Zi Linling smiled faintly, "No need for thanks. The most important thing now is to help Long'er resolve some issues and ensure he can firmly ascend to the position of leader."
Ao Xiangtian shook his head, "There's no need. Today, Long'er's strength has already intimidated those who were restless. Furthermore, the Dragon Clan values strength above all else. Therefore, with the assistance of the ten elders and Long'er's own imposing presence, securing the leader's position will not be difficult."
Zi Linling nodded, "That's good, but it must be completed within three days. The great tribulation is approaching, and time is of the essence; we cannot afford any delays."
"Alright! I will attend to it immediately! You two can stay in the Dragon Clan!"
After speaking, Ao Xiangtian summoned a trusted subordinate and instructed him to escort Zi Linling and Ye Lingyuan to their accommodations.
He himself then proceeded to the Dragon God Hall and struck the summoning bell.
The striking of the summoning bell alerted the entire Dragon Clan.
The clan leaders, elders, and disciples from all branches rushed to the Dragon God Hall, and even those in seclusion were urgently roused.
Zi Linling and Ye Lingyuan exchanged a knowing smile, leisurely settling into the residence Ao Xiangtian had arranged for them.
"Lin'er, what are you thinking about?"
Ye Lingyuan lifted Zi Linling's chin and inquired.
Zi Linling smiled enchantingly and brushed aside Ye Lingyuan's flirtatious hand, "What do you think?"
Ye Lingyuan smiled gently, his thumb grasping Zi Linling's delicate hand. With a firm pull, he drew her into his embrace.
He encircled Zi Linling's waist with both arms, securing her onto his lap. "Rest assured, Long'er has grown up and can certainly handle this matter. Moreover, that old dragon Ao Xiangtian is not to be trifled with. He endured in the past for Long'er's sake; now that Long'er's strength is evident, Ao Xiangtian will surely clear any obstacles for him."
Zi Linling nodded, "Yes, I'm not worried about Long'er becoming the leader. What concerns me is whether Long'er can gain the recognition of the Ancestral Dragon Dragon Pearl."
Ye Lingyuan gently tilted Zi Linling's head, bringing her to face him. He smiled faintly, "When did our Lin'er start worrying about things that haven't happened yet?"
Zi Linling blushed charmingly and abruptly broke free from Ye Lingyuan's embrace, moving to another chair. "Ye Lingyuan, you should take some time to return to the Ye family. Reclaiming our ancestry is something that must be done sooner or later."
A flicker of heartache crossed Ye Lingyuan's eyes. "Lin'er, you miss your home, don't you?"
Zi Linling smiled helplessly, "What good would it do to miss it? Only by overcoming the calamity of annihilation can the Mirror of the Void be opened to return to the Water Blue Star."
Ye Lingyuan moved to Zi Linling's side and tenderly stroked her head. "No matter how long it takes, no matter where we are, I will be with you!"
Zi Linling looked up at his peerless face and asked, "I wonder how my mother is doing. Has she found my father?"
She was referring to Yue Wu Mei.
Before leaving the Divine Remnant Domain, she had sent Yue Wu Mei back to the Blessed Continent through the Netherworld passage.
Of course, the Gate of Ghosts could only transport herself through the Netherworld passages, but with the help of Ye Lingyuan, the King of the Underworld, it was different.
Using the King of the Underworld's Seal, the Gate of Ghosts, and the Six Paths of Reincarnation as a foundation, they stabilized the Netherworld passage between the Divine Remnant Continent and the Blessed Continent, safely returning Yue Wu Mei to search for Zi Guo Chang.
Concurrently, they also sent Ye Lingyuan's mother, Jing Yu Lan, for reincarnation.
Sensing Zi Linling's worry, Ye Lingyuan gently caressed her face. "Rest assured! Heaven's will is compassionate; they will find each other."
...
Three days later, the Crimson Flame Red Dragon, Chaos Purple Dragon, Shadow Black Dragon, and Golden Dragon clans worked in unison to help Long'er ascend to the Dragon Clan leader's throne.
Upon becoming the leader, Long'er directly entrusted all Dragon Clan affairs to Ao Xiangtian and ordered the clan leaders of the other three branches to assist Ao Xiangtian in rapidly enhancing the overall strength of the Dragon Clan.
Long'er then, accompanied by Zi Linling and Ye Lingyuan, entered the Dragon Tomb.
After enduring numerous trials, the three finally encountered the Ancestral Dragon Dragon Pearl a month later.
Zi Linling's Chaos Blood, combined with Long'er's half-Qinglong bloodline, ultimately earned the Ancestral Dragon Dragon Pearl's recognition for Long'er.
However, the power of the Ancestral Dragon Dragon Pearl was too immense; it would take Long'er a hundred years to fully absorb its energy.
Zi Linling soothed Long'er, urging him to remain in the Dragon Tomb to cultivate, and then retreated with Ye Lingyuan.
They informed Ao Xiangtian and the other three clan leaders of Long'er's recognition by the Ancestral Dragon Dragon Pearl, and then departed Dragon Island, heading towards the Tiger Clan.
Zi Linling and Ye Lingyuan rode on Xiao Hu's back, flying for a full month before entering the Tiger Clan's territory.
The Tiger Clan was also divided into thirteen branches, and every hundred years, a Tiger King Competition would be held, with the victorious branch ruling the Tiger Clan for a century.
When Zi Linling and Ye Lingyuan arrived, the Tiger King Competition was on the verge of commencing.
This year's Tiger King Competition was hosted by the current rulers of the Tiger Clan, the Dark Night Demon Tiger clan.
Each of the thirteen branches of the Tiger Clan would select ten individuals to participate in the Tiger King Competition.
The rule of the Tiger King Competition was singular: the victor is king.
After deliberation, Zi Linling and Ye Lingyuan decided to have Xiao Hu participate in the Tiger King Competition.
"Xiao Hu, you must win the title of Tiger King to have a chance at obtaining the Tiger God's Spirit Essence, do you understand?" Zi Linling said solemnly.
Xiao Hu nodded, "Master, please rest assured, I will definitely become the Tiger King."
Zi Linling nodded, "To ensure there are no mishaps, try not to reveal your White Tiger bloodline before entering the final round, understand?"
Xiao Hu nodded again, "Xiao Hu understands!"
"Go! Ye Lingyuan and I will support you from the sidelines!"
Zi Linling stroked Xiao Hu's head and said with a smile.
Xiao Hu affectionately nudged Zi Linling, then turned and walked towards the competition registration area.
A Tiger Clan elder at the registration desk glanced at Xiao Hu and casually tossed him a number token. "The preliminary round is the third match the day after tomorrow. Failure to arrive will be considered a forfeiture."
Xiao Hu took the number token and headed towards the resting area specifically prepared for contestants by the competition organizing committee.
Time passed in the blink of an eye.
Soon, it was the day of Xiao Hu's competition. He arrived on the arena early and scanned the crowd, searching for Zi Linling and Ye Lingyuan.
"Focus on the fight; we are by your side."
Zi Linling's gentle voice reached Xiao Hu's ears.
Xiao Hu's spirits soared, and his fighting spirit intensified. His opponent was a Crimson Flame Sacred Tiger.
As their name suggests, Crimson Flame Sacred Tigers, due to their bloodline, possessed an innate affinity for flames, making fire their primary means of attack.
The Crimson Flame Sacred Tiger looked at the seemingly ordinary Xiao Hu and arrogantly declared, "Little fellow, if you don't want to end up as roasted tiger, concede quickly!"