"What does 'yī zhòng' mean" Xie Yujia widened her eyes and asked, looking at the bed made of brick-like mud. It was divided into three sections with a grid of shiny metallic mesh. On the left were all...Chapter 517: A Powerful Son-in-Law~ (Third Update, Voting for Monthly Ticket!)

Hao Ren was about to ask Liu Yi to take him to find Chancellor Xia when the chancellor saw Hao Ren standing at the main gate while he was surveying the reconstruction progress from afar.

"Young Master Hao! Young Master Hao!" Chancellor Xia ran over. He bent his waist and back, making it quite difficult for him to run.

"Liu Yi, you go ahead and take care of your duties," said Hao Ren as he looked at the "loyal" Liu Yi, whom Hao Ren had come to regard as a trusted subordinate.

"This soldier obeys!" Liu Yi walked out of the palace with a solemn posture and continued patrolling the surroundings.

"Young Master Hao, I knew you would come," said Chancellor Xia panting heavily in front of Hao Ren. He was excitedly talking to him.

"Chancellor, at your age, there's no need to rush so much," said Hao Ren as he held the chancellor up and smiled before asking him another question: "Have Elders Lu and Sun returned"

“The two elders have returned to the East Sea Dragon Palace. They will send six of their own elders to the West Sea Dragon Palace,” Chancellor Xia replied.

"How is it settled" asked Hao Ren. He was not good at negotiations, so he had brought his army to the West Sea and given Chancellor Xia and the two elders enough negotiating power before running off to watch Zhao Jiayin’s basketball game.

“Young Master, here is how we have decided: The East Sea Dragon Palace will defend from west of the West Sea Dragon Palace to the Demon Ocean. The South Sea Dragon Palace will be responsible for the seas south of the West Sea Dragon Palace up until its own borders with the South Sea. The North Sea Dragon Palace will control the seas north of the West Sea Dragon Palace all the way to their own borders with the North Sea, while the Western part of the West Sea Dragon Palace’s territory and its land will be controlled by the West Sea Dragon Palace itself,” Chancellor Xia said bending over and looking at Hao Ren seriously.

Hao Ren imagined how this would look on a map: It was basically an area divided into four directions around the West Sea Dragon Palace, with three of the dragon palaces each taking one third of it. The only piece left to the West Sea Dragon Palace itself was the smallest out of all four.

From the perspective of the South and North Seas, their own territories bordered those of the West Sea, so this division allowed them to expand their territorial area.

Moreover, they had taken over two areas of the West Sea that did not border the Demon Ocean. Therefore, their main line of defense was still in charge of guarding where their own territory met with the Demon Ocean. The borders that needed to be defended didn’t extend further.

The East Sea Dragon Palace took control of everything from west of the West Sea Dragon Palace up until the Demon Ocean, which was also the farthest sea away from the Demon Ocean and therefore the largest one. Because it bordered with the Demon Ocean, this meant that managing such an extensive area would be harder than for the South or North Seas. However, the wider the territory, the closer they were to the richly magical Demon Ocean, so the more abundant their resources.

As for what the West Sea Dragon Palace was now responsible for, it was by far the smallest of the four territories and since its distance from land wouldn’t be too great either, its sea would also be quite shallow. Furthermore, it would often see human activities, making it have the worst quality magical energy and least resources.

“Hmm…” Hao Ren nodded solemnly.

This kind of division was somewhat satisfactory to him. While the demons in the Demon Ocean were indeed ferocious, those that operated near its borders were all low-level demons. As long as the situation at the Demon Ocean remained stable, the soldiers from the East Sea Dragon Palace wouldn’t be too dangerous.

During this time, taking over and controlling resources from what used to belong to the West Sea Dragon Palace had strategic significance for the East Sea Dragon Palace.

"In addition, regarding internal governance in the West Sea Dragon Palace, each of the three dragon palaces has sent six auxiliary elders to form a council together with the West Sea’s own six great elders. They will revise any decisions made by Crown Prince Zeng Yitao," Chancellor Xia continued.

"Alright." Hao Ren nodded again. This effectively divided the internal power of the West Sea Dragon Palace into four parts, greatly weakening Crown Prince Zeng Yitao's concentration of authority.

Especially with these six elders who were sent from outside the West Sea, they would all prioritize their own dragon palaces first. The West’s own six elders would have no significant effect when faced with this disparity in numbers.

"Is Zeng Yitao still inside the palace" Hao Ren asked Chancellor Xia.

“Yes, Young Master Hao, I’ll take you to him,” said Chancellor Xia bending down and leading the way.

The completely defeated West Sea Dragon Palace had nothing left of its former grandeur. This was the first time Hao Ren walked inside the palace grounds, seeing only ruins everywhere.

Actually, from a layout perspective, there were quite many similarities between the West and East Sea palaces; both had cultivation towers, treasure halls, main palaces, side palaces, training fields...

If the strength of Donghai Longgong is too weak and it gets breached by opponents, this would be the sight... Therefore, no matter what, improving one's power is the top priority.

The West Sea Longgong invaded the East Sea Longgong, relying on their possession of the North Sea black ice and having more Earth-rank elders.

If it were the case that the "great war between Donghai and Xihai" ended with Donghai losing, those walking among the ruins of Donghai Longgong would now be Uncle Zeng and Zeng Yitao. Even Zhao Yanzi would become Zeng Yitao's crown princess; they wouldn't have any sympathy for Donghai.

Thinking about this, Hao Ren withdrew his gaze and followed Chancellor Xia into a palace that was still relatively intact.

Sitting on the golden throne, dressed in splendid golden dragon robes, Zeng Yitao had several purple-robed elders standing beside him, advising him.

When Zeng Yitao saw Hao Ren enter, he suddenly stood up. His eyes first flashed with anger before quickly turning humble and obedient.

Hado stage Hao Ren looked at Zeng Yitao's realm and found that he was already at the Hado stage. Uncle Zeng had begged for spiritual pills and secret techniques from the Dragon God Temple, finally restoring Zeng Yitao's damaged constitution. However, judging by his appearance, his final realm wouldn't be very high.

"Greetings to General of the East Sea," the several West Sea purple-robed elders around Zeng Yitao bowed respectfully towards Hao Ren.

Hao Ren waved indifferently. Even when the West Sea was powerful, he hadn’t seen these elders showing him respect.

"Greetings to General of the East Sea," said Zeng Yitao stiffly while staring at Hao Ren.

In the West Sea, whether it be Zeng Yitao or the West Sea elders, they had already understood that this time, among the three Longgongs' combined forces pressing into the West Sea, Donghai was the main player.

The shocking news of General Hao Ren of the East Sea fighting alone against an 8th-order demon beast also spread through the circles in West Sea Longgong via the returning West Sea soldiers.

Everyone in the West Sea understood that with such strength, if Donghai were to approach them, even though Zeng Xin was still around, he would definitely not be able to withstand it. Zeng Xin had already realized the current situation; his attempt at a comeback by breaking through to Sky Dragon failed.

The difference lay in whether Donghai would take the initiative and break into West Sea or if West Sea itself would fall into decline.

"Mm..."

Hao Ren looked at Zeng Yitao, nodding slightly. He wouldn't speak empty words; Donghai Longgong intervening in the affairs of West Sea Longgong was simply seizing its territory. Those so-called扶持West Sea were just for show.

On the other hand, it must be said that being controlled by the three Longgongs would still be better than having other forces intrude. Among the four seas' Longgongs, they were generally a whole unit; the three Longgongs increasing their troops to control West Sea Longgong’s territory, but maintaining its broken-down operations and assisting in its reconstruction.

Confusion, hesitation, fear, and unease flashed across Zeng Yitao's face.

In the past, he hadn’t managed to step on this seemingly insignificant Hao Ren. Now, Hao Ren had far surpassed him.

Not only was his strength extraordinary, but he also controlled millions of Donghai’s elite troops. Even the two generals from Nan Hai and Bei Hai gave Hao Ren some face.

"Has your grandfather... not been buried yet" Hao Ren asked him.

Zeng Yitao looked at Hao Ren in confusion, shaking his head.

Hao Ren turned to look at Chancellor Xia beside him. "The old dragon king of the West Sea will be given a grand burial befitting a dragon king. This matter you will assist the chancellor and elders of the West Sea to complete it. All expenses will be covered by our Donghai Longgong."

Chancellor Xia was stunned for a moment, then quickly bowed in obeisance. "Your subordinate receives your orders."

The several elders from the West Sea all looked at Hao Ren in surprise.

The Zeng Xin, who had attempted to challenge the Heavenly Dragons and perished in the process, was never mentioned by either the Grand Marshal of the South Sea or the Grand Marshal of the North Sea. They did not want to get involved with such matters. The West Sea's relationship with the East Sea was already strained, and their conflict barely missed dragging the South Sea and North Sea into it as well; thus, both the South Sea and North Sea still harbored some resentment towards them.

However, this enemy of the East Sea brought up the matter on his own initiative.

"There isn’t much else to discuss. Zeng Yitao, if you can properly manage the West Sea Dragon Palace," referring to all those who originally belonged to the West Sea Dragon Palace and would be his son or grandson in the future.

Currently, Zhen Yitao was merely a captive under the guise of being the Crown Prince of the East Sea. Hao Ren had no interest in speaking much with him.

"I... I’m wrong!" Seeing Hao Ren about to leave the palace, Zeng Yitao suddenly shouted out.

"The attack on the East Sea Dragon Palace was my grandfather's decision! Using Black Wolf to capture you was just to scare you— it wasn’t meant to kill your women! Going after members of your family wasn't my doing either, Hao Ren. Please forgive me... please forgive me... I’m useless; I won’t pursue Zhao Ranzi, and I don't want to be the Crown Prince anymore. Let me return to land and give me some money..."

Zeng Yitao's tone changed from shouting to pleading.

Hao Ren paid no heed to him but led Chancellor Xia out of the palace. He was well aware of Zhen Yitao’s character— he would assault any maid who displeased him, a person whom Hao Ren could never feel sympathy for.

Therefore, his explanations held no weight with Hao Ren. Zeng Yitao would spend his entire life in the West Sea Dragon Palace as an ineffective puppet Crown Prince.

Obedient— and he’d be kept; otherwise— he'd be removed!

Chancellor Xia followed closely behind Hao Ren, suddenly feeling that this son-in-law was truly unfathomable. To strike at the enemy is a method; to respect it is an attitude.

Zeng Xin had repeatedly struck at the East Sea and brought trouble to all four Dragon Palaces, yet Hao Ren still respected him as a great leader. Even though Zeng Xin had perished without a trace, he was given a grand burial.

This son-in-law would truly be able to accomplish great things...

Chancellor Xia bent over and followed closely behind Hao Ren, suddenly feeling that Hao Ren's back seemed strong and imposing.

Hao Ren walked silently outside the palace and then turned to look at Chancellor Xia. "Are you returning with me to the East Sea Dragon Palace or staying here to handle affairs"

"I will go to the East Sea, Your Highness. If it is convenient for you, I would like to accompany you." Chancellor Xia respectfully said.

"Alright!" Hao Ren readily agreed and unfurled the Map of the Realm, flying swiftly out over the sea towards the East Sea.

Chancellor Xia had never traveled on such a swift map before; his surprise was mixed with delight.

This Mr. Hao truly is formidable! With Hao Ren here, even though the West Sea Dragon Palace has lost hundreds of years of accumulated strength, it may not be able to surpass the East Sea Dragon Palace for over a thousand years!

No wonder he said that Zeng Yitao’s son or grandson would have an opportunity to regain control of the West Sea Dragon Palace again!

Hao Ren seemed ordinary but was actually fierce; whereas, Zeng Yitao appeared fierce but was actually ordinary.

After this mobilization incident, both the South and North Seas banded closely with the East Sea. The weak Crown Prince of the West Sea, Zeng Yitao, could not even muster a rebellion if he wanted to!

Furthermore, there was no sign that Zeng Yitao had any intention of rebelling! With his life and death in Hao Ren’s hands, even if the Dragon God Hall supported him, he wouldn’t dare accept it.

The way of military strategy— surround an army but leave an escape route. If there was no path left for the West Sea Dragon Palace to take, forcing them to fight tooth and nail would drive Zeng Yitao and his elders to resist desperately; however, now that Hao Ren allowed Zeng Yitao to be a stable Crown Prince while keeping the elder’s and soldiers’ original benefits, this offered them a path forward and hope for survival under the control of three Dragon Palaces.

The four seas entered a stable state, making it difficult for other forces to intervene.

Hao Ren seemed to have done nothing, but everything was under his control.

Brilliant, truly brilliant!

General Hao is truly formidable without even showing anger!

Jiangshan Chart traversed the Sea of Ten Thousand Demons at a near Core Formation Realm cultivator's speed and abruptly entered the Eastern Sea's territorial waters.

Hao Ren's Jiangshan Chart moved extremely fast underwater. In just an instant, Hao Ren had brought Chancellor Xia to right in front of the main entrance to the Dragon Palace of the Eastern Sea.

Compared to the defeated Western Sea Dragon Palace, this Dragon Palace of the Eastern Sea was truly magnificent!

"Chancellor Xia, I won't be coming in," Hao Ren said with a smile as he placed Chancellor Xia at the entrance. "I have other important matters."

"Young Master Hao, you go ahead and do what you need to!" Chancellor Xia showed great respect.

"If you ever get some free time, come visit us on land," Hao Ren said before stepping onto Jiangshan Chart and flying off.

He knew that Chancellor Xia was busy with all sorts of dragon palace affairs and rarely had the chance to visit the mainland. However, he actually wished for Chancellor Xia to have a chance to stroll around the mainland.

A red glow shot upward; in another blink of an eye, it had broken through sea level and was flying further away.

Below the clouds lay plains, mountains, hills, and rivers—all occupied by Dragon Clan cultivators. Various dragon palaces were hidden among them. A large area ahead was the Kunlun Mountains.

The Kunlun Mountains housed true Core Formation Realm cultivators. Hao Ren wouldn't seek trouble for himself; thus, he deliberately veered around the boundaries of the Kunlun Mountains and continued flying in the direction of the Dragon Deity Temple.

Hmm… A slightly surprised exclamation came from within the Kunlun Mountains.

Whoosh!

Hao Ren broke through a thick layer of clouds, stowed away Jiangshan Chart, hung the Inspector's token around his waist, and dashed into the platform of the Dragon Deity Temple.

The solemn and majestic Dragon Deity Temple stood in the center of the floating platform.

Hao Ren stepped on a gray flat sword qi and directly landed at the eastern entrance of the Dragon Deity Temple before stepping inside its chilly halls.

Previously, Su Han had brought him in; this time, he finally entered by himself.

Crossing through the spacious hall on the first floor, Hao Ren made his way to a spiral staircase and climbed up to reach the area for Third-Rank Inspectors.

Inspectors of cities directly under the Four Seas' Dragon Palaces were at least Third-Rank Inspectors. As such, the offices of the four special city's regional inspectors also resided in this area for Third-Rank Inspectors.

Hao Ren had already memorized their locations when he entered with Su Han last time; now, slowly making his way up, he finally found his floor.

At the door marked "Eastern Sea," Hao Ren placed his token into a slot on the wall.

The stone doors slowly opened.ltivator of the Kun rank was standing at the center of the arena. Several tears appeared on his brown robe but no injuries were exposed. Around him, two flaming balls were rolling back and forth.Zhao...