Chapter 1294 Treated Like Royalty
After a moment of silence, Liang Xiaosheng said, "Once again, I sincerely apologize if my curiosity had disturbed you. If my presence isn't wanted here, I will immediately leave."
Faced with a Dragon Emperor from the upper heavens, he attempted to distance himself from the situation. Even as a member of the Four Ancient Families, he felt like a commoner in the presence of a true Dragon Emperor.
"Wait." However, Yuan did not let him off so easily. "Since you're here, you might as well stay for a little longer, especially since you're from the Azure Dragon Family. I happen to know someone from your lineage in the upper heavens."
Yuan approached Liang Xiaosheng, who was visibly tense and nervous. In the presence of a Dragon Emperor, even a seasoned expert of over a thousand years might feel as vulnerable as a child.
When he was close enough, Yuan released a somewhat surprised and puzzled noise, "Hmm?"
"Are you really from the Azure Dragon Family— of Dragon Bloodline?"
"Y-Yes! I am definitely from the Azure Dragon Family! Unfortunately, our bloodlines in the lower heavens are quite weak and lacking, especially when compared to those in the upper heavens." Liang Xiaosheng retrieved a medallion to prove his identity afterward.
"Is that so? That explains why I can barely sense the aura of a dragon from you." Yuan muttered. "How pitiful."
Liang Xiaosheng cried inwardly at Yuan's rude remarks, yet he did not dare utter any complaints and even pretended as though they were compliments.
"Anyways, is your family nearby?" Yuan suddenly asked.
"Huh? T-They are, but why do you ask, Your Majesty?"
"I'd like to witness how the Azure Dragon Family operates in the Third Heaven, or would that be too troubling? I am a stranger to your family, after all."
"Of course not! It's no trouble at all, Your Majesty! It'd be an honor to grace our family with the presence of a Dragon Emperor!" Liang Xiaosheng's eyes lit up when he heard Yuan's words.
'This is working out pretty well…' Yuan thought to himself.
As much as he wanted to get the Ancient Seal from Liang Xiaosheng and disappear as quickly as possible, he couldn't move too hastily or be too direct, or his ulterior motives would be exposed in the blink of an eye.
"However…" Liang Xiaosheng suddenly continued, "Your Majesty, aren't you busy at the moment? According to what I've been told, those coming from the upper heavens have some kind of assignment."
"Yes, and I've been working for months without any breaks now, so I've decided to take a day or two off. If you are worried about me being punished for slacking off, you should worry for those who spent six months in the Nameless Emperor's Tomb first."
"M-My apologies, Your Majesty! I didn't mean to—"
"It's fine." Yuan shook his head.
"Then allow me to guide you to our humble estate." Liang Xiaosheng said.
Yuan nodded and proceeded to follow him.
While he traveled with Liang Xiaosheng, Yuan notified Xiao Hua and Lan Yingying that he would be gone for a little longer than expected and not to be worried about him since he was fine.
Several hours later, Liang Xiaosheng entered a valley located several thousand miles away from North Wind City.
Somewhere along this valley was a concealment formation that hid a separate path from the main path. This path obviously led to the Azure Dragon Family, and it was only accessible by someone with the Azure Dragon Family's medallion.
As they stepped into the formation, it felt like they had entered a completely different realm. The path was lined with medicinal herbs and other exotic plants, leading them to the sprawling estate at the far end of the pathway.
Although they were still quite far away from the mansion, Yuan could already see people gathering outside in a large formation.
Once they arrived at the mansion, these people shouted in unison, "Welcome to the Azure Dragon Family, esteemed Dragon Emperor! Welcome back, Senior Liang!"
Naturally, Liang Xiaosheng had notified his family of their arrival through his communication jade slip. He did not want to risk screwing up their chance of befriending a Dragon Emperor, who could potentially usher them into a new age.
"I appreciate the effort, but I actually dislike crowds." Yuan calmly said, as he did not want to deal with more people in his current situation.
"I-Is that so… My apologies. I will send them away immediately." Liang Xiaosheng then beckoned for them to leave. The Azure Dragon Family looked puzzled after being sent away, but they didn't dare to question it and immediately dispersed except for one person— the current Patriarch of their family.
"This is my son and the current patriarch, Liang Dishan."
Liang Dishan stepped forward and bowed, "It's an honor to meet you, Dragon Emperor. If there's anything you need from this one, don't hesitate to call for me."
Yuan silently nodded.
"Then allow me to show you around." Liang Xiaosheng said a moment later.
Yuan didn't say anything and silently followed him inside the building.
Using his divine sense, Yuan could see several hundred people inside and within the vicinity of the mansion with about a third of them giving off a similar aura as Liang Xiaosheng. Wherever they went, the people there would stop whatever they were doing to lower their heads to Yuan, treating him as though he was real royalty.
As the Azure Dragon Family treated him with such reverence, Yuan couldn't help but realize the significance and importance of Dragon Emperors. Their status seemed to surpass even the family's own revered ancestors.
After showing Yuan around the mansion, Liang Xiaosheng eventually brought him to the guest room.
"Your Majesty, might I propose a moment of respite? Is there a particular dish or libation that might pique your interest? Regrettably, our provisions may not rival those of the upper heavens, but we shall exert every effort to provide you with satisfaction." Despite being a retired patriarch, Liang Xiaosheng's servant-like attitude rivaled real servants. "I'm not particularly picky, so I'll have whatever you got to offer," Yuan said.
"As you wish!" Liang Xiaosheng immediately called over a servant and basically requested a feast.
Liang Xiaosheng, being a dragon himself, was well aware of their penchant for food. Thus, he believed that providing a sumptuous feast for a single Dragon Emperor wouldn't be too extravagant.