But what awaited her was an unimaginable storm — her cultivation was sealed, her dragon veins suppressed, and she was given in marriage to Fu Chi, with the wedding to take place in just one month. Everything had come so suddenly.
She would rather be exiled into the Dragon Tomb to perish on her own than marry another member of the Dragon Clan. Their numbers were few, and she knew full well what kind of man Fu Chi was. He had harbored designs on her for a long time, repeatedly petitioning the Elders to arrange their marriage and pestering her endlessly.
Zhu Qing had never paid him the slightest attention. Yet now, he had finally gotten his way.
She quietly steeled herself — if it truly came to the worst, she would fight to the death.
The sound of soft footsteps approached.
Zhu Qing opened her eyes and saw that a beautiful woman in white palace robes had appeared before her.
The woman looked to be just under thirty, with a full, graceful figure and exquisite beauty. Her silver hair, like strands of snow-white silk, was pinned up behind her head in a matron's bun, yet her lovely face was as cold as ice that had never melted in ten thousand years. A single glance at her sent a chill through the heart, making one instinctively shrink back in dread.
"Second Elder." Though Zhu Qing resented her autocratic ways, she did not omit the proper courtesies.
Fu Zhun said indifferently, "Have you thought it through?"
Zhu Qing replied calmly, "The Second Elder knows Qing'er's feelings. Why bother asking?"
Fu Zhun said, "No matter. The wedding is in little more than ten days. You still have time to think. Once you've come around, the Grand Elder and I will lift your seal."
Zhu Qing frowned. "You can't force a melon to ripen by twisting it. Why must the Second Elder press Qing'er so? You know perfectly well that I am unwilling."
Fu Zhun said, "The reproduction of the Dragon Clan is the matter of greatest importance. What are a few trifles of romantic sentiment compared to that? And you dared to involve yourself with a human — you are bringing shame upon the entire Dragon Clan!"
Zhu Qing said, "That is my own private affair. What does it have to do with the Dragon Clan?"
Fu Zhun's expression grew even colder. "Since you carry the blood of dragons in your veins, every word and deed of yours bears upon the reputation of the clan. I cannot allow you to act as you please."
Zhu Qing said with sorrow, "In the Second Elder's eyes, is there truly nothing else that matters besides the Dragon Clan's propagation?"
Fu Zhun flicked her sleeve. "The Dragon Clan's numbers are already pitifully few, and the ratio between males and females is severely imbalanced. If everyone disregards the teachings as you do, the clan will sooner or later face extinction. As a member of the Dragon Clan, you must consider the greater good of your kind."
Zhu Qing let out a self-deprecating laugh. "I never imagined that Qing'er bore such a weighty responsibility for the clan's continuation. I'm truly overwhelmed."
"I know you resent me, but that is of no consequence. As long as you produce a dragon heir, a few insults from you are a small price to pay," Fu Zhun said, gazing at her. "Don't entertain any unrealistic thoughts. Before you bear a dragon child with Fu Chi, I will not give you the chance to take your own life. I've said all there is to say. Think on it. Rather than suffering later, it would be far better to come around now."
With that, she turned and walked toward the exit.
Zhu Qing's body trembled slightly. Suddenly, she gritted her teeth and called out, "Second Elder! What happened over a decade ago — do you truly have no remorse at all? She is still suffering in the Dragon Tomb. It is not too late to release her! But if you wait any longer, even regret will not help!"
The Second Elder's steps faltered for just a moment. Without turning her head, she said, "The Dragon Tomb admits entry but permits no exit. She brought it upon herself!"
The Second Elder's figure vanished from sight. A bitter smile surfaced on Zhu Qing's face. Now she truly understood the Second Elder's iron heart — bringing up the events of over a decade ago had not produced the slightest effect. Zhu Qing knew that no matter what she said, she would never convince the Second Elder.
Several li away, a robust figure approached with an ingratiating smile, cupping his fists. "Greetings, Second Elder."
Fu Zhun frowned at Fu Chi. "What are you doing here?"
Fu Chi said cautiously, "I came to see how Qing'er is doing. You've just spoken with her — what did she say?"
Fu Zhun said, "What does it matter what she says? In little more than ten days, she will be yours."
Fu Chi chuckled. "That's true. Second Elder, might I go in and see Qing'er? Perhaps if I talk to her more, she might change her mind."
"She's in a foul mood right now. Going to see her would only backfire." Fu Zhun swept past him, her voice drifting back. "Rather than wasting effort on her, you would do better to prepare yourself early."
"Yes!" Fu Chi responded respectfully.
Having been refused by the Second Elder, he didn't dare press further. He had come today hoping to catch a glimpse of Zhu Qing and see whether her attitude had changed, but after hearing the Second Elder's words, he understood immediately that Zhu Qing was the same as ever.
A surge of irritation rose in his heart.
He was a member of the Dragon Clan — an eighth-rank Thunder Dragon. In what way was he inferior to a human? This wretched woman Zhu Qing not only rejected the Elders' marriage decree, but she still pined for that human.
The fellow's name seemed to be Yang Kai.
Fu Chi quietly committed the name to memory, planning to seek out this Yang Kai and cause him trouble when the opportunity arose. He harbored intense hatred over the fact that Yang Kai had taken Zhu Qing's virginity. Unlike Fu Ling, Zhu Qing had an excellent reputation on Dragon Island, and it was precisely because of this that he desired her so deeply.
He had courted her many times before, yet she had never shown him the slightest favor. Who would have thought that after a single trip away, she had ended up with a human?
This made Fu Zhun seethe with silent fury.
But now it no longer mattered. The wedding would take place in little over ten days, and then Zhu Qing would become his woman. Moreover, the Second Elder had apparently declared that until he and Zhu Qing produced a dragon child, the seal on her would not be lifted.
So even though Zhu Qing was currently a ninth-rank dragon, he had nothing to fear. Once they were wed, he could do whatever he pleased with her. There was no shortage of playthings on the island, but how could those mere insects compare to Zhu Qing?