Chapter 1208: The Fickleness Of The World

Seeing the puzzled gaze of the North Sea Emperor, Ao Butong nodded firmly.

"Exactly, it was a skeleton!"

As he spoke, he summoned Ao Chang into the room.

"Ao Chang, tell Brother Chang in detail about the strange creatures you saw that day!"

Ao Chang held the North Sea Emperor in high esteem.

Seizing the opportunity to speak, he immediately became animated, recounting the events with great enthusiasm!

"Greetings, Senior North Sea Emperor."

"That day, while I was out on an errand with the Third Prince, we unexpectedly encountered several beings descending from the sky. First, a colossal bear, ten thousand feet tall, crashed into the sea, followed by several figures clad in black robes, all led by that skeleton."

"Speaking of that skeleton, it was truly unremarkable in appearance, which is why we misjudged it. Who would have thought that a short, oddly dressed skeleton could possess such abilities..."

Ao Chang's vivid narration was filled with life, as he used all his skills to describe the scene.

Ao Butong was quite satisfied, sipping his tea as he waited.

But as the words fell.

Just as he brought the teacup to his lips, the North Sea Emperor suddenly snatched it back, startling Ao Butong.

Before he could react, he saw the North Sea Emperor's cold expression.

"Take it back, you're done drinking."

"Go, go, leave quickly."

The cold tone was abrupt, a stark contrast to the previous warmth!

Ao Butong was stunned, instinctively clasping his hands in inquiry.

"Brother Chang, what do you mean by this?"

The North Sea Emperor's face darkened, no longer showing the previous friendliness.

"Brother Chang?"

"Given your seniority, is that how you address me?"

"I need to continue my secluded cultivation and have no time for such trivial matters. If there's nothing important, please leave!"

This...?

Ao Butong's eyes widened in shock.

Everything had been going so well just moments ago.

From the moment they entered the thatched cottage, the North Sea Emperor had been quite friendly, addressing them politely, without any airs of a senior, just like old friends.

He even seemed willing to lend a hand.

But in an instant.

His attitude had turned so cold?

His mood changed faster than flipping a page.

The Dragon Emperor was utterly confused, and Ao Chang was equally baffled.

What had gone wrong?

No matter how they thought about it, they couldn't recall saying anything wrong.

The two exchanged puzzled glances, and the Dragon Emperor was about to speak.

But then.

The North Sea Emperor even put away the tea set, gesturing towards the door.

"Gentlemen, please."

The sudden dismissal caught them off guard.

Ao Butong felt his face instantly lose its dignity, his lips twitching!

Good heavens.

This old man really didn't give any face, actually kicking them out!

He had been boasting earlier.

About how formidable the North Sea Emperor was, and how close their friendship was. Now, it felt like he had been flattering a cold backside, talking nonsense for so long!

But since things had come to this.

Being a man of pride, he had no choice but to leave the thatched cottage with his subordinate.

After walking several miles.

Ao Butong's expression grew darker.

Twenty thousand years of friendship, all for naught!

The more he thought about it, the angrier he became, his face darkening.

"If you won't help, fine. I have friends all over the world. Without you, North Sea Emperor, there are still others who will assist!"

After a moment of contemplation.

His eyes regained their confidence as he gazed out at the sea.

"My sea clan is full of powerful beings, with so many close friends. I refuse to believe everyone is like him!"

Ao Chang's eyes lit up with hope, his face filled with anticipation!

"Your Majesty, do you know other powerful beings?"

"Your subordinate is truly in awe!"

The admiring gaze made the Dragon Emperor feel quite pleased.

He nodded faintly, his confidence growing.

"Of course."

"Leaving others aside, we will soon visit the Sturgeon Dragon Emperor. He is an ancient being who became famous even earlier, and our clans are distantly related. This time, there will be no mishaps!"

Sturgeon Dragon Emperor?!

This was a powerful figure recorded in ancient texts, even more senior than the North Sea Emperor!

As expected of Your Majesty, to have connections with such a figure!

Ao Chang was even more delighted. In front of the old Dragon Emperor, he, a young expert, felt his experience and knowledge were insignificant, like a naive youth, full of admiration and respect!

The Dragon Emperor, seeing this, grew even more confident.

Regaining his composure, he stroked his beard with a smile and strode steadily through the void.

In just a few moments.

The two entered a grand palace deep in the South Sea, filled with opulence!

Seated in the grand hall.

Ao Butong enjoyed the treatment of an honored guest, and Ao Chang was fortunate to sit beside him. The grand reception gave them great confidence, everything was going as expected.

After a few pleasantries.

Ao Butong made a respectful gesture towards the main seat.

"Thank you for your hospitality, Emperor."

"We are distant relatives, and thousands of years ago, we even arranged a marriage between your daughter and my third son, strengthening the bond between our clans..."

"I wonder if that casual agreement still holds today?"

This time, he had learned from his previous mistake.

First, he tested the waters by mentioning their relationship, gauging the other's attitude before proceeding.

The Sturgeon Dragon Emperor nodded upon hearing this, his eyes still filled with warmth.

"Of course."

"Both of us are emperors of our clans. How could we go back on our word?"

Hearing this, Ao Butong nodded slightly.

It was settled.

Since they were prospective in-laws, they were not outsiders. This relationship was a hundred times stronger than mere friendship. How could they not help in times of need?

Only then did Ao Butong reveal the truth.

"Emperor Sturgeon Dragon, your words warm my heart!"

"Unfortunately, my son has recently encountered a mishap, harmed by an outsider and transformed into a mere fish..."

His narration was filled with sorrow and tears.

Ao Chang, quick to catch on, stood up and clasped his hands in agreement, displaying the Third Prince's current state as a salted fish. The master and servant worked in perfect harmony.

The Sturgeon Dragon Emperor listened with a look of astonishment and pity.

After examining the salted fish for a few moments, he clenched his teeth in anger and declared!

"To think that your son has suffered such a fate, such a bizarre transformation. Even I am powerless against it."

"However, Brother Ao, do not despair. Our clan possesses the ancestral dragon bone, which has been imbued with pure dragon energy for tens of thousands of years. It can dispel any curse. If used to treat your son's condition, it should have some miraculous effect!"

Ancestral dragon bone?

This was the most precious treasure of the Sturgeon Dragon clan!

To cure Ao Lie, they were willing to use such a treasure. This was true family, showing their true colors in times of adversity. Only relatives could be relied upon!

Ao Butong was moved to tears, offering his own secret treasure in gratitude!

"Thank you, Emperor, for your righteous assistance!"

"This is my clan's treasure, the Moonlight Heavenly Mirror. Though it is but a small token of my gratitude, I hope you will accept it. May our clans remain close for generations, forever bound by kinship!"

The Sturgeon Dragon Emperor tactfully declined with a wave of his hand.

After repeated refusals.

He held the salted fish in one hand and tucked the Moonlight Heavenly Mirror into his sleeve with the other.

The two were deeply moved, their bond growing stronger.

While waiting for the dragon bone.

The Sturgeon Dragon Emperor, curious, casually asked.

"I truly never expected your son to fall victim to such a vicious curse."

"Who was the fiend responsible for this?!"

As soon as the words left his mouth.

Ao Chang immediately stood up and clasped his hands, vividly recounting what he had seen, especially describing the despicable skeleton in detail, emphasizing its arrogance, hoping to gain the Emperor's sympathy and assistance in avenging the Sea Dragon Mermaid clan!

Just as he was getting into the story.

Suddenly!

The Sturgeon Dragon Emperor's expression darkened considerably!

By the end, he even threw the salted fish prince back!

"Whoosh!"

Ao Chang was terrified, unable to react in time!

Fortunately, Dragon Emperor Ao Butong was quick, managing to catch the salted fish in a panic.

Though he caught the fish safely, his heart sank, a terrible premonition rising within him!

"Emperor Sturgeon Dragon, what do you mean by this?"

"We are prospective in-laws. Surely you won't refuse to help?!"