At this very moment, along the shores of the South Sea.
Ao Qin, the Dragon King who ruled over the South Sea territories, was sitting leisurely in his magnificent South Sea Dragon Palace, sipping on wine.
Before him, a group of stunning South Sea mermaids danced gracefully to enchanting music, swaying their lithe waists with elegance and charm.
Although the South Sea Dragon King and the East Sea Dragon King were both rulers of their respective oceans, the South Sea was far more abundant in resources, brimming with spiritual treasures, and frequented by cultivators who had made it their sanctuary. As such, Ao Qin's days had always been quite comfortable.
Outwardly, the East Sea Dragon King was regarded as the "eldest brother" among the Four Seas. But in truth, the South Sea wielded the most power of them all. Just within the South Sea alone, three Five-Clawed Golden Dragons served as its guardians, whereas the East Sea had only one at best.
"What's the situation over in the East Sea?"
Casually picking up a crystal-like grape, Ao Qin asked absentmindedly.
"Reporting to the Dragon King: Nine-Headed Serpent has already gone over with his troops. As long as this so-called new East Sea Dragon King Ao Qing is confirmed dead, he will immediately send word. At that point, our South Sea will mobilize all our shrimp soldiers and crab generals to invade. The East Sea will fall into our hands with ease."
"After all, even if we count the former East Sea Dragon King Ao Guang, they only have one Five-Clawed Golden Dragon. How could they possibly stand against our three?"
The one speaking was a humanoid figure with a turtle shell on his back and a pointed hat on his head — none other than the South Sea's Prime Minister Turtle.
As he spoke, a flash of greed flickered across the Turtle Prime Minister's face.
"Good, very good. Go make the preparations!" Ao Qin nodded slightly. "The moment we receive word from Nine-Headed Serpent, we launch the attack on the East Sea."
"Yes, Your Majesty!" The Turtle Prime Minister nodded firmly and turned to carry out the orders.
In the South Sea Dragon Palace, the crown princes, princesses, and allied demon kings and emperors all stood up to offer their congratulations:
"Congratulations, Dragon King of the South Sea — unifying the Four Seas is within reach!"
"Indeed, it won't be long before the entire dragon race must answer to the South Sea Dragon King alone!"
"To be recorded in history would only be fitting!"
But just then, a shrimp soldier came stumbling in, panic all over his face, beads of sweat the size of beans rolling down his forehead.
"Y-Your Majesty! Terrible news! Nine-Headed Serpent was crushed to death with a single slap by the new East Sea Dragon King, Ao Qing! And now Ao Qing is personally leading the East Sea's shrimp and crab troops right to our gates!"
The moment his words landed, the once-lively South Sea Dragon Palace fell deathly silent — so silent, one could hear a pin drop. Even the heartbeats of the assembled guests were audible.
Many guests from across the South Sea stood frozen in stunned poses, expressions of disbelief etched across their faces.
"Wh-what!?"
"Is the East Sea Dragon Clan trying to get themselves killed!?"
"Nine-Headed Serpent may be arrogant and unruly, but his strength wasn't weak — and he was crushed? Not even Ao Guang had that kind of power!"
"Exactly. Killing Nine-Headed Serpent in one blow, without even giving him a chance to escape… only a Six-Clawed Golden Dragon could manage that! And we all know, Nine-Headed Serpent was notoriously good at running away!"
"Six-Clawed Golden Dragon?! Impossible! How could the East Sea possibly give rise to a Six-Clawed Dragon!?"
The guests erupted in discussion, and though their expressions darkened at the mention of a Six-Clawed Golden Dragon, the fear on their faces was quickly masked.
"What the hell happened!? How was Nine-Headed Serpent killed in one strike!?"
Amid the clamor, the South Sea Dragon King remained the calmest, asking in a low, level voice. If all the East Sea's troops came, he wasn't worried. His only concern was if an unexpected variable had emerged from within the East Sea itself.
"I-I don't know either…" the shrimp soldier stammered, hanging his head low in fear. "Even I barely escaped with my life…"
"No need to panic, Your Majesty," the Turtle Prime Minister said reassuringly. "No matter how strong the East Sea gets, they don't have three Five-Clawed Golden Dragons. They're no match for us."
Hearing this, the guests and even Ao Qin himself slowly relaxed.
Yes — no matter how powerful Ao Qing might be, could he have three Five-Clawed Golden Dragons on his side?
"Hmph, this king will seize this opportunity to wipe out the East Sea Dragon Clan once and for all! Their territory will soon be mine!" Ao Qin sneered, greed blazing in his dragon eyes.
But just as his words faded—
A cold voice rang out, echoing through the palace:
"What a bold statement. To claim you'll seize my East Sea shores… I wonder if the South Sea Dragon King truly has the strength to back such arrogance."
The voice was calm — but filled with terrifying clarity and crushing dragon might…
In that instant, many South Sea dragons felt as if a mountain had come crashing down on them. The sheer pressure was unbearable, and deep within their hearts, a desire to submit arose — their knees trembled, and they nearly knelt down on the spot!
Even Ao Qin felt a shiver of submission bloom in his heart.
"Hmm?"
His expression shifted slightly, and with a growl, Ao Qin unleashed a terrifying wave of dragon might, spreading from his body in all directions. It formed a wall of pressure that barely resisted the invading will — only then did the South Sea dragons recover from the urge to kneel.
Their eyes cleared, but their hearts sank.
Who was that?
Who could stir their very souls with just dragon might alone?
Even former East Sea Dragon King Ao Guang didn't have such overwhelming power!
"Y-You… who are you? The new East Sea Dragon King? No… that's impossible…"
Ao Qin frowned deeply. He knew, the owner of that voice must possess immense strength — quite possibly even have stepped into the realm of the legendary Six-Clawed Golden Dragon!
But no matter how he tried, he just couldn't bring himself to believe it.
How could a Six-Clawed Golden Dragon be born… in the East Sea!?