Chapter 137: Yinglong Emerges Across the Sky, the Immortal Island Presents a Map, the Dragon Palace of the Eastern Sea?

This news immediately captured everyone’s attention—far more significant than the earthquake in the East China Sea.

The Yinglong, a creature of myth.

There had been rumors before, some claiming to have seen it on Kunlun Mountain, but it had all ended in uncertainty. People believed it to be a fabrication. Yet now, things were different. The Yinglong had truly emerged into the world.

Not only that, but it soared directly into the sky, flying away from Kunlun Mountain.

Videos quickly surfaced online.

Against the vast heavens, a dragon with twin wings tore through the air at an astonishing speed.

It broke the sound barrier, and along its path, the winds roared and clouds swirled, lightning flashing and thunder crashing—just like the legendary Dragon King in ancient tales who weaves the stars and summons the rain.

Yet it did not choose to harm humanity. From beginning to end, its sole destination was eastward.

“Yinglong has crossed the Qinling Mountains and is still advancing, skimming over Chang’an City.”

“Where is it heading? Mount Tai, perhaps?”

“I don’t think so. Didn’t the East China Sea just experience an earthquake? I believe it’s going there.”

“The East China Sea? Could it be the Dragon King of the East China Sea?”

Speculations flooded the internet.

A dragon—the true mythic existence of China—this was truly shocking and demanded attention.

The authorities, naturally aware and closely monitoring, discerned that Yinglong harbored no malice towards humans and thus chose not to intervene.

Meanwhile, Lu Yuan, situated in the Taishan Trial Academy, revealed a spark of interest in his eyes upon hearing the news.

“A great era is truly about to unfold; all kinds of myths are descending upon us.”

As he pondered this, a hint of helplessness crept over him. Mythic beings, extraterrestrial entities, folded spatial dimensions, peerless legacies—all these momentous events intertwined, great figures making their moves, heralding an eternal upheaval.

Back when he was a mere nobody, swept along helplessly by the torrents of the age, merely surviving was a feat.

Now, Lu Yuan had grown. He would confront this new era head-on and even influence the course of the coming changes.

Yet this was not what he desired. As the great era dawned, supreme beings from all star realms would make their moves.

He could not merely be a participant; if he was to act, he would be the chessmaster.

“Lord Lu,” at that moment, Zhu Qingyu arrived, followed by Elder Ji and Elder Yun.

Without hesitation, they spoke: “The sect leader of the Three Immortal Isles wishes to meet you; there is urgent business to discuss.”

Lu Yuan nodded, already suspecting the subject, and said, “Very well, let them in.”

Shortly after, the leaders of Penglai, Fangzhang, and Yingzhou Islands appeared.

Since their submission, they had been diligent, nurturing students in the various Zhendan academies with utmost dedication.

Their attitudes were exemplary.

Now, the three wore solemn expressions. Upon seeing Lu Yuan, they bowed deeply—an ancient gesture of respect.

“Lord Lu, a great anomaly looms in the East China Sea. Our sect’s ancient texts record that a powerful race once dwelled beneath the sea, leaving behind many legacies. Extraterrestrial beings will undoubtedly covet these. This belongs to our world—we cannot allow them to seize it.”

Though their ancestors had once avoided catastrophe to preserve themselves, they still regarded themselves as members of this realm.

The anomaly deep beneath the East China Sea, according to their records, might alter the world’s balance.

Having chosen to submit to Lu Yuan, they were determined to give their utmost.

Yet there was more beneath their words.

Lu Yuan’s eyes twinkled with a smile.

Indeed, the Three Immortal Isles were quite sensible.

“I understand what you say,” Lu Yuan reflected briefly before continuing, “In the future, if you remain loyal, there may come a chance to dissolve the contract between us.”

Their urgent arrival and the sharing of such information were clearly meant to demonstrate sincerity, to earn his trust and eventually regain their freedom.

After all, no one wished to have their life bound forever in another’s control.

“Thank you, Lord Lu,” the Penglai leader said joyfully, bowing deeply.

“We have an ancient map of the deep sea left by our ancestors. If you intend to venture into the East China Sea, you may take this with you,” the Fangzhang leader said respectfully, producing a scroll of parchment from his sleeve.

They knew that as long as they behaved obediently, the contract’s dissolution would not be a problem.

Moreover, such a formidable figure as Lu Yuan would not deceive them.

“Good,” Lu Yuan nodded, accepting the map.

It likely held some real value.

After a few more words, the three leaders departed.

Lu Yuan then turned his gaze toward Elder Ji and the others.

“Prepare a group of capable individuals from the Heavenly Court to accompany me to the East China Sea for investigation. There, the birth of a great fortune could aid in our evolution.”

He had already planned to journey across the lands to collect divine artifacts and such.

The East China Sea had always been part of that plan; now it was simply moved forward.

He recalled how the recent events had forged a group of formidable talents.

If he could cultivate a few who could stand on their own, he would not need to personally handle everything in the future.

“Understood. We will arrange everything immediately,” the elders replied.

Zhu Qingyu looked excited, knowing she would be included.

The group prepared to depart.

“Wait,” Lu Yuan spoke again.

“What has Miss Jiang been doing lately?”

The world’s changes were growing more pronounced. With extraterrestrial beings invading en masse, she surely would have some activity.

“She hasn’t done much, mostly keeping to herself recently. However, that Jiang Bo has been sending many breathing and visualization techniques, along with other items, intending to aid the Heavenly Court,” Elder Ji answered.

“I see.” Lu Yuan nodded, aware that Jiang Ningsian was also preparing.

He imagined the Jiang family from the Wild Flame Star Domain was already on their way—a top ten star realm.

True terrifying power was emerging, possibly surpassing the Sacred Realms.

If the Jiang family was moving, the Ji clan would not be far behind.

There was much unfolding.

After giving further instructions, Lu Yuan let the group leave.

In the backyard of the residence, the Ziwu Sky-Repair Furnace still hovered midair, emanating a misty glow.

The surrounding cosmic forces gathered continuously, occasionally bursting forth with pure energy.

“It seems this grand pill still requires some time to refine,” Lu Yuan estimated.

By the time he returned from the East China Sea, it would likely be ready.

He said no more, focusing instead on circulating visualization and breathing techniques to stabilize and advance his cultivation.

Time slipped away, moment by moment.

Since the earthquake in the East China Sea and the formal emergence of Yinglong on Kunlun Mountain, many had been watching closely.

It was finally discovered that the dragon’s destination was indeed the East China Sea, where it plunged beneath the waves upon arrival.

Additionally, news spread that the authorities would soon investigate the true cause of the great earthquake, with Lord Lu personally leading the expedition.

This sparked a wave of excitement among awakeners, each pondering:

Lord Lu and the mythical Yinglong—what would happen when these two forces met?

Many prepared to witness the unfolding.

Meanwhile, dormant extraterrestrial beings also stirred to life.

In an instant, the East China Sea became the world’s focus.

Days later, Elder Ji selected a group: Zhu Qingyu, the Ice Fairy, Gu Sang, Xiuluo, the Pure Yang Lesser Celestial Master, Monk Huikong, and others.

All were young elites, now part of the Heavenly Court organization and having entered the Shackled Realm, brimming with potential.

They were to accompany Lu Yuan to the East China Sea.

The Golden-Winged Roc would also go, believing there might be creatures bearing dragon blood there to aid in its purification.

Preparations swiftly completed, the officials arranged military planes.

With so many people, military aircraft offered speed and efficiency.

They would arrive within ten days.

Yet just before departure, the Spirit Monkey also tagged along.

Claiming its black iron staff was forged from divine material from the East China Sea, it sought new gains.

Thus, the group set out.

The Golden-Winged Roc flew swiftly on its own.

Lu Yuan, Zhu Qingyu, and the others boarded the military plane.

If nothing unexpected occurred, these individuals would become the future backbone of the Heavenly Court.

During the journey, higher-ups ordered naval forces stationed in the East China Sea to explore the seabed with warships to gather preliminary information.

Previously, Lu Yuan had deterred the giant sea monsters of the South Sea, forbidding them from invading the human realm, ushering in prolonged peace across oceanic regions.

Now, the warships once barred from venturing out would face no attacks.

Several days later, aboard a large military plane, Lu Yuan sat alone, eyes closed in meditation.

Beside him, the Spirit Monkey clutched its iron staff, scratching its head and appearing restless.

Its nature was such—it could not stay still.

To comfort it, Gu Sang produced a banana, causing the Spirit Monkey to widen its eyes in surprise and indignation: the Beast King being treated like a mere monkey. Everyone chuckled, making the journey less dull.

“We’re almost there. No need to be anxious,” Lu Yuan opened his eyes and said.

The Spirit Monkey sighed reluctantly, crouching in its seat but still fidgeting.

“Lord Lu,” Zhu Qingyu and the Ice Fairy approached, holding some documents.

“Our warships’ exploration over the past days revealed significant changes deep within the East China Sea. Here are imaging charts for your review,” Zhu Qingyu said, presenting the files.

Without hesitation, Lu Yuan took them and, upon close inspection, his expression shifted subtly.

“What is it?” the Spirit Monkey leaned over, then exclaimed, “Huh? There are structures on the seabed?”

“In Western legends, there’s the fabled Atlantis, home to Poseidon, the sea god,” Gu Sang remarked.

These days, none of them were easily shocked by the strange events worldwide. They began analyzing them through various myths, which often bore striking similarities. Hence this era was also called the Age of Mythic Revival.

“You realize that’s Western lore. The structures in the East China Sea are definitely not that,” the Pure Yang Lesser Celestial Master spoke up. Eastern matters should not be explained by Western legends.

“Amita Buddha, I believe I may have a clue,” Monk Huikong observed after a moment. “These buildings resemble a palace and are vast. Situated in the East China Sea, could they be the legendary Dragon Palace from our myths?”

The East China Sea?

The Dragon Palace?

Hearing this, a tremor ran through everyone’s hearts.