Although Yi Tianxing's appearance couldn't exactly be called exceptionally handsome, his sharp features had a distinct and increasingly appealing charm. To the girl before him, he exuded a profound and mysterious aura.
As she gazed at Yi Tianxing, thoughts flashed through her mind:"So this is the legendary King Yi, Yi Tianxing. Though he looks rather ordinary at first glance, how could someone like this build such an immense foundation? Even from the limited view in the trading market, I can imagine what the Great Yi Dynasty must be like."
To this young woman, Yi Tianxing's name was as familiar as thunder in the ear—famous and unforgettable.
Who was Yi Tianxing? On the Eternal Continent, there was hardly a soul who didn't know his name. He was the first to establish a Dynasty of Fortune, founding a kingdom amidst endless chaos. Leading humanity to survive among rival races, resisting invasions, and even pressing them back—his feats bordered on legend.
He truly embodied the phrase: "Who under heaven does not know the monarch?"
Though not outwardly dazzling, in the girl's eyes, Yi Tianxing radiated a unique and captivating mystique. Not a trace of disdain crossed her heart.
"Greetings, King Yi. I apologize for the abrupt visit. I hope my presence has not disturbed you," said the Old Turtle, stepping forward respectfully.
His gaze held no arrogance—only solemnity. After all, the saying "the older the turtle, the wiser it gets" applied doubly here; this ancient being was shrewd and diplomatic. At the sight of Yi Tianxing, he bowed low, showing humility and tact that made it difficult for others to take offense.
"No harm done. I too am curious about the situation beneath the waves. May I ask, who is this?"Yi Tianxing spoke calmly, his gaze shifting toward the girl.
There was no denying—this girl possessed a beauty as rare as a phoenix feather or a qilin horn, further enhanced by her elegant and noble bearing. Even when compared to someone like Cai Yan, she would not pale in comparison.
"This is the Seventh Princess of our Dragon Palace," the Old Turtle introduced without delay.
"Oh? The Dragon Palace? May I ask which Dragon Palace you hail from?"A glimmer of interest flashed in Yi Tianxing's eyes.
"We come from the Bohai Sea, and this is Princess Ao You of the Bohai Dragon Palace. Your name, King Yi, is renowned even in our depths. I've heard countless stories of your deeds," the girl said with a smile.
Without hiding anything, she revealed her origin—Bohai Dragon Palace. Clearly, she was a Dragon Princess.
"So it's the Seventh Princess of the Bohai Dragon Palace herself. Your presence in my Great Yi is a great honor—your visit brings light to my humble court."Yi Tianxing remained composed, his tone neither reverent nor distant.He continued, "May I ask what matter brings Your Highness to my kingdom?"
He cut straight to the point, not one to waste time on pleasantries.
"King Yi, we come hoping to establish a stable trade relationship with Great Yi—a commercial route connecting Bohai and your dynasty. A path of mutual benefit and exchange. This would certainly be advantageous for both our sides," the Old Turtle quickly explained.
Yi Tianxing nodded inwardly. As expected, their goal was to forge a secure trade route. The Dragon Clan of the Bohai Dragon Palace were no fools—they clearly understood the immense profit in trade. Even between northern and southern lands, trade could yield astronomical wealth. Let alone commerce between land and sea, which would bring unparalleled opportunities.
Unique resources in the ocean—treasures impossible to cultivate on land—could drastically enhance the Great Yi's prosperity.
Still, Yi Tianxing did not agree immediately.
"A trade route is certainly desirable. But Bohai is far from Great Yi—how can we ensure the route remains safe and open? Will our merchants have equal access? Will we be allowed entry into Bohai itself?"
His questions were direct. Who would control the route? Would it be monopolized by the Dragon Palace? If Bohai's aquatic clans could travel freely to Great Yi, but not vice versa, then clearly the benefits would be one-sided.
Like the Silk Road in ancient China—only when it was controlled by the empire could true wealth flow back to the state.
"This route is created by our Bohai Dragon Palace using a spatial treasure that opens a domain gate—a portal that directly connects Bohai to Great Yi," explained Ao You after a brief pause."The route can be shared, but certain conditions apply."
"No need to explain that to me," Yi Tianxing waved it off."As long as the route can be shared, others will handle the specifics. I leave the details to my ministers. If the route is mutual, Great Yi will naturally be open to the exchange."
There was no need for him to micromanage. Great Yi had professionals for such negotiations—otherwise, what were his ministers for?
"Wonderful! I believe King Yi will not regret this decision," Ao You smiled brightly and clapped her hands."Turtle Prime Minister, present our gifts to King Yi."
"As you command, Princess," the Turtle Prime Minister responded respectfully.
He then brought forth three treasures.
The first was a jade box, containing a bundle of grass. The box's interior seemed far more spacious than normal.
The grass had an unusual appearance, resembling bamboo leaves. Each leaf was around 30 centimeters long, streaked with faint red lines, and exuded a fragrant aroma, intoxicating as fine wine.
"This is called Dragon Saliva Grass (龙涎草)," the Turtle Prime Minister explained."A rare ingredient for brewing spiritual wine, rivaling the Wine Fruit. Said to grow where dragons dwell, nourished by their drool. Even plain water left with Dragon Saliva Grass will become fine liquor over time.Grade: High Profound-tier."
"With it, one can easily craft high-quality spirit wine—Dragon Saliva Wine—which brings great benefits to men in particular."
This herb was unimaginably rare on land but common enough in dragon territory. As such, it was a priceless treasure to Yi Tianxing.
"Excellent."Yi Tianxing's eyes gleamed.With these herbs, Du Kang might brew even greater wines. This is the holy grail of winemaking.
"There's also this," said the Turtle Prime Minister, opening a second jade box.
Inside lay a ginseng root shaped like a coiled dragon, its form lifelike and covered in shimmering scales.
"This is Water Dragon Ginseng (水龙参), grown in oceanic areas rich in water-essence. Shaped like a dormant dragon, pure white, its body covered in dragon-like scales. It requires ten thousand years to reach maturity.
"Consuming it may awaken True Dragon Bloodline or even grant draconic divine powers. It can be used in alchemy or as a supreme healing herb, extending life by 8,000 years. A natural spiritual root.Grade: Heavenly-tier, lower rank."
"It's not a true innate root, as it has only matured for 3,000 years—but still a treasure of longevity and rare opportunity."
Yi Tianxing couldn't help but sigh in admiration."Your Dragon Palace is indeed unimaginably wealthy."
"And lastly, King Yi, please look at this," said the Turtle Prime Minister as he revealed the third item.
It was a purple bamboo stalk, flawless and elegant like a crafted sculpture.
"This is Tide-Singing Purple Bamboo (潮音紫竹)," the Turtle Prime Minister explained."It grows one inch every thousand years and produces twelve leaves every three hundred years—thirty-six leaves at a thousand. Each leaf can heal the dead and revive bones. When wind passes through it, the bamboo emits celestial music like ocean tides, mesmerizing and mystical.Grade: Supreme Immortal-tier."
"A gift prepared especially for King Yi by our Bohai Dragon Palace."
Yi Tianxing, of course, didn't take the "gift" at face value. If it were a true gift, it would've been presented before the negotiation. Clearly, these treasures were withheld until after his agreement as leverage.
Still, he had to admit—the Dragon Palace was brimming with unimaginable riches and rare herbs.
Especially these spiritual roots—they might even be cultivatable within his Dantian Aperture World.