The moment Han touched the stone, his internal energy stirred briefly before settling down.

  That confirmed his choice was the right one.

  This is it.

  Even without having cultivated the Divine Ape Exorcism Technique, he already felt a faint reaction. If he were to train in it first and then interact with this stone, the results would be unimaginable.

  The voice of the Nine Caverns Lake Dragon Lord echoed through the air.

  "This Water Essence Gathering has been truly spectacular, far exceeding my expectations."

  "I look forward to the day when your names shake the world."

  "Now, disperse."

  As the words fell, the dragon’s eyes in the sky faded, and the surrounding mist gradually dissipated.

  With the Mystic Source of the Realm taken, the unique phenomenon of this place naturally vanished as well.

  Even without intervention, the Mystic Realm itself wouldn’t have lasted much longer.

  This wasn’t an independent dimension but a peculiar domain that temporarily distorted the natural laws of the world.

  As the stars and moon returned to view, the glow of lanterns flickered, and gentle ripples spread across the lake.

  The familiar sight of Nine Caverns Lake reemerged before everyone’s eyes.

  No one knew how long it had taken for the water essence to accumulate and form this Water Essence Mystic Realm.

  And the next one wouldn't appear in Nine Caverns Lake again.

  It could manifest in Yunjiang, Tianhai, Lingyang Lake, or even some unknown small river or lake.

  Now that they had returned to reality, murmurs of excitement filled the air as most gazes turned toward Han.

  Han had stood above all others, leading the charge through the Dragon Gate.

  Guimian placed second, and even Li Lingxiu had nearly secured third place.

  Although the rewards for second and third combined couldn’t compare to first place, Yunjiang Dragon Palace was, without a doubt, the greatest victor of this event.

  Jealousy flickered in many eyes.

  There were even those harboring dark thoughts, but upon seeing the proud and imposing Dragon Princess standing beside Han, those notions were quickly suppressed.

  This place was dominated by aquatic clans, and even the few non-aquatic participants had close ties to them.

  Who would dare lay a finger on the direct daughter of the Yunjiang Dragon Lord?

  The Dragon Lord wasn’t some dying mountain spirit.

  Yet, one person was especially unwilling to accept this outcome—Yang Teng.

  The humiliation Han had inflicted upon him was still fresh. How could he possibly forget?

  And then there was the Spirit Mud incident, which had already spread like wildfire throughout the gathering.

  The Third Prince of Lingyang Lake had flaunted his high prices, only to back out in the end. It was a joke too good to keep quiet.

  Bad news travels fast, after all.

  Now, Yang Teng felt as if everyone was looking at him strangely, as if they were all mocking him.

  For someone of his status to become the laughingstock of the event—unacceptable!

  A turtle might endure such disgrace, but a dragon would not!

  "Ao Xuanwei!" Yang Teng suddenly shouted.

  The crowd perked up. Was Lingyang Lake about to challenge the Yunjiang Dragon Princess?

  "Hand over that human beside you!" Yang Teng demanded, glaring at Han.

  "Oh? The ‘Celestial Artifact Prince’ is still here?"

  Han feigned surprise as if he had only just noticed Yang Teng.

  Laughter rippled through the crowd at the mocking title.

  "Yang Teng, have you lost your mind?" Ao Xuanwei shot him a cold look.

  "Get lost!"

  "Everyone, disperse. Do not linger."

  The voice of the Nine Caverns Lake Dragon Lord resounded again, a clear order to avoid further conflict.

  Deep beneath the waters, where his enormous dragon body coiled, his gaze remained steady.

  The grudge between Lingyang Lake and Yunjiang had existed for ages, but he bore no enmity toward either side.

  He had no interest in watching a battle unfold in his domain.

  If anything, he would rather go back to sleep.

  The Dragon Lord’s authority was unquestionable, and Yang Teng dared not disobey. Though he shot Han and his group one last venomous glare, he ultimately turned and left.

  With no further spectacle to witness, the others also began to disperse.

  Even if they hadn’t obtained the Mystic Source or a treasured Water Essence artifact, the pre-event marketplace and the universal benefits from the trials had provided plenty of rewards.

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  No one was leaving empty-handed.

  As Han and his companions prepared to depart, a voice called out from behind.

  "Brother Zhou, wait a moment."

  Han turned his head, raising an eyebrow.

  It was Huang Mingnian.

  "Brother Zhou’s prowess is truly admirable," Huang Mingnian said with a polite smile.

  "Just a stroke of luck. What can I do for you, Brother Huang?"

  "Well, as you may know, I come from the Huang Clan, and we practice spirit arts related to ghosts and deities. Naturally, I have great interest in treasures that aid in their cultivation."

  Huang Mingnian continued, "The Nether Spring Dew is especially effective for such purposes. I wonder if Brother Zhou would be willing to part with it?"

  "Of course, I wouldn’t let you suffer a loss. I can offer Water Dragon Essence along with other valuable items in exchange."

  So, he had chosen the Water Dragon Essence, which meant Guimian had likely picked the Soul-Calming Elixir.

  Han replied casually, "The Huang Clan’s mastery of ghostly arts is renowned throughout Tianyue. I’ve always been quite fascinated by it."

  "This Nether Spring Dew, to be honest, I have no use for it myself, since I don’t cultivate spirits."

  Huang Mingnian’s smile deepened upon hearing this. But in the next instant, it froze.

  "Apologies, but I won’t be trading it."

  "I’ve already promised to gift it to a senior. I can’t go back on my word now. I hope you understand, Brother Huang."

  Huang Mingnian’s expression quickly returned to normal, and he nodded with a courteous smile.

  "If that’s the case, I certainly wouldn’t ask you to break your promise. It was presumptuous of me. My apologies, Brother Zhou."

  After exchanging a few more pleasantries, he turned and left. Han watched his departing figure, his face unreadable.

  Trying to take my treasure?

  I’d rather feed it to a stray dog than give it to you.

  "He seemed quite polite," Li Lingxiu remarked.

  Han shook his head. "People aren’t always what they seem."

  "As the saying goes, you may know a person’s face, but not their heart."

  "The person beside him was from Yin Kong River," Guimian suddenly interjected.

  "It’s a significant waterway, ruled by the Yin Kong Water Lord, who has reached the Manifestation Realm."

  "Oh, so he’s from Yin Kong River," Li Lingxiu mused. "No wonder he gave off such an eerie vibe. Definitely not someone good."

  Guimian then provided Han with a detailed account of Yin Kong River’s influence, demonstrating his impressive knowledge.

  Han nodded in appreciation. This turtle really knew his stuff.

  The group returned to their treasure ship, letting the current carry them back toward Yunjiang.

  Jiao Gu remained unable to speak, still under restriction.

  The ship drifted along Yunjiang at a leisurely pace. Unlike their rushed arrival, there was no need to hurry back.

  Han wasn’t at all worried about Yang Teng or Huang Mingnian attempting an ambush.

  After all, they were now in Yunjiang.

  Who would dare attack the Yunjiang Dragon Princess’s ship here?

  When they had first set out for the gathering, Ao Xuanwei had assured Han that his safety was her responsibility.

  Standing at the bow of the ship under the moonlight, Han gazed at the rolling waves.

  Footsteps approached from behind.

  Ao Xuanwei stepped up beside him.

  "About Jiao Gu—I apologize on his behalf," she said, her tone steady, showing neither blame nor distance.

  "I will see to it that you’re properly compensated."

  So direct. I like it.

  Han smiled. "It had nothing to do with Your Highness. There’s no need to apologize."

  "As for the Mystic Source…"

  Before he could finish, Ao Xuanwei interrupted with a knowing smile.

  "Yes, it’s unfortunate. Who would have thought the Mystic Source could only be divided into two portions? Even the Nine Caverns Lake Dragon Lord misjudged."

  Han blinked, then chuckled.

  "Your Highness truly has no need for it?"

  "It’s useless to my bloodline," she replied. "Besides, where is this supposed ‘extra portion’ you speak of?"

  Han had originally intended to give the remaining Mystic Source to Ao Xuanwei.

  Now, it seemed, he wouldn’t have to.

  A compensation gift? Well, he’d gladly accept.

  Han spoke in a calm, measured tone, “Sometimes, I can vaguely sense a person's goodwill or ill intentions.”

  He paused for a moment before adding, “It’s not always accurate, and it doesn’t work all the time.”

  “Jiao Gu…”

  At that moment, the Dragon Princess understood what he meant.

  "While not uncommon, it's still a very useful ability," she remarked before continuing, "Jiao Gu's father is a distinguished general of the Yunjiang Dragon Palace, holding considerable status. Jiao Gu himself is also quite talented."

  Though, compared to you, his brilliance is like a firefly's glow against the full moon.

  "With his father’s influence and his own talents, he’s grown rather arrogant," she said. "He has always looked down on other races. His hostility toward you might stem from the Dragon Lord’s banquet… or perhaps, because of me."

  “It doesn’t matter,” Han dismissed the thought casually.

  He had already figured it out—Jiao Gu was nothing more than a sycophant. No, more accurately, a sycophantic dragon.

  "One dwells beneath the water, the other on land—let him be."

  That said, if they ever crossed paths again and Jiao Gu insisted on making trouble, Han wouldn’t hesitate to deal with him accordingly.

  "I should thank you, Your Highness, for inviting me. I've gained a great deal from this trip." Han expressed his gratitude sincerely.

  Indeed, his rewards this time were substantial. Had the Yunjiang Dragon Princess not invited him, he wouldn’t have had the opportunity to obtain these treasures. Though he had earned them through his own abilities, the chance itself was thanks to her.

  Han was not someone who forgot kindness.

  "If you're truly grateful, then why not visit Yunjiang Dragon Palace for a while?"

  "…"

  Why does she keep trying to bring me to Yunjiang Dragon Palace? Just what exactly has she prepared there—sleeping incense, secret chambers, ropes, candles…?

  “Next time, for sure.”

  The Dragon Princess chuckled, unsurprised by his response.

  “From now on, don’t call me ‘Your Highness.’ Just use my name.”

  “Then Your Highness should do the same for me.”

  “Alright.”

  Ao Xuanwei.

  Han repeated the name in his mind. That surname…

  A trueborn noble.

  The two stood at the ship’s bow, their conversation flowing more naturally than before.

  The Dragon Princess carried no air of superiority—or perhaps she merely concealed it well.

  As they talked, she brought up the Black Mountain Earth God.

  "Before he perishes, the Earth God will present Black Cloud Town with a trial. If one can pass it, the rewards will be significant. You must take part in it."

  "What kind of trial?"

  "I don’t know. But if you succeed, you'll be able to meet the Earth God directly."

  "You’re from Black Cloud Town, so you'll have the right to participate. Don't miss this opportunity."

  Han’s expression turned serious. A trial that led directly to the Earth God… The benefits of succeeding in such a challenge would be immense—far more valuable than scavenging for treasures in Black Mountain.

  "How soon will this happen?"

  "I'm not sure. It depends on how much longer the Earth God can hold on."

  The Dragon Princess shook her head. "But aside from him and my father, no one knows."

  "…"

  So it was still up in the air.

  Who knew how long the Black Mountain Earth God could endure?

  Han had no idea how powerful this entity truly was, but considering it had failed to ascend to immortality, it probably had quite the lifespan.

  The Dragon Princess was certainly well-informed. No wonder—she had met with the Earth God not long ago.

  Realizing this, Han became even more engaged in the conversation.

  If possible, he wouldn’t mind talking with her all night, candlelit, side by side…

  “Han.”

  “Hmm?”

  “Give me your hand.”

  Han blinked in confusion. What now?

  Still, he extended his hand, and the Dragon Princess took it without hesitation.

  Han froze. Again?

  The Dragon Princess’s voice carried a quiet yearning.

  “Han, earlier, you said you were grateful to me, right?”

  “Yes.”

  “Then… can I ask for something in return?”

  “…What is it?”

  “Hug me.”

  ???

  What kind of request is this?

  Before he could react, the Dragon Princess shifted closer, wrapping her arms around him. Her head rested against his neck as she exhaled deeply.

  Han stiffened. Your Highness, please have some restraint—I am not marrying into your family.

  Then—!

  Han gasped sharply. A smooth, soft sensation brushed against his neck, followed by the light graze of teeth. He could feel her breath, warm and deliberate, as she pressed against his skin.

  This is bad. This is really bad.

  "Your Highness, behave yourself."

  Han quickly pushed Ao Xuanwei away, filled with a sense of helplessness.

  Wuwuwu… A man must always protect himself when traveling outside!

  The Dragon Princess didn’t seem the least bit annoyed. Instead, she watched Han with an amused smile, her lips glistening ever so slightly.

  “You called me ‘Your Highness’ again. If you keep that up, I might actually get mad.”

  …She smells sweet. She’s too enticing.

  Han was in trouble.