The Mystic Empress became silent after learning of the identity of the entity who humiliated her. Everything finally made sense to her. If it was one of the Dragons of Origin, it was only natural that she was hopeless before such an entity. "If Dragon Goddess Yeyou has truly returned, this is huge news," said one of the guests. The others nodded in agreement, "Who knows how everyone will react, especially the Great One." "The Great One will probably be shaking in excitement once he hears of her return. He’s always fancied Dragon Goddess Yeyou but never had any success because of the Immortal Monarch. Now with the Immortal Monarch gone, he’ll definitely try again." "The Nine Heavens will probably get rowdy for some time." "Mystic Empress, are you okay?" The handsome man asked her a moment later. "Yes… Thank you for telling me her identity, or I would’ve been consumed by it," she said. "Please, you don’t need to thank me. It’s not guaranteed that she’s really Dragon Goddess Yeyou, either." 𝘧𝓇ℯ𝑒𝓌𝑒𝑏𝓃𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭.𝒸ℴ𝓂 "No, there’s no doubt that she’s definitely Dragon Goddess Yeyou," she said firmly. "Aside from the Great One, I’ve never experienced such instinctive fear… not even close." "If the legends are true—that Dragon Goddess Yeyou is stronger than even the Great One, then it would make sense." She turned to look at the others and said, "I need to rest. Sorry for worrying you guys, even making you waste your time by coming here." "Since we got to see your face, it wasn’t a waste," laughed the handsome man. The Mystic Empress smiled and said, "Once I recover, I’ll invite you guys again." Her guests left shortly after, and the Mystic Empress entered seclusion. As time passed, rumors of Dragon Goddess Yeyou’s return began making their way across the Nine Heavens. However, this rumor was so far-fetched that almost nobody believed it. After all, Dragon Goddess Yeyou has been missing since the Immortal Monarch’s Era, which ended hundreds of millions of years ago. Eventually, this rumor reached a certain pair of ears. "What did you just say? I demand you repeat that." The individual’s voice trembled with disbelief, and his sharp golden eyes flickered with a barely contained excitement. "There’s been a rumor going around claiming that Dragon Goddess Yeyou has return—" The man suddenly extended his arm to grasp the messenger around the neck and threatened, "If you dare mess with me, I’ll shatter your soul." "I-It’s true! I wouldn’t dare to lie to you, Great One!" "Tell me everything you know!" The Great One roared, his body trembling in excitement. Meanwhile, two years had quietly passed since Yuan took residence within the Azure Dragon Clan’s territory, dedicating himself to purging the remnants of the poison from their bloodline. "I’m done." Yuan said as he lowered his arms. "T-Thank you…" Jiao Binglan, who was the last to be treated, quietly thanked him. Yuan met with Jiao Zhenhai and the others shortly afterward. "I have fulfilled our agreement." "I don’t even know how to thank you…" Jiao Zhenhai sighed. "No need." Yuan shook his head before continuing, "Now then, it’s your turn." "Of course." Jiao Zhenhai retrieved a silver key from his spatial ring and offered it to Yuan. "This is the key we received from the Holy Dragon Clan." Yuan accepted the key and tossed it into his spatial ring. "Then I’ll take my leave now." "Are you sure you don’t want to stay here a little longer?" Jiao Binglan asked him. "You should at least rest before you go…" Jiao Binglan’s attitude toward Yuan had undergone a profound transformation over the past two years. Once, she had wished for nothing more than his departure, but now, the mere thought of him leaving was unbearable, stirring a quiet ache that was hard to ignore. Unfortunately, she knew they were not fated to be together. "Sorry, but I need to return to the Holy Dragon Clan as soon as possible." "Th-Then, at least let me escort you back!" she said. "If that’s what you want." Some time later, after bidding farewell to Jiao Zhenhai and the rest of the Azure Dragon Clan, Yuan began his journey back to the Holy Dragon Clan escorted by Jiao Binglan and Jiao Xuanbing. As they made their way back, they passed through the underwater city. Two years ago, it had lain in ruins, destroyed by the invasion. Yet, in just two short years, not only had the Azure Dragon Clan rebuilt it, they had refined and improved it, crafting a city even grander than before. Yuan gazed at the underwater city and smiled inwardly, ’Although this journey took over two years, I’d gained a lot.’ Not only did he acquire the Heaven-Chilling Ice Phoenix’s heart, which helped him complete his physique and obtain new abilities, but he’d even acquired six powerful treasures from the Azure Dragon Clan. A month later, Yuan returned to the Dragon Spiral Mountain. "Do you think we’ll see each other again?" Jiao Binglan asked him as they arrived at their destination. "I’m sure we’ll cross paths again in the future," he said. She silently nodded. "Welcome back, Senior Envoy." The Holy Dragon Emperor greeted him at the entrance a moment later. "I’m back." Jiao Bingland and Jiao Xuanbing returned to the Azure Dragon Clan after confirming that Yuan had safely entered the Dragon Spiral Mountain. "I’m sorry." The Dragon Emperor suddenly apologized. "What for?" "For not being there with you when the Mystic Sea Dragon Clan invaded," he sighed. The Azure Dragon Clan had notified the Holy Dragon Clan of the incident after the invasion had ended, so they were aware of the situation. Yuan smiled and said, "Look at me. Do I look dead to you?" "No…" "Then there’s nothing else to talk about, especially when it happened two years ago." "I understand." The Dragon Emperor nodded and changed the topic. Some time later, the Dragon Emperor brought Yuan to the training grounds to meet with Xi Meili.