"Chengyu, do you believe in prophecies?" the Totem Dragon Clan Master asked once more.
"People say the will of heaven cannot be defied, but I believe that a person's destiny is shaped by their own efforts."
"I refuse to believe that just because heaven has chosen someone, that person will automatically rise above all others — even if they put in no effort of their own."
"Take me for example. My birth seems like that of someone destined for greatness, but that's only because of the Totem Dragon Clan, because of you, Father."
"If I had no drive to improve, if I refused to cultivate with dedication, then once I left your side I'd be nothing. Even if fate were kind to me, if I couldn't shoulder the burdens myself, then I'd be nothing but trash." Long Chengyu spoke without hesitation.
He had not directly answered his father's question, but in truth, he had given his answer all the same.
"You truly are my worthy son. With this kind of awareness, you are a blessing to our Totem Dragon Clan." The Totem Dragon Clan Master nodded approvingly.
"However, Father — though I don't find that prophecy reliable, I still think it's worthwhile to befriend Chu Feng. As long as he grows normally, in the future he will absolutely have his place in this vast martial cultivation world." Long Chengyu added.
"Not only does this young man possess extraordinary talent, but he is also deeply loyal and values his bonds. The fact that Mu Xi holds him in such high regard already proves that. And this expedition to the Forbidden Divine Battlefield has only further confirmed it." The Totem Dragon Clan Master said.
"So, Father — are you willing to shelter him while he grows?" Long Chengyu asked.
"We can befriend him, but we shouldn't shelter him excessively. Don't forget that the Totem Dragon Clan has enemies of our own. If we openly and aggressively befriend him, he could be dragged into our conflicts through association." The Totem Dragon Clan Master said.
"I understand." Long Chengyu nodded.
"By the way, Chengyu — have you heard about Xianhai Yu'er?" the Totem Dragon Clan Master asked again.
"The little princess of the Xianhai Fish Clan — apparently she's a stunningly beautiful girl. And her name appeared on the entrance stele of the Primordial Star Sea."
"Originally, people thought that with Xianhai Shaoyu, the Xianhai Fish Clan already had a promising future. Who could have guessed that Xianhai Shaoyu's sister would be equally formidable."
"In this Age of Gods, the Xianhai Fish Clan really does seem to have seized every advantage." Long Chengyu remarked with admiration.
"Would you like to meet this Xianhai Yu'er?" the Totem Dragon Clan Master asked.
"Hmm? Father, what do you mean?" Long Chengyu wasn't sure what the question implied, but his eyes already lit up with anticipation.
"Haha, don't get ahead of yourself — this isn't about some matchmaking arrangement. The Xianhai Fish Clan Master has that precious daughter of his well protected. Both the Cangqiong Immortal Sect and the Divine Body Heavenly Mansion have proposed marriage alliances, but he turned them all down, saying his daughter was still too young."
"I've even heard that the Seven Realms Sacred Palace — famous for never marrying outside their race — has set its sights on Xianhai Yu'er as well." The Totem Dragon Clan Master said.
"With Xianhai Yu'er's talent, it's only natural they'd be interested. They shout from the rooftops about never marrying outsiders, claiming it would dilute their bloodline — but in truth they just look down on the rest of us."
"A bunch of Spirit World Masters who act like they own this vast martial cultivation world. But the strongest of the younger generation right now isn't some Spirit World Master from their Seven Realms Sacred Palace."
"One day they'll understand — the reason this world is called the vast martial cultivation world is because it belongs to martial cultivators, not to their Spirit World Masters."
As he spoke, Long Chengyu's eyes filled with disdain and a lingering sense of grievance.
But he quickly asked again: "So, Father — why did you ask if I wanted to meet Xianhai Yu'er?"
He was genuinely curious about her.
"I'm planning to take you all on a trip to the Primordial Star Sea. If fate wills it, you might just meet her there." The Totem Dragon Clan Master smiled.
"Huh? That's probably going to be really difficult, isn't it?" Long Chengyu's lips pursed, and the anticipation that had lit his eyes moments ago vanished in an instant. But he quickly asked: "What are we going to the Primordial Star Sea for?"
"There's a matter that needs to be handled, but I'm debating whether to bring Chu Feng along." The Totem Dragon Clan Master said.
"Does it require Chu Feng's help?" Long Chengyu asked.
"The Master of the Seven Realms Sacred Palace has asked me for a favor. It involves the younger generation, but he specifically wants powerful young blood from the Totem Dragon Clan only."
"And this matter is to be kept secret — the other powers likely don't know about it." The Totem Dragon Clan Master said.
"An alliance with the Seven Realms Sacred Palace? And personally requested by their Master? Father — what exactly is this about?" Long Chengyu asked, his curiosity burning.