The Dragon Clan had begun to make its move. The "Leaping the Dragon Gate" campaign encompassed the entire Eternal World. Their external strategy followed a consistent pattern—arranged marriages with major powers across different realms. One thing the Dragon Clan was never short of was Dragon Maidens, and by nature, dragons were infamous for their lust. Their reproductive abilities were formidable, and once they went into heat, they hardly cared about racial boundaries.
Sowing seeds across the world had become second nature to the Dragon Clan.
Among them was a saying:
"When our Dragon Clan's blood flows through all corners of the world, then we shall be the protagonists of heaven and earth."
Thus, every dragon's innate mission was to spread their seed across the world.
Of course, even among the Dragon Maidens, there were distinctions in status.A Dragon Maiden born of the Dragon King himself was naturally a Princess of the Dragon Palace.
With so many Dragon Maidens, most Dragon Palaces held public contests to seek husbands. On rare occasions, they would marry their daughters off, but that was usually reserved for only the strongest and most prestigious individuals. Anyone else was expected to marry into the Dragon Palace, where they would sire children and serve the Dragon Clan's purpose of propagation. These children would be born as dragons and fully integrated into the Dragon Clan. As for the father's status? It would never be anything too grand.
Someone like Yi Tianxing would never agree to marry into the palace. His only choice was to marry a Dragon Maiden into his own dynasty.
But now, he had not approached the Dragon Palace in Hanhai, but rather that of Bohai. That move was enough to make people think deeply.
"Does he wish to provoke a rift between Bohai and Hanhai?"
The Dragon King of Bohai murmured quietly to himself.
There was a lot going on under the surface. Even though they were all dragons—practically blood brothers—the political implications were intricate.
Still, the Bohai Dragon King had no intention of rejecting the offer.
The Great Yi Dynasty—the leading dynasty of the human race—was also the foremost Luck Dynasty in all of heaven and earth. Its foundation in fate and destiny was profound. Furthermore, humans never lacked powerful individuals. When those experts emerged, the human race would be an undeniable top-tier force.
If the dragons sought to rise, the humans were not to be overlooked.
Even the Dragon Clan was reluctant to provoke a life-or-death conflict with the human race. After all, just as human experts remained sealed away, so too were many dragon powerhouses sealed or restricted. Neither side had a definitive upper hand.
Under Heaven's Will, all are equal.
"But if I can form a connection with the Great Yi Dynasty—if I can influence them through a Dragon Maiden, even control aspects of the human race—then this may be a grand opportunity."
The Bohai Dragon King knew very well that the Great Yi had its own calculations. But calculations were universal. What mattered now was whose hand was stronger and who would laugh in the end.
"Send word. Invite the emissary from the Great Yi to the Dragon Palace for an audience."
The order was quickly sent to the Lingbei Guest Residence.
"Envoy of the Great Yi, His Majesty the Dragon King invites you to the palace."
A crab general said respectfully.
"General, after you."
Mao Sui smiled calmly. In his heart, he estimated that the proposal had more than an 80% chance of success. If the Bohai Dragon King had no intention of arranging a marriage, he wouldn't even grant an audience. The Dragon Clan had that privilege. If he was willing to meet, that was already an implicit agreement. Mao Sui was confident he could convince the Dragon King. He might not even need to.
Meanwhile, news of the proposal had begun to spread among the Dragon Maidens in the palace.
Within the palace stood the Canglan Hall, filled with zither, chess, painting, and calligraphy—typically a gathering place for Dragon Maidens. Dragon Maidens were often fond of the arts and admired talented scholars and heroes.
Ever since the rumors of the betrothal began, the Canglan Hall had seen near-daily gatherings. It became a place for exchanging views and building camaraderie.
Right now, a group of Dragon Maidens was already gathered.
Among them sat the Seventh Princess of Bohai, Ao You, who had once traveled to the Great Yi Dynasty. Her appearance and noble bearing put her at the top tier among her peers.
"Have you heard? Someone's come to the Dragon Palace with a marriage proposal!"
One mature-looking Dragon Maiden asked with excitement, clearly ablaze with gossip-fueled energy.
"Tell us! Who is it? Who dares propose marriage in the Dragon Palace?"
Others gathered curiously, even Ao You perked up in interest. After all, one didn't simply come here to propose—either you were incredibly strong or a fool looking for trouble.
"They say it's the Great Yi Dynasty from the Hanhai Realm—a human Luck Dynasty."
That gossip-loving Dragon Maiden said, eyes gleaming with excitement.
"The Great Yi Dynasty? I remember we've had dealings with them before. The goods from Great Yi were top-tier. Their strength is said to be unmatched. Rumor has it that their population has grown into the tens of billions, and they even allow intermarriage with the barbarian races. Before long, they'll be completely assimilated as human."
"If the one proposing is Emperor Yi, then there's a good chance the Dragon King will agree. Forming an alliance with Great Yi would be immensely beneficial to Bohai. The question is, who will he choose to marry?"
The room buzzed with animated discussion.
To them, even being married out wasn't a shame. After all, this was the Great Yi Dynasty. If one of them were married into it, that identity alone would elevate them to an unprecedented level of power and prestige. That sort of allure was irresistible.
"Emperor Yi..."
Ao You's expression turned complicated.
She had once met Yi Tianxing in person, and she was deeply familiar with the Great Yi Dynasty. As someone who had built such a vast empire, he was a sovereign among sovereigns. She couldn't help but admire him.
The more she understood Great Yi's history, the more she realized how hard-won its achievements were.
"I wonder... If Emperor Yi has come to propose, will Father choose me to marry into Great Yi?"
Ao You wondered silently.
Under the guidance of the crab general, Mao Sui entered the Dragon Palace without obstruction and was soon face to face with the Bohai Dragon King.
"Envoy Mao Sui of the Great Yi Dynasty greets Your Majesty."
Mao Sui bowed, meanwhile studying the Dragon King's appearance and aura—imprinting everything into his mind for psychological analysis. He had to adapt accordingly.
"No need for formalities."
The Dragon King nodded slightly. His face revealed no expression—making it impossible to guess his thoughts.
Mao Sui's heart sank slightly. This wasn't an easy old fox to deal with. Still, he believed that shared interests would ensure a path forward.
"This humble one comes on behalf of my Emperor to seek the Princess's hand in marriage and unite our realms in harmony."
Mao Sui didn't mince words.
"Years ago, His Majesty had the honor of meeting Princess Ao You. Since then, she has lingered in his thoughts—her image ever present in his dreams. Longing for her, he has sent me to formally propose marriage, hoping that Your Majesty will honor his heartfelt sincerity and betroth the Seventh Princess to him."
Everything was said tactfully. Of course, talk of longing and sleepless nights was mostly for show. Whether it was believed or not didn't matter. What mattered was decorum—the gesture had been made.
"Emperor Yi's name, this king is well aware of. Truly a peerless hero of his generation."
The Dragon King replied calmly.
"But to propose marriage, surely one can't expect to take a beloved daughter on mere words alone. Moreover, Great Yi resides in the Hanhai Realm, yet you come to Bohai for this request—is this not unusual?"
His voice held no anger, only ambiguity. Still, his expression flickered slightly—he hadn't expected Yi Tianxing to be after Ao You.
She was his most beloved daughter—clever, capable, and the Dragon Palace's finest talent. She had managed the Bohai trade with Great Yi brilliantly. Letting her go would be hard.
But on second thought, only someone with Ao You's ability could expand their influence inside Great Yi after the marriage—and secure massive benefits for Bohai.
"Your Majesty jests. Love knows no boundaries. Our Emperor seeks Princess Ao You, not any Hanhai Dragon Maiden. That's why we have come to you."
Mao Sui smiled.
"And to show his sincerity, His Majesty has prepared a magnificent betrothal gift, which I present for Your Majesty's review."
He produced a detailed gift list, striking while the iron was hot.