Chapter 471: The Great Guardian of Life

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It was already late at night when they emerged from the Golden Bell Auction House. The bright moon hung overhead, yet the surroundings remained ablaze with lights, filled with endless sounds of revelry. On this day of the Rose Holy Sanctuary's triumphant return, it was destined to be a sleepless night in Aurora City. Yet within the 'main attraction' itself—the Rose Holy Sanctuary—there was an unusual tranquility.

Perhaps all the students had gone out to celebrate, leaving the sanctuary exceptionally quiet tonight. The cool night breeze dispelled Wang Feng's slight tipsiness, leaving him feeling refreshed and clear-headed.

To outsiders, the Ghost Level Class was undoubtedly a dangerous double-edged sword. Though figures like Wudagan and Anbolin had shown absolute confidence in him back in the hall, it was only because they knew the die had been cast. Any criticism or warning would be futile, leaving them no choice but to passively place their trust in him. In truth, their confidence in the Ghost Level Class wasn’t nearly as strong as it seemed.

But those within knew the truth. From Dragon City to overthrowing the New Lord, from the Eight Battles to the Ghost Level Class—months of meticulous planning had finally brought Wang Feng to this moment, where he felt he had truly seized the initiative.

Aurora City could now be considered his first stronghold, with the Rose Holy Sanctuary serving as its command center. The Ghost Level Class couldn’t afford to fail. He had the confidence, but speed was crucial. Results had to be delivered before his true adversaries could react.

"Send word to Shadow Isles," Wang Feng mused, feeling the night breeze as he issued the order. "Have them publicly declare their participation in the Ghost Level Class."

"Yes."

Mapeier’s voice responded from behind, but unlike the cold detachment of her past as 'Mi,' her tone now carried a gentleness as soothing as the pale moonlight above.

Wang Feng’s thoughts drifted elsewhere. Beyond the Ghost Level Class, his top priority was rescuing Karida—but brute force wasn’t an option.

The Holy City’s refusal to release her was undoubtedly tied to Thunder Dragon, though they couldn’t openly admit it. They had to fabricate at least a couple of excuses to justify her detainment. If they were merely excuses, that would be manageable—but knowing Sister Da’s headstrong personality, there was always the chance she’d left them real leverage. They needed to investigate before acting.

"Find out the Holy City’s stated reasons for detaining Karida," Wang Feng continued. "Even if they’re just excuses, there must be at least two."

"Yes."

"And also—" Wang Feng paused mid-thought, stopping in his tracks and turning to look at Mapeier.

She halted instinctively, meeting his gaze with slight confusion.

Wang Feng chuckled helplessly. "No matter what I tell you to do, is this always how you respond?"

"Yes—" Mapeier answered reflexively before catching herself, a faint smile gracing her lips. "I thought you’d remembered something important, Senior Brother."

"What kind of talk is that?" Wang Feng reached out affectionately, messing up her hair. "You’re my junior sister, Mapeier. You’re important too, you know?"

"Yes." This time, it wasn’t just reflex—Mapeier smiled. "But Senior Brother’s matters are more important!"

"Ah, listen to that smooth talk!"

Wang Feng laughed. Clara was truly something. Months of his guidance hadn’t taught Mapeier how to banter, yet a single evening around Clara had somehow brought it out in her. Not bad—maybe he should encourage more interaction between the two. Can't hurt to overdo it!

With his train of thought broken, he dropped the minor thoughts he’d been pondering. It was a rare leisurely night, after all. Grinning, he said, "Junior Sister, let me tell you—flattery is an art. What you just said, if not accidental, was already eighty percent of the way there..."

"Senior Brother, I meant every word!"

"I never said you didn’t. This is purely a technical discussion! Skills are never a burden—" Wang Feng grew animated, holding Mapeier’s hand while gesturing with the other, drawing soft laughter from her.

Beneath the moonlit canopy of trees, silver light spilled across the path, lengthening their shadows.

Dragondeep Sea, Golden Rock Island—a key junction along the shipping route to the Brahma Sea. The sky was just beginning to brighten when Qi Da jolted awake from another nightmare. Groping beside him, the warmth of his wife’s body steadied his nerves. Rumors said the Sea Dragon clan were lustful, often dispatching night owls to silently abduct men and women for their pleasure. Qi Da’s wife was renowned as the island’s beauty, and ever since the Sea Dragon clan had occupied Golden Rock Island, he hadn’t slept a single peaceful night, consumed by fear for her safety.

"A-Da..." His lovely wife stirred, her voice still drowsy.

"It’s nothing. Dawn’s coming—we need to get up for work."

Qi Da dressed quickly, then handed his wife’s clothes to the bedside. After a hurried wash, he reminded her sternly to smudge her face before leaving the house. Only after her promise did he step out, carefully locking the door behind him before sprinting toward the Sea Dragon's Palace. By now, the sky had truly brightened.

The damp cold made his throat constrict. Was he falling ill? Not now, of all times!

Jinyan Island was not large, but as the last stop before entering the routes of the Brahma Sea from the Dragon Abyss, its location was uniquely advantageous. Any merchant fleet traveling from the Dragon Abyss to the Brahma Sea would inevitably stop here for resupply and rest.

However, just ten days ago, the Sea Dragon Clan suddenly blockaded the route. Under the pretext of a joint operation against pirates, they established a so-called Joint Operations Command on Jinyan Island. Overnight, a Sea Dragon Palace was erected atop the original docks. Nominally, it was a collaboration with humans, and there were indeed a few humans dressed in officer uniforms...

But Qi Da couldn’t see any real authority in those humans within the Sea Dragon Palace. Moreover, given their weary appearances, they were likely just captives dragged in by the Sea Dragons for show. Still... Qi Da couldn’t help but feel a twinge of envy. Their exhaustion didn’t seem to stem from imprisonment but rather from daily romps with the Sea Dragon women...

Those Sea Dragon women were all exquisitely alluring, with sultry glances and voluptuous figures beyond compare. They were said to be absolute bedroom sorceresses, their mere presence turning any mattress into a man’s paradise.

Though Qi Da worried his wife might catch the eye of a Sea Dragon, he couldn’t deny that if given the chance... he truly envied those humans in the grand tents. The Sea Dragon women might be wild, but they weren’t meant to be wives. If he could have just one night with them, he’d feel his life as a man was complete.

As soon as Qi Da arrived at the Sea Dragon Palace, he saw the chef and his two apprentices bustling frantically in the kitchen. The chef turned and spotted him, calling out, "Qi Da! We’re running low on green onions, and the beef and lamb will only last until tomorrow at most. The ice in the cold storage is also insufficient—we’ll need Lady Oub from the Spellcraft Room to make a batch of edible ice. The Sea Dragon lords have recently taken a liking to all sorts of chilled delicacies..."

Qi Da carefully noted the chef’s requests before heading to the servants’ quarters, where he recorded a list of shortages from the head maid. He endured her lengthy complaints about the shortage of workers to wash the Sea Dragon lords’ garments—men weren’t allowed to help. All these issues fell to him to coordinate and resolve. Without him, no one could bear the Sea Dragons’ wrath.

At least now, though they had lost their freedom, everyone had managed to keep their private property.

"You, come here."

Just as Qi Da was about to set off to work, a young Sea Dragon officer called out to him.

Qi Da hurriedly lowered his head, doing his best to appear respectful as he approached. "My lord, what do you need?"

The officer scrutinized Qi Da for a long moment before finally saying, "Follow me."

With that, the officer turned and strode away. Qi Da’s heart pounded with unease, an ominous feeling creeping over him. Instinct screamed at him to flee, but the sight of the officer’s retreating back—and the massive blade hanging at his waist, razor-sharp—kept him obediently trailing behind.

The Sea Dragon Palace had been erected overnight by the Sea Dragon Clan, yet both its exterior and interior exuded an ancient grandeur. Intricate paintings adorned the walls, while elaborate carvings of patterns and sea beasts decorated every corner, faintly radiating royal majesty.

Soon, Qi Da followed the officer into the central hall of the palace. A surging aura, like crashing waves, washed over his senses. Holding his breath, he quickened his steps to keep up.

"Your Majesty! The human has been brought before you," the officer announced, bowing deeply toward the throne.

Not daring to lift his head, Qi Da knelt as well, his eyes fixed on the ground as he waited in silence.

However, the exchange above eased his tension somewhat. Thanks to his position in the Sea Dragon Palace, he had picked up some rumors. The Golden Sea Dragon King ruled with strict discipline. His presence on Jinyan Island naturally forced even the most unruly Sea Dragons into line, let alone their subservient attendants and war slaves. If they hadn’t been abducted at the start, they certainly wouldn’t be now.

"Rise."

The Golden Sea Dragon King’s voice was calm and warm, his golden dragon eyes fixed intently on Qi Da. Suddenly, he remarked, "Indeed, there was no mistake. You truly carry the bloodline of the Supreme Sage Teacher."

Qi Da froze. What? The bloodline of the Supreme Sage Teacher? His heart hammered wildly. Instinct told him this had to be a joke, but... who was the Golden Sea Dragon King to jest with someone as insignificant as him? Under normal circumstances, the king wouldn’t even spare him a glance.

Noticing Qi Da’s stunned expression, the Golden Sea Dragon King allowed a hint of a smile. "Come, prepare a seat for Master Qi."

Immediately, two Sea Dragon women in gauzy dresses glided toward Qi Da, their movements sinuous and alluring. The alluring fragrance of their bodies sent a jolt through him, his face flushing involuntarily. Just moments ago, he had envied those who could revel with Sea Dragon women—was this fortune now his as well?

Lust clouded his mind, emboldening him. He raised his head to gaze at the approaching pair, only to find they were mirror-image twins. His heart pounded even harder, desire thundering in his chest. These two were far more bewitching than any Sea Dragon women he had seen before, especially their mesmerizing eyes brimming with desire. In his dazed state, only one thought remained: *This* was what a woman should be—a *true* woman!

The twin Sea Dragon women exchanged a knowing smile before each took one of Qi Da’s arms. "Master Qi, please take your seat here."

A wave of intoxicating fragrance enveloped him, the places where they touched him burning with heat. His entire body went weak, letting them guide him to a seat below the Golden Sea Dragon King’s throne.

Only then, under the close proximity of the dragon’s overwhelming aura of power, did Qi Da’s lustful thoughts scatter. He cursed himself inwardly—*Blinded by desire, what a fool!*—before hastily bowing deeply again. His throat tightened as he stammered, "M-most exalted Dragon King... surely there’s been a mistake. I’m just an ordinary man. I’ve had my talents tested—I have none. How could I possibly be related to the Supreme Sage Teacher...?"

"Silence! A mere human dares question His Majesty’s words?!"

An armored Sea Dragon general roared from the side, his furious gaze like spears stabbing into Qi Da. Terrified, Qi Da slumped against the chair back, trembling as if caught in a hurricane-force wind.

The Golden Sea Dragon King chuckled. "Master Qi, there’s no need for fear. General Homer is simply blunt with his words. General Homer, won’t you apologize?"

A droning hum...

Qi Da's ears buzzed as he stared blankly at the Sea Dragon commander, whose gaze had been sharp as blades moments ago, now bowing respectfully to him. He couldn't make out what the general was saying until the two alluring Sea Dragon maidens fed him a cup of sweet wine. The alcohol surged through him, mingling with their intoxicating fragrance, and his addled mind finally cleared.

Just as he was at a loss, the Golden Sea Dragon King chuckled lightly and said, "Mr. Qi's lineage is noble—a surviving descendant of the Supreme Sage Teacher's bloodline in the vast sea. Since I've discovered it, I cannot let such a gem remain buried. It must be nurtured and glorified."

Qi Da's throat tightened as he gazed at the Golden Sea Dragon King's smiling face, those golden dragon-like eyes like twin blades pressing against his chest.

At that moment, the Sea Dragon maidens offered him another cup of sweet wine. Without thinking, he downed it in one gulp. The warmth spread through his veins and rushed to his head. "I'll do as Your Majesty says."

"Excellent. How can the bloodline of the Supreme Sage Teacher wear such plain clothes? Attendants, prepare a bath and new robes for Mr. Qi."

A glint of satisfaction passed through the Golden Sea Dragon King's eyes. Only after Qi Da was led away by the two Sea Dragon maidens did his golden gaze gradually turn icy again.

"Your Majesty, does this man truly possess the capability? That curse was laid by the Supreme Sage Teacher..." General Homer voiced his doubts. Earlier, through his rebuke, he had probed the depths of the human's soul—utterly unremarkable. He didn't doubt that this man was indeed a descendant of the Supreme Sage Teacher, given the latter's many dalliances, but after centuries, the bloodline was too diluted to matter.

"In the past, it would have been impossible. Back then, the Supreme Sage Teacher imposed a divine-level curse upon our kind with unparalleled power—non-royals who set foot on land would be suppressed by it, even artificial dry land in the sea. A truly brutally oppressive curse. But power is still power. Over centuries, cracks have emerged, especially in recent years as the world subtly shifts. The magic herbs discovered by the mermaids are one method, and the Supreme Sage Teacher's bloodline is another. Both can pry open the slightest fissure in the rules he established."

The Golden Sea Dragon King's golden pupils gleamed with a cold light as he continued, "Among the three races, only the mermaids were favored by the Supreme Sage Teacher. Not only were they granted the Sea God Crown, but they were also entrusted with the Heavenly Soul Pearl, a treasure capable of suppressing the heavens. With these two secret treasures, the mermaids have thrived unchallenged for centuries. This newly surfaced secret treasure—for the future of our kind, we must seize it at all costs!"

Even if he couldn't obtain it, he would never let the other two races, especially the mermaids, claim it. That would spell disaster for the Sea Dragon clan. The recent marriage alliance between the Sea Dragon Prince and the mermaid royal princess was also part of their infiltration strategy. The mermaids' fortunes were at their peak now, but as the saying goes, what rises must eventually fall!

Qi Da's life on Golden Rock Island was no accident. Decades ago, the Sea Dragon King had discovered that Qi Da's father was a descendant of the Supreme Sage Teacher. Layer by layer, the net was woven, forcing Qi Da's father to seek livelihood on Golden Rock Island. The Vast Heaven's Sea was no place for weak humans to survive—Golden Rock Island was the best choice. For years, Qi Da's family had lived under the Sea Dragon King's control, originally just a contingency. Now, with the recent subtle changes in the world, the plan could finally be put into action.

General Homer bowed in acknowledgment and said no more.

Soon, Qi Da, scrubbed clean by the two Sea Dragon maidens, was brought to an altar. Dressed in noble attire, his face flushed, he recalled the wild, forbidden acts he had indulged in with the mesmerizing twin Sea Dragon maidens during his bath—deeds he'd craved yet knew were forbidden...

It had been exquisite yet terrifying. Even if he was of the Supreme Sage Teacher's bloodline, what use was it? He had nothing to offer in return. Everything came with a price, and Qi Da understood this all too well.

The Golden Sea Dragon King observed Qi Da on the altar, his cold expression softening once more. "Mr. Qi, truly worthy of the Supreme Sage Teacher's bloodline—a man of remarkable bearing. Would you be willing to join our kind and become our Guardian?"

Qi Da's heart pounded. He truly didn't understand what made him worthy of the Sea Dragon King's favor, but...

Glancing at the two flushed Sea Dragon maidens—evidence of their earlier passion—he knew there was no turning back after tasting such delights. Moreover, only by obeying the Dragon King's wishes would he have another chance with them. Perhaps the Sea Dragons wanted his seed because of his lineage? The thought burned brighter than the wine's warmth...

"I... shall obey Your Majesty..."

"Ah, Mr. Qi, I never force anyone. You need not hesitate. If you harbor even the slightest reluctance, you need not agree. I would still gift you golden pearls. Having encountered you, I cannot let the Supreme Sage Teacher's bloodline remain in obscurity."

Qi Da was stunned. He knew nothing of this bloodline, but the Sea Dragon King was truly the wealthiest in the seas, one of the mightiest figures in the world. Those who lived by the sea all feared the Sea Dragon race, yet here was the Sea Dragon King addressing him as "Mr. Qi." His chest burned with emotion.

"Your Majesty, I fear I am unworthy."

"Mr. Qi, do not underestimate your potential."

The Sea Dragon King's gaze stirred something in Qi Da's heart. No one had ever shown him such regard—especially not the Sea Dragon King, whose name alone struck terror across the world!

"I pledge my life to Your Majesty!"

The Golden Sea Dragon King's eyes gleamed. "Are these words sincere, Mr. Qi?"

Qi Da rose and knelt again, declaring firmly, "I pledge my life to Your Majesty!"

"Good, very good. Attendants, prepare the formal investiture rite. Mr. Qi shall become a Guardian of our Sea Dragon race."

Qi Da's heart swelled with exhilaration, as if floating in a dream. When he stood, his legs trembled slightly. This day had unfolded like a tale where he was the protagonist—status, beauty, and position, as if all the world's luck had crashed into him at once.

Soon, the formal investiture rite commenced. Two young Sea Dragons stood solemnly at the rear as a ceremonial officer offered up the Dragon-God Sword into the Golden Sea Dragon King's hands.

The Sea Dragon King took the royal sword, its blade engraved with intricate dragon script. As he gripped it, a deep and solemn draconic chant resonated from the blade—the murmurs of the Ancestral Dragon. Even the slightest scratch from this sword would condemn the wounded to a torturous death under the Ancestral Dragon's soul curse.

With the flat of the royal sword, the Sea Dragon King touched Qi Da's right shoulder. "Qi Da! Do you swear fealty to the Sea Dragon Clan and become our Protector?"

"I do!"

"Qi Da! Are you willing to pledge all—your life and lineage—to the prosperity and strength of the Sea Dragon Clan?" The Sea Dragon King's voice deepened as he lightly raised the sword, then rested its flat upon Qi Da's left shoulder. The royal sword emitted a faint glow, its draconic script squirming and shifting like living things, while the eerie chant grew clearer.

"I do!"

Qi Da was utterly immersed in the moment. The Dragon God's Sword resting on his shoulders filled him with a sense of solemn duty. His life had reached its pinnacle. Looking back, what had his past been? Just a handyman on Golden Rock Island? His once-proud wife now seemed dull after experiencing the skills of the sea dragon maidens—though he wouldn’t abandon her. Now that he had risen in rank, he could mold her. Besides, after two years of effort, she was finally carrying his child...

"Qi Da! By the authority of the Golden Sea Dragon King, Sovereign of the Brahma Sea, I hereby appoint you as the Grand Guardian of Life for the Sea Dragon Clan!"

The Sea Dragon King paused, then suddenly spoke again, "Grand Guardian Qi, are you willing to sacrifice everything—your life, blood, and even soul—for the rise of the Sea Dragon Clan?"

Qi Da lifted his head, a flicker of hesitation crossing his mind. But then he saw the two sea dragon maidens, their identical faces smiling encouragingly at him. The euphoric memory of bathing with them flashed through his mind like lightning. Without another thought, he uttered fervently, "I do."

"Say it! What are you willing to do?"

"I am willing to sacrifice everything—my life, blood, and even soul—for the Sea Dragon Clan!"

"Thus, the covenant is sealed!"

Qi Da smiled. But in the next instant, his smile stiffened as the world lurched...

What... happened? His last shred of consciousness saw the Sea Dragon King swinging the Dragon God's Sword. There truly was a dragon on the blade—a massive dragon-shadow fused to the blade. Then, he saw his own body tilting forward, collapsing to the ground... his neck ending in a stump.

What’s... wrong with me? Why can I see my own back?

My... head?

My head was cut off?! By the Sea Dragon King with the Dragon God's Sword!

It was only then that the pain hit Qi Da—but just as it surged to unbearable intensity, his severed head rolled to a stop, lifeless. His final thought: So even the swiftest cut... still brings pain?