Only at the Mahayana Stage Does the Reversal System Appear - Chapter 500

Chapter 498: Hold the bottom line

“The Human Emperor is as good at joking as ever. I just didn’t get enough rest, old dragon. A good night’s sleep will be all right. I’m still a long way from death.” The old Dragon King laughed heartily, struggling to stand, as if to prove his vitality. The old Dragon King

sat on the edge of the bed, his beard trembling, his body swaying like a pendulum, ready to fall back into bed at any moment.

“I, I can live another two hundred years, two thousand years…”

A foul odor rose from the old Dragon King’s mouth, so strong that even the various spices couldn’t mask it.

As the old Dragon King’s emotions fluctuated, his body sweated more and more rapidly, leaving the maids, who took turns attacking him, unable to wipe the sweat off.

“Get out!” The old Dragon King, feeling the maids were useless, flew into a rage, radiating a terrifying aura, ready to sweep them away.

Jiang Li showed pity, stepped forward, and gently grasped the old Dragon King’s wrist.

These maids could not withstand the old Dragon King’s casual blow.

Jiang Li waved his hand, telling the maids to leave. The old Dragon King was in great danger. If things continued like this, the maids wouldn’t just disappear, they would be truly dead.

“Old Dragon King, if you want to survive, you must face reality. The reality that your lifespan is coming to an end.”

“I told you, I still have a lot more to live!” The old Dragon King, terrified of death, refused to acknowledge reality.

Jiang Li sighed softly and left with Li Nian’er, Ao Chengcheng, and Mo Ruoyu.

“I’ll wait for you at the birthday banquet,”

Jiang Li said before leaving. The old Dragon King was left alone in the vast palace.

Silence fell on the way back to the birthday banquet.

Li Nian’er bit her teeth lightly, feeling that the scene just now overturned her cognition. She murmured softly: “Grandpa Long was not like this originally…”

Jiang Li nodded: “Five hundred years ago, I met the old Dragon King when I was traveling in the East China Sea. At that time, he was low-key, generous, philanthropic, and kind to others. He did not judge a hero by his cultivation level, nor did he discriminate against the human race. His attitude towards me is the same as that towards dragon sons and daughters.”

“But the way he looks now is not surprising to me.”

Li Nian’er was puzzled.

Jiang Li tilted his head to look at Li Nian’er and continued, “How many people can face life and death with equanimity? Knowing their end is near, it’s understandable that their mentality changes.”

“Especially those who have lived long. The longer they live, the more they fear death. They’ve enjoyed the prosperity of the world and know its beauty, so they want to prolong their lives and continue to enjoy life. In the process, their minds can become twisted and deformed.” “

This is ‘Unhappiness of This Lord,’ one of the Five Decays of the Celestial Being.”

“But no matter what, the old Dragon King has ultimately upheld the bottom line of being a living being and is a respected elder.”

With the old Dragon King’s 2,800-year lifespan, he must have known how to cultivate the magic path. Regardless of whether it could help him transcend the Tribulation Crossing Stage, he chose not to try, which is truly remarkable.

Jiang Li has seen too many cultivators who, on the verge of death, choose to cannibalize others.

Li Nian’er nodded, half understanding, feeling that Uncle Jiang was talking about the old Dragon King, but also like he was teaching her something.

…

The old Dragon King leaned blankly against the headboard, his eyes dull.

Of course he knew he was dying. He knew his body best, better than anyone else.

But he didn’t want to believe it, and he didn’t dare.

He knew his death would come one day, but he hadn’t imagined it would come so soon. The day for the 52nd Human Emperor had been yesterday, and he’d narrowly lost to that beautiful girl.

The old Dragon King instinctively stroked his beard. Looking down at his white beard, which stood no chance against youth, he realized he was no longer the pride of the dragon clan in his prime, but an old dragon head emitting a foul aura.

“Two thousand years… Qingluo, have I been losing to you for so long?”

The 52nd Human Emperor, whose name was Qingluo,

had been lurking in his dreams lately. He’d been transported back to the days when dozens of candidates competed for the throne. Time and again, he’d defeated the others, only to ultimately fall prey to Qingluo.

Even so, the old Dragon King loved to immerse himself in these dreams, savoring the reunions with old friends and the joyful moments of sharing laughter and tears.

Over two thousand six hundred years had passed, and all old friends had vanished in the eons of time. Even Qingluo, the only one to break through the Tribulation Stage, had perished at the clutches of the extraterritorial demons.

Only he remained.

“Over two thousand six hundred years have passed, and even the old Buddha has passed away atop Mount Xumi. Perhaps the only witness of my growth is Commander Liu.”

“Old friends have all been succumbed to the passage of time, reduced to dust. What more could I

ask for?” “It’s ridiculous that at my age, I still dare not admit reality, only making a fool of myself as the younger generation.”

“It’s almost time for the birthday banquet,”

the old Dragon King trudged towards it, leaning on his cane. The

once lively banquet suddenly quieted down as the old Dragon King appeared. The old Dragon King’s odor had become so unpleasant that no perfume could mask it. Anyone could tell something was wrong with him.

The Five Decays of the Celestial Beings.

All the sea creatures shared the same thought, realizing the old Dragon King’s imminent death. Perhaps today was both his birthday and a day of mourning.

For the sea people, the old Dragon King’s contributions were invaluable. They had all benefited from his influence, to varying degrees. Seeing his condition now, they knew he was truly failing.

The sea people instinctively looked towards Jiang Li, hoping this almighty and powerful emperor would find a solution. However, they saw Jiang Li’s expression was as calm as a still pond, and he showed no sign of taking action.

All this changed in a matter of moments. After a few breaths, as if the unpleasant odor had faded, the sea people unanimously continued to toast and celebrate the old Dragon King’s 2,800th birthday.

The atmosphere intensified.

They hoped the old Dragon King would leave with a smile.

The East Sea Dragon King recited his memorized birthday greetings, heating up the atmosphere.

Then came the birthday gifts.

“The East Sea Dragon Clan celebrates Grandpa Long’s birthday with a set of bronze lotus lanterns, wishing him great fortune.”

“The East Jiao Dragon Clan celebrates Grandpa Long’s birthday with twelve night-shining pearls, wishing him eternal clarity and brightness.”

“The Golden Clam Clan celebrates Grandpa Long’s birthday with three drops of moonlight essence, wishing him a pleasant and healthy life.”

“The Mermaid Clan celebrates Grandpa Long’s birthday with a box of premium Mermaid Tears, wishing him everlasting joy.”

“…”

“The Dharmakaya Sect celebrates Grandpa Long’s birthday with a set of True Dragon Dharmakaya cultivation methods, wishing him eternal life as a true dragon.”

The old Dragon King struggled to open his eyes. Since arriving at the main seat of the God of Longevity, he had remained closed, half asleep. Hearing Li Nian’er’s clear, vibrant voice, he forced his eyes open a little, a hint of greed in his eyes.

Youth and vitality—such beautiful words.

“I remember you, Xiaoer, and Chengcheng’s child… Come here, let Grandpa Long take a closer look.”

The old Dragon King wanted to wave, but unfortunately he didn’t have the strength to do so. He could only bend his fingers a few times as a gesture of greeting.

(End of this chapter)