Chapter 0: Not Called Master
The Spirit Boat, adorned with the unique totem of the Mystic Maiden Palace, soared through the skies of the boundless sea, leaving all lurking dangers behind.
Lin Youqing, dressed in a green shirt that did little to conceal her voluptuous and delicate figure, approached Qin Gou. “Brother Qin, can we really enter Dragon God Island?”
“Is there any doubt?”
“Actually, since I was little, I’ve always longed for the legendary, utopian Dragon God Island, and I’ve greatly admired the heroic deeds of the Dragon Saint,” Lin Youqing said, her little face flushed. “It’s just a pity that I’ve never had the chance to personally visit the Sea Race territory. I’ve also heard that Dragon God Island is a forbidden zone for the Human Race, and trespassing could even be seen as a provocation. Brother Qin, you truly are capable!”
Qin Gou rubbed his nose, feeling uncharacteristically embarrassed. “I just happened to know Little Fish.”
“Little Fish? Is he a member of the Sea Race?” Lin Youqing asked curiously.
Qin Gou pondered for a moment. “You could say he’s of the Sea Race.”
“Then he must hold a high position and considerable influence among the Sea Race!” Lin Youqing seemed greatly impressed by Qin Gou’s connections.
Just as Qin Gou was about to explain to Lin Youqing that going to Dragon God Island was no different than going home, he saw Ao Banwei approach him shyly, hands clasped behind her back, looking hesitant. He couldn’t help but grin. “Banwei, what did you want to say?”
“Master, do you still remember the promise you made to me earlier?”
“We agreed to visit your home, didn’t we?” Qin Gou said with a smile. “Of course. It’s on the way anyway. I couldn’t stay long last time because that brat Mo Yu was bothering me, and I didn’t even get to formally meet your parents.”
“Mm! Master is so good!” The Little White Dragon’s face lit up with joy. This silly child was just like the Little Gambler; happiness came so easily.
It’s worth mentioning that the Debt Girl did not travel to Dragon God Island with Qin Gou on the Spirit Boat this time. When Qin Gou asked her how she planned to arrive on time… Qiu Qianyue simply said she would ride her turtle.
Upon hearing this, Qin Gou dared not ask any further questions.
***
The Little White Dragon’s home was called ‘Tongmeng Island,’ signifying the dawning of the sun.
As Qin Gou’s Spirit Boat arrived, a large number of Sea Race members appeared, clearly having waited for them. The fanfare for welcoming the young lady home was quite grand.
A moment later, Qin Gou finally had the pleasure of meeting Little White Dragon’s parents. Her father, Ao Junling. Her mother, Madam She.
To be honest, apart from their golden, flowing twin pupils, the Little White Dragon bore no resemblance to her parents. This was not due to any unspeakable story; rather, Ao Banwei’s appearance, like that of other Little Saint Monarchs, originated from the Nine Saint Monarch.
“Greetings, Celestial Master Qin!”
“King Treading Waves and Madam She are too kind,” Qin Gou replied with a smile. King Treading Waves was Ao’s father’s title, representing his esteemed status among the Sea Race.
“Please, Celestial Master Qin, have a seat!”
Luxurious banquet tables were set up inside the opulent palace. Ao Junling was exceptionally hospitable, and Madam She also regarded Qin Gou with kind eyes, scrutinizing him. They even placed Qin Gou’s seat directly beside Ao Junling, the host. Such warmth and courtesy greatly impressed Qin Gou.
However, he hadn’t expected the first words Ao Junling uttered upon Qin Gou’s seating were: “This King wishes to drink with Celestial Master Qin today until we are both thoroughly intoxicated! And you must not use your spiritual power to dispel the alcohol.”
Qin Gou was not a heavy drinker, and this situation, with its clear objective of getting him drunk, was even less appealing. Unfortunately, he couldn’t refuse such a kind invitation, especially as it was his first visit and he wanted to save face for the Little White Dragon. Honestly, being her master felt no different than raising a daughter; he worried about her incessantly.
Soon, the clinking of cups and the exchange of toasts filled the air. At first, Qin Gou could manage, but as time quickly passed, he began to feel the effects of the potent spiritual wine. Yet, Ao Junling seemed completely unfazed, laughing heartily.
Qin Gou suddenly realized that even without spiritual power to counter the alcohol, this man’s true form was a formidable dragon! He wouldn’t get drunk even if immersed in a wine vat. Had he been tricked?
“Ahem, King Treading Waves, this wine…”
Before Qin Gou could finish, Ao Junling interjected, “This wine is something this King normally cherishes. It was specially brought out by my wife to entertain Celestial Master Qin!”
“No, I mean…”
“Perhaps it’s psychological, but drinking with Celestial Master Qin, this wine tastes much better than when I drink with others!”
“It is truly my great fortune to share a drink with Celestial Master Qin. Please, do not be reserved!”
Qin Gou was stunned. What was this man trying to say? He had completely cut off Qin Gou’s words, as if he had come prepared specifically to put him in his place.
Not long after.
When Qin Gou regained his senses, Li Xiaogou, Lin Youqing, and the others had already finished their meal and were taken to the back garden to enjoy the scenery. Only Qin Gou, Ao Junling, and Madam She remained.
Ao Junling still had the demeanor of someone determined to get the “Qin” surname drunk today. Madam She kept glancing at Qin Gou, her gaze filled with undisguised admiration and satisfaction.
For Qin Gou, the entire situation felt extremely strange.
“Ahem.”
At that moment, Qin Gou gave a dry laugh and stood up, clasping his fists. “Thank you, King Treading Waves and Madam She, for your kind intentions, but…”
“Slap.”
Qin Gou’s words were interrupted again. This time, Ao Junling, whether truly drunk or feigning it, gripped Qin Gou’s hands tightly, his emotions unusually agitated. “Celestial Master Qin! This old dragon will now formally entrust my daughter, Banwei, to you. From this day forward, as my daughter’s husband, Celestial Master Qin must treat her well!”
“What?” Qin Gou shuddered, unsure whether to laugh or cry. “So that’s how it is. King Treading Waves and Madam She have misunderstood. I, Qin Gou, am currently Banwei’s Master, not the one she entrusts her life to.”
Upon hearing this, Madam She rose with a strange expression, and Ao Junling’s face changed slightly as he asked, “Then, is my daughter Banwei’s Love-betrothal, the Dragon Pearl, currently in Celestial Master Qin’s possession? Did Celestial Master Qin willingly accept it previously to complete my daughter’s coming-of-age ceremony?”
Qin Gou’s expression startled. “Yes.”
“Previously, His Highness the Second Prince of the Abyss, Mo Yu, relentlessly pursued my daughter and even proposed marriage multiple times. However, after a conversation with Master Qin, there was no further news. He completely abandoned his persistent pursuit of my daughter! This action was Celestial Master Qin actively driving away other outstanding talents who admired my daughter!”
“That’s right…”
“And for the past year, the person who has spent day and night with my daughter Banwei has undoubtedly been you, Your Excellency?!”
“Precisely.” Qin Gou forced a smile.
Ao Junling and Madam She exchanged a look, both with peculiar expressions.
“Perhaps it’s due to the differences in customs and etiquette between the Human and Dragon Races?”
“Highly likely!”
Ao Junling then said solemnly to Qin Gou, “Celestial Master Qin, please do not be offended. The actions you admitted to just now are not called being a Master in my Dragon Race, but a husband.”
