Into The Sea

The Sea Palace was vast and symmetrical, with the imperial hall situated at the highest point in the north. In the center lay the ceremonial platform, usually separating the dwellings of thousands of merfolk. At this moment, the spacious platform had been transformed into a banquet hall for the ordinary sea clans.

The nearby Lotus Jade Hall, however, was reserved for the leaders of the various clans. Even the leader of the largest clan, the Whale Clan, had taken on a human form and was seated calmly in the first position below the white jade steps.

Above the white jade steps was a long table made of coral, with a wide, ornate chair behind it, large enough to seat three people. To the side, at a slightly lower position, were the seats for the princesses.

Lan Wu and Ji Lingyue had just settled into their seats when Lan Yuan returned with Ah Li. Noticing that Fuyou was missing, Lan Wu frowned, lowering her voice to ask, “Where’s Fuyou? Why is it just you two?”

Lan Yuan replied, “Fuyou said she needed to grab something and would be here soon. She told us to stay calm and be cautious.”

Lan Wu nodded, but her body remained tense. Her hands fidgeted nervously in her lap, anticipating the events to come. Lan Yuan continued, “But, after I told Fuyou the truth, she didn’t seem very surprised. She even told me some other things.”

“Like what?”

“When you were lying unconscious in the High Priestess’ Temple, someone tried to sneak in multiple times, but they were stopped by the temple’s barrier.”

Lan Wu paused, realizing something. “Was it him?”

“It can only be him,” Lan Yuan said. “The High Priestess’ temple and the Sea Palace are separate entities. The High Priestess’ unique authority and status grant them a degree of independence from the Sea Emperor. Even Lan Zhichuan would have to enter the temple through the main gate. That way, he wouldn’t be able to… silently kill you.”

Lan Wu clenched her fist, looking at the empty seat at the head of the table. “He really is cold-hearted, not even a shred of sentimentality left.”

Ji Lingyue was taken aback, looking at her cold profile. She was about to express her concern when Lan Wu said, each word sharp and clear, “Good. Neither do I.”

At that moment, a group of red-haired mermaids swam out from both sides of the throne, transforming their tails into legs and as the melodious sound of conch horns echoed through the hall, the previously noisy Lotus Jade Hall fell silent.

Countless eyes turned to the colorful passage created by the swimming fish. Two figures, adorned with exquisite, jeweled crowns, silver ornaments, and formal attire, slowly entered the hall.

Tap, tap…

The rhythmic sound of footsteps echoed in the quiet hall. The clan leaders, who had been chatting amiably moments ago, all stepped to the sides and knelt in unison to make way to the jade steps.

As they approached, Lan Wu rose from her seat and bowed respectfully.

The footsteps drew closer, and two pairs of silver-embroidered boots passed before her, their ornaments jingling softly. Finally, they stopped at the highest point, the throne.

Soon, a clear voice echoed throughout the hall. “You may all rise.”

Lan Wu straightened up and glanced at Lan Ji’s face. The man’s lips were curved into a smile, but his expression remained cold. Once the clan leaders had returned to their seats, he said, “Thank you all for traveling so far to celebrate my birthday. Please enjoy yourselves tonight. There is no need for formality. As for your gifts, you may offer them at the end.”

With a clap of his hands, an array of dazzling food appeared on each table, each tailored to the specific tastes of the various clans. Outside on the ceremonial platform, joyful cheers broke out like waves, echoing into the hall. The clan leaders raised their cups with hearty laughter. “May the Sea God protect Your Majesty!”

Ethereal singing filled the air as dozens of red-haired mermaids, adorned in flowing dresses, danced gracefully on the central stage. Meanwhile, Lan Yuan’s personal guards, led by Feng Yi, served specially prepared wine to the clan leaders with beaming smiles. The scene was nothing short of festive.

Lan Yuan glanced around and clicked her tongue. “I’ve only been gone for a short while, and look at them. They’ve changed so much.”

Lan Ji, however, turned to her and teased, “Well, you ran off with Lan Wu without a word. They were clearly dispirited, so I gave them something to do, to keep them busy. You don’t mind me meddling, do you?”

Lan Yuan forced a smile. “Of course not. It’s their honor to serve Your Majesty.”

“I know you too well,” Lan Ji said: “You’re probably cursing me for making your elite guards serve drinks. Don’t worry, it’s just for this occasion. Once the banquet’s over, they’ll be well rewarded.”

Lan Yuan chuckled awkwardly and took a sip of her wine. Then Lan Ji asked, “I haven’t asked yet, where did you go this time? And why didn’t you take them with you?”

Lan Yuan blinked, and was about to answer when she saw Ji Lingyue give her a subtle signal. For the first time, she felt a strange connection with Ji Lingyue and instantly understood what the woman meant.

Lan Zhichuan was fishing for information.

If her story didn’t match Ji Lingyue’s, he would surely become suspicious. But getting the hint was one thing—she wasn’t a mind reader! How was she supposed to know what Ji Lingyue had told Lan Zhichuan earlier?!

After a moment of silence, Lan Ji frowned. “What? Is it something you can’t say?”

Lan Yuan hesitated: “It’s nothing like that… just some trivial errands I helped Lan Wu with…”

Lan Ji narrowed his eyes and smiled. “You’re all so modest. Even after killing the Demon Queen, you still call it a minor task.”

Lan Yuan was caught off guard and didn’t know how to respond. Thankfully, Jiang Xi interjected. “Ji’er.”

Lan Ji turned his head. “Yes, Mother?”

“If you’re so set on naming an Empress, I have a few good candidates in mind. What do you think of that young lady from the Whale Clan, Rui’er?”

Lan Ji glanced outside casually. “Mother, why are you already making selections for me? I think we should wait until all the daughters of the sea clans are gathered. Then I’ll choose the best among them…”

“You’re planning to take an Empress?”

A voice suddenly interrupted. Lan Ji raised an eyebrow slightly, turning to meet Lan Wu’s focused gaze. Her face was calm, her eyes devoid of any emotion, as if she was simply asking a question. Lan Ji relaxed his brow, nodding lightly. “It’s about time. If I don’t produce an heir soon, the elders will worry themselves to death.”

“An heir?” Lan Wu tilted her head, a slow smile spreading across her lips. “Indeed, Your Majesty has been on the throne for many years. It’s only right that you have your own children. As your sister, I wish your children good health and happiness. I also hope that Your Majesty will be a loving father and raise a Sea Emperor as capable as yourself.”

Lan Ji’s lips tightened, and his gaze darkened. But under the watchful eyes of the crowd, he forced a smile and replied. “Thank you for your kind words. I will certainly do so.”