quite easily."
Jett nodded.
"But it would require much more effort than breaking them one by one."
The Dragon Princess looked directly at Jett, her brow slightly raised.
"If they are ultimately to be broken, why preserve them? Knowing the outcome, why strive for it?"
Jett was momentarily taken aback. He had been focused on how to preserve the Beastmen, never realizing the Princess viewed them as a blight to be excised. Jett's mind raced. Just as the Princess seemed to grow impatient and was about to rise, he finally spoke.
"Ascension to divinity!"
Upon hearing this, the Dragon Princess looked at Jett with a questioning gaze, but slowly sat back down. Jett maintained a noncommittal expression. The Dragon Princess sighed softly.
"I fear we may not live to see that age! However, having such a thought is indeed good."
She nodded, looking at Jett and saying,
"Your name is Jett?"
Jett quickly nodded. The Princess, her expression earnest, continued,
"Jett, when the two families form an alliance, you shall be permitted to enter my Water Palace."
Jett was overjoyed and prostrated himself on the floor. The Dragon Princess waved her hand.
"Do not be eager to come to the Dragon Palace. It is more important to fulfill your duties in your current position."
Jett looked up, the Dragon Princess gazing at him with profound meaning. He quickly nodded.
"This humble spirit shall not fail the Princess's cultivation!"
The Dragon Princess's expression softened.
"You are an intelligent person, and you will have a bright future."
Seeing the Dragon Princess appear weary, Jett realized he had overstayed his welcome and made an excuse about the affairs of the two families to take his leave.
Watching Jett's receding figure, the Dragon Princess's eyes were filled with a peculiar radiance. "My child! Seize this opportunity!"
Just then, a young maiden emerged from behind the curtains, her spirit brimming with valor, not one bit inferior to Xu Mei.
"Mother, are you thinking of my second brother again?"
The woman, displaying a girlish demeanor, then threw herself into the Dragon Princess's arms.
The Dragon Princess turned, looking tenderly at the beautiful girl before her, her eyes full of maternal affection.
"Iris, why have you come out?"
It turned out this woman was Iris. She lifted her head and looked at the Dragon Princess.
"I have been here for quite some time. Mother, are you worrying about my second brother again?"
The Dragon Princess nodded.
"Your elder brother had much of your father's demeanor, but alas, he passed away in his prime. The Beastmen's bloodline now rests solely with your second brother. Even for your father's sake, I must protect him."
Iris consoled,
"Mother, second brother is cunning and resourceful; he will surely protect himself."
The Dragon Princess stroked Iris's head, filled with worry.
"He is in grave danger. A single misstep could lead to the shattering of his egg. How can I not worry?"
Seeing the worry in her mother's eyes, Iris quickly changed the subject.
"Mother, what did that person mean by 'ascension to divinity'?"
The Dragon Princess indeed halted her thoughts, playfully flicked Iris's nose with her finger, and said,
"You will know in time."